DEC 08 - Welcome to the house of ill - We're riding a poonami

[MomOrMum]

This was the only thing I could remember some saying should be the next title!

Rubes! You are my hero! I have just booked us into a luxury weekend at Danesfield House! Wowsers - it's not cheap! But it's a special treat from DH as he's going skiing week after next, so wants me to have some time off before new arrival. They've got a deal on, so get two 3-course meals, breakfast and a treatment included for 2 nights stay. So excited. Going with a friend from NCT who is due the week after me, so we've upgraded to the full prenatal treatment. Oh my GOD - I never do things like this - i can't wait!

We get in-room movies and taking my book, and can go for nice walks. Then on the Sunday after 2nd lie in, will go for a nice lunch somewhere in Henley - bliss. Thank you so much for your recommendation, Rubes! Love it. I am so spoilt!!!

Aubs - love the sock story - just so sweet! Pip - gorgeous!

Aubi, Oooh, hols. Flight from Heathrow fewer than 5 hours and warm in late April...well, Greece and Turkey are still going to be hit and miss at that time of year although I once went to Santorini in April and it was sunbathing weather. Dubai? Think the flight is about 5 hrs. Plenty of luxe accommodation to enjoy BUT it is very hard to get at the 'real' Dubai, they only want you to see the malls...so frustrating and may be too touristy for you. Sunny in April though...that was when I went. Morocco, Tunisia (although, again, may not be that warm). Egypt? I think Morocco might be your best bet. Southern Spain is USUALLY warm around that time of year but you can't bank on it - I toured round Andalucia in late April with DH and we were shivering. Bermuda is a 6hr flight but again, the weather can't be guaranteed...also I find it a bit 1950s and I think you'd run out of places to see after a week.

JJ, the plumbing is...well, seemingly in abeyance we are waiting for the plumber to get in touch with his quote for the rest of it, which he says he can do later this month. The course wasn't writing this time, it was an advanced tv script editing course (script editors work with writers on the script). One of my tasks was having a rigorous script meeting with a writer about all the faults in the script whilst everyone else criticised my content and technique. Actually, that wasn't the bad bit - the writer wasn't having any of it and wouldn't accept any of my notes. But when we came to see the finished show (we'd been analysing a first draft of a script that has already been broadcast) all my points had been incorporated so I was very proud to be on the right lines and the writer looked like a twonk

Dresses - I think maybe dress 1. You can get tit tape to hold them up and all sorts of strange contraptions...

Oh yes, I'd go for the 1st dress too - it sounds gorgeous. And yes, tit tape or these weird things that go under boobs and kind of lift them without any straps. I haven't needed them as used to have small perky boobs. Now have small floppy ones! Although they're big for the next few months, at least!

Oh I've been lurking all day but can't remember very much

DS2 can only say dada, but in several different emotions (definitely actor material) and as you already know he can make a bird beak with his willy and scrotum. Even more necessary in life he can get on and stand up on a static skateboard. DS1 is practicing skateboarding a bit lately so DS2 has been having a go. I get the feeling he might end up a bit competitive. Oh and still just says raaaaar to anything that looks a bit like an animal, including airplanes.

Well done Lady, and condolences for all your divorces Syb. Rubs I was laughing out load, esp at your declaration that you pregnant.

Lady I love cock off, you have the mouth of a village cricketer!

Oh gotta go someone is cross.

Can also recommend santorini & morocco. There are several amazing places to drive to in Morocco.

Actually if you have got bigger boobs I would say the things which go underneath and life them, AND tit tape. Voila! That dress sounds lovely, by the way.

Veggie, I think your DS2 will go a long way. Maybe he can join the team of Puppetry of the Penis. I met one of them at a party once, he was a very naughty Australian (IS THERE ANY OTHER KIND?! )

jj yes, DH did mention seeing you two swimming! I have to dob him in though and tell you that he couldn't remember which way round your names went - hahaha! I vote cleavage and dress 2.

I have big(ger) boobs at the mo to Beans - I love it. The spa sounds ace.

