The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

fuddle

PX87 I feel for you, so so much. I have no experience in any of what you are going through as I was only 10 but when I read your post it struck me as a natural response to something that isn't clear cut. It's the same with anything in life - we can deal, and do deal much better with the known than we do with the not knowing. I agree that he sounds so scared - fight or flight. He's choosing flight as his knee jerk coping strategy but I agree with Lyn in that it is just a knee jerk reaction.

What I want to say to you PX is that you might feel like you are just gripping onto things with your finger tips but we can see that you have oodles of grip on everything that has happened... a strong woman is just that - a woman of strength is shaped by her experiences. You will, one day, turn a corner. Things will fall into place for you, things will happen that you never would believe or expect. You will have a good period, your strength will see to it that you do

Yes we have come so far Lyn and completely settled. Our lives are hectic but I like it that way. We are busy but can fit everything in that we need to.

The drawers are a little more beaten than I expected but nothing a sanding machine (DH work ) can't fix and some wood wax or the like... In the future. For now I am loving the organisation and peace in my bedroom. So much so I am lying relaxing in silence (other than DH beating the ice of the freezer compartments!) finishing off a bit ginger beer (no gin this time though) and happy to have the fairy lights in my room that adorn some long twigs. Here's to second hand, making do and appreciating small things

[Deleted User]

And here's to those amazing people who, despite all that the Gods conspire to throw at them,triumph over all adversity and gain experience, strength,compassion and humour, skills and enough stubbornness to not only come through the dark times but to step out into the light and shine with thier own inner light. There are many of you posting and reading along on this friendly little piece of life and I salute each and every one of you, you are the best of the best, good on you all!!!!!

PIC many years ago I had a sutiation similar to yours at a school, having done nothing I knew about one of the girls was targeted by some of the other kids in the class and the parents ostracised me. I never did find out why and it nearly cost me my sanity as He Who Knows was still abroad and I was on my own back here. I tried every way to settle it, but a wise friend said sometimes you can't and never will and until you accept that, you'll never have a peaceful moment in your life. Good sense. So I walked away, changed schools and made a new life. Occasionally I'd come across one of my previous aquaintance who would cross the road or leave the room as they saw me and one day I had that exquisite moment of eureka and started laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situation. Ever after, whenever I saw one of that group I smiled sweetly, crossed the road myself and kept on smiling and even laughing out loud as I walked away. It scared the hell out of them, and they left me alone. It works love, they get really worried about why is she laughing at me? and the glory is I wasn't, just laughing at ME for being so worried about worthless people in the first place!!!

PX87 hope you're feeling a little more positive and less stressed today lovie, and that OH is in less discomfort with his dental work.

FUDDLE way to go girlie, you're a winner!!!

D&DD

Morning
Been a bit snowed here as per usual and orf to hospital with DS2 in a mo so sending squidgy hugs to all those who need one for now and will catch up when I get home XXX

ivyleaf

(((HUGS))) to PX87 and PIC, and anyone else in need of some. I agree wholeheartedly with what Lyn and others have said!

And PX I wouldn't try to quit smoking just at the moment, it will just be another stress. Do it when things have calmed down, as they will.

monnagran Have a lovely time in Corfu

D & DD Hope all goes well at hospital x

We're going away for a long weekend as it's OH's birthday on Sunday, so have lots of bits and pieces to do today. This morning I have to to go the surgery to collect a prescription, and then in the opposite direction to ask my hair stylist if he can spare a few minutes to tidy up my fringe - the rest of my hair's fairly ok but the fringe is a mess, I know it's trivial but I'd like it to look better! I was just about to go and put some lippy and powder on, but DS has just gone in the bathroom so I will just have to hope he won't be too long (my make-up bag's in there). I need to wash my summer clothes too as they've been in a drawer since last summer and I need some to take away with me.

We are going to Florence (it was a special offer) so hopefully it will be sunny and quite warm, but it's so much hassle getting ready to go away that I usually end up feeling I'd rather just stay at home!

juliettet

Ivyleaf,

Florence is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy.

Possession

Florence is one of my very favourite places on earth Ivyleaf, enjoy it!

savingqueen

Hello everyone,

Sorry been MIA for a few days, just been very busy or tired/relaxing after being very busy! Back now for my usual ramble...

Had a good bank holiday weekend, tried to keep boys out as much as possible so DH could study but by the Monday needed to stay in to catch up with chores, homework with the kids and proofreading for DH. We also let them stay up late Sat and Sun watching Star Wars films with us.

Also been spending more time and money than I would like buying new clothes for DS9 still and then exchanging them for bigger sizes, some of which are still no good and need a refund. One bag returned for refund today and 4 more shops pending. I am also on the lookout, mostly in charity shops for summer and other bits for me, hoping to make do with minimum as I have been in the winter until I have exercised enough weight off to fit into my size 14s. Clothes shopping along with food shopping is taking up an extraordinary amount of time lately but needs must as we say.

DH has been told his work trip abroad is now off as his job is classified "at risk" and he has to apply for a new post in his current dept in the next few days. Please cross everything for him. Also found out DH can only make 1 of 2 resit dates (the 2nd is while we are away on holiday, typical). If he fails the resit, he fails the whole year and doesn't get his qualification after 3 years study - no pressure!!

Finally sorted out the MIL visit -she and FIL are coming on a Sat end of May - after DS's birthday and DH's exam and when DH is around. Think DH and I may go which I am dreading but one meal is bearable and a huge difference to MIL staying under our roof for several days. I need to be brave and try and arrange the same with my "lot" as the children will be asking why they can't see them. Lots of deep breathes will be needed over the coming weeks I feel!

Went to Mr Tosspots this morn with vouchers clutched in my sticky mitts. They overcharged me £1.39 so get DTD, £2.78 off the shopping, a "free" deo as was priced £1 and voucher £1 off and a free bag of kiddies potato thingies (useful when fussy friends come over) so a little whoop and ta Mr Tosspots!

ok must tidy as have some extra kids over after school (tidy read put away various breakables and college work mostly!) and then hoping to hit the gym before school run....

Have read along last few days but forgotten already exactly who said what, hugs all round then but especially to PIC and PX

sq

ivyleaf

Thank you juliettet and Possession. We did spend a day there last year when we were staying at a campsite in Tuscany, and said then that we must go back as we didn't have long enough (it was about 2 hours away from where we were staying - we were lucky enough to go on a coach excursion ).

I can't remember much Italian atm, and am not at all fluent in the first place! but hopefully it'll come back to me once we're there. And I can ask for two coffees or two beers, so we'll be fine

It was funny last year at the campsite - the man who ran the campsite shop complimented me on my Italian, and I was trying to explain that actually I'd used the phrasebook and the dictionary and worked out how to say what I wanted to say (in this case, "Is it possible to order a loaf of white bread for tomorrow please?") and then memorised it

ETA SavingQueen I've just seen your post - so very sorry to hear about the worry re your OH's job. I'll have everything x'd for him. such a nasty shock when it had looked as if all was going to be well (((HUGS)))

silvasava

Good for you Ivyleaf - have a great time & wear comfy shoes!! I went a few years ago with a friend for a long weekend. Got to see Michaelangelo's David - took my breath away, so stunning I was nearly in tears.
My Dad always used to say when you go abroad always make sure you know the pleasantries in the language & please & thank you!

Pyxis

silvasava wrote: »

My Dad always used to say when you go abroad always make sure you know the pleasantries in the language & please & thank you!

AND "where's the nearest toilet, please?"