MRI and a quote of the day

I phoned up this morning to get a date for my MRI and low and behold instead of being a 6-12 month wait I'm on a maximum 15 week wait! WOW, I'm obviously more of a concern to my neurosurgeon than I thought?

I was given a date of next Thursday but there lies a problem.......It's the day before my BIRTHDAY. I'm going away on Friday and Saturday with hubby for a lovely romantic (I hope) weekend and I do not want to have the 6 hour round drive wearing me out beforehand and so that date would never do. I've asked for four weeks later as I know hubby will be onhand to drive me there.......I'm dreading the thought of the MRI already......however it may answer some questions? In other countries and MRI is standard post operatively but not here? We know here it's because of cash flow and the lack of it but I've had ten months of pain, increasing pain meds and decreasing bladder control. Surely this is an indicator to something not being right? I don't suppose another month will make any difference to my MRI date as I'm not planning to have any further surgery no matter what my surgeon says.

Changing the subject, anyone that knows me knows I tend to overthink things and that said, I found this quote:

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.-- Albert Camus

I used to be a member of a forum and I became a popular member amoungst some but with others there was a certain amount of jealousy. That's how I see it anyway, I could be wrong? I found I had some people who looked towards me and then followed and had no personality of their own but of course I ALWAYS had true friends who have stayed with me. Amongst those followers were the jealous ones who tried to bring me down. I cannot understand those sorts of people? Why are they out there? Why do they behave in such a way?

That quote hits a few points because I'm not a natural leader but I have become one in my volunteer role without trying and apparently I am good at it yet I didn't want to be in that role innitially. I'm glad for a break this year as it's given me a chance to recharge my batteries.....But then there is the friendship part of life? I'm definately my own person there but love my friends dearly.

Wireless

Hmmmmmmm! Yipppppeeeeeeeee! I'm wireless free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I've finally worked it out and connected the router. My laptop is supposed to be a wireless model however it doesn't seem to be woring that way without the router? What the heck it is now. I've got to get my daughter a wireless card for her PC and then that's it, we have our own network.

My daughter is going to have her assessment with the counselor tomorrow. She's nervous about it but this is something that needs to be done and is right for her. I hope she is as courageous as possible and takes me in her pocket (which is where I've strategically placed myself). It's tough being 13 and then having a mum who's become disabled hasn't helped. I'm also quite a bossy cow and I guess that's also a hard thing for her to take as she's fairly laid back. The other part of her life that I think has affected her more than she's willing to say is the loss of my mother. It's been four years on the 4 February and my daughter and mum were close. My daughter did not understand of my mother's drinking as there was no way I was going to tell my kids about that. I have spoken to them now and I don't know how much they've taken in nor how mow much they want too?
Maybe this is a problem, maybe not?
Daughter is home from orchestra..............
Love her.

Not wireless yet!

I have this lovely new wireless computer yet I still am not able to use it as a wireless computer?

I'm in talks with the technical department of Hewlett Packard and I hope to have this sorted as soon as possible because it would be soooooo helpful.

Not been around for the last few days as I've had a couple of up and down days. Saturday was good but then it started........That monster started to beat me up again! Sunday I woke feeling rather poorly and stayed in bed all morning. I knew I had a course today on 'keeping children safe' (more on that later), I had this course so I knew I must tae it very easy on Sunday or else I would not be able to enjoy the morning. I did however start cooking the dinner although the hubby finnished it off and it was masterpiece by all accounts.

The course this morning was updating my skills on child protection issues. As a school governor, I and my fellow govs, have quite a large responsibility to ensure that child protection policy is being followed. I've been the CP governor for about 4 years now and I know all is fine at our school and felt quite pleased.....if a little smug to hear how other schools were maybe not as on the ball as ours. On the other hand, does that mean maybe some children could be slipping through the net? I hope not! The course today was for Headteachers and for the appointed child protection governor because the overall policy has changed and in turn this means practically EVERY SINGLE POLICY in school also has to change to take into account the new rules. I'm not the Chair this year and I'm thinking as the chair which I mustn't.......I must phone her later though and fill her in. The only problem with sitting for 3 hours (with a little break) is my back is so sore. I'm lying on my recliner which even though it's brand new - NEEDS REPAIRING! I don't know........

