Friday, February 15, 2008

We're walking, we're walking...

OK, moving on now because I'm fed up with the previous few days. Thank you to all my lovely Blogger friends for their support and advice which has helped me to get where I am now. This morning I woke up, binned the tissues, and felt a whole lot better. I made breakfast for my Student - and told him that he is going to have to initiate conversations from now on, because that is the only way to learn. He has been relying on me to start conversations and get him talking over the past six weeks, but next week he starts his work experience and if he waits for people to talk to him there, he could wait a very long time. I tried to explain to him that the British are, on the whole, a reticent and polite nation. If you do not speak to them, they will think that you don't want to, and will politely refrain from speaking to you. If this happens, he will be stuffed, because he is here to learn English. I think he got the message. I also told him that if they ask him to make the tea, he should do that cheerfully and to the best of his abilities. He looked somewhat surprised, and asked me how to make a cup of tea! I was merely passing on the best, and only, piece of advice my Father ever gave me: "Whatever you are asked to do, do it as well as you can. No job is menial unless you consider it to be so."

This morning I showered and dressed in cheerful things, adding make-up and a bright pink pashmina to my outfit, and went with my friend opposite for a cup of good coffee at Othello. We also treated ourselves to almond croissants, which were divine. Then later Daughter phoned to say that she was on her way with Grandson (he is here with me for the weekend). We met in Town, joining up with Hon. Grandaughter and her Mum for a hot chocolate. It was so nice. I've now put Grandson to bed and am semi-watching First Wives' Club, which I love. I can watch just about anything with Bette Midler in it. And it reminds me of when my (now-ex) friend Barbara sent me a paperback copy of the book. On the cover was the picture of a woman's hand holding two golf balls and about to crack them together. Very graphic. Daughter, who was about 10 then, said "Ooh look, Mum, Barbara's sent you a book about golf!" There was, and is, no answer to that..

8 comments:

aims said...

So glad to see that you are facing forward and getting on without the tissues. I see I missed the post about your son - and now I think I can see why you have been so upset.

Have a lovely weekend - a walk by the sea perhaps?

family affairs said...

Pink pashminas can always cheer me up! I've awarded you another blogging thingy - seem to be inundated with them at the moment don't we? Anyway, glad your're feeling better x

Debra in France said...

Oooh, almond croissant - I could just eat one of those at this very minute! To make myself feel better I like to use really nice body moisturiser after a shower and nice underwear - preferably pink!

Elizabethd said...

Thanks for my award, I've just returned from 3 weeks away and found it! Which one could I take?

Almond croissants are our big favourite!

Anonymous said...

Glad you feel a bit better. The saying "when in Rome" is quite a good one to teach..!

I love croissants, not almonds just buttered and jam.

Crystal xx

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Aims: will be walking by the sea tomorrow with any luck, and weather permitting! Thanks for your comments and kind thoughts, as always. M xx

Thanks again Lulu, that pink pashmina always does the trick! By the way, hope your children are more or less in one piece!! M xx

Dear Debra, yes there's something about pink (and almond croissants) that lifts the spirits isn't there? M xx

Elizabeth D, yours is the "Excellent Blogger" one - I haven't yet been asked to pass on any more. Hope you enjoy it and look forward to reading your latest. M xx

Hi Crystal, those croissants seem to have hit the spot don't they?
Thanks, really am feeling better, though not sure it's justified!! M xx

Donna said...

Sweetheart!!! SO Proud of you!! I could almost "see" your smiling face and lovely dress!! 'Atta Girl!!! (PS-yes..you have Another award at my place)!!!LOL....

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Omigosh Donna, another Award! Thanks for the moral support too - still smiling! M xx