How's your week been?
Is anyone else losing track of the days lately? It always happens to me around this time of year. Everyday seems to mirror the one before it and I can’t tell Wednesday from Sunday. Or maybe it’s just the insane temperatures this week. The heat is messing with my mind.
Apparently it’s Friday, which means it’s time for the Mamamia tradition that is Best and Worst. This is YOUR post, a time to tell us what’s been happening in your world during the week. It’s the first week of the new year… How are those resolutions faring? I promised myself I’d start running from Jan 1. So far I have been once – and I stopped mid-way for a latte. Whoops.
So anyway, pull up a chair, make yourself a cuppa and tell us what’s on your mind. Don’t be shy. No story is too big or small to share. I was reading this post for years before I finally built up the courage to comment and now I’m addicted.
So I’ll go first.
Best: While everyone else has been holidaying over Christmas, Mamamia has been business as usual. But it hasn’t been all work and no play. Because I have the best bosses in the world, I’ve been luck enough to work from home for the past couple of weeks, which for me is Melbourne.
Working from home is not something I’d want to do all the time – I love working with other people and having a reason to change out of my pyjamas in the morning – but for a few weeks over summer it’s been ace. My whole family has been down at a beach house and on any given night there’s been between 5 and 20 people in the house. Every day I hijack the dining table and turn it into my office space, and at night we all sit around for dinner, drinks and the occasional board game. It’s been lovely.
Worst: I spent Monday night searching the streets for a friend’s dog that had gone missing. I hate that feeling of just not knowing. It’s absolutely crippling. After an hour of panicking, and screaming ‘Lulu!’ as loud as we possibly could, we got a call from a family who had found Lulu wandering along the road. Turns out she’d taken herself for a swim at the beach and was having a jolly good time. Us? Not so much.
What about you? How’s your week been?What were your bests and your worst and what’s on your mind?
Comments
364 Comments so far
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best : my little man’s birthday party this wkend, it was a lovely day, its wonderful to know he is surrounded by so many beautiful people who care about him. he is growing up so fast.
worst : ive been trying so hard not to, but im already feeling obsessive and anxious about trying for another baby. i have PCOS and conceiving our son was a long struggle, emotionally i was not prepared for it.
ive been trying to take a more relaxed approach to it now that we are trying for our second bub, but im already feeling the pressure.
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Best – Having a much-needed week of doing close to nothing! Other highlights: the cricket! Also, finally telling the lovely gentleman (S) whom I’ve liked for quite a long time how I felt and then kissing him. Win!
Worst – So, as it turns out, I had already hooked up with another gentleman (M) that same evening before I talked to/kissed S (kinda because I wasn’t with S who I actually wanted to be with) Then M saw me kiss S and I then had the self-inflicted joy of explaining the situation to both gentleman!
Really awkward. I felt awful about how I had treated M who thankfully was incredibly forgiving and gracious. But now I’m questioning whether I threw someone who is perfectly lovely away (M) and I have no idea where things will go with S, if they do go, that is.
(NB this amount of drama/action/poor behaviour is quite unlike me!)
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Best – our garden is starting to look great, and my husband has been doing an awesome job on it (in sweltering heat!). Also visiting my family!
Worst – sunburn (my fault)
OMM – working on worrying less about silly things
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Worst: My New Years Eve, just like every other New Years, was a complete disappointment. The guy I really liked hooked up with a friend of a friend right in front of me on the stroke of midnight and everyone else in the club had someone. It was soooo humiliating and I couldn’t get away from the club cause I had no idea where we were and I couldn’t get a taxi.
Best: I’m overseas at the moment and I’ve spent the past week hanging out with a friend who I haven’t seen in ages and Its been so much fun!
OOM: Coming home for Australia Day after being out of the country for 8 months will be priceless!
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Best – started planning our wedding. (we aren’t engaged yet, but we are planning a wedding.)
Worst – when my partner told his mum she burst into tears. NOT THE GOOD TYPE. Told him that we’re selfish for wanting to get married in Thailand and that obviously family doesn’t mean anything to me. Right. Not how I hoped that would go.
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Lots of bests this week
#1: Hit 21 weeks with first bub. Had my Ob visit and it was all positive news. Had a procedure done 6 years ago and they didn’t have my results. He got straight on the phone and the results were faxed through while I was there.
#2: My close friend has announced that after trying for 18 months that she is pregnant. Stoked to have someone to share the ride with
#3: Three days later my friend announced her engagement. Absolutely thrilled for them!
Only one worst: was back at work on Tuesday and it has been nuts. I’m exhausted and I know that unfortunately work is going to be crazy up until I finish at the end of March.
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Best: Home safely from 3 week, 4 state road trip. Worst: Rats chewed through the dog food box (thick plastic) while we were away and have been partying in our storeroom. Eeewww.
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Best – I went to the Harry Potter Exhibition in Sydney yesterday and the Harry Potter nerd in me had the most amazing time. I even bought a Gryffindor scarf for $30 and I’m so excited to have it!
Worst – I’m currently sick and it’s really taking it out of me. And I know it’s silly, but it’s the first time in 3 years that I’ve sick and haven’t had him there to comfort me either over the phone or in person. I keep hoping to wake up from this nightmare but I never do. I keep waiting for him to come back but what if he doesn’t? Why hasn’t he called? Why isn’t he trying to get me back? I just hate all of this.