Any news? Not really. My daughter is playing in a concert in March. This time it's in her capacity as part of the city junior wind band. I don't know if I said last time but she's also got a solo in the spring concert and that's part of her school orchestra. She very nervous about that one but I know she'll be a star. My son who is a bit of an over acheiver disappointed himself with hi mock reading exams - These are to do with exams he has in May. He wants to get level 5s across the board, English, Math and Science and the reading was a small part which he got upset about. I told him to do his best and if he did that then what was there to worry about? "I WANT A LEVEL 5 NOW MUM!" The silly thing is that a 4b is all he should be attaining - Not NOW in MAY!!!!! That's the average Joe score for an 11 year old in the UK. My son doesn't want average; he wants level 5s so that he can get into the masterclass at senior school next year but that's going to be tough. He could find that there is a year of very intelligent children and he misses out? I've been telling him that it does not matter except it does to him. Masterclass means he will be fast tracked and that's what he wants........So THANK THE LORD! He easily scored a Level5 in math and lets just hope his science is just as good or I'm going to have more gentle comforting to do.

Got to try and check some emails before I can't stand my back pain any longer - Oh also I'm on those strong antibiotics again for a UTI and I feel so sick. It must be the antibiotics because it's been ever since I started taking them and I remember having a similar reaction before but not this bad! Problem is that every time I eat, I feel sick. It stopped me having that gorgeous roast yesterday and I hate it AAARRRRGGGHHH!

New laptop and still and snowy day

Second post of the day as lots to say.

I have a NEW LAPTOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The other two were driving completely around the bend.

I'm relieved to have a new one and it's great ......no.......challenging to have a new keyboard as I keep spelling everything wrong but what the heck, I'll get used to it eventually. As I said on my last entry it is a beautiful snowy day here in southern UK. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6293741.stm

We are being told that there is more to come along the south coast with my region experiencing the worst of the weather. It's so unusual for us, that said the snow has mostly gone from the pavements and roads (thankfully). The only problem we have in the UK is that everything grinds to a halt when we have a bit of snow. My husband worked last night and he got on the train at 7.18am for the 40 minute journey. He phoned me at 7.55am and said the train was going at a snails speed and he would not be home to get my son to school! Oh hell panic stations. It also meant that I had to rearrange my doctor's appointment (the second blood test to check to see if my thyroid is working OK). Finally my poor hubby walked in the door at 9.45am. He normally arrives home any time between 7.50am and 8.10am........ To say he was tired is un understatement.

I have some of my governor work which I must get on with. It's good for my spirit and I feel much happier now I am in communication with my friends again. I had a telephone conversation with one friend yesterday who has had a terrible situation befall her. I won't be talking about it here but I know she reads my blog and I'm sending her my love and thoughts too. Actually I#m sening all of my friends my love because you all know you mean so much to me. It's hard when I can't get onto my email and the computer issues brought me down. I wonder if the second computer had a virus as well as a broken socket? It's still not been sent away and so I don't know the reasons for this? As the socket is under the warranty, we can have that done for free but I'm going to get the computer looked at for the other reasons. Its either virus OR overload. The memory was small as it was brought for me as a cheap christmas pressie - Not that it was CHEAP! Laptops have come down in price and they are so much more better value for money.

I'm going to try and give a tip of the day or a recipe or try to have something special to my blog entries to make them more exciting? I haven't thought about it much yet so forgive me for the first one.

