Help wanted (Score so far related)

[IWMP]

I think all areas pick large items up for free but each household is only entitled to one free pick up per year. I've never used it before. You can pay for extra items. You have to go by when they are in your area though so I have to wait. The sofa is HEAVY. It's like old fashioned heavy wood and leather. Think it will have to be slid out.

I've broken up a sofa before and had it taken to the tip. (Domestic waste centre). Wasn't easy lol. The other options are having a van man collect it and take it to the tip which would cost a fair amount or hiring a skip which costs but that would require breaking things up and this sofa is solid.

Sounds like something I'd do lol. I have some succulents in the garden. I like house plants. Not got loads.

I'm glad your neuropathy has gone. That is a really good sign that things are heading in the right direction. It sounds like you are predispositioned to have heart problems which must be scary. That was a nice thing for you to do for your brother.

Hope your husband enjoys his new recliner and his surgery goes well and things are smooth for his healing. Bet it's comfy lol.

I'm still feeling tired. Kids are chilling out watching TV. Think they are appreciating an easy morning after their first week back at school. My son has had a good week according to the teacher. They haven't expressed any issues. My daughter has a teacher on a Thursday who puts me on edge. She started talking to me as if she was going to tell me something my daughter had done that was naughty and then said she shut the blinds for her but she hesitated and then said she shut the blinds. So I was like aww that's nice but I'm quite sensitive to changes so I'm not sure what that was about but I just let it be. That teacher is a bit like that though. I find it hard to understand her. She is very different to anyone I've met in the way she talks. It's like she will be talking and then mid sentence she will just walk away. I find it odd.

We have space where my daughter can do art and it's ok. It's just if I want to do something in particular, she will take over. She makes things or draws or does artistic things nearly every day. She's very creative.

[Jersey Girl]

I think all areas pick large items up for free but each household is only entitled to one free pick up per year. I've never used it before. You can pay for extra items. You have to go by when they are in your area though so I have to wait.

I love that they do that! It sounds like even though you have to wait (and be ready for when they're coming to your area) you save money and get your discards cleared out, too. I feel like there's a trash company here that might do that. Not sure.

The sofa is HEAVY. It's like old fashioned heavy wood and leather. Think it will have to be slid out.

Can he put it on a blanket and drag it out? Probably too big a job.

I've broken up a sofa before and had it taken to the tip. (Domestic waste centre). Wasn't easy lol. The other options are having a van man collect it and take it to the tip which would cost a fair amount or hiring a skip which costs but that would require breaking things up and this sofa is solid.

I've seen the skips over there and I know you're right about having to break it up into pieces. Maybe the van man you mentioned. I'll be interested in hearing how you get rid of it. Maybe I can learn a new trick from you!

Do charity shops come and collect old furniture?

Sounds like something I'd do lol. I have some succulents in the garden. I like house plants. Not got loads.

I was SO proud of myself and then that happened! Cleaned it up the next day. It's hard to get things done because I'm also working on craft sales product at the same time. I'm trying to learn how to slow down but it's really hard for me.

I'm glad your neuropathy has gone. That is a really good sign that things are heading in the right direction. It sounds like you are predispositioned to have heart problems which must be scary. That was a nice thing for you to do for your brother.

Yes I think it's resolved now. I count every little victory I can! I never in my life thought I would live to the age that I am. All of us feel like we're living under a curse. Probably sounds irrational but to us it's very real. My father died when those kids were little, the oldest being around the age I was when he left my mother. They were camping and when they woke up there were strangers in their tent because Daddy had a heart attack in the wee hours and my Aunt (their mother) went with him. You don't forget these kinds of things. It's trauma.

Hope your husband enjoys his new recliner and his surgery goes well and things are smooth for his healing. Bet it's comfy lol.

It's nice and he likes it! I'm dreading his recovery but only because I'm not in top form myself. I can't let myself get exhausted so we're trying to prepare in advance to make things easier. Example, he's getting this thing that you put near your bed or chair. I think it has ice in it? Anyway you put part of it over your leg to cool it. It's a convenience thing.

