Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Good morning and welcome to February, a new month already!

I am looking forward to hearing about the results of Anna's challenge, saying something positive and personal to each of your children Laughing

Hazeleyes if you receive ANY Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit, it looks as if PDSA helps, see here. You're right,it is only BENEFIT that counts, not the 25% discount that all single adult households receive. Well done and high five to you about your observation and it sounds as if you took the wind out the new lady's sails Tongue Out

Hopeful you always sound as if you work VERY hard to me. My house was always chaos until recently, but now I have one 18 year old at home and I have finished my studies and I work for myself so I can finally keep it OK. I reckon all that matters is that the kitchen and bathroom are clean-ish.

How is everyone today?

Posted on: February 1, 2013 - 8:55am
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Good morning,

Well I'm exhausted, I've dragged myself into work for the last 2 days whilst feeling awful and I'm still no better, so I've decided to take the day off sick today and get some rest. Just got the youngest to send off to school and then I'll be heading back to bed..

Great news about the observation hazeleyes, its so nice to get good feedback from work, especially when its so well deserved Kiss.

Posted on: February 1, 2013 - 9:29am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi all, well I told my daughter that I thought she was great friend as she is supporting her friend with some issues and my daughter was being sensible, kind and very supportive. Well it opened a can of worms! There is me thinking that we have this great relationship now (which we do!) and I know everything that is going on for her etc. Well she started telling me how she had to deal with the same issue, as her friend has, 8 months ago, so she knows what she is talking about - OMG, she had never told me and probably never would, if I hadn't said those simple words!

This afternoon we are going camping in Brecon Beacons (blinking Groupon - I bought it almost a year ago, thinking we could go in the summer, but smallprint said mid week only, unless winter and now its about to run out! Tut!) so we have 2 nights in a tipi and a day's canoeing, I was apprehensive, but I have now accepted that it will be cold, probably rain, but I will be with my girl and we can set the world to rights and prepare for the future (she is 18 and a little stuck!)

So I hope that you pancake queen, have a good day of rest and keep it up over the weekend and everyone else too, see you on Monday! Tongue Out

Posted on: February 1, 2013 - 2:16pm
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Stayed in bed all day, managed a couple of hours sleep too which was good, still not feeling good though Frown. At least its the weekend.

Posted on: February 1, 2013 - 7:20pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello to everyone

PQ good that you had your day in bed and it sounds as if you have that virus that a lot of us got over Christmas. Beware the cough if so!! Hope you are feeling better today.

Anna....so you praised your daughter as we were all discussing the other day, and from that she shared something with you that was new, wow, I guess she felt your love towards her very strongly at that moment. Hope the weekend is not toooooooooooo cold.

I have a busy one ahead, getting ready for my Parents of Teenagers group (POTS) this morning, I have some time with youngest this afternoon and am planning a chinese takeaway tonight. Tomorrow is church then I am going up to York with my friend, meeting their grandchildren at one of those family pubs at teatime. Youngest has been invited, but often plays pool on Sundays, so we shall see. Two days in a row without cooking....that feels like a result! (I could get used to that)

What is everyone up to? It feels as if there are a lot more possibilities than last week, when we were under about a foot of snow! How was your birthday, kiera?

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 9:04am
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Good morning all. Yesterday afternoon was naff at work, and not for the first time, I was shunted around, not being told until the last minute either. Really feel like a spare part, and not needed. So, I went off to see the new woman, and told her where I'd like to go for the afternoon. Ended up in a lower year, and absolutely loved it. Felt needed, felt useful, and teacher very much appreciated it. On way home, another TA was talking about the trip on Tuesday. Uhmmmm, what trip?? Well, whatever it is, we're not arriving back until after school finishes, so no one has even considered me and picking C up. I texted my teacher, and told her I would speak to the new woman about it, as no way can I go. Not a happy bunny right now, but hopefully, things will change for the better. Another TA in the same year, feels the same as me. I was starting to think it was me, but now I know differently. My teacher is lovely, but I know I would be happier working with the younger children.