CEZZY'S INTERNET SAFETY TIPS
Seeing as I've been a victim of crazies, stalkers and people who like to pretend they are six or seven people, I thought I'd just put these little tips here for those who'd like to read them. Bye for today. X


PROTECTING YOUR SAFETY
Never give your password to anyone for any reason
Be cautious about giving out personal information
Make your password hard to guess
Change your password regularly
Use a mix of numbers and letters in your password
Protect your computer with a firewall and virus software
Don't open any email attachments from people you don't know

SHOPPING ON THE WEB
Visit www.internic.net to see who owns the site
Check out web companies with the Better Business Bureau
Don't give out credit card number unless site is secure
Secure site will have "lock" symbol at bottom of page
Don't give personal info unless a reputable company
Look for the company's return policy before ordering
File any complaints with the Better Business Bureau

Let it snow....and more!

I haven't downloaded any new smilies onto this new laptop yet (Oh yes there is lots to tell) but if I had I would be eagerly putting SNOW SNOW SNOW here today.

The south of England has been covered with more snow than I can remember for a good couple of years. It's jolly cold too and my poor cleaning lady has just arrived fro her short walk from her house frozen to the bone. Two 'cuppas' later (cups of tea) and a good chat about Big Brother and we're both feeling more chilled out but in the metaphorical sense.

My blog needs to give a mention to the English celebrity Big Brother because anyone who knows me knows I LOVE BIG BROTHER! I'm an absolute addict whether it be the normal version which runs in the summer or the charity version every January. This year's celebrities have hit the headlines all over the world with the 'racism row' and I hope that is now dying down at least until some of the other housemates come out. Jade Goody, was the first housemate to be kicked out as a result of the racism row and she's been on nearly every single chat show crying and asking Shilpa Shetty's parents for forgiveness. I've put some links below and for those who are reading my blog in other parts of the world and have not heard of all the furore and IF you want to know more, please go and check the links out. I've put four to try and give a more balanced view when it comes to the jade heated argument and apologies afterwards. What it does not do though is talk about the underlying fact that of course racism exists! BUT I also believe Jade would have reacted the same way had Shilpa been a white person so what would it had been called then? Straight forward bullying that's what!

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/24/stories/2007012402481600.htm
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=349195&archisec=ENT&archisubsec=1
http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/22shilpa.htm
http://www.channel4.com/bigbrother/housemates/housemate_news.jsp?id=16

My own view is this. We have this show which is HUGELY popular with our youngsters in the UK. Celebrities that choose to go on a show such as BB know what they are letting themselves in for. I've never seen a celeb take n a show such as that who is at the top of their career with anything to loose. It is always the opposite.
The producers of BIG BROTHER knew exactly what they were doing when they stuck those weird and wondrous personalities in that house and they knew that certain ones would not mix. They knew that Danielle for instance is a 23 year old spoilt little brat but does she know that when she comes out of the house that she has lost EVERYTHING because of her words and actions.

Back to Jade. I've watched her on a four shows since she's come out of the house and I wish her agent would allow her to have some space away from the TV screen now and be reunited with her kids. It's a disgrace that her windows have all been smashed because of a TV show? Last year there were TWO bullies on BB and I cannot recall hearing anything about either of these two? PETE BURNS AND GEORGE GALLOWAY. How quickly the British public forget these.
The difference this time is because of the question "Was this racist?" This is a real worry for me because I could be considered racist then as I quite often copy my friends accents just as the housemates did and this was ONE aspect which was Jade's downfall. We have many people coming over to this country and this enables labour to become cheaper and my husband has himself said "I wish sometimes 'they' (when he sees something on the TV) would go back to their own country". Does that make him racist? I've NEVER considered myself racist nor does my husband. He has colleagues who use nasty terms to refer to Asians and I won't use the words here and my husband hated repeating those words when we talked about it yesterday. This issue has created a countrywide debate and that is a good thing. I've always tried to bring my kids up with tolerance and that doesn't just mean race, that means disability, age, height etc. We all come in differing shapes and sizes don't we?

