Happy Friday! About time, isn’t it?
Welcome to our Best and Worst of the week. This post is your chance to get together with the rest of the Mamamia community and talk about the highs and the lows of your week, as well as anything else that’s on your mind. If you’ve never posted on Best and Worst before you should try it today – it’s cathartic. And a little bit addictive.
We’ve been handing Best and Worst over to you, our readers, to host as our way of thanking you for being a part of this great tradition.
(You too can have a chance to host – just email info@mamamia.com.au with your full name, headshot and a short bio (include any links to your blog/Twitter etc), and we’ll take it from there.)
Now – introducing Lauren. She writes:
Best: Finally getting on top of my study and slowly reaching the acceptance of my dad’s death.
Worst: Finding it hard to make more friends since moving to the Gold Coast.
Lauren Bell is a 25 year old communication and business student from the Gold Coast. Find here on Twitter here.
What was your best and worst of the week?
 on http://www.mamamia.com.au){kind=link}
Comments
337 Comments so far
Best: hectic good sleep last night, best in a long time. the stars aligned, my baby slept the whole night, i fell asleep easily and stayed asleep, just awesome. its amazing how foreign and wonderful it is now having an 8hr sleep when it used to be the norm!!
Worst : so…possibly having a midlife crisis…except in late twenties… feeling very…. restless. and torn.
went out this week with a group of girlfriends and ran into a whole heap of guys from high school…including my ex. first serious boyfriend, we broke up during uni after just under 2yrs dating, and looking back now i see i was never really in love… i felt mostly just overwhelmingly relieved when it ended, and though we occasionally said happy birthday via facebook or say hi in passing i never felt or thought much in relation to him. so why did i feel a thrill when i saw him out, and absolutely strained to ‘casually’ bump into him again before we left??????
and why the hell am i suddenly so friggen keen- verging on desperate- to go out and party like its 2000 when 2 years ago i was so over all of that stuff and preferred a night in??
just cant figure out whats going on in my head at the moment and why im desperate to relive the 18 year old me again. especially when the other side of me is screaming to fall pregnant again asap.
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Best: went back to work after three months on sick leave. Will be taking it slow. Work colleagues have been very excited to see me. It’s a lovely feeling.
Started physio for my balance problems (hangover from my surgery).
Worst:having to do the exercises they’ve given me. Gaaaarh!
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Physio must be such a frustrating job. It’s so hard for anyone to learn slow and steady, small exercise fixes your problems. Let alone trying to convince people to do their seemingly ineffective exercises every day! I never appreciated it until my physio after my ankle reconstructions, when doing 10 heel raises left me sweating and puffed out! I hope you can feel results to spur you on quickly!
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So do I. I’ll do the exercises, even though I don’t want to. I’m sick of a walk down the block leaving me feeling dizzy and I only have to do physio this time, not speech, OT and neuropsychology.
My mum had to do arm and leg exercises when she broke each of them. I remember those well.
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Dad had to do TONS after his car accident. It started with squeezing a squash ball to get his arm working again. I can remember him being exhausted from it, but then he had smashed the whole right side of his body, so it was hard work to get it all working again.
I had to go to the physio before school from when I was about 9 because of my achilles tendons not keeping up with my growth, so I walked round on tippy toes. I don’t mind when they use the ultrasound and zappy things, but when they tell you to do the exercises 4 times a day or whatever, it’s so hard to do them!
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Best: my husband finally realized what a douch he had been and is begging me to come home so we can be a family again. I knew he would wake up to himself eventually, I just wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon.
Worst: Being stuck in bed for two days with fevers, vomiting and the worst body aches and headache ever! My mum had to take my son for the two nights as I literally couldn’t get out of bed without fainting.
It was only when I fed my son yesterday that I noticed how swollen and red one of my breasts was and mum instantly knew it was mastitis, while I was convinced it was just a virus! I did some reading and apparently everything I had been feeling is a symptom of mastitis! I’m now sitting at the dr’s office hoping to get some antibiotics to help clear it up.
OMM: I don’t think my husband has any idea about how much work it is going to take to repair the damage that has been done. He seems to think we can pick up where we left off. Hmm not likely buddy.
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Geez, you’ve got a lot on your plate, Sezzard. Look after yourself x
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Thanks!
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Hi Sezzard, have been wondering how you are. WHat are you going to do?
If you just go back he could do it again. Could you stay at your mums and do couple councelling first? Maybe leave him a bit on the hook, even if you know your’e going back, so that he realises how serious this is?
It’s easy for me to say I know, and you have a baby, but I’d just be very cautious. And i”d also torture him a bit too! He has to learn that what he did was truly terrible, shocking and that he can never ever do it again.
Good luck xxx
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Here’s something that falls into the “best” category if you are a Marian Keyes fan… a big post on her website. So glad she is getting better.
http://www.mariankeyes.com/Newsletter/March-2012?forumboardid=12&forumtopicid=12
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How utterly wonderful, that was such an entertaining post. One of my favourite authors
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Woohoo!!! So glad to hear she’s doing well (by and large). And CANNOT WAIT for a new Walsh girls book. It MUST be Helen’s turn!
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Best:
My job share colleague has gone on long service leave – so I get to teach our classes for five whole weeks, plan my own lessons and establish routines that are MINE! Yay! I started yesterday with rearranging all the classroom furniture, next is a seating plan for Year 11 who are 16-17 years old and love to talk!
Worst:
Menopause! It sucks! I can’t sleep. I toss & turn all over the bed. I can’t get cool. Skin is drying out, libido has vanished. I break out in hot flashes at the worst times (like leaning over a student to help them with their work…) Hope it’s a nice quick menopause rather than ten years of this. Any suggestions for relief are welcome!
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Kathy W, are you sure it’s menopause? Maybe you’re getting hot and sweaty dreaming of Wayne doing the wild thing! oh gawd, I just made myself vomit in my mouth!
Seriously though, I know the big M is on its way, in fact its running late and I’m dreading it. I just hope that the sweats start in winter and save me a bit of money on my electricity bill.
