From Boxes to Briefs

Everything is great.

The end.

Ha - got ya! As if I would leave it there and not waffle on for a few more paragraphs telling you about the mundane details of my life!

So, where do I start? Right, I lauched my Intimo business on September 9th - Averil was my first hostess (with the mostest!) and the party, although there were only 3 other ladies, was brilliant. It was the perfect way to ease myself into it. Sales were low BUT I had a great time and was amped for my Sunday party at Paula's. AND it was great practice.

Sales at Paula's party on Sunday were slightly better and I began to get the hang of it and was feeling more confident. My next party was Tuesday night for my bestie-at-works wife, Julie Hampton. Her party was a resounding success with sales of $1300 AND a booking. I was on the board!! Claire's party the following night was way up there as well and was fantastic.
Then it was up to Auckland on Thursday for an Intimo field meeting and a party for Kathryn, Mum, and my friend in Warkworth. Phew!! Busy busy.

Being an Intimo 'New Start' I have been encouraged to complete Quick Step which means making $4000 of sales in my first 42 days for an incentive bonus of a $100 Intimo voucher to use to increase my kit, or as hostess rewards, or for personal use. I completed Quick Step in my first 8 days (thanks again to my lovely hostesses) and am totally chuffed. The next goal is to make $5000 in sales for the month (any consultant can do this in any calendar month) to recieve a further incentive bonus of $125 voucher to use as I please. At this point I am $185 short of that goal so am confident that I will complete it before the end of September. Achieving goals is new to me and I've got to say, I love it!!
Averil and Claire have been my biggest cheerleaders and I really don't think I could have done it without them. Their support and help has been my most valuable business tool. Much love to you both. xx

Averil flew up to Auckland on Friday night so was in WW for the weekend too. We were both very busy AND important and it must have felt like Mum & Dad had teenagers in the house again - borrowing the car and getting dropped off and picked up.
I got to meet 4 week old Wills (Krissy and Derek Letchers wee boy) who, can I just say, is GORGEOUS. And I'm not just saying that because I am Mummy 2. He has very fair hair and is a thirsty little fella. He had dressed up in his little 'My First World Cup' onesie to meet me. Bless. Gorgeous gorgeous. Krissy and Derek both look fantastic and are loving being first time parents. As am I (he he). Jack the cat apparently has changed into a smoochy loving cat too but keeps his distance from the new addition.

Averil and I flew back to Christchurch together on Sunday evening and had a nice roast dinner at Roxy Inn on our return. MMmmmmm... how I love roasts. Thanks Scott - you'll do!

Now for something quite exciting: Claire and Scott have set a date in April (yes, THIS coming April) for their wedding day AND have decided to get married in Warkworth. Well, Puhoi to be exact. Mum and Dad couldn't be happier! Mum has already starting her planning and we have lovingly nicknamed her MOBzilla (MOB stands for Mother Of The Bride, of course). She does need a clipboard, whistle, and visor to complete the look though.. Who has Mum for Christmas this year??? Just a suggestion.

Mum seems to be delirious with wedding fever and even asked me if I would consider getting married in Warkworth. Now, I know what you are thinking because I was thinking the same thing: Richie McCaw will probably want to get married in Chch! But we can discuss it closer to the time. Our relationship is a secret - even he doesn't know about it!!

I'm still keeping an eye out for a new place to live. I saw an add for a two bedroom flat on the internet yesterday which described it's positive aspects then stated 'Shower and parking on the road.' Hmmmm... that's a 'No' from me.

AND we have a new follower to the Roxy Review. Kylee is a Kiwi who married an American and now lives in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. And is expecting a wee boy in December (I hope I've got my dates right)
Kylee and I first met when we worked part time together at The Horse & Trap bar in Auckland before we both headed overseas for our big OE's. During that time we had a lot of laughs one in particular being at the expense of the Tongan bouncer every Friday night coming up to the bar asking for a 'Bannable Chutse' (pineapple juice). It's become a common saying between us which can mean almost anything but is generally used for a welcome or for signing off. So I hope you will all join me in sending Kylee a great big BANNABLE CHUTSE!

I Do's & Baby Blues

What an exciting time of late. Claire turned 32 years old on 3rd September and Scott whisked her away for a mystery weekend up to Warkworth and proposed to her. Wow!! I think she was still in shock when she rang me to tell me the good news. Apparently her first words after Scott asked her to marry him and pulled out the ring were 'Is that real?' So romantic!