Jade's only mistake was talking before she engaged her brain. She's not the sharpest tool in the box and SHE HERSELF would admit to that and NO ignorance can not be an excuse all the time but in this case it certainly can.

HOWEVER, when Jade's boyfriend comes out I hope she gets rid of him quicker than you can say big brother because he's a nasty piece of scum and yes he is racist! (IMHO)
Danielle - Again stupid and immature and I cannot make my mind up on her. I don't think she deserves to gain any credibility from this show and she will certainly will not now. I hear she has lost her footballer boyfriend and lost her modelling contract too......Silly girl.
Jo - the last one in the act is the one I cannot make my mind up about. It was almost as though she allowed herself to be manipulated into the game and became a 27 year schoolgirl. Almost like she felt she had to become a bully or be bullied? She's had panic attacks and is terrified of what is going on in the outside world even though the housemates have no real idea. I guess the fact that Jade had no crowds waiting for her told them that it was pretty grim!

Who do I want to win? I'd still like CLEO however SHILPA deserves the UK to tell her that we treat our guests from other countries with respect and we do not bully as a rule. Yes there is a minority and that is what I am trying to say here. I'm willing to stand up for the majority and say SHILPA TO WIN!!!!

low battery

quick post

LOW BATTERY and lead is not working!


ARRGGHH!

Oh for goodness sakes!

Oh I apologize for a bloody mess but I've not been able to get on the net for the past 24 hours as I've downloaded Microsoft internet seven or whatever you call it and that and McAfee updates have been driving me crazy!!!!!!!

I could not turn my computer OFF yet I could not get onto the net? What a night. Still having problems finding my email and favourites and now have found my blog addy! Maybe I shall find my email addy next?

In the meantime, I'm having a decent enough day. I have been to a governors meeting this afternoon which was wonderful and I set the headteachers objectives for next year. I enjoyed that one but the only problem was my partner in the job is a bit of a nightmare and he keeps saying things and blaming me. I almost thumped him but is was a professional set up. What a nightmare.

So I'm home now and I'm topped up with my meds. My kids and hubby are at the dentist or should I say will finish soon. I'm worried my daughter will need a filling but hoping it's just a molar coming through. She's growing in every direction and her teeth are no different! My son should be OK or at least I hope so too. He had those four teeth out a few months back because of 'A plastic 6s'. That's when the number six adult teeth come through completely lacking in enamel. My son struggled on for quite some time before the pain kicked in and he had to have those teeth removed. The dental surgery would only take two teeth out at a time because they are such large teeth. We were told to wait two months in between the surgeries to give him time to get over it but my poor boy was in agony. I phoned up after a week and said; "Please help now?" Yes, my son recieved the help he needed. Shame he lost those teeth however his wisdom teeth will come through now without too much of a problem.

I've got to see the dentist.........I need help on that part as my nerve has gone again.........Silly isn't it? I can have spinal surgery but a dentist scares the hell out of me. I dare not tell my kids I'm so scared again and I had lost that fear??? A shot of vallium might help?

Off to find my email addy ........Just found my spell check!

WOOOOOO HOOOOO!

My clever little man!

My son's team WON 6-4 and my super young son in his first official match scored the first try of the game! He saw one of the foward's was being targeted and the ball was free. No one was looking at my son who grabbed the ball and ran his socks off and went for the line. For those who do not know anything about UK Rugby Union you are as informed as I am??? I will attempt to inpart knowledge as I gain it later on. But there you go, my baby scored the first try and was ellated.

It was a good game by all accounts and the opposing team held on for dear life, and later on myDD found out why his team mates wear tight lycra shorts underneath their shorts. One of the lads from the opposition grabbed my lad's tender parts to stop him gaining another try.

I've already ordered a pair of lycra shorts.

I'm in the middle of cooking dinner and I have rotten heartburn. The tummyache is moving upwards it would seem?

