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Post by Orbs on Dec 21, 2020 15:31:35 GMT
Just checking in with Everyone to see how everyone is feeling about the change in Christmas restrictions. We all need to pull together and support each other to see this through. . Might it be worth pinning this thread? At least over the holiday period? Great idea - also it's the shortest day today so things getting lighter as from tomorrow  |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Dec 21, 2020 15:52:14 GMT
I’m in a real quandary due to this COVID shite, I’ll explain as quickly as possible......
My ex Mrs and daughter say they’re not comfortable about my daughter spending Christmas Eve overnight at mine as she usually would unless I have a test.
The reason being, they say, is that my Mrs has just recovered from it and we both had to isolate for 10 days.
So we’ve done the isolation period and I’ve had no symptoms, although that doesn’t mean I haven’t had it of course. But my Mrs has missed out on two weeks income already and I’m concerned if I test positive then that’s another two weeks with no income (she’s not entitled to financial support).
I’ve always been of the opinion that people/me shouldn’t be going for tests if there are no symptoms.
Is it worth that one night compared to yet another couple of weeks of misery (because that’s what it’s been, absolute misery)?
Also my mum, who’s in her 70s has basically been cut off for the last 9 months apart from me and she’s due to come for Christmas dinner at mine, if I go for a test and am positive that’ll be Christmas alone for her and she is at the end of her tether about being lonely.
So do I.......
A - Get a test and whatever the outcome deal with it.
B - Refuse to get a test, still have my mum around for dinner and not see my daughter Christmas Eve (I could go and see her Christmas Day, socially distanced and drop the presents).
It’s driving me round the bend. My Mrs is adamant I shouldn’t have a test and so am I but what’s more important?🤷🏻♂️
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Post by Chewbacca the Wookie on Dec 21, 2020 16:45:49 GMT
I’m in a real quandary due to this COVID shite, I’ll explain as quickly as possible...... My ex Mrs and daughter say they’re not comfortable about my daughter spending Christmas Eve overnight at mine as she usually would unless I have a test. The reason being, they say, is that my Mrs has just recovered from it and we both had to isolate for 10 days. So we’ve done the isolation period and I’ve had no symptoms, although that doesn’t mean I haven’t had it of course. But my Mrs has missed out on two weeks income already and I’m concerned if I test positive then that’s another two weeks with no income (she’s not entitled to financial support). I’ve always been of the opinion that people/me shouldn’t be going for tests if there are no symptoms. Is it worth that one night compared to yet another couple of weeks of misery (because that’s what it’s been, absolute misery)? Also my mum, who’s in her 70s has basically been cut off for the last 9 months apart from me and she’s due to come for Christmas dinner at mine, if I go for a test and am positive that’ll be Christmas alone for her and she is at the end of her tether about being lonely. So do I....... A - Get a test and whatever the outcome deal with it. B - Refuse to get a test, still have my mum around for dinner and not see my daughter Christmas Eve (I could go and see her Christmas Day, socially distanced and drop the presents). It’s driving me round the bend. My Mrs is adamant I shouldn’t have a test and so am I but what’s more important?🤷🏻♂️ I’d go for A mate but the fact your thinking about it says a lot about you as a person and about trying to do the right thing. Some less considerate people wouldn’t think twice. If it was me I’d go for the test as the thought of giving it to my elderly parents would be the worst possible scenario and one I’d struggle with. It’s never that straight forward though when they want to see you. |
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Post by Orbs on Dec 21, 2020 16:53:58 GMT
