Frump to Fab - Summer Solstice Sizzler

podperson

Hi all,

Sorry last few posts have been a bit ranty, am still very worried about the meeting on Monday, managed to get the time off work though and since there's nothing else I can really do until then am going to try not to think about it. And on that note have been catching up on your posts

Willow - hope the job's going ok, unfortunately I tend to find those kind of jobs seem to attract managers who think they are above everyone else

LL - fantastic that the money from Spain has finally come, fingers crossed the ESA will actually get sorted this time! Hope OH and DS are both feeling better now x

WW - hope your pupil is feeling a little better, very sad she had to go through something like that alone but I would take it as a great compliment that she felt you could be confided in and hopefully her parents will be able to be supportive when they find out. Hope the scales are nice at weekend

Lizzie - hope you and DD are both feeling better, and ESA finally get themselves in gear! Don't worry about moaning on here - just look at my recent posts

Mooloo - have you tried looking at local colleges that might have massage students, a friend of mine is currently training and does massages for me and she's very good - they are always wanting practice and if often free or just a nominal fee. Hope you enjoy your weekend x

LW - hope you're feeling a bit better - if you know the high-up dusting sets it off ask Mr LW to do it, am sure he will be happy to be bribed with blackberry and apple crumble for it (if I lived nearer you I'd be open to crumble bribes as well :rotfl:) Definately do not feel guilty about getting a higher rate, the doctor who assessed you would not have given if she didn't think you deserved it and it's nice to see a system actually working for once!

Bratz - how frustrating for your friend, it's makes me so angry that they just seem to have these silly loopholes everywhere. I'm sure I was looking at something a bit back where you could apply for medical/dental help on the grounds of just low income, can't remember what the form was called but might be worth him looking into? Will see if I can recall where I saw it when I get home tonight.

Anyway, like I said, am trying hard to be positive and not think about Monday too much. I'm meeting a lady tonight who has a knitwear label and wants me to take a few piccies of some items she has, so am meeting her and a model she's arranged after I finish work. Have the studio session nearly filled up for Sunday now, which will hopefully go well, and am possibly meeting a band to do some promo shots tomorrow after work - so going to be a busy week! Not done much fabbing-wise I must admit but am wearing a black and white slightly boho-style top, a black and white cardi and the red flower necklace I had to buy for the choir concert (will get my money's worth! :rotfl:) so not feeling too bad. Bit cloudier today but still not a bad day.

Molly41

My house needs "Fabbing" too. I just have not had the energy to even put things away so they are littering my dining room. I will sort it though soon.

I have been maintaining my routines though and my nails look ok although like LW they are flaking a bit. Remember that your nails are three to six months behind, so probably when you had you relapse LW, is the cause for the flakiness now. I have been advised to use almond oil but currently have some critical care base coat which is helping.

I have also brought some new summer clothes and shoes. I felt a bit guilty but they are an investment.

I too am awaiting my ESA decision and nerve wracking it is too so you all have my support xx

PodPerson - hope your finance gets sorted asap xx

LameWolf

Molly yes I'm sure you're right, it's all to do with the flare; I've settled for waiting for the current expanse of nail to grow out, then hopefully with the Vaseline, the new growth will be better.:o I've trimmed them back as short as it practical (another one flaked off badly yesterday) and told Mr LW he's to make sure I remember to apply the Vaseline every night (headology at work here - if I tell him, I'm more likely to remember it myself).;)

Podperson Mr LW would definitely do the high-up dusting if asked:A - but I hate asking him, as he works full-time, and I'm here sat on my lazy butt all day, so I want to do it myself iyswim.:o I dare say it's all to do with feeling guilty that I can no longer go out and earn my keep *rolls eyes*. Doesn't help seeing all the "benefits frauds" stories that keep appearing; although I know my cause is genuine, I feel that others must see me as a lazy sponger, if I'm making any sense.
The knitwear label sounds interesting - let us know how that goes! And of course good luck with the shoot on Sunday.

I have on today a dress I bought in Belgium - it's a sort of light stone colour (don't know how else to describe it) with same-colour embroidered patterns and squiggles, and a laced tie back (which Mr LW has to tie for me;)) It's sleeveless, with a gentle V-neck, and I have a silver pendant like this )O( set with a moonstone in the centre.

Before I go - Wolfy cuddles to Molly's Westies and WW's woofer.:D

Callisto

Hello ladies, I have been away from the forums for a while to try and get myself together. I have found the counselling I have been having for depression immensely helpful.

