We are trying for something new this week, to shake things up we’ve combined our regular best and worst post with the week in pictures gallery. Feel free to comment on the pictures, tell us about the best and worst parts of your week or both.
But first, a quick summary of the week on Mamamia and some highlights.
The post that made us laugh: Some highlights from the Menswear Spring 2012 fashion collections. Hilarious.
The post that made us cry: This thought-provoking post about the 10 million people starving in the Horn of Africa.
The post that made us think: Erica Bartle’s post about faith. A must-read.
The post that made us debate: Tony Abbott’s post on why he doesn’t support a carbon tax.
The post that made us swoon: This video – we are all a little bit in love with Justin Timberlake.
Now, it’s over to Rick for his best and worst:
Best: I spent the weekend in Brisbane hanging with my best friend in all the land Bridie. We went off to another friend’s wedding on the Saturday and bickered lovingly about our hair and her make-up. Brisbane hasn’t changed a bit and I kind of like it. It might have been rainy and cold but there’s something quite charming about her.
Worst: Bridie was at work when I flew in late on Friday night so she had arranged for her sister to be at home to let me in. I needed to go out to have some drinks with some high school mates so I was in a rush but when I got to their place the sister wasn’t answering her phone and there was nowhere to knock on the door (block of units). Nooooooooo. I rang Bridie who blew a fuse and then told me to put my bags under the house. Umm, what house? The one you are at, she says. You mean number 48? Silence.
I was next door. Wrong place. Eventually found it and all was well. Just.
Helen Mirren poses for Esquire magazine wearing only a Union Jack flag.
Comments
280 Comments so far
To be historically correct Helen Mirren is not draped in a Union Jack flag, she is wearing a Union flag. The “Jack” part refers to the small flag pole on the bow of a naval vessel called the Jack Staff on which HMS’s display the Union flag.
Yes Union Jack is in common usage now but should really only apply to a Union flag flown on a maritime vessel
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Best: after much research and looking i have bought a beautiful couch
Worst: It’s being custom made so hello 12 week wait *sigh*
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Oh how frustrating! I love furniture shopping!
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Best: Having a cosy wood fire which mostly heats the house. Love it. And….my 6 week daugther sleeps so well! After 3 boys who barely slept, this will be worth a ‘best of’ style comment for some time yet!
Worst: Mr 3 is coldy and not sleeping. This leads to him being sad and naughty! Reminding myself that this is an excellent ‘worst’ to have and just getting on with loving him through it.
OMM: Writing a proposal for a job. So inspired and excited by the possibilities.
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Worst: Being single at my age (49) – check the dating sites and look at the men who are 45-55. Hmmmmm………..when someone says their favourite thing to do is ‘go to the meat raffles’ you know you’ve got to look elsewhere for love
Best: Hearing on the work grapevine that my contract will be renewed and I will have a job next year! Please let it be true!!!
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I’m sorry but that made me laugh – going to meat raffles! And this poor soul probably wonders why nobody is interested! And I suggest his age is a little white lie – he sounds like he may be closer to 70 if thats his favourite thing to do!!
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Best: The baby inside is growing and all is well. My daughter is being super sweet and good and seems to have learnt to stop hitting other children, yay!
Worst: The baby is making me sick all day every day. It is making me cry, a lot. I am really not liking my job and wish it was time for mat leave already even though I am still in first trimester….
OMM: Just finished Dave Eggers book What is the what. This coupled with all the stories about Dadaab and the recent SBS doco and I can’t stop thinking about people in refugee camps. Hubby and I were just talking yesterday about how cramped our 4 bedroom home will be when we have to turn the spare room into a baby room. Reality check, there a millions of people living in tents! 10 million people are starving in Somalia, how can this be, what can we do?
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I loved that book! So sad though. Tiny world that we live in, both I and my boyfriend (seperate jobs) work with a guy who walked with and knew Valentino (same guy, working two jobs to support his family.) I wish I could do more to help, but its so hard to not give up and feel helpless in the light of so much suffering
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We have a 3 bedroom house with 3 kids and our 4 step kids often come to stay, we dont not have shared custody as they live in another state and are mostly grown up now but to solve the no extra room for guests/family scenario we had an ottoman built to match our couch that turns into a double bed. you can also get them in singles. its fairly easy to move around and an ottoman is pretty handy as a spare seat/couch anyway. also if you have another girl the 2 girls can share a room
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haven’t posted for a while although I have been reading the posts and comments.
Let’s start with my worst….my daughter went to a birthday party last night, alcohol free (supposedly). Her boyfriend left to go to work at 9pm, she stayed with her girlfriends dancing and having fun.
To the group of boys, who felt it acceptable to grab my daughter and form a circle around her blocking what was happening from the view of others, I hope you all rot in hell.
You have no right to behave the way you did, you have no right to scare my daughter and make her feel that she is no longer safe. You have no right to call her filthy names because you are a bunch of oxygen thieves who have a hugely overblown sense of entitlement and think that you are above the rules of society.
My daughter did nothing wrong, she did nothing to encourage your advances, she has no reason to be ashamed.
Hard to believe but I do have a best….my daughter, for standing up for herself, her friends who realised what was happening and went to her defence quickly before things progressed and then brought her home to me.
OMM….what sort of society are we? we have bred a generation of young men who feel entitled to treat young women like dirt….and who then think that alcohol or a brain snap is a valid excuse for their behaviour. If you choose to behave in that manner than own it, take responsibility and suffer the consequences.
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I’m so sorry to read this. What an awful, awful experience. I hope your daughter is ok, good for her for having the confidence to stand up for herself and to tell you and it must be so heartening that she has lovely friends to stand up for her. Something similar happened to me as a teen except I was sexually assaulted and never told anyone. I so wish now I’d been able to tell my mum and done something about it. Sounds like you are raising a gorgeous girl. I hate that we do have to raise our girls to be aware of and deal with this though. The number of young women who are sexually assaulted or raped is the most horrendous blot on our society. I really feel for you both. It sounds like your daughter really trusts you, I wish you both the best.
