A Crepey Advent-ure

[MontserratCaballe]

Over here, my darlings....

Sorry that variously Flash. menopause and Juvenile Arse Boss are giving people gip.

Mrs W, v good idea to establish specific things that make it Christmas for the family and not worry about the rest.

CV - Dd2's clothes shopping sounds like it was v bonding and successful.

Good luck this morning MI.

I have no paid work I have to do today, so need to galvanise self to crack on with my kids book. My anti fatigue mat - boring, but bouncy - finally arrived so I will be mostly upright. The hope is to have a productive few hours then winkle DH out for a walk and a state of his nation catch up.

I want a perfect Christmas, but I am never going to have one, as I don't really know what I want. We used to have huge family Christmases when I was a child, with grandparents, German great grandmother (who used to sing Stille Nacht every year) and loads of cousins. There were 25 of us one year, and my uncle cooked egg and bacon on Boxing Day morning for everyone. It was like a conveyor belt. We had a Watneys Party Seven for the evening, Babycham and Snowballs, Liebfraumilch, turkey sandwiches, cocktail sausages and sardines on toast. And satsumas and Christmas cake, peanuts and crisps.

I feel this sense of countdown because of flying off afterwards. I have ticket, visa, travel insurance (as of yesterday) and sandals but I also need a suitcase and to finish buying presents (mainly chocolate). Last suitcase literally fell to bits.

I love Christmas, but it has changed in that it was great when my DC were young, was a bit meh in their late teens and twenties and now wonderful again with the DGC. This year is probably only the third or fourth that in 44 years that I haven't catered, but then I enjoy planning and cooking, and I always try something new. I hate buying (well, actually, thinking about what to buy), and writing cards. A lot of the cards I send are to ex neighbours, old school friends, etc., and their addresses are pre post code, let alone emails!

How are we all getting on with the M&S Advent calendar? I love the hand cream, the eye liner and the pre shampoo oil, in particular.

Extra 'that' in there.

MI, we never have a problem with lack of suitcases, buying them is one of DH's passions; he cannot pass a luggage shop.

WTF indeed! 'kinell.

I'm afraid that only a Row will clear this one up, Rudy. Which is not fun for anyone. Has he actually said "what about Rudy?"

DP's family can be a bit odd (and my mother never mentioned my SIL to her relatives if she could help it - not only was SIL female she was Northern and a Bit Common - irony being that SIL actually runs most of the arts up NU's way and jets off all over the planet for conferences and suchlike) but not on this scale.

Is it too soon to LTB Rudy?

CV - what are your Ebaying tricks? When I posted my lovely garments up, the site suggested a starting price. When I ignore the starting price - and, for example, give a pair of BNWT wool trousers the outrageous starting price of £8 - I don't get any bids. I have plenty of hideous handbags I could sell...

What does dh think about it Rudy? Does he think it's very rude / odd?

I think he has to challenge on this one - in as straightforward a way as possible. "I'm surprised / confused you're asking me to come on this trip with no mention at all of Rudy. We are married as you know and do tend to go on holidays together... is she invited too?"
Am a great believer in challenging emotional fuckwittery head on and calmly if possible (doesn't mean I always do of course!). They do sound both odd and mean spirited. X

Sorry Rudyard. X posts. Still think he needs to call them out on this one.

Rudyard???

Also, would you actually want to go on the holiday with such weirdos? Could be a very long 16 days... I realise it's the principle, however.

Agree with GGG - if this kind of behaviour goes unchallenged, they will continue to think it's ok.

rudy ...what GGG says. Sometimes I think a bizarre situation arises where a group of people in an alternative, quite bonkers reality, believe that they are the norm and everyone else is wrong. Whilst people may often go away without their partners it tends to be girls weekend away, or a stag do or a sporting thing or a spa weekend...stuff like that. A two week family based trip is another matter. Sheesh, what a thing!

MrsS your boss told you to what????

MI I find TX Max good for suitcases....

Today I am going for a brunch mini MU with the delectable Herbs after having dropped DD at the theatre. I don't have any paid work today either, waf, having taught a rather flat and uninspired class last night...but have a shit load of amendments to do on Act 2....and need to make a decision around whether Fri night dinner goes ahead or whether I channel my inner southern rail work to rule tendency...

When me meet, shortly, Rose I shall encourage you down the 'work to rule' option.

After meeting Rose, I will be speaking to the journalist about my bust. Then helping set up a santa's grotto at school.

In 'fat bastard' news, I have been eating around 1,200 calories a day (during the week, at least) for a fortnight and have lost NOTHING. What the hell?

Rudy
He's got to say 'and Rudy is invited too'
Actually if I was DH I'd be saying ' no way' as 16 days with my family (much as I love them) would end in carnage....

I find I don't get the hang of TK Maxx. Unlike my beloved chazzas.

[breathless with exciting cord news]. Sea Salt discounted cords fit! And reach the ground! And have a sensible shape! My normal size is roomy enough to fit thermal longjohns underneath! Only issue is they don't do them in black or navy. So massive thanks for MI for spotting the discount - they are mainly for specific purpose for me.

Jeez Rudy, they are something else! Too right he won't be going with them. If he doesn't want to say it this time, he needs to use it when another similar situation arises in the manner GGG suggests

Am now holding my breath for a call to get DS...

Interview chat v friendly: may or may not get it but am now waiting for a bus to take me back to the day job:)

Have just been interviewed about my boobs.

They're coming round WITH HAIR AND MAKE UP to take my photo on Sunday. This is getting out of hand!

Chest wig? Nipple rouge?

I have found a White Company stretchy black frock in the hospice shop for a tenner.

Rudy, they sound so odd it is almost not mean (as in, if one was trying to be mean one would calibrate a bit/come up with dodgy excuses/be passive aggressive?)? They just sound bonkers. I can see it will need calling out at some point but if dh isn't going anyway, can also see maybe no need to stir the pot at this time of year and given the year you have had. As Rose says, it sounds like they are in their own universe.

Have abandoned (enjoyable) paid work in favour of dull jobs like present wrapping and list making.