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Best: I’m going to Melbourne to see my sister tomorrow. I can’t wait! We have a day together and then I am chairing a conference on Monday (another best!). Also great is that my sister’s best friend is a makeup artist (and a totally hilarious, fun woman) and I’ve paid to have a 2 hour makeup lesson with her, then we’re all going out to dinner. Awesome!!
Worst: Not seeing my kids much because of work (and makeup!) commitments and hubby is struggling with being overloaded.
OMM: how to get everything done today – have to cook a fancy dinner as my mum is bringing her new/old boyfriend over for dinner to meet my family (she’s reconnected with an ex from her past), must clean the house (it’s a disaster zone) before they come, need to pack (have to take all my makeup to show the MUA) and have to do some prep work to chair the conference. Aargh – better get on with it!
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Best 1: Had a weekend trip to Rye with some of my work colleagues. It was a well-deserved break and had heaps of fun!
Best 2: Went to Aqua’s concert and had a great time!
Best 3: Although Student support group meetings (similiar to Parent Teacher Interviews) can be stressful and tiring (had 12 yesterday!), comments from most parents were very pleasant- it’s really nice to hear that I’ve been making a difference to my students.
Worst 1: Having issues with my sister who is 7 years younger than me. We argue constantly and when I try to advise her about something (she’s still a teenager), she gets angry at me and won’t listen
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Hi Christine
When does advice become unwelcome interference? When it isn’t asked for.
Tell her you won’t give her advice unless she explicitly asks for it. As for whether she listens you have no control over that.
A friend of mine nearly destroyed her relationship with her younger brother by giving him unwelcome advice. Things only got better when she recognised that it was really about her trying to ease her own anxiety about him making mistakes. She had to believe that whatever mistakes he made she would be able to be strong enough to support him and that was all he wanted.
And yes, I realise the irony in offering you advice you haven’t asked for.
Good luck
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my sister is only two years younger than me, and she will call me to tell me her problems, and then wen i try to give advice, she doesnt want to hear about it, and we end up fighting and her hanging up on me!. so now ive just given up even saying anything to her. its her life, and she’ll learn that treating people the way she does wont get her far.
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Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it. I don’t usually advise my sister unless she asks for it, but she has been getting into trouble lately and I try to support her…yet she won’t listen. So for the meantime, I’ve given up and just hope that she realises I’m around to support her.
Hope you have a lovely week.
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Best: I’m in love. I’ve been dating my guy for quite a few months now and I’ve come to the conclusion that there is a reason the butterflies won’t go away.
Worst: I’m too scared to say those 3 little words to him. I make a lot of excuses (to myself) about why I shouldn’t say it. I guess I’m scared that if I say it he’ll run? But then at the same time, I know he won’t. Although, he hasn’t said them yet and I don’t know if I should wait for him to say it first? I’m not very good at having relationships…
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Sweet! It’ll happen when the time is right.
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Best – Husband finally coming home next week after being deployed overseas for 28 weeks. (I hope – he was supposed to come home this week and last week but was delayed twice.) Both my girls and I are very excited.
Worst – Nothing major, though I am not keen on doing some jobs I really need to do before he comes home – like cleaning his car! (Obviously not a worst at all compared to so many posts here.)
OMM – Sudden panic. Is it really 16 Mar? I have a baby due in about 8 weeks and haven’t even got a long list of possible names, let alone a short list (I doubt my husband has given it any thought either!). I haven’t worked out where the baby will sleep etc… and was kind of hoping I might be able to organise to move before the baby comes (my husband will be moving to a job interstate when he gets back). I only have 5 or 6 weeks left at work and I have 5 or 6 years of work to do in that time! (Seeing the option of a nice glass of wine is not available to me, I think I will just do some pre-natal yoga and convince myself it will all work out.)
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sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Good luck!
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Best: Making progress with the Naturopath i’ve been seeing about my health issues. I’m positive this will be the year i get on top of it.
Worst: My beautiful Dad lost his job. He had worked for the company for 20 years. He’s in his early 60′s. He is still active and has no health problems but, im worried he won’t be considered for new jobs because of his age. He can’t afford to retire. I want my parents to be able to enjoy this time in their lives not be stressed and worried.
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I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s job. It’s awful to worry about your parents in that way. I definitely know how you feel. My Dad has battled cancer (twice) over the past decade and has been made redundant a couple of jobs through the process. At the same time they lost over $.7M on the stock market. He is 65 now and can’t afford to retire either. They were so ‘set’ a dozen years ago and now they are so stressed about money all the time, had to sell their beautiful home a year ago and buy a tiny house and they still have a mortgage on that. He has a job now but has to travel 3+ hours each day which I also worry about. I stress about them all the time
If I won the lottery tomorrow I’d give it all to them.
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Its just such bullshit !! They should be enjoying themselves not working and worrying about money.
I just think where is the friggin loyalty? 22 years for the same company !!!
I just know if he can’t find work it will take a toll on his health and their marriage. Dad has always been the provider.
At least we are all adults and are all happy to assist in whatever way but, your parents are probably like mine they don’t like to ask their children for help.
I play $2 Jackpot Lottery Cordeline, if i win i will send your parents a cheque
All the best to them xo
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Right back at you!!
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I need some perspective here MMers! My 5yo daughter came home from her school fun run today. She came dead last but “I’m not upset mum, because I did my best and when my legs got tired I just walked.” She is dealing with it so much better than me – I always sucked at sport at school and I hated it – always coming last, always being picked last, the groans when I had to be on someone’s team… I’m now a black belt so I’m not completely hopeless but I’m really worried that my girl will have to go through the same thing. Any thoughts?
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Hi Josie Y,
My 5 year old daughter just started some kindy tennis lessons this term. She is loving it. She is not particularly good at it but she loves going.
They have a lovely, energetic and positive coach with a group of just 4-5 kids. The coach gave us all a newsletter the other week which included an article on why tennis is one of the best ‘first sports’ for kids to get into. Not because we or they have desires to play tennis all their lives, but because it covers so many skills that are required across the board for sport in general.
Have a read if you are interested:
http://tennisone.com/newsletter/template/2.15.12.newsletter.html
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My niece and nephew both do tennis. My niece (at 7) holds the record for number of returns to the coach.
