tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27176320280760104502024-02-07T02:31:40.384+00:00Latte, chocolate and night shiftsLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-5596520909743960942015-01-14T09:50:00.001+00:002015-01-14T18:48:01.202+00:00Surprisingly good!<span id="goog_1729679211"></span>Being a nurse and having worked in a GP's surgery before I qualified I have certain expectations of Doctors but I certainly learned not to judge a book by its cover on my recent visit!<br />
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Half an hour late and you're already a little bit disgruntled, to be greeted by a doctor who was probably half my age, whose hair had not seen a brush in days and was sat chewing gum, and continued to do so throughout the whole consultation...is it just me or is that a tad unprofessional?<br />
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Anyway, I had 2 points for discussion, one required further action on GPs side, a letter to a specialist which I'm not convinced she'll remember to do as she'd forgotten by the time she did a recap at the end! And then we moved on to the second point, and it was here that I was surprised!<br />
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I had discussed my issue with a colleague and had then, obviously, gleaned the internet for further<br />
information and, as all good nurses do, had self-diagnosed, I wanted to see if she agreed! I reeled off my symptoms, to which she listened to, considered carefully and then offered her diagnosis...it matched...hurrah! Maybe she was ok after all! After a brief discussion, 10 minutes is never enough is it?, she not only made me feel like I wasn't going mad but she actually offered me medications to try and help straight away...finally I was getting somewhere!<br />
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So, I'm 6 days into my new medicine, felt like rubbish up until this morning, burst into tears on a colleague on Sunday, slept most of Monday and am still in some pain but I'm feeling hopeful! Positive action is required so I'm off to my first yoga class today and have got a 1-2-1 session booked when I'm off in 2 weeks time...this could be the start of something wonderful<br />
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Hoping to be able to report brilliant things next week, until then...<br />
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LxLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-40488075687181752592015-01-06T11:23:00.003+00:002015-01-06T11:23:27.150+00:00Do more of what makes you happy!<img src="webkit-fake-url://9D4D5527-09AE-4E4B-A70E-A618B891AA37/imagejpeg" /><br />
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Source - Kikki-k Collaborative Happiness Project<br />
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This year my first resolution is to keep my blog going!<br />
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I am determined to endeavour to actually stick to my resolutions this year. Some are the same old, same old but others I have taken up due to the wonder of social media and the virtual 'friends' I have had the pleasure of 'meeting'!<br />
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Quite obviously the first resolution is the title for this post! We all get so embroiled in 'doing stuff' that we lose sight of what is important! Work enables us to do so much yet leaves us drained, distracted and sometimes disillusioned with the world around us! My work, Paediatric Intensive Care, always makes me realise how simple my life is and how complicated some others lives are, I am truly grateful to be on the side of the bed I'm on.<br />
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However that does not mean my life is without frustrations, my youngest, H, is rapidly approaching teenage-dom and is challenging to say the least, delighting in playing one off against the other (we are a step-family so 'Dad' is texted over every event that does not meet with H's approval) and generally being a normal pre-teen, by that I mean untidy, argumentative, idle and prone to being a little smelly every so often!! I will save more detail for future posts.<br />
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K, now 14, works hard, studies lots and has settled down a lot. This age is interesting, she is definitely becoming her own person, dealing with changing friendship groups (girls can be so awkward), admiring glances and approaches from the opposite sex (including a 4 month boyfriend)<br />
and, to my complete joy, discovering the films I watched at her age, starting with 'The Breakfast Club' so I get to watch them all over again (my brother will love this)!!<br />
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L and K, the eldest and boyfriend, have both got new jobs, interests (L is into knitting and crochet - another resolution of mine is to get her to teach me) and are busy planning a trip away to. New York! We went for my 40th, report to follow, and I hope they have the most amazing time, I cannot wait to go back!!<br />
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E has settled down with her boyfriend J, they both have new jobs too and J seems to be doing really well and climbing the ladder already and they are planning a future together, flat/house discussions and the like. J is lovely and I think he will fit in perfectly with our madness. We will soon find out as we're all off to CentreParcs later this year...cannot wait!<br />
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Mr W continues to be my rock, better half and steadying influence! I am prone to a vivid imagination and can be slightly melodramatic (sometimes) but he brings reason into my life and reassures me that he will always be there for me and I love him!!<br />
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Just a brief(ish) update and more resolutions to follow as 2015 is the year of 'sticking to it'<br />
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Lx<br />
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*well I promise to try my hardest!<br />
