You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Watcha Doin'? 2024
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Christine
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Feb 02, 2024 06:01AM
IT’S GROUNDHOG DAY!
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Margo wrote: "I'm going to a celebration on Saturday morning. There will be yoga, dance, chanting and meditation. Should be enjoyable but there won't be beer lol"
Hi Margo! How did your celebration on Saturday go? Sounds like it would have been a lot of fun.
Hi Margo! How did your celebration on Saturday go? Sounds like it would have been a lot of fun.
That is a really good question, Anna. How did the very first official St Brigit's Day go??Sorry for being AWOL again. I had a pretty full on week last week and then ended it by relapsing into the nasty cold/flu I got at Christmas. After getting it twice in 6 weeks, I am very very done. I am coming out the otherside now, with only a major coughing fit every hour or so instead of every 5 mins. Oh and I have no voice. But some would argue that's an improvement ;)
It was great! TBH there was nothing different to any other celebration of Brigit I've been to. She has always been important to irish mythology but it's only since my Portuguese yoga teacher (who's also by lucky coincidence my next door neighbour) that I actually marked the day in any way. She is brilliant and great fun! We did yoga, laughter, dancing, meditation, chanting. It was so relaxing I came home and vegged for the rest of the day. The actual bank holiday was a bit of an anti-climax after though it was nice to have Pete home for the extra day. We did go to see All of Us Strangers on Sunday night. That was intense and emotional - highly recommended.
That sounds miserable, Rusalka. I'm glad you're finally starting to feel better.On the other hand, your day sounds lovely, Margo! Sounds like something that should become an annual tradition for you.
Sounds wonderful Margo! I've not tried yoga before but I do pilates every week, (my next door neighbour is a sports therapist and pilates instructor!). Glad you had a good night on Sunday too.
Poor you Rusalka. Good to hear you are turning a corner.
Poor you Rusalka. Good to hear you are turning a corner.
Sorry to hear you've been ill again Rusalka, that is no fun.That sounds wonderful Margo! Glaf it was enjoyable and relaxing.
My standing desk arrived and I used it properly for the first time yesterday. My back was a bit achy afterwards. I think regular breaks are key for any position working so I need to work on that. Maybe I need to work up to longer periods too having never used one before lol. But I like it.
Rusalka wrote: "That is a really good question, Anna. How did the very first official St Brigit's Day go??Sorry for being AWOL again. I had a pretty full on week last week and then ended it by relapsing into the..."
Ah not again Rusalka, you're not having a good time at the moment. Could you be a bit run down?
I'm so glad you had a lovely Brigit's Day, Margo. I agree with Kristie, sounds like a great tradition to start, particularly up Brigit's alley with the wisdom, healing, poetry, and protection!And nice to have Pete home for a day too ;)
Thanks everyone. I'm missing out on a family visit too, so very bummed :( But getting better. Cough is threatening to go to the chest, but I am hoping I keep it out of there though. Fingers crossed.
Oh Margo, so much. I was a wreak at the end of the year, but wanted to make it to Christmas and my 3 weeks off of fun and summer. But crashed early with the sickness, and missed all the fun. Also didn't relax at all with the family dramas and tragedies, on top of feeling awful and guilty.
Got back to work and the quiet part of the year was sucked up by this crazy conference they decided to have on the 1 & 2 Feb. But while I, my team, and the Head have been working on this for months, the entire other 30 staff didn't engage until the 8 Jan, and then I was pulling together 30 panicking people and their insaneness together in 3 weeks. We did it, it was amazing, everyone loved it, but it wreaked me. So that on top of the residual 2023 exhaustion I have hit my limit I think.
Worked from home today, and looked in our shared inbox 30 mins before I logged off as I was tidying up a heap of other things that were urgent or I had dropped last week. There was an email from a staff member who's disorganisation meant we had had to put together an entire 24 page magazine in 2 weeks (when I had told her that she needed to get us content for that in the first week of November... grrr), asking 2 working hours after we finished the conference when the poster we said we couldn't even think about until the event was over would be ready for her...
