(no subject)

[turps]

James went back to work today. He's on a phased return so is only there for four hours, then the way his days off fell mean he's off until Sunday anyway, when he's in for four hours again, then moving up to five hours for his next set of shifts, then another hour on the next set and so on until he's back to his full hours. He had an appointment with the work physio last week and they were asking if he was sure he was ready to go back, but he thinks he is. His back is so much better and the nerve pain almost gone, so while the first week or so was rough, the actual procedure was a good thing to do.

Tomorrow the builder is coming to fix the kitchen floor. The insurance guy wouldn't agree to fixing the damage unless we got a builder to show clear proof it was actually caused by water damage. So we got out the builder who put in our bathroom and he said it'll cost less than the £500 excess to fix plus he's going to realign the units either side of the hole that have shifted. So we're just going to pay him directly. As James is off I'll leave him downstairs and hide out in the bedroom watching tv with the cats for however long it takes.

Corey will also be home again tomorrow. He's having a rough time atm and when he went to the doctor's last week was put on meds. He's back tomorrow to see how the first week has gone, then we'll take him back to Newcastle on Thursday. I wish I could fix things for him, but I can't. What I can and did do was give him a big hug, told him how proud I was he was taking steps to help himself and fed him loads. Then will do the same tomorrow.

Personally, I've been finding the run up to Christmas hard. It's always been my favourite time of year, and while I've been enjoying the Christmas films, the festive coffee drinks etc, it sort of feels it's more an enjoyment based on knowing I do usually love them and not that I actually do this year. I don't know if that makes sense or not. We always decorate on the 1st, we can't this year as we're off for a family Christmas meal with Pauline, but honestly, I'm in no hurry to put up the tree. I just keep thinking how this year is the first time in my lifetime I'll have a Christmas without mam. She always ate with us and planning a meal for only three hurts. I will decorate, will send cards and give gifts, but man, it's hard. She's been gone for five months now but it feels like forever and also just yesterday it happened.

Other things, the car window is fixed completely, I finished my six week shoulder class. We've been to the cinema lots. Off the top of my head seeing the new Fantastic Beasts, which I didn't actually enjoy that much, and it didn't help someone brought a baby to the first day showing. The Grinch, which was fun, and the new Robin Hood, which I enjoyed much more than I expected.

I had a run in with Amazon logistics delivery when the driver blatantly lied that they'd attempted to deliver a parcel. The time they gave we were both in the living room, a room they'd have to pass to get to the front door and our house is small enough that no way would we miss someone knocking. I didn't even care that the parcel would come the next day, it was the lying that got me, so I developed fingers of fury and got straight on Amazon chat. Eventually they got the delivery man to come back that night, where James answered the door and the man said he'd just spent ten minutes looking for our house. Which was funny as surely he'd remember how to get there after knocking a few hours earlier?

Now though, time to get dressed. The house needs tidying, the base units emptying in the kitchen and I need to go to the post office. Plus, some online catch up.

Comments

[shadowhive]

I’m glad his back is feeling better. I dunno what happened, but easing back into work like that is always a good idea after pain

Hope the work goes smoothly! Hiding out is always the best idea, I usually try and do that when we have stuff like that happen. My cats get skittish with such people and hide. (The last time we had workmen in Midna hid so well we thought she had escaped.)

Hugs are always good, I’m sure that’ll help

I’m so sorry snout your mum *hugs* ever since I lost my grandparents Christmas has felt the same for me as well, it just doesn’t feel the same any more. So while I wish I could say how you feel will pass, there’s a chance it won’t. Hopefully you’ll have a nice Christmas though and people will be there to help take your mind off it and give you hugs if you get too sad.

I’ve meant to see fantastic beasts, but the weather was too bad to go. Plus a lot of people haven’t seemed to like it so I dunno. I might end up skipping it and just seeing Aquaman when it comes out

Go you for doing that! I’ve had something similar happen to me, not with amazon though, I was waiting all day for something from Game and it never came. No card through the door, nothing and like you I’d been waiting in the living room with a clear view outside. Eventually I found out (only because something else was coming too) that it had been left with someone else but I was so pissed about it that I hadn’t been told.

