Lucy snaps a shot of Rick just as he's reading Mia's description of a 'catheter' ...
Poor Rick. I’ll explain that photo in a moment. Meanwhile, it’s time for Best and Worst which is my second-favourite post of the week (pipped at the post by Open Post since it gives me a chance to see photos of the team in Sydney and marvel – yet again – at Matt’s hair).
So here’s my B&W for the week ….
Best: I’ve got a list. Ready? Feeling a small foot push against my ribs in the middle of the night and knowing my in-utero baby is well and truly alive and kicking. Frozen grapes. Reading two new fresh, strong voices on Mamamia this past week: Enlighten Foundation’s Dannielle Miller’s brilliant post on the abuse directed at women in media and internationally-awarded author Kim Wilkins’s post on how her daughter starting school signaled a type of ending for her. What else makes my best list? Getting a photo of Rick’s face when Mia explained to him what a catheter is. He didn’t know. And his face says it all. (I’m laughing even as I type!). The fact that kindy returns next week which means I don’t have to play “farm animals” all day every day! WOOOOO! And finally, that our beloved Nicky is back next week from maternity leave! We’ve missed you, Nic!
Worst: I am seriously exhausted. (I’m looking forward to going into hospital to have this baby just to have a rest. And to have my meals brought to me. It’s possible I’m confusing hospital with a day spa). Also I have to say I feel disillusioned (again) by the Gillard government – this time with their back-flip on their written & signed agreement on specific pokie reform. I’m about to start a “Nick Xenophon for PM” campaign …
Okay, over to you guys. What’s been your best and worst this week?
Comments
236 Comments so far
loading...
Ok, so I realise I’m a tad behind – I check out mamamia virtually every day tho so not sure how I missed it – but I’m *so* excited that you’re pregnant Bec. YAY! I’ve oft thought of you this past year or so, and I’m just so very happy for you and your gorgeous fam. Hooray universe – nice job. xx
loading...
Oh thanks Jamboree!! Expect happy news in about a week. And send me lots of good vibes. xxx
loading...
Oodles and oodles of good vibes coming your way!
loading...
Just need somewhere to vent fustration! I am a family day care provider and am seriously over parents not paying their childcare fees! I am a single mother who invests so much into providing what I hope is a lovely enviroment for children to be while their parents work for an income to provide them with lifes necessities.I hold a diploma in childrens services and have chosen for the past 4 years to work in family day care rather than in centre based care so i earn an income and be home for my own children when they come home from school. A win /win situation you would think , if only parents would realize your fees represent my income ! I dont claim family tax benifit as a fortnightly payment as i am never too sure of my yearly income so i claim it at the end of the year , so what i earn is my sole source of income to provide for my children.This week i had 2 families blatently lie to me and tell me that their overdue fees have been transfrered into my account , well thankyou very much, i just went back too school shopping for my children and had to put the majority back as guess what? not enough funds ! So to all of the mums and dads out their, please make paying your child care provider a priority , we work very hard giving your child lots of love care and attention in your absence and at least deserve the reconition of being paid , on time, so our families can function, god only knows how i am going to grocery shop this week
loading...
That’s just poor form! You would think, as a family care provider, that the parents would feel a lovely close relationship with you? Here’s hoping you get paid very soon. xo
loading...
I am saddened by this story and wish you all the best for the tough weeks ahead and i hope the parents on your books get their act together.
loading...
I hope you’ll get paid soon! X
loading...
Best: Getting manicures with my grandma and little cousin following a special celebatory lunch to toast her admission into her first preference at Sydney Uni. Love spending time with the family, especially when it doesn’t get to happen much.
Worst: I have come down with a bad cold, despite only just getting over one that I had New Years. Do not understand why I am getting sick again especially since I am not working that much. Feel guilty for being this run down when I am not working as hard as others.
loading...
Bec, I’m sorry but I laughed out loud at your worst. I wasn’t laughing about your exhaustion, but at the fact that you were looking forward to your hospital stay for the rest, and food brought to you etc. I was exactly the same!!
I remember feeling a bit like it was going to be a bit of a holiday that I was going to be on!
Sadly, I had some major surgery about 18 months ago and I was sort of hoping for the same, but unfortunately the pain medication made me so nauseous I hardly ate for the 4 or 5 days I was in hospital. D’oh!!
On the quality of the food? I have to say I really didn’t care that much what I was served! I was just happy not to have to menu plan, shop for it, cook it, and clear up after it!
So I totally understand where you are coming from!
loading...
I’m going to take a photo of myself in my hospital bed with the tv on and me relaxing!!! (As for the food, well, my philosophy is that I love any meal that’s made by somebody else!!!)
loading...
Best: Mums secondary tumor has shrunk and the first is less dense! AND the ultra expensive chemotherapy medication she will be getting at $100 a go instead of a couple of thousand! Yay! She has amazing oncologists. We are planning to send them a thank you basket on her birthday cos it’s the second one she’s had that she was not likely to be around for. Yeah suck it cancer!
Worst: still feeling like I’m in love with my ex. And missing him so much. Even tho logically I know I DONT want to be with him! So frustrating because it’s been almost a year but it doesn’t take much to make me want to cry over him. It doesn’t help that he keeps popping up in my dreams with his new girlfriend! Also I miss having a boyfriend a bit but really don’t want to date etc. It’s probably just me being lonely. I’m sick so I don’t get out and I live alone and even tho my brother and SIL are next door they like my ex friend better so generally avoid me. Which of course takes a battering on my already bad self esteem but is better than being bullied by my ex friend. Lucky uni is coming up so I am focusing on that!
loading...
Worst: My sister screaming at me to f*ck off and storming out of the flat we share after I told her I was hurt that she was moving out at a time when I really need some support.(I lost my job ten days before Christmas, am grieving the loss of someone close to me and am locked in a battle with depression I just can’t seem to win.) I also said I felt she didn’t appreciate the sacrifices I’ve made to try and help her out, like discounting her rent by $50/ week and letting her use my car whenever she wants for free.
She said I made her incredibly stressed because I’m so depressed. She worries I’m going to kill myself, even though I have told her many, many times I’m not going to. Even when I want to die, that urge never outweighs the fact that I don’t want to hurt my family. I’ve spent many a night consoling her while she cries and worrying about her. I guess I thought it was a reciprocal thing sisters do. I was wrong. It feels very lonely to realise that.