OMM – I’m still unemployed and am now single – I feel kind of worthless.
http://moniquefischle.wordpress.com/
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Hi Monique. Things always seem worse when you are sick. Glad to hear you went to the Harry Potter exhibition. Good luck with the job hunting, have you registered with any recruitment agencies? I found them very helpful when I was looking for work. Hang in there sweetie, things will get easier. Jen xx
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Hi Jen. They really do seem worse when sick, but Harry was amazing! I haven’t registered with any yet, but I’m considering it considering how hard it has been to find a job. Journalism isn’t an easy field to get into unfortunately.
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What about work experience? Could you volunteer somewhere? Or send off articles to magazines that interest you? What about an article on mamamia
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I’ve done sooo much work experience and interning and I’ve contacted magazines about work experience and interning again and none of them have said yes. I’ve sent off freelance ideas and never hear back. I will eventually try contributing to Mamamia, just need to come up with a good idea.
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Have you tried local metropolitan newspapers? not sexy but they may be more sympathetic and willing to help a local resident. Or even regional?
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Can you get Ravenclaw and other non Gryffindor stuff there? I’d love to go, but Ravenclaw is my house of choice!
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You can get merchandise for all the houses
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Jealous, I want to go to the exhibit but a lack of funds is keeping me away…will have to try harder, such a Harry Potter nerd!
Things will get better, promise!
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I know they will, just wish they got better now!
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Excellent! I have to get a ticket. Might time it for after school goes back but before I start uni…
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My daughter was one of the kids who got to go up and have the hat put on her head! She was Slytherin…and loved it!
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Oh that’s so exciting! One little girl in my group said she wanted to be in Ravenclaw and she was. Was so impressed that she wasn’t just following the obvious trend
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Best – Nearly 21 weeks pregnant with no.3 and all is well so far. Taking my two beautiful daughters overseas next week to meet up with my husband who we will not have seen for 18 weeks by then. Better still, he will be home approx. 6 weeks after our return to Aust!
Worst – Packing for holiday! (Not a very valid complaint compared to other posts here but I always find it so stressful.)
OMM – So much to do, so little time to do it, and the drowning post I just read on this site. It makes me feel sick thinking about how quickly something like that can happen.
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Best: great dinner out with friends last night.
Worst: mr 5 said to me tonight, “you’re a horrible mummy”. I know he said it just to get a reaction and he didn’t mean it, but it seriously broke my heart. I feel like it’s his first step away from being my adoring little guy.
OMM: my nephew has had surgery twice in two days. He and my sister are filling my thoughts
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Gosh, that turns me off having kids! You pour your heart and soul into them and sacrifice so much for them and then they turn around and say THAT.
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It was so sad Yeah, but thankfully it’s the first such comment in five years! I normally get told that he wants to marry me, where will we work together when he grows up, that he will love me forever. So the good outweighs the bad by a million percent!
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Best #1: I have the time to watch endless “Castle” and “Scrubs” episodes to watch! Yay!
Best #2: Finally organised and paid for Sydney trip next week
Best #3: I have a coca cola addiction but haven’t had a drop of it since NYE!
Worst: Having difficulty finding more patients for private work. I’ve just finished my first year working FT as a speech pathologist and had just started working privately 2 months ago. I’m struggling to find more patients for my private work because 1) private work is still very new to me, 2) I don’t know the area very well (I don’t live in the same area) and 3) I’m the sole speechie at the clinic and don’t have a mentor
OMM #1: To address my “worst” point, I’ve been calling previous patients who attended at the clinic I’m working at and have started writing letters to local GPs. Next step is to make some phone calls to GPs, kindergardens and schools!
OMM #2: Excited to go to Sydney for a few days with my sister and one of my good friends! It’ll be a nice break from everything!
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Good work on the coke. I was averaging 2 cans a day when I stopped drinking it one day in 2002, for no other reason than there was none in the house. Haven’t touched it since.
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Wow, wish I can do the same! I crave for it…small steps at a time
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Oh I LOVE Scrubs! Two Christmases ago I got the box set (I won’t watch season 9) and it was one of the best presents! And nice work with the Coke! At uni, I had a mild addiction, but since moving back home, when I’m the only one who drinks it, I haven’t had any but I have massive cravings for it. I hope your work situation gets better!
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Hi Monique, thanks for the kind wishes. I have the whole set too but haven’t watched Season 9 either! I had coke today, not a lot but did have some! I have been aiming to drink a can once a week instead of once per day!
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Best- only working four days this week. Ups of shift work.
Worst- just found out that a family friend has a brain tumour. I’ve known him since I was a baby, he’s pretty much one of the family. This is the first time anyone close to me has been seriously unwell…. don’t really know what to do with it….
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Oh I’m so sorry to hear about your family friend. That’s a really crappy situation. My advice would be to allow yourself time to be upset about it. That’s all I can really offer at the moment. I wish there was more I could do!
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Thanks hun. I read your post above- hope things improve for you soon!! xo
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Thanks to you as well!
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Best: I’m slowing relaxing at my parents home (and my happy place) after a stressful 2011. And, after 6 months apart, in 2 weeks I will be living in my new seaside apartment with my boyfriend. I’m ready, set, go for 2012.
Worst: None, it’s hard to have a worst when you are this relaxed.
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best – lots and lots of shifts at work, so I’m going to be able to buy myself a laptop for uni soon! Yay!
best #2 – going out with close girlfriends a couple of night ago, and having an amazing time after weeks of being down in the dumps and too poor to go out.
worst – Diabetes is not being nice to me. I’m having constant hypos, which is becoming a bit dangerous… I love going out, but I spend my night worrying if my blood sugar is too high, too low, and pricking my finger to test that blood sugar…which doesn’t exactly pull the boys haha. Life as a 19 year old diabetic – ups and downs!