Sounds like you have a lovely day ahead Louise, and the added beauty is, no cooking. Enjoy

Kiera, Happy Birthday for yesterday. Hope you had a lovely day and evening.

Hey Sparkling, how are things your end? Hope all good, and you are well.

Anna, sounds like you and your daughter have a fab relationship.

Pq, hope you're able to have a relaxing weekend. How are you feeling today?

How did your late shift go Hopeful? Hope you're okay

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 10:20am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I hope you had a great birthday kiera. 

Loads of hugs hazeleyes.

I hope you can have a quiet weekend pq and recover. 

 

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 2:52pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Ooh Hazeleyes, sounds like a lack of communication there, not telling you about the trip times. You did well to get into a different class yesterday.

My teen course went well, hurrah. It is so reassuring for parents to realise that everyone goes through the same things. Youngest tried to borrow some money from me today. He saves some money every month towards his holiday but I have already returned £50 to him from his savings...and that was on the condition that he did not borrow any more. So when he asked for £20 I had to say no and stick to what I had said. He has borrowed a tenner from a pal anyway but I do feel I did the right thing.

How is everyone getting on?

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 5:03pm
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Hi all,

Well I feel like a new person today. Still got a few cold symptoms hanging around but I don't feel unwell anymore Smile

Not being in the loop at work is so frustrating hazeleyes, I'm not surprised you are feeling fed up.

Good for you for sticking to the arrangement with your son louise, he'll thank you for it when he has enough money to go on his holiday.

The girls are with their dad tomorrow and I have a friend coming over so we're going out for a grown up sunday lunch, yum!

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 6:37pm
Hopeful
DoppleMe

Hi all,

PQ so glad you're finally on the mend!

Anna, camping in February????? Really???? Why??????????????

Hazeleyes, I hope you're telling them what for?!

Late shift is only 12 - 8, but you're still as tired as if you do 7:30 - 8. I'd rather do long days, but that will have to wait till after radiotherapy. :-) Did a long day today. Back for two lates on Mon/Tue and then two nights (19:30 - 8) on Fri/Sat. Dreading those!

Also came home to a letter today asking if No2 son is still going to school as he's 18 now. Can the have child benefit confirmation by 31/1 or they 'may' stop housing and council tax benefits. What a fun Monday morning I will have, sorting that out. 

Hope everyone else is ok! :-)

 

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 9:55pm
Looby
DoppleMe

Hi. I'm waving a feeble hello from my sick bed, where I have been the past week with the flipping flu. Its the first time I have ever had 'proper' flu and I don't like it. I feel like a zombie. Fortunately my neighbours have rallied around and I have to say that ex has been pretty amazing. I struggled through the first couple of days of feeling unwell and then had to phone sis in law to fetch J from school as I just couldn't do it. My legs wouldn't work. She told ex that I was really unwell and needed some help with J. He came round and ordered me off to bed as I was burning up. He went to get me stuff from the chemist and neighbour saw him asked if everything was ok. He explained I was  ill and an hour later they had a plan worked out. Ex has been having J overnight and bringing him home in a morning, dressed and ready for school. J has sat in bed with me and watched tv, then neighbour has come and taken j to school. He's loved it as its meant he's got to walk to school every day. Neighbour has come round to check on me at lunchtime, she has even washed and ironed j's uniform. Ex has picked j up from Afterschool and brought him home for a while. He's cooked a meal every night and forced me to eat something, made sure I have everything, then taken j to his house. Then it all begins again. I hated it at first, I've got so used to doing everything by myself, but I've physically not been able to do anything. J has been an absolute angel, he's been brilliant while I've been poorly, looking after me and just sitting and reading or watching tv, although I thought he was going to perforate my eardrum while he tried to take my temperature. He got upset one night when I was in the worst bit and asked ex if I was going to die, because sometimes when people get really poorly they die. He was distraught. Ex reassured him that mummy was going nowhere, that I would be better soon if they looked after me like I look after him when he's poorly. So I got his poorly blanket and his favourite teddy bless him. I'm now feeling much better, just very weak and generally blah and my voice still hasn't come back. I did manage to have a shower and wash my hair all by myself yesterday, which went a long way towards making me feel more human. The bonus is that my house is spotless, as ex is a neat freak, so when he's been here he's been cleaning. 

