http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/The trials and tribulations of being a single mum living in the North of England. As a way of protecting my son I am keen to keep anominity - this will also allow me to post things that I may not otherwise be able to do!I hope you understand x en-EUMokoFeed10http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/6b/433a429ed6feec6530825fd4a51beb_160x200.jpghttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2009/01/26/happy-new-year-5449611/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2009-01-26:/2009/01/26/happy-new-year-5449611/Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:01:06 +0100 <p>yes I know its nearing the end of january but I have not had time to sit down since before xmas! It all started xmas eve - I didnt feel right but put it down to being my first xmas on my own with my little boy and in a new house so carried on as normal. Xmas morning we got up and did the whole @Father Christmas' has been thing before heading to my dads for the day. By dinnertime I was feeling worse but managed to eat xmas dinner (well you have to come hell or high water!) but by 4pm I decided I had to go home else I wouldnt get there.<br> The next 4 days passed in a blur of sleep, medicine and sleep! By day 4 I managed to get to a doctors who diagnosed a chest infection, a week later when I had finished the antibiotics I ended up going back to the GP who then diagnosed pneumonia!! Thankfully the new medicines he gave me worked and I was soon feeling better....Good Job too - next my son was ill!<br> He had been back at school for a week - I collected him on the friday and one look at him and I could see something wasnt right. Took him home and he slept from the moment he got in through to sunday morning with no eating and me forcing fluids down him whenever he awoke...by monday his asthma was bad so I took him to the GP who sent us to the local Childrens Hospital where they admitted him. Chets Xrays, Nebulisers and Steroids (which he had an allergic reaction tto just to make him feel a bit better!) followed and he too was diagnosed with pneumonia. Sheer coincidence because apparently you cant 'catch it' or 'pass it on'...<br> My little man also has a severe nut allergy for which we have epi-pens to hand at all time, I advised the hospital of this and they put it on his notes etc but when it came to food I was advised to provide our own as we knew it was safe!!! To be fair he didnt eat an awful lot and hospital food is not great at the best of times but he wasnt even offered an alternative as they couldnt guarantee no cross contamination during the catering process!!Boy we were glad to get home!<br> Anyway we have been home a week now and he is fine - to look at him now you wouldnt think he was so ill a week ago! Kids are just so resilient its amazing!<br> And so the New Year Begins!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2009/01/26/happy-new-year-5449611/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthlifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2009/01/26/happy-new-year-5449611/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/ooops-i-did-it-again-5258485/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-12-22:/2008/12/22/ooops-i-did-it-again-5258485/Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:21:12 +0100 <p>I am hanging my head in shame...Well either that or its the headache from the bottle of wine I so thoroughly enjoyed last night! I keep saying I am going to start blogging more regularly but so far it hasnt happened but I do have a legitimate excuse - I promise! My poor computer was poorly so it had to go in for repair, it came home worked for a bit though I kept thinking something wasnt right, nothing I could put my finger on but it seemed slow and certain things that I had run before would crash etc. Anyway it gave up the ghost and so I had to save up the pennies and go buy a new one...and of course I lost all my favourites and so until a friend emailed me the URL for my own blog I couldnt even get on here! Yes Im blonde I admit it!!<br> Anyway just wanted to touch base and say Hi to everyone (though I wonder if anyone actually reads this - time will tell! Ive been playing and added a visitor countor to the bottom! Will put something a bit more newsy together tonight when my son is in bed and not driving me insane! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/ooops-i-did-it-again-5258485/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>techlifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/ooops-i-did-it-again-5258485/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/dinner-guests-who-5045362/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-11-16:/2008/11/16/dinner-guests-who-5045362/Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:03:55 +0100 <p>My friend asked me earlier today who would be my three ideal dinner guests and what would I serve for starter, main and dessert!? Simple I thought - Robbie Williams (directly opposite me so Icould stare all night into those eyes!), Hitler (because there are so many questions I would want to ask him) and Eddie Izzard for the sheer comedy factor...but the more I thought about it the harder it became. The three listed above would be my first thought but who would you invite? There are so many more Icould list that I cant honestly answer the question with just three, as for food who would care about food with Robbie there, my mouth is watering at the thought lol!<br> So come on, who would be your three ideal guests and what would you cook for them??