Oh I should be working. Just been to see midwife, all well but discovered I am 19 weeks not 18 weeks as I thought, big panic from her as she booked me my 20 week scan which hadn't come through!! I am so dozy about booking appointments or anything this time round.

JJ In my official fashion capacity, I demand pictures. Couldn't possibly make a judgement without pictures dahling. And possibly samples, and a catwalk show

Really Lady. You were shivering in Andalucia in late April. That is bad news as I was about to settle on this place in Spain www.villajalon.com. not actually Andalucia but further north so probably even colder. Looked v family friendly though. I would prefer more adventure and love the idea of Morocco but worry DD2 is v little for the frenzy of Morocco and the dust (she is keen on floor licking at the mo). Maybe I should be braver. Cypus and the Canaries should be warm but neither have ever appealled to me. Hmmmmm. I wish me had tome off in May when Sicilly, Croatia, France etc would be options. Mustn't complain though, there are harder choices to have to make.

Crete might be nice?

Is Mom around at all? Haven't seen her for a while either.

aubs crete is lovely if you go to the right bits. Not totally sure of the weather, whether it would be as warm as Cyprus, for example. I have been to Cyprus in April (I think) with my parents many years ago, it was hot, but I can't remember it being particularly thrilling! I am sure it is nice if you go the right parts as well.

I went to Crete for my honeymoon and we went all over the place. Not totally sure on the beach bits I would recommend the most (have forgotten) as the bits I liked the most were the mountains. Elounda (I think it is) was very nice and posh, but quite touristy at the same time. So not sure that is really for you.

We had to buy coats it was that bad but my very important caveat is that EVERYONE said it was freaky weather for the time of year. I think it was supposed to be low 20s. I love Spain. I have never been to Cyprus but there must be some parts that are gorgeous (I have heard that there are).

I have got my trip to Lake Geneva the first May bank holiday but I am less worried about the weather than getting 11 cricketers and some hangers on and two babies there and back in one piece.

Aub - I went to Sardinia once in April and had a lovely time and gorgeous weather, but I think its very hit and miss that time of year most places in the med. Depends whether you want properly hot, or are happy with just pleasant. Trouble is, blazing hot is no good with littlies. I've just booked a holiday in Cornwall at the end of May, definitely taking our chances with the weather! Mind you, DD hasn't minded cold windy beaches - just not much fun for the grown ups.

DS doesn't do much talking. But he does do blowing kisses, which is very endearing.

Oh blowing kisses I want that one. DS2 gives sloppy open mouthed kisses but no blowing kisses. Something funny he did though. The other day he was due his nap and was getting a bit wingy I layed down beside him sorting my top out ready to give him his pre sleep feed (ie feed him off to sleep). As often happens he started getting impatient for the boob and started getting a bit grumpier and crying, then suddenly he stopped looked at my now bare (& considerable belly) and obviously decided a raspberry was in order. Despite his previous desperation he could not help the opportunity for a big juicy raspbery when it presented itself. He rolled back and had a good old giggle then recommenced his impatient grizzling & grappling for my boob.

Oh sweet! That's such a gorgeous story, Veggie!

We've just had first proper directed word - estate agent came round and when she went, DD waved at her and said "byebye" - properly. Hurray! Everything else has been a bit hit and miss so far!

Now is blissfully asleep. Brilliant. Eczema has spread across her torso and back now. Oh dear.

lol Syb! To be fair I think it was just me who thought you had divorced several cross dressers - wait no TG's I mean! Phew!

Oh Beans!!! I'm so happy for you and very very of you at the same time! When we lived in henley - every time I drove past there I would gaze up and dream but I've never been myself.... I will one day, for sure maybe even for a day trip with lunch one day before dc2 comes along I can't wait to hear all about it!
5 hrs ex LHR, sunny and all that - I shall have a think but Spain / France / Greece etc are the most obvious choices I guess - I shall have a think...

Hi all! Apols in advance for the novel. I am such an all or nothing poster!

