Frump to Fab - Summer Solstice Sizzler

podperson

Morning all,

evilsquid - I get the same thing, people who were awful to me at school trying to add me on facebook. Went I used to work in pubs I would always get them coming in acting like we were best mates or something - I would just smile sweetly and serve them last Does annoy me though that they made my life a misery and have no idea, it just doesn't register on their scale at all - they were just 'teasing' or 'messing around' :mad:

Sky - like maman said had a wee worry there but am glad you're ok, and am rather jealous of the stress free life

LW - I'm the same, haven't told OH that I'm on this thread or trying to 'fab' myself. He's very unobservant so don't think he's noticed anything different about me - don't whether I should think it's sweet he loves me whichever or hit him over the head with something :rotfl:Did your OH or friend notice your make up?

Mrs W - your holiday sounds fantastic :jam so glad you decided to go for it, like you said you work hard and should be able to have something for you from that - am sure it will be amazing x

LL - I found envy quite an interesting one - I know I can be a little envious of people who are more financially comfortable. I think more so when they don't appreciate what they have and are constantly moaning about how hard done by they are cause only two foreign holidays this year and no new car :mad: But at the end of the day, like you said, instead of wasting energy on a pointless emotion can use it as motivation to try and achieve things - at the end of the day if you're not happy with what you have then no one else can change it for you.

Floss - so glad to see you back am sure the extra pounds will drop off in no time once you've cut down again a bit.

Willow - am sure you will look great for the interview. Am sure you have probably done this but I always do a bit of research on the company - so you can throw things in if they ask 'why do you want to work here?' think about some key points/skills from your previous jobs. Also don't know how formal the place is but I generally try and think of a few answers for 'scenario questions' - which I hate with a passion and can never think up on the spot :mad: - so things like 'a time when you provided excellent customer care/went above and beyond/worked as part of a team etc.

Bratz - now that's another thing I'm envious off I never seem to have the knack of chatting easily with people, I do try and force myself and keep keeping eventually it will get easier but not so much yet.

Lizzie - don't worry about moaning hun, we all do on here (well I know I do anyway ) and sometimes it helps just to unload. Though maybe try talking to a friend or family member as well, if you always support them I'm sure they would be happy to return the favour. I'm hopeless with taking off my make up at night as well - I have my cleanser next to my toothbrush and a pack of wipes on my bedside table now - so I usually manage to notice one of them.

Am feeling a little torn today, have decided to withdraw from the OU course. It's not what I was hoping for and tbh it's making me demotivated and taking my time away from my own writing - which is kind of the opposite of what I was hoping for. I have gone through all the pros and cons in my head a million times and am sure it's the right thing for me at the moment - but can't stop feeling guilty and that I'm a 'quitter'. I have spoken to the support team and they said I can either restart it or take another module in October and won't affect my points to my degree or my financial support so that's something. Got a bit of writing done last night after not feeling like it for ages so think that's got to be a good sign!
My ebay woman finally paid up so bit more cash in and my stuff for reselling has finally been posted - though hoping there'll be a neighbour who can take it as OH is out all day today and tomorrow.

LameWolf

Dog-tired today, as I was awake all night with pain yet again (had to poke Mr LW awake to pour me some Oramorph at 03:20:() so please forgive me for keeping this brief.

Wasn't going to post today at all, but felt I should make the effort, as you've all been so kind and welcoming.

lizzie157 wrote: »

The sun’s showing its face so Think i’d best get some washing out and then its off for a walk. See you all soon X

In that case, I must make a note to get hold of some Factor 30+ at the earliest opportunity - 2 mins in the sun and my butterfly rash is not just up, it's dancing a Highland Jig on my face!:eek: Must dust off my wide-brimmed hats, too - and make sure I have a baseball cap in the peg bag, to wear for hanging out washing. There's one that Mr LW has had for years that he never uses, that's just the job for that.:D

Anyways, just to let you know A's visit went OK; Mr LW took note of my request that he do most of the chatting, not leave it to me to keep conversation flowing. The boys(!) had cider; I had a glass of water, and A was very good in that he went home at 22:10.:o Skyrim was, of course, discussed mightily, and A says he has a fix for a bug in the game, so waiting for him to email that to us.:D

