make do and mend for tougher times

katieowl_2

Oh dear...I'm so tired this morning. DS had a meltdown last night because his computer wasn't working, and he couldn't fix it. It's been a loooooong time since one of these episodes, but it's always there simmering under the surface, and it's pretty alarming to see a 20 year old throw a toddler tantrum.

I have an element of sympathy because the computer is ancient, he can't afford to replace it (neither can we) and he was using a dodgy copy of the OS, because he can't afford a legit one of those either (I know there are issues with that too, but it's all to do with no money!!!) We tried to fix it, by borrowing a disc back from DD's BF, but because the keyboard was also not working properly, he couldn't use the function keys...anyway, there is no longer a keyboard, because he snapped it in half :eek: He managed to cut his hand in the process. I remained calm, despite the raging and threats of violence to Bill Hates and his entire clan, and wailing that he's worse off now than he was when he was 16 and that he's never ever going to get a job and have any money, I managed to defuse him a bit, and then of course had to endure the rest of the evening where he feels like a pillock, and follows me round the house like a puppy, because he's got nothing to do... And breathe.

Half way through all this one of my oldest mates called and obviously detected the strain So I told her what was going on, and she's such a blessing. She and I have had so many conversations about how these youngsters are just being hung out to dry so it was nice to speak to someone who understands! Her granddaughter works part time as a care assistant, so min. wage of course. They don't tell her until Monday morning what hours she's working for the week, so she can't get another job either!

I simply do not know what will become of this generation. I despair for them I really do.

Kate

Sunshine4

Pooky wrote: »

Loved !!!!!! last night, was amazed at the flax and basket weaving....I want to have a go!

Pooky. I did too, really enjoyed all the program last night.

Born Blonde Sorry to hear about your arm please take care and rest.

2T I agree with Lyn with having to make your pennies go as far as possible.Buy your frest stuff locally and buy the rest from MrT

Hope everyone else is doing okay

short_bird

mcculloch29 wrote: »

Vassily is the heavy metal meerkat and I'm thrilled with him. He has a 'Meerfest' t-shirt which features bands such as 'Vermin', 'Iron Meerkat' and 'Meertalica', a leather jacket and long fur over his collar, suggesting a mullet hairstyle.

Thank You! I am now awaiting delivery of a Vassily via that well known auction site. I was on my way out to see the new Led Zeppelin film so didn't know I'd won till I got home. I'm sure he'll go nicely on the shelf next to the Adipose stress toy. (see my avatar if you aren't sure what an Adipose is. It's from Doctor Who.)

D&DD

Possession I'm a bit busy here with DS3 home so just skim reading but wanted to quickly answer your post regarding your boy.Do you know any of the history of the other child or know their parents? Reason I ask is they may too see it as a totally unsuitable placement for their child,and if so may be grateful for you kicking up a real stink regarding your son and others safety. Your boy shouldn't have all that worry at his age the school should be sorting it out not the parents I know but sadly that never seems to happen nowadays..

When it got to the point my son couldn't do mainstream anymore he became violent in the classroom as well as towards himself (luckily he never lashed out at others!) I ended up calling an emergency review meeting as it drove him to a breakdown,eventually he got a suitable placement but it had taken nearly 6 years..he was 9 when it all erupted.

I actually asked other parents to write down for me how their kids were affected by DS3's outbursts,they didn't want to as they'd always been so supportive but I needed the 'evidence' to put a good case..so what I'm trying to say in a long winded way is there may be another way round all this depending on what the special needs are,what placements are like where you live etc etc

In the meantime use the governors..I wrote directly to the chair of governors spelling out what had been happening in school and she got involved straight away,if you'd rather PM I've cleared out my box

XXX

Possession

Thanks D&DD, have PM'd you.
Just so there is some positive news, I had to read the meters and we have only used £55 of gas this quarter. £183 of elec but at least the gas is low.

jayney34

Good Morning Ladies and Gents,

I feel I need to come clean - I have a confession to make I have been lucking and have finaly read all the posts on this thread and felt it was about time I intriduced myself hope you all dont mind.

I must apologise for not quoting individual posts or thanking as you can imagine there are to many to mention all 477 pages of them - one thing I will say is a lot of tea has been consumed over the last few weeks.

I have enjoyed reading all your posts ns feel I know you all well by now I have learnt sooo much and you are all so clever and diverse Idont want to highlite people inparticular but feel I have to day Fuddle your posts are particularly enjoyable and I feel you are a most insparational person.

Well to me - I am very new to all this and when I say new I mean new so please be gentle.

I am 39 have three kids DS1 (21) DS2 (17) first marriage and DD1 (5 weeks) new partner I have always worked and never stayed at home due to financial needs but due to new house location it would be diffcult for me to return to work and would love to be a SAHM but that wuld mean 1/2 income so belt tighting very nessesary - whilst I know this is a choice where others its not I hope I can pick your brians and join in your lovely chats to help me acheive this Alert though I may ask very silly quaetions as my ex did all cooking ( I can just about do a jacket) and household stuff and have a garden for the first time - so never even grown a weed before. I a very keen to learn to cook and grow veg

Sorry for the long post will try harder next time

X X J

Uniscots97

Welcome Jayney, no such thing as a silly question and we all need to learn to cook, sew etc at some time so you'll never find any of us judging don't worry.

Tawny75

Welcome Jayney ( Love the name, my dad calls me that ) I ask questions all the time and the lovely people on here help me loads.

ginnyknit

So much stress for so many here, dont know where to start, think it will be easier to send a huge all encompassing hug. Im so sorry for all the problems you are having, feel like hiding under the duvet myself just in case. Instead am off to light a candle for some peace for you all xxxx

Jayney welcome, glad you found things on the thread that can help you. You chat away to us theres no limit on the length of posts.:)

Just had a phone call - should have run upstairs and got under the covers - they are coming to insulate the loft in a month - I got a months grace as I now have to empty the loft of all the wonders that have accumulated there in 30 years. Wish me luck guys, really didnt need this

D&DD

oooh but Ginny think of all the space you'll have in the loft for preps once its done :D:D
After just having done mine out tho you have my utmost respect and sympathy if its anything remotely like ours :eek:
XX

possession incoming lol X