Need to catch up on emails and please forgive me friends IF I do not get a chance to fulfil what I want to do today. The kids have homework to complete too and I must ensure they have time on the internet too and I don't hog it all........Must also consider the cost of wireless internet and if this is more feasible for us? Problem is that my daughter will be on the net all the time.

Good luck

Best of luck to my son today who is playing in hs first rugby tournament.

My hubby has taken him and will be there to cheer him along. It's in a nearby town and my poor husband is shattered as he worked last night and didn't sleep much yesterday either. He has tonight off thankfully and that will help his 'knackerdness' (he he).

Roast chicken for dinner today. I'm feeling pretty good and with the assistance of my daughter, I will be able to prepare it for the boys. If I sit down and not carry anything heavy, I'll be OK.

Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban was on the TV last night and the kids and I watched it all together .........and jumped out of our skins at one point. It was actually funny afterwards because we had this silly image of us sitting there and then - "OOOOOOOOH". This silly teacher at Hogwarts put her hand on Harry's shoulder and that was the cause of our fear???? Sounds silly to say that but you needed to see it to realise why we were all so jumpy.

Sitting here with a painful tum. Don't know where it has come from? 'The bowels of windiland'! (Sorry couldn't resist but I think that might help)

Off now.........At a 100 miles per hour if that windy problem keeps up>>>>>>>>>>>

A recipe

Hello Daisy!

I need to ask you a favour? Can't remember your blog address and I REALLY want to read it.
Big hugs and much love to you as always and you know I think the a great deal of you. Others have tried to cause havoc and I cannot believe that grown woman (and men) will behave in such a childish manner on the net? It really is quite shocking.

My blog entry today will be about....what I had for supper.

Lovely recipe here for you.

Pasta - One that likes to be coated. We (My daughter and I is the 'we' today but she didn't have the same sauce because OH NO my kids both wanted differing dinners didn't they? Why on earth cook three meals? I told them "FINE, if you want different meals, you cook them".....
Anyway, cook the pasta however take off a minute or two from the cooking time from what it says on the packet. Personally I dislike my pasta two 'squishy'.

Salmon fillet cooked to your liking, again I'm stating my personal choice here which is to heat a pan/skillet and add olive oil and a nob of butter to the pan. Cook the salmon skin side down first and after 30 seconds turn the heat down a touch. After a couple of minutes turn the salmon over and when it is nearly cooked take it out of the pan/skillet and put it in oven to keep warm while you cook the sauce.

Items required for sauce.
Capers
Petite Pois
Shallot - finely chopped
2 Glasses of White Wine
Creme Fraiche/sour cream)
Veg stock cube

Fry the shallots in olive oil on a medium heat. Add the cappers and wine and stock cube. I add the wine as I go along but that's my choice. What's next? ..........Oh add the petite pois now because you want to keep the green colour. When the wine is nearly evaporated, add the creme fraiche (a small tub is enough for two people). Add the sauce to the pasta then put the pasta in a pasta bowl then lay the salmon fillet on top.

One gorgeous Piggy's Fishy pasta.

Must go, I'm watching Harry Potter with my lad and it's a wicked film (or so you say when you are 10).

Good luck to my daughter

My daughter officially starts the state/county junior youth orchestra today!

She was asked before Christmas if she would like to join and she went along to a course which led to a concert on 30 December and I was so proud to see my darling daughter playing (even if I couldn't really see her head above the violinists!!!!) I knew she was there didn't I?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Since posting the above my daughter has come home with her 'finger injury'. I had a phone call earlier from her school to explain that she had hurt her finger on some sort of machine and her finger had been still bleeding after some considerable time. One of the school first aider's had managed to stem the bleeding or so she hoped, and phoned me at that point; the deal was that my daughter was going to report back at break if her finger was still causing her concern and we heard nothing more until my girly came home with a delightful bandage upon her digit. I've taken a look and it's nasty cut which goes into her nail. Her fingertip is tingling and her finger itself feels "different to the others". My own experience with peripheral neuropathy tells me the warning signs with that phrase! We're going to keep an eye on her and I don't think she needs hospital treatment anyway which would frighten without me. She hates her dad having to take her anywhere!!!!! My daughter still intends to go along to the orchestra later and will, with the appropriate size bandage, play her clarinet tonight. I was told that she has the best talent out of all the clarinetists and she'll fit in easily and that reminds me, I must sort out her money for a tour she's doing too (brain fart there).