Im off to catch up on what everyone's been doing. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 10:40pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Poor you Looby. I'm so glad you're having help.

I have to say I feel rotten and have came go bed at about 6pm, with a bowl for company. 

 

Posted on: February 2, 2013 - 10:56pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Cereal in bed, sparkling? I expect everything that has been going on hasn't helped, especially if you were feeling under the weather in the first place. Hope you had a decent night.

PQ glad you are rallying! Your lunch out sounds nice! My outing will be to a noisy family pub so it looks like a cheap and cheerful option.

Hopeful I also hope Anna has not been too chilly. Night duty, that must be very hard, my boys' dad used to work nights at a nursing home then snore all day in the spare room. Can you sleep Ok in the daytime?

Looby poor you!!!!! you have been so poorly. Thank heavens you have had the support you needed and that J has been Ok. Glad you are started to feel better and managed to have a shower. Just a little word to the wise....J might have enjoyed all this a bit too much and it could be hard for him to settle down again into the normal routine. I say this because when I was little my Mum had to go into hospital, it was in the school holidays and I was sent to different relatives each day. I really enjoyed this and when my Mum came out of hospital early (she had been investigated for cancer but it was negative) I was REALLY DISAPPOINTED and my poor Mum was really hurt but of course I didn't know what she had been at risk of, I just knew my enjoyable visits had stopped.

Kiera how are you? Hazeleyes hope your Sunday goes well.

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 9:26am
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Good morning all,

Looby I'm sorry you have been so unwell, flu is awful, people say too quickly that they have flu but the real thing is very debilitating. Its good you have plenty of help and that you are getting the rest you need and I'm glad you are feeling a bit better, but don't rush back too quickly as it can take a while before you get your stamina back.

Anna, I hope you had your hotty with you, it was -1 here last night!!

Hope you have a good day louise.

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 9:43am
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Sparkling, how was your night? I hope the bowl wasn't needed??

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 10:06am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Bowl wasn't needed, thank goodness, thank you.  I was in the shower at 4am.  Still feel oogie though... 

I hope every one is feeling better.

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 10:38am
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Awww, Looby, hope you're feeling better and stronger by the day. It's great that you've had support from your ex with J, and also you have a fab neighbour.

Don't do camping Anna, so don't envy you one little bitTongue Out

Sorry you've been feeling poorly too Sparkling. Hope you pick up soon.

You did the right thing with your son Louise. I would have probably given in though (too soft, that's me)

Glad your shift was okay Hopeful. Good luck with the phone call on Monday.

How are you Pq? Good I hope. Enjoy your day without the girls, and have a lovely lunch with friend.

Had a good clean in here yesterday. C's bedroom is sparkling, and that's thanks to him. Got a little bit of ironing to do, so shall start that in a min, then a Harry Potter film is on this afternoon, so guess what my afternoon will be? Hope you all have a good Sunday.

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 12:10pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Harry Potter! You must know them all by heart now, Hazeleyes.

Sparkling sorry, when you said a bowl I thought you meant cereal, not icky.Hope you feel better through the course of the day.

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 2:03pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I'm not so bad this afternoon, thank you Louise. Smile  I've not really been great all week.

Harry P on ITV Hazeleyes!  We have it on...

Have been asked to work tomorrow to catch up with invoicing.  Have cancelled seeing my aunty - who is very understanding.  

I was going to go in this afternoon to do the accreditation thing, but sent a text to say a friend had **ahem** called.  Daughter wants to make cakes, so I'm staying put to have one while its warm.

Seventeen year old is more cheerful.  At least his frown isn't as deep as it was earlier.

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 4:43pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I bought the Howart's Express for now seventeen year old for his hornby set... he hates it but I have told him he has to look after it for me Wink

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 4:45pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

I had a little snooze, well, a nap really. C knows I'm exhausted after little sleep last night, so 'allowed' me too. I'm glad you didn't go into work Sparkling. How did the cakes turn out?