Best: the cat rubbed my feet earlier.
loading...
I’m so sorry you have been hurt by your sister. I sincerely hope you can work it out together. Sounds like you’re having a really rough trot -do you have support outside of your family as well?
I don’t know if this is a good idea but perhaps together you could link your sister into some supports for family too like Carers Association or something similar.
Great big hugs to you
loading...
Am in hospital having meals brought on tray. Had been looking fw to it as day spa-like experience and child avoidance manoeuvre too. Forgot however that even boutiquie private hospitals generally involve NASTY food being brought to you on a tray – and pain
Damn.
loading...
La la la la la la (I’m pretending not to listen to you)
xxxx
loading...
Worst: Started antidepresants four days ago and I am a WRECK. My doctor warned me that the anxiey could increase in the first two weeks until the medication plateaus. I just don’t care about anything and I’ve been bothered all day with an urge to unplug the microwave and throw it on the kitchen tiles just to hear the crash. Worse still is that I have an exam in three days (I had to defer an exam due to an anxiety attack last year) and I’ve gone from revision revision revision to total apathy. The next two weeks & my next session with my psychologist cannot roll around quickly enough!
Best: (I wrote about this on Open Post as well, sorry to repeat, but it was the best) getting diagnosed!!! It’s such a relief to get a name and help for the incessant and abnormal anxiety that’s bothered me for my whole life. Life can only get better
as long as I refrain from throwing the microwave… although it would be very satisfying…
loading...
Best: Giving birth on Saturday to a beautiful healthy baby girl!!
Best 2: Watching my son meet his sister for the first time and him telling me she is the most beautiful girl he has ever met
OMM: Why people can’t keep their opinions to themselves regarding her name, were they never taught if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all??
loading...
Congratulations! Your son sounds like a darling, and I’m sure your daughter is gorgeous. I’m very curious as to what you called her, but understand that you might not want to put it out here, based on other reactions. Seriously, why can’t people just say “Oh, that’s nice” and then STFU?
loading...
Wosrt: sick, Just so sick 4 days of sick yuk! and I’m not even pregnant which is usually the only time I am this sick.
Best: moving to a new town, it’s not too bad. I thought it would be worse considering its in the middle of bloody know where. I think we are going to love our new life, in our new little town
)
And all I want to do is eat, and I can’t….
loading...
Best – my boyfriends house went unconditional yesterday, which means that his divorce settlement can start now. Soon my boyfriend will no longer have a wife! YAY!
Worst – Working freelance when there is bugger all work. I love what I do, I’d just like to do more of it.
OMM – The part-time job I have applied for. The extra money would be very useful, also I am so bored as I don’t have enough to do!
loading...
Best: Getting passport photos taken tomorrow for the planned cruise with BFF
Worst: Horrible day at work. Just horrible. Can’t share details for confidentiality reasons so you’re just going to have to trust me on this one!
OMM: Fish and chippies!
loading...
I only have an OMM this week as it is sort of my Worst too:
I made a new friend last October when she moved up the street from me. She has a child exactly the same age as my youngest. We hit it off and I’ve been there for her during a few crisises she has had (she flooded half the house with an overflowing bath tub and I accompanied her to hospital when her child was really sick). Both our husbands work away so that was something else in common. We’d get up early and go for a walk or jog. I did however notice my friend is a tiny bit up herself and high maintenance but will readily admit it so I wasn’t too worried. She is now moving 10 minutes drive away and I have done an hour or two helping her pack boxes. She organised me to look after her son yesterday (yes I organised my Australia Day activities around this) so she could really get stuck in to packing. At the last minute she texted to say she had a friend drive from another town 1.5hrs drive away to help her pack and also another new friend was going to pop in and help her pack so she didn’t need me to babysit after all. I got a bit upset as she made me feel as she had to call in the big guns to help her pack as I didn’t offer enough assistance. Well I told her I was a little upset and now she is quite frosty, extremely slow in returning texts and is using stressed/busy as an excuse for not calling me. My husband calls her “Princess” and says she will almost certainly dump me when she moves. As a SAHM of two small boys I am starting to feel so low about making friends with other mums. It is just so hard. I am really lonely (as I said my husband works away on a roster). All the women I meet seem really snobby (i.e. lots of lycra and going to the gym). Pretty grim for a 31 yr old who feels she has lots to offer.
loading...
I found playgroups helpful for making friends. And I found the kind of people who attend vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Maybe you could ‘shop around’ until you find people you like?
loading...
Worst: huge argument with my 14 year old daughter today. I completely let rip as I am sick of being abused & blamed for everything. Nothing is too small for her to criticise and rip apart, right down to what I pack in her lunch box during school term!! I am fairly close to sending her to boarding school and even my husband says “in the country, so she can’t come home on weekends!”
Best: Amazing friends who don’t blow smoke up my rear end but keep it real. They reassure me that I’m a great Mum, but also remind me that “you need to remember that you are the adult”!
Best: 3 more sleeps till school recommences.
loading...
Why are you still packing your 14yr old daughters lunch? Let her be independant, & see how much time/ work is involved planning lunch/ meals etc can be
loading...
You are absolutely right, and that is exactly what I told her will be happening from now on. She already has quite a few jobs and responsibilities (more than any other kid I know), but I pack her lunch as she leaves at 7:15am for school. As it’s an early start, I wanted to give her as much time as possible in bed! Silly me – as my daughter often says “Too bad, too sad!”
loading...
So myself, having three boys isn’t so bad after all?!!?
I was horrible at that age I feel for you!!
loading...
Worst: we have a new boss who is even more imcompetent than the old one. I was strongly encouraged to apply for the job and now wished I had.
Best: it’s the weekend and I’m catching up with friends on both days.
OMM: where I should go from here, workwise.
loading...
Best: I am happy to report that I was the Anon posting on last week’s Wednesday News post saying I was flipping out about a job interview…and I GOT THE JOB! Finally out of retail, after 7 years (5 in one store), and not a day too soon since my store closes down tomorrow!
And this isn’t just any job…it’s a job relevant to my degree, too!
Worst: I’m going to miss my team and my wonderful, wonderful customers. And the 4 minute drive to work.
OMM: How I’ll deal with the drop in finances…I’ll have far fewer hours to begin with, and spend a bit more on travel…but the experience and will be worth it.
I wish everyone else a happy weekend and send my thoughts and positivity to those MMers doing it tough this week xo
loading...