I'm still feeling tired. Kids are chilling out watching TV. Think they are appreciating an easy morning after their first week back at school. My son has had a good week according to the teacher. They haven't expressed any issues. My daughter has a teacher on a Thursday who puts me on edge. She started talking to me as if she was going to tell me something my daughter had done that was naughty and then said she shut the blinds for her but she hesitated and then said she shut the blinds. So I was like aww that's nice but I'm quite sensitive to changes so I'm not sure what that was about but I just let it be. That teacher is a bit like that though. I find it hard to understand her. She is very different to anyone I've met in the way she talks. It's like she will be talking and then mid sentence she will just walk away. I find it odd.

Maybe she has too much on her mind?

We have space where my daughter can do art and it's ok. It's just if I want to do something in particular, she will take over. She makes things or draws or does artistic things nearly every day. She's very creative.

Oh I get it now. Do you know how many children never get to engage in art in their homes or garden? Parents don't want "messes" in their homes when they could easily prepare the space and teach children to prepare the space themselves and do their own clean up. I know they can, I did it for years!

You're a good Mum,Nicky!

I think a hobby is a great idea for your Mum. Maybe join a gardening group and learn new things or take a class? A walking group where ladies take walks together? It sounds like when she's alone she starts running things through her mind. Too much alone time and loneliness sounds like.

p.s. If anyone is reading here...don't try to keep up with us, people. We're too good at this.

[IWMP]

I think all areas pick large items up for free but each household is only entitled to one free pick up per year. I've never used it before. You can pay for extra items. You have to go by when they are in your area though so I have to wait.

I love that they do that! It sounds like even though you have to wait (and be ready for when they're coming to your area) you save money and get your discards cleared out, too. I feel like there's a trash company here that might do that. Not sure.

The sofa is HEAVY. It's like old fashioned heavy wood and leather. Think it will have to be slid out.

Can he put it on a blanket and drag it out? Probably too big a job.

I've broken up a sofa before and had it taken to the tip. (Domestic waste centre). Wasn't easy lol. The other options are having a van man collect it and take it to the tip which would cost a fair amount or hiring a skip which costs but that would require breaking things up and this sofa is solid.

I've seen the skips over there and I know you're right about having to break it up into pieces. Maybe the van man you mentioned. I'll be interested in hearing how you get rid of it. Maybe I can learn a new trick from you!

Do charity shops come and collect old furniture?

Sounds like something I'd do lol. I have some succulents in the garden. I like house plants. Not got loads.

I was SO proud of myself and then that happened! Cleaned it up the next day. It's hard to get things done because I'm also working on craft sales product at the same time. I'm trying to learn how to slow down but it's really hard for me.

I'm glad your neuropathy has gone. That is a really good sign that things are heading in the right direction. It sounds like you are predispositioned to have heart problems which must be scary. That was a nice thing for you to do for your brother.

Yes I think it's resolved now. I count every little victory I can! I never in my life thought I would live to the age that I am. All of us feel like we're living under a curse. Probably sounds irrational but to us it's very real. My father died when those kids were little, the oldest being around the age I was when he left my mother. They were camping and when they woke up there were strangers in their tent because Daddy had a heart attack in the wee hours and my Aunt (their mother) went with him. You don't forget these kinds of things. It's trauma.

Hope your husband enjoys his new recliner and his surgery goes well and things are smooth for his healing. Bet it's comfy lol.

It's nice and he likes it! I'm dreading his recovery but only because I'm not in top form myself. I can't let myself get exhausted so we're trying to prepare in advance to make things easier. Example, he's getting this thing that you put near your bed or chair. I think it has ice in it? Anyway you put part of it over your leg to cool it. It's a convenience thing.

I'm still feeling tired. Kids are chilling out watching TV. Think they are appreciating an easy morning after their first week back at school. My son has had a good week according to the teacher. They haven't expressed any issues. My daughter has a teacher on a Thursday who puts me on edge. She started talking to me as if she was going to tell me something my daughter had done that was naughty and then said she shut the blinds for her but she hesitated and then said she shut the blinds. So I was like aww that's nice but I'm quite sensitive to changes so I'm not sure what that was about but I just let it be. That teacher is a bit like that though. I find it hard to understand her. She is very different to anyone I've met in the way she talks. It's like she will be talking and then mid sentence she will just walk away. I find it odd.

Maybe she has too much on her mind?

We have space where my daughter can do art and it's ok. It's just if I want to do something in particular, she will take over. She makes things or draws or does artistic things nearly every day. She's very creative.

