March 2013 - we're gonna need a bigger wine rack

[Plonkysaurus]

Ta da!

Good luck Stormy! You're giving me the kick I need to really focus on my next role in life too. If the hotel thing happens I'll be responsible for accounts, budgeting, performance analysis, and such like, which should keep me busy. If it doesn't, then I will need to find something else to keep me out of trouble. What's the job you're up for?

Plonky a lunch time swim sounds like the sort of tonic I would appreciate too. Glad you were able to fit it in. Given dolitoddle is currently napping (high five), I theoretically could have had another freezing dip tday, but the ominous black clouds put me off. Not because swimming in the rain is a problem, which it isn't, it's just more water, but because having to do a super quick exit, cover the pool, run around in a panic, fall over in a puddle, and generally freeze half do death when she wakes up because the pram cover has leaked on her head is a bit of a bore. Perhaps I'll go tonight instead. Or perhaps not

Betty there I was thinking I had a less than great night. I take it back. There may have been farts, but we were at least spared Disney. Water and tummy rubs were all it took.... times 50... that being the approx number of wakes we had!

DH is going to be home early tonight, by 7pm, yay. There is talk of going over some hotel accounts when he gets in. Those'll be the accounts I claim to have read, but actually haven't. Best jump to it.

And I'm finally getting around to posting on the new thread. I just haven't had anything interesting to say. I still don't really but one mention of Disney and you've got me

betty I love Tangled! Much better than Frozen, in my opinion and I can give you a list why and if you have to be up at 5am, then you may as well be up with Rapunzel!

Good luck with the application stormy. I have an interview tomorrow that I've sort of talked myself out of going to. It's essentially a good job but the location and the thought of starting yet another new job is putting me off. I feel like I've just got this one I'm in now, it'd be good to stay for a while really. Plus, I'd have to call in sick to go to the interview and I don't get sick pay.

I'm jealous of the swims...well, saunas really! I've almost convinced myself to run home from work tomorrow. The only problem being I'd have to run back to get the car

DP and I took a very overtired DS to Frankie and Benny's tonight to celebrate being together 9 years today. We're now continuing that celebration by one of us playing Call of Duty and the other lying on the bed. I'll let you figure that one out...

Just place marking so I don't lose you again hope everyone ok. TEETH also happening here- molars I think. Poor boy. I miss my sleep....

Ps something good luck if you do go for the interview.

hello from the bath

I can report that sausage casserole does not freeze well. Yuck! The vegetables had no resistance to my bite. Bleurh. Must dash down soon to grab emergency Vouvray and éclair.

Stormy, a second baby has been agreed? This is big news for you. So, what's your plan with regards the man and a future that doesn't include his communication stuff annoying you? Have you got that far, or have you crossed the first (baby shaped) hurdle? Pleased for you either way as I know it is important to you.

Plonky did DS remain obliging last night with no early morning milk requirements?

Something did you go to your interview in the end? How did that pan out?

Doli, DH has his halo back so medal passed back, yes. Did you finish your hotel homework in time? Good chat?

Shattered the teeth thing is seemingly never ending eh? Let's focus on stormy's knowledge that they come in batches and we've not many more batches to go.

Rainy all day today. We managed to have elevenses at a friends house and lunch with another friend. We were given our fourth gift for Ecotod that is vintage children's wear. Lovely. Is this a thing that I missed?

We donned full waterproofs and walked to park which was deserted (not much in the way of nutters around here) and had fun. Mostly licking the small pools of rain that gathered on the play equipment. Nice!

Despite our sleep history histrionics at bedtime do not happen. Except tonight. They were short lived but it's left me wondering what's up. Maybe she hated the sausage casserole too

Mushy dinners are so underwhelming. I'm currently eating lukewarm porridge. I could microwave it but too many years of 'gerrit down yer' as a child dictate otherwise.

