Cambridge Mummy on … taking time off (again!!)

Posted on August 28, 2012 by cambridgemummy

I know!!! Taking time off again!!!! What the fluff I hear you cry? Well, actually, I’m taking tomorrow and Thursday daytime relatively off, to hang out with friends and their children. It won’t be sitting around and eating cake though because we’ve got things to do which will also serve me for a work purpose. I can’t separate the two any more. Anyway, that’s a different topic…

But I’m documenting it because a year ago, I sat down in Scotsdales (with cake) and Ann Hawkins and started to look at what there is, that I already do and like doing, and what there is that I do and wanted to change. One of them was to have more work life balance and also, to be comfortable with it. It’s the latter that’s still the difficult aspect for me. I think people and businesses rate and value my work more when they know it’s a full time occupation, rather than a part time one. So I embrace it and make excuses for when I have time off. Like I’m about to in the next paragraph.

Time Off is not really Time Off in my world. The hours I would normally have worked tomorrow, will be covered by my working tonight and then tomorrow – Wednesday, when we get home at 4.30pm I’ll hand the boys on to Lovely Bloke, will grab the tea he will have lovingly prepared, head down to the office and get a good 5, possibly 6 hours of work done. And then I’ll do the same on Thursday. The boys don’t see it, and Lovely Bloke doesn’t mind, because he gets TWO days to himself – to clean, go to the gym, go to Waitrose without people begging for magazines / chocolate treats and whinging at him when they don’t get their own way.

And then on Friday, I’ll work a longer day to compensate for hours missed on Wednesday and Thursday. And of course, I’ll have my phone and laptop with me on Wed & Thurs so I’ll be replying, commenting, sharing and doing my work from them both whilst on the go.

I’m not documenting this for sympathy. I’m just writing it out as it surprises me that I am filing Wednesday and Thursday this week as being “days off” when they truly are not! They are me working alternative hours to the usual 9am – 6pm that I do, that’s all. So, that’s me, putting it out there that when you see men and women saying that they are having “time off” you shouldn’t assume that they are out of reach, not monitoring online platforms or paying attention to what’s developing around them. Because more likely than not, they are in reach, they are monitoring and they are acutely alert to what’s happening out there in the world !

Anyway back to the point. I saw something today that I really liked, on Facebook, so I’m posting it here, because it was a year ago that I started to make a shift in my working arrangements. Hopefully in another year I’ll be in a position to work alternative hours as and when I want to, and not feel the need to justify it to myself or others. That’s the next step, surely?

Cambridge Mummy – back to school time…

Posted on August 27, 2012 by cambridgemummy

On our holiday with my mum and dad we did lots of cool stuff like the circus, playing in puddles that were so deep that they went over our wellies and playing crazy golf. But there was also real work to be done – getting the last of the school uniform sorted. And this is in no way sponsored – but we went to Sainsbury’s as there was no John Lewis in Lancaster. I know, shock horror, you could cut me through the middle like a piece of Blackpool rock and it would say “John Lewis first, last, every time…” but we ended up at Sainsbury’s as it was our best bet for getting the dreaded School Uniform sorted.

And I have to tell you, the experience on the whole, was pretty good. They were running low on stock and went back to a big store room somewhere, to find the stuff we needed in the right colour and size. This took a fair while, but my dad aka Grumpy Grandad, was on hand to play “I spy” with them, so it wasn’t too bad. Re the clothes, I’ll let you know how the school clothes fare and what we think of them once we’ve road tested them. It was a compromise yes, in that we got what we could, but I think they seem fairly good quality at the moment, so we’ll see what happens…

Anyway, the one thing I’m not going to compromise on, is the school kit for the boys. We’ve gone back to Stuck On You for several reasons:

1. The labels we had for E – iron on for his clothes, and the stickers for his shoes, lunchbox and other kit have stayed on all year. Having heard tales of woe from other parents on missing labels resulting in missing clothes and kit, we were worried about this, but it was all perfect even though we were washing all the time as we only bought 3 t-shirts and trousers for the boy to wear on rotation! So we’ve had more for E and a full set for W, because we’ve bought 5 of everything this year, to make life a bit less stressful on the washing front…

