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I’ve been away – Egypt with Lauren.
First week was horrible – I got a foot infection from a blister that burst and had little red lines creeping up my leg. Egyptian doctor gave me strong antibiotics and anti-necrosis cream, which worked brilliantly – but I was still out of action for a week; couldn’t swim or even get it wet in the shower.
Second week was much, much better. I was still limited with getting about, but managed to go quad biking in the desert twice, visited Cairo (which I hated, although the pyramids and Sphinx were cool), snorkelled in the Red Sea and did some serious pleather (imitation designer plastic leather) handbag shopping.
Son and I are talking about going to stay with Lauren for Christmas. It’ll be really nice if we can and may break the “I hate Christmas” feeling I normally have.
Back at work and it’s chaotic. I need to seriously do something about my workload. I take on extra tasks because I like the challenge, but I never seem to let anything go. I need to evaluate what I want out of work and where I’m most effective and then make decisions.
Ex has phoned me twice in two days. It appears daughter is seriously off the rails again. Even allowing for the fact that he’s as much into dramatics as she is, it sounds like he’s having a rough time with her. The telephone conversations were remarkably civilised and I believe at least part of the reason he called was because he needed to talk about it with someone other than his wife. After all, it’s not her daughter and there’s a difference somehow. Anyway, he didn’t ask me to do anything or have any expectations of me. It still makes me feel bad, though – but I guess that’s part of being a parent, however distanced.
Away in Egypt…what an excuse note to hand the teacher! It’s a comfort to your ex to have someone who really cares and gets it. You’ll be involved…you sound involved already. Does she still live in Canada? How is your son doing?
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I’m sorry about your daughter. The temptations in Calgary are many for a person her age. I’ll say some prayers. I enjoyed reading about your visit to Egypt. I’d go there for Christmas if it makes you feel better.
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Welcome back! I’m glad you had some good experiences, in spite of the foot infection. Snorkeling in the Red Sea sounds so exotic! I hope things improve for your daughter. And that you get out from under the work load at your work.
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I’m glad you liked Egypt, and didn’t get flesh-eating disease!
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Good that you enjoyed your holiday. I’m not sure about Christmas this year. It’s early to make a decision, but at some point I’ll have to think about it. Spain or the UK to visit my mum. I’d prefer Spain, to be honest.
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That infection sounds damn scary! You know, I thought your daughter had finally settled down a bit. I tend to think that’s an age thing (I compare her with my McT in terms of them both going off the rails at around the same time, and he’s calmed right down now, and is earning his daily crust…). Maybe she’s got in with the wrong crowd, or this behaviour has just become a bad habit. Tough foryou though, being so far away from her and not really being able to do anything about it. Kids give us so much flaming annoyance, don’t they?
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RYN: You are absolutely right about that. They’d rather hold on to their material worth than get out of a bad situation.
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ryn: indeed, there a couple of squares of chocolate in that photo – these are optional additions to the chilli, chocolate or sour cream. But I didn’t have any chocolate to hand. I might try it next time though.
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Egypt! Wow – It would be really interesting to go there. glad the infection went away…
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…and how have you been lately?
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