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/dinner-guests-who-5045362/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>entertainmentlifefantasyfoodhttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/dinner-guests-who-5045362/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/poxy-chickenpox-5025750/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-11-12:/2008/11/12/poxy-chickenpox-5025750/Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:37:31 +0100 <p>Well I was just starting to settle into my 'new life' down here, got a job (only part time but its better than nothing and there are great prospects, but more about that another time!), my son was settling into school, just beginning to plod along nicely and Wham! My poor little man now has chickenpox so everything is on hold right now! </p> <p>Since they started appearing on Friday we have spent much of the time indoors and away from everyone that we moved here to be near! My brothers both have really young kids and don't want them to get it yet which I understand, my Dad has had shingles and has no inclination to get it again so its been just us! The worse thing is that because he is on medication daily it has slowed down how quickly the spots develop so at the moment they are still appearing and not even a hint of a scab yet <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> so looks like we will continue as we are for a while yet.......</p> <p>On a more positive note, I spent my birthday with my family for the first time in about 8 years! It was great, we had a bonfire party with lots of food, fireworks oh and alcohol - only a little of course because as we all know fireworks and alcohol dont mix - it makes them soggy and they wont light<img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/poxy-chickenpox-5025750/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>-lifehealthhttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/poxy-chickenpox-5025750/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/10/27/worse-before-it-gets-better-i-think-4941275/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-10-27:/2008/10/27/worse-before-it-gets-better-i-think-4941275/Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:07:38 +0100 <p>Well today I went for a physio appt, the problem being that I have got something called plantar fasciitis - basically in laymans terms the muscle that supports the arch in my foot has collapsed. I just got up one morning and couldnt even put my foot on the floor - no swelling or redness or anything - anyway I left it a couple of days thinking I had just pulled a muscle and that it would correct itself. How wrong could I be!? Eventually I went to the doctors who gave me some stroong anti-inflamatries which have done no good whatsoever and then 2 months later I have been seen, which goven how longyou can wait for an outpatients appointment I really cant complain about. Anyway I now have a painful knee, calf and hip because I have spent two months walking on the outside of my foot! I know have to stretch the muscles with some exercises and go back next week but she thinks I will need surgery as apparently this normally corrects itself within a couple of weeks and the fact it hasnt means its probably not going to. On the plus side, this is something thats common amongst athletes so I must be mega fit right!!! Oh if only you knew me!! Nothing could be further from the truth! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/10/27/worse-before-it-gets-better-i-think-4941275/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthlifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/10/27/worse-before-it-gets-better-i-think-4941275/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/10/24/ive-done-it-again-4921665/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-10-24:/2008/10/24/ive-done-it-again-4921665/Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:40:04 +0200 <p>Ok, I am not going to apologise as it is becoming too regular to be acceptable! Needless to say I'll just berate myself for not having updated for so long.</p> <p>Well I suppose I should start with an update really - so here goes...</p> <p>The whole giving up smoking thing is soooo hard, everytime I think I'm doing so well I cave. I am using patches and am fine all day but its the cigarette before bed thats getting me every time. So far the longest I have gone without is 9 days and then I light up have that fag, get angry and then wake up determined to start again. Apparently this is quite normal or so Im told by my GP, oh well I will do it through sheer determination!</p> <p>Everybody here has been ill with this sickness bug thats doing the rounds down here and its nasty believe me...bad enough for adults but when you have a 6 year old who doesnt know if he needs to be sat on the toilet or have his head over a bowl its beyond nasty, its just sick -literally! Its so virulant that every one I know this end of the country has had it and they have even had to close some hospital wards down because of it...so at the risk of sounding anti-social if you have it - STAY AWAY!!</p> <p>In addition to this daily life continues as ever. I am actively looking for a job as I now have the added support of my family here and I want to be able to talk to adults on a similar intellectual level to myself. I have an interview next week for a job that would be ideal so fingers crossed.</p> <p>Right the housework beckons, but so does the sofa, a cup of coffee and a chocolate bar hmmmmm........ </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/10/24/ive-done-it-again-4921665/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthlife-apologies-sorrylifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/10/24/ive-done-it-again-4921665/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/09/25/ok-so-here-goes-4780421/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-09-25:/2008/09/25/ok-so-here-goes-4780421/Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:32:34 +0200 <p>Well its taken me longer than I had hoped but to be honest Ive been trying to work out what to blog about! I seem to have done a lot but not have much to speak about if that makes any sense at all! As you know I have now relocated and am close to my family which is great, my little boy has adapted so well bless him, and he continues to amaze me everyday! I am so lucky to be blessed with such a gorgeous son... He has now started a new school which is about 5 times the size of the little village school he attended before (and consequently happens to be my old school!) and after a few nerve racking days he now loves it. My flat is now starting to look more like a home - complete with mess and toys everywhere! Oh and Ive now given up smoking...twice in the last 3 weeks! On my first attempt I got to day 4 gave up giving up for a few days but Im now on day 6, so far so good....Now I just have to not give in but its soooo hard sometimes....<br> And so there you go, not much to tell you but I havent had time to stop for ages, where does all the time go??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/09/25/ok-so-here-goes-4780421/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/09/25/ok-so-here-goes-4780421/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/09/20/sorry-4752642/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-09-20:/2008/09/20/sorry-4752642/Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:04:47 +0200 <p>Hi<br> Just wanted to apologise for not having written for ages - Im out today but will sit down this evening and do an update on the mundane happenings of my life - just incase any one is interested!</p> <p>Hope everyone is well... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/09/20/sorry-4752642/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/09/20/sorry-4752642/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/08/27/phew-how-did-i-ever-manage-without-the-net-4644107/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-08-27:/2008/08/27/phew-how-did-i-ever-manage-without-the-net-4644107/Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:39:07 +0200 <p>Well guys - sorry Ive not been about for a bit - I have now moved and as you know it takes a while to sort everything out. Anyway it felt like my right arm had been cut off with having no internet! I know, I know there are libraries and internet cafes you can use but it just isnt the same is it - I mean I want to be able to sit curled up on my sofa with a glass of wine and chill at the end of the day...Anyway sorry this is short and sweet but I have so much to catch up on! I will be back sooner rather than later-promise! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/08/27/phew-how-did-i-ever-manage-without-the-net-4644107/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/08/27/phew-how-did-i-ever-manage-without-the-net-4644107/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/07/06/no-excuses-just-sorry-4412099/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-07-06:/2008/07/06/no-excuses-just-sorry-4412099/Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:55:50 +0200 <p>Wow! I cant believe I have left it so long, I apologise and which I had a decent reason to give but I dont so I'll just say sorry and leave it at that! Which reminds me - I may not have told you before now but I am one of the most sorry people you will ever know - I feel I should say sorry for making you endure this!</p> <p>Unfortunately, I'm sorry for everything, including taking a moment to tell you what I'm thinking right now. My average conversation tends to go something like this, "Oops, sorry." - "Why are you sorry, I'm sorry." - "But I. . ." you get the idea. Those of you who know me will no doubt agree! I can imagine how it must sound from the outside but I really don't notice when I'm doing it. Seems pretty silly while typing it out but I know that's what I say. Hope I didn't waste your time, if I did. . . I'm sorry.</p> <p>Its a habit I am really trying to break and am sure some of it is down to recent experiences, though what I dont understand is that if somebody says sorry to me it makes me feel bad - like I've done something to upset them or not helped them enough etc so why do I do it? After all I dont want to make my friends feel bad!?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/07/06/no-excuses-just-sorry-4412099/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>life-apologies-sorryhttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/07/06/no-excuses-just-sorry-4412099/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/23/good-things-really-do-come-to-those-who--4212723/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-05-23:/2008/05/23/good-things-really-do-come-to-those-who--4212723/Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:36 +0200 <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"> I cannot believe it! After 5 years of constant phonecalls and letters and general pestering I have finally been given a flat in my hometown! I have been on the list for a house for so long I thought I had no chance but this week I had the most amazing letter offering me a two bedroom flat 5 minutes walk away from my dad and my brothers! I am sooooooo excited - yay!