OMM – uni/my career. After lots of work experience, I’ve made up my mind and I’m going to study secondary teaching and am really excited to start. However I’ve always loved to write, and have had a couple of things published in the past year. People have always told me I’m a good writer – so I’m thinking maybe I should strike out and try my hand at writing?
Can you do both? Teaching with a bit of freelance on the side?
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Of course you can do both
I’m a teacher, and it is an insanely busy job, but I’m sure you would be able to squeeze some writing in there too (especially during the summer hols). Best of luck!
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Stephen King started out as a high school English teacher, writing on the side.
Michael Crichton wrote during his holidays from uni, while studying to be a doctor.
Go for it!
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thanks for your encouragement guys!
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best- my sister had her baby and I got to be there for her and it much more fun watching a child birth the being the one doing it! A quick birth with a bit of drama and Dr’s running aout but in the end a good outcome!
Worst- We are now back home after two weeks in Victoria and I have be swamped in work, moving out and just rented an expensive dump. We walked onto the deck and it nearly collapsed the deck is huge and if anyone lent on the rail or tried to walk down the stairs it would collapse. Bugger it we just signed the lease before we had a final look( didn’t go on the deck the day we looked as the real estate forgot the door key). The bonus is hopefully we will buy a new house very soon and move into our own place again. I forgot how crappy renting is.
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Best – The improving Euro exchange rate helping to take the edge off my tight budget for the next few months while saving spending money.
Worst – Being utterly bored at work.
OMM – One of my best friends (we worked together and went to Uni together) and I have grown apart a little in the past few months. She chose a new major late in her degree and is now working in HR at BHP.. I on the other hand am full time at our previous place of employment and am starting a Masters to study something different because I don’t want to pursue a career in what I initially studied.
She keeps pushing for me to get out of where I am, and while I do want to leave there this year, the timing isn’t right for me to start job hunting tomorrow. Sometimes security and things being right ‘for now’ trumps everything else. Now every time I see her she brings the conversation back to me and how I’m selling myself short, I’m getting stuck, blah blah blah.
I’m not dumb. I do have plans for the next 6,12, 24 months. But she’s an irritating combination of judgement and pushiness and now now now. Argh.
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Only a worst for me today: I’ve been told in the last 2 hours that my beloved dog has cancer and there is nothing we can do. She is home on palliative drugs for the last few days and then we have to do it. I’m so so sad. She is beautiful and devoted and smart and loving and just wonderful and I can’t fix her.
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So so sorry
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I’m so sorry Shaezy. Shes a beautiful girl. We said good bye to our beloved 15 year old Staffy last year. I’m still devostated. This helped me a bit though…Tearing up just reading it again….
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…. Author unknown…
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That is simply beautiful Emmy – brought a tear to my eye. And I’m so sorry Shaezy. xo
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That’s so lovely Emmy, thank you! It makes me cry but feel better at the same time. xx
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Oh I’m so sorry. I’m sending love and prayers your way. A pet passing away is never easy. xxx
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So so very sorry. She is absolutely beautiful.
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I’m so sorry
We lost our dog of 14 years last July. It is heartbreaking. Thinking of you, and hoping that your pup isn’t in an pain xx
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Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I know she is “just” a dog, but when you love a pet, they are not “just” anything. By the way her name is Bridget and she is amazing, I think she knows – she has been by my side since last night and just wants to have cuddles. Breaking my heart.
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Best: wedding and big trip overseas just around the corner. Feeling really positive about this year!
Also my hope for this year was to comment more on all the posts and contribute rather than be an observer. Going ok so far I think!
Worst: so busy at work this week…. Isn’t it supposed to be the ‘ease slowly back into the year’ week?
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Best: Loving my new job! I even missed being there over christmas, how lame!
Worst: one of my close friends has been acting very distant and weird since I started my new job. My other friend think’s it is because we both went to the same uni and graduated at the same time but now she’s still job hunting and I’ve landed an admittedly good job. BUT while I was applying for jobs she was travelling through south america for 3 months so its all relative isn’t it?
She doesn’t even contact me any more and acts funny around me when we both go to group things. Whenever I text her to hang out she either doesn’t reply or says she’s “too busy” (she works two days a week…).
Is it jealousy? And if so, is that a deal-breaker? I don’t know if I can be friends with someone who behaves like that due to other people’s success. I’ve never done anything but supported her – why can’t she be happy that I worked my ass off and had a (small) success??
So anyway I emailed her and asked in the nicest way if I’d done anything to upset her. That was a week ago and I’ve had no response. What should I do? We’ve been friends for years and I love her company but at the same time I think her behaviour is nasty, petty and immature and I’m not sure I want to be associated with someone who behaves like this.
Thoughts?
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I think you have hit the nail on the head – jealousy is a curse. Sounds like your paths may be diverging which is a sad fact of life. I would do nothing, see if she contacts you but don’t let it detract from how great you’re feeling about all the good things happening for you right now.
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Thanks Aloha x
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Yes, it’s jealousy. I had a similar situation with my best friend- we finished uni at the same time and applied for the same job. She wasn’t happy about it and accused me for “stealing” her dream job. It was a silly fight and I argued initially but told her to “grow up”, that I would apply regardless what she said, and that I won’t talk to her until she initiates it. After a week, my best friend apologised and everything went back to the way it was before our argument. See how it goes Bo- you should be happy with your achievements
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Tread lightly, give space & the benefit of the doubt.
