elysium's shout trail with Island - Help.com

Hi,

I’m really glad the exchange is completed. No need to be sorry, though. I think with a job as stressful as that, it’s OK to be self involved. I know if I was moving into a new house, I would be. You’ve got control of what you can do and how to decorate it. Personally, aside from having it as a place to live, that’s probably the best thing about having a house.

Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to fix my computer. It’s a hardware fault; one which needs fixing by an expert (I usually stay away from the hardware side of computers).

Uni is going really well at the moment, but it is taking up a lot of my time. As such, I haven’t really had time to even open my sketch book. I’ve been jotting down ideas, but that’s it. I’m hoping to do some over the Christmas break.

Exchanged on House!! Hurray:)!

Thanks for your shouts and so sorry for being quite self involved for the last while; haven’t really responded to how you are, sorry for that. Just had my head buried in a lot of stuff.

Have you sorted out your computer? Also, how is Uni going? Whats happening with the project you proposed?

Hope your Martial Arts is going well. Glad to hear that grading has gone well.

Had any time to do any drawing lately?

Hi,

I’m so glad you’ve managed to get everything resolved! :) I bet you’re going to feel so happy and relaxed once the exchange is complete. I know if I had gone through the stress you have described, I would be.

It’s such a pain when you get invited to a party and have to leave because of other things. Mind you, if you’ve had a stressful week and just want to relax there’s nothing wrong with it.

Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed the party while you were there and enjoyed your relaxing night in your own space :)

Think I just missed you, no worries, catch up with you another time.

Hope all good with you :)x

Hi there, how are you?

Have just had a very stressful week with this blinking house purchase - but finally, today, all resolved and will exchange at the beginning of next week. Hurray:)!

Went to a v good friends birthday party this eve and normally I’d still be there at this time, but after the week I’ve just had I had to dip out early to come home, be in pj’s and just relax in my own space. Bad timing, cause she is a v lovely good friend and wanted to celebrate with her, but you know when you’re not in the mood and don’t want to affect other people’s fun? So, I left them to it.

Thank you, will be in touch soon and will let you know how it’s going :)x

Hope you’re computer starts behaving itself!

Hi,

No need to be sorry. Buying a house is a really stressful thing to do, which I think you know. I didn’t know that vendors could be such aggressive people, though.

Don’t worry about not being online. Just concentrate on the house issue that you’ve got on your hands. I hope it all gets sorted out for you.

I OK at the moment. Apart from the fact that every mechanical thing that I use seems to be obtaining some sort of fault. My computer is what is irritating me the most - the space, enter and backspace key are all being temperamental.

Nice to hear from you and I’m sorry about the stress you’re going through. I really do hope it all works out for you :)

Hi,

So sorry for not being in touch for a while. The house purchase has been really quite stressful and v time consuming -vendors are v aggressive v unreasonable and v unpredictable. They are quite unique (polite way of saying they are ******* - feel free to read whatever word you think, I didn’t count the stars, be creative if you like !). I’m trying very hard to separate these v nasty people from an end goal of securing a house. Not easy! Don’t want to cut my nose off to spite my face - focussing on long term gain…

Haven’t found myself being online at the same time as you v often to leave you a shout - evenings have been taken up with docs and paperwork and phone calls recently and I’m trying not to go to bed too late :S Sorry we haven’t spoken in a while.

I hope all is good with you - I’d like to hear how you are doing.

Glad to hear that you’re confident about everything getting sorted :)

Aside from uni, things are going really well at the moment; my Martial Arts lessons especially. We’ve completed several grading over the past few weeks, and everyone seems to be progressing really well.

I just don’t get much free time lately, so I’ve had to put aside a lot of things I like to do in my spare time - I can’t remember the last time I got out my sketch book :( I’m pretty sure I’ll find time soon, though.

Lovely to hear back from you; glad to hear that I’m not the only one to pace while on the phone! I do that a lot :S This waiting game with solicitors is a horrible one.