It was also A Mary's 70th birthday so the family up in Warkworth went out to lunch to celebrate. I wish I could have been there too. I suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) so was eager to hear everyone's account of the day AND see photos. It sounded like a really great day.

I could nearly not sleep in anticipation of Claire and Scott arriving home on Sunday night. I invited myself around for dinner at Roxy Inn and we waited... and waited.... and waited.

Averil had made the most delicious Red Velvet cake with cream cheese icing for Claire's birthday which we enjoyed with bubbles to toast the newly engaged. It was worth the wait. The ring is beautiful and Claire has had a smile from ear to ear all week. Bravo Scott!

I snuck away for a night in Queenstown for the last weekend in August and it just wasn't long enough. After being met by the whole Southern Bart family, Annabelle started crying and wouldn't look at me.. I had planned to go swimming with them in the morning but decided against it after Annabelle got so upset. Instead I had a lovely walk to the Farmers Market with Catkin and Hazel. It was such a beautiful morning.

After getting picked up by Gavin, Annabelle started crying again - I was beginning to get a bit of a complex BUT when we got home I gave her a jigsaw I had bought and we were friends from then on. Not hugging friends, but friends none-the-less.

Hazel, on the other hand, was cuddly and squidgy and I couldn't get enough of her. Poor thing is not quite crawling (although she does a fairly impressive Commando crawl) so it was easy to catch her and give her hugs.. She can't run away! Yet. Ooh and she has the cutest chuckle. AND she smells delicious. I could go on and on and on....

After lunch on Saturday we went for a drive over to Arrowtown. By the time we got there the girls were asleep so Gavin stayed in the Land Rover with them while Catkin and I went for a wee walk around the town and then went to the museum to see the Anne Frank exhibition. It was a good, but so sad.

Saturday night old Nana here was tired from her big day and I was in bed by 9pm!

Sunday morning was a nice morning of more jigsaws and stories which I loved just as much as Annabelle did. Mum had sent down a woolly hat that Gavin had worn when he was little. She put it on straight away and kept it on while doing her jigsaw puzzle. Gavin had a turn of the hat too. Then it was time to go off to the airport to fly back home.

On Monday I have to admit I had a touch of melancholy and really missed those two little faces.

Getting ready for my first Intimo presentation tomorrow night at Averil's has been keeping me pretty busy. I just have a few things to do after netball tonight and then I will be as ready as I'll ever be. I'm not feeling too nervous... unless I think about it and then I get the cold sweat, the racing heart, and the feeling of nausea in my stomach, but other than that I'm all good to go..

I just have to remember to keep breathing...

I just today had a friend call to ask if I would do a personal fitting for her work mate as she is rather big busted and doesn't want to go to one of the parties, but would prefer the privacy of her own home. Great - if I do well perhaps I will become her personal lingerie stylist!

Last night was the last night of my Beauty Skills course and I passed! We had a little shared supper afterwards which was nice. One of the girls brought sparkling grape juice which was so yummy. Maybe I'll change it to my poison of choice - no hangovers, it's cheap, and it's scrumptious. Oh and it holds up my image of total poshness.

So now I have my Wednesday nights free again to hopefully do Intimo parties!

More exciting news: My friend Rachael Easterbrook in Auckland is expecting a baby with her partner Ant in March. Early days but they are totally stoked. Congratulations Rach and Ant!!

On Sunday Averil and I went daffodil picking out at Leeston. Hadstock Farm opens it's gates for two weekends a year for the public to go, pay $10, and fill a bucket with daffodils. It took us longer to get there (we might have got a little lost on the way BUT it was a beautiful day for a country drive) than it did to pick the daffs. But it was fun and there were a few people there with the same idea. We filled our bucket in record time and had enough to give some away as well. Daffodils really brighten up the place.

More birthday news - Alex turned 21 years old on Tuesday so we all went out for dinner on Monday night to the Garden Restaurant. It was yummy food and great company. I ate wayyyy to much and had to loosen my belt. Alex decided not to have a party - what the..? His girlfriend Sam is away in Australia at the moment for 3 months and she turns 21 this month too so possibly they may do something together when she gets back. I was MOST disappointed he didn't share my enthusiasm for a party bus! Oh well, maybe I'll have to have one for MY 21st!