We’re all pretty competitive, but I think my brother is the most. His nickname on the sidelines is Damir!
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She does Martial Arts doesn’t she? She’ll be good at that, and have that knowledge to fall back on. Maybe get her into some other sport if you can manage it?
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Maybe she’ll be better at something else. My son is 8 and always comes last at races but he doesn’t seem to care. He loves sports days.
We were watching his class run one sports day and a girl in his class was watching with us and she said ” ***** will come last, he always comes last” in a very matter of fact way and sure enough, he did. I don’t know if his class is an especially nice bunch of kids but no-one seems to care, he doesn’t get teased or anything. I don’t think he will ever be a great runner but he does a few sports so we are confident he’ll eventually find something he is good at. Someone does have to come last.
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Best: Spent what was supposed to be a long outside in the cold with a new friend with good conversation, was not too cols and was wrapped by midnight.
Worst: Screwed up a sale for a big spender client and probably lost his business forever.
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Best: By this time next week i will be a Mrs and dancing the night away.
Worst: only a week to go and so much to do!
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BEST: I am a couple of weeks into my brand new job, and am loving it. I moved out of home, interstate, and landed my dream job. Life is good.
WORST: Am dwelling on relationships past, and thinking things might not work out the way I hope.
OMM: The above mentioned relationship… and the block of chocolate metres away which will comfort me…
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Best: I won some lanolips glosses from Primped for being active on the site…yay new products to play with! And my book depository order arrived (after only 6 days!).
Worst: The weather. STOP RAINING MELBOURNE! Total FWP.
OMM: Going to Sydney tomorrow for the day to see the Harry Potter exhibit….nerd alert! So excited!
http://www.thebeautyblot.wordpress.com
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I’ve moved to the country! About 7.5 hours inland from Sydney. I think I’m still in shock, never lived in the country before. But i desperately needed a massive change after the hell I’ve been thru the past four years.
I’m very very lucky to have the most wonderful friend who has welcomed me into her home. There are very few people like that.
I’ve found a great house, great company to work for, it’s all falling into place. Wouldn’t it be great if I found a good man?! Is that too much to hope for????
I have always wanted to have children, my own family and it feels that I’ve lost my chance. But it would be wonderful to meet a truly good man, someone who is honest and loyal and kind and fun, who would never cheat on me.
I wonder if this move will turn out to be pivotal. I decided so quickly to move. It’s so wonderful reading on here about pregnancies and babies born… I wish it could happen to me. I don’t think it will, too old now, but maybe some other really good things will happen. rambling i know….
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Never lose hope. Happiness in life will find you – but it may not be what you expect.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IvoryLeaf
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Thank you Ivoryleaf, I really appreciate your wise words x
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I REALLY hope your dreams come true, Louisec.
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Thank you, I am very grateful. xxx
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I spoke about this in the “What are you good at?” post yesterday but feel that I MUST bring it up again for Best and Worst….
I have been planning my daughter’s 2nd birthday party for months. People say “Why?! She wouldn’t know the difference?” and “Save it until she can realllly appreciate it!” etc but to be honest, this party was really for me! I absolutely ADORE cooking (Phoodie, duh!) and I love planning parties too!
The theme was “American Diner” and I am SO excited to say that, 100%, the party was my “BEST” for this week!
I was SO nervous about how the “Spaghetti and Meatballs” cake (complete with “Tomato sauce and Parmesan Cheese” would turn out so it was a huge relief once it was made and served! Oh, and Bubba girl had a really fun time too!
Happy Birthday Mumma’s special girl!
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best: we are finally moved from our house to a rental place. big move after 40 years.
worst : i miss my old house, it was great, but just too many stairs for us to grow old in, but a great view, great neighbours, well set out. sigh!!
best 2: new house started.
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Played golf today with an ex-colleague (ex-NAB senior female managers) – it was just a lovely walk, talk and whack session. Lots of great discussions and business ideas.
I would like to officially apologize if I have ever complained if men played golf during working hours – it really is very productive!
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BEST: ONE more sleep until I catch my plane to Perth! I currently live in France and haven’t been home since August 2010. I am so excited and keep breaking into spontaneous dance.
WORST: Not really a worst but I’ve been trying to distract myself from counting down the hours to my trip by baking. Lots and lots of baking. And consequently lots and lots of eating. I’ve worked hard to lose 12 kilos over the past five months and I’m looking forward to going home looking my best.. unfortunately I may have undone some of that good work this week :/
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Best: looking into my 2.5 yr old sons big brown eyes when he is excited. You can’t buy that genuine joy..he slept in his “big boy bed” this week so it’s high fives every day!
Worst : second miscarriage in 5 months, this one at 5 wks 4 days. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something xx
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So sorry to hear of your miscarriage. I think there are many women who have had quite a lot of miscarriages who then go on to have babies. I hope that happens for you. And that you are ok now xxx
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So sorry, my thoughts are with you x
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Miscarriage is just horrible. There are lots of us here who have been through it. I don’t think it’s the universe trying to tell you something. I hope it all works out for you one day. Look after yourself in the meantime.
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Best; booking flights to a trip to Italy.
Worst; realising how much money I have to pay off on the credit cards! I don’t like debt!!!
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Italy is gorgeous – you’ll have a wonderful time.
Have you been before?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IvoryLeaf
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Normally there is always a best in my week.. but this week is not the case!!!
Worst #1: Have been quite sick with this horrible ear infection that won’t go away! so painful and anti biotics has not helped one bit! also makes it a bit hard to teach receptions when you can’t hear out of one ear!!!
Worst #2: A friend was in a car accident last weekend and died on Sunday age 18… just so tragic and so sad but the family have been so amazing about it all because of how strong their christian faith is!
OMM/kind of a best: It is our engagement party this Sunday which is very exciting as have been planning and preparing for a while have gone all out with the decorations etc but still so much to do as have been put behind due to this hell of a week! BUT very much looking forward to Sunday when can celebrate with all our family and friends!!!
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I’m so sorry about your friend, just 18, so tragic.
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Kind of a best and worst for the same thing.