Sounds like a friendship worth waiting it out for.
Once the coast is clear then mention how upset you felt being treated badly.
Good luck!
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Best: I’m engaged!!!! My gorgeous man of 2 years proposed to me at midnight on New Years Eve, after whisking me away on a beautiful surprise weekend, complete with pre-dinner pampering (massage/mani n pedi/facial), dinner at an amazing restaraunt, and lots and lots of roses, champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. I am still on cloud nine, he has made my year
Worst: No worsts for me, I am too excited!!
OMM: Where to begin with wedding planning
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Zoe is that you?
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best: still excited about being pregnant and so in love and excited with my husband that it’s all wonderful.
worst: work is a bit dull atm, but not a big issue in grand scheme of things. I also seem to have baby brain so can’t concentrate on anything anyway (or is that just an excuse?!)
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If you lost your dog down at rye i know the people who found it!
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My best and worst is for my friends – My personal trainer has taken a job at Anytime Fitness at Civic in Canberra. So if you’re interested, head there as of Monday!
It’s a best because they’re going to have something stable and I now have an excuse to introduce KDot to the awesomeness of Canberra!
Worst because they’re leaving. But obviously a great move.
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Best – we moved into our new house and we love it!!!
Worst – husband and I have been together 24/7 for a month now and we are at the stage of irritating the hell out of each other! He is driving me nuts and I am pretty sure I am annoying him just as much!
OMM – we are heading to my FIL’s for a long weekend an it is the first time I have seen him / been there since his wife passed away in 2011. The house will feel empty without her and I am worried about how we will all go.
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Best: planning for our wedding in 2 weeks time
Worst: being threatened with legal action of a poor review of a restaurant on the urbanspoon website
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Wha…? That’s crazy, isn’t it? That site is full of scathing, negative reviews! How can you be singled out?
I’ve read reviews that accuse restauarants of consistently and intentionally overcharging, poor hygiene, obnoxious service, etc.
Sounds like the restaurant owner is just disgruntled and probably doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on, surely!
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Insane. They are disgruntled, and trying to bully you into taking down your post. They don’t have a legal leg to stand on. Do not remove your post. Repeat, do not take down your post. I actually know a bit of stuff about this, so if you want to have a bit more of a chat about this, get my email from Lana or Lucy. Also make sure you do not delete any emails you have received in relation to this matter. Chef x
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Thanks for the support guys, we advised the people hassling us that we were merely the first people to review their restaurant and have no administrative authority on removing the listing, that is up to Urbanspoon’s discretion. Funnily enough we contacted Urbanspoon and they’ve said “We are currently communicating with them” – obviously because they are now trying to get Urbanspoon to remove the bad reviews themselves. Seriously can’t believe some people! And in all 3 of our responses to them (before it got ugly) we’ve actually said we’d be more than happy to revisit the restaurant again so that we have another experience to review.. – some people just have no idea how to run a business.
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Best: was told by doctor months ago I had to lose 10kg as I have killer (literally) cholesterol. This morning I reached it. Hard over Xmas though, but I’m one happy camper. Now comes the hard part – we are going on a cruise in 2 weeks time. Aarrgghh! At least I will be able to exercise to hopefully combat what will be be going in the mouth.
Worst: that story of the 15 yo Afghan girl that was tortured by her husband and in-laws. It’s doing my head in.
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Not sure where you are going but my aunt lost weight on her Pacific Islands cruise because of all the delicious local fruit she ate.
Also, you might be sea sick a lot!
Well done on losing the weight – my husband is going through the same thing now and it is really hard.
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Hi Laws for Clouds
We did the pacific isl one 3 yrs ago and only put on 2 but this one is around NZ and will be featuring NZ food and wine. Yum. Also 4 days longer but if I don’t go nuts I should be okay. Also feeling very gung ho and hope to lose a few more before I go!!
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I used to live in NZ – you *do* have a problem don’t you
Have a great trip, enjoy the food!
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Best: we have finally made it to the beach. We have an annual holiday at the end of January, usually arriving home with a day or two spare before the kids go back to school. But given all the crap our family has been through over the past few months, decided we needed to get away earlier this year. I am so glad we did. We’re trying out the beaches of northern NSW this year. The weather is perfect.
Best 2: hubby is recovering well from the chemo/radiation. He is starting to look and feel normal again. I know that will only improve when he returns to work in a few weeks……..
Worst: except for the allergic reaction he has had to one of the drugs he is on. He has broken out in hives from his head to his thighs. It got soo bad his eyes were swollen closed for two days. Dr has taken him off that drug and swapped it for another but it’s been over a week and he is still quite itchy. He was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for observation while the doctor gave him a very strong dose of antihistamine and sleeping tablets so he doesn’t scratch in his sleep. It seems to have helped. But we had to leave our holiday for a night and drive home to get him to hospital. The kids weren’t too happy but they’re over it now.
OMM: will we ever go back to being normal? I wish we had never had a brain tumour in our lives…….
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I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I can’t imagine how hard it is. I hope your husband responds well to his treatment. Thinking of you x
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I am so sorry about your husband’s tumour, it is such an awful time for you all. I am so glad you are able to have a holiday to get away from it all for a bit.
Good luck! You are always so strong and sensible, I am sure normality will return to you in some form soon. xx
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Best: Arriving back in Fiji after a break at home in Melbourne for Christmas and New Years, ready to finish off the last four months of my twelve month volunteer assignment over here.
