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?
 on http://www.mamamia.com.au){kind=link}
Comments
236 Comments so far
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haha, that pic of rick is gold!!
best: had a two day week this week. Also my best friend’s new baby brother arrived on Wednesday
Worst: i feel like i’m being left out from stuff my friends are doing simply because i’m in a relationship.
OMM: i don’t understand how people are so horrible to each other. I watched Let Me In last night and there were some scenes of the main kid being bullied and it just disgusted me because obviously extreme bouts of bullying and horribleness has come from somewhere, meaning that someone out there has probably done it someone else for it to be portrayed in a movie. Just disgusts me.
xxxmissvxxx.wordpress.com
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Best: I finished to Couch to 5K this week, and can now run 30 minutes, no problem.
Also Rafa beating Federer last night!!!
Worst: The weather. It hasn’t even gotten really hot in VIC yet but I’m already wishing it was winter. I don’t deal with heat well. Yesterday I was outside for 2 minutes (really, just 2 minutes) without suncreen, now I’m bright red.
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Congrats on completing C25k.. I’m currently at the end of week 2 and can’t wait to be in the same position as you!
I was doubtful I’d ever be able to run 30 minutes but you’ve restored my faith!
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I’m at the same stage as you anon, hope I can get to 30mins!
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Yay! I’m at week 3 day 3 (well I will be doing it tonight) and I keep worrying that the next day it steps up I’ll collapse!
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oh I’m there too!
seems like we’re the ‘will learn to run’ new years resolution group
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Oh! I have just started C25K, I hope I can get to 30mins, although at the moment, that feels like a lifetime away!!
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Me too, I’m looking at my phone like “what? what?” because I’ve only run 30 seconds. Killing me.
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Wishing you all the best for the impending birth, Bec. I had my third baby three weeks ago and have been following your journey too. I was telling anyone who would listen that I couldn’t wait for hospital (planned Caesar so 5 nights in), I’d finally get a break from my 3 and 5yo, I wouldn’t have to cook…… That feeling lasted about three days until the 3-day blues kicked in and I cried when the kids visited, cried when I said goodnight to them on the phone and suddenly I couldn’t wait to get home and back to my family.
Predictably, as soon as I was home I was loudly wondering where my lemon delicious pudding was with lunch. Btw, why is hospital the only place where dessert is served with lunch AND dinner and no doctor bats an eye?
Anyway, hoping and praying the birth goes smoothly for you and you bring home a healthy and happy baby. Xx
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Thanks Jenna! Glad to hear your third birth went well. And of course, now i’m dreaming of lemon delicious pudding!!!!
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Worst: still stressing about possible need to have amnio after not so good results from ultrasound/blood test at 12 week mark. Still not sure if I just got a reaaaallly bad genetic counsellor that was unable to explain things very well.
Best: having my husband’s 7 year old goddaughter over on wed night and baking cupcakes, biscuits and pizza with her and watching her do various dance routines!! Hilarious!
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Fingers crossed for you and thoughts with you. Hope it goes well…
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I feel so awful for you, having seen my boyfriend’s sister and her partner go through the process of an amnio at 20 weeks (she’s now 24) was heartbreaking. Fortunately for them everything was okay…She didn’t have an altogether positive experience with her genetics councillor either, she felt as though they weren’t very helpful in answering her questions. Her biggest comfort through the process came from loved ones. I hope everything works out for you xo
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We had an amnio with pumpernickel. She had a 1:69 risk of downs from the 12 week scan. It was stressfull and freaky but I’m one of those people who needs as much info as possible so getting the amnio was something I needed to do. It took quite a while for results to come through (5 v stressfull weeks in our case). It may be possible to have it done more quickly privately though. Ultimately everything worked out ok but even though it was distressing in pleased I was in a position where I had choices.