Sadly ds didn't repeat his sleepy no milky trickery. Yesterday morning he woke at 4.30, had milk and went back to sleep in his own cot, which I'm taking as a victory anyway seeing as I had to get him up at 7.45! Dp and I were wide awake at 5am though. We may have tired ourselves out with an early morning sexy time . So the sleep is steadily improving.

How did dd sleep? Hope she saved the histrionics for just bedtime and not 3am.

Stormy is it all hands on deck with Operation Fartypants mk2 now then? Anything specific that won him over? Just so I know for future reference.

The teeth thing must be true. He's had 6 teeth for at least 6 months now and they all sprouted within a fortnight. I can see 4 clearly waiting to pop up. Although I know lots of other countries just aren't arsed about teething and don't attribute whinging and arseiness to that wonderful catch all.

Ds is trying to say sock. But he can't. Nowhere near. It's very cute though - he meanders over to me, sock in hand, places it on top of his foot and pronounces "bob". But not really bob. Imagine a French person saying bob and that's kind of it.

Dp is out with work tonight so I have a evening of wedding prep ahead of me! eco it most definitely is looming now! Only ten weeks now I think.

Tea tends to be mushy here too, which I don't mind too much, but it would be nice to have a big plate of nice slightly crunchy vegetables for a change. DD only eats then if they're boiled to death and mashed. So we keep having Special Mash - normal and sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and a bit of grated cheese. Even have to mash beans for her. Spoon skills coming along nicely though. God, I miss big lumps of meat.

Plonky, it was a lengthy and complex conversation spanning several weeks. Not sure how much would be relevant to you. What's DP's current thoughts on Babysaurus Junior?

The plan involves me getting a job first. He can't support us on full time hours because he's prone to black pits of depression, and working full time doesn't help with that. One working and one not means just child tax credits. Both working means working tax credits too. Without them things would be very tight and we'd be stuck in a two bed. Actual babymaking is scheduled for next year - I'm going back on the pill until New Year.

Mainly though, I spun him all the positives, talked him round on the negatives, made him see the finances could work, and, most importantly, made it clear that I couldn't be with him if another baby wasn't an option because the years of resentment would destroy me. And kicking him out has concentrated his mind rather well on what he stands to lose if he won't have another. It feels a bit like blackmail, but I'm thinking that, though he shouldn't have to have kids he doesn't want, I don't have to stay with someone who doesn't want the same family as I do. Also I pointed out that if I find someone else who wants kids, it's not going to be practical having him round visiting DD all the time, and he'd have to make his own arrangements... Basically I explained both options and their ramifications in great detail. And I also pointed out that not wanting kids, abject terror of fatherhood, all hassle and responsibility and no fun, they were his main objections before DD, and I told him then that he'd love her once she was here. He conceded I was entirely right on that one.

In other news, we have bumpy gums again. I think canines are considering putting in an appearance...

It sounds like you've really managed to communicate and compromise. Well done! I think you deserve one of eco's medals.

Dp isn't averse to having another, but as it's not at all on the cards right now he refuses to talk about it. Because why be logical about our future? No I can see his point but it's infuriating! Thankfully were on a path that should see us ttc in a year or less - and I'd rather ds is at least 3 before becoming an older brother, to minimise his anxiety etc.

stormy brilliant that you're both communicating well and that things are looking up. I've decided that we'll be ttc again December 2016. I said 'I've' because DP would want to ttc now if given the chance.

So, instead...We're going to look at puppies tonight I'm so excited so we're taking the deposit in the hopes of finding our new furrier baby!

I didn't go to the interview. I rang them and they were so nice. I just think, if I'm going to leave a 'meh' job then it needs to be for the dream job, and where this one would be a foot in the door of an industry I ultimately want to be in, the location and hours wouldn't suit so I could see myself resenting it in future whereas I'm 'ok' now.

Teeth are buggers, aren't they? I reckon the recent bout of sleep-crying and late-night-cuddle-giving is due to 2nd molars.

eco your rainy park fun sounds lovely. I'm totally stealing the idea when I'm next off with DS in the rain. And how adorable was EcoTod on the roundabout?!