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<br />Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-9868546185473370122013-08-17T18:28:00.001+01:002013-08-17T19:01:01.161+01:00Running to 40...Today saw the real start of my 'Running to 40' challenge, for those of you who follow me on Twitter, are friends on Facebook or have read my blog before I hope you know what I am talking about!<div><br></div><div>My 'Running to 40' challenge is my midlife crisis in slightly different wrapping! It is a series of activities on the lead up to my birthday and beyond and will probably continue until I come to my senses! My intention is to raise money for, and awareness of, The Joshua Tree.</div><div><br></div><div>So, the beginning, I signed up for the national event that is 'Park Run', my local one is held in Delamere Forest, the most beautiful of settings. These 'runs' go on all over the country, at various parks, at 9am every Saturday. They are incredibly well organises, by an army of volunteers, and provide the opportunity for a timed 5k race. Later on the same day you receive an email informing you of your time and on the website, www.parkrun.org.uk/delamere/, there is a results table. My aim today was to a) get round the whole course b) not to fall over (tree roots and mud are very hazardous and plentiful at Delamere and c) not to be last!! I am very pleased to report that I fulfilled my aims...all of them!! My time, 35 minutes 43 seconds, was not outstanding but I now have a benchmark which I aim to improve on week-on-week and I was 148/154 but that is still an achievement I am proud of!! </div><div><br></div><div>In celebration of this achievement I then went clothes shopping, no longer am I browsing around shopping centres looking at clothes for going out/staying in/study days/meeting friends, no I went to a well known sports outlet to purchase some new running gear...and purchase I did!! Two pairs of Capri length shorts, two tops and a wind/weatherproof jacket later we left, not too light of pocket as the store is very reasonably priced and without a compromise on girliness!! I also bought an exercise mat, which leads me to...</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow!! Tomorrow sees the start of my Major Series training!! I will keep you posted...</div><div><br></div><div>Lx</div><div><br></div><div>For anyone interested my fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/Lisa-West3/?ut...</div>Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-8358831831299057462013-08-15T13:38:00.001+01:002013-08-15T13:38:50.054+01:00Slow progress...for the fruit loop!!Our summer holidays have not turned out quite how we expected (see Accidents will happen) but they have given us, well me, K and H, an opportunity to kickback and do very little!! Well, except the fact that I keep planning...everything, so far I'm up to 2015, holidays, races, anything that could possibly be planned!!<div><br></div><div>First things first, H is doing very well, movement nearly back to normal, he wanted to go out on his bike yesterday, only thwarted by the fact that he had a flat tyre...I must admit, I did breathe a little sigh of relief, he might be ready but I'm not sure I am.</div><div><br></div><div>K, unfortunately, is still fighting a "virus" which is making her thoroughly miserable, although still manage to shop effectively on Monday!!</div><div><br></div><div>My 'progress' is, disappointingly, very slow!! Unfortunately, as Mr W consistently points out, patience is not one of my virtues...once I've set my heart on something I'd quite like it to happen, right away, we all have our faults!!</div><div><br></div><div>The area in which I'm struggling is running *coughs quietly - I think it's more of a gentle jog! I need to get back to work to stop myself signing up for races...slight change of tactic due to the fact that the more people I speak/tweet/Facebook with the more plans I make. I have now committed to do The Tatton Yule Yomp (December oddly enough) swiftly followed by The Island Race - Angelsey's scenic/undulating) Half Marathon on my 40th Birthday, the actual day... I know, positively certifiable!! I have also purchased, with K, our Race for Life Early bird Voucher for 2014, hopefully to do the new Pretty Muddy Race with AW and MW!! I have pre-registered for Mudderalla (the girlie version of Tough Mudder) and also Tough Mudder, challenges both!! The biggest positive is that I plan on doing all this nuttiness for charity, with exception of R4L, I shall be participating for The Joshua Tree/ @joshuatreekids, hopefully helping them to achieve their ambitions. I am actively as a volunteer for this charity, please take a look at their website...it's amazing! </div><div><br></div><div>This all serves to confirm the midlife crisis theory I think, and in discussion with Mumsontherunuk and on Twitter, I find it a little reassuring that I'm not the only one!!</div><div><br></div><div>On the up side, I'm the fittest, strongest, healthiest and most positive I think I've ever been, so it's win - win for the fruit loop!! </div><div><br></div><div>Lx</div>Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-41846786970644238542013-08-02T14:15:00.001+01:002013-08-02T14:15:50.072+01:00Accidents will happen!!Hmmmm! Sadly not quite the summer holidays we had planned this year!!<div><br></div><div>At 7ish o'clock on Saturday 20th July I received the worst phone call I've ever had. K, now 13, frantically informing me that H had had an accident! My freshly poured Pimms was quickly abandoned...all I knew was that he had a big cut after falling off his bike, there was lots of blood and that my Ex had called an ambulance and that she was obviously very distressed by it all!!</div><div><br></div><div>There are many times that I have cursed that my ex and I only live in the next village to each other but that night I was truly grateful, the fact that they were on they're way to the pub we were in made it even better!!</div><div><br></div><div>The time it took to get to H's side felt like an eternity, a lot of what happened is still hazy but I could not of imagined the feelings that go through your head whilst waiting for the Paramedics to arrive...hurry the f*** up being top of the list!!</div><div><br></div><div>To cut a long story short H is one very lucky boy, after 2.5 hours surgery he was back on the ward, having, amazingly, done no lasting damage (his wound missed all manner of things that would have been life changing)!!