Oh, but did I laugh out loud about Sybil?s past being littered with multiple transgendered ex-husbands. And going way back, laughed about the hamsters too.

I have been lurking and much entertained!

Aubs ? I saw you on the thread about the mother?s day/maternal mortality event on Friday. My org is one of the NGOs behind it ? for once I had an excuse to be reading a mnet thread at work! I am a horrible person, but I haven?t signed up to go because Friday is the day I don?t work and I don?t want to trek into town. How terrible is that??? Maybe I should reconsider.

Also, like Lady, I was going to recommend Morocco. We looked at it last year as an option for April. Didn?t end up going but did some research. There seemed to be loads of really neat riads for accommodation where you can have dinner in the centre courtyard area, but be very close to the rooms with baby monitors so that you can enjoy an evening while the DCs sleep. Seemed like there were tons of options in Marrakesh?the one I remember looking at was called Riad Zam Zam I think.

Trace - Can fully appreciate why you are feeling stressed and weepy. Probably not helpful, but my friend with a DD your DD1?s age said that she was having tummy problems for a long time?.runny poos. Her DD really improved when she started giving her a probiotic supplement called Health Aid Acidophilus Plus. Maybe you have already tried something like this.

Lady - Congrats on your course! That?s great to get a bit of a mental boost. Scary about the accident last week. Hope you are feeling better.

Veggie and others?I would be up for a Belgian meet up probably! My DH is working there almost every week, and I keep meaning to book a trip to join him for a night. Or Paris would be nice too!

Beansand Rubes - You?re keeping me very entertained with your foibles! Love the sound of the spa. My ILs are here in a few weeks, so maybe I should press DH to book us a night away?! And laughing about the hypochondriac Beryl! Have to say, it makes me glad we didn?t end up with a nanny share as that kind of thing would really make me crazy. I?d be tempted to deadpan ?Yes it?s measles. Very contagious.? the next time they ask.

Jump - Really sorry to hear the story about the family at your church. Good to have a reminder to be grateful. On an unrelated topic, I would vote for the first dress too. Sounds more black tie.

Invis - Exciting about the job opportunity! I was just about to apply for a job that would be a big step up for me, but I bottled out I?m afraid. Decided that if I was too lazy to do a decent job of the application form, I was probably too lazy to do the job properly! What I really want is to get pregnant this year, go on mat leave, and THEN get a new exciting job. That?s not too much to ask for, is it?

Good to see you Kiwi. Exciting about fashion week reportage! I am momentarily going upstairs to draw a bath and read the paper version of your medium ? the Saturday paper that is. And yes, I realise it is nearly Thursday.

My DS is joining the others in the dunce?s corner. We sometimes get ?cat?, a lot of ?dada? in relation to everything and nothing, and ?more? which means anything food or drink related. He has been walking for ages, but he doesn?t climb and he only just figured out how to crawl a couple of weeks ago.

Jolly - Don?t even tell me your DD is getting 2-year molars. My DS seems to follow your DD on the teething. We had a two week reprieve after the first molars, and are now working on the fangs. I thought we would get a long break before the next molars. Argghhhh.

Spot - Good to see you back these days. Sorry you?re feeling homesick for London. We moved all the way back to Canada and then BACK to London 15 months later for the same reason! Much easier to move from Brighton to London if you end up deciding to come back.

Effie - Hopefully you get some media training advice. I attended media training a few weeks ago and the main tip he gave us was to not listen to the questions?? He said to decide what you were going to say in advance, and when they ask the question to just listen enough to figure out which of your stock replies fit best and steer your answer towards that. And also to memorise soundbites so you know exactly what you want to say. And not to try to memorise figures because they might trip you up. That?s all I can remember!

WG - Inspired by your running. I bought a new pair of trainers when I was pregnant and they still have the tags on them. DH mentions this frequently. I really need to get off my ass.

Daisy - Glad to hear things are a bit brighter in the Daisy household.

Haven?t seen Kayz in a while. Hope you?re okay!