Well done!
loading...
Nice one, congratulations!!
loading...
Best: My French boyfriend of 6.5 years proposed on Saturday!
Worst: No worst although it’s been interesting to be engaged in France … perhaps a more underwhelming experience than if I were in Australia! I took my too-big ring to the jewellers to have it resized and the woman questioned why I didn’t just wear it on a different finger! I’ve had comments ranging from ‘how quaint’ to ‘how amusing’! That said, I now feel some friends and family believe our relationship to be serious and long-lasting JUST because we got engaged .. whereas everyone we knew in France already felt that way.
Anyway, very exciting! Actually one worst … being on the opposite side of the world to my family during this time
loading...
Congratulations! Very surprised by the reactions you received, though!
loading...
Best: I finally heard back about my job interview and they offered me a job! It’s actually a better position than the one I interviewed for. So, so relieved that I can stop writing applications and I won’t have to move to another city for work, at least not soon. I’m really nervous but so happy.
Worst: I’ve really fatted out since last summer and will have to buy new work clothes. But even the extra weight is not bothering me so much in the face of my relief!
loading...
Congratulations!!
loading...
Best – Seeing my big boy off to Grade 1. He is going to learn so much this year and I have complete confidence in his teacher that she won’t put up with his stubborness and refusal to listen. High five to Mrs. C!! I am also very grateful for the slight break it is giving me, although the 4 and 2 year olds make sure I don’t get much of a break!
Worst – Being told that I am an “bogan racist” because I celebrate Australia Day. Ummm… nope, I’m not, I’m just proud to be an Australian… didn’t realise that was a bad thing?!
Still no money from the kids “Father” for child support. It is a fortnight today since I emailed child support asking them to chase it up… again. No reply as yet *sigh*
loading...
just noticed my best-worst came up as a reply! sorry guys!
loading...
Best: annual leave day means I have a four day weekend – bliss!
Best again: seriously thinking about going to Spain in April for holiday. My Lonely Planet Spain arrived in mail today, plus Portugal in case I need a side trip so looking forward to reading over weekend and making a decision (which is probably all but decided already…)
Worst: nothing really – life feels pretty good right now.
OMM: Portugal or just Spain? Could I see much of Portugal in 5 days? And if so, what are the highlights?
loading...
Best: I decided to join the gym. My husband goes regulary and I can be unmotivated at times.A good book or the television always grab me. However I like it and plan on going three times a week. I will have more time next week when the grandchildren go back to school.
Worst: thinking I might have to diet a bit as well. Might have to give up the chocolate;(
loading...
If you use the bikes and/or treadmill at the gym you can easily read at the same time and if you’re gym has a TV you can watch while exercising too. I used to do that all the time and it actually motivated me more for whatever reason.
loading...
Please don’t read while exercising, you don’t work out nearly as hard doing that. If you have to watch something watch the tv’s at the gym, I find the music video’s actually motivate me to work harder which is great
goodluck! once you get into a routine you’ll start to enjoy it.
loading...
Best and worst: After some pretty shifty audition results (I am a musician at grad school) I let my ego get the best of me, and thought I was too good for the results/orchestra I got placed in. I have since allowed myself to experience some rehearsals in a neutral mindset, and have forced myself to swallow my words, as perhaps my ego was bigger than my ability.
I do actually need others around me to keep it in check!
OMM: I have a confession to make, and it makes me feel guilty. I am at an age where a lot of my school friends have had or are having children. Three baby girls have been born just in the last fortnight, and of course they are all over Facebook.
This is not in any way a ‘they shouldn’t put pictures up in case they are friends with some people who can’t have children’ rant, this is more about how bad I feel for myself that at this stage of my life (29) I am STILL not in a position (financially and life/path) to have children, and I just really want to get on with it. I guess it’s a bit of jealousy on my part, but seeing pictures on Facebook makes me feel sad and broody. I certainly don’t want my friends to do anything differently, it’s not their fault I feel the way I do, but damn, I wish I could turn off the maternal instincts for awhile! And knowing just how far off it is logistically just feels like forever, and the feeling that we might leave it to a point where if it takes us longer than normal to conceive, or can’t at all, it might just be too late.
loading...
best – caught up with a friend this morning for a chat, our kids played, ate and cried together, it was a nice time
worst – my sister has MRI today and results next week. NO MORE TUMOURS PLEASE!!
loading...
I know exactly how you feel, I was totally the same way as you. everybody I knew, saw was either pregnant or had a baby but me and I felt completely empty and alone and jealous and annoyed and angry and upset that I felt those things!
your path will guide you and everything will happen at the timing it should
loading...
I understand too! I’ve stopped going on facebook because the constant pregnancy baby updates just get too much! I am genuinely happy for my friends who have/ are having babies, I just wish it was me too!
loading...
I know! I am so happy for friends/sisters/friends partners- but enough already! Please show me the ultrasound pics when I see you in person!
loading...
Well I am 37 and and was just dumped by bf of 6 years so get a grip and get off fb 29 is still young.
loading...
Best: Settling back into Melbourne after two years o/s. I have no job, no house, no car and no money, but I’m strangely happy.
Worst: Knowing this feeling will not last. I’ve started looking for work, but there’s not a lot around. I work in PR and would love a role in media or communications at a TV network. I know very few people in the industry, however, and imagine it’ll be difficult to get in.
Can anyone help?
xx
loading...
Best: Everything for my trip is falling into place just nicely! I am so EXCITED!!! I can’t wait!
Best: This weather! Loving the warm days!
OMM: After a recent dinner with the BF’s family, they are now all convinced that I am going to get raped and shot on my trip thanks to his exaggerating aunty… I know that doing it alone I may be a target but is it really that bad? Surely if you are reasonably smart about it all then it should be ok? Am I being naive in thinking I can do it alone??
Love to all xx
loading...
How exciting! I remember reading your post a week or two ago, and wanted to recommend Sail Croatia. Not sure if you’ve looked into it, but I honestly had the best time when I did it in 2010. It’s a perfect way to see the country and make some wonderful friends. Good luck! xx
loading...
You will be fine!
Commonsense goes a long way! And trying to blend in and not look like a tourist! Confidence helps with that!
I second Sail Croatia – i wish i had of done it. I sailed in the Greeks islands though and loved it ! (a la when i was at band camp type stories!)
loading...