</div><div><br></div><div>After an eventful week in hospital, severe drug reaction included, we came home, just the car journey wore him out and he still had to face the stairs!! </div><div><br></div><div>The whole experience has been a massive lesson to me and my family! Mr W was an absolute rock, he was everything I needed him to be, strong, sensitive and organised enough to take over the things that were beyond my control-freakish ways whilst confined to a cubicle!! (He even gave the ex a lift home after H was out of surgery...). K very quickly accepted that she would not be going away, and without any drama, changed her countdown on her iPhone to Lanzarote in October! She mother-hens H in my absence, confirming that she does really care about him and has actually been remarkably pleasant through the whole thing! H, being forced to abandon his dog-like approach to life (see previous blog) was a star in hospital and although quite obviously bored and frustrated by everything remains up beat and cheerful (until the end of the day when it all becomes too much for him). I have learnt that I do NOT like being the other side of the hospital bed, that life is incredibly precious, that I need to work out how to move forward now, flashbacks and what-ifs still haunt me, that its true what they say about finding out who your real friends are in times of crisis and that the ordeal has strengthened my love for my children and husband!!</div><div><br></div><div>Each day sees H a little stronger and we are hoping he will be right as rain to start high school in September!!</div><div><br></div><div>Lx</div>Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-20854911945192488662013-07-01T13:25:00.001+01:002013-07-01T13:25:16.603+01:00Mid-life Crisis ahead....<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I bet you all thought I'd disappeared off the face of the planet? Not entirely sure where I've been but I am going to try and make a more consistent approach to my blog from now on!!<br /><br />I have been considering a rebranding due to the changes that have gone on since my last post but first let me explain where I'm coming from.<br /><br />Last year, probably about October time, I developed a tremor, it wasn't particularly noticeable but at times I felt like my arms and legs were out of control. This, understandably, was quite worrying for me and my family. Thankfully I kept it hidden from K and H and only a few, very discreet colleagues (thank you KH in particular) knew what was happening. I ended up seeing a Neurologist who identified my symptoms as stress related, he suggested I went away, figured out what was causing the stress and remove it or learn to deal with it more effectively!! A huge relief I can tell you.<br /><br />The problem was that I couldn't I identify anything in particular, we had moved house a month or so before, I had been unsuccessful at interview and the normal everyday rubbish that comes with me and Mr W both having Exes, but nothing overly remarkable or that I felt like I was particularly stressed out about.<br /><br />Anyway then it was Christmas, New Year, busy times, my birthday (March) and hurtling towards Easter. By this point I was still having frequent tremor episodes and still hadn't really changed my lifestyle. Why? Who knows!!<br /><br />Change of focus. Over the Easter break Mr W and I decided that we needed to lose some weight. We both, independently of each other, discovered the MyFitnessPal app..what a fabulous find this was!!! And it's FREE!! The app is basically a calorie counter, it has pretty much every food, ever, in it's memory and a facility to add should you find somthing it doesn't recognise, it also allows you to earn more calories through exercise. In two and a half months Mr W has lost over two stone and I have lost 20lbs, and both feeling pretty good about it!!<br /><br />Now, I know that you know (BLOG POST) that I've lost weight before with a well known diet company so what's different this time? I think the fact that I am rapidly approaching 40 has unleashed something in me!! I am determined to lose the weight and get fit this time, not just slim down!! It started with K asking to join me in this years Race for Life on the condition that I ran it all and has snowballed from there, raising concern for whether I'm having a Mid-Life Crisis...I think not!!<br /><br />I am now lighter and feel fitter and healthier than I have done in a long time. I have become a little obsessed but devloping good habits and healthy eating can't hurt if you do it properly. I have rediscovered an old friendship (SMS - that's you), I have many plans reaching upto 2015 which I shall fill you in on next time and most importantly in the last two weeks I have not noticed any Tremor!!<br /><br />Look out for the new blog name (if I figure out how to do it) and I'll reveal what lies ahead<br /><br />Be Happy and Healthy<br /><br />L x</span>Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-7962085607268788282013-01-06T13:38:00.000+00:002013-01-06T13:38:27.379+00:00A sobering thoughtHappy New Year to all my followers! I hope you all had a lovely, peaceful Christmas and are raring to go for the year ahead?<br />
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January is officially depressing and I have made mine somewhat worse by joining in with both Dry January and New Year, New Body at the same time...glutton for punishment!!<br />
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Dry January is going well, although I am not feeling it as much as I hoped! I have found it increasingly difficult to get to sleep, am having the most bizarre dreams and still feel groggy in the mornings. Scarily I didn't think I drank that much for it to have a massive impact on me either physically or mentally, I only did it to try to boost the New Body thing!! A wake up call for sure.<br />
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The New Year, New Body thing is really the same resolution I make every year, only phrased slightly differently. I would really like NOT to make it next year! I have plenty to aim for this year, two of my best friends turn 40 and both are having parties, we have two holidays booked and one, Lanzarote, will require revealing flesh and I promised myself and my best friend that when I do the Race for Life this year I would do the 10k, instead of the 5k, as I want to do it before I turn 40 (looming) I really need to pull my finger out!!<br />
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So, what to do you do when you have plenty of motivating factors but no actual motivation...blog about it!<br />