Worst: Leaving my friends and family behind at home yet again. Sad, but at least I know it’s not for long for this next stint!
OMM: Using the last two weeks of my school holidays to travel some more remote parts of Fiji… if only I could get organised!!
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Best: starting to pack for our one year overseas adventure. Me, hubby and Bub are ditching corporate lives and moving to Canada for a year of travel and spending time together.
Worst: hubby going away for three weeks for work. At least when he gets back we head off!!
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Best: Arriving home for Christmas to surprise my family and friends after living in the USA for nine months. It was such a rush to surprise everyone and wonderful to catch up over amazing food, drinks and general festivities over the last couple of weeks.
Worst: Missing my dog in the USA. She was actually my housemates dog but was so gorgeous. It seems so crazy that you could miss an animal that much but she was a great comfort when I was homesick and gave me lots and lots of cuddles.
OMM: After leaving my job in the USA I have come back to Oz unemployed. This is the first time I have been jobless since I started working at 15 (I’m now 25) and it is an unusually scary time for me. Though I know I made the right decision to leave my position in the US, it wasn’t a positive working environment (let’s leave it at that,) I am feeling a bit down and overwhelmed by my situation.
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That must have been great! I really wanted to do that when I was living overseas but never did
Next time!
Good luck with finding a job/getting set up back is Aus
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Thanks so much!
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She is beautiful! Looks like lots of fun
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Best: after Monday I will get some time to myself!
Worsts: My career change may be sped up by the fact that my workplace may be closing down at the end of the month – we’re working on the basis that it will, though there’s a chance things may change in the next week. I wouldn’t lose my job, as such, but I would be shifted around to a couple of difference places which really won’t work for me.
OMM: My group of old school friends has been divided because one of our friends assaulted another of our friends and put them into hospital, requiring 2 emergency surgeries. All but 3 of the other members of the group believe the guy who threw the punch didn’t do anything wrong, particularly because it was “out of character”. I’m not particularly close to anyone other than the 3, but it’s really going to change the whole social dynamic and I find it really troubling that anyone can say he did nothing wrong. I don’t believe in “taking sides” (though I think this guy should take responsibility for his actions…I just don’t want to throw away my friendships with everyone else because of it) but I think because I’m closer to the other 3, I’m now automatically excluded from the other group. Though I guess I don’t like their attitudes, anyway…
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best: longest run ever yesterday, 6km in 45 mins. Very pleased with myself. Only a few weeks to go until the triathlon. Feeling really good and healthy. Had a really good night out with my bestie, we talked for hours. I love her a lot, very lucky to have her.
Worst: Such sadness at work. Looking after myself as best I can. Got my hair done and had a massage. Just keeping on until I start uni.
OMM: Money. Boys. Future. Money.
Love to all MMers.
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Sorry – not a best and worst but a request for help
I might be going crazy but I could have sworn that sometime in the last week or so someone posted asking for song suggestions for running tracks for their ipod (maybe in an open post). The replies were really good and I wanted to note some of them down but can’t for the life of me find the comments again. Does anyone else remember this? I might be getting confused with another site but I don’t think so.
Thanks!
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I remember; I think it was the Open Post from Wednesday.
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I think I remember that!! I love Florence and the Machine (find the mix in tempos is good to run to), triple j hottest 100, and weirdly (only weird because the songs are so mellow and slow) Bon Iver.
Hope that helps!
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Thanks heaps picardie.girl and Laura. You were right, I just found them in the open post (hadn’t looked hard enough before).
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That is a great list! I need to feel kind of jubilant when I run and am loving See You In The Light by Michael Franti and Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall by Coldplay. Good luck. xx
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Best/worst/OMM: My lovely boyfriend was retrenched again yesterday. It was really not the start to the year either of us was hoping for, but I firmly believe it is his opportunity to make the changes he was already planning for the year. His schedule has been drastically altered, with things now brought forward and intensified by the new pressure, but this could be the making of him.
Just working on being supportive and getting on with things – I am determined for our year to be as fabulous as we were hoping, regardless!
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Hugs to you. My (now husband) was retrenched early last year and we were planning a wedding and also looking at having a baby. Well we are now married (Nov) and he took the opportunity to go to tafe and do a pre apprenticeship course for an electrician which is something that he has wanted to do for over 10years but when you are working full-time it doesn’t make sense to leave a good paying job for school so losing his job was a blessing in disguise. Now the course is finished and he is looking for an apprenticeship.
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Best: My oldest and most dear friend just came from London to spend 10 days with my hubby and I. So much fun, so many laughs.
Worst: Not much to complain of – back in the office now, sitting near someone who constantly sighs and taps a pen, haha so nothing too bad at all!
So nice to hear everyone’s happy news.
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Best: First week of the New Year and I already have so much to look forward too
Husband and I are building a house, I enrolled in my children’s writing course and by mid year we have decided to start trying for a family! I’m also going to bail in 5 weeks for my birthday and my family are all healthy and happy
Worst: Being back at work in a job where I feel brain dead and the fact I have put on 3 kilos during Christmas break which I now need to work off
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Yay! Babies!
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Best: Resigned! Just waiting to finalise the details of my freelance contract and counting down the days until I can start working from home. Am also feeling motivated to write again, which feels wonderful and cathartic, even if it never gets read.
Worst: Balancing precariously on the edge of anxiety and depression, due to chronic and debilitating pain and feeling in limbo. But I recently got a mental health plan done and will start seeing a psych next week, so at least I’m being pro-active about it.
OMM: What this year will bring…aiming for better health, emotional balance and hopefully a little one.