I’m in a real quandary due to this COVID shite, I’ll explain as quickly as possible...... My ex Mrs and daughter say they’re not comfortable about my daughter spending Christmas Eve overnight at mine as she usually would unless I have a test. The reason being, they say, is that my Mrs has just recovered from it and we both had to isolate for 10 days. So we’ve done the isolation period and I’ve had no symptoms, although that doesn’t mean I haven’t had it of course. But my Mrs has missed out on two weeks income already and I’m concerned if I test positive then that’s another two weeks with no income (she’s not entitled to financial support). I’ve always been of the opinion that people/me shouldn’t be going for tests if there are no symptoms. Is it worth that one night compared to yet another couple of weeks of misery (because that’s what it’s been, absolute misery)? Also my mum, who’s in her 70s has basically been cut off for the last 9 months apart from me and she’s due to come for Christmas dinner at mine, if I go for a test and am positive that’ll be Christmas alone for her and she is at the end of her tether about being lonely. So do I....... A - Get a test and whatever the outcome deal with it. B - Refuse to get a test, still have my mum around for dinner and not see my daughter Christmas Eve (I could go and see her Christmas Day, socially distanced and drop the presents). It’s driving me round the bend. My Mrs is adamant I shouldn’t have a test and so am I but what’s more important?🤷🏻♂️ I agree with Cobbers - Your mum is the priority as if she catches it from you then potentially it could be life threatening to her. You need to either have the test and see her (although you could always catch it after a negative result) or don't have a test and not see her. I wouldn't not have a test and see her. You'll never forgive yourself. |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Dec 21, 2020 17:48:18 GMT
Thanks guys. One minute I’m not doing it, next thing I am. Been doing my head in for days! If I’m having one it’ll have to be tomorrow. Really worried because whatever I decide there’s going to be some right pissed off people to deal with🤦🏻♂️
Always end up with some wank decision to make at Christmas, thought it’d be easy this year!
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Post by Chewbacca the Wookie on Dec 21, 2020 19:08:55 GMT
Thanks guys. One minute I’m not doing it, next thing I am. Been doing my head in for days! If I’m having one it’ll have to be tomorrow. Really worried because whatever I decide there’s going to be some right pissed off people to deal with🤦🏻♂️ Always end up with some wank decision to make at Christmas, thought it’d be easy this year! Unfortunately however hard we try we will never please everybody. The arts in explaining to those involved how and why you made your decision. If you explain to them how hard it’s been coming to a decision I’m sure they’ll understand. Often people surprise us. |
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Post by wolfinsheepsclothing on Dec 23, 2020 8:19:58 GMT
Keep the faith fellow Stokies.
I wish you all good mental health over Christmas and into the New Year.
You may be on your own, BUT, you not alone.
All the best
Wolfie
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Post by The battheader chronicles on Dec 25, 2020 19:53:43 GMT
Merry Christmas guys, just checking in hope you’ve all had a good day  |
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Post by Orbs on Dec 26, 2020 11:38:09 GMT
Thanks guys. One minute I’m not doing it, next thing I am. Been doing my head in for days! If I’m having one it’ll have to be tomorrow. Really worried because whatever I decide there’s going to be some right pissed off people to deal with🤦🏻♂️ Always end up with some wank decision to make at Christmas, thought it’d be easy this year! Well...?  |
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Post by Orbs on Dec 26, 2020 11:41:55 GMT
Numbers just in case they're needed. Local charity MenUnite also very good: MenUniteChildline 0800 1111 Samaritans 116 123 Domestic Abuse 0808 2000 247 Mind 0300 123 3393 Calm 0800 58 58 58 Victim Support 08 08 16 89 111 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Dec 26, 2020 12:21:39 GMT
Thanks guys. One minute I’m not doing it, next thing I am. Been doing my head in for days! If I’m having one it’ll have to be tomorrow. Really worried because whatever I decide there’s going to be some right pissed off people to deal with🤦🏻♂️ Always end up with some wank decision to make at Christmas, thought it’d be easy this year! Well...? I had a negative lateral flow test which was good enough for me👍🏻 |
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Post by chuffedstokie on Dec 26, 2020 13:06:54 GMT
Well...? I had a negative lateral flow test which was good enough for me👍🏻 Good news. 👍 |
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Post by muggleton on Dec 31, 2020 15:26:00 GMT
Always get the blues this time of year, and could feel myself slipping over the past week.
Got out in the wind and pissing rain today for a run and it had an immediate impact. Was dreading tonight, but feel much more relaxed and positive, and looking forward to a few drinks.
