That sinking feeling

[Flo]

Good luck with it.....I'm sure they'll grab you with both hands! Everything crossed!

[Suzi]

Keep the excitement! They'd be mad not to offer you a place!

[Angie]

Good luck hope its going well x

[Paula]

How’d it go?

[Suzi]

What did they say?

[Flo]

WELL??????!!(hedgehog)

[Suzi]

I know, I know, I know!

[Stella180]

Seemed to go ok. Today is the first day of interviewing which goes on until 24th June so won’t here anything before July. I’m not the most patient person and I’m really excited to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of a major sporting event. She was saying that there would be approximately 120 volunteer staff on top of regular venue staff at each of the 21 venues. Over 10,000 applicants originally, which I believe were cut to 5,000 so I’d say I have a 50-50 chance of being on the Power Squad. Anyone have a time machine to fast forward to July?

[Suzi]

It's so good to hear you sooo happy and excited about something!

[Stella180]

For me this is absolutely huge!!! We’re talking about the biggest competition in world rugby not only being played in this country be I could be there, not just as a spectator but as a part of the team putting on the event. This is something you can tell your grandkids about and they can brag to their mates at school lol. It’s something my boys can hopefully be proud of too. It certainly would be something to talk about.

Of course it means me stepping out of my comfort zone. Working in a large venue that can hold tens of thousands of people, in a place I’ve never been before, working with people I’ve never met and with covid still hanging over us total uncertainty over how things will actually operate when we get to October/November so I’m living to the dark and I really need to know everything.

[Suzi]

You will know things in plenty of time. This is awesome.

[Paula]

Yep, completely awesome!

[Flo]

Fantastic! What a wonderful opportunity!

[Stella180]

Hmmmm, I may have requested information about the women’s euros volunteer scheme for next year too.

[Suzi]

That's awesome!

[Strugglingmum]

This all sounds super exciting. Well done you.

[Paula]

So proud :)

[Stella180]

So after a rather frustrating afternoon including an email from my solicitor which wasn’t exactly good news, I have come to a decision and at the weekend I will be introducing a new mini member to the family. She’s incredibly small, hairy and cute. I would post a pic of her but I’ve been reliably informed that certain members wouldn’t appreciate her cuteness.

[Suzi]

Eww, does she have 8 legs?

[Allalone]

Wss^^^

[Stella180]

Oh yes, she does. She’s a phiddipus regius aka a regal jumping spider and only a couple of mm’s in size. Even fully grown will only be about 2cm at most. Jumping spiders have the cutest little faces and are really sociable. I know I can’t convince you spiders are cute but these little buggers are adorable. They only live for about a year at most and that’s providing they don’t have a disaster moult so not exactly a long term commitment. It’ll be fun.

[Suzi]

Ewww, I'd ask that you post lots of warnings re pictures please as it's a real phobia for me and even seeing the word sp*der is a big issue for me....

[Stella180]

I’m not going to post any pics here. Can’t promise their won’t be some on Facebook at some point though.

[Suzi]

OK, thanks.

[Stella180]

My new friend is going to need a name. Any suggestions for her?

[Suzi]

Ben suggests: Sir Jebediah von Bouncealot

Suzi says: DO NOT SHOW SUZI or even mention that word... ;)

[Stella180]

That would be an epic name if it was male.

[Stella180]

I’ve got a couple of ideas but they are a bit dodgy I think and lack originality.

[Suzi]

Ben says... Lady Jebediah von Bouncealot obviously....

So, all ready for it to arrive? When are you getting her? Does she have a lovely vivarium to live in?

[Stella180]

Not exactly a lovely vivarium. More of a smoothie cup with artificial flowers. Yep, that’s right it cost me £1.49 for some decor to put in a cup and that is home for her (Jebadiah is a male name, maybe Lady Jemima von Bouncealot) I have fruit fly culture which will feed her for a few weeks and as she molts and grows she can enjoy some meal worms and small crickets. It’s fascinating watching them hunt and feed and looking forward to seeing it happen in real life in my own home. I picked up a critter box for £2 on eBay which looks a bit like a clear acrylic cocktail shaker. The plan was to put her in there when she’s a bit bigger but if all goes well I might get another jumper later on. Of course I talk about her growing and you probably picture something massive but she will only get to maybe 2cms and is currently just a few mms in size. Interesting facts about the phiddipus regius. They can eat prey up to 1.5 times their own body size and can jump up to 8 times their body size. To put that on a human scale, I’m 5’6” so it would be the equivalent of me taking down a grizzly bear and jumping 44ft from a standing start to do it. You have to be impressed with those figures.