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I bet the boyfriend is planning his own sweet revenge! I feel for your daughter, it can damage self confidence so severely, at least she has your suppport to help her understand she is not at all her fault. Or that all males are like that… She came across a bad bunch.
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Far out, that’s disgusting. How old were these boys? Someone should tell their parents!
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thank you for your comments and your support. It is this that reminds us that the majority of people are good and caring.
I’ve arranged counselling for my daughter to help her work through this. xx
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Ok I know I already wrote about this, My worst is that my boyfriend of nearly two years broke up with me last night. I know it has been coming but I am so shattered. I have been crying non stop and haven’t eaten since Thursday. We lived together and I thought we would marry. I never believed in soulmates but he was mine. I never felt that way before for anyone and now he is gone. I am afraid of going to work and facing life without him.We had our routines and jokes etc and now it is all gone. I am still so in love with him.He is now my ex boyfriend and that breaks my heart even more.
Best : Family has been really good to me.I am 27 and living back home now.Tomorrow my mum is picking up my cat from our former place.
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So sorry to hear. Where would we be without our mums eh? I hope things look a little brighter for you soon. x
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am so sorry eliska.
there is no easy fix approach to these sort of heart-breaks but just take a day at a time and be really kind to yourself.
make yourself go out and see people, not right away but in a few weeks when you are feeling a bit better, just keep pushing yourself into the world.
you know what else, don’t ring him. in fact i would block his number from your phone. he has said what he wants, so give him that. he might realise it isn’t so rosy after all.
i swear anyone who has been through a break-up will agree that giving them the space they so strongly desire is one of the hardest things to do but the most effective.
take care
xx
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I broke up with my boyfriend of three years about two months ago, and I promise it will slowly, oh so slowly at times it is frustrating, start to feel better. I totally understand what it feels like to love someone who no longer loves you, well no longer loves you in the way you want them too as I am sure he would still care very deeply for you. Moving home will be a great thing I think, make sure you don’t dwell on how alone/lonely you feel. Make sure you let yourself have your time to cry, and mope but then pick yourself up and put all that energy into loving yourself and looking after yourself and moving on. Exercise and get fresh air, endorphins are a fabulous thing. Also try and eat. I know you don’t feel like it, but it really does make you feel better and will help you not to get run down. Hot cups of tea and warm showers also help. I also agree no contact is best. I know you want to seek comfort from him, and have him answer questions and talk to him, because that is what you have been doing for the past few years. I try to think of it as a habit, and the only way to break a habit is through self control and determination. it is so hard, but everytime you talk to him or see him it will bring back all the emotions of the break up back and you will feel like you’re starting all over again. Remember, so many people experience this and I know it really doesn’t feel like it but you will find other people in the future who love you as you want them to and make you even happier than he ever did. As my friend always says everything will be ok in the end, if it is not ok, it is not the end. I truly feel for you, hang in there, it really, really will be fine with some time. Day by day, sooner than you think you will be feeling like yourself again.
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First off – how do you ‘design’ a range of stockings?
Best: Baby arrived! Named William Mick, Monday, 4:50pm, 3.5 kg, unintentionally drug free. I will give my birth story at the slightest encouragement…
Best 2: Big sister is SO besotted by baby brother.I hope it lasts!
Worst: nothing important. But, you know, night feeds…
OMM: Going from a family of 3 to a family of 4 – I hate the idea that I’m not going to be able to give big girl the time and attention that I’m used to. My mum points out that she probably doesn’t need it! And I keep reminding myself that I wouldn’t give up my ‘baby’ brother for anything…
Love and baby dust (and scent) to all!
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!
look forward to hearing the birth story when you are ready to write it all down!
xxxx
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Tell us the birth story!
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Wow Josie! Congratulations to you and your family! Tell, tell, tell!x
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Consider yourself encouraged!
And congratulations!
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Consider me encouraged!
So I started getting pains on Sunday, but they were very irregular. Sunday night I kept expecting ‘something’ to happen but nothing did, occasional pain which i put down to braxton hicks. Monday same sort of thing, pain but it didn’t seem as bad as when I had my first bub so I ignored it. I took a bath with Miss 4.5 which helped. Around lunch time I was getting sick of wondering what was going on so I tried to make a Dr appt but there was nothing until Wed! So I kept playing solitaire, eventually rang the hospital cause i wasn’t sure if I was in labour. They asked how far apart the pains were, I estimated 6 minutes, they said sounds like early labour, come in when they’re three minutes apart or the pain becomes unbearable. By this point hubby was getting stressed, he made me time the pains and they were 3 minutes apart… whoops. They didn’t feel painful enough iykwim. So I started getting Miss 4.5′s stuff together to take her to a friends place until my parents could pick her up, Hubby trying to hurry me up and me assuring him that we had heaps of time!
Got to mate’s place 30 minutes later, got to hospital 30 minutes after that, by now contractions were 2 minutes apart. Was in the pre=-delivery room for about ten minutes, really starting to feel the pain now, before I was examined. Oh look, 7cm dilated! 10 minutes later was in delivery room, asked (loudly) for an epidural, the lovely midwives called the aneathesist and said he was 10-15 minutes away. A few minutes later I needed to PUSH, 4 pushed later and bubba was here!
They cancelled the epidural.
It was the wierdest experience because I never had any intention of going drug free, with no 1 I was in active labour for 12 hours and I was expecting this to be similar. The pain was INDESCRIBABLE but over quickly, although I was very shaky afterwards and couldn’t hold bub for a while. If I was going ot have another one (which I’m not) I would only go drug free if I could be sure it would be as quick as that – apparently I got the record for quickest delivery that day! But it was a great experience and makes a good story!
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Congratulations JosieY. xxxx
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wow!!!!!
glad to hear it all went well, here’s to drinking in baby bliss
Congratulations!
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Congratulations Josie Y!!!
Your little girl will be fine and that is such a great age for her to help out. make her feel important, give her special jobs when your feeding, changing nappies, bathing etc and tell her how much help she is being. When bub is a bit older maybe leave him with daddy for a few hours so the two of you can have some girls only mummy and daughter time, maybe buy her a new dress, doll etc.