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I have to have another colonoscopy tomorrow. Nothing’s wrong, it’s just a follow up to check on my Crohn’s disease, polyp removal, that sort of thing. But I’ve had to have this stupid low-fibre diet for a few days, which means I’m stressing about eating the ‘wrong’ things, and tonight/tomorrow morning I have to drink this DISGUSTING stuff that gives me diarrhea. I have to set my alarm for 4.15am(!!!!!) just to drink it. ugh. Today I feel like there’s not much point eating, because I’m just going to be getting rid of it tonight. Add that to the fact that I’m feeling fat and horrible, and just cancelled an outing because I couldn’t find anything I wanted to wear. Then I dropped my wedding ring in the bin – found it, along with my lost moisturiser and some hairbands. Then on Monday I’m off to the GYN to have a Bartolin’s Abcess looked at, which will no doubt require surgery on Thursday to remove. I’m a mess, I’m crying and I just. can’t. do. it. today. LittleDude is at Daycare, AJ is here with me.
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You poor thing! big big hugs to you. Sounds like a doona day infront of the tv – I hope AJ has a massive sleep and you can have some time to rest.
BTW there are pills you can take instead of the disgusting drink – lots and lots of them but may be an alternative to drinking litres of grossness. Ask the gastro tomorrow for next time.
xxxx
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I went to the nurse for an initial visit, she did the checklist and found the best option for me. This is only a little drink, but it’s still gross! It’s called Fleet. 2xlittle bottles, one tonight and one tomorrow.
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Feel for ya. Hated colonoscopies. Fleet is evil…be close by the loo! I too have Crohn’s, but no more colonoscopies for me. Ileostomy took care of that! Lie back and enjoy the snooze and the dreamy feeling of coming back to earth, oh and that cuppa and sandwich they bring afterwards is always somehow delicious, even though usually gross hospital food.
Hope all is well for you.
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You poor love! I’d have a day of eating delectable naughty shit if I knew it wasn’t gong to hang around! ;P Fingers crossed it all goes ok for you
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OMG completely forgot my best: AJ is walking! He’s 18 months, which is right on the outside part of ‘normal’ for walking. But he hasn’t done that stagger-stagger-fall, he’s jumped the gun and just started walking properly! He can stop and turn around, he can walk carrying things…. I’m so proud.
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Best: Today is my last day at work before I am on Maternity Leave for a full 12 months! Yay! Although, I have a mountain (literally) of files on my desk to get through today and I also have to finish the procedures manual I have been working on for four months in order for my replacement to know how to do my job. Its 44 pages long and counting….
Worst: I decided to leave my marital home this week and stay with my mum indefinitely. I made it clear to my hubby that I just needed some time to myself and that I will return when I am ready and I feel that he is going to stop being so selfish and childish. Instead, he heard ‘I want a divorce’ and has tried to bully me into continuing to support his lifestyle until the divorce is final (I pay all his bills as he doesnt earn much) while telling me that I need to move all my belongings out and give him the keys back to the house! He has also dragged his entire family into it, who have all since posted hate messages on my facebook wall before deleting me (and my family) as friends. Seems that childishness runs in his family and silly me, I have never noticed it until now. The last few days he has been up and down with me – begging to see me one day then ignoring me completely the next!! Not sure how to deal with this one so its my worst for the week.
OMM: Baby is due in two weeks and I dont have a ‘home’ for him. His nursery is still all set up at my marital home but it looks like I will be staying with my mum for a little while yet.
On the upside, I am happy I decided to finally take this step and do what is right for me. I can’t be a role model to my son if I don’t actually practise what I preach. Putting up with crappy behaviour from a grown man is not something I want my child to see and think is ok! So my future is uncertain but I’m feeling good about it at least!
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The easiest thing to do would of been to stay, you’ve shown great strength in removing yourself and your child from the situation. Thinking of you!
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I really feel for you, but from what you have said, you need not doubt your decisions so far. Your baby wont notice that he doesnt have the designated room for longer than you think. Your son will want you, and only you. He wont want a fancy cot, or a cute playroom or many of those things – he will just want you.