I had a miscarriage this week which is devastating and horrible. For so long all I have wanted is to have a baby but my fiancé and I weren’t at all ready emotionally, financially or mentally. So we weren’t trying and we just feel into the 0.01% of when the pill fails.
However said fiancé is now an ex-fiancé and so bringing a baby into this world after the craziness that was our breakup would have been an utter disaster. And there’s no way I want to bring a child into this world with the bloodline he has.
So I am choosing to look at it as a positive despite how horrible it all feels.
But I haven’t told my ex. I just don’t want him to feel like I need his support or anything because he made his position quite clear. Not sure if I should or not. Does he have a right to know?
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Oh darl…. There’s nothing that a stranger over the internet could say to make it all better – much as I wish there were.
Sending you cyber hugs xx
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Thanks. Not sure there’s anything anyone can say really. The whole situation is just so messed up.
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Oh Mandi! You’re having an awful week aren’t you? Sending you so much warmth re the miscarriage. Had one myself before my beautiful baby girl. And in the long term I was able to rationalise that it was better that way and that when my bub came along, it was a better time and we were more prepared, but in the short term I think it’s really important to acknowledge the loss and the sadness. In relation to telling your ex, I don’t think he needs to know unless you want him to know. In my own narrow experience, miscarriage is a really different loss for men – because it’s so physical and central for us it’s much more real. My husband was sad, but much more OK than I was. You might find that he didn’t think of it as that big a deal, and that could really hurt or piss you off. You will feel better honey, but take your time and be really kind to yourself – that’s a lot of loss in a little time and you need to give yourself a chance to catch your breath. Can you treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment or something really lush and indulgent? Good luck xx
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Best: The support I got from MM this week. In particular: AnthonySherratt, MJ, May!, rainbow, maybedaisy, oddsocks, Katyberry, Cordeline, Anon and Trog. Also, big thanks to Noelle for telling me to toughen up (you were totally right).
Bestest: I sold four item in my Etsy store this week. MASSIVE thanks to Samara and Joey who purchased items after hearing about me on MM.
Worst: Not enough hours in the day. And I know that’s not really even a worst – hugs to those out there doing it tough this week.
OMM: Husband’s 30th birthday in a couple of weeks and I STILL don’t know what to buy him!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IvoryLeaf
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Your cards are lovely and reasonably priced, I’ve just popped over and bought a couple, my first etsy purchase!
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Thank you so much!
You know how to make a girl happy.
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For my hubby’s 40th I got him 40 presents each individually wrapped. There was a variety of things ranging from some his favourite photos framed and a couple of t-shirts, to a cooking class for men & a flight simulator session. He absolutely loved it!!!
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Best: Really loving my new routine, have been at since end of Jan. Gym at 530am, get ready there then straight to work. Cuts down on time and extra driving. Super motivated and am losing the stupid weight i put on last year!!
Worst: Seeing a pic of my stunning 8mth old niece on facebook today, that’s not bad however a comment underneath from my SIL’s friend (also friend of mine) was signed off with ‘Aunty Hayley’ (her name is same as mine)…..um excuse me, get your own niece!!!! I’m so annoyed. Pretty sure i’d be pulled into line if I pulled something like that. Any ideas on a responding comment…….
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It’s common for close friends to be called ‘Aunty’.. I guess it implies that they’re there for the long haul and will always be around to help.
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maybe saying that your aunt hayley1 and she is aunt hayley 2?
since your related and she isnt?
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Someone did that on my SIL’s facebook. Along the lines of “Aunty Lisa loves you”.
So I said “Look at my beautiful niece. You can tell she’s one of us.”
Man I’m a bitch
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haha that’s just awesome.
i ended up writing “Aunty Hayley?? That would be me!!”
by the time i came to respond i was that peeved by it that there was no way i was going to be subtle. right to the point i say!
xxx
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I think that’s really mean. Sounds like you are just jealous and insecure. You should be happy that your niece has people around her who love her enough to want to be an “aunty”. Major first world problem, you need a life.
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Naw that’s a bit unfair
I think it’s lovely that your niece obviously has many people in her life who love her.
I feel honoured that my friends’ children call me aunty. As an only child, I can’t go ‘get my own’ either
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Hmmmm I don’t think you should get worked up about it…I have about four ‘aunties’ who are not related to me but they are very close friends of my family…and have been in my life since I was born and were in my mum’s life well before she even got married or had kids.
And my real aunts don’t care.
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I don’t think people should self appoint themselves as aunty or uncle. It’s up to the parents to designate friends etc that title..
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Maybe post a comment saying ‘the real Aunt Hayley?’
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Best: The absence of a worst. After a rough few weeks I have had no major bad news this week, no family members have ended up in hospital and everyone seems to be doing OK.
Best 2: Visiting my in laws this weekend.
OMM: Not going overseas this year, didn’t get the job opportunity I went for (same workplace), can’t have a baby yet… Just feeling a bit meh. Doesn’t seem like there is anything to look forward to this year. Hopefully not much more could go wrong though!
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Best: Seeing the Naked & Famous at Future Music festival last weekend. I love them even more now that I’ve seen them live – they were amazing. Bonus – no crowd (everyone was over at another stage watching Skrillex).
Worst: My brain short-circuited on Monday, I made a mistake and screwed up an easy test at uni. It wasn’t even worth anything but I’m still beating myself up for being so silly.
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Jealous !
Punching in a dream is my all time favourite song !
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Best:
My son’s first word…. “Book”
Worst:
The little snivelling sod who hacked my blog and crashed it. The whole thing is gone. Every word for the last 8 months. Deleted. Why do people do that? Is it funny to destroy something that someone has worked on for so long? *sigh*
So now I’m frantically running a search across my whole harddrive to try and find the last back up that I’m sure I remember exporting. Unfortunately, I think the last time I did a back up was sometime around Christmas which means I’ve lost the last 3months of posts.
OMM:
My house is separating. Seriously… It is literally coming apart at the seams.