Long blog entry today. Hope all who read this are well?

Hugs to all.

Tired

Hi all.

Had another mad moment and decided to tidy our my daughter's cupboards, or clossets to my American friends. She's a mucky pup and throws her clothes in and hopes they might walk out in the right order but of course they do not. I've also taken out the clothes we both decided we would keep back for next summer because there is no way they will fit her. She's grown beyond all proportion and will need a fair few new bits to fill out her wardrobe - I hope only cheap ones!

I'm still awaiting news on my other laptop? I'm not sure if it can even be repaired? In the meantime I shall sit/lie here and wait. I've had a nice day though and I've ordered tickets for BILLY ELLIOT, It's a show in London and we shall all go and stay down there for a couple of days in the Easter vacation. My kids would like their cousins to come down in the half term and so that vacation is out. I like spending time with my kids as much as I can and when I feel good I want to enjoy that time. Can't wait!

Rugby Sunday

It's a cold one today and my kids are both out there doing there things. My daughter is riding ponies and my son tried out for the local rugby team and was offered a place in a tournament next week! He's thrilled to bits but I'm just a tad worried because of the fear element. He had his gum shield in and still cut his gum. He was bashed and I imagine bruised by the morning but he loves it. He loved it at school except it was 'tag rugby'; this is full contact rugby, a totally different ball game (excuse the pun).

I'm still awaiting my old computer back and running on this old one. I hope to have it back shortly and then I can communicate with my buddies better. I feel cut off and it upsets me greatly. I've had a tearful day and maybe that is why I'm worrying about my son and rugby more than I would under normal circumstanstances. I've had some tears about my parents because this time of year is so hard for me. It's full of memories and sadness because I those dates of 11 December, dad's death, 18 January, weeks after my father died, his mother passed away; 26 January my mother's death and 4 February only 5 days before my own birthday, my mother died. So I don't like this time. I find it hard to cope with and those around me don't want to hear all the time about this do they and I don't think they would understand? It's been seven years since I lost my dad and it will be four years next month since mum died. My tears today and emotions were just as strong as they were when they died. I didn't have the best relationship with my mum however I loved her none the less. Dad was a martyr to put up with me and mum arguing! He was a wonderful man and I hope he was looking down and his grandson today with pride.

Tomorrow is Monday again. I'm trying to organise a night away next month for my birthday. Huby should be doing that but that's not what he does. We're also planning a trip with the kids to London to catch a show and do some other interesting bits we would not do at home. The show tickets cost more than the hotel at the moment as we like good tickets!

That's all for today.

Speak again soon.

Happy New Year (Computer Hell)

I'm hoping that Daisy will read this and pass it on to as many of my cyber budies as possible. I was hoping to use this laptop while my other one was on the fix it shop to send emails etc but this one is laiden with viruses and I dare not send anything to anyone! I'm sure you all understand.

It has taken me about 25 minutes to boot it up and get here and I'm having REAL problems with it but please be assured it is onlyt my computer giving me issues and I'm OK as is the family. We are all fine and enjoyed a great new year's eve with my in-laws yesterday. My MIL cooked turkey and veg brought it over and I cooked the potatoes and sweet potatoes. My son cooked the pudding and we had a fab lunch.

Last night we told the kids that we were agreeing to buy them pets this year and I would not allow my darling husband to go back on his word anymore. NO MORE! Those kids have been my little saviours on too many occassions and they deserve this.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!