You remember my blog from the other day, about a day's work from my temp agency? Needless to say it didn't run quite as smoothly as I was expecting.
I arrived for my hour's training on Thursday afternoon only to find that they were expecting somebody who had been there before and had an idea of who was who there. It would probably be too stressful for someone to work that out whilst getting used to the brand new switchboard that was 'going live' on Friday. I wholeheartedly agreed, so it was decided that I would sit there for the hour and man the reception whilst the lady who was doing that, from the same agency, got the training AND the work for Friday. Ah well, you win some and you lose some. At least I got some money for my effort.
Anyway the following morning I staggered out of bed about 9am - I am such a lazy mare. I was munching on some toast and knocking back my first pint of tea of the day when my mobile rang. It was the agency. There was a day's envelope stuffing on offer as the original temp just hadn't turned up and hadn't called in. I was there and at my large table by 10am and, apart from making myself some tea and taking time out for lunch and potty breaks, I was there till 5.30pm. Still, £7 an hour to collate 4 bundles of paper, put them in an envelope, seal it and add the address label is not to be sneezed at. Rumour has it there may be another day there this coming week, doing something similar. Needless to say I'm interested, despite my shoulders having only just stopped aching.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Positive thoughts/vibes/prayers please
Whatever floats your boat.
For the past 4 weeks or so K has been suffering with eye pain, at first in the bone around the eye but lately also in the eye itself. It got steadily worse and on the day she had a doctor's appointment she was sent home early as she had a bad headache and felt sick. The doctor decided that she had a minor ear infection - they did look slightly pink down near the ear drum (yes I got a peek, without asking) - and a sinus infection (but K said he pressed so hard on the left maxiliary sinus it would have hurt anyway).
One week of antibiotics later and we were back at square one. So I made another appointment, this time with our own GP Dr D. Unfortunately I was working so A had to take her. K was also sent home again today, suffering from a bad headache. On the plus side K's confidence is blooming and she was able to handle all the history taking herself - that and she is up-to-here with the pain and discomfort. After much chat and testing Dr D said that he thought the most likely option would be migraine (A's mum and I have both been known to be floored by them), but he also wanted her to see our optician to check for visual defects and, particularly, glaucoma. Strictly speaking, K is too young for this disease but occasional cases have been know. She is also having increasing difficulty with blurring and focussing, though I'm not sure if that's all the time or just when the pains are playing up. So we are off to see our eye man on Tuesday. K has to take propranolol, a mild beta-blocker, for two weeks to see if that helps with the pain. So far the answer is no but we'll keep going for the course to see if it needs to accumulate in the body.
If the optician can't find anything and the propranolol doesn't work then she gets referred to the opthalmology department at the local hospital.
For the past 4 weeks or so K has been suffering with eye pain, at first in the bone around the eye but lately also in the eye itself. It got steadily worse and on the day she had a doctor's appointment she was sent home early as she had a bad headache and felt sick. The doctor decided that she had a minor ear infection - they did look slightly pink down near the ear drum (yes I got a peek, without asking) - and a sinus infection (but K said he pressed so hard on the left maxiliary sinus it would have hurt anyway).
One week of antibiotics later and we were back at square one. So I made another appointment, this time with our own GP Dr D. Unfortunately I was working so A had to take her. K was also sent home again today, suffering from a bad headache. On the plus side K's confidence is blooming and she was able to handle all the history taking herself - that and she is up-to-here with the pain and discomfort. After much chat and testing Dr D said that he thought the most likely option would be migraine (A's mum and I have both been known to be floored by them), but he also wanted her to see our optician to check for visual defects and, particularly, glaucoma. Strictly speaking, K is too young for this disease but occasional cases have been know. She is also having increasing difficulty with blurring and focussing, though I'm not sure if that's all the time or just when the pains are playing up. So we are off to see our eye man on Tuesday. K has to take propranolol, a mild beta-blocker, for two weeks to see if that helps with the pain. So far the answer is no but we'll keep going for the course to see if it needs to accumulate in the body.
If the optician can't find anything and the propranolol doesn't work then she gets referred to the opthalmology department at the local hospital.
Go figure
There was an interesting section in yesterday's Times (Weekend section) to do with alcohol and middle-class, middle-aged consumption, as in how we are all drinking too much too regularly - more than half a bottle a night apparently will lead to future health problems.
One particular article grabbed my attention. You can find it here. Those of you who know us will understand which bit grabbed me, those of you who don't will possibly find it interesting anyway. I told my husband this relevant bit of the article - and no, I'm not going to enlighten you - and those of you that know us will probably guess what he replied. The reason he is still breathing is that he said it with a smile on his face.
One particular article grabbed my attention. You can find it here. Those of you who know us will understand which bit grabbed me, those of you who don't will possibly find it interesting anyway. I told my husband this relevant bit of the article - and no, I'm not going to enlighten you - and those of you that know us will probably guess what he replied. The reason he is still breathing is that he said it with a smile on his face.
Wednesday 9 December 2009
The first of many, hopefully
I had a phone call at lunchtime today from a job agency. Was I interested in going for one hour's training tomorrow and a full day (8 - 4) on Friday to man a company's reception. Now normally I'd have said 'no way'. I have some very poor memories of reception work back from when I last 'properly' worked full-time. I wasn't allowed to take any of my real work with me to do, which was a shame because there was time to do some and it would have saved me the late hours/weekends I did to catch up. All I had to do was smile sweetly and answer the phones, oh and tannoy people to call people if they weren't at their desks.
However, the hourly rate of £8 made me consider that I could at least try it. After all, the equipment these days must be easier to use than that of 20 years ago. Plus this could be the little acorn that my mighty oak of full-time, paid reasonably, employment would spring from. So I said 'ok, yes'. This company would like to build up a bank of people to step in to cover holiday/maternity/illness for their regular reception team, so there's a chance of repeat work - the next 10 days before Christmas sound rather nice ;-).
Now all I have to do is find something suitable to wear - and work out how to pick up my dry cleaning from Fareham before the weekend. For those of you who don't know me, my Thursday mornings are ring-fenced in stone. My good friend Julie is likely to commit murder if I left, though she knows that is my intention in the long-term.
However, the hourly rate of £8 made me consider that I could at least try it. After all, the equipment these days must be easier to use than that of 20 years ago. Plus this could be the little acorn that my mighty oak of full-time, paid reasonably, employment would spring from. So I said 'ok, yes'. This company would like to build up a bank of people to step in to cover holiday/maternity/illness for their regular reception team, so there's a chance of repeat work - the next 10 days before Christmas sound rather nice ;-).
Now all I have to do is find something suitable to wear - and work out how to pick up my dry cleaning from Fareham before the weekend. For those of you who don't know me, my Thursday mornings are ring-fenced in stone. My good friend Julie is likely to commit murder if I left, though she knows that is my intention in the long-term.
Tuesday 8 December 2009
How lemon curd can seriously ruin your evening
This post WAS going to be titled "What is it about Christmas that makes me want to bake" (and I bet you can see where this post is going). Today I got the culinary urge to spoil my family with home-made offerings. However my pastry-making abilities are, well, pants! My MIL will attest to this. So I cheated and bought some Jus Rol frozen shortcrust pastry, 2 lots of jam and a jar of lemon curd.
After tea (home-made pizza) I set to with a vengeance (and my Pampered Chef Deluxe Mini Muffin Pan). All was reasonably well until the 2nd batch came out the oven, the lemon curd batch. As usual A, D & K were like bees round a honey pot waiting to sample the wares - I have a great quality control department. Unfortunately one of the tarts split apart and landed oven-hot lemon curd on mine and A's hand. He seems not too bad. My little finger has a bright red patch and is throbbing merrily. Fortunately this means the damage is superficial and not needing a mad dash to A & E. It also means that the 3rd batch - blackberry jam - will have to wait till tomorrow. A is watching the snooker and the kids have homework so there's no-one to take over.
This is after the cake I made yesterday decided to crumble apart instead of easing out of its tin like it was supposed to. Maybe I should hold off making the double chocolate pudding (chocolate, bread waffles, cream, eggs).
After tea (home-made pizza) I set to with a vengeance (and my Pampered Chef Deluxe Mini Muffin Pan). All was reasonably well until the 2nd batch came out the oven, the lemon curd batch. As usual A, D & K were like bees round a honey pot waiting to sample the wares - I have a great quality control department. Unfortunately one of the tarts split apart and landed oven-hot lemon curd on mine and A's hand. He seems not too bad. My little finger has a bright red patch and is throbbing merrily. Fortunately this means the damage is superficial and not needing a mad dash to A & E. It also means that the 3rd batch - blackberry jam - will have to wait till tomorrow. A is watching the snooker and the kids have homework so there's no-one to take over.
This is after the cake I made yesterday decided to crumble apart instead of easing out of its tin like it was supposed to. Maybe I should hold off making the double chocolate pudding (chocolate, bread waffles, cream, eggs).
Monday 7 December 2009
Making friends, or my reputation precedes me
Last Monday saw the first exam of my AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) course. It was a 4 hour paper. I finished it in about 2, and that was including a quick tea break to give the brain a rest. Gemma (afternoon tutor) wondered why I was loitering outside the classroom at lunchtime - I was talking to a fellow student - and then asked if I'd finished. I gave her my best 'Roger Moore' eyebrow and said "You really have to ask that?"
Today was the second paper (Unit 4), a 3 or 4 hour paper. I cracked it (I think, I hope) in an hour flat. Jim (morning tutor) asked me what took me so long. The rest of the class raised eyebrows/smiled/said enjoy the rest of the day.
Before leaving Jim wanted to go through last week's paper. He said he got sick of writing the same comment next to each question (good job, sort of thing) so left them blank. I managed to get 2 answers wrong on the legal/technical questions in the back but that was about it. We haven't officially been taught that stuff yet so I'm not concerned. Hopefully I'll find out in the next few days if I've made any howlers today.
I've always been quick with exams, with one or two notable exceptions (like when I make a huge horlicks of it).
Today was the second paper (Unit 4), a 3 or 4 hour paper. I cracked it (I think, I hope) in an hour flat. Jim (morning tutor) asked me what took me so long. The rest of the class raised eyebrows/smiled/said enjoy the rest of the day.
Before leaving Jim wanted to go through last week's paper. He said he got sick of writing the same comment next to each question (good job, sort of thing) so left them blank. I managed to get 2 answers wrong on the legal/technical questions in the back but that was about it. We haven't officially been taught that stuff yet so I'm not concerned. Hopefully I'll find out in the next few days if I've made any howlers today.
I've always been quick with exams, with one or two notable exceptions (like when I make a huge horlicks of it).
Thursday 19 November 2009
FOR SALE
One body - although only half-way through its expected life span, this body is already failing its owner.
The latest breakdown involves a sprained left ankle, causing the owner to have to rest with feet up when owner actually has a full day (hell, a full month so far - hence why there's been no blog posts recently) of life to lead. Owner would be happy to exchange for one - size 12 - 14, full working order (apart from womb) with no hidden surprises, capable of dealing with life at full speed without needing hours of maintenance each week.
Recent breakdowns include:- sprained right ankle (August) which is about 90% fixed, dodgy skin which limits owner's sun exposure from Spring to Autumn, general tiredness (not enough hours in the day/week/life), achilles tendon/plantar fasciitis pain in both ankles/feet (October '08 to June '09), recurring headaches, constant catarrh (all year round).
Hence reasonable asking price of £0.00
Please register your interest in the comments section. Form an orderly queue, no pushing now. The lucky winner will be chosen at random.
The latest breakdown involves a sprained left ankle, causing the owner to have to rest with feet up when owner actually has a full day (hell, a full month so far - hence why there's been no blog posts recently) of life to lead. Owner would be happy to exchange for one - size 12 - 14, full working order (apart from womb) with no hidden surprises, capable of dealing with life at full speed without needing hours of maintenance each week.
Recent breakdowns include:- sprained right ankle (August) which is about 90% fixed, dodgy skin which limits owner's sun exposure from Spring to Autumn, general tiredness (not enough hours in the day/week/life), achilles tendon/plantar fasciitis pain in both ankles/feet (October '08 to June '09), recurring headaches, constant catarrh (all year round).
Hence reasonable asking price of £0.00
Please register your interest in the comments section. Form an orderly queue, no pushing now. The lucky winner will be chosen at random.
Thursday 29 October 2009
Bognor's nice
Today I took K to look round the Bognor Campus of Chichester University. It's a couple of years early (she's planning to do 3 years at college) but she wanted a look to see if it really was for her. Bognor is a small campus, focusing mainly on Business and Education courses. There are only 3 halls of residence and it really is a very small site.
Anyway she thinks it's lovely. The rooms in the halls are bigger than hers. There are no big lecture halls; lessons are given in classrooms similar to those used in schools and colleges. She also likes the idea that it is less than a mile's walk to the beach. And the strangest thing of all, according to her, is how far it is to the horizon at sea when there's no Isle of Wight in the way. She couldn't get over it. It was very warm so we sat on the sea wall, eating ice cream, as the sun came out.
K reckons she gets the same positive vibes about Bognor Campus as she did when she looked round St Vincent (where she is now at college) - warm, inviting, friendly, welcoming, etc.
So look out all the other universities, you've got your work cut out to convince her to come to you.
Anyway she thinks it's lovely. The rooms in the halls are bigger than hers. There are no big lecture halls; lessons are given in classrooms similar to those used in schools and colleges. She also likes the idea that it is less than a mile's walk to the beach. And the strangest thing of all, according to her, is how far it is to the horizon at sea when there's no Isle of Wight in the way. She couldn't get over it. It was very warm so we sat on the sea wall, eating ice cream, as the sun came out.
K reckons she gets the same positive vibes about Bognor Campus as she did when she looked round St Vincent (where she is now at college) - warm, inviting, friendly, welcoming, etc.
So look out all the other universities, you've got your work cut out to convince her to come to you.
Monday 26 October 2009
It's over!!!!!!
Yesterday was the Great South Run 2009 around Portsmouth and Southsea. The weather was pleasant - sunshine and clouds, a decent breeze and 16 C. Once again the intrepid Great South Stumblers assembled at the start line in various stages of preparedness. Chuck and Tom did it in 1:15 and 1:19 respectively, leading us home, with Kamila and I bringing up the rear (of the team and just about the whole field) in 3:02, crossing the line together.
We backmarkers have our excuses. Kamila's knee has started hurting if she runs too much and I sprained my ankle 2 months ago and it still twinges occasionally. It had been nagging a bit last week so I decided to wear my ankle support. This was a good thing insofar as the ankle didn't hurt once, but it was a bad thing as the rest of the leg went off in a huff. Kamila thinks that although the support is just fine for general day-to-day stuff, it's far too tight for any serious exercise. First of all the plantar fascia (smooth muscle that runs from heel to toe under the foot) couldn't flex properly when I jogged (only a bit, and only over the mile markers). This set up a chain reaction. The muscles along the shin bone joined in the nagging, then my knee started. I was ok at 4 miles. By 6 miles I was seriously considering quitting. By 6.5 miles it had worn off and by 7.5 miles we were walking at a fair clip to keep ahead of the clean-up crew. At just after 8 miles the course returned to the front near the Marines Museum. And of course, being right by the beach, the breeze was blowing well - straight into us. By 9 miles my whole right leg felt almost numb. Various bits of it took turns to spasm with each step - sometimes more than one bit. Believe me if there had been a first aid crew there I probably would have stopped. But it was still a fair trek back to the flat so I figured I might as well carry on.