2. They do some brilliant personalised bags – I bought a “library bag” for E last year on the basis that it was fully lined and it has been perfect for us to use as his gym bag. Named, distinctive and the right size for tshirt, shorts, pumps and spare school uniform in case of an accident, I’m really pleased with it. So this year, we’re adding to the collection as we are still “actively selling” the idea of school to W, who starts this time. We’ve gone for a backpack for them both. W has chosen the colour and design for his bag and is really excited about it, so it’s making starting school that bit more attractive to him.

3. Because they make our lives easier. Along with their personalised, named backpack, I’ve also ordered another “library bag” for each of them – to be used for their swimming lessons, as they are both also loving doing this. I think we’ll do it again, for their rugby kit, if they decide to stick at it in September. Why different bags? Because I like to have kit ready to go. It’s practical. Swim kit comes in, is washed and put ready for next use. Gym kit comes in, is washed and put ready to take back to school. The boys love the ownership aspect of the bags because they have picked their own designs and know that the “alien / bus / rocket bag” is to be used for a different purpose. And teachers have commented on liking the bags as E recognises his own very quickly and they like them because they literally have his name on the front which makes it easy for them as well.

4. Because they are brilliant gifts – we’ve also ordered a backpack for one of W’s friends who is starting school with him this time. She’s loved picking her own bag – and yes, it’s pink although I tried to steer her towards a red one. And she loved that she got to pick a design of her own as well. So I’m now very popular in their house! I think we’ll be doing pencil cases and other things for Christmas presents – I know my mum will want to do this for the boys as she, like us, is aware that we’ve got enough toys to open a branch of the Early Learning Centre. She prefers to buy them practical kit and this will be right up her street. There’s a deal on, just for 48 hours, on their watches, so I think that she’ll be buying them a watch each for Christmas…

Anyway, have I utterly sold Stuck On You enough yet? I hope so. I came across them just over a year ago, bought from them, loved their stuff and went back to them this year to do some “back to school” work with them with my work hat on. So whilst this post per se isn’t sponsored, it is something that I’ve got a work hat on for, because they are people that we are doing work with. And I think it’s good to be up front about this kind of thing. I love it when we work with businesses that we’ve bought from, because it means we can wax lyrical, like this post does, authentically!

Anyway, this is a huuuggeeeeee long post from me on school uniform, bags and labels. What are your top tips for making returning or starting school life as easy / efficient / attractive to little people?

cambridge mummy on … holidays and life being too short

Posted on August 25, 2012 by cambridgemummy

We’ve had a great week with my mum and dad, at their static caravan near Lancaster. The boys have truly loved it. Lovely Bloke and I have a lovely time as well, it’s just been in a different way – seeing my mum and dad playing with them, tickling and giggling, and “doing jobs” together. And we got to have a curry out together yesterday evening and a couple of drinks which was much needed.

Highlights include:
Seeing Uncle S and Aunty J. Did you know that he is the funniest and most muscle ist person in our family? We all had dinner out with him and Aunty J, courtesy of Grumpy Grandad and Grandma and they all played pool together.
Grandma, me and the boys walking to Scorton and got soaked on the way home.
Blackpool circus – fabulous. Blackpool Sea Life Centre – distinctly average. Think it’s been shortened to make way for a crazy golf course, which was much better than the actual sea life centre.
Playing in puddles at the beach in Morecambe.
A second round of crazy golf.
Swimming at a huge pool in Morecambe where E made friends with Big Boys who were age 7 and 9.
Tea out, lunch out and afternoon teas with cake more times than we can count.

