Hello, hello everyone. Bit chilly and overcast here again. Hope you are all OK. Can't believe it's nearly the end of the month!!
Dh returned late last night thank heavens, so I've ducked out of work an hour early because I am a bit cream-crackered today. Must be old age - not so tolerant to stress any more - don't know how dh does it day in, day out.
[mahoosive digression alert] Saw that wonderful programme about Salisbury choristers the other day - made me think about differing energy levels in individual dc and families. The choristers life is incredibly demanding - not all dc can withstand it. But - if you could tolerate it - it would definitely set you up for life in terms of resilience!
And then I went on to think about people I find particularly inspirational (one boss in particular I was thinking of and a close relation of mine who has four dc and two jobs) and what sets them apart from everyone else is their incredibly high energy levels and their ability to keep going enthusiastically, day in, day out, month after month, year after year, when everyone else is flagging.
And then I thought about how important it is to instill resilience and persistence in dc and came to the conclusion that I am failing badly in this as a role model atm 
!!
Hey ho ... please excuse my musings ...it just always fascinate me when you meet new families and you gradually discover how they live their lives ..and the differing activity levels between them .....I think I have concluded we are at the low end of the energy spectrum . Or mayble most of our energy is sublimated in to the business? Anyway, sorry, enough middle-aged ramblings ... how are you all getting on?
Swan Congratulations on your lovely news!!! It's always so wonderful to have a new baby in the family. Thanks - dd skipped happily off to school today so no harm done - glad to hear your dd hasn't been too traumatised by multiple extractions! Yes, house clearance will be a big job but there are lots of siblings to help fortunately. (House not particularly lovely btw - one they down-sized to - but location/school catchment area is what sold it so promptly). Good luck with "holiday" preparations/packing but doesn't sound as though it will be a very leisurely visit for you.
Whoknows Easter costumes sound lovely!! And snap! I was only muttering to dd this morning about her hairbands, clips and scrunchies being left all over the wretched house (and car)!! That's an excellent idea! I too am 
over winter/summer attire ...dd skipped to school in short sleeves last week ... and wore her winter coat again this morning ...
New nickname came from the good dieting intentions I had earlier in the year btw (now blown to pieces - am the heaviest I have ever been atm 
- got to do something about it as I cannot fit in to a good 3/4 of my wardrobe currently) So intend to inhabit my SC persona with a bit more commitment from Sunday onwards...
Feetheart glad the tattoos appeared at the eleventh hour!! Hope disco goes with a bang (not literally!) They'll be 
and large cushions waiting here for you for later ... Hope your dc are not too upset by all the leave-takings.
MummyNickleby top marks to you for hitting the gym regularly! That's no mean feat when you work such long hours. Beginning to realise it's as important (if not more important) to look after ourselves as it is to look after our houses. I think that's what Flying is all about really. Pretty obvious I know but it takes a while to "really get it" internally I think.
Poor you : re childhood orthodontistry - head brace sounds pretty full on - bet you have a lovely winning smile now though!!
Honu I wouldn't know where to start with juggling all your responsibilities. Each individual item on the list has the potential to be overwhelming in itself. Like Feetheart I stand in awe of how you are managing everything. Feel hesitant posting this because I am talking from a position of such complete ignorance and therefore talking through my hat as usual. I guess the only way is the Flylady way ie looking after yourself as much as possible FIRST so you can keep going. And being ruthlessly selfish (not at all selfish in reality of course) in prioritising the things you enjoy and delegating as much as possible. And although that sounds vaguely plausible written down, I can imagine it is nigh on impossible in rl. Sorry. (Written) words are farking inadequate. Hope you can resolve immediate brick crisis without too much hassle today.
Anotheronebitestheduster Hope you are enjoying your lunch!! Really like your new nickname!
Yours too Bitchy and good luck with that humungous list today!
Flaps wings frantically at everyone else ...