I’m confident that everything will be sorted by the end of the following week; I’ll keep you posted.

Know what you mean about completing boring tasks - anything else is interesting to stave off the thoroughly boring thing. Glad you’ve completed most- good job hon :)x

Apart from Uni work, how are things?

I totally forgot that it was half term. It’s ashame that they have coincided; I bet it’s a real pain in the ass. However, buying a house is really stressful task that requires a lot of work. I think with most big events, the act of waiting is annoying.

I had to laugh at the pacing thing. I find it funny how almost everybody paces when they’re stressed. I do too; especially when I’m on the phone.

Happy to hear that you are all well, though :) I hope this house situation gets sorted out for you. When do you think they will have sorted out everything?

Uni is still going well. Even though I’m really enjoying what I’m doing, there are these little tedious tasks that need to be completed. They’re simple to complete; just really boring. Therefore, while I trying to finish them, I end up stopping and doing something different like getting something eat or reading a few chapters of my book. Most of them are complete now, though…thankfully.

Hi there :)

Sorry for not replying earlier, did come to leave you a shout but got pulled away many times.

Has been a pretty busy and stressful week - boys are off school for half term, which is great, I love doing things with them, but has coincided with receiving some pretty heavy paper work from solicitor re our house buy. A lot of things to read through with a fine toothed comb and some issues to deal with. I’m pretty confident the issues will be sorted out, I just hate the waiting game while they are. I have paced our house so much waiting for phone calls in the last few days I swear I’ve walked a marathon!

I just want this to be sorted out and move on and life to return to a normal pace. Feels like I’ve been running at a fast pace for too long and want some peaceful normality.

I am fine though and the boys are too. Just one of those things to deal with.

Hope Uni is still going well - what was the procrastination about?

Hi :)

I’m feeling well, thanks. It’s been a v. busy but enjoyable week. A bit of procrastination has occurred :S but not too much…fortunately.

How are you and how has your week been?

Hi there,

How are you? Been a good week?

That was really nice. Thank you :)

I totally forgot about telling you about my project. The next I’m online, I’ll tell you about it.

Take care of yourself and sleep well :)x

It’s late and heading to bed, but just want to say,
I really hope your project hits all the marks; but you feel confident and that’s great :)

I really do wish you all the best with it. You work hard and deserve some recognition for that hard work.

I’d like to hear about your project if you have the time :)

I think the situation you’ve been in is one of those that does make you feel so much better once it’s done. I think that is the most important requirement from any school: the education. Like you said, as long as that is provided, you’ll be able to fill in the gaps; which I’m sure you will :)

I’m feeling well, thanks. Uni is becoming really busy but I’m still enjoying it. Finally got my project officially approved by the scheme leader. She’s told me that it is a really good project, but I’ve just got to make sure that I hit the engineering criteria, otherwise I could lose an awful lot of marks. I’m feeling confident, though.

Put the application in today; put the two good mixed schools down and then opted for the boys school as third, which, realistically I think we are going to get. But is is a good school and I’m sure he’ll be ok.

To be honest, now, I’m just glad it’s done and let the chips fall where they will….He’ll be fine, I’m sure. He’s got my backing as will Ted in whatever they want to do; as long as the school can provide a decent education, I can fill in the gaps.

How are you? Is the course still going well and are you still happy with it?

Thanks for recent support and comments :)x

*hope it all

You’re welcome. I hope you it all works out for you.

Not jumbled at all and thanks for your input….will think some more.

Thank you so much for what you’ve had to say :)x

Are you able to put his name down for more than one? If so, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to put his name down for the boys’ school as well, as long as it as good as the preferred mixed school. But if the chances of getting into the good mixed school are high, then I would go for that one. However, you don’t want to take a risk that results in him going to one of the mixed schools that are not as good. If worse comes to worse, I personally would recommend the boys’ school before one of the poorer mixed schools. B. may not like it as much, but at least he’ll be being taught well.