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I have made other resolutions too, some of which depend on other things falling into place and others which are solely down to me. The most important is to spend more time with my family, doing family things. K and H are growing up (far too) quickly and I know that in a blink of an eye we will just become a transport system and (even more of a) cash point and they won't want to be with us as much. I think the answer may help with another resolution too, Skiing! Mr W is a big fan, I, and the children have never done it, mainly due to my dyspraxic tendencies, but I have agreed to give it a go and have some lessons, maybe I will surprise myself and it will be my sport (I think this highly unlikely and comfort myself with the fact that there will be the apres ski to partake of!!)<br />
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So by next year I expect to report that I have the body I always wanted, have remained teetotal after being horrified by the side effects of one months abstinence and am a ski fiend! Watch this Space<br />
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L xLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-45641681763736013012012-11-21T18:44:00.002+00:002012-11-21T18:44:20.625+00:00Parents EveningI am about to head off to H's parents evening appointment and the same sense of dread spreads over me that I used to get as a child, why is that?<br />
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My school days were fairly average, a B/C girl, a plodder, my Mum kindly called me, nothing remarkable, except the episode mentioned in a previous blog (Avoidance Tactics). I was in the top sets but usually at the bottom wishing I was top of the second set!! Sixth form was a similar experience, I think the most productive thing I achieved whilst there was a poem I wrote in my British History mock exam, on a tissue, that was later published, in a proper book (I still have it and went on to get another published too)<br />
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I think the dread comes of wanting more for my children, to achieve more than I did, to have better prospects in this dog-eat-dog world, to shine amongst their peers and to be well liked all at the same time. Too much to ask? Probably but I think if most of us were honest that's the truth!<br />
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Don't get me wrong I am incredibly happy with my lot, as I have said before, I have an amazing family and circle of friends, I do the job I love and live a good life so what do I want for my children? Do I want to be told they are exceeding all targets, excelling in every subject or that they are happy, helpful and work hard? Definitely the latter!<br />
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K's current choice of job when she leaves school is to be a personal shopper, although I am not entirely convinced she has grasped the concept wholly, and to marry someone rich...hang on to that thought honey they're are not many of them about, not ones you would like to marry anyway! So glad to see she has taken on board the values I have worked hard to instil in her!!!<br />
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H on the other hand harbours an ambition to be a paramedic, a job well suited to his non-stop personality!! (See 'Live life as a dog) A much more solid choice of profession and I think he would be brilliant at it!! Time to face the teachers...<br />
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L x<br />
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Wow!! H's teachers want a class full of hims!! I must admit I felt immense pride in my son tonight, hearing how he is helpful, attentive, tries hard, works steadily, how he has settled in beautifully at his new school and is the sort of boy you want your daughter to marry. Mr W and I must be doing something right then :D</div>
Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-72321047730225960762012-11-19T11:14:00.002+00:002012-11-19T11:14:32.854+00:00Happy with Lumpy??No, I am not talking about custard! When I joined weight watchers at the beginning of the summer holidays, in order to become stick-like for a Christmas do, this is how my friend described us! SN you know it was you and I didn't take offence.<br />
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I did really well initially, 6lbs in the first week. Then, having very nearly reached my target, I went back to work... and so began the downward spiral!! I am now very sad to report I am back at my pre-diet weight, the only pounds I have lost are the £££ I paid for the ritual weigh-in every Monday, and that the 'do' it was all in aid of is now less than two weeks away.Where did I go wrong? I am not entirely sure, although I think my love of food does not help my cause.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I have been bigger, nearly two stone heavier when I got married (so he must really love me) and when I returned from the year-that-never-was at University I was even heavier than that, but I would love to be thinner, just a bit!!<br />
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My children, in the days when you couldn't shower alone, once gave me a brutal joint analysis on my body. Apparently my tummy wobbled when I moved (H), as did my bottom (K) and my arms when I clap * mental note to self to never applaud in public, and I was, at that time over a stone lighter than I am now!!<br />
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Now, I am very aware that I have a pre-teen girl in the house and I should be very careful about how I lose weight. Endless questions about the 'point' value of foods at meal times demonstrated that my dietary needs were influencing my whole family and that, I considered, was not healthy! We try teach our children about the important aspects of life and sometimes forget that,despite themselves, they do see us as role models and do not I want to encourage an obsessional attitude towards food and eating in them.<br />
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My friend,TL, has just started a diet and has lost a stone already, you can really tell as well. However, I do not think another slimming club is the answer for me though.<br />
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So, what is the answer? I have no idea!! I have weighed myself this morning and recorded it, as Mr W declared that the only person who can do it is me, (maybe he was not so happy with the chunky version), which is a start. I think I need to practise some self discipline and get more exercise or just be happy with lumpy!!<br />
