OS Singlies - We Do It Our Way!

JustKeepSwimming_2

LavenderBees wrote: »

Regarding jobs/changing jobs, the truth is that, at 48, and with only one income to rely on, I couldn't possibly consider changing jobs to one with less income, even if that made me happier during working hours.

Maybe it's not the right way to look at it, but I have one eye on today (hence trying to make my out of works life full of the things I love doing like gardening and animasl), and the other eye is very firmly fixed on the future (albeit a future I don't know I actually have).out well for me (at the moment

I don't think there is a right or wrong way to look at it - only what is right for you. I'm so lucky that things have worked out well for me (at the moment - my new boss could be vile :eek: ) but I'm mindful that a further decline in my health will leave me scuppered & unable to do my current job. Then I have no idea how I'll manage financially.

But I personally feel insecure if I take a short term view and only look at getting through today. I am, unfortunately, at that middle age (how did that happen!? :eek:) when pension provision/sick pay/paid holidays etc are important.

If I lose this job as I expect to at some point when my work disappears, then, if the only jobs around are poorly paid ones, my aim will be to work at something I enjoy. To be poorly paid and in a job I'd hate would finish me off.

That would be dreadful - think I'd lose the will too

I can just about cope with a job I dislike, sometimes hate, but am reasonably paid/have reasonable benefits. It would be wonderful to work in a job I'd love and be reasonably paid, too, but that doesn't exist up here.

So, I've given orders to my team member here, that when she buys the office lottery tickets today, she makes sure she has the winning one for us. She hs promised to do that :T

No begging letters, Folks! I'm not nearly that nice :rotfl:

LB xx

calicocat wrote: »

...LB, that is pretty much how I feel about the whole job thing, I would be too scared in a low paid job at the moment due to needing money for the upkeep of a house, I am hoping to get the cosmetic things done and a pot saved before more wards go down the swanny, but this could happen anytime and we are always the last to find out. The last ward I was on that closed, staff found out it was shutting due to the domestic supervisor ringing to see if we needed a cleaner as we were closing!!......then it closed whilst I was on holiday, if it hadn't been for a friend texting to say it was closing down el-pronto I wouldn't have been able to go get my stuff out of there.

The staff that work there are always last to know what's really going on.


Right, must get up and eat something as starving.

Blimey Calicocat, that is scary :eek:
Hope everyone will have a fantastic weekend - we're off to visit my cantankerous mother & taking her out for lunch. She will no doubt manage to upset everyone she comes into contact with - the taxi driver will be too fast/slow, the food will be too hot/cold/bland/spicy, the waiting staff will be too slow/rude - I'm dreading it . I don't think I've ever know her to happy about anything, & nothing is ever right, or good enough (including me). My Dad used to say she was born miserable & I think he was right, sadly. I find her exhausting to be around (as do other family members) & her negativity still affects me for days even though I try hard to shrug it off. I hate to see her so unhappy, but she revels in it & at her age I doubt she'll ever change.

Reading that back makes me sound horrible & I'm not, really :rotfl:. I could be the most dutiful, helpful daughter & it wouldn't be good enough, so I've settled for being a good enough (in my eyes) daughter.

Wish me luck

calicocat

Good luck.

And it doesn't make you sound horrible, I get it, mine can be the same. She's very critical of everyone and assumes her way is right.....zero insight into it, has no clue she's doing it.

Well , until the times I get fed up and point out how rude she is.


It's quite sad really , to go through life generally finding the worst in people.....but we can't change them. If mine comes up monday or Tuesday I shall share some snippet of wisdom she manages to impart on the general public or myself....so you won't feel alone....lol.


I wonder if it is going to thunder....idiot cat has suddenly started whizzing around like she's on.....well wizz. ...and i've had a headache all day thinking about it......it needs to thunder.

RosiePuddingPaws

JustKeepSwimming - it doesn't make you sound horrible. After all, you are visiting her despite it! Hope it isn't too soul destroying. And, remember, if you need to unload afterwards, we are here.

Breezy, but sunny, this morning. Shame all I seem to be able to do is sneeze! I don't get hayfever generally (although I used to), but when the pollen count is high then I know before they tell me on the weather forecast. Still, good for getting the washing dry and the machine is churning right now.

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Anyone have nice plans?

RPP

calicocat

Oh, and IF AT FIRST....how did the hair pan out?....or have I missed that bit?