Oh I get it now. Do you know how many children never get to engage in art in their homes or garden? Parents don't want "messes" in their homes when they could easily prepare the space and teach children to prepare the space themselves and do their own clean up. I know they can, I did it for years!

You're a good Mum,Nicky!

I think a hobby is a great idea for your Mum. Maybe join a gardening group and learn new things or take a class? A walking group where ladies take walks together? It sounds like when she's alone she starts running things through her mind. Too much alone time and loneliness sounds like.

p.s. If anyone is reading here...don't try to keep up with us, people. We're too good at this.

This time they will pick it up. So no need for a van man. Unless they get here and decide not to then it will be fun. Would need a chain saw lol. Charity shops do do collections. We've had a bed collected before . It depends on the condition. It was an option but it's very very old. Little lady drew on it a few times, some leather has cracked. I think I'd have to get it repaired and professionally cleaned to do that. Also Facebook marketplace is a good way to get rid of things. Even putting things up for free. Metal goes easily. I just pop on the local group and ask if there's a scrap man available and then they come and collect it and don't charge. And some things you can just sit outside your garden and others will take them. I put a cooker out there not long ago. It had power but it kept shorting. Someone took it the same day. I put a TV out there and no one took it but because it rained I put it in the back garden. We will break that up and put it in the black bin. The TV worked but the image didn't fit on the screen for some reason. But when a sky box was plugged in it did. I couldn't figure out how to adjust it but figured someone else would be able to. But it will be dead now.

Slowing down is a good idea. I don't think it would do any harm to fix the stones the next day. Sometimes its like that. I've left yesterday's dishes. I'll have them cleaned today but sometimes it's nice to just not deal with it. I did clean the kitchen. Just didn't wash the dishes or put them in the dishwasher. Didn't do laundry either. All I did yesterday was clear the living room. Bit of drawing was happening on the floor which means paper was laying around and pens. Some cups and breakfast plates/food. And cleaned the kitchen. Then chilled out.

It sounds scary living with that knowledge that there is a family history of life threatening illness. That would cause me anxiety for sure. I'm glad you and your sisters have exceeded expectations.

I think the teacher is neurodivergent. She is amazing with the kids that are SEN kids. She connects with them and I often see her chatting with them. She has stressed me out a couple of times because she will beeline and start talking to my kids (usually my son) but usually at the worst time and talking about random stuff. There was one day that stands out where we were running late because my daughter is a challenge to get in. Now I send my son in first. And so he was running late but not late yet and she just went up to him and started a conversation about his scarf and I'm like dude.... What you doing? I didn't say that of course. I just encouraged Oliver to continue in. Thankfully his teacher waited for him.

My kid sticks her art all over the house. The living room is clear at the moment because we've just decorated. But her bedroom has a few pictures stuck up. I don't really mind. Their presence can be felt it's basically their space. When I was a kid the living room had no sign of kids existing. I kinda like that they don't need to hide in their bedrooms. They are rarely up there.

Ill PM about my mum. She does have a couple of groups she is involved with but often skips meet ups because she doesn't feel well. My brother is upsetting her. She does have a right to feel upset but when someone does the same thing for years on end you just gotta be like whatever instead of sitting letting it eat at you and analysing what you could have done differently. The fact of the matter is, he is self centred, egotistical and is a user. He has no time for anyone unless he needs or wants something. And she is taking it personally when he disappears and I said don't take it personally, it's a him problem and she said it is personal and got upset with that, my mind blanked what she said to me the second she reacted. She apologised for how she spoke to me but my brain just blanked it and shut down and then I didn't know what to say and was struggling to process what she was saying. I can't even remember what she said. Maybe I am better to just listen and not try to reassure her or advise. I don't mind her venting and processing. I just need to learn to not have an opinion.

Did you try the oil? How's food coming along?
I'm going to have a cup of tea. I feel knackered.

[Jersey Girl]

I'm going to have a cup of tea. I feel knackered.

I'll reply to the rest soon!

[IWMP]

I'm going to have a cup of tea. I feel knackered.

I'll reply to the rest soon!

Lol.

Fell asleep on the couch today. Like zonked. I dreampt that I was in a different place but in my dream I was so tired that I was dreaming that I was dozing off to sleep and my eyes and body were sleeping but I could hear the people in my dream mumbling and moving about around me. But even in my dream I felt exhausted. So tired today. Like inception. I dreampt that I was sleeping lol.