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All ideas gratefully received.<br />
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L xLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-91810187054335278682012-11-16T10:22:00.001+00:002012-11-16T10:22:28.188+00:00Back on the Blog!!A thousand apologies for my lack of blogging, it is nearly two months since the last one!! I think the move, interview and work finally caught up with me (I didn't get the job but am delighted for my two friends at work who did)<br />
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I was hoping to do this via the 'proper' Internet but as a certain telephone company let us down again on Tuesday I am still operating via the world of dongle!<br />
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We have, post move, experienced an awful lot of bad customer service, phone, gas, electric and TV to name the worst offenders, and it makes it blatantly obvious, why this country is in such a mess!! Lack of communication, with us, previous service providers, inter-company has left us increasingly frustrated!! If I did my job how some of these people do theirs I would have serious complaints, disciplinary procedures taking place and quite possibly an even sicker child on my hands.<br />
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To sum up the worst of it to communicate our phone number, to the phone company, Mr W had to say to the operator "You count to ten and I'll tell you when to stop" amusing to K, increasing blood pressure for Mr W, unbelievable!<br />
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Anyway, we have all settled beautifully, not quite sure how we ever managed in a smaller house! H is doing amazingly at his new school, K continues to blossom into a lovely young woman (when the attitude is shelved), Mr W loves the fact he can get on the PS3 and we can all go in the other room to watch TV and the dogs have developed a fascination with the stones around the edge of the house which hovers somewhere between amusing and annoying!!!<br />
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I am aiming to be back blogging updates of life as it falls frantically towards Christmas and the New Year and I hope you will join me<br />
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L xLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-54010364615468656342012-09-24T11:36:00.001+01:002012-09-24T11:36:12.039+01:00Not my strong point...Patient is something I have never claimed to be! How can you be ok about waiting for something? I have never got my head round that one!<br />
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The last fortnight has been filled waiting, what with the house move and my interview but we have all survived...just!! Mr W has gone back to work, following 9 days of packing/unpacking, I think for a well earned rest and I am enjoying my first day in the house with no real work to do!!! I need distraction though, I have I mentioned I'm not very patient?<br />
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The weekend was a lovely distraction, lazy breakfast, shopping, new M&S, slightly disappointing as no lighting or technology, Costco, my virgin trip, some amazing bargains and some very tasty BBQ sauce!! The evening involved our celebratory meal of choice, Curry, sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream washed down with Moët (bucks fizz for the children) My weight watcher leader would have been so proud ;(((<br />
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Sunday brought rugby training, had forgotten how damp creeps up your legs (mental note to self to wear more suitable footwear). For lunch we were joined by L and E, proper family time, great meal, cooked by Mr W so tasted even better! Cheesecake for dessert promptly followed by a dog walk to create room for some real cheese, yummy selection courtesy of Costco again! The homework challenge had been overcome in the morning which meant that Sunday evening was battle free, yippee!<br />
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My brother popped in with his brood, they came in the new van, serious business now, if you ever need an appliance fixing he's your man, very well done for setting up and building a good business in less than a year, we are all very proud!!<br />
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After supper, bagels and hot chocolate with the works, we could just relax, something we have not done enough of in the last few weeks, and enjoy having the room to spread out, brilliant!!<br />
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So now it's back to waiting, waiting at the moment for a plumber as we have one heated floor tile but no working radiator in our bathroom (the floor tile is a byproduct we think), for the rain to ease off just a little so I can take the dogs out and for a phone call to say how my interview went, (not the best I think the more time goes on) which isn't going to come until later in the week!!<br />
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I do NOT like waiting!!<br />
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L xLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-81586736621396942542012-09-18T17:07:00.001+01:002012-09-18T17:15:10.034+01:00Disappearing Act!!!Hellooooo!! I have not dropped of the face of the planet! Life is just totally getting in the way of my ability to Blog :(((<br />
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Exciting stuff that has prevented it, in case you missed it WE HAVE MOVED!!! Finally!! (deep sigh of relief by mine and Mr W's work colleagues...think we became complete bores towards the end) the house is amazing, so much space and incredibly we are nearly straight, and we only moved in on Friday. Mr W has worked like a Trojan (machine) and was totally on a mission!!<br />
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Down side, I worked the night we moved and the night after, one off and then back in for two more nights, that accounts for my extreme exhaustion and lack of writing ability!! I am in tonight on, so far 3 hours sleep, too much on my mind to sleep, well that and the deafening sound of the new doorbell that I couldn't place and then missed a delivery (new sheets for the super king bed that arrives on Friday..hooray)<br />