Just after mile 9 we were joined by Richard, Clare and Alex, who were spectating and there for moral support - THANKS GUYS!!!! The breeze kept blowing me about - it wasn't that strong but I just couldn't brace against it enough. I weeped and hobbled my way to the end, barely able to put one foot in front of the other. But I finished. Special thanks to Kamila for all her support. I'd definitely have quit without her.
Then the muppet on the mike at the finish line asked for big smiles and waves as we approached the line. HA! Fat Chance! Then he told us we needed to try harder, put more effort in. If I'd had the energy to climb his gantry the mike would have disappeared where the sun don't shine. I mean, we'd just done 10 miles and I was obviously struggling and there was he (thick eejit) wanting happy smiles!!!! Plus all the first aiders just stood by the finish line. Not one of them offered me assistance, just because I wasn't weaving about. No, it was taking me all my remaining energy to concentrate on the immediate road surface in front of me and avoid any changes in direction and foot orientation because that was sheer hell. Then to add further insult all the medium t-shirts had long gone and I had to have a large (really not a big ego boost).
I daren't stop moving as it was over half a mile to the flat. At some time Rich had phoned hubby (who was just about to hit the shower after his race) and told him he was needed. I have never been so happy to see A in all my life. I collapsed into his arms and couldn't stop blubbering. He immediately ordered me to put my fleece on and, after a few feeble protests that I wasn't cold, I did. Looks like the almost-hypothermia got me again (got it last year). I was still cold at 9pm last night despite a lovely hot dinner and loads of hot drinks. And I'm still on the cool side today.
My knee was definitely the worst bit of me. It got well-acquainted with the ice pack, yet was still very sore when having to lift the rest of my leg. I was expecting it to be murder today but it's gone away. Shame the hips and fronts of the thighs have taken its place.
Will I do it next year? I really don't know. Last year was tough but the day after I knew I wanted to enter this year's. This year it felt more like an ordeal. Today I have been feeling a bit down, my medal is just hanging with all my others on my wardrobe door handle. Last year's was hanging in the living room for months. I'll have to see how the training's going when the entries open next year.
And to cap it all I weighed myself this morning. I didn't lose a thing - NOT ONE SOLITARY POUND!!!! Now that really is depressing.
We backmarkers have our excuses. Kamila's knee has started hurting if she runs too much and I sprained my ankle 2 months ago and it still twinges occasionally. It had been nagging a bit last week so I decided to wear my ankle support. This was a good thing insofar as the ankle didn't hurt once, but it was a bad thing as the rest of the leg went off in a huff. Kamila thinks that although the support is just fine for general day-to-day stuff, it's far too tight for any serious exercise. First of all the plantar fascia (smooth muscle that runs from heel to toe under the foot) couldn't flex properly when I jogged (only a bit, and only over the mile markers). This set up a chain reaction. The muscles along the shin bone joined in the nagging, then my knee started. I was ok at 4 miles. By 6 miles I was seriously considering quitting. By 6.5 miles it had worn off and by 7.5 miles we were walking at a fair clip to keep ahead of the clean-up crew. At just after 8 miles the course returned to the front near the Marines Museum. And of course, being right by the beach, the breeze was blowing well - straight into us. By 9 miles my whole right leg felt almost numb. Various bits of it took turns to spasm with each step - sometimes more than one bit. Believe me if there had been a first aid crew there I probably would have stopped. But it was still a fair trek back to the flat so I figured I might as well carry on.
Just after mile 9 we were joined by Richard, Clare and Alex, who were spectating and there for moral support - THANKS GUYS!!!! The breeze kept blowing me about - it wasn't that strong but I just couldn't brace against it enough. I weeped and hobbled my way to the end, barely able to put one foot in front of the other. But I finished. Special thanks to Kamila for all her support. I'd definitely have quit without her.
Then the muppet on the mike at the finish line asked for big smiles and waves as we approached the line. HA! Fat Chance! Then he told us we needed to try harder, put more effort in. If I'd had the energy to climb his gantry the mike would have disappeared where the sun don't shine. I mean, we'd just done 10 miles and I was obviously struggling and there was he (thick eejit) wanting happy smiles!!!! Plus all the first aiders just stood by the finish line. Not one of them offered me assistance, just because I wasn't weaving about. No, it was taking me all my remaining energy to concentrate on the immediate road surface in front of me and avoid any changes in direction and foot orientation because that was sheer hell. Then to add further insult all the medium t-shirts had long gone and I had to have a large (really not a big ego boost).
I daren't stop moving as it was over half a mile to the flat. At some time Rich had phoned hubby (who was just about to hit the shower after his race) and told him he was needed. I have never been so happy to see A in all my life. I collapsed into his arms and couldn't stop blubbering. He immediately ordered me to put my fleece on and, after a few feeble protests that I wasn't cold, I did. Looks like the almost-hypothermia got me again (got it last year). I was still cold at 9pm last night despite a lovely hot dinner and loads of hot drinks. And I'm still on the cool side today.
My knee was definitely the worst bit of me. It got well-acquainted with the ice pack, yet was still very sore when having to lift the rest of my leg. I was expecting it to be murder today but it's gone away. Shame the hips and fronts of the thighs have taken its place.
Will I do it next year? I really don't know. Last year was tough but the day after I knew I wanted to enter this year's. This year it felt more like an ordeal. Today I have been feeling a bit down, my medal is just hanging with all my others on my wardrobe door handle. Last year's was hanging in the living room for months. I'll have to see how the training's going when the entries open next year.
And to cap it all I weighed myself this morning. I didn't lose a thing - NOT ONE SOLITARY POUND!!!! Now that really is depressing.
Thursday 15 October 2009
Is there really a swine flu epidemic?
We all know that there are people out there who think anything above a slight sniffle must be the flu. If I had £1 for every time I've heard someone say that they were off work for ONE DAY because they had the flu I'd be rich. Flu doesn't lay you out for just one day. Trust me, it can put you out of it for a week or more - I know, I've been there.
People exaggerate their symptoms and, given that, why did someone decide it would be wonderful to turn the diagnosis of swine flu down to some website that asks such simple questions the diagnosis is seriously questionable. (Deep breath). It gives you a list of a dozen or more symptoms and asks you to tick yes if you have 2 or more, or no if you don't. These symptoms include: a headache, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, fever, earache, etc. Now it doesn't take Einstein to work out that these symptoms can also indicate other infections besides our friend H1N1 - glandular fever, common cold, tonsilitis, ear infection, etc. So how come if you have two of these this faceless, brainless website issues you with a prescription for Tamiflu?!
You're probably wondering how I know this. My daughter K has been decidedly poorly since Sunday. Yesterday afternoon her fever started to get higher. She spent an uncomfortable night, swinging from freezing to boiling and back again. This morning her fever had hit the magic 100 F. By lunch time she was at 101 F. I asked for advice from a local pharmacy this morning, where the nice ladies behind the counter decided that it sounded like possible glandular fever to them and that they thought a call to the GP was in order. (You can see where this is going, can't you?). Of course, Thursday afternoons our surgery closes so I waited till 4.00 to phone. I'd barely mentioned some of her symptoms when the receptionist (who has NO medical training whatsoever) told me I needed to go to the Pandemic Swine Flu website and do their diagnostic quiz. I didn't really get chance to tell her what the pharmacy had thought.
Surprise, surprise, given the above information, we now have a course of Tamiflu. K now has to decide whether she'd rather feel as ill as she does or feel slightly better but run the risk of nausea, vomiting and nightmares (common side effects). She's decided to wait till morning as she doesn't want to decide to take one tonight and then spend all night chucking up and disturbing the rest of us.
I'm not really sure about Tamiflu. You're supposed to take it within 48 hours of the symptoms starting (K has been ill since Sunday, it's now Thursday), it shortens the length of suffering by a whole 24 hours (careful, don't get too excited), and it has wicked side effects which can make the sufferer feel worse than they already did (just what you look for in a medicine, eh!). So why did I go and get it? Well, this online diagnostic quiz gives you a special code number that is linked to the patient's name. You can only get Tamiflu once, so I figured I might as well get it in and if she wants to take it she can.
Given the ease with which Tamiflu is given out, and therefore you MUST have swine flu, is it any wonder that the number of cases is rising. At this time of year all sorts of germs are out and about, making people's life uncomfortable. The vagueness of the questions mean that anyone with a cold will get Tamiflu and be chalked up as a swine flu statistic.
So tell me folks, is there really a swine flu epidemic?
People exaggerate their symptoms and, given that, why did someone decide it would be wonderful to turn the diagnosis of swine flu down to some website that asks such simple questions the diagnosis is seriously questionable. (Deep breath). It gives you a list of a dozen or more symptoms and asks you to tick yes if you have 2 or more, or no if you don't. These symptoms include: a headache, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, fever, earache, etc. Now it doesn't take Einstein to work out that these symptoms can also indicate other infections besides our friend H1N1 - glandular fever, common cold, tonsilitis, ear infection, etc. So how come if you have two of these this faceless, brainless website issues you with a prescription for Tamiflu?!
You're probably wondering how I know this. My daughter K has been decidedly poorly since Sunday. Yesterday afternoon her fever started to get higher. She spent an uncomfortable night, swinging from freezing to boiling and back again. This morning her fever had hit the magic 100 F. By lunch time she was at 101 F. I asked for advice from a local pharmacy this morning, where the nice ladies behind the counter decided that it sounded like possible glandular fever to them and that they thought a call to the GP was in order. (You can see where this is going, can't you?). Of course, Thursday afternoons our surgery closes so I waited till 4.00 to phone. I'd barely mentioned some of her symptoms when the receptionist (who has NO medical training whatsoever) told me I needed to go to the Pandemic Swine Flu website and do their diagnostic quiz. I didn't really get chance to tell her what the pharmacy had thought.
Surprise, surprise, given the above information, we now have a course of Tamiflu. K now has to decide whether she'd rather feel as ill as she does or feel slightly better but run the risk of nausea, vomiting and nightmares (common side effects). She's decided to wait till morning as she doesn't want to decide to take one tonight and then spend all night chucking up and disturbing the rest of us.
I'm not really sure about Tamiflu. You're supposed to take it within 48 hours of the symptoms starting (K has been ill since Sunday, it's now Thursday), it shortens the length of suffering by a whole 24 hours (careful, don't get too excited), and it has wicked side effects which can make the sufferer feel worse than they already did (just what you look for in a medicine, eh!). So why did I go and get it? Well, this online diagnostic quiz gives you a special code number that is linked to the patient's name. You can only get Tamiflu once, so I figured I might as well get it in and if she wants to take it she can.
Given the ease with which Tamiflu is given out, and therefore you MUST have swine flu, is it any wonder that the number of cases is rising. At this time of year all sorts of germs are out and about, making people's life uncomfortable. The vagueness of the questions mean that anyone with a cold will get Tamiflu and be chalked up as a swine flu statistic.
So tell me folks, is there really a swine flu epidemic?
The boy finally did it
On attempt number 2, D has passed his driving test (yesterday). I've notified the insurance company, who don't offer no claims bonus building for additional drivers so will not be getting my renewal come November 14th. Now I need to find some 'P' plates that are magnetic like his 'L' plates were.
Gonna have to share my car now.
Gonna have to share my car now.
Monday 12 October 2009
The future's bright.......
...... the future's mine for the taking.
I blame Ros - yes Ros, if you're reading this, I know I'm not allowed to really. Ros is someone I've known on and off for a few years. She is a life coach, amongst other things, and she offered me some sessions as I was at a crossroads in life (no more HE) and not sure which way to go. Thanks to Ros and her probing questions I now know exactly what I want and, thanks to research and Gemma (one of my AAT tutors) I know how to get there. Blood, sweat and probably tears appear large in the next 5 years or so but, oh my, it will be worth it.
You see, many years ago I started an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 course. Unfortunately life, and moving house/counties, got in the way and I didn't finish it. Years passed and I was quite happy as a stay-at-home-mum, then home education (HE) became our way of life so working outside the home became awkward. So this August I took the plunge and re-signed on to the Level 2 course, now run as an NVQ award (sheesh!!!) with the intent that I would earn a few pennies playing with numbers - and I adore maths so numbers don't scare me.
So, the AAT run three levels of courses (2, 3 & 4), after which you can either a) go on to university and do whatever else needs to be done to get an accounting degree (the AAT courses mean you don't have to do all the years), or b) get a job at some point during your AAT studies and hopefully your employer will encourage you - and fund - the rest of your AAT studies as well as your Chartered Accountant/Management Accountant studies. All in all option b), the one I shall be following, should take 5 years or so. After that, and a few years experience, I have been told by Gemma that Financial Accountants can earn £120 per hour, and Management Accountants can earn £160 per hour!!!!! Not being the totally greedy type (yeah, right) I've kind of decided to go for the £120 per hour job.
Financial Accountants deal with what has happened - they have a paper trail to build a picture of how the business has been doing in previous years. Management Accountants deal with the future - crystal ball accounting if you will - projected profit and loss over the next few years, likely investment required, income/expenditure forecasts. Hence the higher pay packet.
Ros's life coaching has helped me realise that I am money-oriented. Reward me enough and I will work like a slave. Also I value financial freedom (don't we all, I suppose). I like the idea of being able to afford the nicer things in life - not necessarily being able to afford everything (that's no fun), but certainly a decent standard of living - including a nice home in a very rural setting with a pool and several acres between me and the neighbours, oh and a Ferrari 430 of my very own. Yes, a lot of it is probably pie in the sky but if you don't dream you can't set yourself a goal. I'm also concerned that A's health may be a factor in how long he works before retiring - he already has achy joints (arthritis runs in his family) and a back problem - so I want to be in an earning position so that if he has to cut his hours or stop working completely I can take up the slack.
And besides, the way this government has cocked things up and put the country in a mountain of debt that will take years to clear (don't get me started on borrowing to make up a shortfall) I don't want to rely on the state pension provision. I want to be able to retire when I'm ready, not when some faceless bureaucrat in Whitehall decides I can.
So, watch this space, this girl is going somewhere!
I blame Ros - yes Ros, if you're reading this, I know I'm not allowed to really. Ros is someone I've known on and off for a few years. She is a life coach, amongst other things, and she offered me some sessions as I was at a crossroads in life (no more HE) and not sure which way to go. Thanks to Ros and her probing questions I now know exactly what I want and, thanks to research and Gemma (one of my AAT tutors) I know how to get there. Blood, sweat and probably tears appear large in the next 5 years or so but, oh my, it will be worth it.