Going to grab another [STRIKE]caffeine infusion[/STRIKE] mug of coffee, then have a Brie and cucumber sarnie (sans butter) and an apple that wants using up for lunch. Hope I can eat all that!;)

lessonlearned

podperson wrote: »

Morning all,


Am feeling a little torn today, have decided to withdraw from the OU course. It's not what I was hoping for and tbh it's making me demotivated and taking my time away from my own writing - which is kind of the opposite of what I was hoping for. I have gone through all the pros and cons in my head a million times and am sure it's the right thing for me at the moment - but can't stop feeling guilty and that I'm a 'quitter'. I have spoken to the support team and they said I can either restart it or take another module in October and won't affect my points to my degree or my financial support so that's something. Got a bit of writing done last night after not feeling like it for ages so think that's got to be a good sign!

I really don't think you should feel guilty about withdrawing from your course. Deep down your instincts are telling you it's not right for you. You are certainly not a quitter, you have an awful lot on your plate and sometimes you just need to prioritorise - there are only so many hours in a day.

Maybe for now you should just concentrate on your own writing etc. Don't forget you are doing your writing as well as holding down a job, running a home etc. That's a lot. As you say you can always go back
to your studies at a later date.

I did something very similar. I started a degree course when I was 40. All went swimmingly, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was well on track to getting a first. Then half-way through year two I became ill and needed two gynae ops within a three month period. I also noticed that I wasn't spending enough time with my boys. I struggled along and managed to finish year 2 but decided not to bother with my final year.

I did feel rather guilty and like you say I felt that I was a bit of a quitter, but I can truthfully say I've never regretted my decision. I reasoned that it was important to regain my health and that I would never be able to replace any lost time with my boys. We only have one childhood - corny but true and I was determined that neither they nor I would miss out.

I don't talk about my childhood much. It wasn't horrific but then again it wasn't idyllic either. My father was (still is) a difficult man and my mother never really fully adapted to life in the UK. Although they loved me in their fashion they were pretty clueless and didn't make very good parents. I'm sure they did what they thought was best but tbh - well - let's just say they didn't really cut the mustard and leave it that. I bear them no ill will.

So when I hear that some of you didn't have easy childhoods that have left you shy and lacking in self esteem and confidence I do completely understand. I've been there.

I too have had to work very hard at regaining confidence, learning how to be positive and optimistic etc. I was determined to be a good mother and to give my children a better childhood than the one I endured, so when I noticed that my studies were impacting on my relationship with my beloved boys I had no qualms about abandoning my course.

So Pod - my advice is just do what feels right. Don't torture yourself with guilt. If you let your inner voice guide you,then you won't go far wrong.

lessonlearned

bratz81 wrote: »

morning all

[

LL - yes, easy charm - that's exactly it. What I've always wanted I think I'm getting there slowly but surely. I grew up living in a place with no children and with no self esteem due to emotional abuse as a child and as a result I don't have a lot of 'good' friends, people I can feel myself around and share things. Don't get me wrong I've a handful and I've recently made new friends which I can see developing into more, but it's been a long road to grow out of that awkward, quiet stage.

It's one thing in other people I was always envious of - I also wished I was prettier or smarter or had better dress sense at times but that envy of those people who could make friends as easily as breathing was constant. I still feel it a bit now sometimes but I think as I go through life and get better at social skills myself that will fade.

Easy charm gets easier with age and practice. :rotfl:

lessonlearned

Endorphins

"Feel-good" chemicals produced by the brain that make us happy and help combat stress. Exercise will release endorphins, as will chocolate and sex. So - ladies - there's truth in that little old saying "a little of what you fancy does you good".

Effort

I'm afraid there's no such thing as "Effortless" anything, whether it be weightloss, chic, financial, academic or career success, a fantastic social life, you name it. Anything and everything that is worth having requires at least a little effort on our part. Annoying perhaps but there you go.

Equilibrium

Getting the balance right. There's no doubt about it - in today's modern frenetic world, where work seems to take over people's lives - it seems to become increasingly difficult to live well balanced lives.

I found myself eavesdropping on a conversation (I know but I couldn't help but be both fascinated and appalled by what I was hearing) between two young men in the hospital today.