If there are jealousy issues she is old enough to be able to have a chat and talk about it. also try and fit in some special time inbetween babies bedtime and her bed time so she knows she has special mummy time to look forward to every day.
Best of luck and enjoy this beautiful time together x
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Best #1: First week of second semester at uni, had an enjoyable week, I think I will enjoy the 4 papers I am taking this semester. I got bored during the break, so I like being back in the learning environment.
Best #2: I actually went to yoga this morning, despite needing to be the at 8:15 on a Sat mroning, woke up in a ‘can’t be bothered’ mood but I forced myself to go knowing I would regret it if I didn’t, now I’m pleased with myself I went, especially as I hadn’t done much exercise in the past week.
(smallish) Best #3 (ties in with week in pix) : The pictures of Victoria and David Beckham with Harper, I have been a fan of theirs for almost a decade and to see them with their daughter is the most adorable and cutest thing!
Worst: I started to regain weight this week, am forever trying with weight loss (was also recently diagnosed with PCOS) and had been losing for the past two weeks, I know it was mainly to do with the fact I hadn’t been exercising this week but that didn’t help the ‘Oh why don’t I just give up’ thoughts that enter my mind. Holding out on hope that if I keep at it, I will get to a size that is healthy one day
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OMM #1: The university work I should start doing now.
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OMM #2: The terror attacks in Norway, the poor people
OMM #3: How some people can be so cruel and heartless, read a story in my local paper of an incident in a suburb close to mine where two 22-years-olds attacked a 10-year-old boy and attempted to take the boy’s bicycle and the poor boy ended up in hospital with his injuries. The two men also somehow made bail and are back out on the street able to do the same thing again to another innocent child!!
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Best #1: My parents, who have been travelling up the east coast of Australia for the last 7 weeks, surprised the kids and I yesterday by arriving home early. It was so so so great to see them. My 4 year old was beyond excited and kept saying “Grandpa, I missed you sooo much” and “Bubcha I love you”. It warmed the cockles of all our hearts.
Best #2: I ordered some fierce boots from Asos and a leopard print cardigan from eBay and the anticipation of receiving a package in the mail makes me feel like a young girl again. So excited!
Worst #1: Completely over my job. Big promises were made to me when I returned from maternity leave in March but nothing has come through and now I am stuck in a position where my boss won’t release me to work anywhere else in the organisation but she won’t give me any work or make me feel like I am worth something to the portfolio. I have literally completed 3 tasks in 4 weeks and the rest of the time I have surfed the internet or completed personal projects during work time. I am feeling extremely un-motivated and worthless. I arranged to meet with my boss to discuss first thing Monday morning but I received a message from a colleague yesterday that the boss has decided to take a couple of weeks off work. This means a) she didn’t have the decency to call me and tell me the meeting was postponed and I would have been stood up and b) I now have to wait at least another two weeks to get any kind of clarification about my future in this job.
Worst #2: So so sick of hubby working weekends! It has been 8 years!! I know he hates it too but we are trapped at the moment because there is only an 18 month lease left on his business and no one in there right mind would buy a business with only a short lease. He has man flu at the moment and to see him get up at 6am this morning feeling so horrible and knowing he had to go and be cheery with customers and on his feet all day broke my heart. It would be so nice to have him home so that I could do the grocery shopping sans kids or that we could all venture out to the markets together for some family time. I would even be happy to be looking after him in his man flu state while he lay on the lounge today
OMM: the sad sad images of those starving children.
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That is so cool about your parents! And that completely sucks about your boss and the 2 weeks extra to wait
Thanks for your comment below – I’m LOVING having my gorgeous dad here.
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Best: my dad’s here visiting for a week. My boys havent seen him in 12 months, so my 2yo probably wouldn’t remember him. They took to him immediately, to the point of insisting they hold his hands walking out of the airport. They’re really enjoying him and he’s loving it. I’m also hoping tomorrow is a best as it’s my youngest son’s 2nd birthday.
Worst: still trying to do 2 jobs at work, so
doing both poorly. Getting very frustrated.
OMM: wishing dad lived closer or would visit more often.
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Enjoy the time with your Dad Chellebelle!!
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Best: no real dramas, hubby healthy again.
Worst: rotten head cold, sitting here not wanting to go and take 7 year old to drama (but she loves it), if only I could go in my pjs.
OMM: famine in Africa again and the bombing in Norway.
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Re: PJ’s – why can’t you?
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Only if they’re pyjama-jeans….
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I think you’re onto something there detachableprincess!
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New worst: The terrorism attacks in Oslo.
New best: My friends and family are okay<3
New best 2: Watching the prime minister's speach and he is being so strong. Just what our country needs.
OMM: How this puts everything perspective…
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So terrifying Ingy. Very glad that your family and friends are all safe and sound.
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Best: A really ACE brainstorming meeting I had today. We’re trying to expand a local arts/culture magazine, and it was just so freaking exciting to discuss everything!!
Worst: Having a tense text ‘discussion’ with my boyfriend’s sister (who we’re currently living with) about looking after her children tomorrow. I’ve got plans to go to London and have dinner with a friend but she doesn’t want to commit to be back in time for us to leave. I’m really trying to be reasonable and fair because they are being great to us, but sometimes, f*** it, it’s about give and take!!! Working things out so that all parties get something.
Blergh. feel ragey.
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Love the best + worst post every week and it’s my first post – how exciting!
Best: Just saw the movie Bridesmaids with my sister. I loved it, it was so funny. Couldn’t believe how much everyone in the cinema was laughing. Loved the sweet cop too.
Worst: Hubby is away at the snow this weekend.
OMM: Our world trip that we are about to start planning. I guess it’s a babymoon so wanna make it a huge trip!
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Welcome to your first B&W post!
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Best: patient I thought was going to die made it!!! I was so happy to see him sitting in the lounge.
Worst: nothing serious or worth mentioning.
OMM: God mostly.
Love to all MMers xxoo
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I love it so much when patients pull through unexpectedly! I had one about 5 months ago and I still smile when I think of her! xx
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I love you nurses, you rock!
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Numpty Rick!! I love you and that word… So that’s a best for you really. At the wrong house
BEST: my blog called MemoriesByDenyse has a sponsor.
