Ahh **** a duck!!  I've just asked my nephew what his school is like (the one close to me that we saw yesterday and liked) he said there's a lot of beatings given out to the first years (my sons year) and quite a lot of bullying goes on.

It's just given me that sickening feeling like my stomach has just dropped out my arse.  That was the most likely option for him as the only other schools are miles away but I am reading up on them now and hoping we haven't missed their open nights.

Exactly like my girlie ..............on a professional level she couldn't be doing better - but ................long, long story - I worry for her - and one of my boys too. Funnily enough - I don't worry too much about my middle son (no idea why)

I know this may sound patronising and it's really not meant to be but ..............wait until you're a mum - you'll see.

This  

I did much the same as Ditty by driving my daughter 12 miles to her school.

She wasn't bullied, she was bright academically but I still made her happiness a priority.

I loathed school (and school loathed me ); couldn't bear my kid to feel the same.

Me too Cosi...I dread sending them coz I know how shite it is

Which is why it's important to remember they've got to spend at least 5 years at the school we choose for them.  I can still recall viewing somewhere with my son and thinking what a depressing, foreboding place it was.

If I felt like that, then how on earth could I expect him to think any different?

Good luck Ells; I'm sure you'll find the right place for your lad eventually x

I've just been having a chat with him.  He's insisting on either the school close to us if he doesn't pass the test or the College if he does.  His mind is set and he doesn't want to hear about any other schools (there's a nice boys and girls school not far from here but he'd need a pass on his exam aswell)  honestly there isn't even much choice if he doesn't pass as the only other school in the area closed down earlier this year.

His daddy is less than sympathetic.....he thinks it'll toughen him up and he'll be fine.  Maybe he's right....I should probably not worry too much until next week anyway til we get the results.

If he's got his mind set on the choice of 2 then I doubt there's much that'll dissuade him, Ells. 

This time next year you'll be wondering why you worried about this

He'll have his mates, will be happy enough, doing well academically, and not a care in the world.  

I've just posted this in the Les Mis thread but thought I'd share in here.

I'm very excited - just bought this on e bay. It's for my landing. I've got a serious crush on Javare (Russell Crowe) since seeing Les Mis 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Les-..._cvip=true&rt=nc

Soozy, put something in the Les Mis thread for you. 

My running machine is back in position All systems go tomorrow

Good on you Soozy get some music blaring and run for your life

I've taken the plunge and booked an induction course at the gym tomorrow at 11am   It's my first time going to a gym so I'll be half dead by the time they're done with me.  I need to do it though.

Finally!!!!! I've lost the one pound that eakes me to two stone weight loss!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY.

Now I've got to decide a target - I could  stop here but I reckon another 4 or 5 - don't want to overdo it but I think 4 or 5 would be about right

Good luck at the gym Ells - report back!

Well done Soozy, I bet that was a relief to finally get it off.  Those last few lb are said to be the worst to shift.  

The gym cancelled on us   They are short staffed so there's no-one available to give us our induction course.  Tomorrow 8pm instead  I was all geared up and ready to walk out the door when they rang.  I'm a bit disappointed because it took me months to get up the courage to start and I was eager to start.  Suppose it's only one more day.

Sounds like the cue for a song

Well done Soozy.  

Ells, it's awful when you're all built up for something and it gets cancelled.

ION I'm babysitting my week old Great Nephew this afternoon.  *coo coo coo* 

(I'm taking him with me while I so the grocery shopping - I hope no-one comments about losing baby weight )

You might get called a 'yummy mummy'

I love it when I mention my Grandson, and get the 'what you don't look anywhere near old enough to have a grandchild'

I never mention that he's actually a step grandson 

I'll need to get a walking/running machine I think, as I can no longer walk outside to any great extent.

However  I REALLY came here to share my laundry woes,

My tumble dryer has given up the ghost and today I had to do some *gulp* ironing!

WHAT???????  Are you OK?  I'm glad I was sitting down when I read that, I went all light headed.

(My mother takes great pleasure in having a jibe at every given opportunity about me not standing doing the ironing )

Sincerest condolences.

Thanks for your concern folks....yes, I am OK now, now that I have had something to eat and a second cup of tea. Meanwhile, we have had a power-cut and it has logged me out of everything! Hence my apparent tardiness in my responce.

I hope you had your irons in the fire warming up.

Eh? Why should you HAVE to stand?

Was ok from that point of view. I had already finished the ironing when the power went.

I don't even OWN an Iron

The tumble drier irons everything.

Same here - except it's not working and the new one's not coming 'til Friday.

Go out and buy some nice bri nylon tops and crimpelene slacks - sorted 

My oven has died today.

RIP oven, I didn't know you too well so I dunno how the feck you've managed to die already.

Oooh 10 yankee candle tarts for a tenner (incl postage) on ebay yes please!!

Are you going to light them and cook diner over the flame?

 No, but I might buy food scented ones and give the illusion that I have been cooking all day!

   You crack me up, Ells!  

It's non funny Kaffy  I've just started my diet and am starting the gym and had said I would be cooking every day and less of this take away nonsense and then bam!  Dead oven.

The rings still work.  I'll have to get creative.

 Hopefully it can be fixed easily coz I have a nightmare 2 months ahead of me and can't afford to squeeze a new cooker out of my funds.

You obviously scared it to death!    That would happen to mine.    I've always said my cooker more needs a wipe with Pledge than Cif.

Seriously though Ells - hope you get it fixed ok 

If it was just me there'd be no problem > have enough clothes to do about 4 weeks without needing to wash anything. His nibs though only seems to have enough for 1 week....and that was last week!

I have a tumble dryer but still have to do lots of ironing. How do you non-ironers avoid ironing things like shirts and cotton t-shirts?

Sorry Ells, I know it's not funny that your oven is broken, but the way you say things makes me RL lol.

my late Friend ran a laundarette for many years and taught me the trick of washing - taking out of machine and folding then resting before drying to let the fibres settle and *hand* ironing some items when dry and folding to  put away or hang 

my ironing pile shrank to essential items only 

Aha, I shall give it a go. Thanks MrsH.