LavenderBees

Morning All,

I feel so exhausted that I must have aged 30 years overnight . I seem to have regressed back to being in the middle of the stress last year, as I'm not sleeping, feel very emotional and exhausted. It was the anniversary of my Mam going into the Care Home last year, and I can remember every conversation, every hug, every tear that my Dad and I shared. It's like it was yesterday

It's also Father's Day tomorrow, and I swear if M00nPug.com reminds me again that I no longer have a lovely Dad to spoil, I swear, my foot will go through the TV, or it would if I had the energy to!

So, I'm in a reet fettle as you can see. No energy but unable to rest. I feel like a pile of poo

On the plus side, I have made huge inroads into my Mam's estate completion, and have also saved a few thousand pounds, which on a tiny estate is a huge percentage gain. Shame my toxic siblings will benefit, but such is life :mad:.

So, today isn't so much nice plans, but more dragging myself slowly through some chores. I'm firmly in the must be ironed pile. Last night, I made up my bed with unironed sheets etc, and it just wasn't the same, so I'm back to ironing.

I'll also clean out the girls' henhouse when the sun comes out this afternoon - it's a bit drizzly and grey at the mo.

But that's all I'm doing. Last weekend I said I was going to lie on the bed with the pusses and read, and I didn't actually find time to do that as I got caught up in the estate work, but this week I WILL rest. I need to. Both Sweet-Baby-Cat and Young-Boy-Cat have been following me like little shadows today, offering kisses and cuddles, bless them. Do they know I feel cr4p, I wonder?

On another plus side, I've signed up to a charity "YoucanAfrica" to try to raise some sponsorship for building a kindergarten for a small community in Ghana. A chap at my work has moved mountains to help a village in Uganda achieve self sufficiency (I bought them a breeding pig :rotfl:), and having miraculously achieved that, is now moving onto help a community in Ghana. For 4 weeks, I will not be able to eat sweets, chocolate, ice cream, crisps, meat, drink alcohol, basically nuffink that makes life acceptable :rotfl:

But my 4 weeks is nothing compared to the effort this chap puts in, using his engineering expertise to, as I say, almost literally move mountains. I hope to feel better by helping in a very small way as well as getting myself a bit healthier (I'm failing miserably at the mo:(). Our company usually matches sponsorship raised too :T

I don't know if any of you would like to sponsor/contribute in a small way. No obligation, of course. There are so many deserving causes out there, and we can't possibly contribute to all, but if you can spare a quid or even two, that would be lovely. I will be setting up a JustGiving page this weekend, with photos of the plight of these wee children (I am waiting for them to be sent to me), and if anyone would like to help, please just PM me for the details.

I won't mention the sponsorship again as touting for money doesn't come naturally :rotfl:, but I will be starting my challenge on Monday even if I am simply sponsoring myself. I am determined these wee kids will get some benefit from me being miserable at lack of chocolate :rotfl:

Hope you all have a lovely weekend, whatever your plans are.

LB xx

if_at_first...

Calicocat,


Hair is a little darker than I expected but I think it will fade. I have been paying special attention to my co-workers and have not heard any snickering behind my back - so I am hoping it is OK!


Quite hard work but I am less violent with my scalp than my hairdresser!


Have a great weekend everyone - I am working till 6 and then going for a relaxing walk and some dinner. Tomorrow will be pottering in my "garden". Can you train your thumb to be green or is it a birth right?

calicocat

Well done on sorting the estate bit, and hugs for the feeling poo bit. It's still early days with this LB, a couple of years on I can now look at and remember the funny things without so much upset.

Tomorrow I will light a candle by the photo of my dad in a wig at some party (one of my favourite photos as he's clearly having a ball.)...and may have some blue cheese (his favourite) with some crackers at the end of the day and a glass of something to say cheers.

That restless feeling is horrid I know, try and do bits of things (small things), so that you aren't just moving from one room to the other, and i'm on the other end of the phone if you want to talk at any point.

I'll sponsor you, will just give you the money when I see you next....assuming i'll be able to recognise you after cutting all that out of the diet.....lol.


Well, bedroom tidier, fresh bed made......I Love a new bed (it looks very inviting....but I will not get in until bedtime!!, cat is already on it though). Not ironed I add, and no intention of doing so.

Shoes sorted and put away in one place...yay!...(boots yet to do)

Washing on the line, 'stuff' in loft, organised loft a bit better, tidied dining room ( well a bit). Re-built hammock as took it apart for festival that I didn't go to, so that's up and running in garden should the sun decide to pop out.

I'm a bit exhausted already and nearly fell asleep on sofa, but must try and keep myself awake, otherwise will still be awake at 4am like this morning. Not sure I have the energy to do anything very strenuous though so not sure what to do next. If I start sanding and painting I may get too knackered and fall asleep to early. I might just fanny around sorting the drawers in guest bedroom as some of those are empty and so stuff could be put away in them.

