I dont think that warrants any comment !

ahhhhh

I joined the local orchestra last week and last night had to say I couldn't join after all

I just don't have time..... why isn't there a 12-day week?????


I just have too much on my plate just now and am not really coping with it all

Not really arg but

Does going to chets really involge so much luggage? I suppose it does but I have a insane amount of stuff to take.

Don't worry about it, just be pleased you got there, that's the main thing ! Good luck

Gah. Had a flute lesson today.

Set off as normal in the car, get about half way there and find that a road is closed. There is no advanced warning and I have to make a split-second decision about which way to go. As I didn't know the area very well, I thought I'd rather know I was going in the right direction than try and go the other way to find the road I would have got to.

Then, the place I needed to go to wasn't signposted anywhere. I eventually got to where I needed to be, but I was 35 minutes late and my lesson was going to be shorter (rightly so), because she had people after me.

My lesson was actually good!

Anyway, on the return journey, I go back and do not see one of the diversion signs. Hence, I spend 30 minutes going in a circle, not knowing where I am. Finally get to the outer ring road but of course it is now rush hour and everyone is moving very slowly!

Get home, and it turns out that both my parents knew about the road closure but didn't tell me They also wanted to know how I got lost if I took my sat-nav, but I don't take it to places where I know where I am going!

Grrrrr....so what should have been a total of 2 hours there and back was instead over 4.

for that at least Nicki : was your composition approved?

I've just had a great two weeks, starting with a week on a jazz course, then a week at home doing lots of practice and finishing off with a gig at the local pub where I played probably better than I've ever managed to play in public before. So I'm feeling on top of my form and ultra-motivated to practise, plus I know what I need to practise and how to practise it.

Back to work on Tuesday and already I can see that I'm going to be lucky to manage a maintenance level of playing over the next few weeks, let alone make any progress....

"Aaaaaagh!!!" Why are friendships (especially with girls) at times so difficult?????

I find my girl mates much more civilised, and easier to deal with than the lads... *shrug*

I have no idea but I totally agree! My brothers seem to get by with grunting at their mates and the occasional fight..then things are fine! But for my sister and I we spend hours agonising about who said this and what did they mean etc etc - and then everyone has to tread on eggshells and talk about eachother behind everyone elses' backs

It was. She gave me a couple of suggestions

And for me : vice versa. But girl to girl - great when it's working ok but it just takes a little thing to make it all go pear shaped And it's so hard to get that trust back once broken. I've always found friendships with lads much easier unless the friendship/relationship line is blurred.



Yeah that's exactly what I'm going through atm. Trying to sort out an issue with a friend. Something she caused (I think - unless she has an issue with me she's not telling me about) - and yet I'm the one trying to sort it out and feel she's still a bit off with me. Problem is it kind of involved another friend too (case of a mis-sent text) and so I'm unsure as to whether to phone her .... Also if I do do I act normal with her or do I do my usual upfront thing of "Can I ask you - have you got any issue with me or are we mates like we always were???" I'd feel more comfortable with the latter but don't want to make things worse.

The three of us have little boys who are best buddies. Why does it have to be so awkward!!!!! ????

Ach, Dawn you have my sympathies, I know how hard friendships with other girls can be. I think you should try being upfront - but only to a point. I mean, I think you can say "I feel as though you've been a bit distant lately, I really hope I haven't done anything to upset you?", but not necessarily "What's your problem with me?!", as the latter sounds a bit more confrontational.

Did you post about the mis-sent text too? If I recall, you received a text that was cruel about another friend, accidentally? I'm not quite sure what you'd say to address that! Maybe something like "I miss how close our little friendship group with _______ used to be... I feel like it's changed a lot, rather quickly, don't you?"

At least then you can sort of gauge her response. Of course I don't know the full story, and those sorts of comments wouldn't be acceptable in certain situations...

That's good to hear Would very much like to hear the finished product Nicki

I did post about the text yes but it was meant for another friend and it wasn't that nice about me.

