Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...I must confess to something, I don't know what got in to me |(or do I?)...yesterday I had an argument with a six year old girl and had a go at a four year old boy! Good grief. I'll explain all....
I took Tom and Ben to a local indoor play centre called Monkey Business - its pretty good there, lots of slides, climbing equipment, ball pits etc - perfect for tiring Tom out and he loves it. I go there quite regularly with a couple of friends from my NCT group. There were three of us there with our children and I offered to take the three toddlers on to the equipment while Vicky, who's pregnant, stayed with Ben and Tasha stayed with her baby, Bea. There were quite a few older kids playing when we got there and our three look quite small in comparison so I was making sure that they stayed safe. I might sound ancient saying this but some children nowadays really do have absolutley no manners. They were barging past us, knocking the littlest one, Saffie, flying - colliding with me - no 'excuse me's' or 'please' and 'thank you's'. I pulled all three of them to one side as a girl of about six came charging along, said 'Careful you three, let the little girl go past' (me being totally polite), when all of a sudden she spun round and started to back chat me by shouting...'I am not a little girl'. I then stood there and began arguing with her about exactly how little she actually was, crikey, as if it mattered. She was saying, as she ran off, how she can't be little as she went to a big school now, and I found myself leaning over the barrier and shouting down to her as she sped off down the slide...'you're still little though, regardless!' What possessed me I do not know, thank goodness her mother was nowhere in sight!
To be honest I know what sparks it - I can't stand rude children. When I was her age I wouldn't have said boo to a goose. It seems to be the case though now that a lot of children do not have manners. It astonishes me just how badly behaved they can be - and it will only get worse as they get older. I try so hard to drum it in to Thomas to always say please and thank you, to take his shoes off the settee, not to run and shout in shops etc etc....I wonder simetimes whether I am too strict with him but I am just determined that my children aren't looked upon as I look upon some others....esp a certain six year old LITTLE girl I could mention....and that leads me on nicely to the four year old boy...eek...
There's a smaller fenced off area in Monkey business esp for all the tiny tots. Tasha had popped to the toilet to change Bea and Vicky and I were keeping an eye on Tom, Emily and Saffie. I saw this boy pushing Saffie over really hard and she landed with a firm thud on the floor, and consequently began crying. I stormed in there and had a real pop at him, and again, such a small boy, he just couldn't care less. He turned his back on me and walked off. Was I right to have a go? I think so. As well as rude children, I can't stand bullies either. They pick on those smaller and weaker than themselves and I abhore any kind of behaviour that puts fear and self doubt in to children's hearts. The trouble is, if their behaviour doesn't get corrected at an early age they will continue in to adulthood like it and surely if that's the case, it can only get worse?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
2 days to go...
Or call that 1 work day and 1 day spent in the office in body, but not in spirit. I have the obligatory leaving drinks after work tomorrow - and it will be nothing short of carnage. Part of me expects nothing less. I've worked there for 6 1/2 years and I feel a good send off is a must; a chance to drink with friends, reminisce and get emotional about the fact that I won't see these people day in day out any more.
But another part of me is dreading it. I'm a notoriously weak person. Always have been. "Easily led" was a phrase written in school reports on more than one occassion. And it's a personality trait I haven't seemed to be able to shift. Unable to ignore the call of a colleague when any one of them asks "fancy a pint?", all too often I've made a sheepish phone call to Katy, telling her that I'll be late home due to the call of the pub. Not something to be proud of, granted. But something's definitely changing. I truly yearn for my kids. More so every day as Tom's development continues to astound me, and the rapport builds between him and his brother. And in them I see the influence of my beautiful wife, such a wonderful mother, and the woman who has my heart forever.
When I think about all that I have at home, a social life that involves binge drinking and swapping meaningless stories, sounds pretty insignificant by comparison. To this end, I vow to change as I turn 30 in a couple of weeks. After all the obligatory 30th celebrations of course (doh, there I go again...). One step at a time!