Make decisions which are best for you, and in turn, they will be best for your son
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Brave girl. Good for you. You take care of you, and the baby. What a shame all his family have decided to weigh in. You stay strong. x
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Your strength at this time is inspiring!
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You are one courageous mamma … wishing the best for you and your bubbas xo
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Having a craptacular week.
Worst #1: Farewelled my darling grandma on Monday after she passed away last Wednesday. I hate seeing my dad so sad.
Worst #2: Sick. I have an awful headcold that I just can’t shake.
Best: One of my oldest and most dear friends is getting married tomorrow. She has found someone who loves her for who she is and I couldn’t be happier for her
Can’t wait to see her walk down the aisle.
OMM: I feel guilty for not spending enough time with my grandma over the last year or so. I hope she knows how much I loved her.
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Hi Gracie, so sorry to hear about your grandma. I’m sure she knew exactly how much you loved her.
Just a thought on your head cold, it might be stress/grief over your grandma why it won’t go away.
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Best: Seeing our teeny bubba’s heart beating away in our ultrasound this week; we’re almost 8 weeks along now and I’m counting the minutes til we’re far enough along for kicks, finding out the gender and eventually meeting them <3
Worst: My Mum started 6 months of Chemo this week; good in one sense as who knows, it might help her, but bad because it feels like it will be a long 6 months. I hate seeing her sick. I hate feeling helpless. I hate feeling on edge every time the phone rings.
OMM: feeling queasy and sooooo tired, and feeling very guilty for my daughter (3 years) who's been parked in front of Peppa Pig far too much this week. I'm starting to wonder how I'll manage further on in the pregnancy and then how to cope with a newborn and an almost 4-year old.
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BAHAHAHAAH Rick!!!! Trust me, they’re not fun to have to insert either…..
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And removing them feels WEIRD!!!
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Yuck yuck yuck!
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Er, Rick, you DO know that men can be catheterised as well, don’t you?
I’ll let you figure it out.
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I do, but that doesn’t make it any better!
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haha I one once after overdoing some prescription diet pills (long story) and was pleasantly surprised how nice it was not to have to get up and go to the toilet!!
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Best – I have been offered the job I really wanted! It’s a level higher and a big jump in pay! I am so excited and can’t wait to start!
Worst – due to all of the rain the creek behind our house flooded and all manner of wildlife have invaded our house! A rat chewed through our security screen and got into our house! My husband spotted the damage and went looking for it then he chased it out of our house! Then the next day we had a snake in the same spot – looking for the rat I guess! The kids and I are still freaked out!!!
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Yikes! Understandably freaked. Hope the cleanup isn’t too traumatic.
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Congrats on your job … sounds so good for you!
Rats *and* snakes? Fun times lol
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BEST: My boyfriend’s dad turned 50 on Monday and we had a little celebration. Such a beautiful family, so happy to be a part of it! Also, feeling my bf’s sister’s baby kicking…she’s 24 weeks a long and has faced some problems in her pregnancy so it’s especially beautiful for everything to be ok and to feel the little boy kick! Can’t wait to meet him!
BEST 2: Planning a holiday with my bf for the end of the year. We’re thinking China and Vietnam over three 3 weeks…anyone travelled to China? It seems like we’ll spend most of our time in transit from getting place to place, any tips or experiences are very welcome!
WORST: money struggles, I’m scraping the very bottom of my savings and it sucks. Fortunately I start my grad job next week so pay will be coming in soon!
OMM: Become lazy this week, thank you 30+ days! Must get back to exercising….the first time back is always the hardest, just have to bite the bullet!
http://www.thebeautyblot.wordpress.com
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I’ve been to China, but unfortunately only with work. Haven’t had too much of a chance to travel around however the people and the parts of Beijing & Shanghai that I have experienced were amazing. Could not recommend China more highly – can’t wait to get a chance to go back as a tourist!
