Thursday 11 February 2010

Mixed Bag

Cor, is it the end of the week yet?  Thankfully it's Thursday so almost there.  I knew this week would be 'awkward' due to having some tiling done but didn't really envisage quite how stressful it was!

The plan was to start on Monday taking existing tiles off, then Tuesday, Wednesday putting new ones on then grouting - simple eh?  Well, due to unforseen circumstances, the work didn't get going till Tuesday, then, as old tiles were being taken off it was leaving huge holes in the plasterboard.  Quick decision was made to tile over.  In the middle of this, the tiler slipped with his tool and gashed his hand - blood everywhere, splattered everywhere, dripped everywhere - and I, yes I had to give emergency first aid AND I don't 'do' blood.  It did eventually stop, thankfully........

Here's a sneak at work in progress


Wednesday should have been a good day - finally I was going to see good progress in the bathroom - and yes I have but not quite at the pace I would have liked.  You see, I'm a little impatient to say the least!  He was also running late and I had a doctor's appointment to go to.  I was determined not to get in the car as I wanted to enjoy a nice walk - I ended up jogging all the way there.  Not that great as I was going to have my blood pressure taken - ha ha.  Well, you can imagine what it was can't you?

Something I haven't shared as if I don't mention it, I can pretend it doesn't exist - I'm suffering from high blood pressure at the moment and it's far to high.  The doctor says there's not many options for me as there's no weight for me to shed, I don't smoke, I don't drink to excess etc etc.  My problem is my lifestyle - too stressy, work too hard and don't have any time off.  Changing it would be like telling a smoker to give up I guess.  But I must - the doctor is insisting I do 'good' quality exercise, such that my heart rate goes up, that in turn will reduce stress and blood pressure.

I've got to have some 24hr monitoring, then he'll decide whether I need tablets.  Wish me luck over the next couple of weeks as I'm determined not to go down the 'pill route'.

Gosh, that was a bit dreary wasn't it?  Didn't mean to spill that out to you all.  I do try and keep my posts upbeat, but life's full of blips.

Today should see the tiling finished and then it'll be Jack's birthday with half term so at least all of the yucky stuff will be out of the way.

On a cheery note!  I've bought some lovely fabrics lately, including this great trim.

Hopefully my next post won't be full of drama's!

TTFN!

18 comments:

bellaboo said...

Nothing seems to go smoothly with decorating does it? I would have been no use to that poor man,probably would have fainted at the sight of all that blood!The tiling's looking good so far though.
I have to take tablets for HBP but I resisted for ages.Beetroot is very good for lowering it,I've heard,and practicing slow breathing too.
Love the fabrics...my favourite is the last one.

Bellaboo :)

Marigold Jam said...

Things never go to plan do they! I'm sure it will be worth it in the end though and those tiles look great. Good luck with the blood pressure too I've been there and know what it's like!

Jane

Lx @ Twelve said...

Ooh lovely tiles... Likeing the white sparkly clean ones, and loveing the flowery ones.....

High BP? - I don't know if complementary therapies are your bag, but we use them a lot in supporting people at stressful times in cancer care. ?I'm not an expert (perhaps someone else in blogland may be?!) But I wonder if something like Raki or accupuncture may help?? & trying not to put yourself under too much pressure as well!

BP lowering hug being sent your way....

Love Lydia xx

ps - & I had a fine old whinge on my post today - so no, you aren't being dreary!

Thedarkerside73 said...

Oh you poor thing,

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate.Sending you big hugs through the internet ether. And hope you get the HBP sorted out soon.

That the thing with decorating - you wait ages to get it done then you just want it to magically be finished and done with (prefably with no mess). But the tiles are looking good and the little flowery ones are really pretty.

Loving you fabric finds! I love the Tanya Whelen. Such beautiful fabrics.

Hope you have a great half term. Take care.


MBBx

Pink Feather Paradise said...

Ooh loving your tiles... I love those white ones that give a brick effect and the border is so delicate and pretty... sorry to hear about the tilers mishap... I don't do blood and gore either... but when needs must its surprising how you can cope... well done you!

I am sorry you are having stress related health issues... please take care of yourself... 21st century living is so unhealthy... the timesaving spacesaving throw away stuff just makes us try to fit 48 hours into a day... we have done ourselves no good by being so clever..;D

On a lighter note, those fabrics are fabulous.. I love the china blue edging...

x Alex

Dawn said...

Lovely tiles, I'm sure the finished result will be worth all the blood, sweat and tears!
Ans theres nothing wrong with having a little moan on your blog. Blogland would be an odd place if everyone led cheerful, stress free lives. Stepford springs to mind!

Pea Green Kitty said...

The tiles are looking fab, shame about the clumsy workman!
High BP eh, You really should set aside some lovely relaxing time to yourself, I know its much easier said than done but You deserve it if you work so hard!
May I suggest you take a glimpse at the British Heart Foundation website, they have some great tips and advice and you can subscribe to a free magazine also which is a good little read.
Take care! x

Andi's English Attic said...

Sorry to hear of the BP problem. Hope you get it sorted soon.
I'm not keen on blood either so it probably wasn't such a good idea being a first-aider at work! xx

Jennifer said...

I love the tiling, so very pretty. I hope you are able to get your BP down, I'm not really familiar with solutions, but it seems as though there should be some good natural solutions out there. Very pretty fabrics.

Julia said...

Hello!

What pretty tiles, I do like those, and the fabrics too, love a good floral fabric always nice and cheerful arent they!
I hope you are alright, I think life can certainly be trying at times and its much wonder that the majority of us aren't in small heaps here and there all over the floor!

Can you make a little half hour for yourself amongst the mayhem - a nice long soak, a bit of a gentle walk to unwind etc? Ive just started doing a bit of yoga each day, already Im noticing a difference and there are some nice DVD's out there with short practices on them, just an idea I thought Id toss in there!

Take care of yourself, sending you love
Julia x x x

...Nina Nixon... said...

'Aaahhhh' the joys of having work done - it never does go smoothly does it?? I wonder why we are always so optimistic knowing that there is bound to be a problem that crops up!

Hope the blood pressure sorts itself out - deep breath, deep breath.

take care and take it easy,

almost the end of the week,

Nina xx

Petit Filoux said...

well I hope you get better soon!! It’s good to share things like that, and there’s no point pretending life always goes well because we all know that’s not the case! And that’s what makes it interesting.

GardenOfDaisies said...

I love that little stripe of floral tile. So pretty! The fabrics are lovely too. Sorry to hear about the high blood pressure. Try to drink more water. Believe it or not, that can help a LOT. Also foods with potassium ( like banana's and baked potatoes), and foods that have Omega 3's (like salmon) are known to be good for lowering HBP. Walking or yoga help too.

Mandy said...

Lovely fabrics!

I would recommend a good walk (or two short walks)every day. I do this and it feels good! It is free, you get to see a little bit of nature (even when walking in built up areas)and it has many beneficial health effects.

Put aside one hour (or two half hours) every day (moring, afternoon or evening). It is so important to take care of yourself.

Take care and Good luck!

charl said...

hiya!

thanks for popping by and leaving a comment on my blog.. i love love love your tiles they are just sooo pretty..!!

Pomona said...

Lovely fabric - especially the new Amy Butler. I hope you can manage to reduce your blood pressure - how about yoga or meditation? Maybe you need some enforced peace and quiet!

Pomona x

bubble said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
bubble said...

Lovely tiles! (sorry...i deleted the last comment...I made a mistake!) xxx