When I woke up my phone had died and Alexa wouldn't telle what time it was. She was speaking in a different accent and she just kept saying I don't know how to help you with that. Thankfully I hadn't slept in and restarting Alexa resolved the problem.

Edit to add... The teacher I mentioned that makes me feel like something is up... Well today she looked grumpy and she huffed at my daughter. She was giving out sweets and my daughter stood for a while looking and the pack was empty but the teacher hadn't realised and I think my daughter might have pointed it out so the teacher grabbed the empty packet with her other hand to reveal the second packet but she was like ughh at the same time and her face just looked miffed. I said to my daughter the teacher looked grumpy has it been a hard day. My daughter said, "she always looks grumpy, her face always looks like that, have you never noticed before". She's right but usually it's milder. It's kinda nice that I'm not imagining it. But maybe the teacher needs to be more self aware.

[Jersey Girl]

I'm okay! I will catch up with you. Had to get a LOT done and wrap some things up before my little grand fur babies come for 5 days.

[IWMP]

I'm okay! I will catch up with you. Had to get a LOT done and wrap some things up before my little grand fur babies come for 5 days.

Aww cute. Hope you have a nice time with them.

[Jersey Girl]

Have to put this here quick before I forget about it after I've got the puppies. Been doing my homework over here and coming up with actual food dishes I can make to replace old favorites or reintroduce. Some of these are pricey but when I think back on how much food I wasted over 2 years, I think it's worth it. I'm someone who thinks wasting food is a sin. Some wasting is just a fact of life. I wasted SO much produce. I can't express how much I regret that.

Some of the foods below are foods I used to eat before I got sick.

These are legit for Low Fodmap

1. Certified Low Fodmap Chicken bone broth (Monash)
Orzo Pasta
(Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!)

2. Applesauce Snack Cake recipe
(Applesauce is low fodmap and it's got "legal" ingredients]

3. Simple Mills Crunchy Almond Flour Cookies--Chocolate Chip
(Serving is 4. Either the Fat content a little high for me or it's the Almond flour. I can try half serving. They are so GOOD.)

4. Cacao nibs (Maybe put a few in yogurt)

5. Low Fodmap granol recipe (Cacao nibs can also go in there)

6. Nairn's Gluten Free Oat Grahams (with my tea)

7. Orzo Pasta (salad and soups)

8. Quinoa




Still taking foods in the queue and moving them forward into the tummy.

[Jersey Girl]

Not even a real update but still...a couple of little things.

This was in my above food list queue: 7. Orzo Pasta (salad and soups)

I made a mistake and didn't get the brown rice Orzo so that's still in the queue.

Another one made in IN though!

So the other night I was noticing every time I drank my tea (milk/sugar) my gut started stinging. Yesterday (and because I am my own science experiment) I decided to go full force and had my tea the way I used to make it with 2 teaspoons of sugar (no artificial sweetener any more) before I got sick and what used to be my regular amount of milk.

EUREKA!!!

Here's what made it IN from my food queue. I have these for a tea time break now...they are SO good and gut friendly, too! PRICEY but well worth it to me right now. My new favorite thing!

6. Nairn's Gluten Free Oat Grahams (with my tea)

[IWMP]

Not even a real update but still...a couple of little things.

This was in my above food list queue: 7. Orzo Pasta (salad and soups)

I made a mistake and didn't get the brown rice Orzo so that's still in the queue.

Another one made in IN though!

So the other night I was noticing every time I drank my tea (milk/sugar) my gut started stinging. Yesterday (and because I am my own science experiment) I decided to go full force and had my tea the way I used to make it with 2 teaspoons of sugar (no artificial sweetener any more) before I got sick and what used to be my regular amount of milk.

EUREKA!!!

Here's what made it IN from my food queue. I have these for a tea time break now...they are SO good and gut friendly, too! PRICEY but well worth it to me right now. My new favorite thing!

6. Nairn's Gluten Free Oat Grahams (with my tea)

Did the tea with milk and 2 sugars work out ok? I don't know if I've asked this before but have you been tested for helicobacter pylori? Mind you, your antibiotics to kill the sibo would probably have killed everything that shouldn't be there. Just with the stinging. And I vaguely have the impression you might be taking PPIs but can't remember exactly.

Dr never did get back to me about the acid I have... But I have the consultant on Tuesday and she can discuss it with me.