You see, many years ago I started an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 course. Unfortunately life, and moving house/counties, got in the way and I didn't finish it. Years passed and I was quite happy as a stay-at-home-mum, then home education (HE) became our way of life so working outside the home became awkward. So this August I took the plunge and re-signed on to the Level 2 course, now run as an NVQ award (sheesh!!!) with the intent that I would earn a few pennies playing with numbers - and I adore maths so numbers don't scare me.
So, the AAT run three levels of courses (2, 3 & 4), after which you can either a) go on to university and do whatever else needs to be done to get an accounting degree (the AAT courses mean you don't have to do all the years), or b) get a job at some point during your AAT studies and hopefully your employer will encourage you - and fund - the rest of your AAT studies as well as your Chartered Accountant/Management Accountant studies. All in all option b), the one I shall be following, should take 5 years or so. After that, and a few years experience, I have been told by Gemma that Financial Accountants can earn £120 per hour, and Management Accountants can earn £160 per hour!!!!! Not being the totally greedy type (yeah, right) I've kind of decided to go for the £120 per hour job.
Financial Accountants deal with what has happened - they have a paper trail to build a picture of how the business has been doing in previous years. Management Accountants deal with the future - crystal ball accounting if you will - projected profit and loss over the next few years, likely investment required, income/expenditure forecasts. Hence the higher pay packet.
Ros's life coaching has helped me realise that I am money-oriented. Reward me enough and I will work like a slave. Also I value financial freedom (don't we all, I suppose). I like the idea of being able to afford the nicer things in life - not necessarily being able to afford everything (that's no fun), but certainly a decent standard of living - including a nice home in a very rural setting with a pool and several acres between me and the neighbours, oh and a Ferrari 430 of my very own. Yes, a lot of it is probably pie in the sky but if you don't dream you can't set yourself a goal. I'm also concerned that A's health may be a factor in how long he works before retiring - he already has achy joints (arthritis runs in his family) and a back problem - so I want to be in an earning position so that if he has to cut his hours or stop working completely I can take up the slack.
And besides, the way this government has cocked things up and put the country in a mountain of debt that will take years to clear (don't get me started on borrowing to make up a shortfall) I don't want to rely on the state pension provision. I want to be able to retire when I'm ready, not when some faceless bureaucrat in Whitehall decides I can.
So, watch this space, this girl is going somewhere!
Where does the time go?
Another month has gone sailing by! A & I have had rotten colds, and they're still loitering in the background. D has had a sniffle but seems to be coping fine. K has just started with the first bout of sore throat/loss of voice and general cold symptoms of the winter. All in all we're a grotty lot!!!!
I've also been busy making decisions and getting the next phase of my life planned - more in the next post. It's been very strange, this transition from a HE parent to a not HE parent; it's almost like when they first went to school at 4 years old. I have found it quite strange and a bit disconcerting to suddenly have the house to myself all day. In fact it's so strange that I am usually out at least once a day, and I can count on one hand the number of weekday lunches I have had at home since 18th September. Yes, that's right, I crave social interaction. Best scrape yourselves off the floor now. Fortunately I can usually find an accommodating friend or two or, failing that, I'm not afraid to eat alone - in between various errands. Changes are afoot!
I've also been busy making decisions and getting the next phase of my life planned - more in the next post. It's been very strange, this transition from a HE parent to a not HE parent; it's almost like when they first went to school at 4 years old. I have found it quite strange and a bit disconcerting to suddenly have the house to myself all day. In fact it's so strange that I am usually out at least once a day, and I can count on one hand the number of weekday lunches I have had at home since 18th September. Yes, that's right, I crave social interaction. Best scrape yourselves off the floor now. Fortunately I can usually find an accommodating friend or two or, failing that, I'm not afraid to eat alone - in between various errands. Changes are afoot!
Sunday 6 September 2009
What a day!
Yesterday I went to London to see Jill in Bart's. My bus ticket cost £18 return, a bargain (or so I thought). What a palaver!!!!! It took us from 8.50 till 10.25 to get from Fareham to Winchester, via Southampton Central and Southampton University. Then we headed for Heathrow, and that takes some driving round these days. Oh and they've replaced Concorde with an Emirates Airbus A380 (on the roundabout).
Afterwards we headed on the M4 into London. All was well and good till we got to Hammersmith. Then it was a lot of stop and a bit of start all the way to Hyde Park Corner. By the time we made it to Victoria it was 13.08, 45 minutes late. Now my return bus left at 17.50 so I didn't have much time to waste. So I headed for Victoria tube station.
Now Victoria tube station is right next to Victoria train station, but both of these are a bit of a walk from Victoria bus station. Then I had to get a ticket from the automated machines, and of course there was a queue!
I eventually got on to a tube and even got a seat after the next station. I got off at Mansion House (Blackfriars would have been easier but it's closed till 2011) and, trusty map book in hand, made my way past St Paul's to Bart's. Just to make life interesting I hadn't got a clue which ward Jill was in - never thought to ask her - and Bart's isn't great at making it easy. I ended up phoning A in a state of fraughtness asking him to text me the ward phone numbers.
Eventually I found the right floor of the right building. Of course I chose the wrong ward at first before getting it right. Jill was asleep but I'd barely got in her room when she woke up. She was very pleased to see me. Her room was a little warm, though that could have been me after the panic of getting into London and then finding her. We laughed and giggled, and chatted.
Then it was time for me to leave. As I had an hour before my bus left I figured I could walk it back. It didn't look far. Down Giltspur Street to Ludgate Hill. Along Fleet Street and Strand. Into Whitehall to Parliament Square. Then down Broadway and Victorial Street. Well of course I just missed the bus!!!! It was pulling out of the bus station as I was waiting to cross the road. Cue much swearing. That meant I would have to loiter around for a while before the next bus, plus pay for another ticket. So, being tired and weary and bloody fed up, I caught the tube back to Westminster, walked to Waterloo, where a train to Portsmouth left in 10 minutes. And this is where my day finally improved. It was the express service, so I was in Havant (where A came to fetch me) and then home before the bus I missed had made it into Fareham. Needless to say I slept well last night.
Next time I am definitely going by train. I don't care how much it costs!
Afterwards we headed on the M4 into London. All was well and good till we got to Hammersmith. Then it was a lot of stop and a bit of start all the way to Hyde Park Corner. By the time we made it to Victoria it was 13.08, 45 minutes late. Now my return bus left at 17.50 so I didn't have much time to waste. So I headed for Victoria tube station.
Now Victoria tube station is right next to Victoria train station, but both of these are a bit of a walk from Victoria bus station. Then I had to get a ticket from the automated machines, and of course there was a queue!
I eventually got on to a tube and even got a seat after the next station. I got off at Mansion House (Blackfriars would have been easier but it's closed till 2011) and, trusty map book in hand, made my way past St Paul's to Bart's. Just to make life interesting I hadn't got a clue which ward Jill was in - never thought to ask her - and Bart's isn't great at making it easy. I ended up phoning A in a state of fraughtness asking him to text me the ward phone numbers.
Eventually I found the right floor of the right building. Of course I chose the wrong ward at first before getting it right. Jill was asleep but I'd barely got in her room when she woke up. She was very pleased to see me. Her room was a little warm, though that could have been me after the panic of getting into London and then finding her. We laughed and giggled, and chatted.
Then it was time for me to leave. As I had an hour before my bus left I figured I could walk it back. It didn't look far. Down Giltspur Street to Ludgate Hill. Along Fleet Street and Strand. Into Whitehall to Parliament Square. Then down Broadway and Victorial Street. Well of course I just missed the bus!!!! It was pulling out of the bus station as I was waiting to cross the road. Cue much swearing. That meant I would have to loiter around for a while before the next bus, plus pay for another ticket. So, being tired and weary and bloody fed up, I caught the tube back to Westminster, walked to Waterloo, where a train to Portsmouth left in 10 minutes. And this is where my day finally improved. It was the express service, so I was in Havant (where A came to fetch me) and then home before the bus I missed had made it into Fareham. Needless to say I slept well last night.
Next time I am definitely going by train. I don't care how much it costs!
Wednesday 2 September 2009
And so it goes on
I had an appointment this morning at the dermatology clinic for a review of my polymorphic light eruption (PLE) and a check on how the UV desensitisation was going. A came with me as his memories of the last couple of summers are different to mine - one of us is obviously getting Alzheimers LOL!
Before we went I had more or less decided to take next year off the desensitising just to see how effective it had been. Last year I had the treatment in the narrowband UVB machine, starting early February and finishing early-mid March. I had my first proper break out on May 11th. Yes, I had been 'foolish' insofar as going around in warm, sunny weather without long sleeves or sun cream. When I reacted I was devastated. However it never got as bad as the previous year (pre-treatment). Yet as the summer went on I slowly but surely reverted to that previous year's sensitivity levels.
This year I had the treatment in the 'other' machine (UVA & UVB), starting early March and finishing just before Easter (mid April). I broke out on Whit Sunday. Again it was probably my own fault for sitting in my friend's garden (too hot in the house, it was a sauna-like day) for 4 hours. I sat under an umbrella as much as possible but it was probably asking for trouble really. That evening I felt exhausted (could be down to the alcohol consumed or not) and very spotty, and a little itchy. This year I'd been a bit more careful and not taken so many chances, so I was particularly put out that although the treatment had started a month later it had only bought me 2 weeks extra freedom. And, like last year, as the summer has progressed I have once again reverted to pre-treatment levels of sensitivity. In fact in August my skin got spotty just from putting the washing out (grump!).
This is why I'd like a year off treatment to see how next year goes. The weather is rather an important, and uncontrollable, variable but if going into Southampton 3 times a week for 5 weeks for 20 minutes at a time (from entering to leaving) is not really going to get me more than 6 weeks or so's freedom is it really worth it? I think not, especially as all that radiation treatment ('cos that's what UV is) could possibly upset one of my moles and turn it cancerous.
So, after having a good cry in front of the SHO this morning, I got a chat with Dr Ardern-Jones himself. He is having second thoughts on the diagnosis of PLE. I have got to provide samples of my pee and poo, AND have blood taken (needles!!!!!!) all on the same day - yes I HATES needles, but if having regular jabs would calm all this down I'd do it. Oh, and none of them can be exposed to light. I have to catch them in foil covered containers, otherwise they will be contaminated and not be testable - any bright ideas on a postcard please.
That lot will get sent away and tested, mainly for porphyria with some blood being tested for lupus. If that lot come back negative I get a trip to Amersham/High Wycombe for some in-depth screening - they have better kit than Southampton. I had a choice between there, Cardiff and London. If I was on my own I'd probably have opted for London but, as A was with me and will be taxi driver on the day, he chose that one. What would I do without him!
Of course, I've been researching these conditions and, although I have no training whatsoever and therefore should not tell an expert he's looking the wrong way, I think it seems more likely to be lupus - certainly fits better with some of the non-skin issues I've had in recent years. If it does turn out to be porphyria (and there are 7 to choose from), please can it be one of those that doesn't have liver involvement. Me, no booze ever again?! Yeah, right.
Before we went I had more or less decided to take next year off the desensitising just to see how effective it had been. Last year I had the treatment in the narrowband UVB machine, starting early February and finishing early-mid March. I had my first proper break out on May 11th. Yes, I had been 'foolish' insofar as going around in warm, sunny weather without long sleeves or sun cream. When I reacted I was devastated. However it never got as bad as the previous year (pre-treatment). Yet as the summer went on I slowly but surely reverted to that previous year's sensitivity levels.
This year I had the treatment in the 'other' machine (UVA & UVB), starting early March and finishing just before Easter (mid April). I broke out on Whit Sunday. Again it was probably my own fault for sitting in my friend's garden (too hot in the house, it was a sauna-like day) for 4 hours. I sat under an umbrella as much as possible but it was probably asking for trouble really. That evening I felt exhausted (could be down to the alcohol consumed or not) and very spotty, and a little itchy. This year I'd been a bit more careful and not taken so many chances, so I was particularly put out that although the treatment had started a month later it had only bought me 2 weeks extra freedom. And, like last year, as the summer has progressed I have once again reverted to pre-treatment levels of sensitivity. In fact in August my skin got spotty just from putting the washing out (grump!).
This is why I'd like a year off treatment to see how next year goes. The weather is rather an important, and uncontrollable, variable but if going into Southampton 3 times a week for 5 weeks for 20 minutes at a time (from entering to leaving) is not really going to get me more than 6 weeks or so's freedom is it really worth it? I think not, especially as all that radiation treatment ('cos that's what UV is) could possibly upset one of my moles and turn it cancerous.
So, after having a good cry in front of the SHO this morning, I got a chat with Dr Ardern-Jones himself. He is having second thoughts on the diagnosis of PLE. I have got to provide samples of my pee and poo, AND have blood taken (needles!!!!!!) all on the same day - yes I HATES needles, but if having regular jabs would calm all this down I'd do it. Oh, and none of them can be exposed to light. I have to catch them in foil covered containers, otherwise they will be contaminated and not be testable - any bright ideas on a postcard please.
That lot will get sent away and tested, mainly for porphyria with some blood being tested for lupus. If that lot come back negative I get a trip to Amersham/High Wycombe for some in-depth screening - they have better kit than Southampton. I had a choice between there, Cardiff and London. If I was on my own I'd probably have opted for London but, as A was with me and will be taxi driver on the day, he chose that one. What would I do without him!
Of course, I've been researching these conditions and, although I have no training whatsoever and therefore should not tell an expert he's looking the wrong way, I think it seems more likely to be lupus - certainly fits better with some of the non-skin issues I've had in recent years. If it does turn out to be porphyria (and there are 7 to choose from), please can it be one of those that doesn't have liver involvement. Me, no booze ever again?! Yeah, right.
Monday 31 August 2009
A lull in the storm
My friend Jill has iris melanoma - skin cancer in the eye. Yes you really can get it in the eye, search for it on the 'Net and see. She goes to a place in Gosport, HARBOUR CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, for a cuppa and a natter with people who understand her fears and she also gets free alernative therapies (donations gratefully received).
Jill goes into hospital tomorrow, ready for an operation on Wednesday, in London, to sew a radioactive disc into her eye to kill the tumour. She wanted to raise funds for the Support Group as, after 3 years, their lottery grant has run its course. As her house is quite small, and neither of us being sure a) when her surgery would be and b) if she would be having a good day or a bad day, we decided to hold the Open House/All-day Coffee morning here at mine. I printed loads of flyers and posters, and roped the kids into delivering them.
On Wednesday I shopped for the ingredients for some nice puds, cakes, and savoury nibbles. The kids and I spent Wednesday afternoon making sponge cakes and quadruple chocolate brownies (recipe shamelessly nicked from ITV). On Thursday after the chaos of getting exam results, we got stuck into making savouries - creamy ham puffs, and pitta crisps - and a rather nice chocolate, toffee and peanut torte (a little heavy on the peanut butter but nice). By 9pm I'd gone way past the end of my tether so A kidnapped me from the kitchen and forced me into the hot tub, pressganging the kids into finishing off and tidying up.