I’m sorry for the jumbled shout… and the grammatical mistakes :S But I hope it helps, if only a little.

Thanks for everything you said, v much appreciated.

The other two are good in all ways really. Spoilt for choice round here in terms of state schools. However their catchment areas are shrinking because of their popularity so there’s no guarantee he’ll get in-a couple of years ago it was different. He won’t have a problem with the boys school though. Not sure whether to put it down in case he doesn’t get a place at one of the other two, cause there’s a high probability he will get it and I really don’t know how I feel about single sex education.

I went to a mixed school and wouldn’t have had it any other way and I know his preference is for mixed. It’s just that the other mixed school we can apply for is ok but not great.

Thanks for your thoughts :)

I went to a mixed state school. I was happy in a mixed school and it was good that I had the chance to be friends with people of both genders. I heard somewhere that single-sex schools are supposed to be good in terms of grades. However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s likely to have the opposite effect if the child doesn’t like the school.

A friend of mine went to a boys’ school, but it was private. Apparently, he enjoyed it but it was a lot different from a state boys’ school, which one of his friends went to. Unfortunately, I never managed to talk to his friend, so I’ve got no information on the school that he went to.

My overall opinion is this: I was perfectly happy in a mixed school. I was able to mix with different people, the atmosphere was nice and I was still able to leave with good grades. If I were to have kids in the future, I would send them to a mixed school. Like you said, the outside world is mixed, therefore, a single-sex school may have a negative effect.

To answer the question, would I have liked to have gone to a boys’ school - It would have been interesting, but I really don’t think it would have been as good. Personally, I always prefer diversity in places such as schools, colleges, the work place etc.

Are the other two schools good in terms of results? If they are, then I personally would go for the one which B. feels most comfortable with.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. I’ll let you know if I think of any other advice.

Yes Ben happy with choices, he was an integral person in the decision making process - both boys came to visit the schools and could experience the atmosphere there. They are all good schools so it was down to picking where he felt most comfortable.

One school is a Boys school (non fee paying) and I went only because I felt I shouldn’t discount something without seeing it (I think mixed schools are best). BUT, was quite impressed. Nice kids, relaxed, teachers v warm and friendly, good results etc etc…. But I still can’t let go of that feeling that it is good for children to be educated in a mixed school, for social reasons and a healthy attitudes towards girls/women from a boys perspective that is, also it is just a true reflection of real life; girls and boys, men and women live and work together. They don’t have a sister but they do have a very healthy attitude towards girls and have good friends who are girls and I want that healthy attitude to stay that way.

You are a guy, tell me what you think of a boys only school?? Did you go to one? Would you have liked if you had? Have to say that the Boys School ranked third for him. He would prefer a mixed school, probably cause he is used to being friends with both boys and girls - one of his good friends is a girl.

Haven’t submitted form yet, still deliberating a bit on this third choice…..

If you can offer any thoughts, I’d really appreciate it.

I’m glad you’ve managed to narrow the choice of school down to three. Is B. happy with the choices? I hope it works out well for you both.

How is sorting the house progressing?

Hi there,

Glad to hear things are going really well for you, thats great :) It’s a good sign when time seems to fly by.

Pretty busy week really, mostly on the phone sorting out house details etc. Also just about to apply for secondary schools for B so a lot of mental energy involved there and some busy evenings visiting all the schools. Think we’ve decided on our three choices, just have to fill out the application and then wait to see what happens :S!

Hi,

My week has gone really well. It’s been really busy but everything is going in the right direction. Several of my friends and I were actually discussing how quick these first few weeks have gone - it’s remarkable!

How are you and how has your week been?

Hi, How’s your week been so far?

Hope good:)

Congrats on your proposal - that is great news :)

Have a lovely weekend and speak soon.

I really do feel optimistic this year. My proposal for my project got accepted today, which is great news.