Exercise isn't a panacea, but its a useful tool (for me, the most useful) for encouraging better mental health.
Keep well everyone, and all the best for 2021.
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Post by butlerstbob on Dec 31, 2020 15:51:33 GMT
All the best muggleton glad it made you feel better, exercise will always help... Unless you fall and slide across the ice like I did last week and badly bruised my elbow and hip bone😁
I am sure come next week we will start to see a little light at the end of the tunnel with the Vaccine rollout
Happy New Year folks👍
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Post by elystokie on Dec 31, 2020 17:20:47 GMT
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Post by Orbs on Jan 6, 2021 10:28:05 GMT
Morning everyone. Thought I'd bump this as the new lockdown has just started. Maybe a time for a number of us to look after ourselves and speak or get some help if we need it.
Numbers just in case they're needed. Local charity MenUnite also very good. This will all pass eventually.
Childline 0800 1111
Samaritans 116 123
Domestic Abuse 0808 2000 247
Mind 0300 123 3393
Calm 0800 58 58 58
Victim Support 08 08 16 89 111
Alcoholics Anonymous
0845 769 7555
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
Narcotics Anonymous
0300 999 1212
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Post by butlerstbob on Jan 11, 2021 17:33:55 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔
How are people holding up?
Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍
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Post by pricey21 on Jan 11, 2021 17:36:00 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔 How are people holding up? Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍 Still at work for now which helps but I've got a feeling I'll be on furlough again. Trying to keep off this message board a bit because of certain people bickering on every single thread. How are you? |
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Post by butlerstbob on Jan 11, 2021 17:41:43 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔 How are people holding up? Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍 Still at work for now which helps but I've got a feeling ill bee on furlough again. Trying to keep off this message board a bit because of certain people bickering on every single thread. How are you? Well fingers crossed for you pal, let's just hope we see some light at the end of the tunnel before your employers decide to furlough you Not much change with me really mate, for some reason though Saturdays seem real tough and I really struggle but luckily I am still working and yesterday I was so looking forward to turning in for work today! |
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Post by Orbs on Jan 11, 2021 18:08:59 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔 How are people holding up? Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍 Still at work for now which helps but I've got a feeling I'll be on furlough again. Trying to keep off this message board a bit because of certain people bickering on every single thread. How are you? I saw on twitter today that men unite menunite have set up a hub at Hanley Town in Bucknall. They can help with CV writing, job applications and counselling. There is a specialist support worker to offer help and advice about any subject that may be troubling you. Open 10-3 initially on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There are also zoom meetings available and twitter and facebook pages. There's no harm in contacting them if you are feeling like a bit of help is needed. On the subject of on here and other social media platforms I think it's pretty wise to give them a steer for a period of time. Or, I tend to read them but not get involved in arguments. I might reply to a running post on twitter or something Stoke related but generally try and be positive and agree with the original poster rather than have a spat about something. It feels good to agree with folk and have a positive experience rather than finding arguments and disagreements. Lets face it, it's rare that anyone changes their opinion anyway! In other news - we have a Beagle puppy called Murphy. He's just what we needed ATM. Given us all a bit of distraction and something to get our teeth into. He's absolutely brilliant! (certainly not advocating that everyone should get a dog but it's working a treat at Orbs Towers) |
