GCSEs 2018 (16) - The Final Countdown

[mmzz]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/3304925-gcses-2018-15-the-reckoning?

since everyone else seems to be changing their usernames, here's mine.

Kids and I spent the afternoon in our PJs, slobbing about listening to the rain and being silly with the teddies who missed us while we were away and needed some attention and doing some laundry. Toad in the hole tonight, fridge is quite bare but we do have lots of eggs!

Also watched a hilarious thing on Prime called "David and Olivia? naked in Scotland" - only three episodes but v v funny

My nice thing today is that I paid someone else to sort out the front garden for me (think sleeping beauty after 100 years!) and they’ve done a fab job. This means when I come back from holiday I can buy some new plants!

better late than never....FABULOUS thread title

now to catch up on the six pages I missed by being foolish enough to leave my laptop alone for 24 hours...

So much news! Glad to hear the serious problems have been ruled out for your DH Alexander

Terf congratulations on an awesome interview

mmmz I think we are all aware of just how soon it's going to be until our DC are off on their own into the world. I am currently consoling myself with a share-pack of Malteasers which will inevitably result in me still not fitting into my work clothes in a few weeks when school resumes

Hes My Lobster you don't have to stay teaching in the UK. International teaching is FANTASTIC. I'd suggest it for any teacher! In fact, if you're on your own it's easier because you have a ready-made community and if your other-half is ready to retire or has a portable job, it's even better. I'm only back in the UK because DH couldn't work where I had my contract and was miserable bored!

We’ve made lemon and lavender cake (DC’s choice), never tried it before.

I helped DS choose glasses, hooray. It was only 3rd attempt. DH failed. .

I;ve collected daughter from first week of NCS and she's missing it already (its nice to be loved ). All positive feedback ...great food, decent accommodation(although hard beds), action packed from start to finish with only 20 min breaks. Interesting group of DC's but they seem to have gelled as a group now. DD actually sharing a room with a Russian girl. I'm relieved that it all went well given she didnt know a single sole ...now have to attack the washing and hoping sun comes back out tomorrow.

Oneteen be prepared for her to disappear into her room and not emerge until Monday morning. DD was shattered each weekend.

Loving the thought of lavender & lemon cake.

Mmmz how can I spot your posts now?!

Maltesers, yes please. I am enjoying reading about silliness with teddies, jungle taming & the rest.

Yes its just CIE igsce results Tuesday. Our school waits to do them all the same day too. It is so the teachers only need to be in and available for the one day to advise on re-marks, boundaries etc. Our school did Physics and Biology igcse because there are parctical papers and they consider them better prep for A level.

DS not too bothered as he thinks Physics may be the one that spoils his set!

I dropped him off at the airport today for his first solo flight (longhaul too) to stay with a school friend who has a holiday home in far flung climes! Alright for some!

He gets home 2 days before results and then off to Reading Festival.

Stickerrocks Already in bedroom although she did come food shopping with me and has eaten tea too...I dont think I will see DD before 12 noon tomorrow....said she was looking forward to sleeping in her own bed.

Well I haven't done anything nice today. One of those horrible days in my job where it's all doom, gloom, suicide attempts and assaults.

Thank all the gods it's the weekend

Actually only because I don't drink and I've quit sugar to shed holiday weight gain . Good job I don't drink really or I'd be on my second bottle by now

I am already dreading the empty nest. I've been a lone parent since pregnancy and it's always just been me and dd. I already struggled to adjust when she retreated to her bedroom age 13 and stopped being my constant companion.

I am a respite foster carer so I do have the option of filling my time with more fostering but I am aware it's not a rent-a-child scheme but can actually be seriously hard work.

Sorry just realised how bleak that sounded.

On a more positive note dd did all the washing today after my little meltdown and I am now on the sofa with the cat on my knee

I’ve been at work most of the day then went to pick Ds up from summer school & watched a selection of work (each day they’ve had a workshop from people in West End & touring shows. Good news for him is he got Distinction in Grade 3 Singing.

Just dropped him at rehearsal & me & dh are waiting at the chippy.

Today's nice thing was having a sandwich lunch out with DS2, DS3, DS4 and DD4 then playing tennis on courts all afternoon until now overlooking the Mull of Kintyre, in almost unbroken sunshine. Slightly marred by the barking of our two dogs who wanted the tennis balls but apart from that, v nice indeed. Lemon and lavender sounds completely delicious.

Sorry to read your comment about looking in the mirror mmzz.

My nice things today are a catch up with friends who made me laugh till it aches!
A lovely walk with the dog, and then dinner cooked by DH.

I am missing DDs though - they are at a festival together - they left early Wednesday morning and for the first 2 days I very much enjoyed the peaceful, quiet, tidy house. I'm starting to miss them now though.
I'm sure I'll change my mind when they rock up on Monday with a car full of dirty laundry and soggy camping equipment!

Cats dislike me Kick, but I'm more than happy to have the glass of gin with your name on it on your behalf. I would absolutely love it if DD would proactively switch on the washing machine. We're still struggling with the concept of putting anything other than crockery in the dishwasher around here.

Excellent news on the grade 3 Alex. Your pair sound as though they are an absolute credit to you and very resilient.

Oneteen tell her to start planning her social action as early as possible. We've had more teach cleans around here than you can shake a stick at.

Reservoir I would be a gibbering wreck as I hate flying. This could be a limiting factor in my travelling solo plan.

Hesmylobster we have had hoards of teenagers going to Boomtown locally. Meanwhile my brother has messaged me from Boardmasters to say that he has increased the average age by at least 200%. I hope it stays dry for the sake of your DC and your washing machine.

They are at Boardmasters!
Having an absolute blast by the look of Instagram and snapchat
The most stressful part (for me!) was DD1 driving the 400+ miles to get there (she only passed her test in May!)

Ouch, that is a long, long way. I'm going home next Friday for a couple of nights & I still dread the drive despite knowing the trip inside out. Can you spot them in this pic?

My nice thing was a trip on a Noddy train to see a donkey sanctuary, a honey farm and an olive oil museum.

Evening all - no more name changes please - it takes me long enough to remember who is who anyway!

DD just finished week 3 of NCS and is still enjoying it. Been a long week with all the planning and preparation for the social action next week - they did a 6 mile sponsored walk today in all weather - wind rain and sun along the local coast. They have raised £245 so rat on a just giving page for local children's hospital - Alder Hay - chosen as one of their team had spinal surgery there two years ago. She is really enjoying it, but weekends result in lots of sleep! Hopefully she will keep in touch and meet up with some of the new friends.

Next on list is 6th form clothes shopping - she knows what she wants so we are going at weekend to try to get somethings. I know that will be hard work!

I have joined a new gym and working my way through the different classes - as well as doing weight training to go with the cardio that I sometimes do. Making the most of the school holidays and taking DS with me (he is 11 and wants a six pack!) I just want to lose a few lbs before Center Parcs at the end of the month! They have a fancy Bodymax machine which works out the details of your body composition, so I am having a go on Sunday morning - and will do the same in two weeks time and hopefully either BMI or fat will have gone down.

Better go to bed - gym and badminton on the cards tomorrow morning!

Been to see Mama Mia 2 and everyone clapped at the end

Musical theatre loving DD argued it was particularly ridiculous and I caused raised eyebrows when I said um, like all musical theatre.

Stickerrocks - we went to the Icehot.in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden for DH's big birthday as it was something he ways wanted to do. Not my thing or so I thought. I loved it.

We went husky sled riding, skidoo safari amd saw the Northern Lights as well as staying in an ice suite. Do try to go sometime! I'll come!

• Icehotel