The call came last night and I was prancing around the floor with a huge grin on my face, singing and laughing when my OH got in from work! Ye gods you might say - she's gone manic! No, I'm just so excited and proud of myself!
I start next Friday with 3 long induction days, but from then on will have 3 shifts of 6hrs each, either 8am-2pm or 2pm-8pm.
There is a small niggle at the back of my mind that concerns me - what if I can't cope after 18 months of &^$£". What if I fail myself, will I be able to pick myself up, shake it off and carry on?
All I can promise myself is that I'm going to give this one hec of a go. I'm ready, someone is looking after me with the appropriateness (??LOL) of this fabulous job and I deserve to be happy again.
Hope it's been as beautiful a dawn where you are :)
Sue x
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday Search for Etsy Sellers
Good Morning campers, it's overcast and drizzly here today so I've put my thinking hat on for ways to make me cheer up. I wanted to work it around Etsy and some of the fabulous sellers to be found there, so my new idea for a Wednesday morning is a 'Wednesday Search for Etsy Sellers' challenge. The idea being I choose a theme, do a search and feature 6 sellers items.
As I need cheering up, this week's theme is Roses :) One of my favourite garden flowers, they are found in almost every colour and for every location - an amazing species. And they smell fabulous too!
In no particular order, here are some examples of the tag 'rose' found on my search, all are beautiful and I could have chosen many dozens but space is a factor!
Reminiscent of Fabergé, this is a stunning, hand painted duck egg by ElegantEggArt.
Measuring 3.75" inc stand and featuring roses and Swarovski crystals, this is hand-painted in acrylics and sealed to protect.
Fed up with losing your keys, juggling the baby or the shopping?
A Wristlet Keychain is the answer. Garden Gate from jimmypickles is large enough to find in your bag and comfy enough to hang keys from your wrist.
Brilliant!
A lovely spring looking pair of earrings from michvanetta with Lemon Roses.
Using Czech glass beads and swarovski crystals, they have a vintage aura due to using Natural Vintaj Brass findings.
Gorgeous!
I love recycling and here is a pretty, practical example from RecycledMemories. The Recycled Yellow Rose Hat is sized for a young child.
Created from a vintage Wilendur tablecloth and trimmed with lace and a flouncy bow, wouldn't Bow-girls be absolutely perfect for a summer wedding?
Another great upcycled idea from ArtfulMosaicSupplies!
Hand cut from quality china, these tiles include lovely pink roses against a green and pale yellow background.
At approx 1", they would be perfect to brighten up a recycled tea tray.
Wow, imagine a Natural rose filled soap and you have Rosary Soap from SmellsandBells.
Sprinkled with rose petals and deeply scented with rose geranium, rosewood and frankincense, it looks almost good enough to eat.
Yummy...
Hope you'll check these and all the fabulous sellers on Etsy soon.
Toodleoo
Sue x
As I need cheering up, this week's theme is Roses :) One of my favourite garden flowers, they are found in almost every colour and for every location - an amazing species. And they smell fabulous too!
In no particular order, here are some examples of the tag 'rose' found on my search, all are beautiful and I could have chosen many dozens but space is a factor!
Reminiscent of Fabergé, this is a stunning, hand painted duck egg by ElegantEggArt.
Measuring 3.75" inc stand and featuring roses and Swarovski crystals, this is hand-painted in acrylics and sealed to protect.
Fed up with losing your keys, juggling the baby or the shopping?A Wristlet Keychain is the answer. Garden Gate from jimmypickles is large enough to find in your bag and comfy enough to hang keys from your wrist.
Brilliant!
A lovely spring looking pair of earrings from michvanetta with Lemon Roses.
Using Czech glass beads and swarovski crystals, they have a vintage aura due to using Natural Vintaj Brass findings.
Gorgeous!
I love recycling and here is a pretty, practical example from RecycledMemories. The Recycled Yellow Rose Hat is sized for a young child.Created from a vintage Wilendur tablecloth and trimmed with lace and a flouncy bow, wouldn't Bow-girls be absolutely perfect for a summer wedding?
Another great upcycled idea from ArtfulMosaicSupplies!
Hand cut from quality china, these tiles include lovely pink roses against a green and pale yellow background.
At approx 1", they would be perfect to brighten up a recycled tea tray.
Wow, imagine a Natural rose filled soap and you have Rosary Soap from SmellsandBells.
Sprinkled with rose petals and deeply scented with rose geranium, rosewood and frankincense, it looks almost good enough to eat.
Yummy...
Hope you'll check these and all the fabulous sellers on Etsy soon.
Toodleoo
Sue x
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
On a Lighter Note....
