h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Ihad a lovely day off yesterday (because if I hadn't taken yesterday and today off blood might have been spilled at work, but that's 'by the by').

Took the Gruesomes to school, and then went home for a cup of tea. Then I got my book and some dress patterns together, and & I went to the church, because the school was doing kids' service. It was cute,and Gruesome #1 read her piece very well.

Then went to the gym, while I had my hair done, then bought some material for a skirt (peach!!! not black *faints*) and met him for coffee. Then we trolled off to Aldi, and another shop were I finally found a see-through blouse to go over my cleavage-enhancing built-in-bra strappy top. woo hoo. (it provokes a reaction in that would absolutely no be suitable on hootoo)

Then we got the girls.

After the gruesomes did their homework - nice and quick for a change - we played some games (one is a quiz game like Runaround on tv, if you remember that?)

Then off to the school. #1's was first, and I have to say I was dreading it - I had a very bad night last night just thinking about it! But it was great. He said she's really doing a lot better, is more alert, takes more part in the lessons and it's obvious she's more confident and having more fun. Her grades are slowly improving and she's very welcome in the 4th grade. woo hoo! This time last year the discussion was about her repeating the 2nd grade and going into the 3rd with #2, but we just managed to avoid that. So it's doubly great hear that all her hard work - yes, and tantrums too - has paid off an shown her that it is worthwhile to stick at things.

That's my girl!

#2 is fab - she's doing really well, reads well and is not jumping around chatting but concentrating and asking when she needs help. she is, apparently, a pleasure to teach. I hope the teacher was talking about the right kid!! (I know she was, the children attend the meeting too and are allowed their say. #2 adores her teacher and said nothing, but #1 made a comment or two, very constructively, and the teacher agreed. I'm warming to him, slowly)

So took us all to this fabbo Italian restaurant as a treat.

Very happy here!

Oh wow, Sho,

In not too many words, well done, Mama.

My first is v. similar from what you say... a picture of wit and smarts. However, a combination of fidgets, being impulsive and esily distracted (in comparison to other kids) makes life in class such a challenge. Now he's in secondary it is easier for him in many ways. Each class is in a different room so a change of scene every 40 minutes really helps. Also, a lot of from me means that he no longer has to do battle with each teacher to be allowed to sit on an individual desk (alone).

We are very lucky in our choice of school as well - they are into individual development (Jesuit) so I know he has a chance to bloom and find what makes him fly. The first year in secondary school, he suddenly started doing his homework on his own After years of spoonfeeding and nudging and coaxing (and yelling and threatening ), I actually felt rejected





W

Awwwww, EXCELLENT!

Well done you and and well done to both Gruesomes

good for you Wilma, and thanks to all.

It's such a relief, I can tell you. The biggest worry for me was that #1 would end up in a class with #2 (very small village school) which would have been a disaster (although #2's teacher is so brilliant it would have been good in some respects)

But today, is another day.

I'm finally sewing again (well, cutting out right now) which is lovely.

This all sounds familiar.

I think I've been through something like this recently, and it worked out nearly as well.

Having read something on Will Wheaton's blog (you remember him? Wesley Crusher, Star Trek TNG, turns out to be a really interesting guy) about kids basically turning into Pod People on a regular basis, I'm now of the opinion that children don't develop slowly and steadily, but in bursts. So they'll have endless trouble with something and when you finally settle into how they need to be helped with said subject, they'll look at you like you're senile and show you how easy it is.

The youngest two Gradientlings are doing that to me at the moment.

They, by the way, send waves to the Gruesomes. They know them by reputation only, but Youngest is very jealous that there are Balletic Gruesomes. She'd love to be a ballerina but is a little unsure about the dancing and hard work part.

*waves sent back from the Gruesomes*
who mention that a ballet lesson once a week is hardly arduous and - and this is the clincher for them - you get to wear tutus!!!

Living with kids is certainly a voyage of discovery. I only have my own schoolwork etc as a frame of reference (having totally ignored my younger brother until after we both left home) and #1 is so totally different to me she could be an alien.

So, and all round, I think.

Fantastic news there Sho, I did send you a mail about the bad news I read earlier, hope I'll be able to see those sexy clothes you're talking about

working on the bad news thing
hopefully it will all work out

It *has* to work out

I'm very hopeful...

the problem for me is that is taking the Gruesomes to the UK on Monday, and they need all our spare cash for that long-planned trip. Which is why I find myself dipping into my entertainment fund.

I'm sure we can work something out.

It would be a shame if you couldn't.
Did you get my mail ?

Where are and the Gruesome's off to?

Sheffield for a flying visit to my parents, and then the rest of the 10 days at his family in Middlesborough.

Speaking of which, he is sooooo excited that they are in the semi-final of some European thing - it's cute.

Awwwwwwwww bless, remind him of this when you choose to watch your favourite sport

well, he never objects if I want to watch sport, even Outer Mongolian Snail Racing - he's just a sports nut.

But he's nice enough to alert me when European Cup Rugby is on - and it's a French team.

What a well-trained I have!

Living in a house with 4 women sport is rarely on but at least when it is it's tennis, cycling, rugby (Seeing a pattern here?) or Ski Jumping

heh heh heh

have you introduced (most) of the rest of them to the NFEG (Nekkid French Egg Chasers)?

one is too young, one I wouldn't dare tell and one couldn't care less, it's my house

What? No ice dancing???

It's my favourite sport to watch, other than snooker.


az