I have decided that I am going to go travelling. The relationship with my boyfriend is going downhill, I have no children or ties, and it has been my dream to go for years, but I have always put it off. So I am going to pay off my debts, save up and go! Realistically I am looking at a year at least to raise the money, but I feel so much better now I have something to aim for! I am still living with boyfriend, and don't really know how to proceed with him at the moment - I haven't told him I want to go travelling yet. I do love him, but I am fed up of him not taking responsibility for himself or his life (and by extension OUR life together).

I have also put on more weight due to comfort eating, so I now need to lose 20lbs. I have agreed with the counsellor that I will try healthy eating and walking five times a week for a month (until my next appointment), and if my mood hasn't improved, that I will try anti-depressants.

I've now realised just how low my confidence and self esteem is. I've started reading 'Overcoming Low Self Esteem' which I got from the library, and I am looking at local colleges to see if they have any assertiveness courses starting soon.

I got a good mark for my last OU assignment, only two more to go until the end of the course. I am a bit stuck now though as I originally wanted to do the Environmental Science degree, but I'm now thinking that Science and Maths are my weakest subjects and I would be better off doing Environmental Studies which is more social science/arts based. I qualify for the lower 'transitional fees' as the OU is increasing their fees this year. However if I start a course and drop out (ie do the Science/Maths and find it too hard) then I will automatically have to pay the higher fees. I think a phonecall to an advisor is needed soon.

I went to see 'Twelfth Night' last week with my Mum at the RSC Theatre in Stratford. It was soooo good, I absolutely loved it, the performance was amazing and the theatre is lovely. I have also booked tickets to go and see a band play live in Birmingham next month. I have denied myself from going out and having fun for so long because subconsciously I guess I thought I wasn't worth it, but I bl**dy am worth it!

I have only read a couple of pages back, so haven't fully caught up with everything that is happening, but it seems that the sunshine is definitely helping everyone!

Oooh final bit of epic post (sorry) my parents have recently got a Jack Russell puppy from an animal rescue place. She is about six months old and so adorable, I will try and remember to take a photo and post it up for LW and anyone else who would like to see.

Bitsy_Beans

Callisto sorry you're having relationship problems but sometimes it's best to call time rather than flog a dead horse. Exciting plans re the travel. Wish you all the best in raising your money xxx

LW Repeat after me "I do not have a lazy butt, I am not bone idle" you have a health condition which is incredibly limiting, mind is willing but the body is not. That in my book is not laziness xxx

LameWolf

:T Yay on the decision to travel, Callisto. I agree with Bitsy, sometimes it's time to step away from a relationship - you sound happier in yourself, which is grand.:beer: I shall look forward to seeing pics of the pup when you get chance.:o

We have tickets for "Yes Prime Minister" at MK Theatre on Saturday night; as I was in the Civil Service for 20 years, I shall appreciate the humour, though I usually don't care for comedy.:o

podperson

Callisto - nice to see you back - and fantastic that you're starting to make some exciting plans. Completely agree, you are definately worth it Regarding the OU, I would check about the fees with an advisor, when I was debating whether to drop out of my course one of the things I was worried about was whether it would mean that I would then be put onto the new higher rates - but they said that as long as I either retake or start another module within the next year then I'm still classes as 'continuing studies' so am ok to stay on the lower fees.

LW - 110% agree with Bitsy, you are def not lazy! I do know how you feel a bit as I find it very hard asking people, even OH, for help with things, but am trying to work on it. One thing I'm trying to do now is think about if the roles were reversed then how would I feel - eg if you could do something that was fairly quick and easy for you but that would save Mr LW a lot of hassle and pain, would you mind doing it? Of course not!!

lessonlearned

As part of my mental exercises in staying optimistic and positive each day I'm going to write down three good things in my world.

!. Received my official award letter re ESA. Everything now ok. So hang in there ladies - remember the mantra "Persistance Pays Off".;)

2. Spent a lovely few hours with my sister and OH, sitting out in the sun with him, feeding him cake that my sister had treated him to. He's looking much better now and breathing easier. The sun is definitely doing him some good.

3. My sister popped into the £ shop and picked up some flowering shrubs. I also picked up a couple from Sainsbob's yesterday. DS2 off work again today - still a bit groggy but he will help me plant them tomorrow.

Life is good.