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Lack of Internet, I am writing this on my iPhone, very tricky indeed! We do have a Dongle in the house but I have no idea what to do with it (should have taken Mr W up on the teaching session offer) so this entry will be short and sweet!!<br />
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I am looking forward to having Saturday and Sunday off with all my family home, we are planning to relax together although we have said we would like to go to Costco, the new M & S that has opened near us, John Lewis (second favourite shop on the planet) and Homebird, new discovery in nearby town that knocked JL off the top spot!!! So not quite sure when we are going to relax but will be great to spend some time together and get lots of lovely 'stuff' for our new home!!<br />
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The champagne is on ice for Saturday night, Buck's Fizz for K and H our favourite curry as meal of choice for our own little, family house-warming!! I cannot wait :)))<br />
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Be back soon<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">L x</span>Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-91308936605496222982012-09-09T20:45:00.000+01:002012-09-09T20:46:04.200+01:00Happiness is...wearing a bucket on your head!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This could be me, many years ago I sat, with my oldest, and I'm glad to say, still one of my best friends (LLJ) and we had our photo taken, we could have been these two children!! I still have the proof too!!<br />
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This picture speaks volumes about the wonderful, simple, acceptance children have of each other!! True friendship can last a lifetime.<br />
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This is my happiness picture! I can recall it at any time and it will allow my shoulders drop, a deep sigh escape from within and a broad smile lightens my face!!<br />
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Happiness is what we all strive for, for ourselves, our families and friends, so when did it become more complicated than sitting in the buff, feet dangling in the water with a bucket on your head?<br />
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Do you have a 'Happiness' picture?<br />
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Please share them or feel free to borrow mine :D<br />
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Lx<br />
<br />Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-88671714649640526102012-09-06T20:15:00.000+01:002012-09-06T20:15:19.937+01:00A piece of me!To some of my readers you already know most (all) of this but for those of you who don't welcome to my life!<br />
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I am 38, the big 40 looming, but I'm quite looking forward to it, the real freedom that comes with age and not really caring what people think! I have spent a lot of my life trying to please others and now it's time to please myself.<br />
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I am married (2nd time...finally came to my senses) after a whirlwind romance, to the most lovely man, my true soul mate and he is a Fireman to boot (we are living the Ann Summers dream, what with me being a nurse!!) I don't think a day has gone by since we met that I haven't laughed and the support he has shown me is amazing. I thank my lucky stars I agreed to go on that Blind Date! I love Lattes with friends, or alone if no-one is available and chocolate, any kind, I really don't care and I work on a children's intensive care unit, apart from my family these are the most consistent aspects of my life, hence the blog title.<br />
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We have his and hers children but refer to them as ours. L is 22, she is so like her Dad it's frightening, she is a lovely young woman whom I pester on a regular basis to make me a Grandma. She is crafty, thoughtful and a pleasure to be around. E is 16, has just got her GCSE's, did really well and we are very proud of her. She is looking for a job which is tough in this current climate but she is trying her hardest and would be an asset to anyone who employs her. Her laugh measures somewhere, quite high up, on the Richter scale and her greatest love is Disney Movies, especially Toy Story. K is 12, second year at high and rapidly developing her own, quite loud personality according to her friends, no idea where she gets that from ;)) She is tall, very tall and is, thankfully, becoming the young woman I hoped she would, has a love of chocolate (guilty of that one too) and is obsessed with FRIENDS. H is 10, the baby, and the only boy (mothered by all except K) and you have heard all about him in a previous blog, Live life as a dog.<br />
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Speaking of which we also have N and J, our dogs! Complete mentalists, dirt magnets, partners in howling whenever we approach their favourite dog walk, how do they know?<br />
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Now you know a little more about me I hope that encourages you to continue reading<br />
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LxLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-63988228868726294992012-09-04T17:06:00.001+01:002012-09-04T17:06:40.378+01:00Back to work blues???I love my job! I know not everyone can say that so I feel quite privileged to enjoy what I do! I am also in the very lucky position to have blagged a term-time(ish) contract at work, which basically means I get the whole summer holidays off, bliss!! (Not Christmas though hence the 'ish') The downside is, of course, that is an absolute killer getting up for that first shift, at 5:50 and knowing you won't be home until 9pm.<br />
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I have to say that, sadly, I was looking forward to going back! I can feel the wave of shock from my friends on PICU, but I do genuinely love what I do. I like my colleagues, I like the nature of the work, I like the fact that I work nearly full time (34.5 hours) but only have to go in 3 times a week, despite all the bad press I earn a reasonable sum of money (never enough though, wouldn't object to a pay rise) and my job presents me with, on the whole, a different day, every day.<br />