Feeling The Fear And Doing It Anyway

First up, and most exciting, I am pleased to announce the arrival of Krissy and Derek Letchers wee boy born Sunday evening. Named William Munro Letcher. I'm not sure of weight or time of birth because every time I speak to them I am so excited I forget to ask! I do know he has a good set of lungs though as he was very vocal this morning when I had a quick chat to Krissy. Derek said they are all well and Krissy is doing an amazing job. As I knew she would. I'm so proud to be William's 2nd Mummy and can't wait to get up there next month to meet him.

I was up North over the weekend HOPING to meet the new baby but he had other ideas and didn't arrive until after I had left on Sunday. I spent Saturday with the Letchers though and had a great day catching up with them, making raspberry leaf tea, running a hot bath for Krissy, and generally trying to coax the little fella out. Krissy's parents even took us for a bumpy drive out to Matakana to drop off some sheep. Once there the car decided to die. And Krissy had a few contractions... Krissy's Dad, Don, was slightly stressed and had visions of having to deliver his grandchild in a paddock. LUCKILY Derek came to the rescue. Phew, an awkward situation avoided.

Then I had a lovely visit from Rachael and her daugher Alexis on Sunday all the way from Whangarei. Such a great day catching up with them even though it was raining and hailing outside. Always guaranteed a good laugh with Rachael - she's like chicken soup for my soul!

Averil also had 4 days in Warkworth during her school holidays and had a great time. She had a couple of fittings for her wedding dress which apparently she is VERY happy with. I can't WAIT to see her in it on her special day in January. I know she will look absolutely gorgeous.

Kathryn turned another year older on 30th July. Unfortunately she was full of the flu but Mum, Dad, and Averil went to Auckland to celebrate over a birthday lunch with her and Moos before Averil flew back home. And they even took a birthday cake for her. Bless.

I have decided to start looking for a place of my own to rent. I absolutely love living with Belinda but think it's time to get my own place and have my own stuff around me. It's proving a little more difficult than first thought though - a lot of the places available are over the East side of town which was hit hardest by the quakes AND they are further away from work. Ideally I would like a 2 bedroom place in roughly the same area I am in now - half way between work and the girls. Somewhere warm and cosy. There's no hurry so I can take my time to find the perfect place.

Big scary news: I have gone ahead and signed up to become a lingerie consultant for Intimo. I launch in September so am excited and nervous. The support of other Intimo consultants in my team has been amazing though so I feel ready... ish. I still have a few things to complete before I feel completely competant. And I have to remember to keep breathing through the panic attacks! My first party is on Friday 2nd September. Eek!

http://www.intimo.com.au/

We had a lovely visit from Moos last Monday night. He flew to Christchurch for work and stayed the night at Roxy Inn before heading to Invercargill the following day. It was good to catch up with him.

And today and yesterday the whole of Christchurch has come to a stand still due to more snow. This week was worse than two weeks ago. Yesterday was bitterly cold with snow, rain, and hail. Brrrr! Today is slightly warmer but has been snowing this morning. I haven't even ventured outside this time. It's far warmer in my bed!

Wishes DO Come True!

A very exciting day in Christchurch today - well, for me anyway. It was my first Snow Day (day off work because of snow). I've been waiting 5 1/2 long years for this day and it finally arrived. I was up at 6.15am for a normal day of work and had my shower before I got a text from my supervisor saying to stay home as the roads were dangerous. He didn't have to tell me twice! I got straight back into my pyjamas. Then, after taking some photos out of the kitchen door, I had to wait - like a kid at Christmas - for my flatmates Belinda and Toby to get up so they would come outside and help me make a snow man. So much fun was had!! Our snow 'lady' (as it turned out) looked RIDICULOUS but it was a good time building her. Toby even gave her some boobs. And we had a snowball fight AND I made a snow angel. I was SO excited. The rest of the day was spent keeping warm and staring out the window at the falling snow. Amazing.

So, what's been happening around here lately I hear you ask... along with what the hell has taken me so long to update.. well, let me tell you, we have all been busy AND important!