<br> Only problem is I have to now move 250 miles away! So very soon I will no longer be in the North but back in my hometown in the South! Oh normality!!!!!!! So far I have been given an estimatated move date of the end of June, beginning of July - the reason for such a vague date?? Well its brand spanking new - OMG! I am not only moving but moving to a brand new flat!! It just gets better!<br> Please excuse me while I run around my living room screaming with excitement! (Hmm better not do it too long else my neighbours will ring the men in white coats!)</p> <p>Once I've calmed down I will post a bit more!</p> <p>Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"><img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/23/good-things-really-do-come-to-those-who--4212723/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/23/good-things-really-do-come-to-those-who--4212723/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/13/thinking-about-why-i-blog-4167113/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-05-13:/2008/05/13/thinking-about-why-i-blog-4167113/Tue, 13 May 2008 10:03:40 +0200 <p> Ive been trying to work out why I decided to create a blog and apart from my friends saying Id be good at it and needing somewhere to post my thoughts (annonomously) so that they are not circling in my head and driving me insane I really couldnt come up with any explanations...I seem to read other peoples and have realised they all seem so much more interesting than mine so I apologise now to all of you that I have bored to death, then again why am I apologising? After all if I've bored you to death then you wont be reading this will you!?</p> <p>After the last couple of days of amazing weather I am starting to get a bit of colour on my pasty skin, but I need much much more yet! I have just been sat in my garden for half an hour but its turned cooler and although not cold its not warm enough to sit in at the moment <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> Why is it that I have spent the last few days tidying and weeding the garden to get it to look nice and now I dont want to sit out there!? I really must learn to prioritise - tan first, work later <img src="/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":DD" class="middle" border="0"> Well a girls gotta have her pleasures in life hasnt she after all they are few and far between! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/13/thinking-about-why-i-blog-4167113/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/13/thinking-about-why-i-blog-4167113/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/02/title-4121813/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-05-02:/2008/05/02/title-4121813/Fri, 02 May 2008 10:10:46 +0200 <p>Sorry I've not updated this for a while, things have taken a while to get back to normal since my stay in Hotel NHS. Im Ok during the day but by about 7pm my back hurts and the painkillers the hospital have given me knock me out, so much so that the other night I awoke at 1am to find myself on the sofa and freezing cold! And that did my back the world of good I can tell you - NOT!<br> Thank goodness the weather is improving, I have been in the garden starting to sort things out (some friends of mine got me started and gave me the inspiration - thanks guys - you know who you are!) - I cant wait until I get a day where I can just sit out and relax - I love being in the sunshine it lifts my whole spirit and I seem to get so much more done, if I didnt know better I'd seriously think I have a case of S.A.D. but I know I just have lazyitis which unfortunatly there is no treatment for...Its just so nice even to be indoors with all the windows and doors open, the washing on the line and all the fresh air flowing through, I'll enjoy it while I can because it wont be long until my hayfever kicks in and Im wanting to close them all! I have to admit I am a little concerned with just how much I love line dried washing -so much so that I seem to be looking for laundry just so that I can hang it out and dry it! Weird I know but then I never have been normal in any sense or shape.</p> <p>I am looking forward to this Bank Holiday as it will be the first once since I have given up working and I shall be able to really relax and ejoy some quality time with my son instead of having to view it as an opportunity to get things done that don't normally get done becuase of work commitments. Fingers crossed the weather stays good - if not we have a Playstation and some goodies that will no doubt keep my son engrossed and me wishing I knew where all the buttons were on the control without having to look down at it every 5 seconds and invariably failing/losing the game I am playing! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/02/title-4121813/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthlifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/05/02/title-4121813/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/22/i-ve-escaped-4077989/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-22:/2008/04/22/i-ve-escaped-4077989/Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:04:48 +0200 <p>Whew! What a mad week - where do I begin!? I went to visit my Gp on Wednesday as I woke up with half of my face paralysed, she didnt seem too concerned but asked me to return the following day just to be on the safe side. I was thinking along the lines of Bells Palsy which although not pleasant and untreatable is something which would correct itself given time. However my GP was not convinced and so I have ended up spending 3 days in hospital having numerous tests including a brain scan and a lumber puncture...Fortunatly it transpires that I have a Viral Infection where my brain stem meets my spinal cord, other than steroids and plenty of rest there is nothing that can be done. Just need to wait for an appointment at Neurology Outpatients now, just a routine follow up. There were times I was feeling quite scared I can tell you. </p> <p>It was also the longest amount of time I have ever spent away from my son (previously he slept at a friends for one night and his mum told me off for keep texting to see if he was OK-which of course he was!), well he had a whale of a time - thought he was on holiday thanks to a great friend who watched over him for me as well as managing her own life somehow!