But another part of me is dreading it. I'm a notoriously weak person. Always have been. "Easily led" was a phrase written in school reports on more than one occassion. And it's a personality trait I haven't seemed to be able to shift. Unable to ignore the call of a colleague when any one of them asks "fancy a pint?", all too often I've made a sheepish phone call to Katy, telling her that I'll be late home due to the call of the pub. Not something to be proud of, granted. But something's definitely changing. I truly yearn for my kids. More so every day as Tom's development continues to astound me, and the rapport builds between him and his brother. And in them I see the influence of my beautiful wife, such a wonderful mother, and the woman who has my heart forever.
When I think about all that I have at home, a social life that involves binge drinking and swapping meaningless stories, sounds pretty insignificant by comparison. To this end, I vow to change as I turn 30 in a couple of weeks. After all the obligatory 30th celebrations of course (doh, there I go again...). One step at a time!
Monday, January 15, 2007
4 days to go...
So my final week with my current employer has arrived. They're making sure they get their money's worth out of me too. I hope it's a sign that I don't want the rest of the guys in the studio picking up my slack, the fact that I am getting my head down and not "slowing down" in my last week, and not a sign of me being a bit of a mug!
It's been an interesting month, since I handed in my resignation. Firstly the timing of it, 21st December, the day before we finished before the festive break, didn't go down too well. Apparently they would lose 10 days of my notice period whilst everyone shut down for Christmas. Hardly my problem, but they still asked me to stay until the end of January. Part of me did want to help out, they've been good to me over the last 6 and a half years, and if I could've helped, I would've. But my new contract was signed, sealed and delivered, and the new company, Capital Consulting, wanted me on board ASAP.
Since then, I've been astounded by who's got involved in trying to make me stay. Firstly some of the senior staff in the marketing department sounded off. It was apparently common knowledge that the reason I was leaving was due to my line manager. In fairness, she was the catalyst - but the truth is, I was referred for my new role, so the opportunity literally fell into my lap, and it was simply too good to pass up. But they seemed to focus on the catalyst, and decided to see what could be done. Next I'm meeting with the MD who is looking after the department since our marketing director left two months ago. He's not sure why I would leave a multinational company for a smaller (yet still international) one; he's trying to plant seeds of doubt in my mind about the new company. Then the CEO calls me in for a chat! Why is the CEO so concerned about me leaving? I'm a little fish in a big pond, right? But I have the utmost respect for this man, and it was an experience to hear him ask me not to throw away a relationship with this company that he feels so passionately for, and he almost had me! But, when the situation was summed up in one more meeting with the MD, they could offer me security and Capital can offer me opportunity. And that was the bottom line. I need to do this, to prove to myself that I can run a studio, and lead a team.
So I'm off to be a Head of Studio! And only 4 days to go. Can't wait.
It's been an interesting month, since I handed in my resignation. Firstly the timing of it, 21st December, the day before we finished before the festive break, didn't go down too well. Apparently they would lose 10 days of my notice period whilst everyone shut down for Christmas. Hardly my problem, but they still asked me to stay until the end of January. Part of me did want to help out, they've been good to me over the last 6 and a half years, and if I could've helped, I would've. But my new contract was signed, sealed and delivered, and the new company, Capital Consulting, wanted me on board ASAP.
Since then, I've been astounded by who's got involved in trying to make me stay. Firstly some of the senior staff in the marketing department sounded off. It was apparently common knowledge that the reason I was leaving was due to my line manager. In fairness, she was the catalyst - but the truth is, I was referred for my new role, so the opportunity literally fell into my lap, and it was simply too good to pass up. But they seemed to focus on the catalyst, and decided to see what could be done. Next I'm meeting with the MD who is looking after the department since our marketing director left two months ago. He's not sure why I would leave a multinational company for a smaller (yet still international) one; he's trying to plant seeds of doubt in my mind about the new company. Then the CEO calls me in for a chat! Why is the CEO so concerned about me leaving? I'm a little fish in a big pond, right? But I have the utmost respect for this man, and it was an experience to hear him ask me not to throw away a relationship with this company that he feels so passionately for, and he almost had me! But, when the situation was summed up in one more meeting with the MD, they could offer me security and Capital can offer me opportunity. And that was the bottom line. I need to do this, to prove to myself that I can run a studio, and lead a team.
