When shall we three meet again? The not quite NT, not quite weightloss thread ......

[moosemama]

We were full up ladies, so we finally have our very own weightloss-ish thread!

Funny you should say that madwoman. Gout crossed my mind as well, but I don't think it its that.

I've just googled and the symptoms do sound similar, but I've now traced back what happened yesterday and have a vague memory of tripping over dd's wooden fire engine in the living room early afternoon. Then I decided because it was sunny I would wear a pair of cheap ballet flats on the school run, instead of my usual boots or MBTs. It was actually pretty sore walking there and back, so I'm wondering if I hurt it tripping up and then made it worse wearing a pair of crappy unsupportive shoes with such a flimsy sole. I have very flat feet so don't usually wear ballet style shoes as I'm quite heavy footed when walking.

Its still pretty painful and I can't get my foot into any of my shoes - not even my crocs, which are really big and loose on me.

Being stuck on the sofa today has been quiet handy actually, because I've managed to sort through several boxes of junk and send masses of stuff to the tip and charity shops. I've also reorganised all the dcs craft stuff and finally got it all to fit into one big toolbox rather than several boxes and bags. So at least the day hasn't been wasted and we are a couple of steps closer to decorating dd's bedroom, which is where all the junk was being stored. It looks almost like a bedroom now!

Dh has sorted out the understairs cupboard as well this afternoon and made room for the remaining things that were in dd's room, like empty suitcases and the airbed.

So, all being well, we're hoping to finish shifting out anything that shouldn't be in there tomorrow and then dh is planning to start putting the lining paper up in the evenings this week.

Ds1 is happy today because his beloved cousin popped in for a quick visit and he hasn't seen him for ages. They had a huge lightsaber battle in the back-garden with dd, ds2 and the dogs and it was lovely to see them all running round outside in the sunshine. Ds1 even used a cardboard wrapping paper tube for a lightsaber - which he absolutely refuses to do when he's playing with just ds2.

Cross posted TLP.

Think my slow memory has finally managed to crank itself up long enough to suss out what's happened to my toe.

Of course I could be kidding myself and the trip might have nothing to do with the poorly toe.

Damn my useless swiss cheese brain.

cross posted! well I guess it's sort of reassuring that you remember hurting it, but still sounds rather unpleasant and inconvenient. glad you have had a nicer Saturday.

oh, that sounds possible.

lol at the crocs. from may to october i wear el naturalista clogs. i wouldn't be seen dead in crocs (plastic shoes give me the heebie jeebies) but am quite happy with my naice practially identical leather version.

guess what i did this morning?

booked flights back to the uk for 9 days next week for mil's 70th birthday party.

i am ridiculously excited. we haven't been back for three years. i am imagining daffodils and bluebells and the odd crocus. please don't disabuse me if it's going to be blowing a hoolie and pissing down for the entire week.

I only wear my fake crocs in the house and garden. I find they're the only slipper-type footwear that actually gives my feet some arch support. They are rather fetching purple tie-dye ones actually. I think mine were probably just a tad cheaper than naturalista clogs at 2.99 a pair.

I'm very excited for you booking your flights. Your MIL will be over the moon to have you all there for her party.

I think the weather's supposed to be really nice next week - metcheck is saying 16-17 degrees and it was hotter than that both yesterday and today. We have loads of luvveryly daffs around at the moment and the crocuses are just popping their heads up on my drive as well. (Bit of a sensitive topic that though, seeing as it was supposed to have been block paved before Christmas so for the first winter ever I wouldn't constantly have mud traipsed through the house. Yes dh and evil step-mum/trustee/landlady, I'm looking at you! )

oh that's fab you are on a flying trip back to UK. And yes, there are lots of crocuses, spring genuinely has set in. This weekend the weather is lovely, probably up to 20 degree C, fingers crossed this continues once you have landed Madwoman.

Re:crocs. I am a hopeless case. I wear crocs as much of the year as I can get away with. I have recently discussed arcopedico shoes cheap at TK Maxx, and have 2 pairs (must by more), I am seriously into comfort footwear

www.arcopedicoshoes.com/nature/index.html

Oo, I like those green and orange ones....

V excited about weather

Imagine getting excited by uk weather... I do feel ....

