Crepeys in the Long Grass of Life

[CointreauVersial]

Thanks Beachy for the frisky title suggestion.

Well, here we all are!

Beachy, at hedgehog sweaters and bin!

Um, yes, I need to work on digging up some examples. It's just a bit tricky to think of RL examples when you've been working from home hammering away on a keyboard for 15 years. When they ask me what my weaknesses are, it's probably better if I don't say "How long have you got?".

The Lycra has landed on fb!!!

Thank you very much for all your suggestions, btw - all very helpful. I have to get myself focusing constructively and not slide into a blind panic. Rosebag, pls don't shut up. You are making v useful points.

Now rushing to FB to see the lycra

As a parent of a child with severe SENs, if I can be of any help please ask. ATM it is very unclear what the timetable will be for transitioning children and YP from old statements to new EHC plans. You should probably download the new Code of Practice which is in final form now and have a look at it. Should be on DfE website but if you can't find it give me a roar.

stropps remind me what the role is (sorry - I should know).

Stropps - when they ask you your weaknesses you say "well, I'm a bit of a workaholic".

Beacy - those leggings really aren't so bad. You want to come to France and see some really tight, fluorescent cycling gear.

I would never say 'weaknesses'. I say, "I would like to develop my skills and abilities further in…."

I'm feeling guilty now about 'can't be arsed' implications of bouncy castle. It's just that, honest guv, with the weather being iffy, I won't know what games to buy/prepare, etc, and REALLY don't want nine children rampaging all round the house. The bouncy castle is an 'all weather solution'. And we get to have it all day!

Oh God Herbs, there is NOTHING to feel guilty about shelling out for a bouncy castle! It sounds perfecto

Beachy, is the bike lacking pedals and a seat? Or is that just my crepey eyes?!

YY to bouncy castle, Herbs. Just make sure there is a plentiful supply of liquid refreshment - bouncing is thirsty work.

The prom at the DCs' secondary is (I believe) similarly elaborate to the one chez StropsDD - I heard stories of people arriving in tanks and on horseback. Weirdly, it is held before the GCSEs kick off; the justification being that they get it all out of their system then settle down and focus on their studies. A final hurrah.

Big "awww" at your DS getting emotional when leaving Primary, BTM. DD2 doesn't do emotional. Actually, I was far more sad when we moved on from the Infant School (the Preschool was on site, so I had spent a good seven years on the playground) because it was such a lovely, friendly school. I am less bonded to the Primary DD2 is about to leave, mainly because I have always been a drop-and-run parent. I suppose any tears will be of the Christ, I'm getting old passing of time variety.

Stropps, have a look at competence based interviewing - this is all the rage chez nous at the moment.

By the way, how are you today, BTM? You were under the weather....

Thanks for asking, CV. I am feeling a bit brighter today - think it's a mixture of tiredness and fluey thing/dust and hayfever allergies, but hopefully it's clearing up a bit.

End-of-term-itus?

I think it may be. And kitchen-itus as well as the ever present parent-of-teens-itus

A powerful combination.

And poor DD is preparing for yet another MFL CA. And she still has 2 internal maths exams and another two (or maybe four?) CA's next week. It is effing ridiculous

Oh Herbs, I didn't mean it that way!I'm so sorry - I do think it's a brilliant option and I think they will love it.

Herbs some of ds's best parties have involved a bouncy castle (including one in the pouring rain!!!)

Welter not, MI. I am permanently switched to 'auto guilt', and did feel I should be inventing jolly games, and engaging the little darlings in having lots of fun, rather than just letting them do what they'd much prefer - run riot on an expensive inflatable.

38 years ago today I gave birth to my first born. Where has the time gone? And now he has two DC of his own.

I am feeling miserable: last night my bridge gave up the ghost, leaving me toothless on one side at the back (cronedom obviously beckons). I wish I had never had the wretched thing, I have now broken 3 teeth over the years, all to fill a gap of 1 tooth in the first place. Fortunately DDil's DM is doing the childminding today so I will be able to have an emergency appointment to see the dentist.

The situation re chicken pox has been eased because DDil's mum will also be doing Tuesdays when we have our other GC so there should be no need for the two GDs to meet until the danger has passed.

Good luck with the party tomorrow, Herbs - I am sure it'll all be great. All DC love bouncy castles and think how tired they will be afterwards!

I have loved seeing the prom photos - don't the young people all look great: so confident and glamorous?

Gosh NU - you've cheered me up over my braces, which are precisely to try to avoid drilling more teeth for a bridge that needs to be replaced. Teeth can literally be a right pain.

NU, I fear I will be following in your toothsteps - mine are already rotten and falling apart

Off on a trip to Kenzy Palace and Diana Park today - suncream at the ready!

Oh poor you NU. Hope you get it sorted easily.

Well folks, dd loved her prom. She is a tough nut to crack on these matters so I applaud the organisers. The leaving school thing has been so beautifully handled by the staff, lots of lovely memories and mementoes, and chances to express feelings and warmth in sensible ways.