I’m really glad that both of the houses were good :) It’s even better that you’ve found one that is better than the other, and the offer you’ve made has been accepted. I’m not surprised that it your head’s reeling; I think mine would be as well.

I am so glad to hear you were feeling really confident about going back to Uni. I can imagine that having a year out can make it feel a bit tricky, but good to know that you have slipped back in there and feel good about it. I’m sure it’s been really great to catch up with friends again:)

Being disorganised - has it’s down sides but also shows a passionate mind ;) That’s something to retain, I think anyway.

Viewed the houses today - both lovely, but one of them stood out as absolutely fantastic!! Offered on it and by the end of play today had offer accepted and forging forward. My head’s reeling a bit cause it’s all happened v quickly, but this house is amazing, so maybe all this was meant to happen :)

Well, I’m glad that you’ve still got a few months to get things sorted - it’s better than nothing.

I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow. From what you’ve told me in the past, I can tell it hasn’t been plain sailing for you. You’re a strong, capable person and I really think you will pull through.

I am really glad to be back at uni. This time last year I was dreading going back. I was kinda disorganised and left everything to the last minute :S I managed to do really well, but I just felt really nervous about returning. But now I feel really confident and it has been REALLY nice to see all my friends again, considering it was 12 months since I last saw them :)

*in a nice way*

I know what you meant in the nice :)

We’ll be ok - lease runs it’s course beg of Dec, then month’s notice kicks in.

Going to view a couple of houses tomorrow. It’ll all be ok I’m sure, just wasn’t expecting this right now :S Last couple of years haven’t been that plain sailing, thought that this place in time may have been a calm time. It has been in the main, , but just cut short and I’ll sort it out, I think, I hope..:)

Tell me about Uni - good to be back?
X

I know what you meant in the nice :)

We’ll be ok - lease runs it’s course beg of Dec, then month’s notice kicks in.

Going to view a couple of houses tomorrow. It’ll all be ok I’m sure, just wasn’t expecting this right now :S Last couple of years haven’t been that plain sailing, thought that this place in time may have been a calm time. It has been in the main, , but just cut short and I’ll sort it out, I think, I hope..:)

Tell me about Uni - good to be back?
X

It is really slow. Mind you, it has been for a while.

I’m so very sorry about the house issue :( How long has your landlord given you to find a place? It does seem to have occurred at an awkward time for you. I’ve always lived in the same house, so I can’t imagine how your kids are feeling.

You don’t have to be sorry about something like that. Just because your shouts are not cheerful, it doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy reading them (I mean that in a nice way) and talking to you :)

Once again, I’m really sorry about how things have turned out for you and I hope you manage to get it sorted :)X

This site is so verrry slooww this eve…

I hope all good with you and that is Uni going well.

Just heard that our landlord wants to move back :( so now have to seriously get my finger out on the house hunting thing. Have been keeping tabs with what”s going on, but thought I could do that with leisure -was a long term lease, but not as long as I thought it would ultimately be. Kids were a bit upset, particularly Ted who hates change and there’s been a lot of that recently. They like this house and they have friends on the doorstep.

Not come at a good time cause we’re looking at secondary schools for Ben so is a transition stage and unsettled time.

So Sorry my recent shouts haven’t been the most cheerful. I’m fine though, luckily I knuckle down and sort things out when served a curve ball!

May not be around much this eve, tired and things are slow on this site this eve.

Let me know how you are and we’ll speak soon :)x

That’s not that strange. If there are ever arguments in our house they are very likely to happen at weekends. I hope do hope the week goes well for you :)

My weekend was fairly ordinary, but still good. Aside from doing uni work I visited a few family members.

Thanks, I’m glad you liked them :) I found them in this calendar that my dad brought home and I thought they were really good.

Hope so:) Weekdays tend to be better than weekends, as strange as that may seem. Less tension I suppose.

Did you have a good weekend?