I don't think I'm over reacting but it is playing on my mind a lot. She says the text didn't read as she meant it to and has appologised but still seems to be avoiding me. Words like "Beware, D--- has just texted to see if I'm free. She'll ask you next!" .... really seem to me as if there's some sort of an issue they are not discussing with me. I think friend 2 who is also more direct might appreciate the direct approach and at least then I'd know where I stood. If they are hiding something between themselves that they don't want to share with me - fine - but if the problem's me I'd just like to know why. One of these girls is a close neighbour too. Makes it difficult as we used to chat over the fence nearly every day. Just feel a bit uncomfortable now. We've not really talked it out as I'd like but maybe she prefers "least said soonest mended".

Sorry folks. Just had to get this off my chest. I DO feel like a big kid still having these issues at my age but I don't think it ever goes away in frienships does it?

Reminds me of an email I got recently which says friends come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I just prefer the lifetime variety or those friendships that fizzle out because of time and distance. I hate things turning sour.

Oh wow, that's much worse. In that case, I definitely think the direct approach might work out better. If it is something between themselves, they're probably both really embarrassed about what you must be thinking having received the text.

I'm not sure I'd really want to see them for a while in those circumstances though.

Yes I know what you mean but my little boy keeps asking for his friend to play (aaahw) and I feel for him. I don't hold grudges so long as something is resolved to my satifaction but I feel uncomfortable when something doesn't feel resolved.

I have asked (in person) if there's any more to it. Was told there wasn't. basically said i accept the apology, when asked, and that yes I'd like the boys to still be friends. But there was little eye contact from her and little in friendly chat. maybe it is embarrassment. I've given it a week since offering to talk about things. No calls or visits and no invites for my little boy to play. Still feels like I'm being avoided. Best left for her to make next move I think.

Will contact other friend though and see if i can't get to bottom of it.

Won't go on now.

Sorry to hear about your shower Lucky (Haven't read whole thread). Sympathise as had an equally dangerous situation with a fire fitted by British gas ( was not properly ventilated making Carbon monoxide poisoning a real and serious risk ) Got nowhere though in terms of compensation as "Nothing actually happened"

That might not be for a while!

No worries

Arrrrrrrrgh!!!!
Somebody didn't slow down enough as the approached the roundabout in the pouring rain and pushed my car into the back of the car in front
Luckily, and quite amazingly, no-one hurt and no real damage done bar a cracked front numberplate for me, but even so, it all happened so quickly I got an instant rush of adrenaline and didn't stop shaking for about 15 minutes, and does it really take that much effort to realise it's rush hour, the biggest roundabout in the area is going to be heaving, and it's chucking it down with rain?! meh.

Oh dear Chevvy

Poor Chev...

Bah , things like that are always a bit shocking. Hope you're ok.

Eurgh, I've put on a bit of weight - I'm not huge or anything, just a little fatter than before, and nothing I own looks nice on me. I'm supposed to be going out for a meal tonight, but I think I'd rather hide under the covers in big baggy pyjamas and never look at any top that's remotely form-fitting ever again.

Bleh, I have days when I just want to hide in my pyjamas. The meal will be enjoyable though - is it with family? friends?

Poor Lucky. Hope you are feeling better soon.

It was a work thing. After summer (the big season for ice cream parlours for obvious reasons) the boss takes everyone out for a meal.



Thanks both of you, it was fun when I got there, I just sort of forgot my top was slightly too tight as I relaxed a bit.

Always easier with a dash of wine

Mine for today: We ordered my son a new bed but he's in a tiny box room. Measured and double checked measurements as 197cm. Bed supposed to be 196, so a cm to play with. No problem we think.
Arrived yesterday. Remeasured a bit lower - wall to wall - only 196 cm Aaaaagh but ok if we take the skirtings off. Then today having claered the way we spot a socket we forgot about. My husband's response "B####R!!!, a socket!!" Now bed doesn't fit so spent tonight capping off the wires and cutting skirtings off. Tomorrow will insulate and install plate over socket. Bed WILL fit now as checked but why is nothing ever easy?

Really glad you enjoyed it in the end.

I've put on a bit of weight too. I'm convinced I look like a whale at the moment. I look positively awful in absolutely everything. But it doesn't do to talk about such things.