It’s a transportable house in the Pilbara, we’re under BLUE alert for Cyclone Lua and it turns out the tie-downs have shifted, causing one third of the house to lean east while the the middle section leans west and the other third is leaning north. I have two structual engineers who usually deal with ship-loaders and sea-wall design (the house is owned by my partner’s employer – a mining company) now crawling around under my house with spirit levels and torches to find any possible weaknesses that the updrifts can get into if Cyclone Lua decides to detour 200kms to the south and straight into us.
(Just to explain for those who aren’t aware of cyclone ratings and “tie-downs” on housing – housing in the NW has to be tied-down using steel cable over the roof and down to below the ground to tie on to the sunken concrete piles in order to be rated safe enough to withstand a Catagory 3 cyclone at minimum)
It’s one of those weeks *headdesk*
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Oh my gosh!! How could someone do that?! That’s awful!
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Ahhhh cyclone season. I was a FIFO worker and always had blue alerts just as we were due to fly out. Never happened on the way IN however…
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Now’s the time to be flying in then – all flights are cancelled until further notice. I’ve got half a dozen FIFO boys (who work with hubby) coming to stay here for the weekend as they can’t get home and don’t want to have to sit en masse in the mess at camp.
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oh good god, good luck!
I loved FIFO. Mind numbing waiting in the mess, not so much….
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What the boys DON’T know is that I’d planned to deep-clean the house this weekend… which means they’re helping
L (who’s close to 7ft tall) will be wiping down the fans for me), W (who’s only 4’10) will be dusting the skirting boards, C will be washing the walls, B’s going to be in charge of cleaning the window sills, D’s going to be washing the inside of the windows, M’s going to be vacuuming aircon filters, hubby’s going to be doing the toilets, and I’m doing the oven & inside the kitchen cupboards.
Granted – with that many of us working on it, the house will be spotless within an hour (where it normally takes 5hrs to deep-clean it). THEN they can sit on the patio and drink to their hearts’ content. I’ll even make them a batch of my “101 Cookies” as a reward.
I figure having a plan to deep-clean the house will ensure that it doesn’t split down the middle… Why would the universe save me from cleaning the house by destroying it? Sort of like Murphy’s law in action I guess.
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Can I borrow them to do my house when you’re finished with them?
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It’s a great idea to hand over the hosting of ‘Best & Worst’ to a reader. However, if they only have a one line entry for each point, why would they be granted the favour of hosting? I’m just confused because prior to now, the readers who have hosted, have written really interesting pieces but this one is just a one line entry for each and no interesting ‘back-story’ about this Mamamia member………can someone please explain to the ignorant such as I?
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Anyone can host – just send us an email. Sometimes there’ll be a back story, sometimes there won’t – up to the host
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Hey Bewildered!
We’re not prescriptive with what people want to write once we ask them to submit for Best and Worst! It’s a community post as much as it is an article, so we just ask them to share what they’re comfortable with and open up the floor to everyone else. Just like at a regular dinner party … not everyone will talk to a consistent number of minutes
Rick
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Thanks Lana & Rick for explaining to the ignorant. I had misunderstood that the hosting job was a kind of platform for a keen member to expand their ‘journalistic’ talent. Now I understand – it is just an extension of the usual ‘dinner party’ theme.
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My dad died last year in June and then I got dumped by my fiance in September. It was not the best year.:) So I have moved to the gold Coast to get back on my feet and start fresh.
Hope this helps xo
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Good luck to you Dancinglolly – hope the seachange works out for you!
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Best – I am a really good Friend of Ricks and he is coming to our house for his birthday party on Saturday and I’m really excited to see his face when we give him his cake we are making him. Im sure you will all see pictures of it on twitter on saturday. (It’s gonna be awesome)
Worst – I’m still sick from Mardi Gra – went to the doctors today and now have to go on drugs.
Have a lovely weekend everyone xx
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Damn right I am and I CANNOT wait. I miss you. x
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I miss you aswell, we are on our second trip for cake supplies – one little hint it will be vegan – well mostly
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You are very brave
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It’s ok Lana, If he doesn’t like the cake then he can get out of my house
Only Rick will understand this joke, but I’m sure you have heard a few stories about how i keep Rick grounded. RICK YOU’RE NOT FAMOUS
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I believe it has caught on here too, Kylie. THANKS TO YOU.
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Wow, I have goosebumps! I could have written Lauren’s best & worst word for word, its exactly how I have been feeling. Lets hope we both find great new friends on the Gold Coast
and keep on top of the study (I have just started midwifery yay!)
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Thanks
Good to know other people feel the same as me lol
Good Luck with midwifery, I would love to do it but i am not the best with anything medical
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Best: I got an article published on my favourite website.
Worst: The article topic brought up some painful memories and was upsetting for me.
OMM: Now I’ve got to find myself a new writing goal to achieve. Maybe I’ll finally try and write that book
Best: I’m doing the Fox in Flats style dare (wear sparkles every day). It’s been two months since my son was born and my appearance has been somewhat neglected. Wearing sparkles every day makes me feel bright and chipper.
Worst: Went shopping on Monday for more sparkles. I’m 12 kilos over my pre-pregnancy weight and most of my clothes don’t fit. It was a shock to the see myself in those shops mirrors.
OMM: Learning to accept my new body and making sure to not beat myself up. Health and happiness is the key.
Best: Reading to my baby. Singing to my baby. Watching my baby. Cuddling my baby.
Worst: Having him wee, poo and vomit on me. But I have lots of showers so it’s not so bad.
OMM: National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence – I hope my baby is never subjected to bullying or violence. There is going to come a time when I can’t protect him from the real world. He’ll have to protect himself and I hope he always does the right things by others and himself.
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Best: I got asked to be a bridesmaid on the weekend by one of my very good friends here in Canberra (which is where I moved semi-recently for work). Am super excited because she has so many lovely friends she could have chosen instead… But she chose ME!! I think it’s really an honour to be asked, and can’t wait to get to work with hens night planning and helping her with dress shopping and invitations! Exciting!