Friday dawned bright and early, I was up by 7.15 rearranging furniture and wondering how I was going to get everything done before the start time of 10.30. My kids were stars. They got up early, got fed and dressed without too much nagging, and got on with making some dips - hot broccoli, and creamy sun-dried tomato - whilst I went to Jill's to pick her up, as well as her youngest child. We didn't get as many guests as I'd hoped but we did manage to raise about £50! And of course I'd catered for too many so the 3 gannets that I live with have had plenty of pudding options this weekend. Another friend of mine came round with a bottle of fizz, so once it got to a civilised time (7pm) we cracked it open and proceeded to 'relax'. Slept well that night.
Anyway, if I could ask you to do whatever it is you do to mentally/spiritually offer good fortune to someone in need of it, please remember my friend Jill. Her cancer shouldn't be terminal, but she will need positive thoughts to deal with the pain and discomfort her operation will bring for a few weeks.
Thanks, friends!
And this week promises to be equally manic as tomorrow I have to take K to finalise college arrangements, plus pop into Harbour Support, plus pick up Jill's youngest for a couple of nights sleepover here; Wednesday I have the derm clinic for my skin (more on that soon); Thursday is the start of the Home Ed group at the hall, I am now Treasurer; Friday is a deep breath kind of day until going out in the evening with friends; Saturday, all things being well I am off to London, maybe with Jill's middle child, to visit her in hospital.
Jill goes into hospital tomorrow, ready for an operation on Wednesday, in London, to sew a radioactive disc into her eye to kill the tumour. She wanted to raise funds for the Support Group as, after 3 years, their lottery grant has run its course. As her house is quite small, and neither of us being sure a) when her surgery would be and b) if she would be having a good day or a bad day, we decided to hold the Open House/All-day Coffee morning here at mine. I printed loads of flyers and posters, and roped the kids into delivering them.
On Wednesday I shopped for the ingredients for some nice puds, cakes, and savoury nibbles. The kids and I spent Wednesday afternoon making sponge cakes and quadruple chocolate brownies (recipe shamelessly nicked from ITV). On Thursday after the chaos of getting exam results, we got stuck into making savouries - creamy ham puffs, and pitta crisps - and a rather nice chocolate, toffee and peanut torte (a little heavy on the peanut butter but nice). By 9pm I'd gone way past the end of my tether so A kidnapped me from the kitchen and forced me into the hot tub, pressganging the kids into finishing off and tidying up.
Friday dawned bright and early, I was up by 7.15 rearranging furniture and wondering how I was going to get everything done before the start time of 10.30. My kids were stars. They got up early, got fed and dressed without too much nagging, and got on with making some dips - hot broccoli, and creamy sun-dried tomato - whilst I went to Jill's to pick her up, as well as her youngest child. We didn't get as many guests as I'd hoped but we did manage to raise about £50! And of course I'd catered for too many so the 3 gannets that I live with have had plenty of pudding options this weekend. Another friend of mine came round with a bottle of fizz, so once it got to a civilised time (7pm) we cracked it open and proceeded to 'relax'. Slept well that night.
Anyway, if I could ask you to do whatever it is you do to mentally/spiritually offer good fortune to someone in need of it, please remember my friend Jill. Her cancer shouldn't be terminal, but she will need positive thoughts to deal with the pain and discomfort her operation will bring for a few weeks.
Thanks, friends!
And this week promises to be equally manic as tomorrow I have to take K to finalise college arrangements, plus pop into Harbour Support, plus pick up Jill's youngest for a couple of nights sleepover here; Wednesday I have the derm clinic for my skin (more on that soon); Thursday is the start of the Home Ed group at the hall, I am now Treasurer; Friday is a deep breath kind of day until going out in the evening with friends; Saturday, all things being well I am off to London, maybe with Jill's middle child, to visit her in hospital.
Clever child - part 3
Now it's K's turn.
We spent a chaotic day last Thursday running around Hampshire, rounding up results from 2 different exam centres. Normally this wouldn't have been a problem but, as you'll read in the next post, I had other things that I really needed to be doing.
First to Portsmouth to meet a friend outside a private school that allowed our Home Education group to enter Maths GCSE private candidates. Friend went in to collect the envelopes whilst those of us who'd made the trek waited nervously outside. Not sure who was worse, us mums or the kids. Good news!!! K got an A!!
Then off to Hilsea to another friend to get a haircut - am now sporting a quite short 'do'. No more hair in food - other than what falls out naturally while I am cooking.
Then we called in at Cosham Tesco to grab sandwiches and drinks from the chiller - not the best form of nourishment but it's not something we make a habit of. Then into their Krispy Kreme outlet for some donuts to take home.
Then calling near home to drop D off so he could go to Iceland and get some frozen chicken for tea, and he walked home from there.
Then it was off to Southampton, right in the centre, to fetch K's ICGSE Chemistry results - IGCSE is international GCSE, a little harder than GCSE and a 'no coursework' option. This was the make-or-break result. Her college courses depended on her getting a C or better. So our nerves were stretched near to breaking point.
AND SHE DID IT, SHE GOT HER C!!!!!!! K was leaping around, squeaking, and nearly in tears of relief. I was numb, also with relief. Remember, I was marking her mocks and I could see how she struggled to remember the facts. I was not convinced she would get the grade. Once again she proved me wrong (she got a C in English last year when I predicted an E). She has been gracious enough NOT to rub my nose in it.
So tomorrow we are off to her chosen college to present her grades and confirm her courses for the coming year.
We spent a chaotic day last Thursday running around Hampshire, rounding up results from 2 different exam centres. Normally this wouldn't have been a problem but, as you'll read in the next post, I had other things that I really needed to be doing.
First to Portsmouth to meet a friend outside a private school that allowed our Home Education group to enter Maths GCSE private candidates. Friend went in to collect the envelopes whilst those of us who'd made the trek waited nervously outside. Not sure who was worse, us mums or the kids. Good news!!! K got an A!!
Then off to Hilsea to another friend to get a haircut - am now sporting a quite short 'do'. No more hair in food - other than what falls out naturally while I am cooking.
Then we called in at Cosham Tesco to grab sandwiches and drinks from the chiller - not the best form of nourishment but it's not something we make a habit of. Then into their Krispy Kreme outlet for some donuts to take home.
Then calling near home to drop D off so he could go to Iceland and get some frozen chicken for tea, and he walked home from there.
Then it was off to Southampton, right in the centre, to fetch K's ICGSE Chemistry results - IGCSE is international GCSE, a little harder than GCSE and a 'no coursework' option. This was the make-or-break result. Her college courses depended on her getting a C or better. So our nerves were stretched near to breaking point.
AND SHE DID IT, SHE GOT HER C!!!!!!! K was leaping around, squeaking, and nearly in tears of relief. I was numb, also with relief. Remember, I was marking her mocks and I could see how she struggled to remember the facts. I was not convinced she would get the grade. Once again she proved me wrong (she got a C in English last year when I predicted an E). She has been gracious enough NOT to rub my nose in it.
So tomorrow we are off to her chosen college to present her grades and confirm her courses for the coming year.
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Am a student again
I've enrolled on a college course, one full day a week. I'll be doing AAT Level 2 - the first level of an Accountancy qualification. I started it 15 years ago but, due to moving to a different part of the country, never got round to completing it. Of course, it's now too late and I have to start from scratch. It won't be an issue though as I need to refresh, especially as everyone seems to be computerised these days and some of the rules/laws have changed.
So I'll be off to college on Monday 14th September for a whole day - bet I'll be a bit tired that evening - with my briefcase loaded with paper and pencilcase, and my laptop just incase I need to do some serious writing. I just can't write fast enough to keep up with my brain, and besides if handwriting was a guide to future career prospects I'd be a senior consultant doctor person. Seriously, no one can read my writing unless I make a conscious effort. Should be fun.
I'm hoping this will increase my employability, and also hoping that some business somewhere will set me on and pay for the next 2 years.
So I'll be off to college on Monday 14th September for a whole day - bet I'll be a bit tired that evening - with my briefcase loaded with paper and pencilcase, and my laptop just incase I need to do some serious writing. I just can't write fast enough to keep up with my brain, and besides if handwriting was a guide to future career prospects I'd be a senior consultant doctor person. Seriously, no one can read my writing unless I make a conscious effort. Should be fun.
I'm hoping this will increase my employability, and also hoping that some business somewhere will set me on and pay for the next 2 years.
Sometimes 'progress' isn't always good
We have a gas barbecue. We've had it for a few years now. It was a good price - end of season, shop display model, slight ding in the metalwork, etc. A liked the idea that we could get food on it within 10 minutes of making the decision to light it. And I admit, that was what attracted me to it so, against my desire to 'keep it real', I agreed we'd buy it.
The downsides are - the food doesn't taste the same as a good old-fashioned charcoal, light it at least 40 minutes before you want to cook on it one; I don't feel confident about connecting the gas bottle to the grill. This last one is quite important don't you think, especially in light of my recent run of 'accidents'. I have NO IDEA how it should be done and don't trust myself to do it right.
Today is a gorgeous day and, knowing the weather in this wonderful country of ours, I'd like to fire it up and get some serious carbon in my diet LOL!!! Think I might have to send D into the garage and see if we still have any of those dinky disposable ones. Them I am comfortable with; there's a nice Freudian thought, someone who is happy with open flame but not at all comfortable with a gas bottle. Might just go and make some potato wedges to go with it.
Cya later.
The downsides are - the food doesn't taste the same as a good old-fashioned charcoal, light it at least 40 minutes before you want to cook on it one; I don't feel confident about connecting the gas bottle to the grill. This last one is quite important don't you think, especially in light of my recent run of 'accidents'. I have NO IDEA how it should be done and don't trust myself to do it right.
Today is a gorgeous day and, knowing the weather in this wonderful country of ours, I'd like to fire it up and get some serious carbon in my diet LOL!!! Think I might have to send D into the garage and see if we still have any of those dinky disposable ones. Them I am comfortable with; there's a nice Freudian thought, someone who is happy with open flame but not at all comfortable with a gas bottle. Might just go and make some potato wedges to go with it.
Cya later.
Sunday 23 August 2009
We've won!
England have regained The Ashes! For some inexplicable reason the pitch at The Oval was not its usual flat self. It was dry and dusty, balls breaking through the surface on Day 1 - guaranteeing a result. When we were all out in the first innings for under 350 I thought 'hmm, could be a tight match'. Then when the Aussies were out for 160 in their first innings, that was it, that was when I knew it was on. Yes, some of the umpiring decisions were wrong but I think it evens out over the series.
So now I have to find something else to watch. Oh yes, the one day series starts soon. Poor A is beginning to feel like a cricket widower.
So now I have to find something else to watch. Oh yes, the one day series starts soon. Poor A is beginning to feel like a cricket widower.
Friday 21 August 2009
Clever child - part 2
Yesterday was AS results day. D drove to college, me being on strict ankle rest (ha ha ha). He got the grades we expected, B in Chemistry and Geology, and C in Computing. Now he has to decide whether he wants to continue with Computing or start a new course. You see, he has a bit of an attitude problem with his teachers (a little knowledge is a dangerous thing type of attitude) and he doesn't really enjoy the theory side - programming is fine - so he'd like to find a different course. Unfortunately there isn't much choice - can you see him doing AS English (ROFLOL) - so he may have to swallow it and behave.
BTW, he has his driving test on 10th September. Clear the roads in the afternoon - you have been warned!
BTW, he has his driving test on 10th September. Clear the roads in the afternoon - you have been warned!
Wednesday 19 August 2009
My unlucky streak continues
Today we went on a picnic to a local woodland with some friends. D drove us there and all was good. Then less than 100 feet away from the car park I decided to step on a piece of branch and roll my ankle over. I don't think it's anything serious - it certainly didn't stop us staying in the woods till 5pm. However, it now aches a bit and bruises seem to be appearing in various bits of my ankle/foot where it doesn't hurt!
Anyone have an isolated cocoon I can hire for a month?
Anyone have an isolated cocoon I can hire for a month?
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Back in circulation
Did you miss me? I've been on holiday, nowhere exotic, visiting family in and around Nottingham. And of course I continued to wreak mayhem for the early part of the week. On Monday I managed to splash myself with hot fat. Fortunately the dish had been out the oven for a minute so the fat was no longer sizzling, and most of it went down my clothes instead. There's just a tiny mark on the inside of my forearm. Equally fortunately MIL (where we were) had a copious supply of aloe vera so the blister that began to form soon went away. Almost immediately afterwards I tried to fall over the table leg and almost ended up head first in A's lap (bad visuals, huh?!). I decided that my issue was being stone cold sober so MIL plonked a glass of wine in front of me which seemed to help.
On Tuesday we went to Skegness for our annual jaunt. For me it was a day of NO mishaps, breakages, electrical issues, etc. We all had a blast and came home tired but happy, until that is Mum told us off (in fun) for not bringing home any candy floss or brandy snaps.
Wednesday was K's 16th birthday. We went to lunch at Mum's local golf club, and were joined by all K's grandparents and cousins. The cousins came back to Mum's for the afternoon and tea. All 4 children - cousins and my two - played outside nearly all afternoon, so it was quite quiet in the house. We also realised that D sounds exactly like my brother, even down to tone of voice and his way of pronouncing certain words. Scary, eh!!!!
On Thursday A helped Dad to fit a new internet wireless router. D, K and I went into town to buy sweets - there's an old fashioned sweet shop - and call in at Tesco to pick up some ingredients for tea on Friday. D drove home via the back country roads, and handled himself very well. When we got back Mum's washing machine packed up. It looked like my jinx was back by proxy. She blamed A, as it stopped soon after the router was switched on. That afternoon she and Dad bought a new one. Then K and I went for a manicure and full-body hot stone massage respectively. Very nice. That evening A and I went to the pub with A's Dad for a few beers. I was deemed safe to drive and therefore designated taxi for the evening.
On Friday we went into Nottingham, and had lunch at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. A took K ice skating whilst D and I went bowling. K loved it and is now insistent that Daddy take her skating every week. Sounds like some serious daddy/daughter bonding time.
We came home on Saturday, followed a few hours later by my brother and niece. Niece had a special riding session in the New Forest, a present for her birthday from some friends.
Since then, I've sorted out (finally) a fundraiser - 28th August 10.30am - 8.30pm if you're local enough - for a local cancer support group that do a great job, taken delivery of next season's stationery and some of the new product for my job. Still working on where to put it all. I've also received all my paperwork from the tax office, so have to get that sorted out this week.
This week is just as crazy. I shall be delegating the driving to D, as he has his driving test on 10th September. He's more than up for it. Good job my nerves are. ;-)
On Tuesday we went to Skegness for our annual jaunt. For me it was a day of NO mishaps, breakages, electrical issues, etc. We all had a blast and came home tired but happy, until that is Mum told us off (in fun) for not bringing home any candy floss or brandy snaps.