Dh wondered if we should surprise her just by turning up on the doorstep. I pointed out that she was turning 70, and however über-fit she is, it might not be a great surprise to put her in the hospital in time for her birthday...

We fly on Friday - I've sorted the dogs into a kennel that claims to be a 5 bone hotel, which dh initially refused on the grounds it was advertised by a chihuahua in a pink tiara, but I want to try it as it looks more homely than the vet boarding we usually use. Black lab is a bit of a flower, and likes his home comforts. He's always really off colour if we leave him, anyway, and this place looks like they are a bit more, um, dog centred. (they look like loons, tbh, and seem to specialise in handbag sized dogs, but I think it will be better than the traditional kennels). Dh says if they put ribbons on their earsear come back with nail varnish on, we are going to refuse to pay. it's definitely that sort of place... But they go on trail walks every day, and they get a complimentary bath and spa if they stay over 5 days (hahaha) so they will be looked after.

The nail varnish is organic, anyway...

That dog hotel sounds awesome madwoman! We looked at a boutique dog hotel for our guys, very posh and they totally spoil the dogs, but in the end decided they were too far away for us to use. That one even had a doggie swimming pool for daily use - complete with poolside loungers!

Had to laugh at organic nailpolish. Have visions of your guys coming home with nail varnish, tiaras and diamonte collars!

The lady that runs our kennels is a bit of a loon too, but in a good way. She is totally dog centred and really strict with the kennel staff on standards of care. She always tries to feed-up lurcherboy, because she can't stand to see skinny dogs. Poor thing is barrel shaped when he comes home - not a good look on a lurcher really. He also spends the first few days he's home farting like a trooper, so lord knows what she feeds him on top of his normal rations.

I used to use them back in the 90s when I had my first ever dog and was so relieved to find they are still there, but with super upgraded facilities. The dogs were in there for 4 weeks over the period when I was heavily pregnant with dd and ds2 was busy nearly dying from pneumonia. God bless dh's great aunt for offering to organise and pay for that. They then went back in for a fortnight after dd was born - again courtesy of great aunt. I normally hate them going in for even a night, but they loved it and it now means they are so used to the place its like a second home really.

The kennel staff all love lurcherboy, but can't wait to get rid of old lady dog. She gets so excited that she barks constantly while she's there, although she pretty much never barks at home, whereas lurcherboy is a right so and so for running up the garden to bark at all the dogs in the park, but is apparently quiet as a mouse at the kennels. .

My guys love the kennels so much that they actually drag us in there. Which is reassuring, but at the same time, a tad insulting.

Black dog is desperately needy and barks and is inconsolable if he doesn't get attention. He's a real people dog, so kennels don't agree with him really. When we flew them to Canada they had to have separate boxes because they are so big (little dogs can share) and he literally barked the entire way because he was on his own... We went to cargo to pick him up and we could hear him outside the warehouse - they aren't allowed to let them out until the owners sign the paperwork...

Tiaras and nail polish would suit him down to the ground as long as he had a nice lady talking to him whilst she did it...

I watched an AC/DC tribute band last night. Not because I'm a massive fan of AC/DC or even tribute bands, but it was a night out and it had been such a gorgeous day I came over all oh go on then . It was ok but I have to admit to being relieved when dh announced that the sound was shit and that we were going to the pub.

I was very good and drank water all night and turned down a takeaway on the walk home, so feeling pleased with myself. Last night was part of the new me who says yes to stuff rather than no. I was becoming a bit mousey so hopefully my 40s will be more fun than my 30s, which were dire.

The weather is fab at the moment madwoman so I really hope it stays like this for you. How exciting! What else are you up to while you're here? I'll get the bunting out and alert the media.

Your poor toe moose! Is it any better? I have to admit to laughing a bit at you and TLP indulging in comfy shoe porn

Aw, poor black dog wailing all alone in an airport warehouse - but ha ha at the mental image of a black lab in nail polish and tiara!

Good on you for saying 'yes' Lamb. Dh asked for a book off me for his birthday that's all about that and supposed to be very motivational. He's reading it at the moment - Yes Man, Danny Wallace.

My toe is much better today. It wasn't first thing, but then I stood up, there was a loud crack, I felt horribly sick from the pain and then it was better. So, it seems it was probably dislocated - which I supposes is preferable to broken, as its now just feeling bruised, rather than really painful and I can walk on my foot again. Dh was laughing at me hobbling around just after it cracked going "oh it feels so much better" "oh what a relief" etc.