Good to see you Poison! Sorry about your Dad, and DD with the voms.

Not going to complain about sleep today, but will just state a couple of facts. DS? wake up time has = 4:45 am twice this week. Awake for the day. Not even remotely going back to sleep even after trying for 2 hours. Simple statement of fact.

Can?t remember if I have said before, but I was doing a journalism features writing course while on mat leave. Really enjoyed it. Anways, one of my very short personal essays is going to be in one of the papers in Canada tomorrow. Nothing big like Lady?s article ? just one of those reader-submitted personal essays. But I?m excited about seeing my name in print! I?ll post the link tomorrow ? it?s a very light piece about motherhood stuff.

Someone smack me. We keep getting those letters from estate agents through our door saying that there are buyers interested in our street. We are totally not interested in selling, love our house, have no intention of moving, but for some reason we are both intrigued by the idea of selling our house and renting?! Even though we KNOW that it is just estate agent marketing spiel and there are no mythical buyers interested in our house. I think we are a bit spooked about the uncertainty in the housing market here, whereas in Canada things are just going up, up, up and if we ever wanted to move back there it would be very hard to buy anything.

Cross posted Beans! Lovely to be missed.

I am working like a crazy person - not so much long hours, but I am so, so busy when at work that in the evenings my brain is mush and I sometimes can't even crack open the laptop!

Effie, despite racking my brains I can't remember all that much about media training, but...Aubs is right, get your hair done but don't go for a new style as you will be tempted to fiddle with it. Don't wear anything too low cut or high-necked, go for in between. No stripes or spots, they go fuzzy on camera, so plain colour and preferably something bright, although black is a good fall back as long as you accessorize.
Memorize your key points, ie the particular messages you want to get across. It's best to have 4/5, turn them into statements and then use those as answers to appropriate questions. Remember to breathe . No fidgeting, or umming and ahhing. Try not to mention website addresses/ phone numbers as it will just sound like an advert. Instead use your key points to get across enough information so that people know what to Google for further details.
Ummm, always look at the presenter, not the camera, smile when/ if its appropriate.
That's all I can remember at the moment, but one oft used bit of advice is to picture positive energy around yourself for a few minutes before you go on camera, you will then come across as confident and positive. It does work even though I am not one for 'auras' etc.
Hope that helps a bit, and good luck

Good to see you, Mom. And that is super about your piece in the paper, I know from first hand how hard it is to place anything so flipping good for you! And you moved back to Canada then came back to London? Wowzers. I admire that. It takes serious guts to reverse a big decision.

I have two friends who I am pretty sure do stuff for the charity you mention. They ended up attending some ritzy do with Naomi Campbell It's a terrific cause.

On a quiet sort of a note, whilst my heart is forever in London I have to admit it is still lovely to be back here in some ways (less stimulating but more restful) and it's just super to see DP (and DD of course). I think I am going soft in my old age

I think that sounds like smashing advice, Katie. I might save that for if I ever have to go on the box. Although I was at a televised awards show once and I was filmed on the red carpet and it made it to the final cut. I have still got it and in fact I watched it on Monday when I was in London I wanted to remind myself what I looked like when I was slim and glamorous (it was only 2007! )

Yeah, not sure why I never seem to get invited to the ritzy dos for our charity - just the dry meetings in a back office at D.F.I.D! We do have someone that works for us whose job title is something like Celebrity Liaison. Not sure how you get a gig like that!

Off to my bath to read my now out of date weekend paper.

Nighty night all!

Hello Mom - great to see you and the nice long update! Did you move back to Canada once and back again? I didn't know that? I thought you were from there and just moved here? Or did I read Lady's post wrong? I really need to not read this thread at the same time as doing anything else!

I want to go on holiday now with all this talk! Although I am going to Spain in June so that will be good and a nice break before dc2 arrives

Aubs, Cyprus. But go the North (Turkish bit) and stay near Kyrenia. I lived there many years ago and was stunning. Not boiling in April, but still warm. Lots to see and do and only 4 hour flight.