Btw, I like the quotes on your profile page. Have just read them.

I’m really sorry about your weekend, but I’m glad there were some times that were alright. Do you think the new week will make up for it?

I’m really glad to hear that you got your prop completed. Let me know how it goes. I’m sure it will be well accepted :)

I’m Ok; weekend was alright at times, stressful at some times, but that’s how my weekends are at the mo I’m afraid :S

Hi,

I did sleep well and finally got my proposal completed. I just need to wait for it to be checked.

How are you and how was your weekend?

I hope you Did sleep well last night and that today was a good one.

Speak to you soon :)x

Thank you Dan, sleep well x

You don’t have to be sorry :) Yes, it was stressful, but it was a good stress, if that makes any sense. I am actually doing what you’ve said. I was planning on doing more work on my project, but I’ve changed my mind.

You sleep well too and you have a good day tomorrow Oh, and I sorry about the stress you’ve been going through lately and I REALLY do hope things get better, if only a little bit :)x

Your shout wasn’t rambled or senseless at all - it was kind and helpful, thank you:)

I’m really sorry to hear you had a stressful day - tell me about it another time, like you said. For your own sake don’t relive it now, maybe find something relaxing to do and put the day behind you so that you can sleep well and have a better day tomorrow.

I hope you do sleep well and that tomorrow is better :)x

I will tell you about my project. I just really don’t want to talk about it at the moment. I’ve spent the majority of the day working on my project proposal, and I just want to get away from it for a moment. I will tell you next time.

I think I can understand how Ben feels. My brother and my cousins are all younger than me, and when we used to hang out, I felt I had a high level of responsibility because I was older then them all. From what you’ve said, I really do think that you are doing the correct thing. I would have thought that as long as they know that you are concerned about their independence and safety, they will act maturely and do the right thing. Particularly Ben, as he is the eldest.

I can understand why you would hate it when you kids see the rows. I used to be in similar situations with my parents. I don’t really know what to say about the situation. I think one of the things that I found difficult was that both of my parents made me choose which person to side with; that made it difficult. However, I wouldn’t have thought that you would have been the sort of person to do that. Based on MY experience, not matter how many arguments you have, I think your kids would still love the two of you both the same and would probably make them stronger people.

I apologise if my shout is a bit rambled (or senseless :D); I’ve had a really stressful day.

Hello there,

Really glad to hear that Uni is off to a great start. I’d really like to hear about your project.

Good luck with job hunting - I really hope something comes up that fits in with your studies.

Regarding the boys - they know they are being given a measured amount of independence and they know deep down that that is what they can cope with. I know them and I know what they feel comfortable with. Ben sometimes feels differently, of course - I think it’s cause he’s the oldest and wants to take a stand, which is fair enough. He’s understanding now though that I don’t want to hold him back but there are maturity and safety issues that he has to be aware of and he has to be consciously aware of his own capability, rather than feel the big guy.

(Cut to last night - before bed both of them took turns on my knee and we had to do the “This is the way the farmer rides” nursery thing!!!)

Arguments with their dad - general level of bickering, on-off Big rows from time to time. The boys aren’t privy to the big rows but I hate them seeing the bickering. Just not a really calm feeling right now, I’m afraid.

Thank you for your shout, you are a lovely friend :)

It’s natural for kids to want to be independent. I really don’t know how you manage to deal with it. However, I think you’re doing the good thing by trying to find that right balance. Even if you’re only giving them a bit of independence, at least you know they are safe.

I’m sorry about the rowing that’s been occurring. It’s always unsettling when arguing with relatives/friends. Are the arguments an on-off thing or are they more continuous? You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.

Uni is going really well and I’m feeling confident about my final year. I’ve got a really good idea for my project, and the great thing about it is that I have been told by several people, both friends and lecturers, that it is great idea. I’ll tell you about it next time.

I’m still looking for a replacement job at the moment.
:)x