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Best: Well, there’s this boy… And he’s lovely. I didn’t think I’d find someone I got on so well with for quite a while.. But I did. We’ve been talking quite a lot, and the other day we hung out, just walking through an art gallery, the gardens in the city, china town, all that fun shiz, for hours and hours. I don’t want anything to move too fast as he just got out of quite a long relationship..But yay
I’m happyyyyyyy!
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OMM: My grandfather died right before Christmas.
I’m back at work and everyone asks how your holiday was. I honestly don’t know how to answer. I don’t want to say good or well because that’s disrespectful and untrue, really. If I say OK or Up & Down people seem to assume that’s because my stepdaughter was here (they even comment about it) and if I say my grandfather died it makes people really uncomfortable.
Any suggestions?
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Sorry to hear you lost your grandfather.
I say let people be uncomfortable. Death is a part of life, we shouldn’t have to pretend otherwise, even at Christmas.
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Sorry for your loss Miss T.
Death is one topic we don’t do well as a whole. I would let people know that your grandfather died. It influenced your holidays – how could it not. But if you feel they are not comfortable with death as a topic perhaps mention something great that happened after that – People always seem to want to hear that there was something positive as it makes them feel less awkward.
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I’m really sorry to hear about your grandfather, MissT.
I hope you’ve got a lot of support from family and friends.
What if you just get the lowlight out of the way and let them know you don’t expect anything of them, and then finish on a high (as much as you can), e.g. “Sadly my grandfather passed away. It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything and I don’t really want to talk about it. But I did get to spend a lot of time with family which was nice, and it was a new experience having the step daughter with us for Christmas. How about you?”
Naturally, I don’t know what the other parts of your break were like so you may have to substitute my ‘more positive’ elements for truth.
I’m just imagining how I’d like to be told from someone else, and that’s how I’d feel most comfortable. But I’m just one person!
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I agree with the positive finish – this will definitely make people feel more comfortable. You don’t have to do a big flip, suggesting ‘but that doesn’t matter’, just a little ‘it wasn’t all bad though’.
Hugs to you, MissT xx
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I’m in the same boat – Husband’s Grandpa died on Boxing Day so when people asked if I had a lovely Christmas I tell them the truth. It feels disrespectful for me to gloss over it and say it was fine.
Do and say what feels right for you. *hugs*
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Just say something like “Having some time off was good to spend with the family, but unfortunately, my grandfather passed away during the holidays, so it was abit of a down time for me as well”. Let them be uncomfortable!
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I dont’ necessarily agree with letting people be uncomfortable, it isn’t anything they did….Just say ” a little sad as I lost my Grandfather, but we had the best time with my stepdaughter”. That was your finishing on a more positive note and people are not likely to feel so bad or feel like they have to ask more questions about your g’father if they don’t feel comfortable.
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Sorry for your loss..
Say something vague like ‘oh yeah you know..’ then launch into asking them all about their holidays
Or maybe ‘well there was a death in the family that made things difficult but I enjoyed ….. etc’
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Sorry to hijack your post MissT but i am in a similar boat and interested in reading the replies. I am back to work on Monday and had a miscarriage over Christmas. No one at work knew i was pregnant but I can’t bring myself to say that Christmas was ‘great’. I have two gorgeous kids though and to say otherwise will seem weird. It’s really playing on my mind.
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Maybe just say something like ‘The kids really enjoyed themselves’ and don’t discuss your own break. I hate to say it, but since you already have two kids you’re likely to get thoughtless comments.
Sorry for your loss x
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I’m so sorry to hear that. I can’t even imagine the pain you must feel. My heart goes out to you and I wish you luck with work on Monday.
If you were my colleague or friend, I would want to know, but I would use the techniques the others have stated, especially ending on a positive finish.
Unfortunately what Laws For Clouds has said is true, too, it’s possible people will say something insensitive. Maybe even cut that off by saying you don’t expect them to say anything?
I work in a different environment, with lots of medical professions including a lot of midwives, so I can’t imagine anyone saying anything insensitive here.
PS: Never ever worry about ‘hijacking’ something I have written. It’s a conversation here, it’s not the T show! And if there were a T show, it would be a chat show with guests anyway, because that’s what I like best
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Take care of yourself. Much love xx
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*hugs*
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Just tell the truth: my grandfather died the week before Christmas and that was awful but having stepdaughter to stay helped cheer us up.
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Sometimes people seem uncomfortable to hear that, and might be as they’re not sure what to say/do etc., but they still actually like knowing, and like that you’ve shared, and that they can be aware of what’s been happening for you. I know that I would like to know something like that, even if I probably can’t help and might not say the right thing, but it does help to know more about important things – even if it’s just that when you aren’t smiley in the corridor, they don’t assume you’re in a poo with them!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your grandfather and at such a terrible time as well!
I seriously wouldn’t worry about making people feel uncomfortable, it’s not like you made this happen. Just simply say “my grandfather died just before Christmas but having my stepdaughter staying with us helped, I don’t want you to say anything, that’s just what happened. How was your holiday?”
I hope that helps, lots of love and hugs!
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Thank you all! This has been a huge help. I will employ almost every single one of these!
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Best: Hit the halfway mark in my pregnancy this week. Halfway!! How quick it has gone…. Started feeling solid kicks last week after a few weeks of weird rolling and popping feelings and they’ve been more regular this week – its been such a wonderful experience with those moments as I’ve instantly felt even more in love with and protective of my little one
Worst: Had to attend a furneral on Monday for a friend whose zest for life and compassion for others was such an inspiration to so many. Evident at how many people showed up to honour her. Whilst I listed this as a worst because I miss her and it was too soon for those around her I know she was ready to go after a 3yr battle with her illness. I’m glad for her that she passed with family around her and without pain.