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I never thought I would get the opportunity to go back to my chosen profession and I count my blessings that Mr W was incredibly supportive when I said I wanted to return to nursing following a 5 year break, although I do think the idea of a uniform in the house played a factor in his excitement! It wasn't easy though, working full-time, clinical placement, 80 hours, and a 4500 word assignment that demonstrated my understanding of how nursing practice had altered in my absence!!<br />
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I have to say it was so worth it, despite the shouting, door-slamming and sobbing (pattern forming - see Avoidance Tactics Blog) mostly on my part, again! Since I have gone back I have had the odd wobble, working nights after doing an 830 - 330 job took a bit of getting used to but with the support of my family, friends and the new friends I have made at work, I am through it, out the other side and smiling! I had a lovely conversation with a younger friend at work yesterday and I found her attitude totally refreshing, and I know you will read this R!! She too, loves her job and I admire her for saying it in the current climate!!<br />
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So, was it a case of back to work blues? Not at all, I had a great shift with some of the loveliest people and am looking forward to going back in on friday night!! We spend too much of our time in work to not enjoy it!! Love what you do or do something else<br />
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LxLattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-30745683227772111262012-09-02T10:59:00.001+01:002012-09-02T10:59:17.306+01:00Psychic Hen NightLast night I had a new experience! The hen night part wasn't it!<br />
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I went to my friends house, beautifully decorated by the way H, to help celebrate her sister's forthcoming nuptials! A, you looked amazing, the glowing bride-to-be! I wasn't sure if I was going to be able go to due to the impending house move (please refer to previous blog). H and A had organised for a medium to come to the party and do readings for anyone who wanted one. I must admit I was a little sceptical and nervous just being there.<br />
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I have, occasionally, felt the urge to visit a medium, at times in my life when I needed reassurance and hope. I am, fortunately, no longer in a position that I need this as have, very happily, remarried, returned to the profession I love and my life it, to all intents and purposes, pretty perfect!<br />
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However, curiosity got the cat, this woman had been brought to me, on a plate, it would be careless of me not to seize this opportunity, wouldn't it?<br />
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I think I got the best deal! C had 'prepared' a reading for the first 12 people she knew she was seeing, I was 13, unlucky for some, not this time, she was not prepared for me! Don't get me wrong, some of what she said was possibly slightly generic but I could not explain away all I what she said, especially when we had just discussed Mr W and she 'received' his first name...I jumped in my chair, properly!!!<br />
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I had a fantastic night, loved the medium and the fact that she could only see positive aspects to my life and did reassure me that I am on the right path!!<br />
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L x<br />
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Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-43716255740352168162012-08-31T22:42:00.000+01:002012-08-31T22:42:36.612+01:00Live life as a dog!!!I read somewhere recently that we all have a lot to learn from a dogs approach to life, they greet every day as if it it were 'the best day ever'! Being the owner of 2 of the species, (one springer, one cocker)I can totally agree, and it also leads me to believe that my 10 year old son is, in fact, a dog!!!<br />
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What leads me to this conclusion? Well, where do I start? H is an early bird, we have him well trained now and he gets up, goes downstairs, let's the dogs out and, the majority of the time, leaves us be until we arise. This, I hear you say, does not make him a dog, and I agree! The fact that when we do drag ourselves out of our pit we are greeted by a torrent of questions ranging from 'What are we doing today? After breakfast? After dinner? After tea? Are we doing anything after tea? Can I go out on my bike? (not a 7o'clock in the morning, H, no), I found this on the Internet, can I get one? I've decided I'd like to play the drums/guitar/trombone can I have lessons? How do you become a professional rugby player? If I am a paramedic when I'm older can I be a motorbike one?<br />
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Can I just get a cup of tea first? Please?<br />
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What I have failed to mention is that H has a history of hearing problems, this means that all of the above questions are usually said, sorry shouted, loud enough to compete with the fact that we live on a flight path to Manchester airport!<br />
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The 'dog' element to H's personality is a) the velocity at which he meets each day, so much to do, so little time b) the fact that not only does he run, everywhere, he cannot sit still either and c) the fact that his questions, that constantly pepper our day, come at you like dogs of a lead, full throttle and moving swiftly from one to the next, at least he refrains from peeing everywhere!!<br />
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Having said all this I obviously love the bones of this child and would not have him any other way (well maybe slightly quieter) and think I should probably take a leaf out of his book and greet each day slightly more enthusiastically rather than focusing on the 'chores' ahead! He has his whole life in front of him and is just trying to make the most of it, and it's my job to cheer him on!!!<br />
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Love you son xxx<br />