So I'm off to be a Head of Studio! And only 4 days to go. Can't wait.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
a further continuation of the chain of weirdness
I have never blogged before, but seeing as both my brother and my husband do regularly, I thought I might give it a go. Stu, has said that we can share his blog together and has, as such, already given me my first 'strict guideline' - I am not to use any other font than this and it has to stay in this size too - apparently, its important from a design point of view that all is the same.
As I love him to bits,I'll oblige!!
Anyway, maybe I should write a bit about myself before I get started on the purpose of this post, which is to state my six weirdest things, as Stu and James have both done.
I am 28 years old, married obviously, with two wonderful little boys who are the light of my life. I grew up in Thorpe Bay which is in Southend and have never moved far away. I would like to one day I think, just for a little while, but who knows when that may be. Stu and I have always said that when our children grow up we will go travelling far and wide so that would do me - a chance to spread my wings is all I need. I grew up wanting to be an Art teacher but never followed through with completing my Uni course, for various reasons, and ended up at the other end of the spectrum, doing office work. I did become quite successful at this and became a manager of a finance team - I enjoyed it in a funny kind of way but since leaving that line of work and focussing on bringing up Tom and Ben I have decided that my career future lies in Midwifery - childbirth and all that comes with it is a subject that I find totally fascinating. I can only hope that I am able to find a way at some point that allows me to train and take on this role, along with being a successful mother. This latter role is what is most important to me though and it is that that I will pour my heart and soul in to.
i have much else to say as one paragraph does not exactly sum me up but I must progress on to the subject of just how weird am I?! Let's see.........
I nibble all food - all finger food mainly. I can't seem to eat anything like chocolate, sandwiches, biscuits and the like in a normal way. I'll give you an example - if I was to embark on the task of devouring a sandwich I would do so by taking the first half and eating all the crusts, this half would then be put back on the plate. The second half would be started in the same way and would also be put back on the plate. I would then eat the middle of the first half and then finish the middle of the second. I don't know why, habit I guess and I do try not to do this in public but I get all twitchy with the effort this entails! You should see me trying to eat a Twix - quite a sight to behold!
I can only sleep on the side of the bed that is nearest to the door. Right or left, it matters not, as long as its near a door. I thought about why this may be and the only answer I can come up with is that when I was younger I used to lay in my bed, a single bed at the time, and work out fire escape routes from every single room in our house. I had a slight obsession with death when I was a child, as I guess lots of little ones do when they realise they and the ones they love will not last forever. Our house was quite big and I had escape routes meticulously planned no matter where you might be if you were in danger - and obviously doors, as well as windows, featured highly in this. I'm not still obsessed in this by the way, but remnants of it still live on!
I only finish half of my drink, regardless of what it is. This seems to be understandable with tea as it makes sense that it would get cold quickly and there's nothing more yucky than cold tea; but I do it with juice, water, wine - anything. My brother Matthew and his wife refuse to make me a full cup of tea anymore, thinking that I will finish a half a cup. What they don't realise though is that I will still leave half of that too!
The metal hooks on my hangers in my wardrobe all have to face the same way. All trousers hang together, all jumpers, all tops - also all facing the same way. A bit 'Sleeping with the Enemy'? Hmmm.....( I'm a lot nicer I promise - hopefully Stu can vouch for that!)
I am obsessed with the tidiness of Tom and Ben's toys. It bothers me greatly when any of them are out of order, if puzzles are messed up, or they are all scattered over the sitting room. Stu says that I tidy them away before Tom has a chance to even play with them but I just like to keep them nice thats all. Mind you, when our house is full of his little friends I am guilty of hiding all his nice stuff and tend to find myself on my hands and knees half way through their visit manically clearing up after them all...only to be followed round by the tribe of two year olds tipping stickle bricks out of their boxes, plastic food out of the basket, cars out of the garage....I sit back and survey the damage with a cold sweat prickly on my forehead. Don't even get me started at the boxes of chalk and crayons getting mixed in together under his easel in the kitchen....and paint on the white board of all places....don't these children understand..???