It’s funny, I feel like I haven’t stopped but can’t work out why until I think about everything that we’ve done. But at least I’ve managed to swim a couple of times and we’ve also been able to get my dad in a swimming pool for the first time in at least 40 years. I know, 40 years. He’s done so well – having a go at swimming, using a woggle and really making an effort. Life’s too short for him to not have a go, isn’t it? I hope he keeps it going even though we’re not there with him to provide social pressure to get in the pool! Maybe my mum will even buy a costume and then they could go swimming together? That would be so great if they did.

So all in all, it’s been a good week. I also kept work ticking over, but now it’s back to the usual for both myself and Lovely Bloke. With one week of the hols left, Lovely Bloke has got to sort lots of school uniform labels and shoes, and get them back into a bedtime routine. I think that latter is going to be the difficult bit as their bedtime’s have gotten later and later as the weeks have gone on!

Anyway, back to the washing pile. Some things never change, no matter how much fun you have on your holiday….

Cambridge Mummy … on things needing time

Posted on August 19, 2012 by cambridgemummy

Well, after all my hopping about around the Fat Club stuff – aka Weight Watchers, I have good news. And I can’t believe I’m writing it.

To recap, I gained half a pound on my first week and one pound on my second week, in weight. I was near hysterical about it the second week because I’d really gone for it – swimming four times, turning down treats left right and centre. It was too much to bear.

So in week three, I was like the hungry caterpillar. I had chippy chips three times, a meal at Browns including half a chocolate torte for pudding and ate like the clappers. Wanting to know what the impact was, planning to get back on the wagon this week, I am at weigh in for 6.40pm. I’m willing her to open the door so I can get weighed and get going. I’m third through the door. In the same clothes as last time, so that we can get a true measure of the situation.

And yes, I lost two and a half pounds. How? What the fluff? (my mum reads this, she doesn’t like me swearing…) I got off and insisted on doing it again. Basically, the class leader and I have concluded that my body just takes time to “react” for want of a better word to my eating and exercising activity. I was thrilled to think that all that effort had paid off.

And then, I could have screamed in the middle of the room. But I didn’t. But GOD I SO WANTED TO !!!! How much damage has my strop done to my weight and my efforts? Well, we won’t know, because I’m actually away this week. Could I send the house sitters in my place? Although to be fair, they’re both lighter than me – and one is a bloke, it’s all so unfair. Anyway, I digress.

So this week, and next week, until I get to my next weigh in, by God I am going for it. I am going to swim, walk, point every naffing thing that goes through my mouth and go for it. To balance out the self pitying wallowing that I did last week.

Then hopefully, I’ll be able to get to the weigh in, in two weeks time and be the same weight as I am now, allowing for the time lag in my body’s reaction to weight loss and all that kind of thing. Actually, there’s no “hopefully” about it. This is it, I’m on it, and I’m having this one.

Cambridge Mummy on … Simple Saturday

Posted on August 18, 2012 by cambridgemummy

Wow. I’m here, posting for my Simple Saturday collection. I never have time for it any more! Although I also want it to be part of “Things I don’t want to forget”. Look at this photo.

It’s perfect. Our boys are perfect. They are just lovely.Their legs are entwined, wriggled up to watch tv together. Who would have thought that just moments before, E was telling W that he was a baby for wanting to watch Sinbad again. That it was far cooler to watch Scooby Doo than baby Sinbad. It’s funny how E is prepared to watch Sinbad, but only because he has now choice, don’t you know?

Today has been a long day, but a lovely one. I had a lie in, then daddy went back to bed and had a shower without interruption from Little People who want to discuss anatomy with him, or rather his anatomy, which is a current favourite topic. I’m just grateful to be off the hook for a while. By that point, it was lunch time which W wolfed down – it was pizza, so our chances were always good on that one. Then swimming, where we met a new baby and his mummy and daddy who’ve just joined the pool. E’s swimming is really coming on – his front crawl arms are really good. He just turns from his front to his back every time he takes his breath. And he swims diagonally. When he hits the opposite side of the pool he stops to look around, get his bearings and start again. He does four lengths for everyone one of ours. And he’s only five!