Stormy very sound reasoning and with every angle covered. DP didn't stand a chance! Seriously though, very happy for you.

Something aww cute, puppies you mad mare. I love puppies, but every time I get one I swear never ever again (and last time I really meant it). An apt analogy is nappy-less toddlers on speed.

Teeth here too, so I'm preparing myself for the inevitable sleep regression. Oh joy. She's napping again though, so at least that little hurdle in the road has been negotiated. I have a suspicion that the whole nap refusal thing was down to the weather. When it is warm she won't sleep. When it rains she will. Summer should be fun then.

Eco the hotel chat went along the lines of, there is a reason why so many hotels are in administration, and it would be infinitely more doable if you could buy them without the existing staff. Redundancy costs would kill us, and I have no faith retraining could iron out entrenched ways of doing things. So, hmmmm, not sure, but not closed that door yet.

As for today, it has been a good day. I was fully prepared to have to sit and watch while the plumber drilled up the kitchen floor tiles... but he found an alternative route. The man is a whirlwind of mess and destruction as a rule so this was quite out of character, and I now love him a little it.

Am I the only person who gets irrationally mad at people who dare ring at nap time.... and don't get the hint when I let the answer phone click on, and ring again . I have just unplugged the phone

Very quiet here.... Is everyone ok?

Fine here, just fretting over the man's zero hours contract. If he doesn't get at least five shifts a week, he's not hitting the 16 hour minimum for tax credits, which is problematic.

Meanwhile, I found an old CV in my gdocs, which is clearly tailored towards admin/office work. Is anyone free to help me turn it retaily and make it look shiny?

Stormy send it my way and I'll have a look. 6 years retail experience - 3 of which on a retail grad scheme

Need your email address, Plonk. Also found a position that looks great, receptionist in a doctor's surgery by the look of it, full or part time permanent, well over minimum wage. So I need tailoring towards that too!

Doli showers and sunshine today. What does that mean for dd's naps?! Half and half. And pleased to hear your tiles escaped unscathed. I once watched my carefully sanded and treated floor boards get the 'inconsiderate work man' treatment and I felt like strangling him. Plumber as well. The worst sort! I get very nunty about people whe double knock at the door when I'm bathing or putting Ecotod down for a sleep. Double knocking full stop might be unacceptable.

Plonky. Morning sexy time? Whatever next? You'll be telling us your chicken has done four dinners and that your df is never leaves the toilet seat up! Actually, thinking about it, I can do three dinners from a roast chicken and dh never leaves the seat up and..... er....that's it. Oh, and ten weeks is definitely a loom. Get much prep done? What were you working on?

Stormy I'm happy to help CV wise but I think you've found the best woman for the job already. Good luck.

Something how were the puppies? What breed are you going for? I saw a lovely pug Yorkshire cross today. It'll be hard work for sure, but fun.

Ecotod is doing a few strange/amusing things. Any of your do these things?

1 come up behind you, always in kitchen, put arms around both of your ankles and stare up at you through your legs, even when you walk from oven to fridge?

2 take food out of mouth and then offer it to you. Most often half masticated sultanas.

3 find something furry (dad's fur lined hat, cuddly toy, blanket, even the furry bits of the 'that's not my....' books) and lay it on the floor, lie down, resting face on the floor and suck thumb. Wherever, whenever. Often with bum in air.

Just us then?

Stormy we now have dancing to normal music. I say dancing, it's more bobbing up and down vigorously with smile on face. Lovely.

More cream teas and national Trust explorations for us today and shortly a TV dinner in honour of eurovision. The smart money (dh) is on Poland's busty wenches.

Night night!

Forgot to mention, we're going worm charming tomorrow. I felt I ought to tell you all so as to live up to my nutter status. I've been quite sensible recently.

