Frump to Fab - Onwards and Upwards

lessonlearned

Good morning ladies

Don't forget it's Fab Friday however, as I shall soon have a paint brush in my hand - sigh again!! I am in my old scruffs at the moment.

Katie - I am well and truly gobsmacked. What on earth does your OH think he's playing at. He has absolutely no right to ask you such a thing. How insensitive, thoughtless and just plain selfish. What on earth is the matter with him, is he undergoing some sort of male menopause or mid life crisis

He needs to get a grip. As Maman says he can't just leave you and then decide he wants to play happy families just because it's Christmas. That is insufferable and not to be borne.

Yes he may wish to spend time with the boys and of course it is going to be very difficult for them this year. I can't think of a workable solution - perhaps as Maman has said maybe just a cup of tea and a mince pie. I certainly would not be laying on a feast for him. I'm not sure that you should have to vacate your home on Christmas day either just so he can spend time with the boys. I think perhaps the best thing would be to talk it over with the boys and see what they want.

What a position he has put you in. I really feel for you.

Re the bleach bottle. I've got an amazing little gadget that helps me open jars and bottles. I call it the gripper.

I did notice that when I worked out with weights regularly my wrist strength did improve. we had a multi gym which we housed In the garage. Unfortunately we've nowhere to house it at the moment so it's in pieces in DS1's workshop. I have a small set of hand weights which I keep threatening to use but I keep getting sidetracked.

Resistance training ie using weights really helps maintain muscle strength which as I'm sure you all know declines with age. And no you won't end up looking like Big Arnie.

When my husband came out of hospital in a wheelchair, we got him using weights as part of his Physio and we did manage to get him walking again for another year or so.

I honestly think that it was only the exercise regime that kept him mobile for so long. If his condition had not been degenerative and terminal then I think he would have recovered much of his mobility.

I think that for someone who has perhaps had a stroke or similar then a dedicated exercise routine which included resistance training would help increase mobility and aid recovery. I guess it all depends on the stroke damage.

My mother suffered only mild physical damage from her stroke but she refused point blank to attempt any form of Physio or exercise and she soon lost the ability to walk. Both the OT and the Physio begged her to try but she wouldnt listen. She walked out of the hospital but within a matter of weeks she was in a wheelchair.

I have decided that one way or another my next house will have a space dedicated as a mini gym. I shall have no excuses then.;)

Rose_Wood

Afternoon Ladies

Lovely tradition to turn into a new one with the jewellery LL. Katiecat I hope the hair appointment goes well.

I got a compliment on the outfit I was wearing today so Fab Friday must be doing some good. I was going to Yoga so had leggings and a vest top but covered it with the purple tunic dress I wore the other day and a light purple Laura Ashley belted jacket and boots. I had DGD overnight so was dropping her off to school and wanted to look ok for that.

I tend to stick to just one perfume and wear it all the time. A long time ago it was Mary Quant Havoc which eventually was discontinued. It took me ages to find another one I liked on me - lots smell lovely on other people but not on me. Anais Anais is one - I love it on my sister but on me it goes all peppery! At the moment I like Eternity and get DH to buy me a bottle for Christmas and birthdays, which solves his present buying dilemma very easily.

I haven't been running at all this week as my running friend has hurt her back. We have been for a few walks instead though, although at a very slow pace. I also had to miss Aerobics on Wednesday as we had a staffing problem and I had to go into work. It meant I missed my Weight Loss Challenge weigh in but according to my scales I am still headed in the right direction, albeit rather slowly.

I've just had a nice lunch of prawns and cherry tomatoes and actually went and picked the cherry tomatoes off the plant in the garden. I can't believe we are almost at the end of November and they are still ripening!

I am going to go and do a bit of wardrobe sorting now. We use our guest room as a dressing room and it's turning into a bit of a dumping ground so whilst I tidy it I might have a bit of a cull at the same time. Like some of you, I like the leggings and mini dress/sweater look for winter so want to look out for a couple of pieces that might do. I try to work on the one in one out system so could do with getting rid of a couple of bits.

Rose

sweetcheeks33

Hello all...

LL that us indeed a lovely idea and the fun spent choosing a piece to purchase will fill you full of lovely memory's ( altho bittersweet) .