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 6:54pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I'm still waiting for her to make them!!

Posted on: February 3, 2013 - 7:17pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Am not at work. Up and down through the night, have a stomach bug. Didn't bother thinking of anyone who could help with taking C to school, so he is also here with me. E.mailed the new woman at 5.15 this morning. Lord knows why she's changed the system from texting to e.mailing, but.......

Hope everyone is okay. Did you get the cake in the end Sparkling?

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 10:49am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi all, sorry to hear most of us are feeling poorly. Today the sun is shining here in the South West, I hope it is all over the country and it is lifting people's spirits.

Our weekend was brilliant! The place was really run down, really muddy and blinking freezing, but we decided to have a good time and that we did. The canoeing was great, we got stuck in the middle of the lake, it was choppy and windy and we had to work as a team to get ourselves to the other side, took about 3/4 hour of solid paddling!

It was so good to be outdoors, away from electrical gadgets, some good conversations were had and we were back to basics, I had forgotten how much I enjoy the great outdoors, I highly recommend it for the soul!

Half term is coming up so I hope that everyone looks after themselves so that the week off can be an enjoyable one.

Get well sooon Smile

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 11:40am
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Your weekend sounds fun Anna, but outdoors is definately not for me, especially in the cold weather!!

We finish for half term on the 15th, and I for one cannot wait.

Pottering indoors, inbetween having breaks on the settee. Am also getting rid of paperwork (my, that builds up so quickly)

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 11:55am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I'm glad you enjoyed the weekend Anna.

I'm sorry you're poorly hazeleyes.  If I was ill, children would be home with me too!  Even when I was married I used to have a challenge getting someone to help...

I have to say I have had a poorly tum and haven't felt too good for a few days.

Went to work and sulked.  Boss went out so colleague asked why I was there.  While he is definitely stirring between colleague and me (I never doubted her), I have done invoice with her today "my" way.  So he is happy...  Bulk done, extras to be done later - she's been waiting for them things to be approved before invoicing...  

I said tara to colleague as I left and ignored him.  He also ignored me Laughing   Already looking forward to tomorrow -NOT!!

Rather chilly wind whipping around the house.  

Four bedroom property being emptied at the top of the estate.  As the older two are now over 18 we can't apply for it, which is a shame.  My three boys have shared a bedroom for over 7 years now.  However, I look at it as a way of encouraging them to leave Cool

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 4:24pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Awww, that's such a shame that the bigger house didn't come up years ago Sparkling. Sorry you're not feeling great still either, and that work isn't 'up to scratch' I must say I'm not really looking forward to work tomorrow either! Perhaps it's the weatherCool

Not feeling 100% but I shall have to go in I suppose.

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 5:59pm
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Well, I had another day off work today, this time with H as she succumbed to the 'cold'. She seems much better now so hopefully she'll be ok to go back to school tomorrow.

Sorry to hear you've been unwell hazeleyes, hope you feel more like yourself in the morning.

I had a lovely time with my friend yesterday, she ended up staying the night which was nice.

Glad you had a good weekend Anna, sometime its all about mindset, if you think you're going to be miserable then you probably will be.

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 6:24pm
Hopeful
DoppleMe

I am so sorry everybody's feeling under the weather! I feel such a fraud because I am feeling just fine! So I really hope you'll all be ok tomorrow! No more sickness!

Normally I don't mind nights, but this is the first time I am doing two in a row, so we'll see how it goes. I can sleep in the day, if children let me. The only reason why I am a bit aprehensive because it's the first big challenge post chemo. But I am sure it will be fine, and if I can't cope, I can just say and they'll let me go home, so there is a way out!

We have a lovely chap on our ward, he is always singing and chatting in different languages, but he has dementia and keeps forgetting who we are. He cries every time his wife leaves after visiting. So sad. :-( 

I love this ward though, it's sooo interesting! 

Anna, your weekend sounds fab and lots of fun, except for the camping bit - I like a proper bed and shower, thank you very much! 

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 10:15pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Awww Hopeful.  So difficult...

