The Crepey Buds Of May

[GiddyGiddyGoat]

Err, how did that happen with no one noticing!
It's because we're all on the dark and stormy, sloe gin and prosecco innit.

Sorry for the not v inspired title but I panicked.

Yep, sounds good to me!

Sure thing. I'll just check with DP that it's OK with him (babysitting style, not Asking Permission). Think I need a treat!

Herbs - sounds awful.

Crem - root canal is not (quite) as bad as you might think.

I am raging - whilst we were away DH's twat brother was supposed to be sorting things out re aged (102) aunt who is still in hospital. Turns out he has done FA & ignored all calls re her discharge (to a nursing home). DH had a long, long day going to hospital, meeting everyone & sorting stuff out. His wank badger brother was eventually contacted (as he has POA) - only because I gave everyone his mobile number as the fuckwit just never answers his land line. He is very cross with me for giving out his mobile number & I don't give a flying fuck.

Let me know Herbs... there's a ticket with your name on on a countdown timer in my virtual shopping basket!

Magi - I hope you and DH set useless brother straight. Why does he have POA, not your DH? Your poor aunt.

BTM - yes, Prom is before GCSEs here, deliberately. Then it's over and done with and they can focus 100% on exams, rather than on what they are going to wear, whether or not to hire the pink limo, or how to smuggle the miniature vodka into the party. For what it's worth, DS is currently prancing about in front of a mirror trying to decide whether to go for the blue tie or the silver one. I dread to think what decisions his female classmates are wrestling with.

I will definitely insist that he does some of the intermediate travelling around, but I've said I am happy to pick him up at the bitter end (I'd rather know he is getting home, tbh).

GGG - we are GO for Hawley. Press your 'buy' button!

'Tis done! You, me, BTM, dh and Richard Hawley.... Yay! Looking forward to it already

Me too! I'm presuming it's a Nice Sit Down kind of venue. With soft food that doesn't get caught under your plate.

GGG - can I pm to find out where your seats are so that I can come and sit as close as possible?

Just finished planning my lessons. Roughly. Will fill up at the end with games on the internet. I'm embedding ICT. Innit.

Do you want me to buy you a seat next to us (if poss) now Addle? You can pay me back on the night....

Any other takers? There's one seat left right next to the Crepey Massive!

Brilliant, GGG - PM me your bank deets!

It's the RFH, Herbs!

The Crepeys at a gig sounds splendid, even though I am still in the dark as to who Richard Hawley is.

MM - sorry to hear about your aunt. Sounds like your BIL is not really the man for the job. Poor aunt. I hope she is now settling in.

CV, I think you should go out and get DS to wend his own way homewards. 14 years is worth celebrating.

Sorry about your tooth, Crem, hope it can be soon fixed.

Rose - setting up a production company, playwright and producer? Wow. And to think you were worried about what you had achieved outside the family - the list is getting longer by the day. You rock

We are plodding through SATS here. DD1 thought the Monday reading was OK and today was easy. This fills me with dread as she has no doubt raced through and misread things. Ah me. 2 maths tomorrow, 1 on Thursday then we are done for the time being. And breathe.......

Sorted Addle!

GGG - yes please! could you PM me your bank details too?

In the office (early thank god) this morning, took off coat and made way over to desk. Colleague standing surprisingly close to my back tapped me on the shoulder and then told me I had my dress rucked up in my knickers/tights. Think she was kindly shielding my backside from the gaze of others. Still coming out in a cold sweat thinking about it.

Just in case it got lost - I'm thinking of going to the NPG on 22 May to see the Russian portraits. Anyone else interested?

Addle Good job you have a great body and no doubt lovely knickers!

MM, you did the right thing. It's stories like this that make me realise that at least I have no useless siblings to not help out with DM.

Cremo, I am a veteran of root canals (hence the implants now) They aren't that bad and are certainly preferable to the preceding toothache. Scary, but so worth it

Monty, glad your DD is going OK with the SATS - Monday's paper was widely thought to be harder than ever, so I bet the government will put the pass rate very low or they are going to look even more twatish

Addle, I'm sure you have a lovely bottom.

I on the other hand am continuing to Cope Badly. Am now convinced that everyone at the funeral is going to be looking at me in horror that my mother could have produced someone of such ugliness and flabbitude. (This is seriously one of the main reasons I've never got married.) It is also, of course, possible that I am going completely and gibberingly mad...

MI - I am certain that you are not ugly at all. And that you are not going mad.

You are tired & emotionally totally wrung out. Be kind to yourself, it is such early days.

Can I suggest that you go for a swim? I know you are a good swimmer & I always find that a swim does wonders for me when things are tough. Something about being in the water is very soothing.

I am off to Brighton to go shopping for bras & a pair of summery trousers. I will confess that I was pleased to wake up to fog & cooler temps this am - hate being hot in shops. Then I am meeting a friend for lunch..

MI you are not not ugly..... But MM is right you are stressed and overwrought.

Addle I did smile at dress/knickers thing (sorry) The other day on the way to work the wind lifted the dress of the woman in front and I got a clear view of her (partially clad) bum......... This is why I am a BIG knicker person :)

Here I spent two hours hearing about a relationship breakup last night and am afraid I had to tell another friend I really don't have the energy for anyone other than me and mine at this precise moment (being with her is like being caught in Ground Hog Day and I just can't do it - I am rapidly approaching 'I don't want to hear it anymore...')

I will come home briefly this weekend as it is ddads birthday - but flying visit only. Are peeps around at half-term?

No, MI, you are not going mad, you are not ugly and you are coping. But it is a massive thing to cope with - too much to focus on? If you can get some help on the day setting up and serving, that is a great idea I think.

at clothing kerfuffle addle.

MI you are very attractive. You have also been under immense pressure that you have coped with admirably and are now grieving. It's not a clear time. Re the marrying - I used to go out with an actor and although I really hoped for his sake he'd be successful I really really worried about having to be photographed as his partner

BD, sorry you have had to support others. I am here at both weekends over half-term.

MI, I agree with the others. And second MM's going for a swim. It is a very difficult time for you.

Addle, I'm sure you would have completely outshone him on a photo

MI a) you may be many things but ugly is most certainly not one of them. Believe it. And b) most people are worrying too much about their own appearance to assess yours in any great detail. You are an attractive woman. You are not to be compared as a clone of your D late M. You have your own brand of beauty..not a version of hers. Bless you...this is so hard.

addle I've done the knickers thing before and no one told me...

BD I know what you mean....one has finite capacity to pick up lame ducks. Your first priory is to you and yours

Ok I have squared it with Annoying Trustee after a sleepless night worrying about how to do it. Phew, relief. My production company is growing..., and DH and I are entering a phase of Getting On Better. might have something to do with him giving me money DDs art practical lasting 12 hours is finally over. Next exams are French and science next week. ds2 is sitting French A2 Orals today. Exam hell, anybody?

On the down side I have just had a course cancelled. So I am officially out of paid work for a bit. Gah.

Oh MI love, you are none of the things you describe, and I fear it is the emotional exhaustion talking. Not least the fact that this period between your mums death and her funeral is a long stretch. I don't think you can put a time limit on how long it might take to feel normal. Unfortunately it has no time limit or indeed any kind of limit. It just happens, often upside down and back to front , and full of jagged unwanted feelings and frustrations.
All you can do is acknowledge it as a process, and let it happen/ wash over you.
I remember feeling furious that no one understood my feelings, and also that the people round me just kept on as if before. I wanted the world to stop. Of course it can't. I hope those around you are being kind, and that you can be a leetle bit kinder to yourself.