Friday 18th July

I have been so low this week I couldn't get out of bed without feeling like I was going to collapse. My tummy was blown up like a balloon & I couldn't eat a thing. I was also so depressed that I just didn't see the point of carrying on anymore. it's my girls & grandkids that give me a reason to live. If I didn't have all that I think things would be different. People think I actually enjoy being like this (huh?) and say "you look okay to me". It's a well-used phrase that people use when they talk to those who suffer with Fibromyalgia. I have also been told by my GP that I've got to live with my breathlessness as my lungs are bad. I've also been told that the burning pains I get in my finger joints & right knee is due to the Rheumatic side of the FMS - basically I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. It just gets better & better. One day I'll put the whole list of [various & personal] symptoms experienced by FMS sufferers. It's no holiday & I hate not having the money I used to earn.

My apologies to my 'girls' for cancelling the class last nite. I was so out of sorts that I wouldn't have been any good at all. Why does everything hapen when I'm going to hold my class? That's a real demon getting in. I shall be holding the class next Thursday instead, if it suits everyone. It's a shame as the kit is so brilliant - monochrome B&W. I have done a wedding photo, it certainly lends itself to a wedding photo. It's good value too.

I'm hoping to get going on Jen & Carl's album. I have practically finished it & it just needs 'tweeking'. I'm such a perfectionist. I find it so hard to get going these days - I have really lost my 'mojo' since I was in hospital. I'm going to do a 'ScrapJammies' kit layout to get me going. The monthly kits are wonderful for when you 'lose it'.
I then need to start my son & daughter-in-law's album. I did the first page ages ago - an engagement photo. It sets the scene for the album. I'd love to do it all in monochrome but I think they may not appreciate it as much as I would but I shall be doing a few monochromes in between as i have ordered an extra monthly class kit for me!!

I have speaking on the phone with one of my husband's clients. She usually phones his mobile but she said she felt that she should phone our land-line! We ended up 30 minutes talking. She has encouraged me to use my skills in a different way. I'd love to host a drop-in breast-feeding / pregnancy group where mum's & dad's can come & chat & if they have any questions etc.
I'd also like to help mum's on-line. If they have questions etc. I am an advanced breast feeding consultant & midwife. I also have a diploma in palliative / cancer care so I could just be there for those who are suffering or who have loved ones who are & need support & care. Why should all my qualifications go to waste? There must be something out there....

Take care blog readers!!

Tuesday

Sorry I've neglected you all but I've been that busy.
My son married his sweetheart, Kelly, on the 30th June. It was a civil ceremony held at one of the 'posh' hotels in Tunbridge Wells. Although we are a Christian family, Ian was put off by a "Bible-Basher" and although he respects our faith he didn't want to be a hypocrite and get married in a church. Despite this, the wedding was amazing. They looked so loved up & Kelly cried when the registrar named them man & wife. My girls were bridesmaids and they looked so grown up, I was so proud of them. We're totally wiped - out financially, we're still paying off Jen & Carl's wedding from last June! I just emptied out my e-savings account & gave them all that money and Geoff paid for the suit-hire. Now we shall have to start saving for the girls' university fees etc & weddings!

We're off to New Wine the first week of August. I had to withdraw money from my members ISA Bond (aka my pension) in order to pay for the holiday. I hope it's worth it! My mum is coming with us. She's on a Baltic cruise at the moment. I would prefer something hot - she had to pack her winter clothes sod that for a lark!!

The next Southborough Scrappers club nite is this Thursday coming. The kit is gorgeous. It's monochrome and contains:

1. 3 sheets cardstock
2. 8 sheets papers!
3. 14 'grand adhesions' 3D & glittery stickers
4. 128 'clearly yours' alphabet stickers (different sizes)
5. 13 die-cut stickers
6. 33 die-cut shapes
7. Templates

The Theme of the kit is WEDDINGS. I have posted my example (right) but there's enough kit to make at least 3 layouts. You can use 2 6x4" photos or, as I did, a 7x5" photo. It's clearly up to you. Just enjoy your kit & the company!!