[Suzi]

Still not wanting anything to do with her though lol.... Seems sad to live her life in a smoothie cup :(

[Stella180]

She’ll come out to play sometimes. And she has food and water available without the struggle of searching for it and the big bonus in she doesn’t have to fear becoming dinner for something bigger that her.

[Suzi]

Fair enough ;) I know you'll give her a loving home.

[Stella180]

The delicup is just while she’s growing. If the enclosure is too big they struggle to find their food. The cups are ideal cos jumpers are arboreal so like to climb and nest near the top of their enclosure so the dome lid means when you open it to food and water you don’t damage the webbing. Here is my simple setup.

https://i.ibb.co/19jbXVy/image.jpg (https://ibb.co/vJRDd5y)

[Suzi]

Fair enough... I have zero knowledge on these as I really can't.....

As I said, I know that she'll be loved and I know that you would have done a huge amount of research ;)

[Stella180]

Oh yeah, I may have a new special interest ;)

[Sissy]

I love spiders. I have a mexican red knee tarantula called Little My. We got her 2014, she was the size of my thumb nail back then. She can still fit in my palm

[Stella180]

I’ve always been mildly interested in “creepy crawlies”. I was the kid who would dig up worms and race them down the ramp of the garage. I may have performed some pretty gruesome experiments on insects too which I am less than proud of.

Originally my plan was to do a bit of research into habitats and stuff so that I could buy a gift for a friend who loves jumping spiders. I’ve since spent hours online watching YouTube videos and reading articles and the more I learned the more I wanted to own a spider myself so I could watch it grow and feed and get a glimpse of what spider life is all about. I’m quite excited about it.

[Flo]

Zoe's fiance has built a lovely bug hotel for all the kids...the youngest who is nearly four is besotted with CC's and puts them in his pocket!! Zoe never knows what she's going to find!! Don't know about jumping spiders though. Saw an aol news clip of a woman in Australia who went into her daughter's bedroom to find roughly 500 Huntsman spiders crawling over the walls!! Sod that for a game of soldiers....sorry but I'm a bit Arachnaphobic! Dunno how to spell it!

[Suzi]

You are all welcome to them!

Flo, that sounds horrific! That's why I never want to go to Aus!

[Stella180]

Flo jumpers are the cutest things. There is even a kids animated tv show featuring one.

Warning - cartoon spider video


I've removed this video as an inserted video as I know I'm not the only arachnophobe here and the cover is of that particular creature. I've changed it to a link so people have the choice to see it or not as when you go to this post you have no choice but see it and that's not something I want for myself, or anyone else.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/GQP1MxxJt8I (https://youtu.be/GQP1MxxJt8I)

Suzi

[Flo]

You are all welcome to them!

Flo, that sounds horrific! That's why I never want to go to Aus!I'm the same...have no desire to go to Aus. Funnel Webs, Brown snakes and every other sort of snake...tarantulas....I'd never get any sleep!

Hey Stella...what you have in the cup is a butterfly isn't it? Thought you had a jumping spider?

[Stella180]

Haha, it’s fabric one just for decoration the spood hasn’t arrived yet

[Flo]

Haha, it’s fabric one just for decoration the spood hasn’t arrived yetOh!!....duh!!

[Stella180]

Flo jumpers are the cutest things. There is even a kids animated tv show featuring one.

Warning - cartoon spider video


I've removed this video as an inserted video as I know I'm not the only arachnophobe here and the cover is of that particular creature. I've changed it to a link so people have the choice to see it or not as when you go to this post you have no choice but see it and that's not something I want for myself, or anyone else.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/GQP1MxxJt8I (https://youtu.be/GQP1MxxJt8I)

Suzi



Sorry Suzi, I didn’t think :(

[Suzi]

Thank you lovely..