I'm feeling a bit better Smile

Posted on: February 4, 2013 - 11:14pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Good morning all, am a bit worried about tiptoeing in here in case of germs!

How are all the patients? Sparkling, Hazeleyes, PQ's H? Hope everyone is rallying and able to cope with the day's demands.

Anna your weekend sounds like such a transforming experience but I still think rather you than me with the camping, eek. I have a friend who loves festivals but these days she gets a day pass and stays in the local Travelodge Laughing

Hopeful glad you like the new ward. Dementia is such a challenging illness though, it is sad for the chap but very sad for his wife too.

Had a friend round for dinner yesterday, made a veggie cannelloni that worked out really well then a plum pudding from the BBC recipe website....it was a bit of a disaster so we picked the plums out and had them with ice cream. Youngest devoured the lot, though.Eldest is working out his notice then I am sure will be here for a visit before the new job starts. Just one counselling client today. It was snowing first thing but am hoping it will melt.....

Posted on: February 5, 2013 - 10:04am
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Morning,

No snow here thankfully, hope it stays that way too.

H is back at school. Had a big row with A this morning as she decided she didn't feel like going to school, I'm fairly sure she is just tired as she has been staying up late reading a book she is obsesed with. I am trying not to interfere as I think she needs to work out for herself the conection between staying up late and feeling tired in the morning, but the moodiness is hard going!

How are you today hazeleyes?

Posted on: February 5, 2013 - 10:13am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi everyone.

Snow in Yorkshire and I also heard there is some in Devon too! How bizarre, none here! Icy cold though!

pq, sorry to hear about your row, do you have a rule that if you are in a mood, you stay in your room and don't pass it on to anyone else? 

Louise, I hope your session went well.

How are the 2 nights in a row going Hopeful, I hope you managed to get some sleep today.

Glad you are feeling a bit better sparklinglime and hazeleyes, I hope you managed to get through the day - not long till half term, eek!

I can't believe none of you would have come camping with me, if the opportunity arose, although I think pq would have been up for it?? Cool

Posted on: February 5, 2013 - 5:26pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Our snow was gone by lunchtime thank heavens. Still very cold here, is a bitter wind. I will have my hat and gloves at the ready!

How is everyone today? Hope A is in a better frame of mind, PQ. I don't know if you know this but there was a recent study and experiment on young teens and found out that they are biologically programmed to not get going properly in the mornings till about 10. In fact one area changed the secondary school times to start at 10 and got a much better attendance rate and academic results. So it is hard for teens to get up early. One tip is to get them to change their alarm ringtone, as the same one every morning can eventually feel like part of the normal sounds. Anyway you are right to let her get on with it herself, as much as possible.

How are you after your shifts, Hopeful? Hazeleyes, hope work has gone OK. Are you back up to speed, Looby? Sparkling how are things with your family, I expect work is still hectic.

Hope everyone is wrapped up warm

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 9:14am
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Morning,

Well A missed her bus yesterday, surprise surprise, lucky for her my friend saw her walking home and gave her a lift to school. Of course it was all my fault. She was up and out super early this morning so hopefully she's learnt her lesson.

Anna I haven't used that one before, but i do tell the girls to keep their grumpiness to themselves and not infect everyone else with it.

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 9:30am
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi all. Bitter cold here, but thankfully no snow (please god, no more)

Louise, I like the tip with the alarm sound. I might try that one for myself! Your dessert couldn't have been that much of a flop, if your son ate it (we all know he wouldn't eat just any old thing, hehe)

Hopeful, it's good that work will let you go home, should you need too. That's a big bonus of working in the health profession. They know exactly what you're going through. I felt so sad reading about the patient on your ward. My Nan had dementia, and when my Aunt died, we didn't tell her, because 1) It would have broken her heart, and 2) her heart would have been broken everytime she needed to be told. It was a hard decision, but in my opinion, the best one. She would still say that my Aunt had phoned or made a visit, which was lovely. She'd simply forget everything.

Anna, aren't you glad to be back in the warmth and comfort of your own home?

