Moan On

Anyone would think I was in a good mood. On Thursday I am going away for five days. I have the exciting task of packing to do; a shopping spree to buy new outfits for the rather grand hotel in which we are staying; the farmer's birthday at the end of the month; two trips to Manchester which already promise a good time; my sister coming to the farm to stay for a few days; my birthday in December; Christmas and finally Amy's birthday on 3rd January. And while typing that extraordinary long sentence, Sparky has eaten her way through a pair of my trousers which I left on the bed in order to put away for next Summer. Previous to that, my bank called me on the phone asking if I want a review of my finances, on a Saturday morning, when my branch is actually closed. They do this every month and I am now so fed up with them pestering me I am considering taking my accounts elsewhere. Apart from which, their rate of interest leaves a lot to be desired. What is it with banks? If you are overdrawn they leave you alone. You just receive the odd letter, when there is no postal strike, asking if you wish to take out a loan which you will not be able to pay off because you are overdrawn and which the bank will most probably refuse your application anyway on the grounds that the loan will never be paid. If you have some money burning a hole somewhere, they are suddenly your best friend. I have been "reviewed" three times this year alone and each time I heard the same old jargon. Complete foreign language to me. I smiled at the nice looking man across the desk for an hour while he tried his best to impress then I shook his hand and carried on with my shopping.

My mum has concerns about coming up on Wednesday. She is worried about how much hard work Sparky is. I must remember to stop telling her. Sparky is cute. She is young and active. She needs much more stimulation than that of an average dog. She wee's inside. She eats clothes. She eats pork pies. She steals food from the kitchen table. She can now jump over the yard wall and into the garden, following the path to the drive gate and towards the holiday cottages. She goes inside the cottages when kind (and unthinking) people feed her. Okay, she is bloody hard work.

I have a meeting on Monday morning. I have been advised that now is the time I have to determine Amy's middle school. She is currently in year 3. Therefore she will not start middle school until 2009. A lot can happen in that time. Especially for Amy. For any child, I am sure. I have two schools in mind in the area and if I am not impressed by either I will have to consider private education. But my decision will not be made before the Transition Review meeting on 3rd December in which I assume will be attended by various members of authority, some of whom I have never met, yet seem to think they have a right to tell me what is best for my child. The reason this decision has to be made at such an early stage is because provisions have to be put in place for Amy's special needs. Support workers have to be employed and requirements have to be adhered to should any special requirements be necessary. I have also been advised by a friend who has been through this twice with her own children that I do not have to make such a huge decision at this time. My friend's decision was made just months before her youngest child moved on. Admittedly, her child's special needs are somewhat more severe than Amy's but I will not be "bullied" into making a decision of this magnitude until I feel comfortable to do so.

I am very much looking forward to going away on Thursday. I have no worries. I am sane. I am not in a bad mood. I am in a good mood. My name is Crystal Jigsaw and I am calm.