I went up to Warkworth for a weekend at the end of June for my friend Krissy's baby shower. I was supposed to fly up on the Thursday night but Mother Nature (bless her) had other ideas and sent a big, fat ash cloud over NZ so my flight was cancelled. I was determined to get to Warkworth as I had helped organise the baby shower and there was no way I was going to miss it AND I needed a Mum hug so I headed out to the airport on Thursday morning (lucky I have a very understanding and kind boss) to try my luck at a stand by flight. Air NZ are brilliant and have $59 one way stand by fares available daily between 10am and 3.30pm but you have to be there to get them. Unfortunately I couldn't get up to Auckland as all flights were fully booked but I managed to get a flight to Hamilton. My plan was to catch the bus to Auckland or even Warkworth if possible BUT my dear friend Krissy (yes, the 8 month pregnant friend) offered to come and get me as she (and I quote) 'had nothing better to do'. Now, I told her no, she told me yes, after about 2 minutes of arguing she quickly said yes and promptly hung up. She's naughty, but really nice. I was VERY appreciative of her kindness. I ended up getting to Warkworth before I would have had I caught my original flight.

Danielle 1 - Ash Cloud 0

It was great to be back in Warkworth for the weekend. On Saturday Mum and I had a morning tea date with A Mary and Heather and were delighted when U Fraser, Greg, Scott and Debbie came around as well. I was really nice to catch up with them all. Lots of laughter as always. I also got to have a guided tour around the house that Dad is building for Jim and Ingid Wheeler. Very impressive! The baby shower was on Sunday morning and went really well. Krissy's sister held it at her house and organised all the food. It was great. Rachael and Swayze from Whangarei made it down for the day also and brought along some brilliant games.

I was due to fly back to Christchurch on Sunday evening but surprise, surprise my flight was cancelled .... again. So instead Mum, Dad, and I went down to Auckland on Sunday afternoon and had dinner with Kathryn and Moos and then they very kindly put me up for the night for me to again try my luck on Monday morning with Air NZ stand by. Which, I was very happy to be able to get a flight for 10am and made it to work by 12.33pm. Apart from having to take an extra 10 hours off work, it was a brilliant weekend and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Claire and Scott have also been happy travellers and went to Rarotonga for the second time this year for Scott's brothers wedding. They had a great time and highly recommend Rarotonga as a holiday destination. It sounds devine and I am already planning a wee break there perhaps for next year. A week of rest and relaxation and warmth sounds amazing to me.

I did another stint of housesitting out at Templeton a few weeks ago. It was great. Lots more chickens this time (a lot of the babies from last time are now fully grown hens! They grow up so fast) And Johnno the rooster was there also with his harem of females. Ha! He's such a proud co rooster.
On the first Friday night there Averil came out for dinner/pyjama party/wine/NZ Next Top Model/sleepover. It was great. I made a couple of vegetarian pizzas which, can I just say, were delish! And we ate chocolate with our cups of tea. Fun times!

The second Friday night was another Templeton Pub Crawl with Rent-A-Crowd. That was a good night. Again, like last time, we only made it to two of the three pubs but unlike last time no one fell over and hit their head on a rock. Did they, Scott?

A few weeks ago we were all invited to Renee's for a sophisticated pot luck dinner and drinks.. Well, that all turned pear shaped as soon as dinner was over (which was so yummy, by the way) and Cameron McInnes introduced us to 'The Vagina Game'. Crude but so, so funny. For those who are more than a little interested in this game, basically you get a group of people and go around the group, each person starting with 'My vagina is...' and they have to say a word beginning with the letter A. Everyone has a go until someone either can't think of a word or says something that has already been said. They drink and you move to the next person, and the next letter of the alphabet. Now, you might be reading this thinking "Oh Danielle!" but it is hilarious especially when the boys describe their vaginas. Try it - I bet you will laugh. Best to have a couple of drinks under yer belt first though. We got all the way to Z. That's how dedicated we are to our vaginas.

Moving on to something a little more respectable. Averil's wedding plans are coming along nicely. We had a little working bee, if you will, around at Roxy Inn on Saturday.

Paula did some sewing of drapes, and I attempted mini trial wedding cakes. The place that Averil and Eru had chosen to get the cake from is closed over Christmas and New Year SO we are seeing if it's something we can perhaps make ourselves. So I busied myself in the kitchen conjuring up a couple of different prototypes - in mini form. I love all things mini. The recipe is one of Mum's that has been used for 21st cakes in the past and has been a hit! but I couldn't quite get it right. The cake had quite a bitter after taste from the baking soda used. So obviously I'm going to have to sort that out. But otherwise they didn't look too bad. As a rough guide. Plenty of time (and willing taste testers) to try to perfect it.