Oi - nothing wrong with a nice pair of comfy shoes y'know. I credit my sensible shoes with my not having inherited all the podiatric problems my mum has, despite having alarmingly similar shaped feet/toes.

Even more progress has been made on dd's room today, despite us forgetting the clocks were going forwards and ending up in bed till 10.00 am. Just stopped for a very late lunch, which dh is very kindly making - hence my having a few minutes to MN.

I'm getting quite excited about creating a lovely girly room for her now - its been far too long coming. I have some lovely vintage Laura Ashley wallpaper to go on the chimney breast and a gorgeous Laura Ashley patchwork quilt that Mum bought her for her first birthday, along with the curtains from my old bedroom at my parents' house along with a really cute 1930s mirror and a Lloyd Loom bedside table, chair and linen basket set that came from dh's Grandma's house. I've already painted them once to match our bedroom at the last house, but am going to do them again in an aged ivory colour and perhaps redo the padding and add some vintage fabric onto the top of the ottoman. Hoping its going to turn out a really nice shabby chic-ish, vintage room that won't have cost us £££s. Fortunately that room already has some fab built in shabby chic shelves in the alcove and a really pretty late 1920s/early 1930s cast iron fireplace.

Sorry, got carried away with myself there. I very rarely get to do anything with the house, let alone anything pretty/girly, so I've gorn a bit daft about it really.

Aw, it sounds beautiful!

It must be spring - everyone is all motivated and full of the joys! . Yay for going out, lamb - I think sometimes just getting out of your comfort zone and doing something different can be very therapeutic. Gives you a little glimpse of possibilities.

Glad about the toe, moose. (but how bizarre!) and yay for water after wine . Kudos on the no take away though?...

Have got to grips with the Anna thingy book. Seems very doable, and have been doing some of it anyway. Have now decided that I will go for it 100% when we are back from the uk. Will semi do it as we visit, but don't want to put upon hosts with additional dietary requirements as will be on tenterhooks with Ds anyway...

The room does sound beautiful moose, makes me wish I had a girl. Ds2 is obsessed with the war at the moment

Doing the diet when you come back sounds very sensible madwoman. I did cheat a bit but still lost 6lbs so it is very doable and best of all it works!

............... well .......... Houston ... we have a statement!

Well, we don't actually have a statement, on account of them not actually posting it yet - but - a statement has been issued.

Found out at 11.30pm last night that we have an IEP/LS Review for DS on Friday morning (letter was scrunched in the bottom of his bag ). So, when no letter from the LEA surfaced this morning, I did what any sensible Mum would do and .... went out to lunch and then shopping for girly bits for dd's bedroom with my Mum! Twas lovely mooching around garden centres and craft/gift shops.

Then when I got back, I called the LEA and was told that they have issued a statement and it's all ready for posting out tomorrow morning - but the postal service is so slow that we won't have it by Friday. However, the lovely lady I spoke to offered to email me the main body of the statement, without appendices, tomorrow morning - so I think we'll have it well in advance of the school.

I was so shocked when she said "I can confirm a statement has been issued and will be posted to you tomorrow morning" I was actually lost for words - for a few seconds.

So, I have had a really good day. Mum bought me a gorgeous new handbag that I've been coveting for ages, but wouldn't buy because it was expensive and frivolous - as well as some cute shabby chic fabric hearts and mini bunting for dd's room, the sun is shining, ds1 had a good day at school and we got a STATEMENT!

Now all I have to do is make sure its worth the paper its written on and try to get my infamous LEA to quantify and specify.

Waaaaaaaaah!

It'll probably need revising. Most do. But all I did was make all the amends I wanted and call the issuing officer and request them. He asked a few questions, but just agreed to everything and issued the final statement with all my amendments the next day. It was def a bit surreal.

I am soooooooo pleased for you!

so good news on the toe, statement and handbag front all in one day .

Thanks you.

Even more good news - I just bagged a lovely, handmade, solid wood and extremely cute cottagey style toddler bed for dd, on ebay for £40.00. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket today. We are dumping the dcs on Mum and going to fetch it from Derbyshire at the weekend.