Make sure you check out the “Oh, the places you will go!” YouTube here on MM before you go!
loading...
I travelled around Europe by myself when I was 20 and it was totally fine. Obviously in some places you’ll need to be a bit more wary than you would be at home, but if you’re staying in hostels then it’s pretty easy to meet people to go out and explore cities with – which was half the fun for me!
loading...
You’re no less safe than at home, are you? Just practice the same common sense you would here and don’t worry. I travelled by myself in Europe and America and I can’t recommend it enough. Friends are wonderful of course but there’s something special about traveling by yourself.
loading...
Ok, i posted elsewhere as Anon… but stuff it… I’m excited.
Best Best: OMG: I AM PREGNANT! We were trying, but weren’t sure when it would happen as my body has had a preeeeetty rough trot over the past… say…6 years. We are so crazily excited and couldn’t wait for this moment… And to think this time last year, i was in the depths of a major depression, weighed about 37 kilograms and should probably have been in a morgue somewhere…. life, human beings and the body is really nothing short of AMAZING sometimes. And even if you’re a bunch of strangers and i’m Anon for this i am super glad to be able to tell SOMEONE! now we just can’t wait for the ultrasound (Yay, the Monday after my birthday), so that we can have an EDD.
Other bests: Album two is back from the printer and i’m stoked with what i’ve achieved in both of them, love our wedding keepsakes, so special. AND the icemount print we were lucky enough to win has come in and i can pick it up on Monday, SO excited
Worsts – concentration for my PhD is currently idling around NIL… and that’s bad because i’m at the point i need to be all-systems go to get a milestone out of the way before our delatyed honeymoon.
(should stop rambling now)
loading...
Congratulations & all the best with your pregnancy
loading...
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
loading...
Big big big huge congratulations to you!!!
loading...
thank you all!
loading...
Best: I finally got to come home from the hospital (6 days with a mystery infection). Props to the nurses, they were all so lovely, and the doctor for being so thorough even if we couldn’t figure out what it was in the end. Below is the photo of the beating my poor arms got while there!
Worst: Just a bit over being dizzy all the time, but all in all, nothing to complain about.
OMM: Going back to work after 3 weeks off sick, not sure how I’ll go, a little nervous!
loading...
Ack, your poor arms! I hope it’s all over for you now. I’m sure you’ll get back into the swing of things at work in no time xo
loading...
Thanks Shannon!
loading...
Question
Should I get an iPad for my almost 2 year old for his birthday,instead of a leapfrog learner?
Please help family think its ridiculous.
loading...
As a teacher I would honestly say neither. Both are extremely expensive and I think screen time in all it’s forms (computer, Tv etc) should be very much downplayed and restricted for littlies. Invest in regular boks with real pages to turn and give yourself time with him everyday to read. It may not feel like you are ‘teaching’ him anything, but believe me, it’s the greatest gift of language and learning you could ever give him.
Also, what about an open ended, active toy like a trampoline? Hours of fun, exercise, something he can share with friends, and cheaper than an i-pad too!
Happy birthday to him
loading...
Agree with Lolly, also, a two yr. old would destroy an ipad!
loading...
Thanks everyone. He does have lots of books and sandpit and balls and everything outside was just thinking about it as an added learning device. As well as I read a lot of online info pro and cons.
loading...
No way…. Please PLLLLEEEEASE don’t.
get him books to read or outdoor toys to play with. kids need active interactive (people, not screen interaction) at that age.
loading...
I don’t think your 2 year old needs his own iPad. If you want one, buy it for yourself and let him play with it. My husband has an iPad and we let our 3 year old play with it once a day.
I agree with everyone else, books and toys to play with outside.
loading...
we have an ipad and miss 3 has been using it for almost a year now…she has heaps of books and we read them constantly (and we make reuglar trips to the library!), she also has a trampoline, a fort and sandpit etc and we live by the beach so heaps of outside time but the ipad is also another great alternative “play thing”. we have downloaded heaps of puzzles and art based apps (such as the play school app) and she loves it! we restrict her use and it counts towards her tv time but seriously, it’s really great, if you can afford it and think you’ll get use out of it too I would buy one…maybe extended family can all chuck in and it’s the one gift he gets as at that age they tend to end up with so many toys anyway!!
loading...
Hey! Don’t think it’s developmentally appropriate- he needs to learn through interacting with the environment at this stage. What a generous mom you are though
loading...
Worst: the weather in perth has been 40 degrees all weeK! we have no aircon at hom (are getting it installed soon hopefully!!) and now we have no aircon at work today so for the past week just think ive sweated off a few kilos haha…its horrible you cant really go out and do anything its so hot! decided going to go to the movies tomorrow! but what to see? the Descendants or Girl with a Dragon Tattoo???….
loading...
girl with dragon tattoo is amazing, but be prepared for a harrowing/ very graphic
rape scene. I still have it stuck in my head now 3 weeks later
loading...
Oh man I remember that crazy Perth heat! It is currently 1 degrees here atm lol. Anyway I watched girl with the dragon tattoo the other night, interesting movie…very graphic and disturbing though. But a good movie.
loading...
Cinnamon, you’re from Perth, too? Too much of a coincidence…
1°C here too!
loading...
Haha yep! Lived in Perth for 17 years before moving to Melb and now to the mid-wes! Btw I’m N from the other week posting under cinnamon now, seen other people using N, hopefully this name won’t be used lol
loading...
Mid-west sorry!
loading...
Don’t worry, I had you figured out.
loading...
Best: My baby turned three this week, and he was really excited when he woke up in the morning. So cute! Also it is great that his bigger brothers were so excited too. I guess they know that it means toys for them to play with and special birthday cake. I made some cookie monster cupcakes as I had a mental block on what easy cake I should make.
Best 2: Watching the older boys do their swimming training this week was great because nearly every other family who does it was away on holidays, we got the teacher to ourselves. They always go better with some more one on one time with her. I guess there is a silver lining to not going away these holidays!
Best No 3. We actually were asked to go to my SIL’s holiday house they were renting this week, but we couldn’t go as the farm calls. Also, I think we were the afterthought anyway as there would not of been room for us in the house and we would of had to rent another place just for us. So there is all my husbands side of the family, all the kids and his parents there and we had to decline. Lucky us, as nearly everyone had had some sort of gastro bug and some got it twice. Silver lining right there!