That was 7 hours ago and I am still livid. No wonder we all burn out.
Oh wow, sorry. That was a rant.
Sarah wrote: "My standing desk arrived and I used it properly for the first time yesterday. My back was a bit achy afterwards. I think regular breaks are key for any position working so I need to work on that. Maybe I need to work up to longer periods too having never used one before lol. But I like it."Oh yes! Beginner error, you need to break it up. I did a whole day the first time too, bad plan. Also, think about a padded floor mat. I am unsure about them, had one at my old work flexidesk, don't have one at home with my standing desk. My work wants you to have them if you have a standing desk though, so may be worth looking into the reasons why.
Oh wow, Rus. No wonder you're getting so run down! Remember you are just starting to feel better again and still need to get rest and take care of you!
Thanks for the heads up on that Rusalka. I hate a look wt the floor mats and they help with fatigue as standing on a hard surface for prolonged periods can cause muscle fatigue. The pads are sort of squidgy. I've ordered one and in the meantime, i have folded my yoga mat over which does feel better. I am also using my visual timer to time 25 minute stints. So far so good.
Excellent, glad that's feeling a bit better. I used to kick my padded mat out of the way a bit at work, but I also sometimes liked the dimpled pattern on the bottom of my feet. I think the main thing is staticness is bad for us, and any variety is good.After you get used to it all, you can upgrade to a treadmill under the desk as well, which is what Lexx does now for up to 2 hours a day.
Thanks Kristie. Just trying to take it slowly. Which is hard, but important. If I do this again in 6 weeks time I will be sooooo #&%@ing mad.
@ Rusalka, I remember all the stress before xmas, hope your family are all in better health now. Add to that all the work insanity and it's no wonder you're health is suffering. Sounds like you need a holiday.
I was talking to my Mum yesterday on the phone with my aunt as I missed her today (I see her maybe twice a year and we missed today :( ) and my stepfather was yelling at me in the background he was okay and better. Mum said he started singing again this week. He always sings. It's infuriating. He can hold a tune but he is an enthusiastic, rather than talented, singer. But his habit after 12 or so years alone with a small child (my brother) and him before marrying my Mum was to sing to himself. And he does this all the time, unless he is not feeling well. Mum hasn't heard him warbling to himself since end of Nov (he was away 3 weeks) to this week. He protested on the end of the phone, I said he never shuts up (from me!!), we all reflected on how sick he was.
So yes, that is better. Thank goodness.
My estranged brother and I are involved in long text convos. Need to loop in the other brother now. Brother who has passed is now involved in a long coroner process, but two brothers gone are kicking everyone into gear about how being scared just costs you opportunities. Let's see how we go.
I am realising why I am sick again... *looks for the restart button*
It seems that you've got a bit of a rough start at the beginning of the year, healthwise, Rusalka. I hope you can take some rest to feel better again. Happy to hear that your stepfather is doing better. Step by step with your estranged brother, that's good.I've send you a friend request and wanted to pm you, but I can't. I still need to give recommend some titles about animals and ethics and so.
Oh that's weird, sorry about that. My PMs should be open to everyone for mod business, and I usually get PMs from members I'm not friends with in YLTO after I send a newsletter. Thanks for letting me know! I will check my settings and see if goodreads has done something weird, and sorry if anyone else has been trying to reach out!
Rusalka wrote: "My estranged brother and I are involved in long text convos."That is great, Rusalka. I'm glad he also see the need of giving this relationship a try. And also happy to know your stepfather is feeling better. He is another one who had a rough start of the year!
