Sept 2008 - no witty title as we're too busy dealing with stroppy 3 yr olds.

[MrsArchchancellorRidcully]

Hello all. Couldn't see a new thread so thought I'd do the honours. Sorry for rubbish title, I'm no good at witty! :)

oh your poor friend carrie . What a contrast between them, it is cruel and random isn't it.

carrie I am so sorry for your friend and her family. Life can be very, very cruel

Oh Carrie - how awful for them :(

and I was just about to come on here and agonise over if my date went well or not, puts things in perspective

3 years ago Meglet

Carrie, I'n fine, thanks for asking. The past few months have been mad like you woukd not believe and we are still having some logistics trouble but generally things have calmed down. We're broke though

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.

Oh Carrie, your poor friend. It's just so bloody unfair

Thank you everyone for your kind words. Our church is being amazing as always and rallying round with food rotas and baking and other practical and emotional support. No word yet on when the funeral will be but she wants us all to go. Tomorrow I'm having a friend's kids so she can go and be with the family - she is closer friends with the mum than I am, so the best way I can help is to remove her children from the equation! I'm on the food rota tomorrow, gonna make my new sultana loaf recipe for them, if nothing else so they've got food to offer to visitors. I did such a stupid thing, I was signing the sympathy card and automatically did my 'cards' signature which includes a smiley face. Sort of turned it into an '&' and added DH's name but it looked such a mess. Muppet that I am.

ninja we need want to hear every detail of the date, don't hold back!

star sorry about the broke-ness :( Do you need any baby stuff that we might be able to provide?

Is MrsA ok? She's not posted for over a week slacker or is there a holiday I've forgotten about?

Checked on fb and she seems fine, probably celebrating City'swin today!!

Didn't they go to stay in a travel lodge in Preston??

It went well I think - plenty to talk about, lots in common. I've e-mailed to ask if he wants to meet again (does that make me sound sad and desperate?)

There wasn't an obvious spark, but should there be? It's been so long since I did this!!

I'll let you know if he replies!

Right Ninja. We need details .

There wasn't a spark with dh and I, but I knew straight away that I liked him. I don't think I am a spark kind of gal, but also I had been left emotionally bruised and battered from my previous marriage so I was extremely wary and probably very cynical as well.

So, no I don't think that a spark is always needed, and no you don't sound desperate. When dh and I first started dating I made it clear that I don't play games. No treat em mean, keep em keen. He was the same thankfully.

How have all of your appointments been going Bec? and how was the appt with your dd yesterday Carrie?

There was no 'spark' with DH either, which if I'm honest at that particular stage of my life was a bloody relief. It was more like meeting a pair of comfy slippers and bottle of favourite wine. I really looked forward to seeing him and saw spending time with him as a self-indulgent treat, but it was nice not to be on an emotional rollacoaster etc. I decided I had reached maturity or summat, but it has worked!

Oh well, he doesn't mind meeting again but not for a relationship (more fool him!). He let me down gently, saying there's too much disruption in his life at the moment.

Shame, he was nice. Never mind anyone have any eligible friends?

Ah, he sounds like a decent guy to have got some practice in on.

Just have some fun dressing up and presenting your best self for a while. Don't be in a rush.

He doesn't know what he is missing. Fact.

When I was single I used to think that dates that didn't lead to anything were a bit like job interviews for jobs you didn't get. They are all good practice

You have got past the first date since your split with TB, that is another hurdle jumped. Well done you.

And what StarShit said

Btw, don't let this guy go completely. If you ever have a group thing/party to attend invite him along as a friend. He may well himself, have friends!.

And what ILTMIMI said

I love it when you call me Starshit btw!

Carrie, I've got loads of clothes and a couple of slings. Nothing else at all. Just convincing myself that I'm going to be some kind of earth mother this time and don't need Moses basket, cots, baby swings/bouncers, buggies, etc.

I suppose I should consider nappies at some point......

Oh, and Ninja, be ruthless. When you're next on a date, it doesn't mean you can't talk to any other men who happen to be there too!?

Yes - I'm glad I've got over the first date and he was a decent guy to have it with. I like your advice Starshit :)

Right am I back on the website or do I try and find a hobby ..... (that I can do on a Sunday which is the only time I have free

Oh no, even train spotting is rubbish on a Sunday!

Dancing is good but there's always competition for me. However you can get round them quite quickly.

I always fancied speed dating. It seemed quite funny!

Competition for MEN, not ME. Honestly, I'm not THAT arrogant!

I like that you like me calling you Starshit

Ninja - do both, stay on the website and start a hobby

I would say that the only thing you need off of that list is a cot, and if you plan to co sleep then you won't even need that. How about Freecycle?

For sure. This is no.3. I have no time or inclination to be crossing hallways/bedroom floors. Baby will be right next to me!

Free cycle is a good idea. Have to sign up locally and look out for stuff.

Yes, freecycle is a great idea.

Dancing ?? I was thinking more about abseiling, canoeing, parachuting - what do you think ;)