Worst: Painting a room with my husband. We have been plugging away at it on and off together and he has no concept of doing it my way. He thinks he can just slop it on and it will be right. There is a sequence for a reason and I wish he had of just let me keep the painter going with that room. Grrr. He is annoying me to the max.
loading...
Those cupcakes are AMAZING!!!! Love them
loading...
I LOVE these! Such a clever idea.
loading...
Love the cupcakes, they are c-u-t-e
Always had a soft spot for the Cookie Monster (and C is for COOKIE dammit, none of this carrot nonsense lol!)
loading...
I loved those cupcakes and as soon as I saw them I knew I had to make them for girlfriends boys!!! They were a massive hit.
Bec you have been omm. Wishing you all the best. Will be sad when you go on leave though:(
loading...
Best: Its pre-season for Michelle Bridges 12WBT and im feeling better for it already! I have been exercising in the morning (not quite as horrible as i imagined it to be) and have been making better food choices. I am still slightly scaredc of what the actual program will be like, but i feel like im heading in the right direction.
Worst: That silly lonely feeling that comes over me ever so often
OMM: Ive recently gone back brunette after being blonde for a while, i thought it was what i wanted but now im not too sure
loading...
Hey Kristalilly, I did the 12 WBT last season and it was excellent. I was really scared about how hard I thought it would be, but the food is amazing, so tasty and easy to make! I am not the biggest exercise fan but chose the gym classes option and ended up loving going each day. Can’t wait for this 12WBT to kick off! Good luck to you.
loading...
Best: My book was released on Wednesday. The most surreal and perfect day since I gave birth and that strange buzzing feeling of euphoria after all the hard work was rather wonderful. Though it could have been the champagne I guzzled later in the evening.
Best #2: the book was reviewed and people are saying rather nice and kind things about it. Silly, tapping into what other people think like that, but it is all rather awesome.
Best # 3: My girl is coming to spend the week with me from tomorrow before the start of her new TAFE year. My son was coming too but he got a new job so for the best possible reasons, his trip is postponed. This gives us girlie-time, precious, precious moments. Babycinos and manis all round!
Worst: The god-awful sound of those bloody squealing women tennis players. I want to watch the final of the Aus Open but will do so with the mute button on. WHEN is this going to be banned outright by tennis organisers around the world? It’s unsportmanlike, it’s disconcerting, it leaves empty seats in stadiums around the world. ENOUGH already!
loading...
What is the name of your book? I would love to read it! Congratulations
loading...
Thank you monique. It’s ‘The $120 Food Challenge’, after the blog of the same name.:
loading...
Oh I remember you posting about this the other day, silly me! Glad it’s been getting good reviews !
loading...
We watched Sharapova play yesterday. AJ brought me the earmuffs to put on him!
loading...
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Even though im not much of a cooker i love reading your blog for food porn reasons
it always looks so yummy!
loading...
Hi LPC!
Is it in Dymocks or can I buy it online?? Am bouncy with excitement!
loading...
You deserve all the success in the world, darling. Have a wonderful time with your girl – pamper away!
loading...
Worst…. A friend of a friend of mine drowned in a river in Laos a few days ago.. It really sucks. The guy was my age, just overseas on a holiday with a few mates. Went tubing. Only my age (19). So young. Seemed like a great guy.
I feel gosh-awful, imagine how tough it is for all his friends and family to go through. I’d never even heard of the guy before he went missing, but now I can’t seem to get the story out of my head. Apparently a whole bunch of his friends had a Aussie Day celebration yesterday that turned into a bit of a memorial with everyone talking about him.
http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/australian-teen-dies-in-tubing-mishap/20120126-1qi5g.html
My worst? I can’t quite pinpoint any worsts right now. Nothing seems worth complaining about right now…
loading...
Dan Eimutis right? he was a best friend of a friend as well! it’s just horrible, it was all over my Facebook news feed for days, everyone trying to find him, my mates set up pages and contacted news crews and stuff, and when he was found…I cried and I didn’t even know him, just the people he was with. It’s just not fair.
loading...
Yeah! I know, I feel like I was kind of part of it as well, as I saw so many things over Facebook and Twitter of people looking out for him.. And then the RIP came and it all just changed. I cried too
I’ve been reading all the articles online and hearing it on the radio and it seems just so weird, so surreal. Not fair at all. Gosh!! 
loading...
Best: Only 2 weeks to go until this baby is due! First one and don’t know what it is. So exciting and daunting at the same time. As a result, I didn’t even realise my colleagues would be back at work next week (I’m a teacher) and suddenly thought, “Wow, I’d be back at work next week if it weren’t for this baby!” Have been spending lots of time with friends and family as a result and loving it
Worst: THE HEAT!! Perth has NOT been fun over the last week and will continue to not be fun for a while. Thankfully BOM has revised some of next week’s temperatures down, but it’s still going to be hot. Not fun in your last 2 weeks of pregnancy! Thank God for a/c. But it’s only in the bedroom and lounge and I still have heaps of prep to do for the baby, all of which are in the hot rooms and I just can’t bring myself to do it!
OMM – I really should do…. X, Y, Z but it’s too hot!
loading...
I’m 34 weeks pregnant in Perth and I am totally with you. It’s so hot! I’ve been moving between the air con and the pool for days and going nowhere else. Try not to worry too much about the prep, the baby won’t be in the hot rooms anyway and they need so little at the start. We only had air con in the lounge when we had our first (in March 2 years ago) and we sat under the machine all day and fed and slept and fed and slept, only moving to get in the shower. Sending cool thoughts. xx
loading...
worst:
My boss. He humiliates me in front of my colleagues, and is passive aggressive.
best: organizing my new life, which involves property investment. looking for new work.
loading...
Goodluck with the job hunt – I always thought your hours sounded crazy but to now hear this, sounds like the best thing will be a move
loading...
My best and worst for this week are sort of combined… it is hard to know if I feel happy or sad about it. My mum’s MRI showed that her recent radiotherapy has not worked quite as quickly as my family expeced and a cancerous spot is still showing (though it is reduced)…. However her doctor told us he is not worried about it and expects to see more improvement over the next 6-12 months (I had no idea radiation stayed in your body that long!!). He seemed happy with the progress and I know he would not mislead us, he is a fantastic doctor. But still, we are all feeling a little flat about it, and kind of expected to see a bit more progress. Now we have to wait for the next MRI in four months. It’s such a long, horrible process but as the doc said, this type of tumor is slow to develop, and slow to go. I just hate that she has to go through this.
loading...
