scan time

In a too early burst of optimism I'd put my big winter coats at the back of my wardrobe last week, but had to relent and get one back out. The sun was shining brightly but I was glad I had my bigger coat as the wintery air chilled my face on the walk around the Embankment. There I met with 2 wonderful women who I have known now for over 20 years and who always make me feel loved and seen and we ate well and spoke lightly and deeply. C had to get back to her son and S and I continued the day wandering through Covent Garden and had a nice coffee and chats a plenty. I went home via A's work and at the end of her shift we ate an ice cream by a pond and chatted in the sun. A fitting day to remember my brother. 

I once again headed to roller derby rookie practice on Sunday and this time I fell over quite a few times. I put this down to being on my period and slightly harder skills. This time we were practicing pushes, pace lines, weaving, skating backwards, turns and transitions. I loved it and although I had one badish fall right on my arse - not how you're supposed to do it, I was pleased with my efforts. My body hurt a fair amount the next few days but it is a pleasurable pain to know it was caused by having fun crashing around and using my body in a way I have missed. We also dyed A's hair, a dark pink at the weekend. It took two goes but now looks even and good. 

BigA has had an unusually busy work week, and so I have found myself pottering about the house at times, noticing things we could update and change. We have had several letters from school about the strikes and updates. It is upsetting on so many levels that schools are in conflict because quite simply there just isn't enough money in the systems to make it a place where all of the things schools are supposed to do can happen and keep staff in a place where they are not utterly exhausted by the end of each term. I read something about the mental load of having to make thousands of decisions in a day and that Drs, nurses and teachers have this in acute measure. I am happy that there should be some resolution, the break in routine has not been good for the girls. With the real exams looming we are trying a few new ideas to help keep them motivated. We now have smart goals for the week on the fridge and the girls have embraced this so far. 

I took a trip to South London to see my pal and we and her son and other family indulged in a delicious range of food fit for a party. We talked and consoled each other in the less than happy bits of life and rejoiced in the nice bits. It was lovely to meet more of her family too. We wandered to a bus stop and I ended up getting off one, then another as the range of reasons why buses suddenly stop in London made me decide to walk the last bit to the tube. Once home I read in the garden, soaking up the last of the sun to reach it and then tucked myself in my bed to continue reading. This didn't last long as A came home and flopped on my bed and talked and laughed and giggled for a good hour, until I convinced her to get me a drink and to cook dinner. M came home next and joined us - showing off her purchases from her self described retail therapy. Not much after that BigA also made it home from a a night away and he quickly set about making up the sofa's we ordered for the dining room. We could now easily sleep 13 people all on a bed of some kind. 

I did my best with the assignment from my The Difference training and attended the days session on Thursday - although sad to be missing out on the warmth of the day outside. It was a good session and I felt it gave me a good perspective. Good to network too. That evening I went out with some pals to a newly refurbished pub and we had good food and were all much more sensible than we were last time we met up. 

I had my MRI and bloods yesterday and have clinic next Friday. I'm hoping of course that it's all been reported on in time and one of those, "everything is stable"years. It is always strange lying with the banging knowing that the results will mean almost nothing or potentially almost everything. At least I don't mind them, there are many people who find the tunnel too small and utterly hate the experience. If not for the noise I would certainly fall asleep. I think my dad often did. And I'm Francis Fraser Ward, now in the basement, I was greeted by name, because Luis has been taking my blood for years and years. Nadia my genetic nurse said hi and I felt like a pub regular. As a treat to myself for being a big brave girl, I popped into La Forchetta for a cup of tea and a bacon roll. 

Last night we traveled to R and Ml's and I'm about to set off for an exercise class. The men have gone for a frisbee tournament and we have left the girls behind - work and revision.