Second best: I’m finally getting into the swing of writing for my blogs. I have a personal Tumblr that only a select few read (it’s more to get things of my chest and show pictures of things that inspire me) as well as a blog that I write with my ex-housemate (who happens to have the same name as me!) about things to do in our nation’s capital. It’s finally getting a few more followers, which is heartening! (if I’m allowed to share it with you all, it can be read at inthetaratory.wordpress.com
)
Worst: still struggling to get those pesky extra kilos off that crept on during my recent trip to Europe in winter. FWP – but my fave work dresses def do not fit as easily as they once did!
also really missing my family back in Darwin, especially my beautiful mum. 4,500 km is such a long way away…
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Tara – I did the Europe trip in Winter too, went for three months. I got back a month ago and I’m still not back to my normal weight. I keep reminding myself it took me three months to put it on, it’s gonna take three months to lose it.
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yay for bridesmaiding! It is a massive honour – it says she reckons you’ll be still in her life to come to her 50th wedding anniversary party and laugh at the photos. And it’s soooo much fun! (More fun than actually getting married in a way)… have fun!
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Worst 1: back at work after some time off and really don’t want to be back at it. Not sure if its cos i don’t want to be at work or because its just hard to get back into, seriously considering the change to full time SAHM in the near future but just need to be sure it’s for the right reasons (and that we can afford it). Previously have really enjoyed my job.
Worst 2: Just been a bit low this week and really slack, which is fine if it’s only for a week – I’m allowed a crap one every now and then but just scared that next weeks going to be no different
Best: Feeling good about relatioship with DH, have had some good talks, feel he is supporting me etc.
OMM: would love to lose myself in something for awhile, movie, book but DD will be awake soon and i really should do the dishes…
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If you liked work before, maybe you just don’t like it now because you are having an off week? If you are feeling down about some things, it is easy to let those feelings become generalized without realizing.
Personally I love doing a little bit of part-time work. It gets me out of the house (and out of my trackie dacks), maintains my skills, and helps me appreciate the mummy time the rest of the time.
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Thanks for your thoughts eternally.
That was what work was like for me last year too, me time, but my life has changed and i’m thinking that work might actually be the cause of me feeling down (but I’m an eternal over-analyzer)
I work from home for all things admin and visit clients in the community. It’s fantastically flexible but it also means there’s always something i could be doing and at the moment i don’t want to do a single thing extra, which makes me feel like i don’t care for my clients which makes me feel guilty which, which, which lol
Thanks for letting me air some of that
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Best: Dinner with an old flame and who I am now good friends with. Lots of support from him re losing a colleague at work whom has been great to work with.
Worsts: Enjoying my masters but have come to a screeching halt since losing my work colleague and even though I love the study, I am procrastinating a lot … here on MM at the moment lol.
OMM: Must. get. back. into. uni. work.
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Susan as well,
Can I just say that study’s loss is our gain? I really appreciate your kind sensible comments on this post every week, and through out the site. With out fail you are always kind and positive and it is lovely to read your comments
If it makes you feel any better I am in a study day and all I have managed to do so far is make multiple cups of tea, fanny about on MM, and watch dr Phil … I am doing my masters too, and motivation is hard to come by.
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Aw, you just made my day, Zelicat … I feel so honoured from your comments about my comments and your comments are equally looked forward to by me as well as other’s comments here too
That’s a lot to say about comments!
Just bit the bullet for a couple of hours and did some of that huge pile of readings *wipes sweat from brow*
Gonna join you in that cuppa tea now (not literally, of course, cyberspeakingly that is) before I take my mum some dinner tonight
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Best: Golden Plains! It was so much fun and exactly what my boyfriend and I needed after our horror last few weeks. I danced so much my legs were sore for days!
Worst: A 6am start at work 2 days after the festival. Still catching up on sleep.
OMM: I’m gifting myself (with assistance from my parents) a DSLR camera for my 25th birthday in a couple of weeks, and don’t know where to start with researching them! So much to consider!
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Lizzieb, I looked for the butterfly, but alas I could not find
How good was that festival? I’m still smiling – and singing.
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So good! I had the best time. It’s by far my favourite festival (with Meredith a very close second)
I looked for you too, but no luck. I was probably hard to spot as the butterfly as my boyfriend was dressed as a butterfly catcher so I was constantly frolicking around trying to avoid his net!
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Best: Aqua Concert last night. I loved every single minute of it!
Worst: My best friend at work (she’s not actually my best friend, but she is the person i’m closest to at work) left yesterday. No i have no one to complain to about the inane things at work or email when i’m bored!
OMM: i know i need to make more of an effort to see my friends, but i’m just so uninterested in the things they want to do. It’s all about going out and getting pissed and i just don’t find that fun. I tend to do lots of coffee’s and brunches but the cost is starting to add up and unfortunately as everyone works weird times/days, its hard to organize just one catch up.
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Aqua are still together?!!
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sure are! and pretty sure more amazing than ever!!
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I have not joined in for ages…
Best: after one healthy baby (now 4 years old), 2 miscarriages, a stillborn baby and years of trying to fall pregnant.. I am finally pregnant again!!! (14 weeks).. Let’s hope it’s 5th time lucky!
Worst: The fear.. I am so worried that something will go wrong.. We have been through so much pain and heartbreak I am just so nervous this time around.
And, I guess the fact that I have to spend the next 6 months of my life on full time bed rest (after having a stillborn last year I needed to have a cervical stitch and now I am on full bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy).
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P.s if anyone has any suggestions for good books or movies or anything to keep me occupied while in bed.. Please let me know!!
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Congrats Katie … you’ve waited a long time and been through so much so hoping all goes well for you. When I have been in bed for long stretches, I have taken out whole series of tv shows and dramas and comedies they can absorb me for hours on end as well as passing the time without really noticing it.
Perhaps also read the reviews of dvds and books on the internet and see what has been recently released?
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yeah! My husband got me season one of greys anatomy when I was convalescing – I’d missed it on telly and normally never have time to just sit and watch hours and hours of telly. It was lovely…. sigh… now I’m flat out watching anything for pleasure – just a whole lotta Dora and Hi 5!
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Wow good luck managing a 4 yo AND complete bed rest!! How about buying some TV series on DVD to keep you occupied? I love Mad Men & Gossip Girl is good for some fun & fashion.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy. xx
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Congrats on the pregnancy!