... tis a most pleasing handbag - totally frivolous velvet number that I absolutely don't need, but I lurve it!

Less good is that everyone in the family seems to be coming down with dd's virus - runny noses, headaches and dizziness all round - but even that can't bring me down today.

That's fantastic news moose

And very well done on the handbag and the bed (and the toe)

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

That was my attempt at bunting btw

Thanks Lamb.

Well after an afternoon of frustration because there is an issue with Yahoomail that means you can't download attachments via Firefox - I have finally managed to download it via a different browser and well, its woolly as hell.

As far as I can tell, there's not one appropriately specified or quantified point in section three and zero mention of funding units or banding etc. On a more positive note, it does at least cover all the areas we wanted it to, but its going to take a lot of work to amend it and my LEA have a bit of a rep when it comes to writing statements which are insufficiently specified/quantified, having previously been reported to the Secretary of State for it, yet still saying on their website that the won't do it.

I have a thread in SNs about it - first post is mahoosive though, so not sure anyone will read it.

I am not giving up though - if I can get SA and a Statement, then I can do this too.

On a more thread appropriate topic, I have been for a four mile walk encompassing to lots of playing with dd in the park and a trip to Tescos then also took the boys to the park after school. Really enjoyed the sun, but am beyond knackered now.

I also ate an enormous and absolutely delicious salad for my lunch and intend on having another one for my dinner.

Going to put the Statement away for now and my brain already hurts. Need to get onto it tomorrow though, as I'll need a good draft ready for his LS review on Friday, especially as the school still won't know he has a statement by them - unless they've also rung to ask.

Feeling a bit hot, tired and achey, not sure if it's the weather or I'm coming down with something. Will force myself onto exercise bike in a minute

Well done on your walking, Moosemama. Had a quick look at statement thread, one thing I would add is watch wording re:therapies etc, to make sure it specifically guarantees adequate frequency, and direct time with your child, rather than just them talking to the teachers! Oh and that it's not just "has access" to or "would benefit from x groups/language enrichment etc, as that's too wooly.

LOL at the bunting attempt, maybe we should lobby MN for a bunting emoticon to go with the wine and flowers.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVV well actually vvvvvvvvv (tis mini bunting )

I loves a bit of bunting I does! [shameless hippy emoticon]

Hope you're not coming down with something TLP - don't push yourself to exercise if you feel rough.

Thanks for the statement advice, I feel more than a bit overwhelmed by it all to be honest. Dh printed it out for me last night, along with the ACE-Ed booklet, so I intend to go through it line by line today. Had to retire early with an awful hormonal headache last night and am not much better this morning, but need something to take with me on Friday. At least getting it emailed has given me a jump start on going through it, as I think the 15 day deadline only starts from when I receive the full statement with appendices and reports.

Got up early this morning to see ds1's class off on their Tudor school trip. They all looked fab in their costumes.

Blimey it never stops does it? We're at the beginning of the whole process so I'm a wet behind the ears virgin type, as far as statements are concerned , so I am of no help there. The SENCo seems confident but it's the quality of it that counts ultimately isn't it?

Went to pick ds2 up at lunchtime as per usual to be met by the SENCo with good news ( the timetable for ds's fazing in to ms ready for Y3) and his nurture group teacher with bad news. She had a card with a long and involved list of his appalling behaviour , she didn't read it to me or anything I think they're keeping evidence which is a good thing, but I caught a few sentences - 'screaming obscenities', 'violent', 'showing his bottom and penis' 'fucking arseholes'... it went on.

I think he's gradually ratcheting up his meltdowns because he feels more relaxed there now. In his first week the teacher said 'I think we had the full range of what to expect today', and I remember thinking, 'oh no you haven't '! I think it may be slowly dawning on them just how awful awful can be. I just hope that the fazing in works and that the EP can help with strategies because obviously, what I use at home is not appropriate or necessarily applicable at school.

Tudor School Trip! my idea of heaven!! where have they gone? Are these more costumes you've had to make moose?

This is probably waaay too late TLP but please don't push yourself if you're feeling unwell. You can do more harm than good and actually set yourself back. Concentrate on having healthy nourishing food instead, keep your calories under 1500 or whatever you've set yourself and you'll still lose. But be kind to yourself x.