After going out to Ohoka to try the drapes at the hall on Saturday we went up to Pukeko Junction in Amberley for a late lunch. Yummy as always.

Mum and Dad have been in Australia for a 10 day holiday. They flew to Cairns and were catching the train down to Brisbane to go and stay with Uncle David and Helen for a few days. They are due back tonight so I am looking forward to finding out all about it tomorrow. I'm sure they have had a good (and much warmer) time away.

Sing, Fat Lady, SING!!!

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I am TOTALLY over all these quakes and after shocks. I find I am tired all the time and have little naps when I can. Maybe too many. I put it down to the extra 'quake weight' I have packed on making me tired but Belinda's (my flatmate) theory is that with all the adrenaline constantly running around our bodies coupled with the broken sleep, everyone is much more tired than usual. I think that theory is valid. Apparently there has been over 7000 aftershocks since September's quake. That is a long time to be on edge.

Lucky old Aunty Apes had a night in Queenstown a few weeks ago. Jetstar had some really cheap flights a while ago so Averil and I had the same thought and booked - for different weekends. It's a shame that we never got the same weekend but at least neither of us had to share the gorgeous little nieces. We love those nieces to pieces!

Not sure if I mentioned in a previous blog update but I started a 14 week Introductory to Beauty Skills night course just before the February earthquake at Aoraki Polytech. We had one class and then the earthquake hit so it was postponed for a few months and has just started up again at the SIT building in Sockburn. We had our first assessment last week on Personal Appearance and got our results back this week. I got 100%!! Yeah!! We also had a practical assessment doing mini facials and a theory exam on skin care this week. We all passed the practical and will find out our theory results next week. I'm not feeling as confident about this one. Fingers crossed I get the required 25/30 to pass the exam.

Next week is a practical module on nail care and we will learn to do manicures which should be fun.

Netball has started back up again too and we have won 2 out of the 3 games played so far. I haven't been playing due to my hand still feeling weak and not quite healed enough but have been going along and yelling out words of encouragement.... a little too loud perhaps as Alex was sitting beside me last week and had to block his ear! Well I've got to make sure the team hears me!!

Averil had an Intimo Lingerie party at Roxy Inn last Friday. The items were beautiful and with lots of giggly women there I think we bought enough for her to get her hostess gift. The consultant tried to convince me to become a consultant so I am going to a NO OBLIGATION info evening next Monday to find out more. If I do decide to go ahead with it you will ALL be hit up to host a Intimo party. Mark my words!

Last Saturday morning Claire, Averil, Renee, and I met for breakfast at Drexel's to fuel up before hitting the shops to look for a bridesmaid dress for Renee. Success! We found the perfect dress - second shop, second dress, done. It was just too easy. Averil was happy. Renee looked fabulous and was happy. Claire and I were just happy to have be invited along!

So we can tick that off the looooong wedding check list.

Claire and Scott decided to get out of Christchurch for the weekend and head to Queenstown. Friday was a great day for a drive - nice and sunny for the most part. Claire has been given strict instructions to get LOTS of photos and I am sure they will be on Facebook in the near future. They are due to return tomorrow.... unless they decide to stay longer which is always so tempting! Jealous Aunty D is looking forward to hearing all about their weekend.

I finally got back in touch with my massage therapist last week and managed to get appointments for me, Averil, and Claire on Sunday. This was the first time the girls had used Jenny and they both said she was professional, gentle, and really lovely.

It had been 6 months since my last massage so I was in desperate need of one. It was great and I felt so much better on Monday!

I've completely fallen in love. His name is Brian and he's a little younger than me but is so much fun! He came and stayed last night and Belinda loves him too. Although her cat, Christmas Dinner, got a bit jealous when he saw Brian sitting on Belinda's knee. He's a friendly little fella. He came with me to Roxburgh Street last night and Averil and Eru thought he was great. He's a little white 3 month old puppy who belongs to my work mates wife. They let me puppy sit for the night and it was such fun. Definately a great way to forget the stresses of recent events. He got picked up this morning just after 10am and for the first hour Belinda and I moped around and felt all lost without him. I wonder what he's doing right now?

