Is what I have not done today. I am going away camping tom for a couple of nights and the extent of my packing so far has been to put the batteries in my new torch (which is really cool btw).

I am not sure how much I am looking forward to the family time as it always ends up being somewhat stressful, but at least I have my little tent to come back to and my trangia to make a nice cup of tea. And my new airbed that hopefully will be more comfortable than my bedding roll - tho it does make me feel like a bit of a wuss. However it is lightweight and practical so that makes it OK. I am still a real camper

Wailing friend showed up on my doorstep today randomly. Stayed for about 3 hours. I tried to tough love her but she was having none of it. I am not sure what else I can do to help her. Tried feeding her and getting her to watch a movie to take her mind off things but that just led to sighs. Tried all sorts. I do want her to be better but she has to help herself too.

Anyhow, it is looking more and more likely I will be packing tom after doing forum stuff and before leaving. I need to get more organised! Maybe I can put stuff out tonight that I need.

So, hope your weekends are all going well and if anyone has a rocket to put up my behind then much appreciated.

Cracked

I was thinking about this. There are so many members on this site with so many different issues and backgrounds and stories. And think of the collective experience we have, it is amazing. This is why I think it works so well as a support forum.

One person's life story is full of good and bad and beautiful and ugly, and there are so many here.

So we need to make sure we cherish this and support each other and heal ourselves too. This is a good place to be for that.

Cracked

Oops

Today I have bought the following (I am BROKE)

Train tickets
A new torch
An airbed
Camping straps
A skirt
A dress that does not fit
A top that barely fits
Lunch

Fait enough the clothes were from a charity shop but I need to watch this. I also raided the ATM. I am also taking my friend out for lunch tom. Oh dear.

Still at least I did not raid per una!

My friend who stayed over is on the phone atm so I am trying to type this whilst making the appropriate sympathetic noises. To be fair she is trying.

LOL next door's kid has some sort of brass instrument that I can hear them playing through the wall - sounds like farting! Hehehe

Well better go.

Cracked

Flocinocinihilpilification meaning to place a low value on something from Latin. Something my friend seems to be doing with her life atm.

Today has been a bit a nightmare. My friend is an alcoholic who is currently depressed and drinking. Her daughter has had to take over running the house and is only just 16, she is my Goddaughter. She was crying down the phone to me today about how bad things were. My friend's husband seems on the verge of walking out. Yet again she was drunk today.

I spent the day trying to talk some sense into her to reason with her, to bollock her, anything but I just cant get through. I am seeing her all day tom to give her daughter a break. It has got to the point where the family are having to hide the wallet and car keys. This is all clearly not healthy.

I love them all to pieces and i want to help but I just dont know what to do. She is iffy about AA, therapy, calling the alcohol support team and anything else I come up with. I have suggested Al Anon to her husband.

So if anyone has any bright ideas they would be gratefully received. I have mentioned the forum too but she says she is not a computer person.

I have told her that no one can do this for her but herself. That we can support her but she has to put in the hard work. I dont know if it went in one ear and out the other.

Thanks for listening.

Cracked

Yikes yesterday in the early hours I went upstairs and thought i was hearing voices. The looked up and there was a swarm of wasps around my light, they must have got in through the window. I HATE wasps sooooooooooooooooooooo much. I had to kill them all then clean them up. Then I had to take some diazepam!

Today I was meant to be having lunch with a friend but she is not always the most reliable of ppl and quelle surprise she cancelled on me so I am a bit miffed about that. We are apparently going to go shopping on Thurs but I will wait and see.

Got choir in a bit, which will be good, get some singing done. Then Cracked must be a good girl and take out the rubbish and recycling, one of my not favourite jobs.

Did at least get my trangia back today and was all excited, I love it. I love how you can make a cuppa when in your tent. Just need to decant the meths now. I once burnt myself on a trangia by pouring meths in when i thought the flame had gone out and it hadn't. The flame flew up to my hand then i dropped the meths, which set fire to the grass and nearly the car before we could get it out - oops.

Anyhow, hope you are all OK.

Cracked