The Sticker Family. Yes. The ones on the back of cars. Love em or dislike them I thought they were FUN so after a few email convos, this Qld based company has……..made me their SOCIAL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE.
How cool. I have awesome business cards with ME as Grandma Who Cooks, Tweets and Phones ….”how DID they know me so well!”
Next weekend I, along with about 300 blogging friends- some yet to meet
will be in Melbs for a conference.
MMers…..if you are inclined…. Please visit my blog and leave a comment under the post called The Sticker Family & you go in draw for a voucher to make your own Family…. Can be you & your pets…. Not always about couples!!
http://www.memoriesbydenyse.com
NO WORST.
Love and hugs to those who need them…. Have an awesome weekend… D x
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Denyse that’s so great about the sponsor! Good on you!
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Best: The police got the guy who indecently assaulted me on Saturday night. I am so relieved. It was caught on CCTV and he’s been charged with indecent assault and affray.
Best #2: I enrolled in uni and I’m doing 5 subjects (nuts, I tell you!).
Best #3: I start my new job on Monday. I’m both terrified and ridiculously excited.
Best #4: I had the most amazing day with esohenjayaye and my friend K. If you’ve never played Dance Dance Revolution, you simply must!
Worst: The guy who assaulted me knows my name now, which is quite unusual I’m terrified he’s going to find me. Police have assured me that retaliation statistics are low, but in the same sentence said that from what they could see of the attack on CCTV, it would have been terrifying and I was being “justifiably paranoid” but “it’s unlikely he’ll look for you”. It doesn’t give me a lot of peace of mind.
OMM: I’m in the middle of moving house. My life is in between two suburbs and if I have to write one more thing on my to-do list, I am going to well and truly go insane.
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I’m so gladf they got the bastards!
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me too! Hope you’re ok Ella.
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Thanks Chellabelle xx
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Just one! But I’m so pleased they got him too. I feel guilty for being glad that he spent at least 1 night in custody.
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Ella, so glad they got him. And am happy to hear that other stuff is going well. I’ve been worried about you. Good luck with the job! You so deserve it.xxx
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Thank you so much Chef. I think of you often – especially during the week I wish I could sometimes flick you an email. If you’re up for that, ask Lana to give you my contact details? she’s like my connecting with MM people guru!
xx
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The Horn of Africa footage really disturbed me this week but i have made a donation today.
My best friend had a sleep over last night (we are 40 lol) and that was great.
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Best… my kids fill me with love and laughter everyday.
Miss 4 gave me the biggest hug and said “Mummy, I love you & I want to hold you in my heart forever.” (I still tear up everytime I think about such a beautiful moment)
How can there be any worsts after this?
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Worst – my 9 year old is having an asthma attack – his first serious one for a couple of years. Hope we don’t end up in hospital tonight. Waiting for the medicines to take effect.
Best – love sharing lots of laughs with my children, my husband, my parents who are in the nineties now, my sister… always try to look on the bright side.
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Hope the meds kick in soon! Sending much love to your little one. I had severe “status asthmaticus” asthma attack a few months ago. It was absolutely terrifying. And of course the more I panicked, the harder it was to breathe. Keeping 9yo calm and explaining everything (“the pathways to your lungs are a bit tight, and I know it feels scary, but you’re going to be alright”) really helps. Ventolin is great, a preventer won’t be much help if they’re having an acute attack. Pred is good – obviously only with doctor prescription. Although I’m sure I’m just ranting and you’re a well versed mother-of-asthmatic.
Also – warmth helps and I’ve found that steam helps me. I usually run a vaporizer in winter (yes, at 22) because it helps get through the nights.
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hope he’s doing better today
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Best; A few weeks ago I started my 8yo on meds for his ASD and ADD. They are *working*. It’s like having a normal child, we can go out as a family, I’m tearing up just thinking about it. I never realised how special it was to be able to go out as a family without drama.
Worst: What could be bad, really?
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WOW. that truly is an amazing best.
xx
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Oh lovely………. That is better than any BEST……… Xx
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Lawforclouds if you don’t mind me asking, what meds is he on? It’s always good to hear about successful treatment plans for ASD. Totally ok if you don’t feel comfortable sharing though.
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Is he on dex or Ritalin? We put our ADHD son on Ritalin sr(eventually after some fiddling) and he was much better at school and football etc.
We didn’t like giving him those drugs, but they helped him.
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Thanks everyone! He’s on an anti-psychotic, that helps with aggression, anxiety and helps with his judgement. We were working on the idea a lot of his manic ADD behaviours come from anxiety (we think it may not be true ADD).
I’m deliberately not sharing the brand so no one can order it without consulting their doctor. I will say it’s used to treat anxiety primarily, and many kids with ASD use it to relax them in classroom environments. I hope that gives enough info to help you to ask your doctor!
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Worst1: father in law had slight stroke last week, still waiting for results, scary given there was no warning.
Worst2: 6yr old having episodes of a racing heart. Had him at emergency on after counting 48 beats in 15 seconds….! Had to wear a heart monitor during week s luck would have it…no episode! Waiting on those results too..!
Best: hmm…after hard thinking, job inteview today, first ineview in 15 years, think i handled it well..
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hope your FIL and little boy are OK, sending out positive vibes..!
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Best: Just an all round good week here. A nice balance between work, catch ups with friends, and getting enough rest so I’m not totally exhausted on Friday.
Worst: London’s crappy weather. Although it’s sunny today – after 7 days straight of rain! This sums it up:
INSTALLING SUMMER…..
███████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 44% DONE.
Install delayed….please wait…
Installation failed. Please try again. 404 error: Season not found. Season “Summer” cannot be located. The season you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable, or corrupted. Please try again another day, thank you for your patience
OMM: The famine in Somalia. What can I do? Considering a fast and raising money. I feel guilty about all the food we have and the 2 slices of ham we didn’t eat before they expired and had to be thrown out.
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Love the summer installation – brilliant!!