I've had sick kids at home since Monday. When one gets better another one wakes up with a fever. I've decided to keep the four of them (the four youngest ones) at home today even three of them have been without fever for 24 hours now. They still look tired and miserable, it is Friday, and they have missed the whole week already so it will not make any difference. I also had two exams this week, and my husband is out of the country in a conference. I'm exhausted. All of that was to say I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I hope things come back to normal during the weekend and we get a couple of restful days.
Rusalka wrote: "Oh that's weird, sorry about that. My PMs should be open to everyone for mod business, and I usually get PMs from members I'm not friends with in YLTO after I send a newsletter. Thanks for lettin..."
Thanks, Rusalka, I'll check later if I can send you a pm.
@Sandra: you had a rough week with sick childern. Hopefully the bugs won't get you now. One day extra at home will indeed make no difference. Hopefummy they will get better soon.
I’m sorry I haven’t been on here much and it’s because I’ve been sick
@ Sandra, sounds like you might be a prime target for that bug next! You're another one who needs a good break, just thinking about all you have on your plate exhausts me lol@Christine, sorry to hear you've been poorly, hope you're feeling better.
Christine wrote: "I’m sorry I haven’t been on here much and it’s because I’ve been sick"Feel better soon, Christine.
Margo, Saar, That is exactly my thought. I been praying to resist until the weekend!
Sandra, it's never fun to have sick kids. That does sound like an exhausting week. I think it was a good idea to keep them all home an extra day and give them to weekend to rest up. Hopefully, by Monday everyone will be feeling well again and you will somehow manage not to get sick yourself. Take care.
I'm sorry you've been having such a rough week Rus.That sounds exhausting Sandra!
Feel better soon Christine!
I've had an 'off' week too. Have been feeling quite down and stressed and felt like I've been really dragging myself through the week. It's been a long time since I felt like this. Luckily I have a week off now and even though it's been only 5 week since the Christmas holidays, it's very welcome. I think I just need to be kind to myself for a bit to get back to my usual self :)
@Kristie, that is the plan, one hour at a time...@Peggy, it is great that you can identify that you need a break and take action. It seems obvious and natural but it is not. We are all so overworked and overwhelmed that the impulse seems to be to keep going because we have to. Pamper yourself.
Sounds like January has taken it's toll on everyone.I hope everyone starts to feel healthier, more energised, and more uplifted soon. I've not escaped it either as i try to navigate the whole ADHD diagnosis. Plus my bad back. Sounds like we could all do with a holiday!
Everyone I talk to has been sick or is recovering. Keeping your kids home was a good call, Sandra. They need to rest and hopefully you will get to rest soon. Mom of the Year!!
Lol, thank you, Jayme, but I still have over 10 months to mess it up.
Oh Sandra, that week sounds so exhausting! I hope you get to rest somewhat over the next week, and hubby cannot come home soon enough. Here is to your immune system being superhuman (I mean, it prob is with all the kids anyway) and keeps you healthy.
IT’S PUPPY BOWL XX AND IT’S SUPER BOWL LVIII!
Christine wrote: "IT’S PUPPY BOWL XX AND IT’S SUPER BOWL LVIII!"Hahaha oh, I forgot about the puppy bowl! We are going to a friend's house to watch the Super Bowl today. It will be a lot of fun, but I forgot that there is the puppy bowl mixed in and my hubby has been bugging me to get another puppy. This should be interested.
My boyfriend loves american football which is quite unusual for a brit. He is obsessed. He didn't watch it live but was up at 5am this morning to watch it on catch up before heading to work. At the weekend it was the Bristol light festival so we went in to wander arounr the lights. It was so beautiful. There were jnstallwtions dotted around the city and some were interactive or had music with them. One of the churches had images projected on to the walls and ceiling. We also went out for dinner. The weather was quite good at the weekemd eo i thought I'd get in my cold water pod. Not actually used it much since i got it. It was nice to contrast the cold water with the sun on my face. Yesterday i played the cyberpunk rpg with some friends which dragged on but was enjoyable. I was pretty exhausted by the end of it.