Wednesday was K's 16th birthday. We went to lunch at Mum's local golf club, and were joined by all K's grandparents and cousins. The cousins came back to Mum's for the afternoon and tea. All 4 children - cousins and my two - played outside nearly all afternoon, so it was quite quiet in the house. We also realised that D sounds exactly like my brother, even down to tone of voice and his way of pronouncing certain words. Scary, eh!!!!
On Thursday A helped Dad to fit a new internet wireless router. D, K and I went into town to buy sweets - there's an old fashioned sweet shop - and call in at Tesco to pick up some ingredients for tea on Friday. D drove home via the back country roads, and handled himself very well. When we got back Mum's washing machine packed up. It looked like my jinx was back by proxy. She blamed A, as it stopped soon after the router was switched on. That afternoon she and Dad bought a new one. Then K and I went for a manicure and full-body hot stone massage respectively. Very nice. That evening A and I went to the pub with A's Dad for a few beers. I was deemed safe to drive and therefore designated taxi for the evening.
On Friday we went into Nottingham, and had lunch at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. A took K ice skating whilst D and I went bowling. K loved it and is now insistent that Daddy take her skating every week. Sounds like some serious daddy/daughter bonding time.
We came home on Saturday, followed a few hours later by my brother and niece. Niece had a special riding session in the New Forest, a present for her birthday from some friends.
Since then, I've sorted out (finally) a fundraiser - 28th August 10.30am - 8.30pm if you're local enough - for a local cancer support group that do a great job, taken delivery of next season's stationery and some of the new product for my job. Still working on where to put it all. I've also received all my paperwork from the tax office, so have to get that sorted out this week.
This week is just as crazy. I shall be delegating the driving to D, as he has his driving test on 10th September. He's more than up for it. Good job my nerves are. ;-)
Saturday 8 August 2009
You know you're running your own business when....
..... you're packing for your holiday and the first thing you do is make sure you have packed all your business paperwork needs for the week.
I mean, I used to laugh cynically at all those news reports of big (or those who think they are big) business men lying round the pool with their BlackBerry or i-phone permanently on, keeping in contact with the office back home. And yet, within 3 months of launching myself on an unsuspecting public I am doing a less extravagant version of the same thing.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This week I have launched a website - sorry the rules state I may NOT link to it from my blog, nor may I advertise it in the public domain (talk about limiting your ability to make contacts) - sorted through my customer contacts and entered them on to a database, used said database to send business e-mails, will be using said database to print address labels off for those customers whose e-mail addresses I don't have, started planning a fundraiser for a local charity (more info later), helped open a bank account for another group (for whom I am Treasurer), laid out the Aims of said group on paper, and now just have to type up the Rules for a sub-group of this group. All this over and above the usual mundanity of laundry, cleaning, tidying, shopping, etc.
If you really want my business website address, contact me by e-mail. G'wan, you know you want to.
I mean, I used to laugh cynically at all those news reports of big (or those who think they are big) business men lying round the pool with their BlackBerry or i-phone permanently on, keeping in contact with the office back home. And yet, within 3 months of launching myself on an unsuspecting public I am doing a less extravagant version of the same thing.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This week I have launched a website - sorry the rules state I may NOT link to it from my blog, nor may I advertise it in the public domain (talk about limiting your ability to make contacts) - sorted through my customer contacts and entered them on to a database, used said database to send business e-mails, will be using said database to print address labels off for those customers whose e-mail addresses I don't have, started planning a fundraiser for a local charity (more info later), helped open a bank account for another group (for whom I am Treasurer), laid out the Aims of said group on paper, and now just have to type up the Rules for a sub-group of this group. All this over and above the usual mundanity of laundry, cleaning, tidying, shopping, etc.
If you really want my business website address, contact me by e-mail. G'wan, you know you want to.
Friday 7 August 2009
One of those weeks!
This has been an interesting week, techonology-wise. On Wednesday I finally plucked up the courage to get myself a Pampered Chef website. I'm not allowed to post a link to it on here but if you want it, e-mail me and I'll send it to you (strange rule I know, but.....). I then spent 3 hours playing with the settings, viewing the finished article to make sure everything was fine - most of the work is done for you, it's just the personalisation bit that you need to sort out. Then, suddenly, the website wouldn't come up any more. I assumed it was a case of waiting for final approval from on high, so I started playing with the content aimed only at us consultants.
Yesterday there was still no sign of a 'live' site so I started adding my customer information into the site's database, along with notes on what they'd bought and what they'd like if it ever came up on special offer. Then, suddenly, that bit broke - crashed completely. Cue one frantic phone call to the helpdesk. The nice man unblocked whatever I'd broke and I had a live site and a working database. :-))))))
Today I picked up the phone to call a friend. Bet you can guess what happened? Yep, the phone threw a hissy fit and refused to work. Soon got it sorted out but A has banned me from touching the new oven.
That's 3 technological hiccups. Ya think I've had my allocation?
Yesterday there was still no sign of a 'live' site so I started adding my customer information into the site's database, along with notes on what they'd bought and what they'd like if it ever came up on special offer. Then, suddenly, that bit broke - crashed completely. Cue one frantic phone call to the helpdesk. The nice man unblocked whatever I'd broke and I had a live site and a working database. :-))))))
Today I picked up the phone to call a friend. Bet you can guess what happened? Yep, the phone threw a hissy fit and refused to work. Soon got it sorted out but A has banned me from touching the new oven.
That's 3 technological hiccups. Ya think I've had my allocation?
Friday 31 July 2009
And there's more!
Another box arrived to day with more freebies in, just over £238 worth this week. Fortunately I don't have to re-organise the kitchen yet again.
D is off to Explorer Camp tomorrow on the Isle of Wight. A has to have him and a friend down to the Red Funnel terminal in Southampton by 8.15am. Not too bad you might think, except tomorrow is the first day of Cowes Week and the ferry terminal is likely to be packed. Hence why A is taking him and not me.
K's back is slowly improving. She can get her hands behind the small of her back but still has trouble reaching up to brush her hair. She fell off a tyre swing and landed on her neck and shoulder. Fortunately we have an osteopath friend who could fit her in on Wednesday. She has a follow-up appointment for Tuesday morning as friend couldn't do a full treatment due to the pain level. K is being good and doing the exercises that were set.
I hit the meaning of life tomorrow - 42 to you non-Hitchikers people.
Oh, and the hot tub is back to full working order. It's so quiet. I'm sure it was never this quiet at all in the 6 years we've had it. I'll be in there later (again), watching the stars come out as the sun goes down, possibly with a glass of wine.
And you know what really got my goat today?! Yesterday was supposed to be THE day to get your washing done, and it gave us heavy showers. Today was supposed to be cloudy with showers, and we had lots of sun and some clouds. No rain whatsoever. Big deal, you might think. Well, I had plans to get the washing done yesterday and have been out all day today. So the laundry pile is still taking over the bathroom. And what's tomorrow's forecast - cloud and showers! HUH!!!!!!
D is off to Explorer Camp tomorrow on the Isle of Wight. A has to have him and a friend down to the Red Funnel terminal in Southampton by 8.15am. Not too bad you might think, except tomorrow is the first day of Cowes Week and the ferry terminal is likely to be packed. Hence why A is taking him and not me.
K's back is slowly improving. She can get her hands behind the small of her back but still has trouble reaching up to brush her hair. She fell off a tyre swing and landed on her neck and shoulder. Fortunately we have an osteopath friend who could fit her in on Wednesday. She has a follow-up appointment for Tuesday morning as friend couldn't do a full treatment due to the pain level. K is being good and doing the exercises that were set.
I hit the meaning of life tomorrow - 42 to you non-Hitchikers people.
Oh, and the hot tub is back to full working order. It's so quiet. I'm sure it was never this quiet at all in the 6 years we've had it. I'll be in there later (again), watching the stars come out as the sun goes down, possibly with a glass of wine.
And you know what really got my goat today?! Yesterday was supposed to be THE day to get your washing done, and it gave us heavy showers. Today was supposed to be cloudy with showers, and we had lots of sun and some clouds. No rain whatsoever. Big deal, you might think. Well, I had plans to get the washing done yesterday and have been out all day today. So the laundry pile is still taking over the bathroom. And what's tomorrow's forecast - cloud and showers! HUH!!!!!!
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Need a new kitchen
... to go with the new oven we needed last week, after the old one's thermostat threw a hissy fit and cremated a tray of brownies in 10 minutes flat. Seriously this Pampered Chef job is pretty good at giving us drones freebies. In the past two days I have had 2 boxes of stuff for free, currently totallying £178, all for hitting various sales targets in my first 8 weeks. And there's another box of freebies due because I did 4 or more parties in June.
Today I went through the kitchen sorting out what we never used from everything else - still got another couple of cupboards to do. Then I unpacked my 'work' bag into the small cupboard I'd managed to empty. Now all I need to do is find space for today's box AND the one I am expecting. And this is before I order the new stuff from the Autumn/Winter catalogue. Think I need to get earning so I can afford a brand new, redesigned, all whistles and bells kitchen with TONS of storage.
A keeps casting a critical eye on my stock and wants to know if I really need all the new stuff. Well, of course I need the new stuff. Got to have something to show the customers. I did offer to quit completely but he told me not to be silly. I think he enjoys the free stuff as much as I do.
Next on my list of 'want it now' perks is the Hamper. I earn it by having loads of parties and loads of sales in September and October. I wouldn't mind earning enough and getting 5 recruits by the end of February 2010 so I can go to Greece with A - all free and dead posh. Now that's a perk and a half!
Did I tell you I love my job!!!!!
Today I went through the kitchen sorting out what we never used from everything else - still got another couple of cupboards to do. Then I unpacked my 'work' bag into the small cupboard I'd managed to empty. Now all I need to do is find space for today's box AND the one I am expecting. And this is before I order the new stuff from the Autumn/Winter catalogue. Think I need to get earning so I can afford a brand new, redesigned, all whistles and bells kitchen with TONS of storage.
A keeps casting a critical eye on my stock and wants to know if I really need all the new stuff. Well, of course I need the new stuff. Got to have something to show the customers. I did offer to quit completely but he told me not to be silly. I think he enjoys the free stuff as much as I do.
Next on my list of 'want it now' perks is the Hamper. I earn it by having loads of parties and loads of sales in September and October. I wouldn't mind earning enough and getting 5 recruits by the end of February 2010 so I can go to Greece with A - all free and dead posh. Now that's a perk and a half!
Did I tell you I love my job!!!!!
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Clever child part 1
Part 1 because AS/GCSE results come out towards the end of August.
D passed his driving theory test today! And once again I didn't see much evidence of revision. Next in line is the practical test - not sure when but he's not far off ready.
Then he can taxi himself to all his social events in the evening, as long as I'm not working.
D passed his driving theory test today! And once again I didn't see much evidence of revision. Next in line is the practical test - not sure when but he's not far off ready.
Then he can taxi himself to all his social events in the evening, as long as I'm not working.
Monday 27 July 2009
It's not rocket science
Someone at A's workplace was moaning about how his wife's car is having trouble. It keeps cutting out and the manufacturer isn't being particularly good at getting to the root of the problem. A asked him if it was a ************ (no don't count the stars, they're a random amount) - I can't mention names as it is likely to leave me open to legal action (stupid as all I'm going to say is true and can be found by a search of the internet). His friend was astounded to hear that A knew that. A then explained our history with them.
My parents had one of their larger models pretty much from new - an M plate. They had issues with the car cutting out, thereby rendering the power-steering and power-brakes totally useless. It even happened at speed on a motorway. Many moons later I owned an estate (V plate), one size down from parents. Within months it started cutting out at slow speed, which is not a lot of fun when you are approaching a junction or a roundabout - and even less fun when you have your kids in the car with you. Our local dealer had the temerity to suggest it was the way I was driving it!!! I then pointed out that I can drive Ferraris on race tracks and Golf GTIs on off-road tracks, both with a certain flair beyond the average punter, so their excuse was pathetic. Well, they weren't my exact words but you get the gist. A ended up threatening to drive it through their plate glass showroom window unless they found out what was going on, as the fault wasn't leaving a message on the car's on-board computer. Within a couple of days the car stalled on their driver. I was SO pleased. Funnily enough it was fixed PDQ, except that they put the part on upside down and made a mess; I didn't find this out till this part needed replacing again. That's right, the fix is only temporary. It'll last for 11 - 18 months before needing replacing again.
Now, you'd think that a manufacturer of such popular renown would have got it sorted out, if not between M and V plates then at least from V to now. Apparently not as A's friend's wife's car (phew) is having the self-same issues. Obviously this manufacturer doesn't give a damn about us the customer.
If you really want to know which one I'm talking about, it was the car I had before the Merc (same colour but smaller). Still none the wiser, drop me an e-mail, especially if you are looking to change your car.
My parents had one of their larger models pretty much from new - an M plate. They had issues with the car cutting out, thereby rendering the power-steering and power-brakes totally useless. It even happened at speed on a motorway. Many moons later I owned an estate (V plate), one size down from parents. Within months it started cutting out at slow speed, which is not a lot of fun when you are approaching a junction or a roundabout - and even less fun when you have your kids in the car with you. Our local dealer had the temerity to suggest it was the way I was driving it!!! I then pointed out that I can drive Ferraris on race tracks and Golf GTIs on off-road tracks, both with a certain flair beyond the average punter, so their excuse was pathetic. Well, they weren't my exact words but you get the gist. A ended up threatening to drive it through their plate glass showroom window unless they found out what was going on, as the fault wasn't leaving a message on the car's on-board computer. Within a couple of days the car stalled on their driver. I was SO pleased. Funnily enough it was fixed PDQ, except that they put the part on upside down and made a mess; I didn't find this out till this part needed replacing again. That's right, the fix is only temporary. It'll last for 11 - 18 months before needing replacing again.
Now, you'd think that a manufacturer of such popular renown would have got it sorted out, if not between M and V plates then at least from V to now. Apparently not as A's friend's wife's car (phew) is having the self-same issues. Obviously this manufacturer doesn't give a damn about us the customer.
If you really want to know which one I'm talking about, it was the car I had before the Merc (same colour but smaller). Still none the wiser, drop me an e-mail, especially if you are looking to change your car.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Swine Flu
My SIL has just been confirmed as having swine flu, having caught it from a co-worker last week. Fingers crossed (prayers, positive vibes - whatever floats your boat) that it doesn't pass on to other members of the family. Her daughter H has asthma and my Mum has heart issues (remnants of rheumatic fever from her childhood) so both are on the 'at greater risk' list.
Because of this we won't be going up to visit next week for our annual 'cheap' holiday. D is also asthmatic, though you wouldn't know it to see him, and therefore doesn't really need to catch it either.
