MNers who have made policywonk cry today:

[policywonk]

JeremyVile, Threadwworm, IorekByrnison, KayHarker, Swedes, Habbibu, Desiderata, MonkeyTrousers and OBM.

What a load of bitches bloody lovely women you are.

I'm confused, in part, because Will Self's name is already like an MN name. It's as allegorical as that mediaeval thing, whatsitcalled? the everyman thing.

In the case of Threadwworm's name, I affected a gutteral Germanic bark.

Hah hah, yes, Thread-wuh-worm. V important. (Actually she dodged it, it just says 'Threadie'.)

WilfSell is a lady name-changer, OBM. Sorry to disappoint but I wouldn't want you to throw yourself at her.

I always assumed that Will Self's name was made up, tbh. (And there was that long-running theory that he was Martin Amis, wasn't there? He's much funnier though.)

Going to bed - again, apologies in advance for bumping. Just a couple more to go...

Unfortunately your advice comes too late, PW. I have already behaved inappropriately towards WS . I'm shocked to think of it now, but I believe I told him I hearted her. Him.

shameless hussy

pw - just seen your misunderstanding! Ah, would that I had been quite so witty.

I've posted this theory before, but I am convinced that Will Self's name is short for Willful Self-Abuse, because he is such a total wanker.

and again!

No, you're right - though it is the essence of his appeal. That and his vulpine features, esp mad staring eyes.

Oh yes of course onebat, I meant total wanker in a good way.

Threadie, surely you've had a thing for a total wanker? In your blushing youth?

... perhaps, but not qua total wanker.

Hmm, interesting. I tend to look back and think that the quality that I insisted I adored (eg free spirit/musician/artist) was actually indivisible from their wankerishness..

pmsl that this nearly turned into a clobber.

Very pleased to hear that you got them and didn't come out in hives or something equally untoward. And that you got the added bonus of a diet coke moment with the delivery man.

Now, shut up about it and let's start a slap-fight.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss PW. The afore-mentioned posters are - i agree - total bitches really lovely.

PW, so very sorry about your Mum. Enjoy your lovely trees.

Kay, you will not start a fight. You will sit there and wave a shroud like everyone else.

Thanks Urban (btw this thread will explain why I didn't get in touch over the half term...)

Thanks Nicky. How are you doing? How did you survive your dad's anniversary?

of course Policy - and if i'd been a half decent friend i'd've emailed and asked if you were ok...

We'll have to meet up some other time. Tis nearly the summer jollies, we'll meet up then perhaps?

PW, it was fine thanks. Had a nice day with Mum and ds chatting and playing. It was a relief when it came around - the week before was the worst bit.
Hope you are doing okay.

policywonk, so sorry to hear your news - your mum sounds an amazing woman, how lovely that you have so many fantastic memories of her.

Please tell us when you start to market Casa Policy Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

PS my mum died of breast cancer a couple of years ago - my DS never met her but I am so looking forward to telling him all about her when he is old enough to understand. I hope you bore your boys silly with anecdotes

Sure thing Urban

That's good to hear Nicky. I'm dreading all the 'firsts' (birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day (aaargh) and so on). It's reassuring to hear that these things can be got through.

Thanks YV. Very sorry to hear about your mum too.

Anticipation's awful, pw, but anniversary days themselves are rarely as bad as you expect, I think. It can help to set aside the day so that you can limit visitors/contact etc, if you want to - not exactly possible with Christmas, I know. We're coming up to 3rd anniversary of dd1 just now, and I'm aware of feeling quite weird and unsettled. We usually have a nice day, but I'm always glad that it's over.