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Post by FranktheRabbit on Jan 14, 2021 17:36:09 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔 How are people holding up? Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍 All OK here. I've been put on part time furlough at work, which I actually need at the moment as I set my own business up in January of last year, and without it I have been working until 1am every night after being at my day job for 9/10 hours. So the two day extra days I now have free have been a god send to get some work done. Sleep is king with mental health, so get your heads down Stokies. Found out a couple of days before Xmas that I am going to be a Dad as well, so if that isn't a kick up the arse to get my act together, I don't know what is. How is everything your end and anyone else who reads the thread for that matter? |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jan 14, 2021 17:53:22 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔 How are people holding up? Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍 All OK here. I've been put on part time furlough at work, which I actually need at the moment as I set my own business up in January of last year, and without it I have been working until 1am every night after being at my day job for 9/10 hours. So the two day extra days I now have free have been a god send to get some work done. Sleep is king with mental health, so get your heads down Stokies. Found out a couple of days before Xmas that I am going to be a Dad as well, so if that isn't a kick up the arse to get my act together, I don't know what is. How is everything your end and anyone else who reads the thread for that matter? Congratulations mate👏🏻I think! My Mrs is after getting duffed up totally throwing holiday plans into disarray but what can you do. I’m good anyway, not worked since March really and still redundant although I have a few irons in the fire. Just got to think positive thoughts as tough as that maybe and exercise!! Take up new hobbies. Anything to get the old brain and muscles oiled 😀 |
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Post by FranktheRabbit on Jan 14, 2021 18:31:16 GMT
All OK here. I've been put on part time furlough at work, which I actually need at the moment as I set my own business up in January of last year, and without it I have been working until 1am every night after being at my day job for 9/10 hours. So the two day extra days I now have free have been a god send to get some work done. Sleep is king with mental health, so get your heads down Stokies. Found out a couple of days before Xmas that I am going to be a Dad as well, so if that isn't a kick up the arse to get my act together, I don't know what is. How is everything your end and anyone else who reads the thread for that matter? Congratulations mate👏🏻 I think! My Mrs is after getting duffed up totally throwing holiday plans into disarray but what can you do. I’m good anyway, not worked since March really and still redundant although I have a few irons in the fire. Just got to think positive thoughts as tough as that maybe and exercise!! Take up new hobbies. Anything to get the old brain and muscles oiled 😀 Haha. Yes congratulations are welcome, planned. We were planning on last year anyway, but we wanted to see how things panned out first with the shit that's going on, as my lady is really nervous about the whole thing, but in all honesty I don't think anytime is the "right" time and you just have to go with it. Plus, she is a few years older than me, so time was ticking as they say, so we said "fuck it" ( quite literally  ) and went for it. Happened within a month, so we got Xmas out of the way, now it's truly starting to hit home. Plus, the wife is a twin so we could be possibly looking at 'they' and not 'it'. Sorry to hear about the work mate, I hope you manage to get something set in stone. Feel shitty for mentioning how mine has benefited me now, but in all honesty, my day job creates a lot of the problems with my mental health, which was the reason for me making the decision last year to start something myself. But your right, keeping the mind active is the way forward to not letting the negative thoughts roll in, it's all to easy sometimes to get stuck in repetitive ruts with thoughts. Especially when sat around doing nothing. Guitar has been the one for me. Had a small collection of guitars for about 10 years but never really progressed past camp fire douche bag, just used to pick it up and play the odd song. But during my first furlough period (March to Sept) I played none stop, learnt a bit of theory and now I can't put it down. It's my go to now whenever anything negative starts to creep in, just to snap me out of it. Plus the feeling of learning something and then it finally clicking is really rewarding. |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jan 14, 2021 18:45:52 GMT
Congratulations mate👏🏻 I think! My Mrs is after getting duffed up totally throwing holiday plans into disarray but what can you do. I’m good anyway, not worked since March really and still redundant although I have a few irons in the fire. Just got to think positive thoughts as tough as that maybe and exercise!! Take up new hobbies. Anything to get the old brain and muscles oiled 😀 Haha. Yes congratulations are welcome, planned. We were planning on last year anyway, but we wanted to see how things panned out first with the shit that's going on, as my lady is really nervous about the whole thing, but in all honesty I don't think anytime is the "right" time and you just have to go with it. Plus, she is a few years older than me, so time was ticking as they say, so we said "fuck it" ( quite literally ) and went for it. Happened within a month, so we got Xmas out of the way, now it's truly