My heart goes out to those who are losing loved ones to this virus. Not to belittle their loss, but more people die on this country's roads each day and we don't get our undies in a knot about that and start avoiding driving do we. Which brings me round to just what IS worth getting into a panic over. I dunno. I suppose driving (and it's inherent dangers) is an acceptable risk, something we accept whenever we turn the ignition key. It's a choice we make. However to be infected by a potentially fatal virus by someone who is 'toughing it out' is not something we can easily avoid. And I think that is the difference between the two - CHOICE!
So we choose not to get any closer to the virus than we strictly have to, and seeing as I had a particularly rotten bout of flu over Christmas I think I am justified in not wanting to feel that ill again for a year or ten.
Because of this we won't be going up to visit next week for our annual 'cheap' holiday. D is also asthmatic, though you wouldn't know it to see him, and therefore doesn't really need to catch it either.
My heart goes out to those who are losing loved ones to this virus. Not to belittle their loss, but more people die on this country's roads each day and we don't get our undies in a knot about that and start avoiding driving do we. Which brings me round to just what IS worth getting into a panic over. I dunno. I suppose driving (and it's inherent dangers) is an acceptable risk, something we accept whenever we turn the ignition key. It's a choice we make. However to be infected by a potentially fatal virus by someone who is 'toughing it out' is not something we can easily avoid. And I think that is the difference between the two - CHOICE!
So we choose not to get any closer to the virus than we strictly have to, and seeing as I had a particularly rotten bout of flu over Christmas I think I am justified in not wanting to feel that ill again for a year or ten.
Monday 29 June 2009
Hold the front page
D has shaved his beard off!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently the weather is a bit too warm for a chin overcoat. Those of you who know D will know that he hasn't been near a shaver since his uncle's wedding at the end of November. So, his beard grew slowly but surely. It was an inch or so long. Various members of the family had mentioned a passing resemblance to Shaggy (from Scooby Doo).
Now 'tis no more. (Except that he couldn't be bothered to do the moustache bit).
Apparently the weather is a bit too warm for a chin overcoat. Those of you who know D will know that he hasn't been near a shaver since his uncle's wedding at the end of November. So, his beard grew slowly but surely. It was an inch or so long. Various members of the family had mentioned a passing resemblance to Shaggy (from Scooby Doo).
Now 'tis no more. (Except that he couldn't be bothered to do the moustache bit).
Friday 12 June 2009
Did you know they let blind people drive these days?
K & I were on our way to Asda this morning - the larder was empty and, as the weekend is upon us, it needed filling. We were travelling along Longfield Avenue, a wide road between Titchfield and Fareham, chatting about nothing in particular. There are a couple of gentle bends along Longfield, near Bishopsfield Road. Coming towards us was a car (on its own side of the road) which looked to be doing the speed limit of 30mph. Behind it was another car half on its side of the road and half on mine. This car's driver decided that all he had to do was get his offside wheels nearer to the white line but still on MY side of the road and all would be well - and Longfield Avenue is wide enough. I moved over towards the gutter just to be sure. The driver looked like he was totally fed up being stuck behind someone ONLY doing 30 and was trying to overtake.
OK, so starting your manoeuvre before you can see what's coming isn't very clever; neither is still having some of your car on the wrong side of the road when there is oncoming traffic. Wanting to overtake a driver doing the speed limit is not really very clever BUT doing all of this with not one but TWO police cars directly behind you certainly sets this guy up as a possible Darwin Awards winner (search for it - you'll be surprised at just how stupid people can be). Needless to say that both police cars put their blue lights on as they passed me. Coincidence? I don't think so, especially seeing as they didn't go tearing past the cars in front to get anywhere quick. I wish I could have found somewhere to park up and watch as they pulled him.
OK, so starting your manoeuvre before you can see what's coming isn't very clever; neither is still having some of your car on the wrong side of the road when there is oncoming traffic. Wanting to overtake a driver doing the speed limit is not really very clever BUT doing all of this with not one but TWO police cars directly behind you certainly sets this guy up as a possible Darwin Awards winner (search for it - you'll be surprised at just how stupid people can be). Needless to say that both police cars put their blue lights on as they passed me. Coincidence? I don't think so, especially seeing as they didn't go tearing past the cars in front to get anywhere quick. I wish I could have found somewhere to park up and watch as they pulled him.
Friday 29 May 2009
So far, so good
I've now done two Pampered Chef parties and earned myself £65. It doesn't sound much for 3 weeks work but when you realise that it was less than 8 hours work in total, the hourly rate is much more interesting - somewhere around £8 - £10 per hour. Certainly worth my while! June is already busy with 5 parties (but I can certainly squeeze in one or two more), and I've already started booking for July.
Today is a beautiful day. The kids are in town with friends, and A is at work, so the house is all mine - a rarity till September when both D & K are at college. So I'm sat at the computer listening to Bon Jovi and catching up on reading some blogs. I may even drag up Civ IV shortly. Oh, the decadence! I probably should point out that there are already 2 loads of washing on the line and all the paperwork from last night's party is dealt with, so I'm not being a lazy toad all day - though it does have its appeal.
Last Sunday friend E had a house-warming party. Her back garden has very little shade but some kind soul had brought along some umbrellas to act as parasols, so I borrowed one - not a perfect solution but better than nothing. I survived in short sleeves for a few hours until the rash started. I'm not downhearted about it this year, as spending 4 - 5 hours in direct sunshine is probably asking for trouble. However I am feeling quite smug about it as the rash didn't develop into full-blown red spots - it was more bumps in the skin. Now all I have to do is wait for them to clear off (up to two weeks from flare up).
The kids have finally spotted themselves a nice little earner - unfortunately it is me that is coughing up. They've twigged that voluntarily doing chores round the house and helping me with my PC stuff will probably trigger financial remuneration. D, in particular, has been most helpful in the last few days as he has too much month at the end of his allowance (as usual).
A is working hard but seems to have his hayfever under control (so far!). I've probably jinxed him now. We're making a slow but steady effort in sorting out the garage so that - GASP! - we can get to anything in it from the internal door instead of having to open the main door to get to the fuse box. Wonder if the local tip will start charging us business rates for all the clutter we're getting rid of.
Today is a beautiful day. The kids are in town with friends, and A is at work, so the house is all mine - a rarity till September when both D & K are at college. So I'm sat at the computer listening to Bon Jovi and catching up on reading some blogs. I may even drag up Civ IV shortly. Oh, the decadence! I probably should point out that there are already 2 loads of washing on the line and all the paperwork from last night's party is dealt with, so I'm not being a lazy toad all day - though it does have its appeal.
Last Sunday friend E had a house-warming party. Her back garden has very little shade but some kind soul had brought along some umbrellas to act as parasols, so I borrowed one - not a perfect solution but better than nothing. I survived in short sleeves for a few hours until the rash started. I'm not downhearted about it this year, as spending 4 - 5 hours in direct sunshine is probably asking for trouble. However I am feeling quite smug about it as the rash didn't develop into full-blown red spots - it was more bumps in the skin. Now all I have to do is wait for them to clear off (up to two weeks from flare up).
The kids have finally spotted themselves a nice little earner - unfortunately it is me that is coughing up. They've twigged that voluntarily doing chores round the house and helping me with my PC stuff will probably trigger financial remuneration. D, in particular, has been most helpful in the last few days as he has too much month at the end of his allowance (as usual).
A is working hard but seems to have his hayfever under control (so far!). I've probably jinxed him now. We're making a slow but steady effort in sorting out the garage so that - GASP! - we can get to anything in it from the internal door instead of having to open the main door to get to the fuse box. Wonder if the local tip will start charging us business rates for all the clutter we're getting rid of.
Monday 18 May 2009
How many managing directors?!
My wonderful darling husband is a managing director of his own limited company. It has worked well for us and given us a life that we might otherwise not have had. It enabled me to be a stay-at-home-mum - you know, one of those people who are envied and pitied in equal measure. I'd rather have your envy; you can stick your pity - hang it alongside your Prada suits and Gucci handbags.
Except ..... now I am a managaing director too!!!!!! I have my own business that is just getting started. Will it support us both in the future? Maybe. It won't be through lack of effort on my part. I just have to get the selling side organised, the paperwork is easy enough.
I adore The Pampered Chef. Once I've got my initial 6 parties done and dusted I can work as much or as little as I want (as long as I make £150 worth of sales every other month). The harder I work, the more I earn. And there's no limit to how high I can go. On Saturday I met someone within the organisation who earns £12,000 per MONTH!!!! And yes, she does earn it - doing parties, training talks, workshops, etc. I'm not sure I'd want quite that much work but I'd definitely settle for that amount per year.
If anyone wants to join me, let me know.
Except ..... now I am a managaing director too!!!!!! I have my own business that is just getting started. Will it support us both in the future? Maybe. It won't be through lack of effort on my part. I just have to get the selling side organised, the paperwork is easy enough.
I adore The Pampered Chef. Once I've got my initial 6 parties done and dusted I can work as much or as little as I want (as long as I make £150 worth of sales every other month). The harder I work, the more I earn. And there's no limit to how high I can go. On Saturday I met someone within the organisation who earns £12,000 per MONTH!!!! And yes, she does earn it - doing parties, training talks, workshops, etc. I'm not sure I'd want quite that much work but I'd definitely settle for that amount per year.
If anyone wants to join me, let me know.
Saturday 9 May 2009
I have a job!!!!!
And I didn't need to attend an interview to get it. I've been trying to find paid employment since October last year. I've had 4 interviews and no success, out of upwards of 50 applications. Now I have one. Like I said, no interview, no competition for the coveted role, no set hours, no office politics and all the holidays I want. Sounds good, eh?!
What am I doing, I hear you ask. Well, last week I went out with friend A to a Pampered Chef party. Now I've been a fan of their Stoneware for a year or two, so I took the plunge and signed up to be a Kitchen Consultant. My kit arrives on Monday (my first official day) and my first party is on Wednesday, held here at Dark Corner Towers (those of you who know me know where that is). D is hosting it and I get to practice my patter and cooking skills.
I'm keeping away from the rings, wreaths and plaits for a while - need to get them sorted out before I let them loose on an unsuspecting public - but am game to try anything else. The rest of the household are salivating at the thoughts of having to 'road test' my efforts - it's a hard life they lead.
So, if there is anyone out there who is interested in Pampered Chef, wants to come to my party on Wednesday, wants a party of their own, or fancies being their own boss, get in touch. I'll be more than happy to see you.
What am I doing, I hear you ask. Well, last week I went out with friend A to a Pampered Chef party. Now I've been a fan of their Stoneware for a year or two, so I took the plunge and signed up to be a Kitchen Consultant. My kit arrives on Monday (my first official day) and my first party is on Wednesday, held here at Dark Corner Towers (those of you who know me know where that is). D is hosting it and I get to practice my patter and cooking skills.
I'm keeping away from the rings, wreaths and plaits for a while - need to get them sorted out before I let them loose on an unsuspecting public - but am game to try anything else. The rest of the household are salivating at the thoughts of having to 'road test' my efforts - it's a hard life they lead.
So, if there is anyone out there who is interested in Pampered Chef, wants to come to my party on Wednesday, wants a party of their own, or fancies being their own boss, get in touch. I'll be more than happy to see you.
Thursday 30 April 2009
My bad!
Apparently, my daughter hates me. This is not your typical teenage angst. My crime? Getting her interested in possibly studying AS Maths at college as well as her other choices. (You know how she is with decision-making).
K is on course to get an A at least at Maths GCSE, and this will be her best grade at this level. To me it seems a little strange to not go on and study something that you have an ability at. Admittedly, she is not as naturally intuitive as her brother.
Yesterday we were sat in a cafe having a toasted cheese and ham ciabatta sandwich each when I told her about such things as number theory, remainder theory, and group theory - and the attendant things like Cayley tables. These things are part of the Open University course MS221 and are a lot of fun. They can also elicit some swearing. Last night I was looking at Bletchley Park, a possible trip during half-term in May. They have some maths resources, looking at how maths is used in making, and breaking, codes - from genetic fingerprinting through encryption to how ISBN numbers are created for books. I showed it K and she is now working through the units (her choice). These units are aimed from KS2 (7 - 11 yrs) all the way to A-Level (18 yrs).
K is on course to get an A at least at Maths GCSE, and this will be her best grade at this level. To me it seems a little strange to not go on and study something that you have an ability at. Admittedly, she is not as naturally intuitive as her brother.
Yesterday we were sat in a cafe having a toasted cheese and ham ciabatta sandwich each when I told her about such things as number theory, remainder theory, and group theory - and the attendant things like Cayley tables. These things are part of the Open University course MS221 and are a lot of fun. They can also elicit some swearing. Last night I was looking at Bletchley Park, a possible trip during half-term in May. They have some maths resources, looking at how maths is used in making, and breaking, codes - from genetic fingerprinting through encryption to how ISBN numbers are created for books. I showed it K and she is now working through the units (her choice). These units are aimed from KS2 (7 - 11 yrs) all the way to A-Level (18 yrs).
Sunday 19 April 2009
Hic!
Remember last August when I started some home-made wine? I've just bottled a gallon of tea wine and a gallon of 'fruit punch' - frozen fruit salad from a farm shop. Very nishe!!! (Because you just HAVE to sample, don't you).
Tomorrow I shall have a look at what is 'living' in the airing cupboard, see if it is salvagable, and start some more. If it takes 2 - 9 months to go from raw to ready I shall need to start some new stuff every couple of months or so. I will definitely be starting some more tea wine (9 months +) and some apple (from cartons, 2 months-ish). If the government are going to keep increasing alcohol duty then I'll just have to make my own permanently. Just don't let them up the tax on brewing supplies.
Tomorrow I shall have a look at what is 'living' in the airing cupboard, see if it is salvagable, and start some more. If it takes 2 - 9 months to go from raw to ready I shall need to start some new stuff every couple of months or so. I will definitely be starting some more tea wine (9 months +) and some apple (from cartons, 2 months-ish). If the government are going to keep increasing alcohol duty then I'll just have to make my own permanently. Just don't let them up the tax on brewing supplies.
Friday 17 April 2009
Long time, no write
I've been too busy living life to write about it.
The job-hunting front is a 'bad' topic. A says I can go to college and get some qualifications if I can decide what I want to do. Unfortunately I CAN'T decide. Do I get some proper office qualies or do I do something different? Decisions, decisions! For now we have decided that I should do some voluntary work. It'll give me some current references and experience, just no pay. But, you never know it might morph into a real job.
A has got his hayfever/snuffly sinus allergies under reasonable control. He's been taking Hayleve (cheap OTC remedy) and it seems to be working. Fingers crossed for tonight as we are going to try sharing a bed, something that's not happened regularly for the better part of 7 years or more. You see, he snores. It's loud enough that if he goes up for a nap during the day I can hear him over the tv. No amount of prodding or changing of position helps. None of these anti-snore devices make a difference either. So we have separate rooms on different floors of the house (with an old external wall between us), otherwise we'd probably be divorced by now. He wants to take me away for our wedding anniversary this year (20 years) so we have to start being able to share a room first.