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worst- Dealing with mental health services in Launcestion. My very unwell schizophrenic brother has been sent to live alone in a flat after 16 years of supported care. 8 weeks later he is in hospital as living alone he doesn’t take his meds. The reason he is living alone is they closed down all suitable accomodation as they feel “patient directed goals” and everyone can live alone in the community. except they can’t and their response to my “I told you so” about him being hospitalised is that is to be expected and ok? It is not ok someone happy, stable and secure gets thrust out because the government in Tasmania is to tight and to caught up in modern ways to treat real people in real situations. My brothers self directed goals are not self directed they are case worker directed to fit in with their goals and ideals.
I lived the years before he had a safe stable home and I am so angry 15 happy well looked after mental health patients were turfed out of a home they loved due to tight arse funding.
Best- to cranky to have one today.
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Wow Amanda Rose that is so terrible. I am so sorry. Government and their great ideas. Crikey.
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I am so, so, so sorry to hear this
I’m a veteran of the MH system at 22 and although I don’t have schizophrenia or psychotic mental illness, the services across the board are poor and I feel that policy is made by people who haven’t been affected by mental illness or their loved ones. No one could make a decision to close suitable accomodation if they knew the realities of living with chronic, treatment resistant schizophrenia. My thoughts are with you. xx
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I feel your pain. My son has schizophrenia and is living in a supported situation but when he gets a little older he will also be put into his own flat. This terrifies me as I KNOW he will not take his meds or look after himself properly and it will be a downward spiral to police and hospital etc. He will be stabilised and then released. And then it will happen again. And again. None of the ‘authorities’ will listen to me. It’s just a no win situation.
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It is hard to talk senseto people with their own ideas they are determined to prove.
When they start raving on about patient set goals and the the patient can hardly utter a coherent sentence you have to wonder who’s goals they are trying to acheive.
I spent a long time writing a reply- a nice one trying to get them to see sense without being rude. hard line to walk.
From living and knowing man many schizophrenic people supported living offers the most stability for both family and the patient. I am so greatful for they many years he has had the support he needed and so angry their is not one long term support arrangement in Launceston.
I hope your son has a better outcome- I really hope common sense is re instated in mental health.
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I’m really sorry amandarose, it just isn’t right.
My mother lived with severe schizophrenia her whole life and the only thing that kept her from the streets was my Dad, who stayed partly out of love but also out of duty. Nearly destroyed him. Four years now since she passed away and nothing, nothing has changed. No community support and no dignity for the mental health patients – how can you achieve “patient-directed goals” without adequate support? It just sets everyone up for failure.
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Best: Made it through another week! Plus I got to skype with my mum in Madrid!
Worst: Haven’t been able to talk to my husband since Monday… I feel like so much has happened and I haven’t been able to share it with him.
OMM: Feel bad that I’m wishing the weeks away until my husband comes home.
Hugs to everyone struggling this week xxx
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My boyfriend broke up with me today. I am feeling so much pain yet I am so numb. We lived together and I have been crying non stop. He was the one who I wanted to marry and now it is over. I do not know how to deal with the pain and feel like I am going to die.
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you poor thing. big hugs your way. xxx
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I feel for you. I hope you have some wonderful supportive friends and/or family around you to give you big hugs xxx
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Oh Anonymous I’m so sorry… I hope after a little while things seem clearer for you and you realise you DO have the strength to get through this. Sending lots of hugs and strength xxx
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Breaks ups are almost like a death you have to grieve a loss and deal with rejection. I am so sorry. Thinks kind thoughst for you.
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Sending as many big fat hugs as you need xxxxx
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Want to pep you up, but basically, that sux. You’ll probably feel shit for awhile.
Thinking of you! And a hug 
You are not going to die. Things get better. Don’t do anything silly because you are worth more than that.
Seriously, buy some good trashy dvds or something else you can absorb yourself in to get through the weekend. Lots of bad food too
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So sorry to hear that Anonymous. Fall into a bottle of wine, have a good cry and then remember that it’s his loss!
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Worst
My 1 Yr old son in hospital all week with Influenza A and pneumonia. V scary, exhausting and juggling caring for him and our other kids required more brain power than I think I possess.
Best
Today we got to bring him home. He’s not totally in the clear but he is much improved and tonight I get to sleep in my own bed.
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I’m so glad your baby boy is on the mend and back at home with you all xxx
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Oh Canberrakaren that sounds so scary. On an unrelated matter, there’s a few of us from Canberra who had a Canberra-Mamamia get together a little while ago, and it was so lovely we’re going to have another one in a couple of months. If you’re interested in joining us, just email Lana at MM and ask her to give you my email address
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Rick! I was in Brisbane on the weekend too. Went to spend time with my boyfriend and my best friends. I fell in love all over again with them and it! How good is it!!!
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Oh I do love going back to visit! It’s the best
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Best- being on holidays with my boys. Life is so relaxed when you take work & school out of the picture.
Best 2- the weather in Perth. Loooooooving all the rain & cold. I know this is strange for some to understand but I really feel like winter is my season. I feel happier, refreshed & more at ease in this weather than any other
Best- finishing Zoe’s book. LOVED IT!!
Worst- discovering I have MAJOR cellulite in my inner thighs!! Where the hell did that come from???
Worst 2- all the fricken bills coming in at the moment
OMM- pregnancy….hubby wants no.3 & I do too but I think I’m too scared of what it will do to us financially. We live comfotably, have 2 boys ( 11 & 8) & I just cant decide what is best. I miscarried in march this year so I kind of took that as the universe saying “not a good idea” but sensing how much my hubby wants this makes me wnat it too but aaarrrgg I just done now what is right! I’m worried I’ll have regrets either way
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Best: All booked in again for my LLETZ surgery. The specialist assures me that it will be minimal risk to the baby and the oncologist says that waiting until after the baby is born is not a good idea. So it’s all happening in a few weeks. Best thing is: the weekend before (I go in on the monday morning) I’m spending in Paris with my oldest friend. Can’t wait! Too bad I can’t indulge in the champers and awesome cheese though…
Worst: Meh. Work.
OMM: Weather. It’s supposed to be summer, and we haven’t had any good weather since APRIL!
Love to all XXOO
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All the best with the surgery missneriss. I wish you a speedy recovery.