Sugar & Spice

I spent last weekend in Queenstown and LOVED it!! Catkin, Annabelle, and Hazel were at the airport to pick me up and Annabelle wouldn't look at me for the first few minutes... Acting cool starts so young these days. But when we got to the supermarket she wanted to hold my hand and was my bestie for the entire weekend. Result!

I don't think I will ever get bored of her little voice calling out for Aunty D.

Hazel has changed so much. She is 3 months old now and is such a content, happy little girl. I got smiles AND chuckles from her and lots of cuddles. She is just gorgeous.

Catkin is a great Mum and makes it all look so easy. She is also a great sister-in-law and made me feel so welcome. Gavin is a very hands on Dad which is lovely to see. It's easy to see that those girls love their Daddy.

So I had a great, relaxing time reading stories and doing jigsaw puzzles. On Saturday we went for a massive walk into town to watch Gavin play rugby - Wakatipu won 36-14 (I think) against Roxburgh. I was plum tuckered out by the time we got back home.

Sunday came around all too quickly and it was time for me to return to Christchurch. Boo hiss!

I could go on about how cute the Southern Barts are but I'll let the photos show you.

Falling To Pieces

I realise it's been quite some time since my last blog entry so thought I had better get writing before I forget what's been happening around these here parts.

Everytime I see Claire and Averil they ask if I've updated the blog, to which I suddenly cast my eyes down, shuffle my feet, and make up excuses as to why I've been so slack. To be honest, I've been actually quite busy lying in my bed eating chocolate. That has got to stop.... starting tomorrow.

Right, so Mum and Averil came back from their venture to Queenstown with LOTS of cute stories and photos of our favourite Southern family. Hazel has changed so much already. She totally looked like a different baby. And Annabelle was as cute and as busy as ever. Bless.

I am catching a flight down there in the morning for the weekend. I can't WAIT. My camera is charged and ready to go. I would quite like to get a family photo this time so watch this space.

I turned another year older on 21st April and can I just say 37 sucks. It's a horrible number anyway with no real importance except that it's another year closer to 40. Eeek! But I feel like I've started to fall apart! If you've not already passed 37 my advice is don't. Skip it. Go straight to 38. Or even better, stay 36 for another year. You have been warned!

Anyway, it was nice having Mum here for my birthday. Claire and Scott cooked a beautiful roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. And there was a birthday cake too which was delish!

I stayed at Roxy Inn for the night too so that was really nice.

Claire and Scott had their week in Rarotonga and absolutely LOVED it. They are going back in June for Scott's brothers wedding and can't wait.
Claire was bridesmaid for her friends wedding and looked absolutely stunning. Scott said she was the best looking there. He's a keeper.

My friend Jenni came down for a weekend two weeks ago - her last trip here before heading back to Edinburgh for good at the end of the month. It was bittersweet. I am pleased though she has made a decision that she is happy with and it will be an exciting new start for her back there. Unfortunately when she could finally apply for a working Visa here they back dated it from when she arrived in NZ in August which only left her with 6 months to work which made it hard to get a serious job. But she has had a good time, caught up with friends, and made LOTS of new friends in Ngaruawahia. She'll be back!

Eru and his twin brother, Karati, turned 30 on May the 4th (be with you - he he I can't help it!)

so Averil organised a Twin-O-Rama party for the Saturday night. Jenni and I went as Siamese twins so our costume consisted of a 3XL mens sweatshirt. It was VERY warm and a little hard to

walk - more like a shuffle. Everyone looked really good and there were a lot of new people there to meet which was nice. The party was great - Jenni and I didn't get home until 3am!

Last week I had an operation on my right hand for carpal tunnel. I was only under local anesthetic and it was done in 40 mins. Paula was my driver for the day (thanks again Paula!). I had the week off work to recover watching DVD's and daytime tv. It was very hard doing stuff with only my left hand. And doing nothing made me very tired!

I went back to work on Tuesday and lasted two days - I seem to have pulled a muscle in my shoulder possibly from overcompensating with my left arm and could not move my neck this morning. It was very painful so I have had anti-flam ointment and a wheat sack on it all day. It is feeling a little better now. See, falling apart I tell you!! If I was a dog they'd shoot me.

Right, I had better go and get some sleep so I can be the funnest Aunty ever tomorrow!