One young man was aged 27 and the doctors were fussing over him, wanting to keep him in for further investigations. Like OH he was scheduled for steroids (don't know what his condition was) but he was having stomach problems and his temperature was apparently sky high, hence the need for further investigation before he could have his steroid treatment.

The poor young man was distraught because he was terrified of losing his job - he had a family. It transpired that when travelling time was taken into account, he regularly works 12 to 14 hour days, drives all over the country. No wonder he had developed stomach problems.

He was scheduled to drive down to Essex tomorrow and he was trying to negotiate with the doctor to go to work tomorrow and then be admitted to hospital tomorrow night after his trip. The doctor was very much against this and the poor man was pleading with him, saying if I let my boss down he'll sack me.

The second young man (these two men were complete strangers) had already lost his job because of his unreasonable employers and very kindly stayed behind to talk to the first man and keep him company for a while.

What a world. With the world of work the way it is - how on earth do people manage this magical work/life balance that we are all supposed to aim for.

DS2 now does the work of 3 - his "department" now consists of only him. DS1 has now been given a permanent contract, which is good of course, but because accounting procedures are different it will be 10 weeks between his last pay packet as a temp and his first as a permie. Thank goodness for the bank of Mum & Dad.

I listen to you Mrs W and others on here about your work lives and I have to admit I thank my lucky stars I'm no longer Corporate Woman. I really fear for you all. As the vernacular goes - work/life balance my a***.

Elegance

Does being elegant cost a fortune. No, it's free. It's all about dressing in a way that is tasteful, refined and dignified. Slappers need not apply. :rotfl:

It's not about excess. It's about paring your style down. Too much make up, too much bling, too much cleavage, skirts that reveal too much expanse of thigh are not elegant.

Dressing simply in well laundered, neatly ironed and pressed clothes, with clean, polished shoes, nicely kept hair and nails, with a little make up if you like wearing it, is what makes someone elegant. The key ingredient to looking elegant is grooming and good wardrobe maintenance.

lessonlearned

Well ladies

I shall be awol for a few days. I shall be off to London tomorrow for my mini adventure. I'm feeling absolutely shattered today, so will have a nap now, cook dinner and then get myself organised ready for tomorrow.

Dress is smart casual. I understand that we are in for a bit of weather this weekend - so will have to make that warm, smart casual.

Unfortunately, due to stress and less than perfect healthy eating I'm feeling unpleasantly "bloated" and most of my nice new clothes are feeling uncomfortably tight so am probably restricted as to what I can actually wear. Oh well it doesn't matter - I won't let that spoil things.

So I shall "see" you all next Tuesday.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Happy Fabbing. X

the_cat

Have a great weekend LL

lizzie157

just had a phone call someone's taken my credit card details and used it for a few "test transactions" . Fortunately credit card security have found it and have cancelled my card. They must have got it off internet transactions cos its the one I use on internet mostly and haven't used it anywhere else for ages. Gonna check through the sites i've used it on but looks like it may be amazon. i'm gonna be wary of internet purchases now

LL- have agreat weekend

evilsquid1603

lizzie157 wrote: »

just had a phone call someone's taken my credit card details and used it for a few "test transactions" . Fortunately credit card security have found it and have cancelled my card. They must have got it off internet transactions cos its the one I use on internet mostly and haven't used it anywhere else for ages. Gonna check through the sites i've used it on but looks like it may be amazon. i'm gonna be wary of internet purchases now

LL- have agreat weekend

oh no! i hope you get it sorted out! DH regularly "looses" his card to get a new one from the bank because he shops online a lot and doesnt want to take the risk his card details could be stolen.


just got back from the vets, had to take my hammy in to get the claws she's grown cut. she wasn't very happy with me and the nurse! she went mad in the car and weed on me and the nurse. she had a nice car nap on the way home though!

lizzie157

DH regularly "looses" his card to get a new one from the bank because he shops online a lot and doesnt want to take the risk his card details could be stolen.

thanks evilsquid might be an idea for me to do the same in future

Oh and good wishes to your hamster (posted the 1st bit quick and had to go -my toast was on fire ) hope she's recovered from her ordeal x