Anyways, hope you have a good a good day!

[turps]

I forget that some people haven't been reading my journal forever. James is my husband, he's got AMC which means his arms are permanently bent at the elbows and wrists, is a below-knee amputee and also has issues with his back. He's been having the nerves burnt off in his lower spine to help pain wise. It's helped a lot but wasn't the most pleasant of things to go through. He takes 999 calls for the ambulance service and does enjoy his job, but obviously, it's one he needs to be alert for, so going back gradually is the way to go.

My cats hate workmen in the house. Well, three of them do, my oldest doesn't give a damn and would sit watching them work. Not that she's going to as she'd probably end up under the floor or something.

I totally understand about missing your grandparents. My nanna died last year, she was 97 and was ready to go, but she was such an important part of my life that she left a huge hole. I know life goes on, and we all have to adapt, but it's so painful when you have to do so.

I was disappointed with Fantastic Beasts. Thankfully we have unlimited cinema cards so it wasn't a hit money wise because I begrudge paying for something that leaves me cold. It's a shame as I really liked the first one, but there's just something missing from the second.

Yeah, I'd be pissed about that too. I know delivery drivers have horrible jobs, especially at this time of year when they're so busy. But I hate when they lie about even attempting to deliver.

Thank you, hope your day was a good one, too.

[shadowhive]

It’s ok! I had a feeling he was from how you talked about him 💜 aww no, that sucks that he has those issues. That does sound unpleasant but if it helps that’s good. And oh yeah that really is something you need fullawareness to do

Aww cats are strange like that. I think as a species they don’t like change. I know whenever anyone new is around mine just hide even if it’s just a friend come to visit. (That is until lunchtime and then they come running)

Thanks. Im sorry, but wow 97 is a really good age. Yeah such holes can never fully be filled and birthdays and christmases tend to be the worst times because of all the memories associated with them.

That’s a shame about Fantastic beasts,it seems like something that had potential but it got messed up somehow. I think if my nearest cinema had a pass I’d have it, but alas it’s just a small independent one so it hasn’t. I feel the same like that though, when I pay to see a bad film I feel bad about it. I felt that way with Blade Runner, especially because the sound for it was way too high.

Yeah me too. I’m glad mistakes don’t happen often but it seems to always be with big important things that they do. (The issues I mentioned were when I got the Nintendo switch so naturally I was antsy.)

Thanks, yeah it’s been ok. I did some uni stuff, wrote a bit and snuggled pup

[glitteryv]

It's good to hear that James is easing back into work. And yays for getting the repairs done.

Hugs to Corey and for you too.

Boo to the lying!delivery person. I've only had delivery problems once. It was for a delivered I ordered thru Amazon Prime. Despite picking up the package at 8:00 a.m., I didn't get my package until the next morning at around 7:30 a.m. Though I didn't want to get anyone in trouble, I did complained that the delivery times were way off considering there were no weather-related delays.

The Grindewald reveal at the end of the first Fantastic Beasts movie turned me off so much that I didn't even bother with the new movie. TBH, I wasn't that impressed with the plot of that one and this one felt extremely convoluted (as per what I've read).

Funnily enough, I've somehow gotten into reading Harry/Draco fic in the year of our Lorde 2018 after literal decades of avoiding it, hahahah.

Thankfully, I've gotten tons of recs from ppl whose tastes I trust so I'm digging what I'm reading so far. ;)

[turlough]

I'm so glad to hear James' back is so much better now!

I'm sending ALL the good thoughts to Corey!

Yeah, even if you miss them all the time it's somehow hurts more at times like Christmas. And since since it's such a short time since it happened I don't even want imagine how awful it must be for you. *hugs you a lot*

What a horrid driver!!

[frausorge]

I'm glad the procedure has brought James some relief. I'm sorry things have been tough for Corey though. I hope the meds will do their job well.

And it is so hard to have holidays without the people who are gone. I hope you will get to have strands of joy alongside the grieving.