I’m so sorry your family are going thru this. we have the same issue with my sister, mri’s, tumors, treatment for the last few years now. my sister had finished her first round of radiation in the december and we had no improvement til the may. it takes a long time for the body to adjust to it but once the radiation and chemo start to work together the improvement is noticed daily. good luck and stay strong, talk to each other and keep laughing x
loading...
Thankyou for your response, it’s encouraging! My mum’s treatment finished in December, so fingers crossed for May… she has another MRI in four months. I’m so sorry your sister had to go through such a terrible ordeal as well.
loading...
I have a question for the MM community.
I am currently single, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been in the dating game.
What signs are there that a guy is interested? It’s been so long I haven’t a clue. I’m currently interested in someone, like them HEAPS, but I don’t know whether I should just wait it out? Or do I say something? I’m not sure I’m strong enough yet for rejection . . .
Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!
loading...
Anyone?
loading...
Don’t wait it out! Life’s too short! Could you possibly invite him somewhere on a casual level then suss out if he has feelings for you? In what context do you know him? Work/Family Friend/Other?
loading...
I agree – you don’t have to declare your love for him or anything but asking him out for a coffee/drink is a good start! Men are often crap at working out that we’re interested so you might have to make the first move…
loading...
Hey!
I think Recognising the signs depends on how much you are seeing him – Is it a friend/colleague? Phone calls, emails, texts?
Let us delve deeper…!
X
loading...
I wait!
But maybe that’s why i am still single….
loading...
I havent’t read it but apparently Zoe Foster’s book Text Book Romance is brilliant … it’s all about dating. And has input from (her now fiance) Hamish Blake. Would that help????
loading...
A bit of background. I’ve know him for about a year and a half. I met him through a guy I work with. He lives 6 hours away, but I talk to him online through Skype maybe 3 times a week? Sometimes we play online games, other times we just chat.
Thing is, he has started using terms of endearment with me. Last week he called me babe. Wednesday night, he called me sweetie, and in front of the other guys we play with he started calling me hun.
It’s kinda nice
loading...
I should also mention that most of the time he initiates contact.
loading...
Well I’m blunt as a bag full of frogs, so I’d just ask him out! Honestly, what is there to lose? I’ve never actually lost a male friend by doing this, despite being completely shattered.
The key to not losing a friendship is not making it weird. Don’t say “I LOVE YOU!” or “I have been thinking about it for a while” or anything, just ask them out casually: “Hey, would you like to see a movie or something?” If they say no, smile and say “Oh well, worth asking!” or if they ask if you mean it’s a date, DON’T BACK OUT, say “yeah, actually, what do you think?”
It’s a little bit trickier over distance, but you’ll have to figure that part out at some point.
GO FOR GOLD!
loading...
My advice ? Be very careful. Online romances can end in pain. I know someone who got involved, and it didn’t work out. Tread warily.
loading...
Best: Watching the Australia Day fireworks in Perth, accompanied by Mother Nature’s lightning storm. Guess she didn’t think the fireworks were impressive enough!
Worst: Knowing uni starts in just 2 weeks…
OMM: All the amazing books I’ve ended up reading this week, due to it being insanely quiet at work. Highly recommend Room, The Hunger Games and The Help.
loading...
I’ve read those books in the past few weeks too. Loved them all! Have already ordered the second & third book in The Hunger Games Series off Amazon & I cannot wait till the movie comes out =)
loading...
Is it odd I don’t really have a best and worst this week? The week sort of coasted by, not much exciting, nothing bad. I suppose having the public holiday was good, but then, today is abit of a struggle. The best would have to be that I’m so blessed to be in a position, in a country where I can feel like that. How lucky and privileged I am!
loading...
Oh Rick … the look on your face is priceless! You look like you’re watching some really bad porno. But, then inserting a catheter is probably like some of those really bad porno films available now.
OMM: I’m tired. Just finished a six day work stretch, a day off, then back for another six day work stretch. But then I look at Rick’s photo again and laugh and snort … Thanks Rick.
PS: Also OMM, my dog likes eating bananas. Is that ok for a dog? Anyone know?
Have a gooooooood weekend Emsters xo
loading...
What do you do for work Susan if you don’t mind me asking? It always seems so busy & interesting when you post about it!
loading...
I am a slave like the old-fashioned ones …. no, no, no, I mean, I’m a nurse, an RN, a Really Nice person lol. I split my time between work as a nurse and finishing my masters in public health, doing research and being eternally curious. I work for Qld Health and sometimes I even get paid for it
loading...
What sort of nursing do you do Susan? Boo to working six straight….. I’m about to start a six day run too.
loading...
Oh my gosh … what kind of nursing haven’t I done? Currently working on nurse advice line but have worked in operating suites, emergency, aged care, community, public health and some more I’ve probably forgotten about. What about you Mim?
loading...
Mostly emergency….. I’ve done a few short spurts in neurosurg, aged care, NICU, and code blue team, but find myself coming back to ED every time! Currently downing a few large wines after a particularly yuk shift! Gotta love nursing hey. Love to hate it.
loading...
Susan, I don’t know if it’s okay, but my dog likes bananas, plus mango and avocado (these all have similar textures – coincidence?)
I know the big no-nos are raisins/dried fruit, chocolate and onions.
loading...
Gah, six week work stretches suck!
Isn’t Rick funny, I would LOVE to see his reaction to 2girls1cup
http://www.healthydogs4life.com/can-dogs-eat-bananas here is some info about your dog and his fruity diet!
loading...
Ooooh my dog and I thank you … a little banana is okay. Whew
loading...
Worst – Not pregnant this month. Feeling a little sorry for myself but have only allowed this for a short time. After being so lucky late last year and falling in the first try was really hoping it would happen the same this time but no such luck.
Best – We are going for a family holiday to the Gold Coast tomorrow with husband, his mum, his little 10yo brother and 2 of his uncles. After the last 3 months we need it. With husband and I we have had a miscarriage 10days before our wedding, massive fights with family just before the wedding, came home from honeymoon for a close member of my family’s funeral, husbands uncle dying from brain tumours on husbands birthday and now husbands nanna is dying of internal bleeding and on Thursday I was fired. So we need to get away.
OMM – Can’t wait until I am pregnant
loading...