Forcing yourself to stay awake is murder...but it's only 1pm so must!!

calicocat

Afternoon folks, and happy dads day to those here and those not.


Right....question....this whole spray painting stuff I haven't done before, and i'm wondering if I live in a place that is just too windy to do it. I would be doing it outside as no garage, has anyone else done it?...will the ruddy paint go everywhere?. I nearly bought some yesterday but then thought i'd check/research a bit more first. Or do it later in the year when not so windy, if it ever gets less windy here.

I went for a 'paddle' in the sea yesterday, and got chatting to a woman who runs a local sea swimming/boarding club locally. Well to be fair I initially started talking to the 3 legged grey hound first.

Anyhow, she invited me to join their club anytime, and told me what board to get if I fancied it etc. I'm not on faceache and that's how they generally communicate etc but said they are always on the beach in the summer. So......I might go along and see more what it's about..........in the north sea!!...it's always freezing!....but I hate swimming baths with a passion, only like the sea or holiday pools. To be honest i'm not a brilliantly strong swimmer anymore, and yesterday evening it was wild, I was only in up to my knees and nearly got taken off my feet a couple of times......but something to think about.......and hanging out at the beach is one of the reasons I initially moved to the coast.


Overnight some !!!!!! slugs or snails have eaten my apple mint....i have just bought a slug beer trap but haven't installed yet, as can't work out of it A) attracts more of the ruggers into the garden...B) best place to put it. Anyone else used one before?.


Also a sage plant looks like it's dying...maybe over-watering on my part, have shoved back in conservatory to dry out in the heat and see.

The cats -with -thumbs seem to be on the missing list last couple of weeks....I must be hitting at the wrong times.

Mum is winding her way up to me sometime in the next day or so......so will have to run around garden pulling some weeds before the tidy-police turn up....bless.



Hope all having a good day.


Byatt.....are you in Italy already???...or just MIA?

Byatt

No, not in Italy, believe me you'll all know about it when I do!

June is a funny month for me, lots happened, various anniversaries including wedding, my birthday (the older I get the more soul searching I do), so have been absorbed in reading (started the Cazalet saga by chance and really love it)...

plus dog sitting this weekend, was not sure about it, but so glad I did (I may extend my repertoire), but only for sedate, elderly dogs who happily match my pace of saunter, plod, stop, breathe...jump into the hedgerow when cars pass...bless 'em, they knew the road well and pushed themselves into the hedge without any fuss. It was a close call at time...do people really need 4x4's in the country?

Very well behaved, not like the dogs I've owned, although a different breed.

I've also started my birthday present to myself, a book (yet to do today's lesson)...Learn to draw in 30 days...the guy promises I will, honest guv. I've already learned spheres and shading! I have my sketch pad, a pencil and already imagine myself wafting over a cliff top in ethereal dresses, wearing a floppy hat, carrying my easel and creating masterpieces. Well perhaps wafting over a cliff top is not a good idea...

On the negative side, the car is making funny creaking noises. I asked about it in the motoring section, but only got one reply, talking about bushes and springs breaking off, causing a puncture and what would happen if I was driving at speed, and why had I left it 3 weeks... :eek:...so I crept away...called the garage and he said don't worry, bring it in Monday and I'll have a look at it. The thing is it doesn't creak all the time, which is odd, but when it does, it sounds awful. Think bed springs being used...:o:p Plus there's an oil leak or something...

already spending my Italy money...:(

And regarding mums and their moments, mine was the same. One remark sticks in my mind, that she said, "you're always picking up lame ducks...and you're a lame duck yourself..." Can't remember who the lame ducks were or why at 20 I was one. Oh, another one, "you're just a !!!!!...(w.h.o.r.e.)" After meeting a boy at a dance who was to become my boyfriend.

Happy days...:rotfl:

Oh, had a ghastly dream which included me meeting ex for the first time in 10 years...he said, "god, you can tell you've had children..." :rotfl:, he looked great in the dream, I looked old and harrassed, and seeing as he never really looked great, I have to wonder where that came from!

The sea swimming/boarding sounds like it could be fun, I'm afraid of water so envy you.

Off to doctors tomorrow to discuss my hair loss...I can't decide which would be worse, him saying there isn't a problem, when to me there is, or him saying OMG...:eek:...you're right. Noticed a general over body hair loss, and of course it could be age (which is depressing), I've been post menopausal for years so could be related, but then there's no cure, or thyroid. My eyebrows are disappearing...