Sparkling, how's things with you? Feeling better I hope.

Work is still naff. Shall say no more!!

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 2:35pm
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Anna, yes I would have been up for a bit of camping, as long as I could take my hot water bottle!

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 2:42pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Work vaguely improved yesterday afternoon, but maybe I'd stopped sulking about going in on Monday.  And to be fair "my way" as boss called it has more or less cleared the 14 installs waiting to be billed. 

Not that I'll be thanked or anything.

Anyhow, this afternoon colleague and I even pushed our chairs back and had a chat - ages since we've had a minute to do that.

I left at 4pm yesterday, and 3.40pm today.  OK, not quite work to rule, but better...

 

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 5:34pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi all

pankcakequeen, hopefully your daughter has learnt a bit of a lesson here, I found that no amount of nagging would get my daughters homework done, until she got a real telling off in school, I never needed to remind her again! I knew you would be up for camping Wink

Hi hazeleyes, it is nice to be cosy, yes, but I have noticed that outside now seems SO much colder, so in a way it feels worse than when we were in it all the time!  Sorry to hear that work is still naff. Maybe changing your ringtone (think I will try this too!) will start tomorrow off differently and all will be better!

sparklinglime - "THANK YOU for all your hard work and clearing those 14 installs, I don't know where we would be without you" Cool Glad you had one of those chats, they are great!

Hi Louise (waves) it feels a bit strange not to say hello to you too! I hope your gloves and scarf are toasty and won't be needed for too much longer.

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 7:01pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Pq, I do apologise, I forgot to mention you in my earlier post, not intentional I assure you Kiss I thought I had, until I re-read it. Smacking my wrist here girl, smacking my wristWink Mornings aren't too bad here (touch wood) I'm waiting for those days though!! Glad A was up and about earlier today though, takes the pressure off you too. How's H feeling now? Hopefully, all bugs are out the window now.

Am wondering where Louise is today? Posh coffee or two maybe? Hope I haven't missed a post or anything, and there's something special going on today for you. My head is somewhere in the sand these days I think. Anyhow, hope you're okay Louise.

Anna, it does seem so much colder doesn't it? The S word on the way to you? Sincerely hope not.

Am tutting at you Sparkling, not working to rule, but you're doing well, all things considered. Glad you got to have chat with colleague.

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 7:52pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

It was nice having a catch up with colleague other than chatting while working!  Her youngest daughter is expecting her second child - her first is 7 months old, so she's a bit shocked...

I sent for our red noses the other day, and they've arrived.  No one sells them around here, so I always order online.

A new leader chap came along to scouts this evening.  He's looking for a new group as there's been a bit of a major falling out at the original one - which I'd heard about through a training weekend last year.  I liked him, and daughter (assistant leader to cubs and sometimes scouts) likes him too.  Fingers crossed, if he likes the group we might have a leader who actually can do stuff!  I'm quite positive about it.  Sorry, I know its a boring really.

Did star gazing. Blooming freezing, but reasonably clear.  Too windy to let off chinese lanterns though.  Maybe next week...

I could do with a posh hot chocolate to warm me up.  Hope Louise is ok. 

Do you know Anna, it would be good to hear that from the boss!  

Hazeleyes, its only this last year or so that youngest has struggled with the getting up.  Seventeen year old is awful, but that's because he won't go to sleep.  

Daughter has put a chicken pie in the oven as her brothers shared one while we were at scouts.  She loves chicken pie!  

Seventeen year old has brought a list of everything that needs to be done over half term home (they close on friday here).  He said that he's enjoying college this week, and enjoying the work they've done.  Suddenly he's enjoying art again - because things are maybe being worked through?  They are aware of his needs at college, but no allowances.  Lets hope it lasts.  He'll get through things if he's in a good mood.

I do hope everyone is ok.

Sorry I've not caught up with the posts properly.

Posted on: February 6, 2013 - 10:56pm
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Good morning,

Hazeleyes, self harm is really not necesary, I was only slightly offended Wink.