[Stella180]

So my new spood is being delivered tomorrow evening. And I might just have ordered a friend for her too. Yep I’ve decided to get a pair. So it looks like Sir Jebediah Von Bouncealot will be the name of the male thanks to Ben. Need an exotic name the the female now.

[Paula]

So, you’re hoping for babies?

[Suzi]

Lol, I'll let him know!

[Flo]

Countess Andrea Lewd-Webber. (grin). Lady Guinevere d'Etlegza.(think)...errrr.....I'm trying!!!

[Stella180]

So, you’re hoping for babies?

Noooooo, no breeding. They are solitary creatures so kept in separate enclosures. They can be cannibalistic.

[Sissy]

That is True. First spiderling will eat next. Alot of work trying to protect them from each other.

[Stella180]

I’m new to the invertebrate world and the idea of looking after dozens of baby spiders is not appealing to ill be giving that a miss.

[Sissy]

I had alot of work with a batch of spiderlings. I don't know what it is called in english, but I had avicularia Metallica momma, and used a soft paint brush to swipe babies in separated film roll cans. Never again. They were around the size of small ant, and I managed to separated 47 of them. Never ever evvverrr again.

[Suzi]

Definitely nothing I want anything to do with!

[Stella180]

Gutted. Delivery has been delayed til tomorrow cos they have to work late. Oh well. It’s only one more day.

[Suzi]

Sorry she isn't with you yet....

[Sissy]

Ohhh bummer! Well. One more day. I am possibly almost as excited as you are. Second Best thing in this world, right after having a new pet, is waiting for someone else to get a new pet. I am really happy for you, and can't wait for you to get your new baby!

[Stella180]

I’ll PM the pics the breeder sent me.

[Stella180]

So this morning I thought it would be a good idea to crop down the nature reserve aka the front garden. I’ve got the strummer out but I need to invest in a new rake. I bought a plastic one before but it’s useless. A mate is coming round tomorrow to “have a look” at the back garden and see if he wants to tackle it.

[Sissy]

Happy gardening! Hope it is a happy hobby for you. I like it, but I am a lazybone, and get nothing much done usually

[Stella180]

I hate gardening. I know how to use a strimmer and a lawn mower and that’s the limit of my skills (I don’t even do that very well). I can’t tell a flower from a weed.

[Paula]

A weed is just a flower you don’t want….

[Stella180]

Really shouldn’t have done that this morning. Took me afternoon meds and fell asleep woke up and the pain in my right shoulder is not good. There was absolutely no indication while I was doing it that I had caused an injury, no strain on any sort and I felt fine. Clearly something wasn’t right cos I can barely move my arm now without pain.

It’s only been a couple of weeks since a got my PiP sorted out and I just got a call from DWP to arrange an ESA assessment. Next Tuesday 9am. I should’ve known they weren’t leave me alone for long :(

[Paula]

Ouch :(

Ok, so how are you going to prepare for the assessment?

[Stella180]

Right this minute I’m just trying to get my head around it

[Suzi]

Just reread your info, have things on hand so you can refer to them in your assessment... You'll be fine - I know that it's really hard, but you can do it.

[Stella180]

Shoulder is slowly easing. I’ve got a bit more movement which is good. Could barely move it at all last night.

[Suzi]

Have you spoken to your Dr about your shoulder? Maybe ask for a physio referral?

[Stella180]

It’s actually a lot better tonight. Not perfect but moving a lot better so must be just a mild strain from yesterday morning.

[Suzi]

Glad it's a lot better, but I really think you should try to get some physio or something....

[Paula]

It’s an issue you keep having - Suzi may have a point…..

[Stella180]

I’ve had physio previously.

[Paula]

Different physio may do things differently. Also, it may be worth the doc actually doing some investigation….

[Stella180]

The previous issue was down to tendonitis. If there was inflammation it’s gone down again now so nothing to worry about.

Being out it the sun earlier I thought I’d got away without getting burnt. I do have a blotchy rash on my right arm and it’s a little bit pink but the right side of my face is bright red and a bit puffy. It’s not sore but definite reacted to being out in the sun. I try to avoid being out in it after what happened a few years ago when I ended up with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. I try to be sensible now I know my meds make me more vulnerable to the suns rays. In fact this is the first time I’ve been out for more than 5-10 mins when it’s hot. Not a happy bunny.

