Saturday 31 December 2011

Last update of 2011!

Soooo, i went back to the docs again on Thursday and have been put on strong anti-infective meds as Doc thinks I have an infection of the Stomach lining or some such thing. Hopefully the meds will do their job and I will start to feel better, because after 7 weeks of ill, trying to pu on a brave face and losing so much weight, it hasnt been much fun!! Have to admit that it was so nice to be able to eat a proper - ish meal for the first time in a few weeks the other night :-) even though I ended up with the same problem yesterday and have been quite poorly today. Ah well, I guess it will just take time for the meds to kick in and cope with the unpleasant side effects. Hope so, or it means more tests. I guess we will find out by the end of next week when the meds have finished!
  On a nice note, I had a card shown on Create and Craft TV today and the comments from the presenter were lovely so hope the person I made it for likes it too!!
 Ive also been asked to be the official photographer for a local choir and to be guest soloist with them for some concerts next year, so Im looking forward to that :-)
       Well, it's almost the end of another year. 2011 hasnt been exactly the best to be honest, still we've come through it so things can only get better hopefully! Can't believe it's almost a year since Mum passed away, incredible.
All the best to my friends who follow my blog, best wishes for 2012
xxxx 

Saturday 24 December 2011

Long time no post!

Hi everyone,
  Well it's been a while since I've had time to sit and blog. School has finished for the xmas break so thats nice, just a few lesson planners and preparation to do then I'm done :-)
I havn't been well these past few weeks, struggling a lot and it's made me so tired. Am having to rest all the time and try and take things easy. Ah well, hopefully the Docs can finally get me sorted out after the Xmas shut down if I can ever get an appointment lol!
On a positive note, I've just had an email to say that I've passed Unit 1 in the Certificate in Papercraft. I havent even the energy to feel anything about that but I suppose its an achievement and I can move onto the next Units.
Thats enough of me rambling, until next time, Lynsey x

Saturday 15 October 2011

Mike

In loving memory of Mike Hughes who passed away last night after a battle with cancer. You were a great friend and will be missed. MPB will miss your beautiful euphonium playing too. Sleep well my friend xxx 

Sunday 2 October 2011

A Letter to Normals - Re Fibromyalgia

Hi everyone, I was on the fibrohugs.org site and found this letter that I wanted to share, this is what it feels like to have Finromyalgie - the invisible illness.

Although this is a Copyright of Fibrohugs.org we grant permission for anyone to use this at any time as long as the following "Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller" is fully visible. The Letter To Normals

A Letter to Normals


Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,

Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person’s time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.

I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS has assaulted not only my life but those whom I love as well.

You see, I suffer from a disease that you cannot see; a disease that there is no cure for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle this demon, who’s attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; you wont see my scars as you would a person who, say, had suffered a car accident. You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can’t see it and do not understand....

Please don’t get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....

Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another’s sympathy. I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another activity I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.

I feel like a child at times... Just the other day I put the sour cream I bought at the store in the pantry, on the shelf, instead of in the refrigerator; by the time I noticed it, it had spoiled. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to “lose” the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demon assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….

Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity.

And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say “but you did that yesterday!” “What is your problem today?” The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don’t understand….

On a brighter side I want you to know that I still have my sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another’s face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and grandbabies and shine when they give me my hugs or ask me to fix their favorite toy. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways. Do you have a dream? I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.

So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and this demon…. Do you have an unseen demon that assaults you and no one else can see? Have you had to fight a fight that crushes you and brings you to your knees? I will be by your side, win or lose, I promise you that; I will be there in ways that I can. I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in such a fight myself and I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand….

Thank you for spending your time with me today. I hope we can work through this thing, you and I. Please understand that I am just like you… Please understand….

Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller

Saturday 17 September 2011

Certificate in Papercraft Unit 1 - Card 3

 And here is Card 3! It's a design by Sally Mcintyre and I got it from Crafts U Print. I glittered the black musical notes to add some interest and attatched the musical and silver vellum using square metallic brads.
Adain, any feedback is welcome thanks :-)

Certificate in Papercraft Unit 1 - Card 2


This is card two - a tent card. I think all the colours work really well and the different textures with the ribbon and flower.
Again, please feel free to leave comments :-)

Certificate in Papercraft Unit 1 - Card 1


 'Especially for you Easel card'.
This is my first ever Easel card and Im really pleased with the results. The Prom Dress is decoupaged and has clear gems picked out on the sash, hemline and shoulder straps.
Please leave any comments - they would be gratefully appreciated, many thanks Lynsey x

News!!!

Well, it's been a few days since my last post, the first week back to work is always so manic so been a busy gal and have also completed my first Unit for the Certificate in Papercraft so look out for the cards appearing! I'd be grateful for any comments - good or bad!
So what have ai been up to?! Well, started drum lessons (had two now), bought a Drum Kit I've named Barry - long story, had a Police Band gig on Thursday and was playing at the Groves Bandstand in Chester earlier this afternoon! So a pretty busy time really!
Tata for now! :-) x

Saturday 3 September 2011

Busy times!