K is a clever girl. She has just got the results from her latest Maths module exams in March, an A in each paper - 50/60 in the multichoice and 52/60 in the structured. I am so proud of her as she doesn't really like the subject. She's refusing to study it at AS level yet it will probably be the best of her GCSE grades. She's off on a sleepover tomorrow night.
D is considering his university choices for September 2010. D & I have spent 4 days this week visiting Aberdeen and St Andrew's. Don't think Scotland likes us though as it was sunny when we arrived and sunny when we left but cold, wet, and/or foggy for the rest of the time. These visits also raised as many questions as they answered. Yes, he'd be quite happy going to either of them but, thanks to St Andrew's, he might also want to do a single honours in Chemistry rather than a joint honours in Geology and Chemistry. Cue more soul searching and changing of minds. He has been trying to make his mind up between Oxford and Cambridge too. Both do interesting courses but their entry requirements might be a bit too much. The silly boy didn't revise for his January modules and got high Bs. Just got to hope that he works hard enough to turn those into As in summer.
As for me, I survived the Scotland sojourn. D might not be as bad as his Dad for snoring but he's certainly in training. I've finished my 'medical microwave' sessions for this year. Of course since then I've had minimal opportunity to keep topping up in sunny weather! D & I played golf at St Andrew's - there's a pitch & putt right next to the 18th fairway on the Old Course. You just have to, don't you. I won by one hole!!!!!
There, I'm more or less up to date again. No more moaning when you see me.
The job-hunting front is a 'bad' topic. A says I can go to college and get some qualifications if I can decide what I want to do. Unfortunately I CAN'T decide. Do I get some proper office qualies or do I do something different? Decisions, decisions! For now we have decided that I should do some voluntary work. It'll give me some current references and experience, just no pay. But, you never know it might morph into a real job.
A has got his hayfever/snuffly sinus allergies under reasonable control. He's been taking Hayleve (cheap OTC remedy) and it seems to be working. Fingers crossed for tonight as we are going to try sharing a bed, something that's not happened regularly for the better part of 7 years or more. You see, he snores. It's loud enough that if he goes up for a nap during the day I can hear him over the tv. No amount of prodding or changing of position helps. None of these anti-snore devices make a difference either. So we have separate rooms on different floors of the house (with an old external wall between us), otherwise we'd probably be divorced by now. He wants to take me away for our wedding anniversary this year (20 years) so we have to start being able to share a room first.
K is a clever girl. She has just got the results from her latest Maths module exams in March, an A in each paper - 50/60 in the multichoice and 52/60 in the structured. I am so proud of her as she doesn't really like the subject. She's refusing to study it at AS level yet it will probably be the best of her GCSE grades. She's off on a sleepover tomorrow night.
D is considering his university choices for September 2010. D & I have spent 4 days this week visiting Aberdeen and St Andrew's. Don't think Scotland likes us though as it was sunny when we arrived and sunny when we left but cold, wet, and/or foggy for the rest of the time. These visits also raised as many questions as they answered. Yes, he'd be quite happy going to either of them but, thanks to St Andrew's, he might also want to do a single honours in Chemistry rather than a joint honours in Geology and Chemistry. Cue more soul searching and changing of minds. He has been trying to make his mind up between Oxford and Cambridge too. Both do interesting courses but their entry requirements might be a bit too much. The silly boy didn't revise for his January modules and got high Bs. Just got to hope that he works hard enough to turn those into As in summer.
As for me, I survived the Scotland sojourn. D might not be as bad as his Dad for snoring but he's certainly in training. I've finished my 'medical microwave' sessions for this year. Of course since then I've had minimal opportunity to keep topping up in sunny weather! D & I played golf at St Andrew's - there's a pitch & putt right next to the 18th fairway on the Old Course. You just have to, don't you. I won by one hole!!!!!
There, I'm more or less up to date again. No more moaning when you see me.
Thursday 19 March 2009
Did you miss me (again)
I've been busy - again! This time I'm decorating, with help from A of course. A new lounge carpet is being fitted next week and the current decor just wasn't suitable for the new colour scheme. So I've been sanding, washing, dusting, hoovering, painting, and swearing a little.
Swearing? Why? Well, you'd swear if you kept catching your flesh on carpet gripper-rods. The gripper-rods were exposed because I wanted to get as far down the skirting board with the gloss as possible. So now my hands have a few new scars. Fortunately the blood didn't get on the woodwork.
The walls? They're a rather nice shade of dry sand. The woodwork is glossy white, except for the doors - they'll be taken outside during the summer (we WILL get one, I have decided) and painted then.
And you can tell the difference! It's amazing how the sun fades white gloss, especially as we haven't painted it in the nearly 12 years we've lived here. (Sorry, MIL).
My next project is the kitchen. The cupboard doors are dark wood and, as the kitchen gets very little direct sunlight, they need lightening. A is unsure as to whether this would look nice or not. One day he'll come home and find out the hard way.
The job-hunting is still slow and labourious. I am applying for apprenticeships - there's no maximum age - even though the wages aren't great. At least I'll get paid to get current qualifications.
Tomorrow A & I are off to Nottingham to visit the family. The kids are staying here to show how they can be responsible and trustworthy. (I've already had to tell them NO SLEEPOVERS!).
Swearing? Why? Well, you'd swear if you kept catching your flesh on carpet gripper-rods. The gripper-rods were exposed because I wanted to get as far down the skirting board with the gloss as possible. So now my hands have a few new scars. Fortunately the blood didn't get on the woodwork.
The walls? They're a rather nice shade of dry sand. The woodwork is glossy white, except for the doors - they'll be taken outside during the summer (we WILL get one, I have decided) and painted then.
And you can tell the difference! It's amazing how the sun fades white gloss, especially as we haven't painted it in the nearly 12 years we've lived here. (Sorry, MIL).
My next project is the kitchen. The cupboard doors are dark wood and, as the kitchen gets very little direct sunlight, they need lightening. A is unsure as to whether this would look nice or not. One day he'll come home and find out the hard way.
The job-hunting is still slow and labourious. I am applying for apprenticeships - there's no maximum age - even though the wages aren't great. At least I'll get paid to get current qualifications.
Tomorrow A & I are off to Nottingham to visit the family. The kids are staying here to show how they can be responsible and trustworthy. (I've already had to tell them NO SLEEPOVERS!).
Thursday 12 March 2009
The boy done good
Today D got the results from the AS modules in January - both Grade Bs (Chemistry and Geology). Then he told me that if he'd actually done any revision he might well have got As.
Sigh!!!!!
Sigh!!!!!
Am unloved!
At least in the working world. That's right, I didn't get the Trainee Accountant job. However I now have another half-dozen or so irons in the job-hunting fire.
Apparently these Modern Apprenticeships have no upper age limit so I'm applying for 3 of them. Why not! It's getting paid (seriously low money) to get bits of paper that say I'm competent at certain administrative procedures. These are instantly marketable and should stop me being ignored for people with more current experience.
Then there's a Science Technician required at a school in Southsea, 15 hours per week. Again the pays not fantastic but no experience necessary so what the heck. It's right next to Fratton station so I don't even have to drive in.
There's a Dispensary Assistant required in Wickham's doctors surgery, again no experience necessary but must be prepared to study for Dispensary qualifications. Must make sure I don't confuse eye drops with ear drops, as happened to poor D once.
Also there's an opening to work for my local MP as a full-time caseworker, sorting out constituents issues by liaising with the necessary government branches and hopefully finding a mutually satisfactory solution. All I'd need to do then is work out how to secure a £200K handshake when I make a complete horlicks of it. LOL!!!!!!
I am also considering taking up something I've always thought about but never had the nerve to try for - midwifery! I have experience on my side. Apparently the NHS pays your course fees, assuming you can bag one of the few well-sort-after positions. Southampton University has 25 places and 25 applicants per place. Probably no worse odds than I usually battle when job-hunting. I have to make enquiries as I am a mature student and the entry requirements are sometimes different to the straight from A-levels brigade. Plus I think it might be a bit late for this year.
This leads back to the beginning of this post in a way. If I have to take courses to get bits of paper to get a job, do I go for courses that bolster what I can already do or do I go for something new and very different (but no less interesting)? Because the way it's looking I am going to be very lucky to get a job as most require recent experience or relevant qualifications. Hence the reason I feel unloved and unwanted by the wider business world. To be fair to them it's a hirer's market at the moment and why should they take a punt on someone whose skills are rusty at best when there are so many people around who are up to speed.
Apparently these Modern Apprenticeships have no upper age limit so I'm applying for 3 of them. Why not! It's getting paid (seriously low money) to get bits of paper that say I'm competent at certain administrative procedures. These are instantly marketable and should stop me being ignored for people with more current experience.
Then there's a Science Technician required at a school in Southsea, 15 hours per week. Again the pays not fantastic but no experience necessary so what the heck. It's right next to Fratton station so I don't even have to drive in.
There's a Dispensary Assistant required in Wickham's doctors surgery, again no experience necessary but must be prepared to study for Dispensary qualifications. Must make sure I don't confuse eye drops with ear drops, as happened to poor D once.
Also there's an opening to work for my local MP as a full-time caseworker, sorting out constituents issues by liaising with the necessary government branches and hopefully finding a mutually satisfactory solution. All I'd need to do then is work out how to secure a £200K handshake when I make a complete horlicks of it. LOL!!!!!!
I am also considering taking up something I've always thought about but never had the nerve to try for - midwifery! I have experience on my side. Apparently the NHS pays your course fees, assuming you can bag one of the few well-sort-after positions. Southampton University has 25 places and 25 applicants per place. Probably no worse odds than I usually battle when job-hunting. I have to make enquiries as I am a mature student and the entry requirements are sometimes different to the straight from A-levels brigade. Plus I think it might be a bit late for this year.
This leads back to the beginning of this post in a way. If I have to take courses to get bits of paper to get a job, do I go for courses that bolster what I can already do or do I go for something new and very different (but no less interesting)? Because the way it's looking I am going to be very lucky to get a job as most require recent experience or relevant qualifications. Hence the reason I feel unloved and unwanted by the wider business world. To be fair to them it's a hirer's market at the moment and why should they take a punt on someone whose skills are rusty at best when there are so many people around who are up to speed.
Friday 6 March 2009
Bye bye, Merc. Hello Focus
After 3 years of faithful service, and right before it started to get expensive to keep going, the Merc has gone. Now I have my Ford Focus and it is much more comfortable to drive. I picked it up this afternoon and drove round the corner to Asda to fill it up. No problems there, a mere £41. Coming back through Asda's car park on the main through way and some dozy bitch decided to pull out of a side road right in front of me - she was busy seeing to her lipstick. I would like to report that the brakes, horn and seatbelt tensioners work just fine, and the silly woman doesn't have a bright blue streak on her minibus. She didn't even apologise or look sheepish, just peered at me and carried on her way. That would be close to a record wouldn't it; you pick it up, fill it up and write it off, all in 5 minutes!
The interview yesterday went well, or so I think. I had made it to a shortlist of 6 out of the many applicants. Now I have to wait to see if I'm in the last two. I really want this job - the money is fine, the perks are perky, and the prospects are eye-opening once I've got all the necessary qualifications (which they are paying for). Fingers crossed.
Oh and two of my wines are about ready for bottling. It's gonna be a great weekend ;-)
The interview yesterday went well, or so I think. I had made it to a shortlist of 6 out of the many applicants. Now I have to wait to see if I'm in the last two. I really want this job - the money is fine, the perks are perky, and the prospects are eye-opening once I've got all the necessary qualifications (which they are paying for). Fingers crossed.
Oh and two of my wines are about ready for bottling. It's gonna be a great weekend ;-)
Thursday 5 March 2009
It's snowing!
The weather forecasters were right again. It's not going to settle though, as it has rained for most of the night.
Wednesday 4 March 2009
A selfish post
This one's all about me and none of the others are going to get a mention.
Yesterday I started broadband UVB desensitisation for my P(M)LE. It was only a small patch test to find out what dose would give me a burn. I ended up going pink in two of them, and applying copious amounts of aqueous cream to soothe the stinging.
Today I had my first proper session. They started me off at 50% of the dose that caused the pinkness yesterday. This evening my whole back is slightly pink and quite warm, as is one elbow. A (the only mention, honest) has had a pleasurable few minutes slapping E45 all over.
Also yesterday I got a reply from a job I applied for last week, the Junior Accounting Clerk one in Eastleigh. I have an interview tomorrow at 2pm. Fingers crossed I do alright. They are proposing to send the lucky person to college in September to start their accountancy qualifications.
Oh, and I got a haircut today at the local college.
Yesterday I started broadband UVB desensitisation for my P(M)LE. It was only a small patch test to find out what dose would give me a burn. I ended up going pink in two of them, and applying copious amounts of aqueous cream to soothe the stinging.
Today I had my first proper session. They started me off at 50% of the dose that caused the pinkness yesterday. This evening my whole back is slightly pink and quite warm, as is one elbow. A (the only mention, honest) has had a pleasurable few minutes slapping E45 all over.
Also yesterday I got a reply from a job I applied for last week, the Junior Accounting Clerk one in Eastleigh. I have an interview tomorrow at 2pm. Fingers crossed I do alright. They are proposing to send the lucky person to college in September to start their accountancy qualifications.
Oh, and I got a haircut today at the local college.
Sunday 1 March 2009
New addition to the household
No, not a puppy. Hands up all those who thought that's what I meant.
Today A & I bought a new car. Now, by new I don't mean brand new 09 plate. It's new for us and relatively new compared to our current ones. Hopefully on Friday I will take the Merc and trade it in for a Ford Focus 05 plate in Aquarius blue with 38,000 on the clock. I took it for a spin today and it is very nice. It's been years since I have driven a manual car but this one feels good and I didn't 'kangaroo' it once - unlike when I drive A's and have a lot of clutch issues in low gears.
We went looking for either a Fiesta or a Fusion but the deal was right for this one so there we are. It is the same make as the one D has his lessons in but ours is a 1.4 LX. It is quite responsive to the accelerator, not taking much effort to hit 55mph.
Today A & I bought a new car. Now, by new I don't mean brand new 09 plate. It's new for us and relatively new compared to our current ones. Hopefully on Friday I will take the Merc and trade it in for a Ford Focus 05 plate in Aquarius blue with 38,000 on the clock. I took it for a spin today and it is very nice. It's been years since I have driven a manual car but this one feels good and I didn't 'kangaroo' it once - unlike when I drive A's and have a lot of clutch issues in low gears.
We went looking for either a Fiesta or a Fusion but the deal was right for this one so there we are. It is the same make as the one D has his lessons in but ours is a 1.4 LX. It is quite responsive to the accelerator, not taking much effort to hit 55mph.
Friday 27 February 2009
He's not a natural
D spent all Wednesday morning getting more and more agitated about his driving lesson. So by the time 1pm rolled round he was a bit of a wreck. Two hours later he and the instructor, and the car, were back in one piece with no bumps or scrapes. He'd managed to get the hang of changing gear and steering but tended to go to pieces when turning at junctions - thank goodness for dual controls. He was not entirely sure whether he wanted another lesson but we booked one. Now that a couple of days have passed he's quite pleased with what he could do and feels ready to tackle the next stage. He definitely doesn't take after his parents, as we took to it like a duck to water.