Katie I cannot believe the position and manipulation being used by your ex I am astounded. Of course it I'd difficult as your sons will want to see dad however being the child of divorced parents they will respect you are unlikely to want to see him. It is your choice of course but maybe they could visit him as having him at home would be incredibly emotional for you... Some folks have no sensitivity and your ex appears to be one!! Hugs x

For the people doing culls ... If you have any jackets or clothes you are throwing out could you think of homeless charities or soup kitchens. Here they are collecting them and if possible a rucksack with empty flasks. New packet of socks, Christmas card & stamped envelop & pen. Hat & scarf & gloves. Second hand clothes , jacket cosy jumper. Add a label on outside saying male or female and size...

It's called the rucksack project. Homeless projects always collecting boats at this time of year. Worth a check if you are getting rid of things that maybe helpful.

It's something that's close to my heart and a kind gesture that might make the difference to someone. Hope it's ok to suggest and no one is offended

My fab Friday was missed.. Can't get myself out the rut and really fed up. Jeans and hoody for me. Barely dragging myself out of bed in the mornings.. Late got work and just really can't be bothered. I have little motivation.. Dragging self between two jobs hopefully someone interested in the flat.. Fingers crossed. Could do with some good news ..

Sorry for being moan. People on here fighting much bigger battles. Good sleep & tomorrow is another day

lizzie157

Sorry haven't caught up on the posts. Will check back and read when i can. Unfortunately things go from bad to worse here (not things i want to discuss on a forum), major problems and a possible harrowing court case (not against us). All this together with trying to keep on top of a particularly heavy workload of study is proving v. greuling. Have a million and one things to do and no time to do them and on top of all that xmas to think about. Having skin problems - an itchy, bumpy patch of skin which i've had for a few wks, seems to be healing and then it flares up again. Probably need to check it out at drs.
I have however made time for a facial at local college and will be going monthly from now on. It's v. inexpensive and tbh not much different to one i paid more for.
hugs for those feeling down and the rest of you 'go girls' keep at it.

Back when i get the chance:)

lessonlearned

Good morning ladies.

Sweetcheeks - sorry you are feeling so tired and run down. You've got a lot on your plate trying to run two jobs and selling your property. Hope you get a buyer soon.

I'm feeling dog tired now, I didnt really surface till nearly 10am, this is unheard of for me, I'm usually such an early bird. I'm absolutely shattered and more than a little fed up now with decorating. I usually love it but this time it seems more like a chore than pleasure. I'm really running out of steam and enthusiasm levels are falling. The dark November days don't really help with energy levels either.

I think it's because the renovations on this house have dragged on for so long. Just unfortunate but we had so many delays, first with the plasterer and then of course with OH dying. What should have been a six month project is going to take well over a year.

Anyway enough moaning, I shall crack on with painting the wood work in the hall. The downstairs and third bedroom are now finished ready for the carpets next Tuesday, then it's just finished the hall stairs and landing ready for the bedrooms and stairs to be carpeted the following week.

Once they are down we can get the bookcases, storage units, wardrobes etc set up and life will be much easier.

I will still have to paint some woodwork such as doors etc but they can wait until the new year after I've had a break.

I do need to think about buying somewhere for me but I just can't face it at the moment. At least with the next one I won't be forced to live on a building site. I can continue living with DS2 whilst the work is done and then just move in when everything is complete. So much more civilised.

I've no idea where I want to live or what kind of property Im looking for. :rotfl: still no real hurry I'm sure something will turn up.

Anyway time to dig out that paint brush, then a much needed soak in the bath and some fabbing and then cook a nice curry for tonight.

Have a lovely weekend. I really ought to start some Christmas shopping, but definitely not over the weekend.

DS 2 has been very canny, he has been doing all his online. We've had Amazon deliveries nearly every day this week.

maman

Good to see you posting lizzie. I thought of you only the other day when LL said she had the wonderful C to help with the decorating. That would have been the perfect job for you if you lived nearer.:) I think you're a star to keep going with everything life throws at you. Do try and pop back soon.:A


I think you're getting close to the end of the project now LL. Perhaps DS should buy a new house and you could stay where you are!;)


Grey, wet and miserable here (again). DH has gone out so I've had a leisurely morning reading the papers and having a pamper session. All defuzzed and creamed and an intensive conditioner on my hair.


Otherwise not much happening. Will do a bit of cooking for the freezer this afternoon.


Back soon.

lessonlearned

Just having a break with a coffee.

Maman how I envy you - all that time just to sit and read the papers and relax. Never mind my time will come.

Actually that's not a bad idea, me staying here and DS moving on. I love this little house, it's cosy and although it's not the poshest part of the city, the street is lovely and quiet.