[brandywine28]

I like the idea of a phased return. It seems so much kinder and more reasonable than expecting the recovering person to just dive straight back in to work, which is probably why American companies never, ever allow it. :(

Aw. Christmas malaise. I know her well. It makes sense that your joy would be a little dimmed this year, but that doesn't mean it's not frustrating. *hugs*

Fantastic Beasts *was* kind of meh, wasn't it? So many surprise illegitimate babies! And they took the sweetest, gentlest character and made her into a wizard Nazi, which -- what??

[madam_beetroot]

💜 to you all. This time of year can be a difficult one for many people, but do what you need to do to get through this, whether it is decorating or not, allow yourself to feel what you need to feel and know you are loved.

So thankful Corey is getting help, he's done the right thing and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

[turps]

James' back is so much better, hopefully it'll stay that way for a long time.

I hope you will get to have strands of joy alongside the grieving.

I think so, I miss mam terribly, but I'm not going to let myself be buried by that.

[turps]

I like the idea of a phased return. It seems so much kinder and more reasonable than expecting the recovering person to just dive straight back in to work, which is probably why American companies never, ever allow it. :(

The phased return is helping him loads. It makes sense that other places wouldn't do the same. Going from 0 to 100% in terms of your job must be so hard.

Christmas malaise is a horrible thing and I'm sorry you know it too.

Fantastic Beasts was so disappointing. I was really looking forward to seeing it, and ended up watching something that was just there, and often made no sense at all.

[turps]

but do what you need to do to get through this, whether it is decorating or not, allow yourself to feel what you need to feel and know you are loved.

You're very wise. I've had my advent calendars up and while I haven't decorated yet, I think I'll do so at some point. I may not be as eager as usual, but I'm edging toward getting out the boxes. No doubt tears will be shed thinking of last year, but those are inevitable.

I'm proud of Corey for admitting he was struggling. It doesn't help he's doing bar work that means he's not finishing his shift until 4am three nights a week. Hopefully the meds will help, but also the talking.

[sperrywink]

Glad James is feeling well enough to go back to work. Good luck to him.

Glad you got the car window fixed.

Hmm, I still haven't seen fantastic beasts, but now I'm wondering if I should wait for DVD or Netflix.

[turps]

James' back is great. Hopefully it stays that way for a long time.

I'm sending ALL the good thoughts to Corey!

He needs them.

And since since it's such a short time since it happened I don't even want imagine how awful it must be for you. *hugs you a lot*

It does suck often, but you get through it the best you can. It's all you can do, really.

[turps]

Hmm, I still haven't seen fantastic beasts, but now I'm wondering if I should wait for DVD or Netflix.

Late reply is late so it won't even be on in the theatres, but watching Fantastic Beasts where you don't have to pay is the best idea. I was really disappointed.

[turps]

Excuse the late reply, I'm the worst /o\

Boo to the lying!delivery person. I've only had delivery problems once. It was for a delivered I ordered thru Amazon Prime. Despite picking up the package at 8:00 a.m., I didn't get my package until the next morning at around 7:30 a.m. Though I didn't want to get anyone in trouble, I did complained that the delivery times were way off considering there were no weather-related delays.

After I made my complaint I felt horrible that I may have got someone in trouble. It was just the blatant lying that got to me. I would have complained in your situation, too. The whole point of Prime is you get your deliveries fast. Yes, things happen, like the weather, to cause delays at time. But if there's no reason, a complaint is justified.

Funnily enough, I've somehow gotten into reading Harry/Draco fic in the year of our Lorde 2018 after literal decades of avoiding it, hahahah.

Well, that's unexpected. Though, with a fandom that huge, and that pairing, it's good that you do get recs. I imagine there's some really suspect stuff out there.

[glitteryv]

I would say that lying about deliveries is never cool (not even if it isn't Prime stuff). Recently, I had to order a new set of headphones (mine had finally died and they are no longer available at brick and mortar stores.)

It was interesting because, even though the package was small, the delivery person left it right outside my door, and took a picture of it with a timestamp. Thankfully, the ppl at the floor I live at aren't the kind to snatch other people's stuff. However, it was super weird to get an alert with a pic attached. I'm guessing the delivery person wanted to cover their butt or something. #Weirdness

Re Harry/Draco: trust me when I say I'm surprised too, hahahah.