Crepes, Cats and Calamari

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Here you go.

Stropps, do you need of or ?

Can we help?

Id say 12/12.30? MI. With dd we always had to pick her up so it was only as late as Dh or I coukd prop open eyes. Not really a curfew, but dd was always q reasonable in her negotiations.

Merci buckets, tout le monde. I have already had in an attempt to speed up the writing of a turgid assignment. It is not working. I am totally not enjoying writing postgrad essays. It all involves just reading stuff, rehashing someone else's boring old ideas and then backing them up with boring quotes, boringly. It is about as creative as dusting. No, wait - dusting is more creative. Or have I missed the point?

Needless to say, I am not up to speed with the thread and have given up Facebook for Lent (no, really, I have). But I do see that BD is in need of support and sympathy. BD, I am so sorry to hear of the possible latest developments. I do hope that either this redundancy bollocks turns out to be an evil rumour, or you walk away with a very large sum of money, flicking the Vs at that Arse Boss.

Let us write it for ya, Stropps. Gwan.

I feel your pain Stropps - the first qualification that I also did was so mind-numbingly pedantic, I can imagine that this is even worse

We have watched Gogglebox on catchup and DD is off out, having recovered from an 18th last night, whilst I am looking forward to bed!

It is indeed a whole new universe of worse, BTM.

Eh, Crem, don't tempt me.

I am about to give up for the night and think about going to bed v early with the alarm set for 5, in the hope that my Panic Genie will then kick into action and magically write the whole bastarding thing. Has worked before as a strategy.

🚜 i am going into deepest farming country tomorrow, to see a man about a puppy. 🐾

Stropps, doing essays on Saturday night is against the Squad Law. #doittomorrow

At least at 5 am you won't get interrupted?

Puppies, Cremo? I thought you were after a kitten. But I have probably got that wrong! What breed?

I won't sleep tonight unless I at least finish this section, so I'm ploughing on regardless. Have graduated on to chamomile tea. It's all about the excitement at Stropp Villas on a Saturday night.

Good luck with the dog search, Crem. As for deepest, darkest farming country, I am willing to bet that I'm the only crepey who regularly has to stop and wait for an entire pack of foxhounds to stream round her car before turning into her place of work in the morning. #joysofcountrylife
(and before anyone pops up to complain: no, they're not chasing a fox, they've just been for their exercise session, accompanied by a bunch of men on bikes)

DP wanted 10pm. I wasn't particularly going for a curfew but definitely thought that was a bit early.

Like MrsW, we don't do supervision of revision or homework really either.

Hamlet v good.... but very loooooooong.

Home now with a Naice cup of tea - have I hit peak Crepey??
Absolutely no supervision of homework or revision here- just the odd polite enquiry / snack / spot of proofreading...
Mine like / liked a bit of a curfew - I think it gives the excuse to avoid some of the wilder behaviour of their peers by blaming their ridiculous parents....

Watching TOTP from 1983 on BBC 4. Can recommend for pure nostalgia - and my GOD some of the clothes.

Same here GGG - I can't believe we ever thought this was good!

Evening all. Trying to catch up on the thread; was hoping I hadn't missed any particularly juicy gossip - relieved to see you seem to have spent several pages discussing underwear. I can't really contribute to fancy bra discussions, as M&S are perfectly adequate for me.

BD - that is truly crap. But it hasn't happened yet, so you have time to get all your ducks in a row.

Crem - were you a travel agent in a former life? Some excellent holiday ideas.

Curfews only applicable when DCs can find their own way home (i.e. not here). I'm currently propping eyelids up with matchsticks, awaiting the royal command from DS to collect him from his party.

Actually, I've felt crap/weary/oddly depressed all day - no idea why. We have just sealed the deal on a new car for me (as DH's company car goes back this week) and it's possible that I'm subconsciously fretting about money. We also had the quote back for a new floor in the dining room, which would look wonderful, but I'm pretty sure we can't afford it on top of the car. On the other hand, the lousy feeling could be related to the fact that DH and I have given up sugar for Lent - I could murder a Mars Bar right now.

In work news, the issue of employing my friend has gone away, as she luckily decided the timing wasn't right for her. But I've found someone perfect! Just waiting to find out when she can start.

DS has his driving test on Wednesday, but fell out with DH while practicing today, to the extent that DH threw him out of the driving seat and drove them both home in a fury. His teaching style can best be described as confrontational.

Well done on dental fortitude, NU.

We've never had set curfews either - priority being getting home safely so travelling with others where possible. But I have done a lot of sitting at home texting have you left yet - peak was yr 11 I reckon for us, MI - is that what dd1 is?. Big difference once they are all over 16 and properly in sixth form etc I think. Now, I go to bed but tell ds to stick his head round the door and say hello. Even without waking up properly, I remember that so don't wake up and worry. Revision snacks though - do those big time for ds whose essay writing appears to require same calorific input as running marathons.

Rudy, how awful and after everything he and you all have been though. I am so sorry. And BTM, sorry you have another worry too.

And Stropps, that sounds more boring than converting reference lists to/from Harvard to the other thing - I have been waiting for years for someone to top that. Are there many more where that essay came from?

I have had a sociable weekend and not made a single bloody meal but eaten well .

Morning all! Stropps, did you get up at 5 am to finish your work? This brings back memories of me many centuries ago leaving my English essays until Monday morning at 5 am (used to get quite good marks, too)! Needless to say I would have gone wild if my DC had done this.

DD is 38 today so we are having her DC tonight for a sleepover- I think they're arriving mid afternoon so I can make DD a birthday cake with DGC, and DH can take DGS out to practise on his brand new bike, although he will be torn as I know DGS loves baking.