Eco thank you for reassuring us all that you are absolutely the nicest nuttiest person ever, and we love you for it. Worm charming indeed. I had no clue such a thing existed, and now must google.

As for naps, rubbish. In fact the whole day has been rubbish. Teeth made for a rough night, and a stroppy day, and a difficult settle. Fingers crossed she makes it through to at least 3am, but I don't hold out much hope.

Odd cute things here, well eating wool is one. I'm kind of anti wool eating myself, so tend to fish it out her mouth, which has given rise to a new game. She pulls fluff off her jumper with her front teeth, giggling and watching me, then runs off to the sofa and bounces up and down with her back to me, glancing over her shoulder to check I've noticed. My chasing her and trying to retrieve the wool is beyond hilarious. Allegedly.

Stormy another offer here of CV review if you need it. Sounds like you are sorted though. Dr's receptionist sounds like a really nice job, fingers crossed for you.

As for me I've managed to fritter the day away with boring chores, and a shopping trip. I hate shopping trips, especially when they are as depressing as this one. Dress shopping for a wedding. The thing about weddings is you have to wear something a bit special, but not too special, and not white, or cream, too short, or too long, or even vaguely like anything you actually happen to have in your wardrobe, and will most certainly never wear again. Which is tedious. As is the fact I am either an 8, or a ten, depending which bit of me you are dealing with, making dress shopping a challenge or a bore depending how you look at it. I found something though, is Phase 8, which although a little staid, is a very flattering cut, and makes me look as if I have model proportions, which I most certainly don't. Looking on the bright side this is the very last one of my friends to be married, so until the divorces and second marriages come round (probably depressingly soon) I can avoid such trips for the foreseeable.

Doli We've been doing a bit of dress shopping too. Trying to find appropriate dresses for two bridesmaids - one of whom is a size six with humungous boobies, and the other will be about 7 months pregnant. I delegated the dress hunt told them to look for themselves and amazingly they've managed to find things in the same bloomin' colour! Huzzah. I am so over wedding shopping now. So much so that I'm getting married in totally inappropriate shoes.

Eco you mad mare. DD like scrabbling around in the dirt? Good girl! DP tried to put Euroshite on. I complained. Loudly! And yes, we were 'up with the lark', so to speak. I can't see it happening again any time soon.

I'm ker-nackered. DP rolled in steaming at THREE FORTY FIVE AM. Cue disturbed baby and lots of swearing tutting from me. Wanker.

DS is quite clearly struggling with his molars now though, and his mood flips from happy as Larry to beside himself with rage. The separation anxiety is rather apparent as well now. I went for a run earlier - cue him looking under the door for me, and HUGE tears. But when he's happy he's so funny. I flopped my head back and stared at him out the corner of my eye, and that was hilarious, apparently, so we've done lots of that today.

He's also a natural mover and loves to dance. Ballroom if we have the energy, but otherwise a good bop/mosh along to anything, even those bastard Tweenies. I was most impressed to see him wiggling about to Ian Dury earlier.

Plonky vegan shoes! Go join Eco on the bonkers bench . That said, they say hippy cool to me, and look very comfortable. It's going to be one of those laid back picture perfect days, I can just tell. So excited for you.

Picture the scene. It's 2005. November. Damp and miserable. I'm in Exeter, where for the past six weeks I've surrounded by middle class southerners with a work ethic, and cursing St Cyril. Twat-faced bastard, doing that shit to nouns. They shouldn't decline like that. And they all had plans about their lives, and none of them knew how to drink, and they all had Mummy and Daddy paying their pocket money still, and I was coming to the realisation that if you're going to be miserable then you might as well do it at home with your friends around you.

A ray of sunshine! My brother came to visit. We hit the nearest pub, on the grounds that a) it shared a name with the local in EastEnders and b) it was just up the road. It was like being home, with a proper drink and a proper accent and a proper smug bastard of an older brother. Naturally, we hit the pool table. He's a sod, my brother. He's spent his every spare moment for the past fourteen years playing pool. He's beaten people with world ranking points. He could beat me with his eyes closed.