Last but not least - I can do a cracking impression of a mouse asleep. Don't ask me why?!
As I love him to bits,I'll oblige!!
Anyway, maybe I should write a bit about myself before I get started on the purpose of this post, which is to state my six weirdest things, as Stu and James have both done.
I am 28 years old, married obviously, with two wonderful little boys who are the light of my life. I grew up in Thorpe Bay which is in Southend and have never moved far away. I would like to one day I think, just for a little while, but who knows when that may be. Stu and I have always said that when our children grow up we will go travelling far and wide so that would do me - a chance to spread my wings is all I need. I grew up wanting to be an Art teacher but never followed through with completing my Uni course, for various reasons, and ended up at the other end of the spectrum, doing office work. I did become quite successful at this and became a manager of a finance team - I enjoyed it in a funny kind of way but since leaving that line of work and focussing on bringing up Tom and Ben I have decided that my career future lies in Midwifery - childbirth and all that comes with it is a subject that I find totally fascinating. I can only hope that I am able to find a way at some point that allows me to train and take on this role, along with being a successful mother. This latter role is what is most important to me though and it is that that I will pour my heart and soul in to.
i have much else to say as one paragraph does not exactly sum me up but I must progress on to the subject of just how weird am I?! Let's see.........
I nibble all food - all finger food mainly. I can't seem to eat anything like chocolate, sandwiches, biscuits and the like in a normal way. I'll give you an example - if I was to embark on the task of devouring a sandwich I would do so by taking the first half and eating all the crusts, this half would then be put back on the plate. The second half would be started in the same way and would also be put back on the plate. I would then eat the middle of the first half and then finish the middle of the second. I don't know why, habit I guess and I do try not to do this in public but I get all twitchy with the effort this entails! You should see me trying to eat a Twix - quite a sight to behold!
I can only sleep on the side of the bed that is nearest to the door. Right or left, it matters not, as long as its near a door. I thought about why this may be and the only answer I can come up with is that when I was younger I used to lay in my bed, a single bed at the time, and work out fire escape routes from every single room in our house. I had a slight obsession with death when I was a child, as I guess lots of little ones do when they realise they and the ones they love will not last forever. Our house was quite big and I had escape routes meticulously planned no matter where you might be if you were in danger - and obviously doors, as well as windows, featured highly in this. I'm not still obsessed in this by the way, but remnants of it still live on!
I only finish half of my drink, regardless of what it is. This seems to be understandable with tea as it makes sense that it would get cold quickly and there's nothing more yucky than cold tea; but I do it with juice, water, wine - anything. My brother Matthew and his wife refuse to make me a full cup of tea anymore, thinking that I will finish a half a cup. What they don't realise though is that I will still leave half of that too!
The metal hooks on my hangers in my wardrobe all have to face the same way. All trousers hang together, all jumpers, all tops - also all facing the same way. A bit 'Sleeping with the Enemy'? Hmmm.....( I'm a lot nicer I promise - hopefully Stu can vouch for that!)
I am obsessed with the tidiness of Tom and Ben's toys. It bothers me greatly when any of them are out of order, if puzzles are messed up, or they are all scattered over the sitting room. Stu says that I tidy them away before Tom has a chance to even play with them but I just like to keep them nice thats all. Mind you, when our house is full of his little friends I am guilty of hiding all his nice stuff and tend to find myself on my hands and knees half way through their visit manically clearing up after them all...only to be followed round by the tribe of two year olds tipping stickle bricks out of their boxes, plastic food out of the basket, cars out of the garage....I sit back and survey the damage with a cold sweat prickly on my forehead. Don't even get me started at the boxes of chalk and crayons getting mixed in together under his easel in the kitchen....and paint on the white board of all places....don't these children understand..???
Last but not least - I can do a cracking impression of a mouse asleep. Don't ask me why?!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Have you met the wife?