OMM: We need a new car. Or do we? Ours died nearly 2 months ago. We’ve been surviving on public transport (normal for most of the week) and taxis at this stage. Have looked into Go Get and similar due to the fact that as of Feb we will have an increased need for a car but at the end of the day I feel like cars are such a waste of money. With bub on the way I’m leaning towards getting one but its tempting to just go without……hmmm.
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Get one. Get a cheap (but safe) one so if you need to rush out in the middle of the night with baby you can, you have no idea how many people get stuck at 3am with a sick baby and no transport.
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Our car was out of action when my son was a baby. He got gastro and dehydrated very fast (he became very floppy and stopped responding to us) so we called an ambulance. I got some raised eyebrows from the nurses at the hospital but I wasn’t about to wait around for a cab.
I guess it depends how far you are from all the amenities? If you’re right in the middle of the city you could probably get by without one.
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Good point to both of the Anonymous’ (Anonymi? lol)
I think we’ll definitely start looking into one this week. Hadn’t contemplated the unexpected middle of the night happenings…..
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BEST: Um have to really think hard of something this week… Baby smiles and short snatches of couple time with the husband are about all I can think of…
WORST: Family holiday with husband’s family that we have been looking forward to for months proved to be a disaster when the baby couldn’t sleep and we came home 4 days early. Given the fact that our NYE when we had a babysitter was not very fun and husband lost his wedding ring while on holiday we have basically accepted we will hardly be able to do anything for the next 6 months.
OMM: The list of things I’ve got to start for 2012. Haven’t touched it yet, it’s been all things baby and nothing else.
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Best: just spent a great morning out with the kids, catching up with a friend and playing at a park. Buster was the happiest he’s been for at least a week and it was just lovely. Am allso going out to dinner tonight with some girlfriends and am excited at the prospect of frocking up.
Worst: Buster is the kind of kind of kid who thrives on routine and the last couple of weeks have been anything but. He’s a really active toddler and has been super cranky and driving me bonkers. Child care reopens on Monday and I’m looking forward to him going for a few hours each day so he gets his routine back and I can do those holiday jobs that are just impossible with an angry screaming toddler. I know some people expect me to be all earth mothery and in raptures of joy at spending time with my children but I’m exhausted and short tempered and need to go to the accountant and get my very overdue tax done.
OMM: thinking of doing 12wbt. I like the look of it and god knows I need to do something about my ever increasing weight. My husband is wanting me to do the Guy Leech Aldi one, I think because it costs less. He’s so freaking stingy sometimes and it drives me bonkers!!!
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Go with the 12wbt, I’ve done it and some of the results people have achieved are amazing. Michelle really knows her stuff and if you do exactly what she says, you will succeed. Transformation inside and out! Good luck!
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what is the 12wbt? I have heard it mentioned several times.
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12 week body transformation. Michelle Bridges. http://www.12wbt.com/
x
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I did the last round of the 12WBT, and I paid $20 a week for 12 weeks. It wasn’t too hard to handle. Maybe do it that way if $200 is hard to shell out in one hit?
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Best: My partner has been off work sick this week and has morphed into housewife extraordinaire so I have been going home from work to a clean house and beautiful cooked meals
Worst: Despite her amazing household efforts she has been very unwell and I hate seeing the spark missing from her eyes.
OMM: Personal Financial Crisis – gotta get that stuff sorted and sooner rather than later!
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So glad you found Lulu! I have been in the same positon before and it was so horrible!
Best: I’m pregnant!! I tested yesterday morning and then spent most of the rest of the day walking around in a daze with a goofy smile on my face. We are absolutely over the moon
Just saw my doctor and I am a touch over 6 weeks!
Worst: Nothing!
Happy New Year x
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Congrats!
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bests: have had a wonderful couple of weeks. Mr cat, miss 6 and I cocooned ourselves for the week of xmas and xmas day, we spent the time swimming, sleeping and eating and just hanging out together. Lots of late night chats on the verandah with mr cat. Miss six was just so delighted in having her daddy home, she barely let him out of her sight. lovely to see them together.
Best 2 : I left Mr cat at home by himself for six days to go to the falls festival and visit hobart with my best girlfriend. We had a amazing trip and so much fun , we were still giggling on the way home. Not too many people I could spend six day with without ever feeling grumpy or needing my own space. just total relaxation and a chance to recharge. we are planning a trip to cambodia together later this year.
Worst : seeing Mr cat so strung out and jumpy. It will be a long time before he feels like he is home and safe. feel like we are back at square one and have to find a way to compromise and live together all over again. I am driving him crazy with my slack security (leaving the back door unlocked, forgetting to close windows, leaving the keys in the car and general absent mindedness) he is driving me crazy re-arranging furniture, cupboards and where things are kept… I am back at work today to keep the peace.
worst two: miss six is at her (bio) dad’s house for three weeks. it’s the longest she has ever been away from home and while she is having fun and seeing her grandparents etc I suspect it’s all getting a bit much for her and she will be extra clingy when she comes home. awful to hear her getting upset because she is home -sick
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Oh, I’m so happy to read your bests, Zelicat! I was looking forward to hearing how your holiday went.
Best of luck with worst #1. Even though it seems a pain to be back at the start, I’m sure you will be able to work it out again. Maybe you can move more quickly through the stages since you’ve done it all before?