And enjoy Paris with your friend!!
P.S. The weather hasn’t been crappy over the last week or so in Switzerland. We had some snow in the mountains and now it’s cooooooooooold each day!
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All the best with the LLEETZ, it sounds like you’re getting excellent care.
What I wouldn’t give for cool air when I walk outside of a morning!
x
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I’ve been very quiet on MM recently. I’ve just been snowed under with work, and too busy to comment but am still read the articles every day. So just a shout out to say hello MMers!
Best: Finally getting the back pay from a previous employer that I’d been waiting 7 months for.
Worst: Putting off getting a TB Sputum result. I probably don’t have it, but there is a chance and I’m not sure I want to know. And have sooo much work, and SA public hospitals (where you have to get them done apparently) are so nasty.
OMM: Taking a huge leap in terms of career and just hope that it will work out ok.
Lots of love to all ther MMers having a hard time!
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heya hannahfromusa
hear you on the busy-at-work front. Hope it’s all going OK!
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As I find my red headed wife totally irresistable in every way……does that mean that I’m a redophile ?
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Is her irresistibilty due solely to her red hair and do you respond that way too all red headed people indescriminately? If so, YES you are a redophile!
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That yacht money spending is making me sick… Imagine donating it to Africa, would probably save all those people…
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Worst: thinking that a friendship of mine might be coming to an end. I’ve only known this woman for about 18 months but we have gotten along so well (met through our kids). But I’m at the end of my tether with her constant telling-off of my own children. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem at all with another adult speaking to my kids when they have done some harmful or dangerous (or just plain naughty), but this friend just constantly tells my kids off for the most silly things. Things that definitely do not need a telling-off. I feel that children already hear enough negativity ‘no, stop, don’t do that’ etc… they really don’t need ANOTHER person having a go at them about something that is not naughty or dangerous. I’m really conscious of trying to give them a positive environment as often as possible.
Anyway, it’s just become too stressful and I am on edge when we catch up now as I know she will berate the kids and then go and talk to other friends about my girls (I know this because I hear her talk about everyone else’s kids and what they ‘do wrong’ all the time from her).
Best: A great dinner out last night with some girlfriends. We always have such a laugh and even though it would be so easy to stay home on a cold wintery night, I always feel so invigorated after I’ve had some adult time. Actually, I don’t know if our conversations night could have been considered very mature… we mostly talked about hot doctors from Offspring and Maggie Alderson novels
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Oh, that sucks. But you might think about finding a gentle way to talk to her about it – she might not really realise she’s doing it. It might be the way she was parented. It’s hard to talk about these things, but if you value the friendship you should try to find a way
Hugs. It’s never easy telling people something uncomfortable. Perhaps you could try the old ‘it makes me feel like a bad parent when you chide my children’. Good luck with that one 
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Can you catch up with her without the children? And if she starts speaking negatively about other people’s children you could jokingly say that it’s an adults only catch up – no kiddie conversations allowed!
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After reading the post about the American Express Competition “Room for Thought” here on Mamamia I entered and managed to become a finalist ! My idea is for a restaurant showcasing the talents of refugees, called “The Drummer” and the public now needs to vote so my idea can become a reality! I hope the Mamamia community can get behind me and make it happen as it would be so exciting to bring to life & you would all be able to come along !! Please go to http://www.facebook.com/americanexpressaustralia …click on “Room for Thought” then “Community” and you will see my video talking about The Drummer and can VOTE!
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We voted and you all should too!
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Thanks so much! Appreciate the support!
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brilliant will vote and share!!
what a great idea, well done!
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Best: Getting awesome data out of my brains that I was madly imaging about 6 weeks ago – there are differences in my animals, woohoo! statistically significant differences at that!
Worst: the rain, the cold, the flu, attmepting to stay away from sick people (very hard to do on the train! always seems to be someone hacking and sneezing without covering their mouth, ew) rar, hate winter! fighting off getting crook for the second time – whatever’s goin round is really bad this year!
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Love the week in pictures. Especially the one of Vic Beckham and daughter. It’s beautiful and uncomplicated without the celebrity awareness bandwagon of ambassadors for this issue or that issue. Just mother and daughter. Well done. So sweet
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Best : pregnant at 11 weeks. The morning sickness is under control this time, in the past, I’ve had to be hospitalised or at least have IV drip twice a week.
Worst: This is my 7th pregnancy, I’m lucky to have one little girl and would love to have another child. Had CVS test done on Monday (due to hereditary blood issues), I’m now waiting for my doctor to call me back with the results. Every time the phone rings, my heart feels like it is going to jump out of my chest and I’ve been having nightmares about the result.
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Fingers crossed for good news for you Susanna xxx
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Thanks Neola!
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Best of luck Susanna. I’ll be sending positive thoughts & energy your way xx
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Waiting sucks! Crossing my fingers for you.
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Helen Mirren is SO fierce. I love her
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She is spectacular isn’t she?!
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Worst: miss 10 months has been waking up to 6 times a night for the last 3 weeks! Desperate need to sleep!
Best: it’s Friday and my partner is back from his business trip! Can’t wait for weekend family time and having a little but of help with our beautiful girls!
OMM: Planning some ME time!
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Worse = have been on 7 days of hormone injections during round 2 of IVF and scan on Wednesday revealed that I had grown only one egg. Devastated! Terribly frightened about running out of eggs. Horrible horrible feeling this infertility caper.
Best = Scan today, still only one egg but Dr wants to take me to egg pick up stage because it “looks like a good egg” and my hormone levels are “ideal”. Going in on Monday to get my one little golden egg. Focus now on just getting to transfer stage.
OMM – It only takes one.