[Suzi]

Sun cream in future! I have a sun allergy and so wear factor 50 (Piz Bruin Sensitive) as it's the only one I'm not allergic too....
Have you added lots of moisturiser or after sun?

[Stella180]

Yeah of course it’s strange how it didn’t come up straight away.

[Suzi]

I hate sun allergy itch, it's horrible...

[Flo]

Have you got your arachnids yet?

[Stella180]

I have. I received the wee beasties on Tuesday evening and they are settling in.

[Flo]

Ooh! How big are they?

[Stella180]

Oh they are tiny as they are still babies. Fully grown they will only be about half inch.

[Suzi]

Are you getting more from them atm?

[Stella180]

Nah I’ve just left them be. Squirt of water every day and feed them every other day.

[Suzi]

Did you think they'd be more interesting?

[Stella180]

Oh they are interested but Rome wasn’t built in a day. They are going to weave there little hammocks, and moult and grow, taking on bigger prey etc.

[Paula]

They’re still babies…..(and kinda cute)

[Stella180]

That are itty bitty babies. I look forward to seeing them grow

[Suzi]

Cool...

[Stella180]

Today was the last day of interviews for the Power Squad. Not long now until I find out if I’m in or not. I’m kinda excited.

[Suzi]

That's cool and exciting! I hope you do get it!

[Stella180]

The other night I was awake at some silly hour and found myself planning virtual trips. Just picking random places in the UK and landmarks, big and small to visit. It started out looking for suitable parking in Coventry to visit the Transport museum and then I was looking as football stadiums, national parks, etc.

I found something interesting on the Welsh border that looks like a lovely place to go walking and visit some caves and I’m gearing myself up to give it a try. It’s somewhere I’ve never been before to incredibly nervous but also excited to venture out of my comfort zone.

[Paula]

Sounds great but….. don’t give yourself goals you can’t reach right now because of your back, please….

[Suzi]

Also, it's not a great idea to go walking round caves on your own... Go for it, but do it carefully and sensibly too maybe?

[Stella180]

Oh I’m not going caving just visiting the area. I mean, when you see a place called King Arthur’s Cave, why wouldn’t I want to go take a look?

[Suzi]

So true! Sounds like a proper adventure! A great place to take some photos etc...

[Stella180]

It’s a chance to use my camera. It’s only an old bridge camera but I’m a point and press girl so not much of a photographer and having so many setting are quite daunting.

[Suzi]

I was thinking you could take your camera, you could scrapbook your adventures or blog them?

[Stella180]

I dunno about blogging. But I could print the pics and send them to the boys.

[Suzi]

You could do both?

[Stella180]

I have had a lovely day out today. It’s taken a little while to pluck up the courage and due to a lack of sleep aswell as the heat I wasn’t exactly in the best condition to go walking through woodland but it was nice to get out for a drive and a change of scenery. I went to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat Rock to take in the amazing views of the Wye Valley and had a look at King Arthur’s cave and the lovely nature reserves. Saw the remains of an old medieval cottage. I only covered a couple of miles but the terrain was a bit challenging and I think I probably over did it because I’m aching pretty bad right now but it was worth it for the stunning scenery. Exercising in nature is supposed to be good for your mental health right? Somebody remind my body of that please lol

[Suzi]

That sounds like a great way to spend a day! So pleased you had a lovely time.

[Stella180]

Yeah it was great but I’m really feeling it now. Everything hurts.

[Suzi]

Maybe something to do again but building it up slower? Hot bath, radox and some paracetamol ;)

[Stella180]

I’ve just been out and invested in some new camping gear. I have a 4 man tent and double air beds in the shed but it’s not been used in years plus it’s hard work putting up a big tent on your own so I popped to the range and bought a pop up 2 man tent and a new sleeping bag ready to just hop it the car and go out for a day and if I don’t want to go home I can pitch up and wait til the morning.

[Paula]

Hunni, if you do do this, please, please will you tell one of us where you are staying?….

[Suzi]

Is this for planned overnights stays? Will you promise to let us know where you are and that you stay in a proper campsite?