starting to hit home. Plus, the wife is a twin so we could be possibly looking at 'they' and not 'it'. Sorry to hear about the work mate, I hope you manage to get something set in stone. Feel shitty for mentioning how mine has benefited me now, but in all honesty, my day job creates a lot of the problems with my mental health, which was the reason for me making the decision last year to start something myself. But your right, keeping the mind active is the way forward to not letting the negative thoughts roll in, it's all to easy sometimes to get stuck in repetitive ruts with thoughts. Especially when sat around doing nothing. Guitar has been the one for me. Had a small collection of guitars for about 10 years but never really progressed past camp fire douche bag, just used to pick it up and play the odd song. But during my first furlough period (March to Sept) I played none stop, learnt a bit of theory and now I can't put it down. It's my go to now whenever anything negative starts to creep in, just to snap me out of it. Plus the feeling of learning something and then it finally clicking is really rewarding. Ay dunna worry about it mate, I had 22 years service so still ploughing through the redundancy so it could be far worse😀 Have you already got kids? I’ve got a 15 year old girl from a previous aberration. Wow what a nightmare, especially at the moment! Wouldn’t be without the little shit though😀 Make the most of the first year for gods sake if it’s your first👍🏻 |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jan 14, 2021 18:46:56 GMT
Haha. Yes congratulations are welcome, planned. We were planning on last year anyway, but we wanted to see how things panned out first with the shit that's going on, as my lady is really nervous about the whole thing, but in all honesty I don't think anytime is the "right" time and you just have to go with it. Plus, she is a few years older than me, so time was ticking as they say, so we said "fuck it" ( quite literally ) and went for it. Happened within a month, so we got Xmas out of the way, now it's truly starting to hit home. Plus, the wife is a twin so we could be possibly looking at 'they' and not 'it'. Sorry to hear about the work mate, I hope you manage to get something set in stone. Feel shitty for mentioning how mine has benefited me now, but in all honesty, my day job creates a lot of the problems with my mental health, which was the reason for me making the decision last year to start something myself. But your right, keeping the mind active is the way forward to not letting the negative thoughts roll in, it's all to easy sometimes to get stuck in repetitive ruts with thoughts. Especially when sat around doing nothing. Guitar has been the one for me. Had a small collection of guitars for about 10 years but never really progressed past camp fire douche bag, just used to pick it up and play the odd song. But during my first furlough period (March to Sept) I played none stop, learnt a bit of theory and now I can't put it down. It's my go to now whenever anything negative starts to creep in, just to snap me out of it. Plus the feeling of learning something and then it finally clicking is really rewarding. Ay dunna worry about it mate, I had 22 years service so still ploughing through the redundancy so it could be far worse😀 Have you already got kids? I’ve got a 15 year old girl from a previous aberration. Wow what a nightmare, especially at the moment! Wouldn’t be without the little shit though😀 Make the most of the first year for gods sake if it’s your first👍🏻 Great idea with the guitar by the way, it’s a proper head scratcher and before you know it it’s 3am🤣 |
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Post by butlerstbob on Jan 14, 2021 19:16:14 GMT
Well the weeks are flying by🤔 How are people holding up? Bumped for anyone who wishes to talk👍 All OK here. I've been put on part time furlough at work, which I actually need at the moment as I set my own business up in January of last year, and without it I have been working until 1am every night after being at my day job for 9/10 hours. So the two day extra days I now have free have been a god send to get some work done. Sleep is king with mental health, so get your heads down Stokies. Found out a couple of days before Xmas that I am going to be a Dad as well, so if that isn't a kick up the arse to get my act together, I don't know what is. How is everything your end and anyone else who reads the thread for that matter? Congratulations on the baby news mate, and enjoy your sleep...whilst you can Sounds like everything is going to plan then on the job front too and you have turned a negative situation into a positive one...superb I honestly think things will start to look a whole lot better come March/April with the rate the vaccine is being administered etc so here's to a better future for all....and the bloody pubs open! |
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Post by FranktheRabbit on Jan 14, 2021 19:19:03 GMT
