August 2008 - I wish it could be Christmas every day, with the TV rows and the ILs you'd like to slay-ay-ay.

[steaknife]

Hmm might be a bit early for a festive thread title but thought we could get in the mood.

None of that tasteful two colour decoration scheme in my tent - oh no. The gawdier the better.

LOLOL Cyteen that would be brilliant

Also all this talk of Christmas trees has got me to force DH to agree to put ours up 6 days earlier than expected so it will be Baileys and The Bishop's Wife for us on Sunday

Have spent all day traipsing round looking at cars, well, OK, we have looked in three places, and have decided on the very first one which is the teal Skoda . Going back tomorrow morning for a test drive then if all's well picking it up on Saturday . My step dad is trying to persuade me I will be fine driving it back on the M62 but I am too scared

Happy to proof and make suggestions Ann.
Covering letters play to my exquisite blagging skills.

My most trusted colleague from work days said it was a real shame that my foremost skill was one you couldn't really mention directly on a cv.

Cyteen.

That's fab news Hots.

lwfh we have obviously been to the same school of thrifty card making, plus I love a bit of collage

Thanks for the offer lentil I think I might take you up on that one. I'll try come up with something once Seb's gone to bed, and maybe fb it to you?

cyteen LOL! I always think along similar lines,although without the dealer I don't think 'I want this job because I have no money' will really cut it somehow.

Evening all

Just a quickie to say I have had a lovely chat with Steaky this evening and she and DD are both well. She isn't on due to computery problems and insufficient funds to get it fixed. She is struggling with CB and all sorts of benefits office rubbish. Both DD's were on top for trying to our yell each other from different counties.

Will be back later once DD is abed and DH is washing up

Glad to hear the steakster is cheery in the face of government oppression

I think DS is getting into the Christmas spirit. He keeps taking CDs out of our charity shop box and giving them to us, then smiling when you say a big exaggerated thank you. He gets very cross if you put them straight back in

Ah Cyteen, he sounds like a pure dote.

Ann - that would be great. I'm chairing a Toddler Group AGM tonight but I'll check my facebook account later.

DS still being muppet-tastic today.
DD1 has only jumped on his head once though, and has been lots of fun.

DD2 fell flat on her face and cut her mouth while she was wrestling her way out of her travel grobag, but she's happy now.

LOL Lentils, I'm not sure DP would agree - the sound of epic tragedy is emanating from above, as DS objects to being cleaned all over with baby wipes (stupid boiler is dispensing equal amounts of hot and cold into the bath, which means no bath )

Cyteen I read that previous post as 'glad to see Steaky is the cheery face of government oppression.'

Anyone else having problems getting FB today or is it just me and my WIRELESS lapop? Have I killed Facebook?

Arse. Was all fired up to write my Xmas cards and i have been on the phone all night. Oh well, there is always next week tomorrow

Bit actually as my Sis was telling me about all her troubles with her 10 yr old DS who is Mr Negative about everything and doesn't like any physical emotion. I know this is common of most 10 yr old boys but sounds like she is going through the mill with it and they are in a downward spiral with him

Sazzles sorry not able to offer any advice but as much as DS is incredibly clingy at the moment I am so not looking forward to the time when he starts to reject hugs and kisses.

Hots the car sounds great! Have you thought about a motorway lesson? I know extra cost and all that but might be worth it in terms of confidence.

Glad to hear Steaky doing ok - shame we can't change her FB status for her - that would be a good one!

I must have jinxed myself by wondering (on here) where DS teeth had got to - we now have 4 molars all coming through at the same time.

Thanks VG/Snot, it is the being hugged and kissed he doesn't like, but then never has since being a baby. My sis finds it hard because when they fall out, it can't all be sorted or finalised with a big kiss and cuddle, so the negativity just sort of hangs. He is one of the worlds great worriers and i suspect he is coming to an age where he can't make sense of everything, but equally can't express what he is feeling so it is coming out in defiance and being 'half glass empty' about everything. Dsis is worried though if she speaks to the doc they will put him on anti depressants as he says he has nothing to look forward to, not even Xmas

On the upside DD2 slept until 6.55 and DD1 until 7.45. Lovely

Off to the gym today and finish my Xmas shopping. I may also go and go and get some new tyres if i can be bothered

After three nights of sleeping till 7.30am , DS decided that 5am was get-up time today and has been on the go ever since. I'd almost think he found some hidden sugar down the side of his mattress; he's done nothing but motor about 'sorting out' things (e.g. tipping out cat biscuits/stealing my breakfast/pulling records off the shelf and giving them to us), all the while being so incredibly cute and cheerful. Strange boy.

Sazz for your sister. He sounds like a very intense personality. I had a lot of problems accepting affection from my mum at around that age and used to push her away a lot, which made her sad too. I found expressions of emotion quite hard to handle from nearest and dearest (was also intense and generally uptight person). I hope they find a way to communicate over Christmas

Ladies,

I am so so sorry i have been alwol.. managed to smash my laptop on the kitchen floor!!!

Have had poorly children for over a week as well so my head is all over the place!!!

I am missing you all so much.. feel like my right arm has been cut off ...

i have finally sent my secret santa.. so sorry it will be late..

hope you and babies, los and dh/dp are well and fingers crossed i will be back on line soon xxx

Hello ladies
sazz that sounds awful. Really can't give any advice though.
loti good to see you
Good to hear that steaky and the steakette are doing well.

I really haven't got much to report. S slept through last night. Monthly visitor is here in force.
I had such a block about the damn covering letter. I have managed to write it this morning. DP says he thinks it looks ok. I think as we actually have clear sky I might take S up to the park.

Oh dear, where is everyone?

Redrafted letter sent Ann.

Sorry to hear about the laptop Loti,but welcome back.

Sazz - that does sound awful. Wouldn't a referral to a child psychologist be the more likely first step though ...

Sazz sounds much er with your explanation.

Anyone worrying about toddlers and Christmas trees - DS said 'no no no' and wagged his finger at the cat this morning when she was playing with the baubles .

snot we put our tree up yesterday and when ds got home from the cm, I tried to be casual about whether he touched it or not, in fact I encouraged it so hopefully he knows it;s not a big deal. Held him up so he could look at all the baubles in detail. ps the tree is fake and 3 feet high with about 10 baubles so not much damage could be done. If I said no no no he would think we were playing the tremendously funny no no no game which means get mummy to say no no no as much as possible.

had about 3 hours sleep last night, so please hand over the wreath and black robes, I feel like death warmed up....

Ladies, I can confirm that lentil is indeed a cover-letter genius Thanks a lot, it's much appreciated.
Now just keeping my fingers crossed for an interview...

well good luck qod - I spent an hour shortlisting candidates for a vacancy in my team today and most CVs were totally inadequate and I'd be surprised if any of these people get jobs on the strength of them ,,,not hard to beat.