</p> <p>Im cant quite get the philosophy of hospitals, I thought they were there to make you feel better yet I came out feeling far worse than when Id gone in! No one ever brings me a cup of tea in bed at home (well my son is only 5!) yet somehow I didnt appreciate being woken at 6am (after only a couple of hours fitful sleep) to be asked 'dya wanna cuppa tea luv - oh no your nil by mouth, never mind' - grrrrrrrrr! Couldnt they spend 5 seconds checkin the sign in huge letters above my bed before waking me! Added to the lack of sleep I was tied to the bed with a drip for 2 days, originally I was on a portable drip stand so could move about but when I was transfered onto another ward (at 2am!?)I was put on a static one. Great, all my dignity and everything when down the pan from that moment on. I think it was all made worse by the fact that I actually didnt feel that ill, I just grew increasingly worried and anxious as time went on. Still I shouldnt complain after all they pobably spent hundreds of pounds on me for tests (not the food though lol!) and staff costs and I am on the mend.</p> <p>I certainly appreciated lifes simple pleasures on my first morning back at home - waking up in my own bed sandwiched between the cat and my son and being unable to move - it was fantastic! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/22/i-ve-escaped-4077989/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>healthlifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/22/i-ve-escaped-4077989/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/14/sign-sign-like-your-life-depends-upon-it-4044734/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-14:/2008/04/14/sign-sign-like-your-life-depends-upon-it-4044734/Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:55:46 +0200 <p>What a day! I knew when I made that application over the phone the other day for benefits that it sounded too good to be true - well guess what? I should have trusted my instincts! I spent nearly 45 minutes on the phone detailing my life story to be assured that all I would need to do was turn up for my appointment today, read through the information Id give and providing all the information was correct - sign the paperwork! I should be so lucky! I arrived, was sat in some multi coloured thing that resembled a sofa but was far from comfy and told to wait. I waited, and waited and then waited some more. Eventually I was called over to be told that the compuuter had crashed and so they would have to do my application manually.  The confusion on the young girls face was apparent as she looked at a lengthy form (which she had finally found after another lengthy wait for me!) - 'Ive never done one of these before' she remarked whilst chewing her gum! I felt like I should be on the other side of the desk but hey ho - off we went, through my whole life story again! Next I was told to wait downstairs when I would meet with my lone parent advisor with whom I apparently need to meet with once every 6 months as the terms of my Income Support application. Well that was another hour wasted - she asked why I had stopped work, so I told her, only to be met with a blank face and no advice! Advisor=Advice, well so I believed anyway but obviously not in this case! Still hopefully the worst is over and it will no doubt be added to the bottom of a pile of paperwork and forgotten because its not on the computer. The thought terrifies me so much I think I am going to ring every other day to check something is being done with a paper application in a non-paper system! Fingers crossed.</p> <p>On top of this 'interview' (I use the term lightly!) I have spent the remainder of the day looking after my cat who was attacked by a fox last night. I took him to the vets who has said that he will be fine physically but he looks a sorry sight. I have been bathing his wounds as advised and giving him lots of TLC, not a lot else I can do really but he just looks so pitiful and he is obviously still sore and not quite himself. I have decided that I am now going to keep him indoors permanatly, he has to stay in until he is better anyway because of the risk of infection, it may sound cruel but hey what hes going through right now isnt particularly nice either!</p> <p>RIght todays moan is over, if you've managed to stay with me to here well done! I wish I could say there was a prize but hey lifes tough! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/14/sign-sign-like-your-life-depends-upon-it-4044734/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/14/sign-sign-like-your-life-depends-upon-it-4044734/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/11/the-things-they-say-4032283/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-11:/2008/04/11/the-things-they-say-4032283/Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:59:51 +0200 <p>I love my son to bits but sometimes I just want to die with embarrasment - take today for example...