be back soon!
Posted on November 20, 2009
Gone to visit my folks. might post. might not. See ya in December.
the one with the sunglasses
Posted on November 17, 2009
What a busy weekend we had. On Saturday we went to a friends house for yummy pizza, nice wine and good company. It was my day to drink so slurp! Then on Sunday we met up with friends at Dunham Massey. It was loads of fun and I loved seeing my friend Biff. We used to email a lot when I was in the US but now that I am 30 minutes away we hardly ever see each other– boo!! Can we say HELLO DIVA? I was at Gap the other day just looking around when I spotted this hat. I almost knocked people over in my rush to grab it. I LUUUVRE it. I think it’s a fabulously over the top hat and it makes me laugh every time Squidge puts it on. Luckily for me I think my love for that hat is infectious because she wants to put it on every time we go out. She is becoming more aware of things and the other day it was bright and sunny and she wanted her sunglasses. She hasn’t worn them since out trip to the states this summer. Ahem… Manchester isn’t exactly known for it’s bright sunniness. So yesterday as we were getting ready to leave she asked for them again.

She was a HUGE hit at Dunham Massey in this outfit.

We had a fabulous time and I can’t believe I’ve never been there before now. It’s practically down the road from us and being National Trust members we get in free!


the one where I rant…
Posted on November 12, 2009
As I mentioned on my last post we’re in the midst of trying to figure out where to send Squidge to school. One of the things I am doing in the hopes of increasing her chances of getting into school #1 is volunteering at the toddler group associated with school #1. I enjoy it, I make tea, chat with some of the mums, laugh at the children, clean up, make more tea, clean up some more… all in all not bad. Today I was chatting w/ a mum I know from another baby group we used to both attend. Her daughter is the same age as Squidge and she now has a little boy. The question of school came up, of course. I mentioned my issues w/ my local school and how I wasnt’ sure what we were going to do. So she tells me that I shouldn’t dismiss the crappy local school because all the kids might be nasty little shits with parents who can’t be bothered to parent at others schools too. Weeeeheeeeeeeeehell! I wanted to pop her in the head I was so angry. She lives across the street from one of the best schools in the city according to OFSTED. A school w/ so many eager, intelligent, educated, well informed parents that they can’t help but do well. I have seen how the children at my local school behave. I have seen the parents and I KNOW what I know. I know that the local school will spend more time and energy on the squeaky wheel. I know that my daughter, who we believe is highly intelligent and clever beyond her years, will end up being average. Will her inquisitiveness be nurtured? Will she be listened to when she notices something or says something clever? Probably not as they’ll be too busy ‘teaching’ the kids w/ froot shoots running through their veins. The ones that can barely get to school in the morning because they stayed up passed 11. Don’t effing tell me I should take a chance on the school because you don’t think it’s that bad. I don’t see you trying to get your kid into the school. What I do see is someone who bought a house across the street from an excellent school w/ an eye to getting your kids into the school. So thank you very much for your kind words and your advice but I hope it doesn’t offend you if I tell you to stick it!
When I got home from the toddler group and told Wal what had happened he just smiled, really what else could he do?!?! He reminded me that we’re moving. He reminded me that things might change. He reminded me that in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter and I shouldn’t get soo stressed out. I know he’s right. So I’m having a cup of tea and taking some deep breathes. I’m reminding myself that all that matters is my pod. That giving this little girl the best possible start and opportunities is what matters.