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Wishing you all good things, Gypsy. It does only take one – especially a good one xoxo
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Wishing you all the best Gypsy, a good girlfriend of mine went through IVF and I saw how tough it was on her, so sending you lots of loving energy!!
xx
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Oh boy. I know how you feel. Our first round we only had 1 egg and it didn’t fertilise. Next round we had 3 eggs, put 2 in, and achieved our beautiful son, now 4 years old. Our 3rd round (with a new doctor) we had 2 eggs that didn’t fertilise. Then the doctor changed the cyle to one designed to maximise egg harvest so on our 4th round we ended up with 4 eggs. 3 fertilised, we implanted one, and the result is our now 2-year old. One of the most frustrating parts for us was that each time I had 20-30 follicles, but no eggs in them. It’s an awful process. I guess all I can say is hang in there, and if you have no luck multiple times I’d suggest trying a different doctor. Best of luck xxx
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Wishing I could get the flu just so I could stay in bed for a couple of days.
Feeling very blue right now.
Weekend is here! But I have to work, and do other not so fun stuff. blah.
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I’ll start with the bad and get the best.
Worst: Boss at work made a stupid joke at my expense which basically amounted to him saying the woman I took over from being better at this role than I am. Considering we’ve discovered some very MASSIVE things that she’d done wrong in this role I was insanely offended. He then attempted to talk his way out of it and made another stupid joke at the expense of my children. Suffice to say I used language in an office environment at my boss that I have never used before or ever thought I would. Utterly hurt, and was still furious driving to work the next day, and when he brought it up again and said I hadn’t eaten the snack sized chocolate he’d dropped on my desk the previous day in some sort of a make up move and what else did I want, I looked him square in the eye and told him an apology would be a good start. And then listed why I was so furious and told him that I didn’t think it was worth my while leaving my children in tears every day to come to work, to have stupid vindictive office games played.
Best: The boss apologised. My work colleageus backed me 100% and chastised him for being a fool. I didn’t cry!! (but it f***king hurt what he said and inferred, twice!) and I totally vented to the person who made me feel like that, at the time, rather than walking away and crying and thinking of all the smart things I should have said at the time, later.
Best#2: My friends and family who totally put up with me regaling them with my super office stand up for myself. And getting a bit teary over it.
Best #3: It was my eldest daughter’s 5th birthday and she loved the fairy cake I made (said boss also whinged that I came back from cake time at preschool without cake for him and the office … damn those 5 years old that I baked it for eating it all!?!)
OMM: This week made me SOO freaking angry and while I am proud that I stood up for myself I am SOO ready for the weekend. And I can’t let go of a little bit of anger about it. Mostly becuase I know how much I have to give up to do this job and the boss thinks its ok to use that as a joke. But I do love that the office backed me and are giving him a short shift that stupid vindictive office politics games are no longer on (as they were a prime tool for getting what you want for my predecessor).
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Good on you Liz for standing up for yourself then and there. I always tend to keep it in and then beat myself up over it wishing I would have said something to the person right then. Great that your family and co workers also backed you up!
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BEST: I am getting organised to go on early maternity leave in 3 weeks. It is going to be a massive 3 weeks finishing up at my full time job, while also preparing for some big freelance jobs I have coming up for when I am on leave, but the relief of knowing I can leave office life by mid August is a F-A-N-TA-S-T-I-C feeling…also saved $80 on a cot for our baby at Ikea last night
WORST: Today actually. It was pouring down rain like it has been all week in Syd, the train was late, I didn’t have my phone to call and tell my work that I would be late, had a few hours when I wasn’t sure if my phone was at home or lost, and there was a crisis happening at work as soon as I got here, on top of the usual crappy treatment I get from my boss and his wife every day…was cheered up by having lunch with aunty who brought me flowers and also being told my phone was at home and not lost (it had fallen into my ugg boot apparently – kind of ironic – even my phone doesn’t want to go out into this weather).
OMM: Just holding it all together over the next few weeks and trying to stay positive about everything good that is coming…
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Best: I was sitting at my desk on Wednesday when a bouquet of flowers was delivered to my desk. They were from my boyfriend, just because and the card said ‘I hope you like these sweetheart, I love you heaps.’ Everyone at work thought it was my birthday or our anniversary or we’d had a fight but he just did it because he knew it would make my day. Which is why he’s the absolute love of my life.
Best #2 My brother got an internship at a great hospital after eight years of study. I am so proud of him I am almost bursting. He got his contract in the mail this week and it was addressed to Dr (our last name) and it had an application for a Medicare provider number which means its all really happening! He rang me at work so we could scream excitedly together!
Worst: No worsts this week. I am lucky, lucky, lucky
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Awww…Jessica thats so nice! He sounds lovely! I also like that you’ve referred to him as “my boyfriend” instead of the “THE boyfriend” which everyone seems to do now for some weird reason…..
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I have noticed that too, it’s very strange! He’s mine and I like the world to know!
He always teases me because I have a real aversion to the word partner. We live together and have been together a few years but my friends seem to have a real aversion to using the word boyfriend if you’re serious. Partner to me is what you use if you’re in a 20+ year relationship and you’re not married.
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Best: Celebrating the wedding of two wonderful friends in first class style on a glass boat on Sydney Harbour.
Worst: Saying my last goodbye to my beautiful friend Cath, who is losing her battle to breast cancer. Life just won’t be the same without her.
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Oh Jude, sorry to hear your worst. Sending you lots of strength x
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Oh gosh, that’s awful about your friend. I have a friend in the middle of breast cancer treatment and although I try to be positive because the odds are on her side (just), I wonder about what will happen if she ends up with losing odds. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to her, I just can’t.
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Best 1: installing my new pole in my room and realizing how strong I have become. Decided a little while ago it was time to get fit and pole classes sure seem to be doing the trick without boring me or making me want to give up.
Best 2: It’s sunny today! Good weather always makes everything seem nicer.
Best 3: The guy I’ve been semi dating since feb came around for dinner and I got reminded what an amazing person he is. First thing he did was change our flats trash bag, then cook dinner (he’s a chef=bonus!) and do the dishes! He never gets mad at me over anything (Which is rare as I’m a bit of a bossy boots) and tells me I’m beautiful.
Worst: I still don’t want to make the lovely man my boyfriend! Why do I never fall for the good ones???!!! It’s a bit more complicated as he is from Nepal so has a family with different views on things and he can’t travel anywhere like me (which is a toughy as I have a habit of just moving continent). What’s a girl to do ay?
