NotSheep

I’m sitting on the bed with Toby asleep on my lap. I don’t want to get up yet because I don’t want to wake him yet, and also because I feel crap, since I’ve been dealing with a hacking cough since mid-week (that’s what the flu turned into - I used to get this every winter for months on end, hoping it doesn’t do that this year). Hence I’ve been doing some blog-reading catch-up (which is how I came by the Peanuts thingy below).

We’re off to see friends later today - it’s a good two-hour drive normally, but I imagine today we’ll add - oh, at least an hour, given Toby’s current feelings about travelling by car. We’re staying overnight, going to see a movie through National Schools Film Week in their town tomorrow morning. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have planned this if I’d realised that Toby was going to start hating the car and/or I’d known I was going to get sick, but it’s arranged and the kids will be disappointed if we don’t go, so we’ll go. Scratchy has tomorrow off so at least we don’t have to rush back.

Not sure Barney deserves to go really though. He spent two hours at trampoline club yesterday winding up George, chewing gum, throwing things at people and generally being a little ^*(#W$. He took against trampoline club the first week, when he found it hard to climb onto the trampoline, and has determined to dislike it ever since. I convinced him to keep going until the end of the session, to give it a chance - or at least I thought I had, but he’s been acting as though he’s trying to get thrown out of it (I don’t think he consciously is doing that though). Anyway, he’s said he doesn’t want to go back, and I’ve said fine, but then you can pay for the course because you asked to go in the first place and I don’t want to have wasted my money, and he’s said “fine” in that not-fine-but-huh voice (you all know the one). I suppose at least it eliminates the need for him to get dressed fast after swimming lessons. Oh heck. Just realised the swimming registration forms were supposed to be in by yesterday. Will have to drop them off today on our way out - I’m sure they’re not organised enough to have given away the places already *hopes*

(Barney spent last Monday’s ju-jitsu class fighting with George too, and they weren’t even supposed to be working together. At this rate, he could end up with very little of his bank balance left.)

We spent yesterday afternoon tidying up the back bedroom, which was full of toys (mostly in bits) and clothes (too small for one kid, too big for the next) as well as being the spare bedroom. I also spent an hour sorting through things in the dining-room-cum-study, now that we’ve a table in there. Put some games and things that can be called educational up on the shelves, set aside a box of stuff for Jack to do when the others are working (hoping this will keep him busy and out of their hair). Decided that the huge box of papers that need filing was too much to cope with, and stashed it all in a hard-to-get-to cupboard instead. If I need anything from it, I know where it is, and anything that’s still there in a year obviously isn’t important and can be binned. Isn’t that the essence of a good filing system anyway?

Scratchy is currently trying to download all the stuff from my mobile phone onto a computer, since I’m changing mobiles (haven’t got a new one or anything, I’m taking his and giving mine to the friend we’re staying with tonight since she lost hers and doesn’t like her replacement, and Scratchy’s going back to an old one which isn’t as fancy but does have better reception). Not sure how I managed to accumulate 53 photos on my mobile - I’m sure I don’t remember taking more than half a dozen! Then there are the ringtones - was there ever a better way to waste time and energy than searching for and installing ringtones? Must admit I’m very fond of the Roobarb-and-Custard theme-tune that goes off when a certain person calls though, and the reaction I get when that plays in public pretty good (people look startled, then confused, then go “oh! it’s Roobarb and Custard!” :lol:). I’ve also got it set up to play “Like A Virgin” when a particular friend phones. ‘Nuff said, I think

Mollycat stayed out again all night, I was a bit concerned in case she didn’t come back in time for us to leave her in the house before we go today, but she arrived back home at about 9am. Ginnycat was here all night and is a bit miffed at not being allowed out now. Tough.

Toby is now stirring, so I suppose I’d better get showered and dressed and start packing overnight bags. Conversation earlier - Scratchy: “Is there anything else we need to do before we go?” - Me: “Nope, just pack for overnight, that’s easy.” - Scratchy: “Easy? For seven people?!” It’s a matter of perception, innit?