That sounds like an epic 3 months! I am so sorry for everything you’ve experienced. I hope you enjoy your time at the Gold Coast and just relax! I hope you get pregnant again soon and that everything goes smoothly!
loading...
Worst – finding a part time job. It is the pits. Everyone is interested until they know you need part time. It’s like you’re about to DTD and then reveal you have and STD.
Best – my baby started crawling and standing! I love seeing her discover some independence.
OMM – I seem to be relating to people’s sad stories in the paper and caring. I know this may sound odd, but I used to read news stories and think nothing further of it. Now I realise the loss on the family tragedies can have.
loading...
Blaser, that is the best analogy ever.
Made me roar laughing.
loading...
Best: Went to the beach with my love on Sunday, it was such a great day. Just one of those really really awesome days. I LOVE the beach.
Worst: There were a few hours when I was less-than nice to my lovely boyfriend. Feel very ashamed, it was so stupid.
Worst #2! My job. Dead-end. Only staying this year because I need money to go back to studying next year (which I’m really looking forward to). A girl at work called in sick on Wednesday (something she does very often) and I was left with all the work. I’m trying to do three things at once and all I get as thanks from the boss is a comment as to why it’s taking so long, like I’m an idiot. Ahh I can’t wait to walk out of here and never come back.
loading...
Best: Australia day – love getting all dressed up and patriotic, becuase I love this country!
Worst: Ongoing issues with work. Seperated from my husband. Hanging out for 5 and a stiff drink
loading...
Best: Things are spectacularly back on track with bloke. He has even spoken to the ex about the chores for the kids across the two homes. Big kudos there. And he turned up with 2 dozen roses the other day just because. Dragged him to meet my old schoolmates for a bbq for Aussie day yesterday. Was a good day.
Worst: Contract I have been on for the past few months – very political. Going through a restructure. Nightmare. Anyway – they offered me an extension which I declined. Been on leave this week only to have my agency call me about apparent ‘issues’ that have of course developed since I’ve been away. I was livid. Same thing happened when I was off with the kids before xmas. Seems to all point to one machaivellian creature who is off her rocker – she is the key reason I’m not extending. But she goes through my office when I’m not there and is intent on finding/creating drama. Did this to my predecessor. Has done this to most other staff members. But she’s been there 14 years. How is it people like that keep their roles? Don’t companies look at their turnover and wonder why??
Grrr.
Oh! Also took the kids and the pup away down the coast for a few days. I must have rocks in my head if i thought it would be at all relaxing…?!?
loading...
You would be surprised about companies and their staff turnover. Im convinced they are often in denial, or they think its about weeding out the weak ones. The latter was the case for my old employer. The director was a sexual harrasment suit waiting to happen, who also dabbled in some workplace bullying. They had a massive turnover rate, and thought it was because people couldnt hack ‘the industry’. The longest employee in 10 years was 3 years, and the average stay was 12 months (some only lasted 1 day).
loading...
I work with a person who “keeps her role” for some reason that the rest of us cannot figure out. Although, it did occur to me yesterday, that being a pathological liar would help them a lot and just how common pathological liars are in the workforce
loading...
Mixed up week for me.
Best: Hearing so much baby news, on this site and a friend finally having one. I love baby news. Specially now I’m feeling empty nesty. My youngest went off to Prep this week. Bless her stoic little soul. Such a big thing for her, but she is so ready. She told me I have to go and get myself a new baby. Which is true. Baby snuggles fix everything. Now, where to find one?
Worst: Little preppie throwing tantrums before and after school. She’s got endurance and she’s loud and it’s truly brain shattering. Husband and I are out of sorts with each other.
Having trouble getting my mind organised for this year.
OMM:
why drivers don’t turn their car lights on when driving in dark, grey, rainy weather. Its dangerous, people.
Schedules, how to fit the eldest child’s extra curricular activities in around each other and still keep teachers and coaches and husband and child happy, and without having to set up camp for myself inside the car!
loading...
Best: I have stopped biting my nails, for 3 days in a row. Im clearly an anxious wreck about 99% of the time, and for years, all the smelly/gross-tasting paints have been fruitless. So i decided to take a different approach and download one of the hypnotherapy ‘stop biting your nails’ apps on my iphone. I have listened to this every night before bed for 4 nights, and im generally less anxious, and I havent bitten my nails. Its early days, but this is great progress for me
Worst: Uni exams for my summer school courses next week. Im really trying to get my course completed, but the enrollments are so damn confusing since they changed the course requirements. I have written a very detailed letter to the School to see if they can give me some black and white answers about what i need to do to graduate. Hopefully they can give me the right answers soon!
loading...
What is the app called Cait????? I am a 29yr biter and would desperately love to try something to stop! Sick of having yukky looking hands.
loading...
I stopped biting mine last year- I didn’t use smelly paint, I just painted them with ordinary nail polish, but I put on about 5 layers. It looked weird but the texture was so bizarre that I stopped immediately.
loading...
Best: I really do have the best friends. One came up to Newcastle from Sydney on Wednesday just to spend the day with me and another is coming up for the weekend. My friends from home (here) have been incredible support and I seriously don’t know what I’d do without them.
Best 2: I’ve decided, as a coping mechanism/way of healing, that I am going to channel all of my feelings and negativity into a book. Don’t worry, it won’t be a sap fest, I just had an amazing idea for a novel and I’m running with it. I wrote 1,500 words yesterday, and while it isn’t much, it’s a start. While it’s not the greatest motivation (and it isn’t the only motivation), I want a Carrie/Big moment when she publishes her book of columns and Big realises what a dickhead he was. Haha I can dream, right?
Worst: While the majority have been super supportive on MM, I have been feeling a lot of rudeness coming from commenters regarding my situation. I know I’m young and indulging my heartache, but 6 weeks isn’t a long time to get over a 3 year relationship. I’m not really going to post about it any more on here, except in little snippets like above. Another worst is I am still struggling to find employment and I just really want a job.
OMM: I feel horrible for what happened to Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott yesterday. NOBODY should have to experience that! I did love how her first instinct when security told her they needed to get her out was to help Mr Abbott out as well! I did like Meshel’s post, because the actions of a minority doesn’t speak for the majority. I don’t care whether or not you support what the protest was about, but I seriously dislike HOW they protested and in all honesty, I do feel there should be punishment.
http://moniquefischle.wordpress.com/
loading...