Then it was out and off to Shelford, to the shop where you get an ice cream that has Gummy Bears in the stick. Life doesn’t get much better than that. But of course, they were sold out, so we went to the tesco express – we normally boycott it, to support local shops instead, but ice cream needs must. And finally, after a sit on the bench to try and catch the dribble from the lollies, we had a quick go on the playground.

Then home and tea time. Really, does life get much better than this? I don’t think it does. I’m so quick to complain about not having time with my boys – all three of them, but today has been lovely. I’ve had some time to myself, so has Lovely Bloke and the boys have had time with us both, hanging out. I’m grateful for my wash x

PS. They realised that I was taking their photo using photo booth on my mac and proceeded to start messing about. They aren’t *quite* so angelic after all eh?

Cambridge Mummy … with an open letter

Posted on August 11, 2012 by cambridgemummy

Dear Older Lady at the swimming pool at our lovely private hotel that we pay to be members of…

Please do not tell my son that he cannot do a sitting dive from the side of the pool. Please do not complain about children being in swimming pools because they splash too much and make your hair wet. I think you’ve got more to worry about than wet hair – your bright blue, badly applied eyeshadow would be a better thing for you to focus on. You are lucky that neither E or W saw fit to comment on it like they usually would, because I would have died laughing.

And apparently you’d already started on the other 3 and a half year old swimming there with his mummy. Seriously love, get a life, and a hair cap if you’re that worried about your hair. And if I had seen you in the changing rooms, and so much as dared to give me another piece of unsolicited opinion and input, I would have told you exactly where to shove it, and it would not be pretty. (The boys were changing with daddy today, so I could have used the wording I reserve for idiots like you, without their little ears being shocked….)

God willing, you’re also a member of the hotel, so we can splash and have fun at your expense next weekend, because you need to get the message. Children doing activity is fun and good. And if Rory McGrath can swim in that pool, being 10 times the size that my son is, and splash his way up and down the pool, then my son should be able to as well. So shove it.

Cambridge Mummy on … hating dieting

Posted on August 9, 2012 by cambridgemummy

I have just embarassed myself at Weight Watchers. I bounded into the weigh in. I talked happily in teh queue. I go to be weighed in jeans and thin top like last week. She asks how my week has been. I say “briliant – I’ve swum four times, made lots of homemade soup, eaten really well and feel great.”

Pride before a naffing fall. I can’t swear, in writing, because my mum reads this. But I’m pretty upset. To put it politely.

I’ve gained half a pound. Funny how we don’t count half points and we round up when I’m eating, but when it comes to weight gain, it firking counts.
In fact, I’m angry.

The suggestion from the weight watchers leader is that perhaps my exercise is making my body hold on to my weight and so I need to give it another two or three weeks, and I’ve to track everything. But that’s what I’ve done this week. I told her that. She said to do it again and take it down there with me.

I am so done with this. People go in and loose 3lbs in their first week or two, there’s me. So pleased to be going in, expecting 3lbs of weight loss, and I’ve gained.

I’ve come home and eaten a mini twirl. 5 points. Didn’t even like it. I just want to rebel against something. I’m so upset and I want to carry on but can’t see the point, to be honest. Maybe I’m just destined to be a chubber forever?

I am well and truly fucked off right now. (Sorry mum, but when you’ve tried as hard as I have this week, I think it’s worth swearing)

Cambridge Mummy on … loving my swimming

Posted on August 8, 2012 by cambridgemummy

I’m going to look like this in my costume soon ;)

I have been swimming twice today. Yes twice. I am so proud of myself. I’m managing approximately 35 – 40 lengths in 30 minutes. I’m really pleased with it and am getting my stroke back. Well actually, I’m not getting my stroke back – I’m getting my stamina back. I’m getting better at getting more lengths in the 30 minutes that I’m allocating myself in the pool. My stroke is shocking!