Sorry you missed the festival Calico, where was it?

calicocat

Byatt wrote: »

No, not in Italy, believe me you'll all know about it when I do!

June is a funny month for me, lots happened, various anniversaries including wedding, my birthday (the older I get the more soul searching I do), so have been absorbed in reading (started the Cazalet saga by chance and really love it)...

plus dog sitting this weekend, was not sure about it, but so glad I did (I may extend my repertoire), but only for sedate, elderly dogs who happily match my pace of saunter, plod, stop, breathe...jump into the hedgerow when cars pass...bless 'em, they knew the road well and pushed themselves into the hedge without any fuss. It was a close call at time...do people really need 4x4's in the country?

Very well behaved, not like the dogs I've owned, although a different breed.

I've also started my birthday present to myself, a book (yet to do today's lesson)...Learn to draw in 30 days...the guy promises I will, honest guv. I've already learned spheres and shading! I have my sketch pad, a pencil and already imagine myself wafting over a cliff top in ethereal dresses, wearing a floppy hat, carrying my easel and creating masterpieces. Well perhaps wafting over a cliff top is not a good idea...

On the negative side, the car is making funny creaking noises. I asked about it in the motoring section, but only got one reply, talking about bushes and springs breaking off, causing a puncture and what would happen if I was driving at speed, and why had I left it 3 weeks... :eek:...so I crept away...called the garage and he said don't worry, bring it in Monday and I'll have a look at it. The thing is it doesn't creak all the time, which is odd, but when it does, it sounds awful. Think bed springs being used...:o:p Plus there's an oil leak or something...

already spending my Italy money...:(

And regarding mums and their moments, mine was the same. One remark sticks in my mind, that she said, "you're always picking up lame ducks...and you're a lame duck yourself..." Can't remember who the lame ducks were or why at 20 I was one. Oh, another one, "you're just a !!!!!...(w.h.o.r.e.)" After meeting a boy at a dance who was to become my boyfriend.

Happy days...:rotfl:

Oh, had a ghastly dream which included me meeting ex for the first time in 10 years...he said, "god, you can tell you've had children..." :rotfl:, he looked great in the dream, I looked old and harrassed, and seeing as he never really looked great, I have to wonder where that came from!

The sea swimming/boarding sounds like it could be fun, I'm afraid of water so envy you.

Off to doctors tomorrow to discuss my hair loss...I can't decide which would be worse, him saying there isn't a problem, when to me there is, or him saying OMG...:eek:...you're right. Noticed a general over body hair loss, and of course it could be age (which is depressing), I've been post menopausal for years so could be related, but then there's no cure, or thyroid. My eyebrows are disappearing...

Sorry you missed the festival Calico, where was it?

You are still alive!....lol.

Festival was at druridge bay....bit further up north coast. To be fair there were several reasons I didn't go, I obviously wasn't really in the mood. I'm in a funny mood full stop at the moment on and off I think....as are you by the sounds of things.


Happy Birthday, have I missed that bit? , don't know if it's been or to come as I miss things on here being on a mobile. Either way.....happy thoughts. I think the older we get the more searching we all do, especially when we are singlies and sometimes too much time to think instead of doing.

Dog sitting sounds good...and a change for you....good again. Non of my dogs have been brilliantly behaved..they end up a bit spoilt, and have been breeds that have strong independent characters (which is why I like them of course).

Next time you come up I expect a picture of Asbo. Naturally she isn't going to 'sit' for you, and I wouldn't give her any drugs, you may have to do it from a photo...or sneak up on her asleep on the bed.

The motoring section can be a bit long in replying, as are the mobile phone bits and computer boards along with wherever I posted about how to fix my boiler....but you will find people do help in time, they just aren't a place where people look everyday I think.

I've had the whole w.h.o.r.e. thing years ago too.....we just have to wipe these idiotic comments from our minds where and when we can.


Re:hair loss. Mine has been diminishing for a few years now, I used to have 3 times what I have now. I take calcium pantothenate (when I remember)...not sure how or if it works, but my nails grow like mad when I remember to take it regularly. Also, at a time of huge stress I got an alopecia patch...totally freaked me out...really had me paranoid. I used to put my hand held body massager on my head to stimulate the folicles....and it worked a treat. I was also told by docs and hairdresser that that was a really good thing to do, and to not focus on it as it can make it worse..(very hard not to do however). However with it being eyebrows too, I think you are right to go to the docs with it. I've never had loads of body hair, but mine has got less with menopause too.

Glad to see you in the land of the living Byatt, and hope car trouble isn't too bad.