Well it's been a few days, probably a week since I last posted. It's been a busy time, trying to get things done around the house, there is so much to do, also trying to get my head around my CiP course and made a challenge card (see Cards page) and back to work prep, lesson planners etc. Haven't been feeling great either, a lot of migraines and headaches the past couple of weeks :-(
  Last Sunday The Little Big Band were playing at Eaton Hall open day, went well but a long one (9 - 5!)! And Tuesday was a rehearsal with the Merseyside Police Band again a good day, lots of new music but a long day.
  I had a lovely afternoon with a couple of friends yesterday (Friday) and went to Nantwich for a mooch, what a lovely little town and fab charity shops :-) Lol.
  Today (Saturday) I was helping at a friends tea-party, long day but it was lovely to see so many brothers and sisters from the congregation all enjoying themselves and having fun.
Singing off for now, bedtime! x

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Paperwork Day!

Whew what a day! I've literally just stopped (6pm). I've been shredding mums old paperwork since 10.15am this morning!!! :-(  She had receipts from 2004! Bless. The blinking shredder kept stopping and starting, it better get itself rested overnight because there's still some paperwork left for tomorrow!!! Im sure the binmen will love me on Monday - thats if they take it! Pooped, right Im off to have my tea! Tara! xx

Monday 22 August 2011

Last few days

It's been a few days since I last wrote, it was a busy week! Sunday afternoon was spent at my sisters with some friends for lunch and a catch up which was nice. Today has been more house sorting and being brutal with getting rid of teddies etc. I got rid of 4 binbags full in the end. Freecycled everything and mostly everything has gone which has been great!
Went to clarinet group tonight, just the 4 of us but was nice all the same. More sorting tomorrow, a day of shredding paperwork etc - oh the joys!!! And hopefully do some more of the Learning programme exercises for the Certificate im doing.
Anyway, it's late so IM going to bed - goodnight! x

Friday 19 August 2011

Fabulous Friday :-)

Well what a great day, although I've not felt brilliant (still bad head) it's been a lovely day. First of all ministry this morning with the lovely Joanne Holland (although it was more talking!!) and a truly fab afternoon with the lovely Rosemary Merry & Nige :-) Had a fab time, so thank you to all of you. I truly am blessed to have some wonderful friends :-) xxx

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Not a good day.

Today has been a bit of a struggle, woke up with yet another migraine which despite meds and bed hasnt eased so Im feeling quite washed out and tired with it. Ho hum.Still made it out on field service this morning though which was nice and we all piled back to Nessa and Roys for coffee break at 11am ish. Out again tomorrow, so will say goodnight as need to get some rest x

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Tuesday

        Woke up with another bad head :-( Have got some boring jobs and paperwork planned this morning then pre-study and watch the DVD for the meeting tonight. It's the CO visit so really looking forward to that and ministry all week so a good spiritual boost ahead. :-)
Have a funeral to go to this afternoon, it will the first one Ive been to since Mum passed away. These things are never pleasant but I want to be there to support my friends.  
  Well, nothing else to report so I wish you a good day :-) x

Monday

Had a bit of a strange day yesterday, was meant to be going to the Zoo but woke up with a migraine so took a raincheck and hopefully go in the next couple of weeks. Sorted some of my craft stash out instead, it's so difficult trying to part with things lol! Had a bit of a snooze then went out to clarinet rehearsal in the evening, very enjoyable and we had a good laugh again. Played some good music and it's getting better each week :-) x

Sunday 14 August 2011

Sunday

So i dont think I've mentioned anything about the challenge the Music Dept at work have set themselves have I?? Six of us are doing it, I suggested doing a Grade 1-a-thon for charity, the way it works is that we learn an instrument we can't currently play from a different family, so my choice was to move from woodwind to brass - the French Horn to be precise!! We have already set the exam period - Spring 2012, and we are going to get sponsored to do it and donate the proceeds to the local Hospice (where Mum died). Oh and we have to get a Merit at the very least. How embarrasing to tell your students that you've failed your Grade 1 or just got a Pass!!! Good motivation, and there is some friendly rivalry emerging too lol :-)
      Well I've had a very enjoyable afternoon tootling on it again, sound is getting better to produce and tone is getting better too, mind you I suppose it's not bad as I've only played it three times for about half an hour each time!! Lol! I LOVE IT!!!! Im sure the neighbours dont, but who cares?! It's so much fun :-) really looking forward to the musical journey,
     signing off for now, Ciao Lynsey x

Saturday 13 August 2011

The Little Big Band gig.

Well, I've just got back in from a Little Big Band gig (please check out their page on Facebook!). we were playing at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Liverpool, very swanky, a Pepsi cost £4 for a glass!!!! Anyway it was a wedding bash - our pianist actually. He got married today to the lovely Maria, so many congrats Mr and Mrs Larkin :-) so we were asked to play a 45 minute set which was nice.
Well Im off to bed, am shattered! Bye for now x

Friday 12 August 2011

Craft room/Office area

Well, today has been more sorting out and furniture moving but things are finally heading in the right direction! My Craft Room/ Office is starting to take shape and my bedroom actually has a lot more space than I thought!! lol :-) Can't wait for it all to be finally done and for the house to become a home instead of the tip it is!

News :-)

      I've been crafting for about 6 or 7 years in my spare time and I have to say it's very addictive! I've just been accepted onto the Certificate in Papercrafting course and am really excited about starting that but am looking forward to learning new techniques etc! Crafting is such a relaxing hobby and very rewarding. It takes your mind off things at least for a little while! We all need a little de-stressing don't we?!
   Thanks for reading :-) x