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Been a while since I posted here
Best: I’m on my 2WW at the moment and I’m excited! Normally, I’d be petrified and negative as I have been every month for the last 2 years while TTC but this month is different, I’m in with a chance. My Fertility Dr referred me to an amazing Chinese Medicinal Herbalist who, in 6 weeks, has turned my cycle around from completely unbalanced to normal. I’d forgotten what that was. He’s not only pinpointed the reason to my ‘unexplained’ infertility but has every confidence I will get pregnant.
Worst: Realising the reason behind my ‘unexplained’ infertility. The Mirena IUD. And also discovering that thousands of women around the world are also experiencing infertility because of this IUD. It’s been over 2 years since I had this nasty little device removed and my body has not been able to recover on its own. It caused my hormones to become so out of sync with my lining and reduced my lining so much that it has not been able to sustain an embryo, even with 5 IUI/IVF/FET cycles.
OMM: How do I do something about this to stop it happening from other women? Any suggestions? I thought I’d found the contraceptive wonder answer to my dysfunctional relationship with the pill. When getting it put in, the doctor flippantly said ‘this is usually for women who have had children.’ No mention of the 20% risk of infertility that the Mirena IUD carries. If the doctor had seriously laid out all the infertility risks on the table, I would never have made that decision.
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Hi Bedlam, sending you lots of positive thoughts and energy during 2WW.. Good luck!
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Thank you
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Wow! I knew there was a reason I didn’t want the Mirena IUD, after the birth of my baby the doctors at the hospital really tired to push me into it! 3/4 women in my room said yes! the doctors and midwives were actually guilting people into having it! After reading this post I am glad I stood my ground and refused! Thank you for enlightening us!
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Good luck to you Bedlam. Also just by mentioning the Mirena issue on here, you have reached several thousand women, no doubt all of whom will mention it to their friends, sisters,daughters, cousins, aunts etc!
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Thanks chef.
I certainly hope my words help others and begin to spread the word about this evil device.
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Hi Bedlam, I’m a bit concerned you were given the Mirena – it’s usually only given to women who say they have finished their family. Can you follow up with the doctor who gave it to you?
I’ve been really happy with it but when my OB/GYN gave it to me she made it really clear that it compromises fertility so you shouldn’t use it if you wanted any more kids. Good luck.
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It is given to non parents now…
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I am so sorry that this happened to you. Fingers crossed for this cycle!
I have definitely been told that Mirena is only for women who have finished having children. Perhaps the policy has changed in the past few years?
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Worst: Someone at work made a really insulting comment to me that really hurt my feelings and made me feel useless. Spent last night bawling about it, while struggling with a work project because my confidence was shot. Though PMS may have had something to do with that too…
Best: Lovely excel-whiz husband who helped me finish the project and taught me some nifty new tricks, while also helping to restore my lost confidence.
OMM: Period is about 10 days late. It might be imminent, or it might be a sign that the thing I want most in the world is on its way…Husband keeps reminding me not to get my hopes up too high just yet, but I really can’t help myself. I’ve wanted a baby for so long, and now that we’ve started trying, it’s all I can think about…I know I need to be patient, but I’ve been off my hardcore (and highly effective) arthritis medication since January as I’m not allowed to get pregnant while on it and needed to ‘clean out my system’ for a few months before ‘trying’ (hate that expression!). With winter, the pain is starting to come back and it’s really hard for me to walk in the mornings, but they say pregnancy can cause the symptoms to go into remission, so please keep your fingers crossed for me that this is it!
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Fingers crossed!
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Fingers-crossed for you Neola!
I know that desire well xx
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Done and crossed!
Good luck XX
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EVERYTHING crossed for you!!!
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Thanks everybody, I’m staying positive xxxx
P.S. Can anyone tell me if it’s too early to take a pregnancy test? How long should I wait? This probably sounds REALLY Bad, but have been avoiding booze and coffee just in case and if I’m not, I’d kind of like to enjoy just a little bit of both this weekend!!!!!
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I think you can get one that works 6 days before your period is due. Good luck!
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UPDATE: Thanks for all the finger crossing but it seems it’s not my time just yet – test on Friday was negative and period has arrived. Oh well, I enjoyed a little bit of champagne and coffee after several days of abstinence, went dancing with friends at a music festival and then ate some nice shellfish and soft cheese to console myself. Might as well enjoy my DINK days while they last…
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My fingers are totally crossed. Toes too!
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If your period is 10 days late , you can definately use one and it should be pretty accurate.
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Hey Neola, I also suffer from arthritis and can confirm that pregnancy causes the symptoms to go into remission, for me at least. My rheumatologist said it’s quite common. The moment the baby is born however, it all comes right back. But I’m usually more bothered by other parts of my body at that point! Fingers crossed for two blue lines on the test for you (do it, do it).
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thanks ladies, I haven’t told any friends or family that I’m off my meds or the pill so it’s nice to let it out here! Although we weren’t blessed this month, we’re not feeling discouraged. Dhe, thanks for sharing your experience. Shame it comes back straight afterwards, I was hoping for at least a few extra pain free and drug free months, as I’d really like to breastfeed if I can, but I guess that bridge is still a long way from crossing. At the moment, in theory, I think I’d rather deal with the pain and breastfeed but it’s hard to work out if it is still in the baby’s best interest to breastfeed if the mum is debilitated…I’d love to hear how you dealt with the months after the birth if you don’t mind sharing?
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My arthritis is pretty mild now – I’ve had it since I was a toddler and over the years it’s gotten more and more manageable and I’ve found I prefer the pain over the side effects of the drugs so I’ve been drug free for over 10 years. I only really have issues with the change of seasons now. So not sure I can be of much help, as my arthritis is really more of a minor irritation than a major issue.
I’d say just give it a shot and see how you go – if the pain gets too much then I’d say better to have a happy mum than a breastfed baby if that’s your two options. I think too many people overemphasise the importance of breastfeeding a baby at the expense of the mother – in my opinion a baby needs a happy and engaged mum much more than it needs breast milk. Just need to get that through my own head now as I’m currently having issues with breastfeeding my new baby and it’s doing my head in. I kept trying for months with my first child when it clearly wasn’t working and it wasn’t good for either of us.
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