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<br />Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-51090371573131965032012-08-31T19:50:00.001+01:002012-08-31T19:50:10.157+01:00A Moving experienceWhen I was growing up I often wondered why we never moved house. My Mum and Dad had had their house built when they were married, extended as required and could afford to, so I put it down to sentimentality! What I should have realised was that they had their heads totally screwed on and the foresight to realise what a hideous process moving house actually was!!<br />
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The last time I moved I was doing it on my own, in the throes of divorce and to be perfectly honest, on reflection, the whole thing was a bit of a blur. I do remember tearful phone calls with the estate agent and begging the solicitor to hurry up to get me out but apart from that just fuzz, possibly due to the fact that my staple diet was White Zinfandel!<br />
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So, imagine my surprise when this house sale/ purchase, done with the support of the wonderful Mr W, becomes more stressful than my previous experience! The level of incompetence, the amount of misleading information given out and the total lack of a thorough approach to their practice begs me to ask the question, "what the hell are we paying for?".<br />
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I am not going to point the finger, if this blog ever gets read by the people concerned I hope their cheeks are burning with shame! I know for a fact that if I practiced, in my position, in the same way they do I would be sacked.<br />
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Needless to say I am NEVER moving again, I shall leave my house, when I eventually get there, in a wooden box. Mum and Dad, I bow to your infinite wisdom.Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-28550636762974460922012-08-29T18:35:00.001+01:002012-08-29T18:35:54.080+01:00Disasterous HairI have had some hideous hairstyles in the past, some inflicted by my parents and some I have to take full responsibility for myself! Like the VERY curly perm with poker straight fringe (parents), the Princess Di look (only those of a certain generation will understand this - again parents) or the Ready Brek orange glow look on my last year at high school photo (courtesy of Henna hair dye which both looked and smelt like a cowpat - unfortunately I did this too myself) and then there is today.<br />
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Today is a self inflicted day!!! I could cry, really I could, in fact I very nearly did, in front of my best friend, her three children and my two, after I'd looked in a mirror!<br />
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See, the advantage of being at a hairdressers, whether you like having to sit opposite yourself for an hour or so scrutinising all your flaws or not, is that you can observe what is happening to what, as a woman, is one of your defining features! I'm not sure if I would have liked to witness today's 'experiment'. Certainly not when my husband sees it and says "It's a bit short and you know what the eldest will say you look like" L, I know you will be reading and, though it pains me to say it, he is right!<br />
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My only comfort right now is a bottle of red, my favourite programme on TV tonight, it will take much less time to dry in the morning when I'm on a long day and the voice in my head that keeps reiterating "It will grow" Not quick enough for my liking :(((Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-62955641104359049542012-08-29T15:44:00.000+01:002012-08-29T15:44:40.049+01:00Avoidance TacticsI have long been a master in the art of avoidance, usually to my own detriment! It started at High school, the odd dodge of homework (until busted at a Parents Evening, that was a messy one, a 'discussion' with my Mum and Dad, mostly punctuated by raised voices, sobs and door slamming! Beginning to see where my daughter gets it from... Continued through university, I don't think that ink was still dry on 99% of my assignments. It remains one of my numerous flaws.<br />
Things I am currently avoiding a) packing, not just for a holiday,(although I hate that with a passion too) no this is house packing, we are due to move next week and I just can't bring myself to do it. The biggest problem is I know what this will lead to, a frenetic episode of all aspects of our lives being shoved dramatically into boxes, raised voices, sobs and more door slamming, sounding familiar? b) a 10 minute presentation I need to do for a interview in just over 3 weeks and I really want the job! and c) labelling uniform in anticipation of the new school year (not necessary for my angst ridden 12 year old...not cool apparently).<br />
My avoidance tactics have so far involved having my friends children over for the day yesterday, how much noise can five children make? (Plenty, just ask my neighbours!) how much water can come inside as the result of a water fight? (do the words reservoir and deluge conjure up an image?) Creating a blog, although I am hoping this venture will prove worth while and continue long after my interview and house move, and catching up on a lot of reading. All incredibly worthwhile uses of my time I think.<br />
Plus I still have baking a cake for a friends birthday, shopping, long dog walks and catching up with friends, mine and the children's to distract me although I do think Mr W may have something to say about all this over the weekend....<br />
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Wish me luck ;)))<br />
<br />Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717632028076010450.post-44180088167631024392012-08-28T22:40:00.001+01:002012-08-28T22:40:09.590+01:00First night nervesWell, here goes nothing!<br />
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Interesting choice of blog name? These three 'things' feature heavily in my life!<br />
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At 38 I am trying blogging to see how well I do, always believed the saying "there is a book inside everyone" and am hoping the act of blogging will lead me down this path. I am a wife, mother, stepmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, nurse and dog owner, I intend on using all of these titles to construct my blog.<br />
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I shall be back tomorrow ;))<br />
<br />Lattechocolateandnightshifs http://www.blogger.com/profile/09248957309139580162noreply@blogger.com2