I would never, ahem, advocate downloading programs (!!), but here are some I love right now (I love TV):
1. Big Bang Theory
2. Revenge
3. Alcatraz
4. Homeland
5. Good Wife
6. Glee
7. Real Housewives of (insert either New York, New Jersey, Beverly Hills, Orange County, Atlanta)
8. Anything Kardashian related
9. Vampire Diaries (cliche, but it is actually a good tv show)
10. The Only Way is Essex
The reality shows are great for some light entertainment! I am a reality TV tragic, lol, so it might not float your boat, but that’s my top 10 right now!!
Also, if you are keen on books – I review all the books I read on my blog, if you want to have a look – http://www.bakereadblog.wordpress.com
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Heartbeat – UK series from 90′s to 00′s.
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The book Thief by mark Zusack (i hope i got the spelling of his name right) very good book. enjoy!
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Thanks everyone! Husband bought me an iPad a few months ago and I am desperately waiting for season 5 of mad men to come out.
I’ll check out some of the other suggestions… x
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Congrats Katie! Wishing you well for this pregnancy. I am kind of a TV addict, and my recs are – if you’re after comedy I love new girl, and the 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation are both exceptional- in my mind they’re both sitcom greats up there with Friends and Seinfeld! For dramas homeland is amazing, and Luther is great too (and it’s BBC – a nice break from the American shows).
6 months is a long time to be on bed rest, just your eye on the prize! Xx
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Wow, Katie, what a journey. Congratulations, that’s fantastic news.
Do you have an iPad? They are absolutely perfect for lying around and there’s so much you can do on them – TV (eg, most of the shows on ABC are available to watch any time), internet, email, games etc.
Good luck, keep us updated!
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Wow, congratulations and good luck!
I hope you have an iPad, it really kept me sane during my time breastfeeding for 5-6 hours a day (nowhere near as tough as bed rest I know).
ABC iView is great, so many programs for free!
Also I agree get tv series, cheaper per hour than buying/hiring movies. I like big bang, how I met your mother, the good wife.
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Congratulations and good luck!
Katie, forgive my ignorance over this question – is ‘bed rest’ actually lying down on the bed the entire time? Or is it more sitting on the couch and taking it easy? Please, I don’t mean any snarkiness, I’m not implying anything, I’m genuinely curious.
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Perfectly normal question.. I get asked it almost every day!
I have to be on full bed rest which means lying down not sitting up (and sometimes I even have to have my feet elevated too).
It’s because I have a weak cervix so if I stand up or sit up the weight of the baby could cause my cervix to open.. Which is not what you want until you are full term!
So.. I have to lie down so that the weight of the baby is not pressing on my cervix at all.
It seemed like a huge deal at first but at the end of the day it’s 6 months of my life and if we get a healthy full term baby at the end of it, it will have been worth every second!
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Thank you. Hope your baby stays put, and comes out pink and yelling!
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Thank you x I have my fingers, toes and legs crossed!!
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Does that mean you will have a less painful labour as your cervix opens easier?? Hopefully so!
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A friend of mine was on bed rest for a long time – she was only allowed to get up to go to the toilet or have a 3 minute shower.
I love your positive attitude Katie. It is hard to be forced to be idle. How is your 4yo taking it?
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Congrats to you! I’m so happy for you. Although the time will probably drag on for you, remember it’s just 6 months out of your entire life and your reward at the end of it will be worth every minute!
Shows I recommend include Entourage, True Blood, Sons of Anarchy and The Wire.
Good luck x
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Hurrah Katie! Not to sound stalker-ish but I love your little blog, it is a wee piece of cyber space heaven, and I am very happy for you that you are pregnant!
Have you watched Downton Abbey? Season 1 & 2 are on DVD, and they are absolutely amazing.
Take care! x
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Thanks Yaz.. Xx
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Best: Weather! And Daylight saving in the same week! Spring has sprung, it’s spring break next week, and the whole campus just seems a lot happier for it…
Worst: Have not practised this week. Not once. Had to skip a lesson as I hadn’t made any advances from the previous one! I feel like a part of me is missing if I haven’t practised for a few days. Does that make me weird, or just one of those crazy musician-types (i.e. weird)?
OMM: Just feeling as though it is a little late in life to be gallivanting around the other side of the world without a definite 5yr or so plan in place. Kids? Real job? Real house? Future? Hmmm…
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what instrument do you play Rach?
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Chellebelle, I am a woodwind player, primarily a flute player, but I am studying oboe here in the US and I also teach/play clarinet and sax.
Keeps me off the streets, really.
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Best: Well I think that best is that its Friday! Weekend is here … beautiful weather in Perth atm so that means beach time and I can’t wait. Plus my whole family is coming to stay with me tonight, which will be nice because we don’t spend much time together as a whole unit since my Mum and Dad split up.
Worst: Feel like I’m drifting from one of my best friends. She’s getting marries and we are both busy with work, but it seems she just wants to use me for help planning the wedding, but not make me a bridesmaid and doesn’t want to talk about much else! It’s shit.
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Oh Ash I have been there (but try not even being invited to wedding!!) or being the bridesmaid but the maid of honour hardly knew the groom nor did any of the work!
And I don’t really have any advice for you but just to say sorry and it sucks!
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Get to the beach love, the rains are coming
know how you feel with the wedding stuff – but try and be patient, its amazing how much it returns to normal afterwards! Not condoning the behaviour but i think people can get a little sidetracked with all the wedding stuff
Hope you smile soon
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Best 1#: Had an interview with a recruitment company and they like the sound of me, and will here from them next week about hopefully some jobs that will suite me and what I want.
Best 2#: My partner is doing the exact same. I really hope he gets something even sooner than I do. He deserves so much recognition for the kind of hard work he does.
Best 3#: Weather in Perth is wonderful right now
No worsts that I can think of really!
OMM: I move house into my first home with my partner in 5 days. It doesn’t feel real at all!
Need to pack more too!
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Best: My boyfriend. He came home last night after a week away and it was so nice to see him. After two and a half years, we are still as in love as we were in the honeymoon phase (if not more so) and I still can’t believe I got so lucky. I was lying in the crook of his arm on the couch last night while we watched Dallas (don’t ask, he’s obsessed) and I felt joy radiating from every atom in my body.