Haha. Yes congratulations are welcome, planned. We were planning on last year anyway, but we wanted to see how things panned out first with the shit that's going on, as my lady is really nervous about the whole thing, but in all honesty I don't think anytime is the "right" time and you just have to go with it. Plus, she is a few years older than me, so time was ticking as they say, so we said "fuck it" ( quite literally  ) and went for it. Happened within a month, so we got Xmas out of the way, now it's truly starting to hit home. Plus, the wife is a twin so we could be possibly looking at 'they' and not 'it'. Sorry to hear about the work mate, I hope you manage to get something set in stone. Feel shitty for mentioning how mine has benefited me now, but in all honesty, my day job creates a lot of the problems with my mental health, which was the reason for me making the decision last year to start something myself. But your right, keeping the mind active is the way forward to not letting the negative thoughts roll in, it's all to easy sometimes to get stuck in repetitive ruts with thoughts. Especially when sat around doing nothing. Guitar has been the one for me. Had a small collection of guitars for about 10 years but never really progressed past camp fire douche bag, just used to pick it up and play the odd song. But during my first furlough period (March to Sept) I played none stop, learnt a bit of theory and now I can't put it down. It's my go to now whenever anything negative starts to creep in, just to snap me out of it. Plus the feeling of learning something and then it finally clicking is really rewarding. Ay dunna worry about it mate, I had 22 years service so still ploughing through the redundancy so it could be far worse😀 Have you already got kids? I’ve got a 15 year old girl from a previous aberration. Wow what a nightmare, especially at the moment! Wouldn’t be without the little shit though😀 Make the most of the first year for gods sake if it’s your first👍🏻 Well let's just hope you can find something quickly and you can use the cash from your redundancy to properly enjoy yourself mate! No, this will be the first, for the both of us. Hoping for a girl myself in all honesty, but I am very short sighted sometimes and only see the younger years when I imagine having one. I try to block the teenage years out haha! I remember quite clearly how my sister was at that age. Mare to say the least, so I can gauge where your coming from. Let's hope I'm disappointed and it's a boy . |
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Post by thehartshillbadger on Jan 14, 2021 19:33:31 GMT
Ay dunna worry about it mate, I had 22 years service so still ploughing through the redundancy so it could be far worse😀 Have you already got kids? I’ve got a 15 year old girl from a previous aberration. Wow what a nightmare, especially at the moment! Wouldn’t be without the little shit though😀 Make the most of the first year for gods sake if it’s your first👍🏻 Well let's just hope you can find something quickly and you can use the cash from your redundancy to properly enjoy yourself mate! No, this will be the first, for the both of us. Hoping for a girl myself in all honesty, but I am very short sighted sometimes and only see the younger years when I imagine having one. I try to block the teenage years out haha! I remember quite clearly how my sister was at that age. Mare to say the least, so I can gauge where your coming from. Let's hope I'm disappointed and it's a boy . Well best of luck to you and the Mrs👍🏻 |
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Post by Orbs on Jan 14, 2021 20:23:20 GMT
A baby! Congratulations lads! My 3 pretty much grown up now so
I was feeling a bit redundant - hence The Beagle! Murphy is great and just what we (I) needed. Nearly half way through January. There is a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there 👍🏻
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Post by chigstoke on Jan 14, 2021 20:44:52 GMT
FranktheRabbit Congrats on the news mate. Where does the time fucking fly? Doesn't feel like so long ago that this whole shitstorm reared it's ugly head. There is hope there now, with vaccines now being administered. Work was successful last week, managed to increase my Google Ads conversion rate by 6x, which is huge. On course for at least 4x this week, so get in I guess! Now need to ask for my 4 monthly review, so hopefully that will go well. Certainly have ambition to 'move up the ladder' a bit more now. A lot of my time after work has been consumed with getting some use out of the new headphone setup. And some PS5  . Also out on a Saturday to get some walking/jogging in before Stoke games. Must keep on keeping on I guess. Nice to jot down thoughts and what we've been up to on here. Roll on the good times again, I could murder a beer in the pub! Stay healthy guys.
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) and went for it. Happened within a month, so we got Xmas out of the way, now it's truly starting to hit home. Plus, the wife is a twin so we could be possibly looking at 'they' and not 'it'. 
) and went for it. Happened within a month, so we got Xmas out of the way, now it's truly starting to hit home. Plus, the wife is a twin so we could be possibly looking at 'they' and not 'it'. 
. 