MI, I hope DD got home safely? Thank goodness those days are behind me.

I have a trainer dilemma. I have bought Hotter ones before and they were very comfortable, but the last two pairs have been Sketchers; however it has been pointed out to me that I walk badly in the Sketcher even though they are comfortable. I am going t have to revert back to the Hotters, aren't I? Must admit they look better these days, but - wails - they are for old ladies.

Gosh NU you're up bright and early. It sounds as if you have a nice day lined up. Glad the teeth are looking good. I cannot comment on the shoes but find Geox very comfy so I'm obviously on the slippery slope.

GGG - I watched TOTP on Friday - I was sooo happy: The Human League, Heaven 17, Culture Club and Spandau Ballet - I love the naff glitzy videos and was practically word perfect on every song. I still have an irrational love for Phil Oakey - even looking back through the decades. DS watched with me and was very sneery.

I have similarly had calls from DC's along the lines of "come and rescue me from this lousy party".

CV good luck to DS for driving test. DD1 passed hers last Thursday - second time.
Save the dining room for next year maybe?

Stropps well done if you're up and writing. I'd go into the night - haven't the courage to get up early.

DD rolled in at 5am..... Just as you were getting up Stropps?

See, she has lots of friends. Just that the 2 best friends are blanking her, which is causing her much consternation as these are 2 of the friends who have all booked a holiday together (remember that drama?)

Lalsy, not made a single meal

CV, good luck to your DS - that would make life easier not remembering the shenanigans we got up to in our parents cars wouldn't it?

I know, BTM, I tell you this is not the norm for my weekends. Has been great!

Blanking her - what the hell? are they 11? How awful . Can the holiday be cancelled?

NU, don't panic. Done that, got the t shirt. Sketchers looked comfy but hopelessly unsupportive and fell apart and had to go back. I have a pair of Hotters - the only really lightweight trainers I have found that work. I like Geox too Hatty.

Good luck to ds, CV.

Yes, Lalsy, and she has to sit next to one of them in one of her subjects. There is no way of cancelling the holiday - atm she has said she won't go as they won't even tell her what the problem is. We are hoping that the situation might be rectified in some way, but it's not looking good.

That is awful, BTM. Can she just cancel her bit and sod the rest of them and arrange something else with nice friends? - it sounds like maybe she shouldn't go even if cracks papered over as they can't be relied upon to behave reasonably (and so look after each other)? Your poor dd.

BD, sorry you are in this position at work. I imagine being made redundant with a fair package would suit you? If they're not interviewing for the re-designed posts, or indicate (or hint or imply) that they've already decided to appoint someone else, that strengthens your case for constructive dismissal. Hope the Union and ACAS will be helpful. If dept. try to fob you off with re-deployment there are strict rules about what counts as an equivalent post. This helped a colleague of mine hugely, as he was able to show he was effectively being demoted: the Trust caved and made him redundant with a fair settlement rather than go to tribunal and lose.

We (sisters and I and nephew) are going to plant tree on Mum's grave today. Sadly it's cold wet and windy here, hope it clears up.

DH away so I drove DD to orchestra and picked her up yesterday. Today sciatica much worse and foot numb and tingly Big disappointment. Have to drive again today.

GGG, would love to see that Hamlet, glad you liked it.

Beachy, BTM, Rudy, thinking of you with your worries about children's health and well-being

Stropps, more power to your elbow

Auriga, the weather is clearing up here - hope it does for you today. I haven't thanked you properly for your kind words about Feb 22, the anniversary of my mum's death - I couldn't find a photo to post on here, nor a diary entry I scanned in years ago from her 14-year-old diary. (I have to say, too, that on first reaction, it felt like you had suggested I post you all a picture of Beelzebub!!! Yeah, that bad.)

Awful about your sciatica. What else can be done about it?

BTM, can the school offer dd some kind of mediation with her friends? Non-judgementally, without getting the friends into trouble?

BTM DD's problem sounds really upsetting. Frankly, even if they kissed and made up, so to speak, I'd be cynical about them going away together...things that rumble under the surface tend to be thrown into sharp relief when one is away on a trip. 3 is a really difficult number. Poor girl, poor you.

I hope the weather holds up at least a bit, for the tree planting Auriga. It's a special thing to do. I am so sorry the the treatment hasn't seemed to ease your sciatica. Is there any other option?

Hope you got the essay done stropps?

Yes CV you are probably in a sugar slump. It's like going cold turkey. Poor you, but an admirable thing...I wish I could. I am more like Lalsy this weekend eating a lot of crap out and not cooking

WAF that sound sounds a bit better news re DM.

DH and I have not bickered as yet although I was hugely temped this morning, when bang! crash!, he smashed a little glass cream jug which I am quite fond of. My main beef was this infernal habit he has of emptying the dishwasher when everyone else is asleep...waking up the entire bloody house with all his banging and crashing. Ah well, first world problems....

Anyway no matter, because I am going off for breakfast shortly with a very good friend in a new French bistro which has opened hereabouts. Ha Har...

And finally...on a S&B note, I have gained immeasurable confidence from two products I have started using recently for the thinning bit of hair near the crown of my head which I am SO self conscious about. Firstly, this stuff which is amazing for covering where the scalp shows through too much, and the second now is this mousse that someone on another thread was raving about

I almost feel like have got my thick hair back from years gone by!!

Have a good Sunday, Crepeys.

ps to the lucky Crepeys who don't have to supervise home work You don't know you're alive.