Katy has decided she wants to get in on this blogging thing, so Ad-hocrasy is now our blog! It also means I can tag her for her 6 weirdest things thus adding to the abundance of weird facts in the blogosphere! Plus the Fitzgeralds are much better writers than I, so hopefully she'll bring a touch of class, and a few readers with her! : )
Saturday, January 06, 2007
continuing the Unbroken Chain of Weirdness...
I've been tagged by my brother-in-law to list 6 weird things about myself. So I asked Katy "what's weird about me?" Witty as ever, my darling wife replied "everything honey." Thanks a lot!! So with no help I wracked my brains and came up with the following:
1. I love gravy. Meals literally have to swim in it! As a kid I used to drink it out of a mug, until my mum felt enough was enough and started buying me bovril. The best thing about gravy, and something I am no longer allowed to do (because Katy thinks it's disgusting!) is taking a bit of bread and mopping up what's left on the plate at the end of a meal.
2. It often feels that I am the only person in the world who doesn't like Tomato Ketchup. Or any cold sauce for that matter. No mayo, salad cream, mustard, horseradish, salsa. I have been told that this is weird on numerous occasions!
3. I have a wonky little finger on my right hand. I fractured it playing in goal. I'd just made a great save (he says), but as I did my hand went to ground under me and there was a loud crack. As I got up I just asked my friend Si to pull my glove off and as he did he winced at the sight of the top half of my little finger pointing at right angles to the rest of my hand! Never did heal properly.
4. I also have dodgy thumbs, apparently! Most thumbs that I've examined (a greater number than one could imagine) tend to curve backwards at varying degrees. Mine are poker straight. I have passed this genetic oddity on to my second son, so I will at least have him by my side next time Katy points out my strange digits to somebody!
5. I can't stand bodily hair! That counts for my own. Leg and arm hair I've always lived with cos I play football and you do not want to be in a communal changing room when somebody points out your lack thereof. But in my early twenties I tried all methods of removal of chest and back hair. Sad to say now I just try to ignore it all. If money was no object laser hair removal would be surprisingly high on my wish list!! I won't tell you how I react if the missus' legs get spiky....
6. Finally, and a moment of shock realisation for me, I have never stayed in a house overnight by myself. Well okay, I have once - but it was after a night out celebrating my brother's birthday. Katy had gone to visit James and co, and my brother and cousin were due to crash at ours. I soon ran out of steam on the night out, and told my brother I'd leave him a key and see him at home later. So to all intents and purposes I never thought I'd be staying alone, until I woke next morning to find he didn't come back to mine after all!! After our first son was born, and Katy stayed in over night, I stayed at my parents, as it was closer to the hospital; whenever I've crashed in London it's been with friends, even when my parents went on holiday when I was 18-24, I'd get someone round to stay! Clearly I have a bit of an issue here, and I never really thought about it until I got tagged for my 6 weirdest things!!
Sadly, the unbroken chain of weirdness will stutter here, as I don't know any other bloggers, other than those already tagged. So short of asking them to list a further 6 things, I may have to hold off tagging for a while.
1. I love gravy. Meals literally have to swim in it! As a kid I used to drink it out of a mug, until my mum felt enough was enough and started buying me bovril. The best thing about gravy, and something I am no longer allowed to do (because Katy thinks it's disgusting!) is taking a bit of bread and mopping up what's left on the plate at the end of a meal.
2. It often feels that I am the only person in the world who doesn't like Tomato Ketchup. Or any cold sauce for that matter. No mayo, salad cream, mustard, horseradish, salsa. I have been told that this is weird on numerous occasions!
3. I have a wonky little finger on my right hand. I fractured it playing in goal. I'd just made a great save (he says), but as I did my hand went to ground under me and there was a loud crack. As I got up I just asked my friend Si to pull my glove off and as he did he winced at the sight of the top half of my little finger pointing at right angles to the rest of my hand! Never did heal properly.
4. I also have dodgy thumbs, apparently! Most thumbs that I've examined (a greater number than one could imagine) tend to curve backwards at varying degrees. Mine are poker straight. I have passed this genetic oddity on to my second son, so I will at least have him by my side next time Katy points out my strange digits to somebody!