Callisto - glad to see you back. Sorry to hear that your relationship is going pear shaped. Your idea of travelling is great. Where do you fancy.

Interesting about your reading. I too have been reading quite a lot of psychology/philosophy recently. Actually I have done all my life - medicine in general and psychology in particular are real interests of mine.

I am reading about the power of positive psychology at the moment. It's quite a heavy tome and goes pretty deeply into the actual neuroscience underpinning it all. Not everyone's cup of tea I know but I do find it fascinating. In fact since OH first became ill I have read up a great deal about neuroscience and neurological disorders. My GP now freely admits I know more about the subject than he does:rotfl:

PP

Try not to worry too much about Monday. You have a meeting and that is a good positive. Face to face is always best when you need to discuss anything.

Can you prepare for it in any way. I'm a great believer in forward planning in that kind of situation, getting my facts straight and even going in with a list of points/questions.

LW - I agree it takes about 6 months for a nail to grow so don't expect overnight miracles. The whole point of applying gels and creams to the nail is that the application involves massaging them into the area. It is the massage that helps work the magic - buffing is also good. Massage and buffing stimulate blood flow to the finger tips, feeding oxygen and nutrients to nourish and strengthen the nails.

As well as your flare up be aware that medication can also affect the nails too. When OH was hospitalised three years ago with pneumonia he didn't respond to normal antibiotics even though he was given very high doses.

In the end he was given gentomycin - very effective but highly toxic (can cause fatal liver damage). His nails became extremely brittle. I clipped them short and massaged them daily. They improved after a few weeks of this.

OH loves the "Yes Minister" series.

Re the discussion about TV programmes the other day. I like "Alcatras" but am lost with "Fringe". I always loved "24"- As Jeremy Clarkson put it "Jack Baur is God".

I will be interested to see what "Touch" is like (Kiefer Sutherland is in it). I'm enjoying "Homeland" and I'm soooooo looking forward to the new "Game of Thrones" which starts soon.:) In fact so much so I'm rewatching the first series as "homework". There are so many great baddies in it. I do love a good baddie:rotfl:

And of course, one of our great favourites in this house is the Apprentice. This lot have to be the worst yet. :rotfl::rotfl: They are so hopeless they are achingly funny.

Being a "Good Mum" never ends.

DS1 popped home last night. I gave him his customary greeting of a big hug and a friendly slap on the bottom. He winced.

He showed me his leg:eek:. Then he proceeded to show me the makeshift dressing on his derriere. It transpires he had played football on astroturf and had been a bit too enthusiastic with a sliding tackle. Boys will be boys.;) I packed him off to have a soak in a TCP bath, then redressed the wound for him.

I had to smile - it's been about 20 years since I last saw his buttocks - glad to say they are as firm and cute as ever. :rotfl:

Don't forget - Fab Friday tomorrow.

lizzie157

I'm sorry if any of you think I'm exaggerating but I've been to the DWP's offices etc and the things I've witnessed:eek::eek: I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand on end. :mad:

yes same here - sometimes wonder where being reasonable, and playing it by the rules gets you. Unfortunately or fortunately whichever way you look at it it's just not me to go effing n blinding - well not at first anyway:rotfl::rotfl:

To all of you on here having trouble with the system you have my sympathy and I wish you all the best in sorting it out.

LW- I agree with everyone else, you are not lazy and I too struggle asking for help. Sometimes you have to though for the sake of your health.
PP- you sound much brighter - good on you for being positive.
Callisto- lovely to see you back. Sounds really exciting, travelling (can I come:rotfl:), so glad the counselling helped. Might have a look at the book myself, I struggle a bit in self esteem area. Would love a peek at the doggy, she sounds lovely.

Have been looking for somewhere to take the kids during hols( on the train), has to be somewhere either free or v. cheap due to money situation and preferably with a through train from sheffield. Any ideas anyone? Determined not to sit at home doing nowt as part of my new resolve before all this ESA sh*t kicked off was to get out more.
Right off to re-do my nails -might have a finger in plaster but at least my nails will look good:D

evilsquid1603

Callisto good luck with environmental science/studies! Env sci was my first degree but I did it at manchester uni. They seemed to lump us and the studies group together and we did 90% the same thing apart from they did a few modules with the planning dept and we got sent to the atmospherics dept. By the second year, every single studies student switched to sci to get a BSc rather than a BA for doing basically the same stuff. Ours did have a few maths heavy modules but we coped, *just*