So anyone in our area should avoid us between 9 - 11am on Wednesday. You have been warned.
Strangely enough my insurance company were quite happy to insure D to drive my Merc (E240 estate) for only an extra £480 till November, with £800 excess. This is scary as the day before my 25th birthday I couldn't get insurance to drive A's Granada Scorpio, even though I'd been driving for nearly 7 years. Needless to say we will NOT be letting D near my Merc as it is automatic (and the size of a tank).
So anyone in our area should avoid us between 9 - 11am on Wednesday. You have been warned.
Strangely enough my insurance company were quite happy to insure D to drive my Merc (E240 estate) for only an extra £480 till November, with £800 excess. This is scary as the day before my 25th birthday I couldn't get insurance to drive A's Granada Scorpio, even though I'd been driving for nearly 7 years. Needless to say we will NOT be letting D near my Merc as it is automatic (and the size of a tank).
Amateur commentators
Or how to wind up the wife!
A knows I like to watch the cricket. Or to be more precise I like to have the TV on when England are playing whilst I do things like iron, dust, or mess around on my laptop. I can very rarely just watch TV, I'm weird like that.
Recently he has decided to copy my father and try to outdo the commentators, saying out loud his opinion on every ball. And, like my father, he still hasn't learnt that it's not appreciated by us women-folk. Yes, you fellas are entitled to your opinions but no, we women do NOT want to hear them. We have been watching the game from the start and are much more likely to have a grasp of what's going on than you do. You wouldn't really want us to return the favour when it's your favourite sport, would you?
A knows I like to watch the cricket. Or to be more precise I like to have the TV on when England are playing whilst I do things like iron, dust, or mess around on my laptop. I can very rarely just watch TV, I'm weird like that.
Recently he has decided to copy my father and try to outdo the commentators, saying out loud his opinion on every ball. And, like my father, he still hasn't learnt that it's not appreciated by us women-folk. Yes, you fellas are entitled to your opinions but no, we women do NOT want to hear them. We have been watching the game from the start and are much more likely to have a grasp of what's going on than you do. You wouldn't really want us to return the favour when it's your favourite sport, would you?
Wednesday 25 February 2009
And Again!!!
I can't believe it's nearly 3 weeks since the last post. I really must give up this life stuff, it gets in the way. LOL!!!
D turned 17 last week. My baby has his first driving lesson today, so those of you with a PO postcode would do well to avoid the western reaches of that code this afternoon. He may also venture into the eastern reaches of the SO code. You have been warned!
I have just had to turn down 2 weeks paid work. It's full-time with a 7.30am start. I really don't do early starts - would much rather have a late finish. I've also applied for some trainee/junior positions with sound interesting. One is for a trainee accounting technician; another is for a trainee legal administration assistant. With having nearly 18 years out of the job market I figured I'd be better off starting at the bottom again. I have every intention of losing the trainee tag ASAP but really need some current experience and references. Also RSH (hospital) has called me in for my annual UV desensitisation treatments starting next week so I'm not really in the market for full-time work for the next 5 - 6 weeks, unless it's in Southampton.
Oh, and I have a cold again. I enjoyed the 6 weeks break from germs. Now if I could just get 6 months or more break before the next lot I'd appreciate it. More on the driving lesson later.
D turned 17 last week. My baby has his first driving lesson today, so those of you with a PO postcode would do well to avoid the western reaches of that code this afternoon. He may also venture into the eastern reaches of the SO code. You have been warned!
I have just had to turn down 2 weeks paid work. It's full-time with a 7.30am start. I really don't do early starts - would much rather have a late finish. I've also applied for some trainee/junior positions with sound interesting. One is for a trainee accounting technician; another is for a trainee legal administration assistant. With having nearly 18 years out of the job market I figured I'd be better off starting at the bottom again. I have every intention of losing the trainee tag ASAP but really need some current experience and references. Also RSH (hospital) has called me in for my annual UV desensitisation treatments starting next week so I'm not really in the market for full-time work for the next 5 - 6 weeks, unless it's in Southampton.
Oh, and I have a cold again. I enjoyed the 6 weeks break from germs. Now if I could just get 6 months or more break before the next lot I'd appreciate it. More on the driving lesson later.
Saturday 7 February 2009
Playing Catch Up - again
The snow has been and gone - for now. We are all getting back to normal. Most of the downstairs of the house is fur free - it's amazing how much he shed. The running routine is coming back and the weight-loss is progressing slowly.
D has decided that being home educated for the past 4.5 years has given him the edge over his classmates at college, as he is used to finding things our for himself and not waiting for the teacher to come along and help him solve his problems. Now I just have to hope he continues this at university.
K has a bit of a sniffle and a lot of attitude today. She reckons she didn't sleep well last night so I've told her to get her light out earlier tonight.
A is also sniffly, and feeling quite sore this evening. He came out for a run with me this afternoon and now his knees and back are letting him know they exist!
I have a serious urge to spring-clean - no I'm not pregnant! This has caused a few aches in the neck and shoulders but my osteopath friend is on the case.
We were supposed to be going to Nottingham this weekend. However the snow that has fallen between here and there has put this off for a couple of weeks or so. It's a shame really as we adults were hoping that it would be just the two of us. The kids are getting to that age where they don't always want to do what we do and we think they are ready to be left overnight (having been babysitting for themselves for at least a couple of years now).
D has decided that being home educated for the past 4.5 years has given him the edge over his classmates at college, as he is used to finding things our for himself and not waiting for the teacher to come along and help him solve his problems. Now I just have to hope he continues this at university.
K has a bit of a sniffle and a lot of attitude today. She reckons she didn't sleep well last night so I've told her to get her light out earlier tonight.
A is also sniffly, and feeling quite sore this evening. He came out for a run with me this afternoon and now his knees and back are letting him know they exist!
I have a serious urge to spring-clean - no I'm not pregnant! This has caused a few aches in the neck and shoulders but my osteopath friend is on the case.
We were supposed to be going to Nottingham this weekend. However the snow that has fallen between here and there has put this off for a couple of weeks or so. It's a shame really as we adults were hoping that it would be just the two of us. The kids are getting to that age where they don't always want to do what we do and we think they are ready to be left overnight (having been babysitting for themselves for at least a couple of years now).
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Grief stricken
It is with great sadness that I must announce the passing of a dear friend. Today our wonderful companion of 10 years, Scooby Doo, will leave us. His life, of late, has been difficult. He has had to deal with hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative disc disease (and one operation to relieve compression of the spinal cord caused by this), arthritis, recurring superficial pyoderma, and a non-specific allergy giving him a drippy nose and gummy eyes. Add to that the suspicion of chronic degenerative retinal myelopathy (look up CDRM online to find out how much fun that is), which can't be definitively diagnosed pre-mortem.
I think it's 10 years ago next week since I fetched this bundle of fluff from a local breeder. He instantly settled in, hardly crying at all at night. However we soon realised that he was easily bored and tended towards destruction if not supervised. He was also very sociable and thought that everyone loved him and was his friend. Somehow he worked out how to open the door on our 6 foot upright freezer, the one with the killer vacuum door seal that we need two hands to open. So everytime I went out I would come back to a freezer full of semi defrosted food. A dog crate cured that.
Scooby was loved by most who met him. After all, not everyone is impressed by a large German Shepherd coming bounding over to say "Hello!". Yes we went to training, but that was the one thing we couldn't break the habit of. He loved running around and catching his frisbee or ball. He enjoyed playing tag and hide and seek with the kids, and was ecstatic when the hose was turned on. He learnt new tricks very easily, loving the thinking involved as much as the action.
In recent years his health issues caught up with him. Since New Year this year he has had difficulty controlling his back legs. We were hopeful that, as in previous occasions, it would right itself after a period of rest. Sadly this was not to be.
On Monday of this week I took him to the vets, using the car for a journey of less than a quarter of a mile. He managed to half fall off the ramp out of the car, reversed back into the boot and refused to budge. The vet came out to see him and make sure there was no obvious damage. Then we had 'that talk' about how we were counting in days and maybe weeks, rather than weeks to months. I crossed my fingers and hoped that once again he would prove her wrong. Last may the vet had predicted that making his birthday in October would be pushing it and Christmas was really hoping. My boy proved her wrong then but not this time.
Yesterday he seemed to get worse but I put it down to jarring himself the previous day. Today he cannot walk at all. His back legs won't hold him up and he can just about manage to stagger/drag himself a couple of feet before it becomes too much effort. He has eaten his food wherever he is lying, but has now stopped accepting liquids. He hasn't been outside for toiletting since 6.15 this morning. He is just about managing to roll from one side to the other, by the radiator 'cos it's warmer. It is time!
By 6.15 this evening he will be chasing around that big field in the sky, pain-free and with all the stamina in the world. We will be grief-stricken to lose an amazing friend. Goodbye my gentle giant!
Scooby Doo
R.I.P.
28/10/98 - 21/01/09
Saturday 10 January 2009
Update on the kids
Nothing for two weeks and then two posts in one day - just like the buses run.
D is away in a tent this weekend. Hopefully he has enough clothes to wear to keep warm. I did nag him to pack plenty but there's only so much a mum can do when their son is nearly 17. And yes, that makes us feel old.
D has decided to give up Further Maths. He isn't enjoying it and finds it boring. A & I weren't impressed to start with but we all discussed it and checked on the UCAS site (where all the degree information is listed) to make sure he wasn't hampering any future plans, so we said OK. He now wants to do a degree in Artificial Intelligence, part of the Computer Science faculty at various universities. The nearest place is Southampton, which D says is ideal as then he can save on accommodation fees. A is going to take him to the faculty open day later this year. I think it will be my job to take him to other open days around the country.
K is currently leaning towards child psychology. She is looking forward to college in September and would like to go to Oxford to do her degree. This week she bought herself the books disc for her DS Lite. It has 100 classic literature titles on it, including Shakespeare, Bronte, Dickens, etc. The font size is readable, giving some of these books over 11,000 pages. She is happy with it and is making inroads into Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. She also plans to read Romeo & Juliet fairly soon. Friend A told me that this is one of the plays being shown at The Globe Theatre in London this year. I'll have to check the kitty to see if we can go.
D is away in a tent this weekend. Hopefully he has enough clothes to wear to keep warm. I did nag him to pack plenty but there's only so much a mum can do when their son is nearly 17. And yes, that makes us feel old.
D has decided to give up Further Maths. He isn't enjoying it and finds it boring. A & I weren't impressed to start with but we all discussed it and checked on the UCAS site (where all the degree information is listed) to make sure he wasn't hampering any future plans, so we said OK. He now wants to do a degree in Artificial Intelligence, part of the Computer Science faculty at various universities. The nearest place is Southampton, which D says is ideal as then he can save on accommodation fees. A is going to take him to the faculty open day later this year. I think it will be my job to take him to other open days around the country.
K is currently leaning towards child psychology. She is looking forward to college in September and would like to go to Oxford to do her degree. This week she bought herself the books disc for her DS Lite. It has 100 classic literature titles on it, including Shakespeare, Bronte, Dickens, etc. The font size is readable, giving some of these books over 11,000 pages. She is happy with it and is making inroads into Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. She also plans to read Romeo & Juliet fairly soon. Friend A told me that this is one of the plays being shown at The Globe Theatre in London this year. I'll have to check the kitty to see if we can go.
You don't want the flu
Trust me, I'm an expert!
The 104 F fever broke on Christmas night. By Boxing Day I was down to a manageable 100 F, and believe me it made a lot of difference. I got up at lunch time and managed to eat a sandwich, the first real meal I'd eaten since Tuesday. During the afternoon I played a few hands of cards with the family, making sure I was sat away from FIL. Then it was back to bed till the following day.
It took till New Year's Eve before I could face going out shopping. Over Christmas our dishwasher gave up the ghost - not funny when there are 7 of you to feed and wash up after. So on New Year's Eve A and I braved the cold and the crowds (what crowds, I've seen worse on a typical Sunday in Southampton) and went to John Lewis. Our new toy arrived 2 days ago and the kids are very happy. We are just waiting for the special offer pan set to arrive (out of stock of course). Needless to say I was very tired after the trip into town. However I managed to stay up till after midnight but had to forego any partying.
One thing I have noticed is that my memory is not up to speed. Someone at our local Home Ed group apologised for not sending me an e-mail over the festivities, containing some information he thought I should read. I needed a lot of prompting to recall that he was supposed to do this and what it was all about. I find myself getting distracted from the job in hand and then forgetting to go back and finish off - I now know how A feels as this is his default position.
Tiredness is still an issue, albeit diminishing slowly. I am finding it hard to wake up before 8.30. During the holidays it was 9.30 and more usually it was 10.00. This was despite going to bed and being asleep by 11pm.
I have been avoiding as much social contact as I can. My immune system has taken a battering over the last 2 - 3 months and I'd like it to recover. As I sit and type this I am feeling snuffly. Last night I sneezed a few times. No more illness, please!
This cold weather is supposed to go tomorrow. Everyone keeps saying that it should kill off all the germs. So how come so many people are ill?!
The 104 F fever broke on Christmas night. By Boxing Day I was down to a manageable 100 F, and believe me it made a lot of difference. I got up at lunch time and managed to eat a sandwich, the first real meal I'd eaten since Tuesday. During the afternoon I played a few hands of cards with the family, making sure I was sat away from FIL. Then it was back to bed till the following day.
It took till New Year's Eve before I could face going out shopping. Over Christmas our dishwasher gave up the ghost - not funny when there are 7 of you to feed and wash up after. So on New Year's Eve A and I braved the cold and the crowds (what crowds, I've seen worse on a typical Sunday in Southampton) and went to John Lewis. Our new toy arrived 2 days ago and the kids are very happy. We are just waiting for the special offer pan set to arrive (out of stock of course). Needless to say I was very tired after the trip into town. However I managed to stay up till after midnight but had to forego any partying.
One thing I have noticed is that my memory is not up to speed. Someone at our local Home Ed group apologised for not sending me an e-mail over the festivities, containing some information he thought I should read. I needed a lot of prompting to recall that he was supposed to do this and what it was all about. I find myself getting distracted from the job in hand and then forgetting to go back and finish off - I now know how A feels as this is his default position.
Tiredness is still an issue, albeit diminishing slowly. I am finding it hard to wake up before 8.30. During the holidays it was 9.30 and more usually it was 10.00. This was despite going to bed and being asleep by 11pm.
I have been avoiding as much social contact as I can. My immune system has taken a battering over the last 2 - 3 months and I'd like it to recover. As I sit and type this I am feeling snuffly. Last night I sneezed a few times. No more illness, please!
This cold weather is supposed to go tomorrow. Everyone keeps saying that it should kill off all the germs. So how come so many people are ill?!
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