The neighbourhood is a real mix, older very working class people who have lived here all their lives, students and lots of ethnic mixes. The house on one side is empty, but the other side are a nice
Lithuanian family, three generations packed into a Victorian terraced house, but they are spotless and very quiet, pleasant and friendly.

I really like the mix of people and it makes for some interesting little shops. Our local Sainsbury,s metro round the corner has a little section selling lots of Polish foods. Their hams are fabulous.

Problem is this house would probably not meet my long term needs, ie very steep stairs and deep steps to the front door. I really need to plan ahead and think about my future.

I know this sounds utter madness but my ultimate goal is to buy a piece of land and have a house built - my very own grand design:rotfl:

My money is more or less sorted now and I reckon I can just about do it.

I don't want a huge house, but I would want it yo be green and energy efficient. I'm going to speak to my builder friend who is now semi retired To get some ideas and costs.

If I can't do then I will just look for another wreck. :rotfl:

I know, I know, I'm a glutton for punishment but despite all my whinging I have really enjoyed
painting this morning, music on and away I go, happy as a pig in muck.

I will say this, having so much work to do has been my salvation. It gives me something to focus on and stops me lying around feeling sorry for myself.

Yes my darling died too soon and too young, and I shall miss him for the rest of my days, but life goes on. I know he would be pleased that I'm keeping busy and not sat around moping.

His last words to me were "look after the boys" so that is what I'm doing.

Lizzie - glad to see you back. Chin up pet. I agree it's a shame we aren't a bit closer, we would have made a good team licking this place into shape. I do hope things improve soon. You have been so brave, just keep going.

When things got really rough for me I would try and remember the old mantra. "this too shall pass".

Head down, best foot forward, just keep chipping away and things will come good in the end.

Right coffee break over - those banisters and spindles await:eek:

lessonlearned

Good afternoon ladies

What a grey day, not cold as such but pretty miserable. Apparently we are in for "a bit of weather" as my dear old Auny S used to say.

So time to batten down the hatches, winter draws on and all that.....

DS2 home from the States today so we had a nice brunch and a good old catch up. It was lovely to see him back to his old self. His trip was part work, part holiday so the best of both worlds. He's come back intellectually stimulated, fighting fit and raring to go. He took my OHs death very hard and although he made light of things, I was quite concerned about him because I could see he was struggling but the break has put him back on track. It's good to have "my boy" back.

I can't divulge too much about his job but I can say that's it's about research into alternative energy. Anyway we got to talking about my plans for my next move and I floated the idea of making the next one a new build and his face just lit up.

Apparently his trip to the states has set his creative juices flowing again and he's bursting with ideas on how I can build my very own Eco friendly, energy efficient, future proof grand Design.

Next year is going to be interesting and hopefully, a bit more fun. A. Nice big project to sink my teeth into but I also plan to really get out and about a lot more. who knows I might even lash out and have a little holiday.

No painting today just some gentle pottering about and a bit of tidying up ready for the carpets on Tuesday.

katiecat

Hello we have the sun out here but it is cold!


Have had ok week end but really struggled with fri and sat evening I have no friends really in real life as we always did things together so never really needed anybody- family live miles away and the boys were out Any ideas please as I ended up sobbing to the dog! :(why do I still love him after all this ?????


On a positive my hair looks really nice I am pleased with it and have lost over a stone so pleased with that to.
Back in work on Friday for the morning just to try and get back into a routine which may help with sleeping which is all over the place.
Off I go to get dressed, put happy face on and perfume of course!


Thanks for the support keep fabbing
Love Katiecat x

maddiemay

Oh Katie, what would we do without our beloved pets, the number of times over the years that my dogs have had wet and salty fur.

Only time will tell if you still really love him, or you are experiencing the pain of loss, but you will survive and build a life for yourself:A

What about a project of some kind for the winter nights? depends on your interests, family tree research - if so is there a family history society near you? this is great do do on your own as many of the meeting I went to only had a person researching their bit of the family without their partner with them, cross stitch, knitting or crochet, a granny square blanket, do you use the library? if so is there a period in history, or something do do with art or music that you can research at home through borrowed book, libraries will order in books from other branches for a small fee (may be free in some areas (40p where I live). Films that you may have enjoyed, but not been to the cinema to see can be borrowed on DVD, again for a small fee, or often found cheaply at charity shops.

Take care and "keep fabbing", said in the manner of "keep dancing"
MM xx