I wish I could make you realise that you have a perfectly lovely figure, because you really do...

Sorry to hear about this! - Although actually it makes me feel slightly better about someone slamming into the back of my car, without pushing it into the car in front. Like you, no-one hurt (just shaken) but the car has been less fortunate, and now the insurance company is deciding its (borderline) verdict: repair it, or write it off.

I met up with a couple of v. close friends today, haven't seen either of them for week, and we went to bluewater which was great

One of them broke down in tears last year, and eventually managed to tell us her parents are divorcing. Then a few months later, when we asked how it was going and what happaned, she said she didn't want to talk about it, but she hadn't seen her dad for 6 months, and didn't want to, but her brother had. She's seen him recently though.

I'm really worried about her and her family. Her brother is 16 and apparently gets drunk most nights. Then today she suddenly blurted out that he'd been caught shoplifting, something worth £50, and the police came round to her house, and she had no idea he'd done it. And he admitted to it straight away, and said he had no idea why he did it, and had a weird trance moment and can't remember nicking it

I hope they're alright, and things get better soon

Argggh my Mother had a diabetic crisis today which my Father nearly didn't cope with so called me for help. Thankfully he did know what to do about it so she was feeling a lot better by the time I arrived. In fact he's a positive expert at looking after her and just wanted me there for support, which was sweet.

But I need to learn more about diabetes in case he really does need help next time

After I said goodbye to come home I was driving down their (long) drive and I could see them in my mirror walking slowly hand-in-hand to look at some of the garden flowers after waving me off... and I just found it so deeply moving - they look so much in love with each other and are coping with this horrid business of being 'very-elderly' by sticking together and rubbing along. I hope my OH and I are just like them in 40 years time.

Aaaargh! It's 3am, how did that happen?!?! Stupid viola for keeping me up!

Why are even the 'short' size jeans (e.g. 10S) still too long for my little legs, and have to be rolled up?

Excellent - I'm sure no-one else even noticed

No, it doesn't. As long as you are still a size 10, 12, 14 or 16, you are completely normal, and in fact, quite possibly below average. Wait until you can only shop in Evans before you complain.

Me too (but for different reasons to Matthew obv ).

There are a load of plusses to a bit of extra weight - better curves for a start - AND my trousers were falling down when I put on my band uniform today. I couldn't find my belt and my blouse felt baggy. I didn't feel smart at all. They looked more ridiculous than a slightly too tight top I'm sure.

School tomorrow

I'm not ready

and I was trying to be organised this year. Bang goes that idea

Having spent most of this week perfecting ( ) my daughter's French plait (thanks to the youtube video!) she now says that if her best friend has had her hair cut, she'll "have to" have hers cut too. Her best friends' hair is short.....

Ooh dear..sorry, I shouldn't laugh but.. your daughter doesn't like her friends hairstyle..

1) I've realised that there is no way I will be able to get to my ballet class on Tuesdays because college finishes too late for me to get a bus that arrives in time.

2) I can't get on to the college home access thing to find the homework that I have to do.

3) I've been away all weekend with some of the most annoying people I have ever met.

Wow, I sound like such a pessimist... Oh well

I'm going on holiday on Saturday...the pre-holiday stress is definitely building. So much to do, so little time.

Actually, work stuff, I have something that 'absolutely must' be done by Thursday, I don't think it is possible to get it all done by then, but I am going to have someone all ready for me to hand it over to so that's OK really.

And I don't really have that much to do at home, so nothing to panic about there.
I do have my first music lesson on Thursday after the summer, I am just hoping I won't be his least-practice-over-the-summer student
Spare time has just been non-existant in August, lots to do with mother-in-law dying just don't seem to have been home much. Though I can probably tell a lot of the detail of the A11 that I never knew before

Plus it is all worse because I am tired. Got woken up by bang-crash last night, which is indicative that the cat has something that she is 'playing' with. About five mins after, my husband woke up, and I warned him as he prepared to leave the room that he should watch his feet, there's likely to be dead mouse out there.
Unfortunately there wasn't; there was an alive but eviscerated mouse out there, cat was still playing with the poor thing. Got the cat out of the way, and then the mouse decided to hide under the cooker. It's 2.45am, I can't be moving the cooker, watching the gas tube, blah blah blah at this point. So poor little mousey had to be left there, I can only think it must have gone in to shock and died pretty quickly, given the amount of its insides that were left in the bathroom. Will hunt it out this evening when I get home (something to look forward to...)
The only positive is that it's one more nail in the coffin of that dreadful cream carpet in our bathroom! (Seriously, people who owned our house before: just off-white carpet is bad enough, but in the bathroom? Where every water spillage shows, never mind any other spillage or mouse blood or whatever? I will be replacing it with something wipe-clean!)