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I’m unsure how easy it is to travel in China independently without having a guide to help, that’s if you aren’t planning to do an organised tour. My experience in China is different to the norm as we were there two weeks while adopting our little girl – one week in her home province meeting her and doing all the paperwork, then a week in Shanghai while getting an Aust Visa put into her passport. We could not have managed that without a guide, not just with the adoption but transport, sight-seeing and translating. We loved seeing China (though we may be biased!) and can’t wait to go back for a holiday. There’s lots of information on the internet so you can do lots of research. Enjoy your holiday!
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I live in China. Independent travel is indeed possible. Yes, there’s a language barrier (particularly outside of big cities) but do your research and you’ll be fine.
But China is HUGE, so you’ll have to choose a small part. If you have three weeks, one idea could be to fly into Ho Chi Minh City and out of Hanoi, or even Shanghai. Make your way north independently via train via Hoi An, Danang, Halong Bay, Hanoi, etc. You can skip from Vietnam into China as there’s a train from Hanoi to Shanghai. Just get your visas in order and go for it!
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Thanks for the advice everyone! We will be travelling independently, I don’t really like the structure of tours, I feel ‘rushed’…though we may well do some day tours to see some sights, we’re especially keen to do an overnight or 2 night cruise on Halong Bay in a luxury junk!
In China I think we’ll be narrowing it down to Beijing and Xian as we’re particularly keen on seeing the terracotta warriors and the great wall. I think trying to squeeze in more would be difficult as it could compromise the quality of the trip. I like quality over quantity when I travel
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Emma – train travel in China is very good. Efficient and relatively cheap. You could fly into Hanoi (with a side trip to Halong Bay) and then train it to Shanghai, Xian and Beijing. You can opt for faster bullet trains or get overnight sleepers (and save cash).
One tip for Beijing: go to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall early in the morning (i.e. leave Beijing at 7am to get there for 9am). Badaling is far too crowded.
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Yep, we’re planning to do an overnight train to Xian from Beijing. And thanks for the tip about the wall!
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Everyone says Vietnam is such an amazing place for couples – you’ll have a ball! xx
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Best: sold our house. We can now start living again rather then stressing about money all the time!! It’s an exciting time of opportunities.
Worst: sold our house. Had some tears as this house is so full of memories.
OMM: I’m supposed to return to work in April from maternity leave, I don’t know if I want to or if I want to do further study or start a whole new career. It all makes me feel old. Too old to start again.
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Kate, you are never to old to start again!
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Never too old to start anything!!
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Best – having an ultrasound on Wednesday that confirmed one healthy, happy looking 12 week old baby on board. I don’t even mind the fates laughing at me for my grand plans I had for this year once I packed both the kids off to school – one to Grade One and one for Prep. I’m sure it would have been too quiet around here anyway so here’s to another five years of noise, laughter, wonderment, discovery and joy.
Worst – a few pay issues over the public holiday which may (or may not… fingers crossed and let’s be positive!) have screwed up an important direct debit. Let’s hope it works and there are no repercussions.
OMM – I’m now wondering how Rick has never heard of a catheter before. Love how the legs are crossed and he looks almost like he’s going to vomit… or cry. On the bright side Rick, you’re getting paid to learn all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff, right?
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You see, I’d heard the word catheter a LOT over the years but I assumed it was the part where the IV drip is inserted near the hand. Learn something new every day!
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Racing drivers have them inserted so they don’t have to get out and pee during races.
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That is so gross. That is all I will be thinking about when Bathurst is on.
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Ahhh. Canula. Mind you – wouldn’t want one of them stuck in my hoohaa either…
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BEST EVER: Two Aussie men have trekked 2,270 km to the South Pole and back to raise money for ‘You Can‘; a national fundraising campaign to build specialised youth cancer centres across Australia. They are Aussie heroes, a true inspiration, fan-blooody-tastic!!
Their names are Cas and Jonesy! Spread the word
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That’s incredible!!!!!