I've been baking for the family for years, which lead to me getting a City & Guilds qualification in Sugarcraft Design. Wow, it was so exciting participating in both national and international shows. The Pinnacle was a Gold at the 1996 national show in Thame, Oxfordshire.
These days I only bake celebration cakes for family and friends, but I still love the process, I try to make my sugar flowers as realistic as possible, using real flowers to ensure both the shaping and colouring are the best I can manage.
Here's a small slideshow of some I have made recently :)
These days I only bake celebration cakes for family and friends, but I still love the process, I try to make my sugar flowers as realistic as possible, using real flowers to ensure both the shaping and colouring are the best I can manage.
Here's a small slideshow of some I have made recently :)
So what IS Hypnotherapy?
I just wonder how many people have the idea that hypnosis is 'putting ideas into my head', and are probably scared that at any given time, they might suddenly start acting as an animal or being a baby, or doing the Funky Chicken up and down the street!!
I wanted to write this post to try and put your mind at rest in case you ever need to seek help with this amazing therapy. The only form of hypnosis I'd ever seen was Paul Mckenna on the TV making the audience act weirdly, so yes I was scared and had no idea of what to expect. It took a lot of courage to make the appointment and even more to actually turn up!
Well, hey, it was absolutely nothing like what I expected. You don't lie on a couch, no-one dangles a pendulum across your eyes and I could hear all the surrounding sounds the whole time. :)
I was sat in a comfy armchair, given a drink, a box of tissues, answered a few questions and had the whole thing explained before the session got going. I closed my eyes and followed the therapists instructions - stuff like counting down from 100, trying to visualise happy times and being reassured throughout that I wouldn't 'be asleep'. I heard all the other noises around, but was able to dismiss them, was aware of where I was the whole time, but at the same time, I could feel the tension slipping away from me. It was the most relaxing experience that I had managed in nearly 2 years.
Do this at night and I might just sleep all night!
Anyway, I did let go of some emotions and needed the tissues, and will need a few more sessions to enable me to conquer my problems once and for all. But I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now, am much, much happier with life in general and I'm learning to accept what I can't change.
For all you guys out there who might be intrigued by all this and are wondering if YOU could be helped, take a look at this You Tube Video. It was made by a guy named John Burns who has a Hypnotherapy Clinic in Somerset, and will give you a really clear idea of what you might experience. He has given me permission to use this here on my blog :)
Take care
Sue x
I wanted to write this post to try and put your mind at rest in case you ever need to seek help with this amazing therapy. The only form of hypnosis I'd ever seen was Paul Mckenna on the TV making the audience act weirdly, so yes I was scared and had no idea of what to expect. It took a lot of courage to make the appointment and even more to actually turn up!
Well, hey, it was absolutely nothing like what I expected. You don't lie on a couch, no-one dangles a pendulum across your eyes and I could hear all the surrounding sounds the whole time. :)
I was sat in a comfy armchair, given a drink, a box of tissues, answered a few questions and had the whole thing explained before the session got going. I closed my eyes and followed the therapists instructions - stuff like counting down from 100, trying to visualise happy times and being reassured throughout that I wouldn't 'be asleep'. I heard all the other noises around, but was able to dismiss them, was aware of where I was the whole time, but at the same time, I could feel the tension slipping away from me. It was the most relaxing experience that I had managed in nearly 2 years.
Do this at night and I might just sleep all night!
Anyway, I did let go of some emotions and needed the tissues, and will need a few more sessions to enable me to conquer my problems once and for all. But I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now, am much, much happier with life in general and I'm learning to accept what I can't change.
For all you guys out there who might be intrigued by all this and are wondering if YOU could be helped, take a look at this You Tube Video. It was made by a guy named John Burns who has a Hypnotherapy Clinic in Somerset, and will give you a really clear idea of what you might experience. He has given me permission to use this here on my blog :)
Take care
Sue x
Monday, April 21, 2008
Depression CAN Be Beaten
I think I am finally beginning to overcome the black hole of depression which has been following me for the last 18 months. And oh struth does it feel good...
It started in Sept 2006 when I had to give up my beloved nursing as I had suddenly developed epilepsy, consequently had to give up driving. Good for the planet but it made me sad, but hey, there is public transport! On top of that though, in early 2007, a ghastly family incident occurred. From then on I've lived on the edge of a black whirlpool, suddenly encased in an inability to function properly.
I started waking up very early in the morning, unable to rest any further; I over-ate; I ached all the time; I cried at the most ridiculous things; I lost my libido; I pushed away my wonderful man; I was SO tired; felt guilty about everything and anything; I kept forgetting things; couldn't concentrate long enough to get anything done; constantly had that 'butterfly' sensation in my solar plexus and actually twice worked out plans to commit suicide.