Worst: Love my new job but it requires an hour and a half journey on public transport to get here. Have not made it to the gym once since I started because I don’t get home till 7pm. Feel guilty.
OMM: What should I do for my boyfriend’s 30th? He’s not really a party guy but I want to do something really memorable so I’m thinking either 30 presents for 30 years or a surprise holiday. Any ideas?
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I love those moments where you feel so loved up like that. After 10 years I still get them regularly with my husband!
For his 30th I got him a Tag Heuer watch.
Check out redballoon for good ‘experience’ ideas if you want to go down that track.
I dont think anyone would be disappointed with a surprise holiday!
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Best- Getting excited about moving to Tassie with my beautiful little family.
Worst- Scared about not knowing anybody.
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It IS scary, the prospect of not knowing anybody, but think of it as an opportunity. This might be a time to start something new, or get involved with something you haven’t before, with the side benefit of getting to know life-minded people. You are starting everything afresh, might as well go the whole hog!
I spent the first semester here in the US pretty depressed and feeling alone, but I started the second semester with a bang and have got pretty close to a lot of people, even though I never thought I would be able to (I am quite a bit older than everyone else on campus, but the age difference has not been an issue). It took awhile, but now I’ve realised that I really am going to miss a lot of people when we go home.
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Tassie Rocks, you will be fine once you get some fresh air into you
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Are you coming to Hobart? It’s a great place – I wasn’t born here and lived in a lot of places but wouldn’t live anywhere else. So winter is a bit chillier, what the hey!! You will LOVE it!
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best – my husband is finally getting the recognition he deserves at work. he’s been busing his gut for 15 years and now head office ( all new crew there) is seeing it and it’s reward after reward. I’m so excited for him
worst – after thinking my sister was getting better, she seemed to be super struggling this week. we get mri results on monday…fingers crossed that this Avastin will shrink the dam nasty brain tumors!
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Best: Getting admitted as a lawyer – YAAAAY!
Worst: Planning on finally having sex for the first time with the guy I’m seeing, only to unexpectedly get my period – noooo! Oh, first world problems!
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Congratulations and commiserations. There is nothing worse than heading out to sexy town only to accidently detour into lady town!! Worst!
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Congrats Sara – Queensland or Victoria? I know both had admissions this week
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In Victoria. And thanks for both the commiserations and the congratulations!
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Worst: I feel like I’m stuck in a rut. My life isn’t where I want it to be and I don’t feel like I’m moving in much of a direction to change that.
Best: Anti-dep side effects have mostly subsided (apart from the lack of libido) and I’m feeling better than I have in months – thank goodness.
Plus SAINT PATRICK’S TOMORROW! I’m so excited. I have a beautiful green dress and I can’t wait to wear it.
OMM: Where is my life going???????
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Oh i know the side effects from the ant-dep meds only too well. It takes a while for the libido to kick back in – just be patient
That said – if you are concerned make sure you speak to your doc or psych. For me it took a change of meds to get back there and im so glad i did!
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OMM & worst. The aweful bus accident in Sweden. I can not watch any stories on the accident without crying. I can not imagine the heartbreak these parents are going through and pray that I never do.
Best: my baby girl who is just 8 months. This morning she worked out how to clap her hands, she seems very proud of herself!
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It was in Switzerland!
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Best this week: really enjoying my regular babysitting job. Developing a great rapport with the kids and finding it very rewarding and fun.
Worst: stressing out over organising my honours as I’m having trouble finding an available supervisor and can’t decide on a topic; also stressing about all the grad job applications I should be working on. A lot of procrastination this week.
OMM: babies. I’m in my early twenties, still at uni and not in a position to be starting a family just yet but some irrational part of me wishes I could hurry things up, just skip a few years and arrive at the baby-making stage! A bit silly I know.
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I’m 23 and the same about babies! I think i have been emotionally ready since I got together with my partner at 18. But the rational part of me says to have a few more years of just the two of us, travel overseas, save up lots of money so you can have a few years off but my heart is going have a baby have a baby! Hehe. Get a puppy? We bought two last year andthey have satisfied my maternal instincts for a while
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Funny you mention the puppy…pretty much as soon as we left for the US without furchild in tow, maternal instincts kicked in something cruel! I guess the dog thing kept them masked somewhat…it is definitely a good interim measure!
And I’m 29. Probably feeling the same, but with the added hint of desperation!
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I hear you re babies! I’m 30 so def need to be thinking about it but can’t see it happening any time soon!
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Nor me. Had a sad at husband last night and again this morning, because while I was explaining to him about feeling maternal and that age was sneaking up on me and was getting me down, he said I could have a baby whenever I wanted, that I should look into visa/baby bonus stuff.
Turns out he was lying to make me feel better. i am sooooo mad!!!
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Why would he do that? So cruel. Hope you’re ok xxx
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Good to know it’s not just me! Good idea re puppy but we’re not allowed pets in our apartment block unfortunately…I will just have to settle for tending to my little herb garden for now, I think!
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Best: losing 1.1kg this week on 12WBT!!!!
Worst: Killer headaches and migraines this week
OMM: After taking the morning after pill, my period is now late, is this normal????
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I haven’t personally taken the morning after pill, but given the huge dose of hormones in it, it wouldn’t surprise me if it knocked your cycle around.
My advice would be that you should do a pregnancy test if it hasn’t come after a week. I know that the longer you wait after your period is due, the more accurate the test is.
I don’t know if that helps…thinking of you…
Congrats on the weight loss!
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We normally recommend that if you haven’t had your period within 7 days of when you were supposed to, to go and see your doctor for a blood test just to be sure…
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Yep it’s totally normal, the hit of hormone will mess you around a bit. Spotting is normal too. Never fear!!
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Great work on the 12wbt! I’m doing it too and after 5 weeks was at goal weight!
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I have taken the morning after pill a couple of times – once I didn’t get my period for 2 and a half months after. It really does mess around with your body. But do take a pregnancy test if you’re worried – it can’t hurt!
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