[Stella180]

Oh yeah of course it would be booking into a camp site, or dossing in a friends garden lol I was awake after 3 am looking at sites around the country that I could visit and picked out a couple of sites in Wiltshire and Weymouth so I can have a couple of nights away with the dog and visit the beach. £12 to pitch a tent per night. Absolute bargain.

[Suzi]

Sounds like fun!

[Stella180]

So latest update. I have an interview for the commonwealth games volunteering on Monday which means a day in the second city which is not something I’m looking forward to at all.

I recently lost one of my spoods to a bad moult so I’ve been a bit on edge this week with one of my little girlies in premoult and another following her. This morning I got up and checked on them all and spritzed the enclosures and it looks like the Soroa has had a successful moult. Hard to tell cos she still in her hammock but I have seen movement and her exoskeleton is completely separate so I’m reasonably comfortable saying all is well. I had no idea being a spidey mommy was so stressful but these little things are so delicate and extremely vulnerable, especially when they moult.

[Suzi]

I think you're going to be great at your interview. Be open and honest and most of all, BE YOU!

Glad that the moults are going ok right now.

[Paula]

Wow! I’m so proud of you! That’s something I would never have the guts to do. They will LOVE you!

[Stella180]

Stressed beyond belief!!! I got up early and was ready an hr before I was due the leave which allowed for too much time to think and my anxiety to rise. I received an email to say that my return train was cancelled which boosted it further so have had to work out an alternative.

The route to walk according to Apple Maps was 1.3 miles and would take 21 mins. Well that was a load of rubbish. It was actually just 1/2 a mile from the station and the app was sending me well out of my way. I stopped to eat and have a drink but I was still way too early. We were told to be there for 12.30 (interview at 1pm) and were sat watching Commonwealth Games ads for 35 mins until being called up and then it was only to walk through an exhibition about the games. Eventually we were seated in an area where they played another short video and then we had our “interviews”, which was basically 6 preset questions with some dude writing down your answers and hitting send on the web page.

Next was uniform fitting. Despite putting my sizes down on the application I still had to be measured up. Good job really because they ignored what I put down anyway. Oh and I even got measured for a baseball cap!? The photos that were sent as part of the application were retaken due to new “security protocol”. Basically they completely redid our online applications but unfortunately the WiFi was sketchy and what should’ve been a 45 min process turned into 2 hrs 15 mins.

Navigating my way through Birmingham New Street station (which has as many exits as it has platforms and signage and access to the toilets is shocking) was not my idea of fun but I’m on my way home now thankfully as I have had enough for one day.

[Suzi]

I know it wasn't as you hoped, but hunni you've done it! You're amazing!

[Stella180]

I think the final straw was when the staff in the retail shop were unable to take a payment for a couple of pin badges I wanted to get for the boys. Because the systen was down they couldnt figure out how to even take a cash payment and process it when the system came back online. Complete dumbasses. I could've told them how to do there jobs but I was too stressed out so I just left. I've ordered them online instead now (and had to pay £3.95 for delivery) but it doesn't feel the same. I wanted to get something from my day there but now its just another online order itms.

[Suzi]

I don't think it's "just an online order" at all. I know it's not how you wanted it, but you've still got them something from your amazing day... You pushed so far from your comfort zone and won. I'm so proud of you, but I hope you're resting now...

[Stella180]

I’ve got counselling this afternoon not that I feel up to that but it’s gotta be done. The cleaners were in this morning and I’ve got Aspie tomorrow and a physio assessment Thursday (although I thought it was tomorrow). It’s not a lot really but it feels non stop. Oh and Talia wasn’t impressed that I left her all day and not won’t leave my side. Which is kinda cute but also I bit annoying.

[Suzi]

How was counselling? The cleaners? It does sound a busy week...

[Stella180]

Counselling wasn’t so heavy today thankfully. Talked about my feeling after last week, and how disappointed I was yesterday and how I always try to do “the right thing” for others even if it’s the wrong thing for me.

[Suzi]

What things yesterday were the wrong things for you?

[Stella180]

Yesterday was just an epic disappointment and over all shit show. My feelings about doing stuff for others are a bit of an issue for me. It’s long and complicated.