Under normal circumstances, that would trigger admission into a mental health unit, but I kept those thoughts inside myself, it felt warm, as if I was finally back in charge. Scary.... Each time, luckily, my daughters appeared in my dreams, I saw them devastated at my funeral and they pulled me back.
Depression, sadly, still holds a stigma in some folks minds, mine too. I kept thinking 'I had such an important job, how can I not manage to get washed today'? I refused to admit there was anything wrong and fought any suggestions that I needed to see a doctor. Me, see a psychiatrist? You have got to be joking... Bad, bad decision, I lost at least 6 months of help.
Eventually I did make it to my GP surgery and spent half an hour sobbing on my doctor's shoulder - literally. From that day on, there have been many people fighting to help me get my life back on course. Wonderful, kind, considerate people. Unexpected people like the GP receptionist, who, one morning last autumn, witnessed my hysterical reaction to being told there were no appointments available till the next day, realised I really did need to see someone THEN. Not in an hour, not at the end of surgery, but then. I had sought sanctuary after a night of appalling suicidal thoughts. Thank you Jane x
Pills didn't really help, in as much as they left me completely gaga, OK, they took away the bad thoughts and emotions, but didn't get to the root of ''why'?. I found my salvation in hypnotherapy and councelling. It took time and at times, it really hurt, but that's all part of the healing process. I still make sure I listen to my hypnotherapy tape at least 3 times a week - it helps me relax and keeps up the healing process. Think I'll probably always have it around even when all this is a distant memory....
My local MIND center has also been fantastic support, with an ongoing eco-project. It has an allotment locally, where we can meet up, grow flowers and veg, have picnics, get some fresh air and exercise and generally chill out amongst new friends.
So guys, if you feel really low, if you are getting suicidal thoughts - go and get help, NOW. It does help, talking helps, admitting you have a problem helps. Go on, try it :)
Now for the good news - I actually managed to go for a job interview and am waiting to hear if I can at last, start earning again.
Wish me luck!
Sue x
It started in Sept 2006 when I had to give up my beloved nursing as I had suddenly developed epilepsy, consequently had to give up driving. Good for the planet but it made me sad, but hey, there is public transport! On top of that though, in early 2007, a ghastly family incident occurred. From then on I've lived on the edge of a black whirlpool, suddenly encased in an inability to function properly.
I started waking up very early in the morning, unable to rest any further; I over-ate; I ached all the time; I cried at the most ridiculous things; I lost my libido; I pushed away my wonderful man; I was SO tired; felt guilty about everything and anything; I kept forgetting things; couldn't concentrate long enough to get anything done; constantly had that 'butterfly' sensation in my solar plexus and actually twice worked out plans to commit suicide.
Under normal circumstances, that would trigger admission into a mental health unit, but I kept those thoughts inside myself, it felt warm, as if I was finally back in charge. Scary.... Each time, luckily, my daughters appeared in my dreams, I saw them devastated at my funeral and they pulled me back.
Depression, sadly, still holds a stigma in some folks minds, mine too. I kept thinking 'I had such an important job, how can I not manage to get washed today'? I refused to admit there was anything wrong and fought any suggestions that I needed to see a doctor. Me, see a psychiatrist? You have got to be joking... Bad, bad decision, I lost at least 6 months of help.
Eventually I did make it to my GP surgery and spent half an hour sobbing on my doctor's shoulder - literally. From that day on, there have been many people fighting to help me get my life back on course. Wonderful, kind, considerate people. Unexpected people like the GP receptionist, who, one morning last autumn, witnessed my hysterical reaction to being told there were no appointments available till the next day, realised I really did need to see someone THEN. Not in an hour, not at the end of surgery, but then. I had sought sanctuary after a night of appalling suicidal thoughts. Thank you Jane x
Pills didn't really help, in as much as they left me completely gaga, OK, they took away the bad thoughts and emotions, but didn't get to the root of ''why'?. I found my salvation in hypnotherapy and councelling. It took time and at times, it really hurt, but that's all part of the healing process. I still make sure I listen to my hypnotherapy tape at least 3 times a week - it helps me relax and keeps up the healing process. Think I'll probably always have it around even when all this is a distant memory....
My local MIND center has also been fantastic support, with an ongoing eco-project. It has an allotment locally, where we can meet up, grow flowers and veg, have picnics, get some fresh air and exercise and generally chill out amongst new friends.
So guys, if you feel really low, if you are getting suicidal thoughts - go and get help, NOW. It does help, talking helps, admitting you have a problem helps. Go on, try it :)
Now for the good news - I actually managed to go for a job interview and am waiting to hear if I can at last, start earning again.
Wish me luck!
Sue x
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