<br> My friend asked if I would watch her little girl who is also 5, whilst she nipped out - Sure, not a problem, bring her over I reply. Next I turn to my son and say 'if theres anything you dont want B to play with then put it away now. I know this may sound harsh but he is very protective over his toys and B has a tendency to be, shall we say 'heavy handed' with things. Not a problem, job done, B arrives with her mum and my lovely son promptly announces 'mummys put everything away so that you dont break it!' Oh I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole...... fortunatly her mum saw the funny side of it and even said she would do the same but even so...<img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/11/the-things-they-say-4032283/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/11/the-things-they-say-4032283/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/09/a-good-day-4022964/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-09:/2008/04/09/a-good-day-4022964/Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:43:31 +0200 <p>Well I have had quite a positive day today for the first time in ages (my own fault which I will tell you about in a bit, thats if you're still reading by then of course!). Some friends took me and my son out to a Car Boot - I love Car Boots but there are never any local ones so they all involve a drive out and so to me and my son it was a real treat. I managed to get some great bargains too! My son spotted a Scalectrix which he has been asking for for a while now so I know its not some fad thats going to come and go too quickly, however they wanted £12 for it! Now maybe its me being tight but I thought that is a lot to ask at a Car Boot, especially when you dont know if its going to work, after all you only have the sellers word to go on....Anyway my friend likes haggling so I sent him back with an amount I was prepared to go to but they wouldnt budge! We carried on walking around and all the time Im thinking, well if its still there when we've been around I might go back for it! But someone was looking out for me because we spotted another stall that had two sets on it and only wanted £3 per per set! Bargain alert! Needless to say we took one each lol! My son (and dare I say it - me too!) was really impressed when we got home because although the box was slightly battered everything inside was still in its original packaging with the stickers not even put on or opened! So for £3 my son got a brand spanking new scalextrix! Not bad eh!?</p> <p>Anyway back to boring old me! Incase you are interested, which you are probably not but I'll tell you anyway! Due to previous issues and problems I have spent almost a year on anti-depressants, well about 2 weeks ago I thought I actually feel OK and so instead of getting a repeat prescription I decided I didnt need them anymore, the first week was fine, but this last week has been awful, I have had no motivation, just want to sleep (impossible at the best of times with a 5yr old boy!) and generally have felt rubbish. Well friends have convinced me to go back to the doctors and so tomorrow I will risk the wrath of my local GP, the thing is I just dont want to be dependant on them forever, after all I will never learn coping strategies for future everyday problems if I am relying on pills to see me through, well we will see what he says tomorrow.....<br></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/09/a-good-day-4022964/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehealthhttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/09/a-good-day-4022964/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/mini-sleepover-4012507/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-07:/2008/04/07/mini-sleepover-4012507/Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:38:51 +0200 <p>Well as I sit typing this my 5 year old is fast asleep beside me - thank goodness! Its been a long day! My son has a severe nut allergy which means that sleeping at friends houses is not always an option, (though there are two parents who also work at the school he attends and so have been trained in the use of his Epi-Pen should the need ever arise, and he has spent the night at one of theirs) . With it being half term we decided to have a mini sleepover in the living room - just the two of us lol! Fortunatly my sofa folds out into a very comfortable double bed so I am not roughing it too much! Anyway it was decided that we would get together some treats and sit and watch some films of his choice - Big Mistake! Big Big Mistake! Power Rangers!? Who on earth thought up that idea, he loves them, I bit my tongue for nearly 3 hours - that will teach me! Bring back the days of Bob and Thomas - pleeeeease!!!! I never thought I would say that and mean it so sincerely!</p> <p>I am finally allowed o watch some grown up television and guess what - theres nothing on! I cant believe I pay for extra channels on cable tv and there is still nothing on! Oh well maybe I will go dig a dvd out for myself, thats if I dont fall asleep before the end!</p> <p>And so ends another day, at least I dont have a sore throat yet, though I am sure by the end of the two week school holiday I may well have! Dont get me wrong - its not through shouting but constant chatter- my son could do battle with the best of chatterboxes and probably win!Still that makes him who he is and thats why I love him. So until tomorrow - goodnight xx</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/mini-sleepover-4012507/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/mini-sleepover-4012507/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/06/new-years-resolution-so-what-if-its-spri-4005365/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-06:/2008/04/06/new-years-resolution-so-what-if-its-spri-4005365/Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:29:09 +0200 <p>Well I did it - yes I got my bike out and went for my first bike ride of the year! Not bad considering my new years resolution was to take up cycling again an try to get fitter!