[Stella180]

I managed to make it out to darts tonight but I doubt I’ll get a game. It’s a tough opponent and top of the table clash. I’ve lost the last two games so best I sit out and give someone else a go. The team is more important than the individual. So far the score is 1-1 and we’re a leg up in the 3rd game.

[Suzi]

Yesterday may not have gone as it was planned to do so, but you are totally overlooking all the positives! You got up and negotiated your way there, you sat and waited, you went and stayed for your interview and so many other things!

Play if you want to love, talk to your team!

[Stella180]

Nah I’m happy to sit out and just watch the game. The opposition are way above my level of play. If I were at my best I’m be happy to take on the challenge but I’m a long way off that and wouldn’t win a screw things up for the team.

[Suzi]

Fair enough x

[Stella180]

I need to post a bit of positivity cos I really don’t feel very positive at all so here goes.

Today is the final day of my sober challenge. I’m actually really looking forward to this month being over. So far I’ve raised £130 for Macmillan’s which is better than I expected after a pretty slow start. While I was misting the spoods today I had two nice surprises. Firstly I got to see Zara for the first time in weeks as she had been hiding in her hammock. Managed to snap a pic of her before she went back into hiding again. The other surprise was my unnamed Evergrade has had her second moult with me and is looking good. Her exoskeleton was almost completely intact so my phone was used as a microscope to take a close look at it. It’s fascinating and I kept her previous moult too and it’s cool to see how she has grown so quickly. I decided to name the 3 spood I got at the invert show after characters from Buffy the Vampire slayer but never got round to deciding which ones so with today being Halloween I have made a decision, they will now be known as:

Willow (Everglades)
Darla (Comatus)
Faith (Soroa)

Another pair of new trainers arrived yesterday and they are rather comfy. They are red Skechers and I don’t think I’ve ever owned red shoes before. Maybe as a kid. I have a temptation to click my heels 3 times repeating “there’s no place like home lol. I’ve got a blue pair of Nike Air coming in a couple of days too. When I went to get a physio assessment on my hip he said that the shoes I was wearing were too flat and exaggerating the problem and suggested some comfortable footwear with a slight raised heel. I bid or a few pairs on eBay but expect to get them at the prices I bid. I got a white pair of Skechers for £18 (rrp £70), the red ones for £25 (rrp £64), and the Nike for £20. The white ones had been worn once the others were brand new so basically got 3 pairs for the price of one.

I’ve also finally started my Christmas shopping. I’m normally done by now but this year I’ve found it hard to get started but now I’ve got a couple of small gifts sorted.

[Paula]

Awesome post!

[Suzi]

Such a great post! Well done love!

[Allalone]

I wasn't given a choice of colour with shoes/trainers when I was growing up. I once seen a red pair of trainers in a shop window when I was about 9/10. I told my granda about them and he was going to get me them as a bday present but when birth mother found out she told him that I’d never wear them and get her a pair of black ones instead.
I now have 3 pairs of red trainers!

[Stella180]

Mine are usually black or white. Nice to have a bit of selection. I’ve just ended up with a pair of slip on Skechers too. I bit on a load of pairs expected to miss out on most. Oops.

[Stella180]

Not saying I’m a but slow on the uptake but all these years of being on this planet and doing Sober for October for the past 8 yrs and I’ve only just realised that October is the longest month of the year. Not only does it have 31 days but due to the clocks going back it also has an extra hour. So after 5 weekends, 31 days, and 744 hrs I still have another hour to go! Well 55 mins, not that I’m counting lol

[Suzi]

It's a great thing you've done! Well done love!

[Allalone]

Well done!

[Flo]

Well done you! You now deserve a well earned pint! You always commit 100% to Sober October and I have so much respect for you.

[Stella180]

Thanks Flo, I’ll take that coming from the forums reining champion on abstinence of alcohol. A month really shouldn’t be a big deal when I went 18 yrs without a drink but it’s the social stuff that is the hardest. I don’t have to tell you.

[Flo]

Eighteen years without the Amber Nectar is quite something! But I know only too well what it's like to not drink at social events..."Why not?"......"Just have one then..?"....."...What?.....you don't drink at all?!!"......"Why?"......"Surely one won't hurt!".....(punch) "What part of I don't want one don't you understand?!"(devil)

[Stella180]

Oh yes. That’s definitely the hard part.