Checking back in after a while too. I haven't read the messages that I missed yet (65!) but will do that later.
My past few weeks have been meh. First my mom was sick, like I told you guys and her fever held on for more than a month but now it's finally gone again.
Then, as I think I told as well, my dad had surgery because of a bladder tumor. He's back home and well now but he will have to get the same surgery again in a month because with bladder cancer it's very common that it comes back after the first time.
On the weekend, I heard that my uncle is in the hospital because of heart issues. That made me cry a lot because we used to meet my uncle and his family a lot but a few years ago, my other uncle died and since then, everyone is fighting. I just hate this situation and just want to be good with them again.
Now I'm sick at home. I don't know if it's the flu or just exhaustion from work. The past few weeks I've been working a lot and had to take on tasks I didn't want to. I could write an essay about how much work frustrates me at the moment but I think this is enough haha.
I'll sleep a bit now and then will hopefully get to the comments I missed.
Big hug Fiona, it sounds like a lot! Can't you contact your uncle, or maybe send him a card to say you're thinking of him? I don't know how serious his condition is, but if it gets worse you might regret not reaching out.
I'm glad to hear your parents are in the mend, Fiona. You certainly are having a difficult few weeks too. I agree with Peggy. There might be a way to let your uncle know you are thinking of him. Try to rest and get better soon.
Read all the comments I missed now. I learned a lot about clicker training and chicken agility lol Rus and Christine, I hope you're well again!
Sandra, I hope your kids are well again too and that you get to rest a bit!
@Peggy and Sandra: Well, my sister is in contact with my cousin since they're like sisters and I told her I wanted to reach out to them and my mom wanted to do the same but my sister said it would probably weird and annoying if we all three send a message, especially since she wasn't sure if we were "allowed" to know about my uncle being in the hospital. So I told her that she should write something from all of us then but I'm not sure if she did it yet. She's always busy but I guess she'll text me about it soon.
I'm sorry to hear about all the sickness in your family, Fiona. Sending everyone happy and healing thoughts.As someone who is dealing with family issues at the moment, and lost opportunities and lots of regrets, mainly due to those around us, particularly adults, having issues and feelings that impacted on us having relationships... just go for it.
What is the harm in sending a card or a text? Preface it with something like, "I'm sure you're receiving a lot of messages right now, but wanted to say..." etc. Keep it simple and concise and don't dwell on the recent problems/issues. Worst is they don't respond, but you are then in the same spot you are now. But if you don't, you always will think about the what if.
I don't know about your relationship with your sister, but I also would recommend not being policed by someone else. If you don't try, you don't know, and you don't want to taint another relationship with those regrets.
Also, feel free to dump all this advice in the bin. But as someone coming from the other side of starting relationships after 40 years of everyone else's baggage... just wanted to share :) You'll work it out. You look after you, whatever you decide to do.
I chalk it up to Cabin Fever which is a real thing in the frozen north. After months of cold and snow, people start to feel depressed, tired, sick and it usually hits in February. This year, it's been unusually warn with hardly any snow. We've had very little sun. Cloud cover seems to be the norm, and that adds to it. Next up - Spring Fever.
Sorry to hear all that's going on for you Fiona!
@Fiona - glad to hear your Mum and Dad are on the mend. It sucks that your dad will need a second surgery. As for the rest, family rows are awful and can lead to huge bitterness - "hugs".I was on my to visit friends on monday night when a slipped on some moss and came down very hard on my bum. Don't think anything is broken but it to walk, sit or stand. It's only the process changing the the pressure on my butt that hurts, once I'm seated it's not too bad - till I have to stand up again!
Thank you for the advice Rus :) I’ll ask my sister first if she sent them a message yet (because I think it would be weird if she sent a message from all of us and then I send one from just me again) but if she didn’t, I’ll send a message on my own.
Margo, I’d say if it doesn’t get any better, you should get it checked! Hope you’re feeling better soon 🤗
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You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
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