Things I’ve discovered this week:
It’s a good idea to carry a spare pair of pants in my changing bag.
I can use the freebie towels that you get when you have a new baby, from Persil et al, as great ways to dry your hair post swim.
That it’s a good idea to use a swim cap but I shouldn’t put my hair in a hair tie as it will break it…
When my hair is wet, I must not put it in a hair tie as it will stretch it and then when it’s dry, it will break when I brush it.
It’s good to have change in a special purse and buy swimming sessions in bulk so that I can just take the card, and don’t need to move bank cards around.

Next week, I’m going to look into getting a couple of private lessons at the pool, to make my stroke better. Though I don’t know how, unless there’s a harness involved, I’m going to manage to put my bum up more, as I know that’s the route to better stroke… I’ll keep you posted on that one!

PS. This is not a sponsored post but I was gifted a speedo swimming costume by Simply Swim 6 weeks ago and it’s really helped me get my but back into the pool – I’m no longer having wardrobe malfunctions and having to put my boobs back in my costume each time I’ve completed a length!

Cambridge mummy on … stillbirth and the loss of a baby

Posted on August 6, 2012 by cambridgemummy

Last week, a friend lost her baby. In simple terms, the baby died and she gave birth to him and now she and her family have got to work out how to carry on, in the knowledge with the fact that he’s not with her and her family. And he should be. It’s just not fair – there’s no rhyme or reason to it. I cried when I heard, because I knew how much he was wanted, and loved, before he’d even arrived.

And then tonight, Gary Barlow has announced that he and Dawn, his wife, lost baby Poppy on Sunday night. I wasn’t going to blog about this, because it’s not anything that is happening to me, but was talking to someone one the phone a moment ago, about how people are facebooking and tweeting their sympathies and they said that it “just wasn’t meant to be” and was “probably for the best”….

And I got so angry.

Miscarriage and the loss of a baby, at any point in the pregnancy is awful. It’s awful. It hurts – physically and emotionally. Even though my miscarriages were relatively early ones, so they were a very different experience, they still were meant to be in some way, because I’d gotten pregnant in the first place. And to suggest that somehow, a stillbirth is for the best, is just wrong. It feels really wrong to me.

I feel limited in what I can blog here, because I’ve held my best friend’s hand as they have lost their daughter at term, and it was truly harrowing. I cannot explain the feelings I had, let alone theirs and I don’t feel that it’s appropriate for me to write about it.

I appreciate that people make mistakes because they just don’t know what to say. If you can’t think of something to say, or are worried about saying the wrong thing perhaps you could just say that - “I don’t know what to say.” or “I’m sorry for your loss”.

Update. 9.25pm:
Here’s a link to SANDS, who have been a great source of support to people who have lost their babies. And helped me when I didn’t know what to say or do a couple of years ago…. http://www.uk-sands.org/Support/For-family-and-friends.html And here’s their helpline number: 0207 436 5881.
Update. 9.30pm
Another link via Marie_Donn on twitter. http://www.babylosscomfort.com/what-do-i-say/
Update. 9.50pm
Here’s a beautifully written blog that has a list of things to say, and things to not say, from someone who sadly has experienced the loss of their baby.
http://andthenallithoughtaboutwasyou.com/rhiannalily/2012/06/14/the-things-people-say-and-do

Cambridge Mummy on … loving swimming

Posted on August 6, 2012 by cambridgemummy

Yes, I went swimming this morning. It was great to be in the pool. I was out of breath and pooped by the time my 30 minutes was done with, but I definitely did more than 22 lengths. I didn’t keep count in the end. I just kept going as best I could. And I am still LOVING my swimming costume. Thank you Simply Swim, for your email of divine intervention a month ago. It got me into the pool, and is keeping everything in the right place whilst I’m doing my thing.

The low point, is that I put my costume on before I went to the pool, and forgot to take any underwear with me. You’ll know that I’m not worried by the bra issue, because I regularly don’t have the where with all to put one on after I’ve been swimming. But pants? I’m not that kind of girl. I don’t do commando. It’s for boys. Not girls. My damp bum, in denim, in the car was not a nice experience.

You won’t tell anyone, will you?