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yes I’ve been following the little tidbits that we hear about them.
Tough trek.
Amazing men.
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The world needs more people like Cas and Jonesy. I’m in awe. Simply incredible. How can we learn more about them?
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It does indeed
Just incredible. If you type Cas and Jonesy into google both their website and FB page should come up 
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Best: my best friend finally had her baby! Some pregnancies just seem to go forever. She had another girl named Emily. I can’t wait to meet and smell her.I’m going to do lots of cooking to fill her freezer for her today. A friend did it for me and i’ll never forget how helpful it was.
Worst: My friend who died 6 months ago from breast cancer, well her husband has decided to move beck to England with his son to be with his family. I totally understand why he is going but as the days get closer to them leaving I’m getting really emotional about it. I will miss them so much. Will have to start saving my pennys to go and visit them.
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Congratulations to your best friend on the arrival of Emily! You’re such a good friend to fill her freezer. The internet is a wonderful thing, get Skype and email lots and keep up to date with her husband and son. I can imagine it will be upsetting when they leave, but I hope you’re OK!
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Best: I am going on a first date tomorrow night!!!!! Am so excited, and extremely nervous. Hoping this is the first of many!
Worst: had a fight with my sister, and we are still not talking after four days! this is not right. I miss her. And yes, I have told her i miss her and have tried to talk to her, but she is being stubbourn. I don’t care who’s fault it is anymore, just let the water flow under the bridge lil sis. Miss and love you x
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How exciting about your date! What do you think you’ll wear? LOVE planning first date outfits. xx
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Best – The so called ‘winter’ here has been non-existent! When we moved here everyone warned us about the snow and how crazy things would get…well there has been some snow but not much and it’s almost the end of January! Which makes me think we might get hit hard next month, but hopefully not. I don’t mind a bit of snow, having lived in Australia all my life I it’s exciting to see snow but I don’t want a huge dumping of it!
My dear cousin got married yesterday, the wedding was overseas and my husband and I were unable to attend, but it’s still a best for me since he is the BEST and deserves to be happy
We (the whole family) are so happy he found this girl, she’s so nice and they are a great match! I’m just sad to have missed the wedding but looking forward to the photos!
Worst – Lack of motivation! I just feel so bla lately, I feel like the days are just going by and I’m not getting anything done! I don’t know how to explain it but I just feel like blaaaaaa!
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Cinnamon, my thoughts exactly! I’m worried that it is saving it all up and we’re going to get snowed in the whole of February. It has rained for the last couple of days, but it’s going to be fine here for the rest of January.
I want snow, dammit!
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Hi Girls,
Sadly Feb is the peak time for snowfalls. So you aren’t out of the woods yet!
Are one of you the one who asked questions about preping for the season ahead and what things you needed?
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Hmmm well the locals here have told me that it’s very strange that there hasn’t been much snow yet, especially because last year they had a whole bunch of snow by now. I just hope it doesn’t all come at once!
And yes a while back I did ask about how 2 prep for the winter (I was writing under the name ‘N’ before but now using cinnamon since I’ve noticed other ‘N’s’ popping up) anyway so far I’ve got myself a down jacket which I wear pretty much everyday! Even though it’s not snowing it is still freakin cold so the jacket has been a life saver! I don’t feel the need 2 get snow shoes just yet.
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Glads to see you have settled in!!
Isn’t it funny how the locals say stuff like that but if you google avg snowfall in your local area (do you have a ski resort nearby? Sorry I can’t remember where you are) you will see that avg snowfall is higher in Feb (i googled a couple of random resorts just to see if i was remember correctly!)
But most skiers know to go skiing OS in Feb.
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Oh I just re read what you said about the locals… Its sounds like they are just saying that this years snowfalls have been light. Yes Jan has been an abysmal month for Snowfall this season in the whole of Nth America.
But that doesn’t mean that Jan gets more than Feb normally if you get me.
But mother nature is a fickle one