Had a bit of a breakthrough this morning, Last night A decided to turn her light off at 9pm and go to sleep, this morning she said to me she was feeling wide awake, the best all week. I asked her what she thought may have  helped that, and she looked at me with a little smile and said "going to sleep early"    HALELUAH   ***she says jumping around a bit and cheering****

Posted on: February 7, 2013 - 9:39am
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Good morning one and all.

Sorry to hear that people have wondered where I am, I posted here yesterday morning as usual Laughing but of course there are lots of posts for people to read so maybe it got a bit lost. It was freeeeeeeezing here yesterday but at least no more snow. I have friend coming over for lunch today. She is a vegetarian and also following the Slimming World diet so the soup I am making is pretty dull. Am going to chuck some chilli powder in to pep things up Tongue Out She is having a tattoo done this afternoon so hopefully the chilli will anaesthetise her.

How is everyone today? PQ it is so hard not to get cross with them in the mornings, you are doing really well with letting A learn from experience. I should do the same with youngest, who has forgotten his lunch, and has no money, but I can't bear to think of him hungry so am dropping his lunch off to him, against my better judgement.

Hazeleyes, sorry work is still chronic. The new woman does seem to have stirred things up. I have a few things on today including book club, we have read a Japanese book called The Garden of Evening Mists. The first three quarters was really slow and dull but I persevered and the last quarter was very good. How is C?

Sparkling that's great news about the potential new leader, fingers crossed, would be a real boost for the group. Well done on working at least a few less hours. Chicken pie sounds yummy Laughing Let's hope things stay calmer for 17 year old now.

Anna hope you have thoroughly defrosted from your trip, I know you have a busy day today so hope it goes well.

Hopeful, kiera, Looby hope you are all OK.

Posted on: February 7, 2013 - 9:48am
Hopeful
DoppleMe

Was ok till five minutes ago. :-( (see other post)

Other than that I am fine.

 

Posted on: February 7, 2013 - 4:42pm
Hopeful
DoppleMe

Was ok till five minutes ago. :-( (see other post)

Other than that I am fine.

 

Posted on: February 7, 2013 - 4:42pm
pancakequeen
DoppleMe

Evening everyone.

Went for a 'posh coffee' after work with a friend as the girls were with thier dad. Have had a mind numbingly tedious day doing audit....argghh!! So going to go to bed with my kindle and a hot water bottle...its a bit chilly here Cool

Hopeful, I've replied to you in your post, big hug x

Posted on: February 7, 2013 - 10:02pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Yes a horrible siutation for you, Hopeful. Hug from me too.

Been to bookclub, reading The Great Gatsby this month. When I was at Uni I had a boyfriend who modelled himself on the Great Gatsby and wore a fringed white silk evening scarf at all times. I used to get into the spirit of things and wear an evening wrap! oh dear we must have looked frightful. He went on to become a respected national magazine editor, by the way Laughing

Glad you enjoyed your posh coffee PQ...hope you and everyone else are staying warm tonight.

Posted on: February 7, 2013 - 10:32pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I bet you looked brilliant.

I'm ill.

I did go to work feeling rotten yesterday - I do like to share - but haven't today.  I sat down and slept as soon as I got home - car keys still on the coffee table.  I woke up and went to bed.  I got up at 11am (did phone work at 8.45).

Am down stairs but feel quite oogie.  Too  much effort needed to go back upstairs and to bed though...

I hope everyone is ok.

 

Posted on: February 8, 2013 - 1:50pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Oh sparkling, I am so sorry to hear you are poorly. Get well soon Kiss

Posted on: February 8, 2013 - 3:01pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Just whizzing through to wish everyone a great weekend before I head home and have a very quiet Friday evening, I can't wait!

Get well soon sparkling, everyone else, big hugs if needed, big happy smiles if not. Smile

Posted on: February 8, 2013 - 5:23pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Good morning, how is everyone? it is my parents of teens group this morning, so will be off to do that shortly and back here later. Today we are covering turning negatives to positives and negotiating a contract with a teenager, as well as revisiting the work we did last week about staying calm.

What is everyone up to today?

Posted on: February 9, 2013 - 8:55am