Remember the wonderful feeling of having him back home when things feel yuck.
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Thanks PG- I think we are doing it ‘smarter’ this time. ie taking a week away to ‘neutral’ territory and away from normal everyday stresses, and me giving him some space to settle in at home without us there… because we have missed each other so much and there is so much to catch up on, we have in the past tended to overdo the ‘togetherness’… which ineveitably leads to one or both of us melting down
For mr cat even simple things like going to the super market is a bit of a sensory over load (so many colours, so much choice!) but we are taking it slow, and he is making a huge effort to fit in with the household.
I am very grateful to have him home, and its lovely to be able to sleep in the same bed, and wake up together.
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Best: Celebrating my best friend’s engagement by cracking open some champagne and indulging at the Fish Markets before she and her fiance flew back to NZ after a fantastic New Years together
Worst: Finally buying a bridesmaid dress, hunting for shoes, organising a hen’s night and searching for accommodation for another wedding in 2 weeks’ time
OMM: Weddings, weddings everywhere. Cutting teeth as a bridesmaid for the first time has at least given me some great lessons in preparation for aforementioned best friend’s wedding in a year’s time. Who knew it would be this stressful and expensive, and I’m not even the bride!!!
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It doesn’t need to be stressful. I had a pretty stress-free wedding and celebrations. Hopefully you’re able to enjoy everything!
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Best: Watching the cricket – it’s been great!
Worst: I’ve been out of the workforce for a few years (4) and in the near future I’d like to get back into the workforce part-time and that really scares me. My little one is still little and I’m not ready to go back yet, but I do need to start planning. We’ve been moving about the countryside since our kids were born so I’ve had an ‘excuse’ not to work, but if we move back to the city I’ll have to work to help with the increased city-living expenses.
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Best : hair cut and colour! Finally I was able to get some time to get away and get it done. On the perfect day too, the kids were driving me CRAZY. But a good pamper session and some time to myself works wonders.
Worst: the kids are very ready for school to start.
Omm: starting Michelle bridges 12wbt soon. Very nervous about how my health will hold up during it, plus how harmonious the household will be while I’m making time for myself to do it.
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Hey Rudyroo, I’m doing the next round of 12WBT too and I’m a bit nervous as well, but I figure I need the kick up the bum for my lazy habits! Good luck!
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It will give you that!
You just need to do it, Rudyroo. I was able to get up and do a dvd workout while KDot was still asleep, at the moment I’m doing them when she goes back for her middle of the day sleep.
How will you be working out? DVDs, gym, classes, outside?
My cousin did the outside option and took her nearly 3 year old and baby with her to the park…
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Thanks Kris.
I’m probably going to do stuff at home to start with. My youngeest starts Prep this year so I am hoping that will give me some time to myself to do it. If I do ok, then I might venture out a couple fo times a week and workout with a friend in her sessions.
I am thinking i should start getting myself to bed a lot earlier..lol…I am going to need it.
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I try to make exercise incidental – like I will purposely not get something I need at the shop so I have to go back the next day. Then I walk the loooong way there.
Michelle’s dvds are great, I really enjoy doing them. You could definitely mix it up between the dvds and the outdoor program as well – it’d be very easy to do that.
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I’m joining up too, see you there!
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Brilliant!
Good luck then to both of you!
I’m just hanging for it to start. As I’m sitting around getting more nervous about it. Mainly because I’m so keen to do it, but not sure if I can keep the committment around everything else…eeek.
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Make sure you do the pre-season tasks – they’ll help you to get into the right headspace to make it work with everything else you’ve got going on. Don’t stress too much about it. It’s a really awesome program!
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Yes I’m looking forward to the pre season tasks. It’s a new year, I’m itching to get my teeth into something. I am pretty nervous though, Ãt has been a while since I’ve been well enough to even think about something like this. In saying that though, I’m happy to just give it a go, as I’m sure it’s going to give me plenty of benefits even if I don’t reach my goal weight. And that’s the main thing.
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That was my attitude too – I didn’t expect a Biggest Loser style transformation, I just wanted something to, as you say, get my teeth into, and keep me accountable. I know I do better with someone to answer to, and I especially like all the new recipes! Once you get used to it it becomes second nature to think about what you’re eating and the exercise you’re doing. I got sick and hurt myself (not related to her program) a couple of times, but I’m still definitely fitter. Also I’m breastfeeding so I’m not really expecting dramatic weight losses anyway!
I would have liked to go again this round, but I’m going to sit it out and keep going with my versions of the meals (they are fantastic!) and exercise, and maybe revisit when I am better sorted and in the swing of uni.
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Best: Catching up with lots of people who I haven’t seen in too long. The carbs hangover I now have from too much pasta was worth it
Worst: My lovely boyfriend went on a holiday for the week without me and is having a fantastic time while I’m stuck at work. On the plus side, it’s given me some free time to clean out my to-do list.
OMM: The new shoes I just bought online. Please get here soon!!
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Best: Still on hols (3rd week) and have been enjoying the mostly sunny brisbane weather hanging out at the pool with kids, catching up with friends etc.
Best 2: Found a bridesmaid dress for wedding in May
Best 3: Started back on WW as I want to lose 5kg/tone up before wedding
Worst: Alvin & the Chipmunks movie. Took my 2 sons yesterday as they were a bit tired after all the swimming/catch ups and suffered through it.
OMM: Back to work on Monday and new boss starting, he will never compare with previous boss but hopefully he will be okay.