He did beat me with his eyes closed. And one hand behind his back. This may in part because I was on my eleventh double whisky, but I suspect he could do it sober too. It was the most embarrassing defeat of my life, and I've never let him forget what a massive hairy stinking bell-end he is for doing it, because I am ashamed.

I beat him three times tonight.

I beat him! I won! And it was actual skill! And we were only playing his standard handicap, the one where he gets free reign until he's on the black and then he has to pot it in the pocket of my choice. And I won!

And then he wanted a one handed game because he wanted to be the smarmiest git faced git of a brother ever. And I won.

I won!

This may be the happiest night of my life. (This is why DD needs a sibling.)

eco I like to view the offering of half-eaten view as a positive sign that Fartypants is grasping the idea of sharing at an early age. It's a good thing, albeit a bit slimy and grim.

Plonky the last wedding I bridesmaided at, the bride didn't wear any shoes. How could yours be inappropriate in comparison? It's all about perspective. At least you will be wearing shoes!

I appear to have turned into a massive lightweight. Bed beckons!

Well ds made it to 5.20 before requiring my services. And he seems to have popped back off in his cot a treat. I am having no such luck. Milky bugger.

So obviously congratulations are in order Stormy. I love beating people at pool. Especially if I've had a few cos it's maths and angles innit!
Oh and even the plummiest person I know decided against Exeter uni on account of its 'sloaniness'. Tbf she is a ridiculous hippy too, so hardly a shock, but she has one of those posh London voices that travels across rooms, like whatserface from Mary Poppins but without the softness. Bit barking when pissed. Naturally loud. Says rarspberries and cannot get her mouth around the word 'pasty' (as in Cornish). Love her to bits but she makes me sound like a right northern monkey and I'm only from the midlands

No wonder you couldnt hack it.

Doli I've got vegan shoes, I use reusable everything - face cloths (for removing makeup), mooncup, cloths for wiping ds after a session at the trough meal, cloth nappies and wipes of course... I'm not sure if it's eco's influence or the fact I'm home more and was seeing the level of waste having a baby can inflict on ones home, but I was disgusted.
Admittedly I saw the shoes and thought 'ooh! Vegan!' Which is a bit ridiculous for a meat lover. But there we are.

Eco I can get three meals from a good size chook. Otherwise two. Mostly because chicken is like crack to me and I would stand there pulling it's wings off and eating them, scraping the bones to get the oysters out and eating them instead of wrapping it all up and putting it in the fridge. By the by did you hear about the magic mn mince? Apparently reasonable to feed ten people with 500g. Just saying.

I'm sure Exeter has its charms. I just felt outclassed there. And the entire place was vertical, which I didn't approve of. Hills can be a bit of a shock to the system when you live on a flood plain.

Feeling a wee bit delicate this morning. It's mystifying. I only had four pints and a shot of sambuca. I can see the future, and it involves bacon sandwiches...

Stormy I went to Exeter, the campus is gorgeous. Hills or no hills, where else has a botanical garden on site? Oh ok, maybe Oxford, but I have always discounted Oxford on the basis everyone I have ever known who has gone there is more than a little weird. It's like weird is an entrance requirement (disclaimer: anyone on here who went to Oxford is obviously the exception to (my) rule).

As for being outclassed, no one out classes you Stormy, because everyone is equal. Some people just think they are better, but they aren't, and mainly they are just knobs insecure. I wasn't one of the posh kids, or the rich kids, and admittedly avoided them, because they defined the word tedious by their very existence, but in the 90s it was easy because they all applied on mass to Jesse Montgomery Hall, and the rest of us didn't.

So far I have spent the entire morning washing, ironing and cooking. Hurumph. If I were the queen I would delegate such tasks to minions, but as I am not I will crack on with it instead.

So. Ds can climb stairs now.

Ah, but has he mastered the art of falling down them yet?