Gah! That's better!

Confesses to having a just off-white carpet in the bathroom.

We don't have a cat though, so no mouse entrails!

I knew someone would have one!

Growing up, kitchens and bathrooms always had tile/vinyl/wipe-clean flooring. So carpet in a bathroom is something I've never had, and it just seems odd to me because of that!
And also growing up, rooms which had carpet had dark carpet, we never had light carpet because it's toooo easy to show up anything (but with up to five children in the house, that's probably why!)

This carpet...it's really weirdly textured as well. It's like a pattern of bumps/dimples, and of course it just gets all grotty/dusty in the dimples. The hoover can pick it up, but only if you put the brush attachment on and get on your knees and brush the carpet all over with it, like you would if you were using a dustpan-and-brush!
So there's some odd grey-ish marks on it which I think were then when we moved in (possibly water marks?), a bit under the radiator which is slightly orange from it leaking a bit (before we moved in), a bit near the toilet which is green (from where the cistern leaked and there was a 'greeb bloo' block in the cistern), and now mouse-stains.
All in all, it will be best when I can put this carpet out of its misery

Ok DaisyChain, you can laugh. The friend's hair remains short, but my daughter doesn't like the style. I continue to pull out what little I have left.

I've never seen carpet in a bathroom. It seems a bit of a strange thing to have in a room where things will always be getting wet - but maybe it just seems strange because I've never seen it.

We have carpet (tiles! ) in the upstairs bathrooms. It isn't very practical - we had to take up one corner of one bathroom quickly, because of a leak (which was only noticed when someone came downstairs to find water dripping from the wood panelled ceiling!). You couldn't just mop up the extra water- we had to put the carpet tiles somewhere warm to dry out, leaving that bathroom without a user-friendly floor!
It just isn't a very good idea!





My rather petty Aargh moment:
I am nearing the ends of my longer OU courses for this year. But I have got to a point where I can't do any more of the assignments until I have seen my tutor next week. I have answers to the 3 outstanding assignments, but need to wait before writing them up in neat in case she mentions something significant (ie if you don't write this statement, you will loose a mark). So I'm stuck for work to do this week. I could do revision, but I haven't got the solution booklet to the past papers, which I sent off for quite a while back.
I would like to be doing work over the next few days, as next week is busier in some respects, and I have an exam in less than 6 weeks. And next week I will have more music things on- as I am playing the organ, and haven't yet decided on some of the music for the service.

Sounds silly to complain about lack of work, but I seem to be!

By mid-next week though, I aim to have everything assignment-wise done, and then need to do a trip to the post office to post it/get a certificate of posting. (so will require getting lots of work done then, just not now)

I currently only have one short chapter of a book that I can do, for a short course I am doing (in an unrelated subject).



*goes to play the piano* Playing the piano solves everything!

I have carpet in the bathroom. Yes, it is weird.

Ours is special carpet for bathrooms - it's actually washable (I can wash and rinse it in the bath, let it drip over an airer for a while, then hang it on the line), and very forgiving of stains. It's fairly long and luxurious, and much nicer than lino IMO. Each to his own, though!

Aarrrrrghhhhh! I'm still on the stupid bus! I've got 7 pieces of homework tonight, all of which need to be in either tomorrow or Friday I'm only doing 3 subjects, so I've no idea how that even happened! (They were all from today's lessons!) I'm not going to get home for at least 30 mins and the "late bus" for prep-nights wasn't on time! Oh dear...stresses!

Oh no, I lied - I've actually got NINE pieces to do! I counted!