Dont feel guilty for indulging your heart, and no one can tell you how long it ‘should’ take to be free of your feelings for him. If there was an answer, we would never feel the pain, but we all go through the pain, there is no hard and fast rule.
I love the idea of the book though, it sounds highly therapeudic. For me, when i was going through an incredibly tough time with my partner, when i was in the throes of hurt and rage, I would type up a letter to him. It would often call him some choice words too. Then I would print it out, and shred it. It would get my thoughts in order, and thats often all I needed. That, and couples counselling (which we are/were getting).
I hope your book achieves great things
loading...
Thanks Cait. I used to write letters to him all the time when I was frustrated and sometimes I would give them to him so he could better understand where my head was at.
loading...
How mean of people to judge you on your emotional situation – you’re not hurting anyone else by being miserable, are you? I hope in time the pain gets less.
Best of luck with finding a new job – I know how it feels to be in employment limbo! Hug.
loading...
Thanks Lizi. Hopefully the pain dulls soon. And I will be posting with excitement when I finally get a job!!!
loading...
Don’t listen to anyone who dismisses your grief. You’re perfectly entitled to feel however your brain/body/heart makes you feel. People are jerks.
loading...
Thanks Noelle. People are jerks. I am finding that a lot in life. But I still have some pretty good people in my life.
loading...
Hugs Monique, They say the rule of thumbs when relationships end is that it takes half the length of the relationship to ‘get over it’ for want of better words. I have mentioned prev that after my first relationship it took me 2 years to be a place where I felt I could date again. Then again after my second it was a 6months and both of those relationships were nearly 3 years. So it will take as long as it takes for you to be able to look back and not feel so sad.
Looking forward to hearing more about your novel
loading...
Thanks feistyangel! I think it will take me a decent amount of time to get over this, but I know I will eventually, now is just not that time. I will keep you updating on the novel. It’s my life long dream to get published so hopefully some good can emerge from this absolutely shithouse situation
loading...
Hey Monique,
Please don’t feel like you can’t come and post about what’s on your mind. That’s what MM is about – and we’re here for you!
loading...
Oh Lucy, I can come and post on here, I’m just feeling that at the moment, it’s not the best idea to be going really in depth with it.
loading...
Am really looking forward to reading your book. Make sure you keep us up to date on how you’re going getting through your feelings too
What to say about mean comments? I don’t like reading them but I sure like reading your honest and brave comments.
loading...
Thanks Susan! You have made me feel so much better these past 6 weeks and I really appreciate the kindness you’ve shown me! It will probably be a while before my book hits the shelves, but I will keep you updated on the progress. I’m glad you think I’m brave.
loading...
Another worst – one of my best friends has MS (was diagnosed nearly a year ago) and has lost the sight in her left eye and is spending the next few days in hospital for treatment. I’m really worried about her because she’s deteriorating a lot quicker than expected.
loading...
I thought some of the comments in response to you lately have been a bit harsh. Maybe some people have forgotten how very painful breakups can be??? I do think though the comments were well intentioned – I have sensed a lot of heartfelt support for you even if it resulted in some insensitive comments…
loading...
I think so. Many forget when they aren’t experiencing it at that time. Many I believe came from a loving place, even if the sentiments hurt a little bit, but I have also felt lots of nastiness.
loading...
Oh im so sorry to hear that your not finding support here anymore
I was so sad and when i first heard of your break up, and continue hoping that it will get better for you!
Also i think everyone secretly wants a Carrie and Big moment, any of their good moments would be fine with me!!!
Good luck with the book, i cant wait to hear how it progresses xxxx
loading...
Oh I am finding support still, there are just more and more snarky comments that I don’t really need right now. You’ve always been lovely so thank you!!
I will keep you up to date on the book
loading...
I think you are feeling a little better about things, your post today seems a bit more positive. Please don’t give up posting, your experience is universal and I am sorry people are being snarky to you.
I am sure I would not be the only one who would be concerned if we did not see a post from you for a while. Hang in there!!!
loading...
A supposed friend told me they saw him out with a girl. After 6 weeks he is already dating, like I meant nothing. She probably spent the night in the bed that we shared. I feel like I just took a giant step back.
loading...
Hi Monique
Try not to read too much into the reported sighting of your ex. He may have been with a girl who is a friend.
And even if she’s more than a friend, please try not to think about it, and please try not to picture them together, it will only hurt you. If thoughts do pop into your mind, switch to thoughts of something happier, like something funny you’ve seen on friends.
Look at it this way, it’s just another milestone on your journey through this, and you got through it so that’s a giant step FORWARD to me.
Keep on posting too ok?
Hugs, Jen xx
loading...
just remember that grief is individual. there are some aspects of my previous marriage that I”m still not over…and it’s been nearly 9 years!
loading...
Best: 6 days off at the coast and didn’t bring the work laptop. Also great is that even though we’re suffering slightly due to stopping our 2.5yo from having a daytime sleep, at least now he goes to bed without fuss at night and wakes after 7am. Muuuuch better. I’m also happy about the fact that I’m firmly back on the fructose-free wagon. 26 days now and going well (and 2kg down).
Worst: Nothing but FWPs FTW
OMM: 2 not-very-close friends have started businesses (makeup artist and photographer) and are collaborating. The poses for the photos are of grown women, not horribly thin, but still highly sexualised. I’d like to say something about the sexualised looks and the homogeneous body type represented but I’m not sure I can articulate it clearly.
loading...
Worst – My beloved uncle died after a very long illness. Late last night I learned via Facebook that his funeral is today, and that the rest of my family have flown or driven interstate to attend. I’m the only one not going. I had absolutely no idea when or where the funeral was and I’m so hurt at being excluded. I am really struggling to deal with all of this.
Best – This week, I’m afraid I’m struggling to find a ‘best’.
loading...
Oh Jamtart, I am so sorry! That really sucks! I wish there was something I could to do make you feel better, but I fear words are inadequate so I am sending you lots of love and hugs.
loading...
oh that’s a bit rough!
Sending hugs to you and hope you manage to find peace.
loading...
Monique and Rudyroo, thank you both so much for your kind words and support- it means more than you could know. xxx
loading...
Oh man, that really sucks. Was it an oversight or were you deliberately excluded? Either way, not good
loading...
Oh Jamtart, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been treated that way. What a heartbreaking thing to endure. Sending you hugs and strength. xx