<br>My son and I got our bikes out and set off to visit a relative who lives not too far away but far enough I decided! Upon getting my bike out I remembered the front tyre needed pumping up and so duly went to reinflate it - only I couldnt figure out how to attach the adapter to the pump (attached it to the tyre no problem!) so I sent a text to a friend who offered have a look at it for me!Sometimes I really live up to my blondeness!<br>Anyway once this was done and I was out of sight of prying eyes I got on and off we went! I never thought I would say this but going slower is actually harder than going faster!. My little boy had to peddle so fast to keep up even though i was hardly moving, even so I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it and have definetly got the motivation now to keep going!</p> <p>The last couple of days have been so so here, I put in the claim for benefits which they now do over the phone!? Gave them all of my information to be told that they deal with all benefits from one central point now so that I wont have to call everybody as I had envisaged. How effective this turns out to be time will tell....</p> <p>As I say theres not a lot to tell at the moment but I didnt want to not put anything either!? Hopefully once I get used to this blogging I will work out a healthy balance between not posting and posting - until then you will just have to put up with my dribble - sorry!<br></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/06/new-years-resolution-so-what-if-its-spri-4005365/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurebenefitslifehttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/06/new-years-resolution-so-what-if-its-spri-4005365/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/03/title-3991828/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-03:/2008/04/03/title-3991828/Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:49:41 +0200 <p>This is funny....<br> <a href="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh96/silvermist_album/ccjoke.jpg">http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh96/silvermist_album/ccjoke.jpg</a></p> <p>(sorry i dont know how to insert an image on here yet!) hope the link works otherwise this will be a waste of time!<br> ______________________________________________________________________________________________ </p> <p>How can you tell this table is being sold by a man?<br> And don't cheat either!! It's not hard to tell!! </p> <p>This table was for sale on eBay. How can you tell it is being sold by a man?<br> Can you solve this little riddle? First look and guess.<br> You will find the answer below, but don't cheat! </p> <p>Know the answer? </p> <p>If not, scroll down now..... </p> <p>OK, Look in the mirror.<br> Remember, if you are posting a picture on the world-wide web,<br> WEAR CLOTHES when taking the picture.<br> I NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD...<br> AND IT WAS POSTED ON eBay!!!</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif" alt="8|" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/03/title-3991828/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/03/title-3991828/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/03/comfort-corner-3989406/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-03:/2008/04/03/comfort-corner-3989406/Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:32:00 +0200 <p>Comfort Corner is a forum that I have helped to set up with some friends. It is a place to go, let off steam, play games, chat - infact anything you want to do! It is still very small as we have only been running a month or so and as it is the first time we have ever done anything like this we are learning as we go along! Please pop along and say Hi, there is a warm welcome for everyone! We need more members to make this work - please help us!</p> <p>I have put the link to the left of my posts (for some reasons it says 'Other Blogs' - as you can tell I am still learning lots!)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/03/comfort-corner-3989406/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/03/comfort-corner-3989406/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/02/am-i-a-soft-target-3987578/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-04-02:/2008/04/02/am-i-a-soft-target-3987578/Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:26:51 +0200 <p>My son has glue ear - the consequence of which means that constant ear infections occur resulting in time of school...today was one such day! I am sirry but I need to let of steam - if you are not in the mood to hear my rambling rants then please stop reading now!</p> <p>On Monday I kept my son off school due to ear ache and leaky ears, he had also been up during the night, you would think as a mother I should be entitled to decide whether to keep my child at home but its not that simple in this day and age due to that lovely little thing called 'targets'. Unfortunatly my sons school has a below average attendance figure (this is overall and therefor includes the whole school) and they have decided that to address this they will contact all parents whose child is not at school - fair enough it would seem reasonable that they need to know why someone is not at school. However the phonecall made me feel so guilty that I hadmade that decission that I sent him back to school on Tuesday with a request that if he was unwell during the day they contact me....