[Suzi]

I can sympathise. H doesn't drink at all. She is the only one of her friends who doesn't drink. She recently had one drink - a very low alcohol cider, but didn't enjoy it.... We've never made it taboo, they are allowed to drink if they want - we've always said we'd rather they drank here rather than on street corners or in the park.... However, she always has to defend that she doesn't want to drink.
That's one of the things she liked about Southampton uni - they said it's actually quite normal to have groups of friends who don't drink!

[Stella180]

I’m sat watching one of my all time favourite movies (I blame you Suzi), An American Werewolf in London. This year being the 40th anniversary of the film there was supposed to be cinema screenings this year but I’ve not seen anything around here which in disappointing. I was a small child when it was originally released so it would’ve been amazing to get the chance to see it on the big screen.

[Stella180]

Oops. Monday night football. Started a bit early. Second beer in, 5 mins into the game and I’m wasted already not my greatest hour.

[Suzi]

You sounded cheerful on the phone message... ;)

[Stella180]

I don’t even remember calling you lol

[Stella180]

Oh yeah I did call you. That was pre beer. Apparently beer erases your pre beer memory too lol

[Suzi]

lol :)

[Stella180]

So today I did a thing. Not only did I do a thing but I did it spontaneously and I want to share it with you all.

I was randomly browsing Facebook last night and came across a walking football group. It was late at night and thought I’d message for details. This morning I got a reply saying they train on a Tuesday morning. So at 9am I throw myself in the shower, drive over to sports direct for some lightweight track pants and went to training. I didn’t know anyone and I hadn’t been to the sports centre in years and it was scary. When picking teams I was last to be picked. Being the newbie fat bird nobody wanted me :(

I made it through the first match and halfway through the second before my hip decided enough was enough but it doesn’t matter. I turned up, I had a go and I enjoyed it. Next week I will be going back and hopefully last a bit longer. I love football and not played in many many years and never thought I would again but I was wrong. Really really proud of myself for taking the plunge and just going for it.

[Strugglingmum]

Well done that is huge. Super proud of you.

[Paula]

Another one here who is soooo proud of you!

[Flo]

Wow! That's quite something! It was spontaneous and you didn't second guess yourself. You should be damn proud of yourself... I am!
Yes, go again next week....you'll meet people and make friends. It'll be a great confidence booster. Tbh, I don't think that I could have done something like that.(clap)

[Stella180]

It’s not something I do normally but if I hadn’t gone this morning and I’d given myself time to think about it by next week I would’ve talked myself out of it. I’ve had post exercise knackered, mood boost back to knackered again. All the people who say exercise makes you feel better, yeah for a short period but it doesn’t last at least it never has for me. After recovery I feel good for 30-60 mins and then it slips again. Is this just a me thing? Back when I was doing martial arts it was the same.

[Paula]

You’re overthinking it, love. Even an hour is an hour you wouldn’t have had, necessarily. You’ve got an opportunity to do something positive and which has masses of self care points, so just do it….

[Stella180]

Oh I’m doing it. I had a sit down for a bit after footy and then had to take Talia to the vet, then she had her nails trims and there was time for cuddles and a nap and now I’m off to darts. I took a few weeks off to be with Talia in the evenings cos of the fireworks but back to it tonight. Taking the bus into town so I can enjoy a few bevvies. Don’t get to do it much on a darts night due to driving but I’m making an exception tonight.

[Suzi]

Oh wow! That's huge! I'm so proud of you!!!!

Football and darts and a social night and Talia pampering! What an amazing day!

[Flo]

You're turning into a bit of a socialite.....I like that! Go you!

[Suzi]

How has today been love?

[Stella180]

Not good.

[Suzi]

Want to talk about it?

[Paula]

Too much too soon?

[Stella180]

You could say that.

[Paula]

(panda)

[Stella180]

Went to the Odeon Screen Unseen tonight and get to see this. Not something I would usually watch but I still enjoyed it.


https://youtu.be/gaC8enwnAac

[Stella180]

Woohoo! I’ve got panto tickets. Going to see Peter Pan on Friday morning. I’m all excited

[Suzi]

Oh no you aren't!

[Stella180]

Oh yes I am.

[Suzi]

Oh no you haven't....