5. I can't stand bodily hair! That counts for my own. Leg and arm hair I've always lived with cos I play football and you do not want to be in a communal changing room when somebody points out your lack thereof. But in my early twenties I tried all methods of removal of chest and back hair. Sad to say now I just try to ignore it all. If money was no object laser hair removal would be surprisingly high on my wish list!! I won't tell you how I react if the missus' legs get spiky....
6. Finally, and a moment of shock realisation for me, I have never stayed in a house overnight by myself. Well okay, I have once - but it was after a night out celebrating my brother's birthday. Katy had gone to visit James and co, and my brother and cousin were due to crash at ours. I soon ran out of steam on the night out, and told my brother I'd leave him a key and see him at home later. So to all intents and purposes I never thought I'd be staying alone, until I woke next morning to find he didn't come back to mine after all!! After our first son was born, and Katy stayed in over night, I stayed at my parents, as it was closer to the hospital; whenever I've crashed in London it's been with friends, even when my parents went on holiday when I was 18-24, I'd get someone round to stay! Clearly I have a bit of an issue here, and I never really thought about it until I got tagged for my 6 weirdest things!!
Sadly, the unbroken chain of weirdness will stutter here, as I don't know any other bloggers, other than those already tagged. So short of asking them to list a further 6 things, I may have to hold off tagging for a while.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
A valuable lesson
Never go into a catholic blog community and stand up for condoms!! ( See 'Natural Condoms' for oxy-morons) My comment on this post was shot down by one of James' commentors, and initially I was seething.
I've read James' blog from the start, and he warned me in person that his posts may get quite full on. He is, after all, the most devout Catholic that I know. But after much deliberation, I decided to comment on this post. James knows I 'm reading, and I would've thought he'd encourage a debate. He always makes a good point, even if people sometimes disagree with his orthodox catholic opinions, but he's taught me a thing or two in the years I've known him. What I hadn't counted on, was getting a response from one of his readers. The sarcastic tone, and down-talking nature of the comment angered me so much, I had to stop myself from replying with "who on earth do you think you are" - not the measured response of someone who stands by his own opinions! After calming down, I wondered if I should have said anything in the first place. I mean the catholic point of view certainly makes sense. How could anyone honestly enjoy using a condom? But then I remember that Kate has been on the pill since we were married, so my disliking of condoms is born of never having had to use them. Only now, since we have decided that Katy won't be going back on the pill after Ben's birth, are we using condoms. But does our use of contraception mean I don't love her more than anything on this earth? No. We would love to use natural family planning methods, but to be perfectly honest, condoms are a darn sight easier!
Anyway, I have decided not to comment on opinions born of religious dogma in future. I lack both the knowledge or understanding. Instead, I'll just stick to rambling away on my own Blog, and posting the odd comment on James' when the issues are more of the "too many free papers" ilk : D
I've read James' blog from the start, and he warned me in person that his posts may get quite full on. He is, after all, the most devout Catholic that I know. But after much deliberation, I decided to comment on this post. James knows I 'm reading, and I would've thought he'd encourage a debate. He always makes a good point, even if people sometimes disagree with his orthodox catholic opinions, but he's taught me a thing or two in the years I've known him. What I hadn't counted on, was getting a response from one of his readers. The sarcastic tone, and down-talking nature of the comment angered me so much, I had to stop myself from replying with "who on earth do you think you are" - not the measured response of someone who stands by his own opinions! After calming down, I wondered if I should have said anything in the first place. I mean the catholic point of view certainly makes sense. How could anyone honestly enjoy using a condom? But then I remember that Kate has been on the pill since we were married, so my disliking of condoms is born of never having had to use them. Only now, since we have decided that Katy won't be going back on the pill after Ben's birth, are we using condoms. But does our use of contraception mean I don't love her more than anything on this earth? No. We would love to use natural family planning methods, but to be perfectly honest, condoms are a darn sight easier!
Anyway, I have decided not to comment on opinions born of religious dogma in future. I lack both the knowledge or understanding. Instead, I'll just stick to rambling away on my own Blog, and posting the odd comment on James' when the issues are more of the "too many free papers" ilk : D
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