</p> <p>On the way home from school Tuesday I discover that my son had beeen sat with a sick bucket and a glass of water and had eaten no lunch, though no one thought there was any need to contact me!? We arrive home and he slept from 4.30pm until the early hours of this morning, enough said - something was not right as any mother of a 5 year old boy will tell you!</p> <p>Again I contacted the school to inform them that we would be visiting the doctors today and therefor not in school to which I recieved a surprised reply - 'but he has only just returned to school' - errr yes but I no longer feel confident that you will contact me if he takes a turn for the worst and so therefor I will keep him at home until he is 100%.</p> <p>It amazes me that they are capable of making me feel so guilty when there are parents whose children dont attend school for a myriad of trivial reasons - its raining, the parents have a hangover, they dont want to go today etc etc....I understand the school have targets to reach but why are they not concentrating on persistent offenders who have lots of days here and there and instead on people like us who have to take time off usually in week blocks due to the nature of the problem??? Simple - I am a soft target who remains polite on the phone (even though I am screaming inside), and takes on board what they say along with the feelings of guilt.</p> <p>Anyway the good news is there is no sign of infection, ear canals are just a little red and or appointment with ENT is being bought forward...Until then we continue as we are. Back to school tomorrow? We will see... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/02/am-i-a-soft-target-3987578/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lifehealthhttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/04/02/am-i-a-soft-target-3987578/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/03/31/the-tooth-fairy-is-coming-3977408/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-03-31:/2008/03/31/the-tooth-fairy-is-coming-3977408/Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:58:57 +0200 <p>Well my son lost his first tooth today and so the arrival of the tooth fairy is imminent, its all so exciting lol! But I must admit to having had a little bit of a moment shortly after I had been proudly presented with this tooth. All of a sudden I realised that this tooth was a symbol of my little boy becoming a big boy! Ok I know in reality that has been going on for a long time (he suddenly grew up overnight after starting school) but it was as if I had been presented with a physical symbol of this life changing event and it made me think about all sorts of things.<br> Lets hope the tooth fairy spreads out her visits though because as of today I am now officially unemployed. I have worked ever since my son was little and recently took the difficult decision to give up work - I thought it would get easier to carry on working as he got older but it actually got harder. When he was little I could take him to a private daycare nursery in the morning before work and then pick him up after work (usually about 8.30-5.30) and he loved it there, I really think it helped him to develop those social skills too. However when he started school last year a whole new nightmare began! The school I applied to had lots of childminders that picked up children from there, however we never got a place. The school he is at now is lovely but there are no childminders in the vicinity! I tried going part time to fit in with school hours but then if he was ill I had to take time off meaning I struggled in when I was ill so that it wouldnt be so bad if I was only off once. Anyway to cut a long story short I have decided to give up work and speand some quality time with my son and with the two weeks holiday coming up we will have lots of time to do so.<br>I do hope this hasnt bored you too much and promise that I will try to make future posts a bit more interesting! However this blog writing is all new to me so it may take me a while to develop my skills! Please bear with me!<br><img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smileys60.gif" border="0" alt=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/03/31/the-tooth-fairy-is-coming-3977408/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/03/31/the-tooth-fairy-is-coming-3977408/#commentshttp://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/all-about-me-3946224/tag:trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk,2008-03-26:/2008/03/26/all-about-me-3946224/Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:37:06 +0100 <p>Well this is it - the first boring bit! I am a 31 year old single mum to a gorgeous little boy who is 5 years old, he is my world. I never planned on being a single mum, I went to University got a good degree followed by a good job but was living with a control freak (and thats being nice!), yet unfortunatly it took me 5 years and a certain incident when my son was 7 months old to make me see sense. After a long emotional battle I am finally at a point in my life where I am starting to feel stronger and more positive aboout things and hope I will be able to share some of lifes experiences with you here...and even if no-one reads this at least I can get things of my chest!<br> As well as sharing my house with my son I also have a cat and yesterday acquired a chinchilla and both are gorgeous!<br> I hope you dont find this too dull and I look forward to any comments/suggestions </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/all-about-me-3946224/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://Trialsandtriulations.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/all-about-me-3946224/#comments