I'm just back from Ikea where I dropped a grand. Eeek. But as the lovely Lucy, who accompanied me said, I have just furnished a flat. Lucy, you're a star, thank you for coming with me. She not only schlepped four flat trolleys around with me, she also stopped me from going too mad or forgetting things. I also saw Lucy for lunch as we work around the corner from each other, and we were expecting to be joined by Caroline but she had to run off to what turned out to be a successful job interview (hurrah!)
That was the good bits of today. On the way to lunch I bumped into my boss - who'd just found out he didn't officially get the job he was offered verbally on Monday. He's understandably pissed off. (And when I was leaving the office this evening, he was uncharacteristically shouting at our chairman over the phone during a conference call so I'm not really expecting him to come back after his holidays next week.) I got a text from my mum during lunch to say that she was in the hospital with my grandmother who's had a suspected stroke. It's a bank holiday weekend in Ireland and apparently it was carnage in the hospital, my granny was lucky to be on a trolley as some people were in chairs. She was found by her art teacher yesterday who came to collect her for class and saw her collapsed on the floor - she hammered on the door and my gran actually stood up to let her in. But now it's a waiting game. Somehow, though I feel as if she will be ok.
My mother has ordered me to not even think about going home - I am very, very glad that lots of lovely people had already volunteered to help with moving and furniture and whatever because my parents had initially offered to come over and I want them to be over there now with her. It's weird as I have to admit that I'm not particularly close to my maternal grandmother, which makes me feel almost a little guilty, but naturally I am worried. Still, there's not a lot I can do right here, right now. The angora clapotis is her Christmas present. I'm going to do a few rows before bed, and send her good thoughts.
Hugs and good wishes sent to your grandmother. Sounds like you're well on your way to getting the new place established -- hugs and good wishes to you too, for your move this week!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | Saturday, 27 October 2007 at 03:57
All the very best for your grandmother.
I generally get something wrong when I go to Ikea - and it's really hard work pushing those trolleys around with all those huge boxes on and then (to top it all) I can never seem to get it all in the car as well as I'd hoped.
All the very best for your move - it sounds like the flat will look great - can't wait for the photos.
Posted by: Sarah Jayne | Saturday, 27 October 2007 at 08:42
I swear lugging those trolley around Ikea give you a full body workout! No, a grand's not bad to furnish a flat at all - if you need more, there's always interest-free credit at Habitat ;)
I hope your grandma is getting better. Best wishes to your family x
Posted by: Fliss | Saturday, 27 October 2007 at 14:48
Best wishes to your Granny and well done with furnishing the flat for only a grand. You thrifty superstar!
Posted by: Lucy | Sunday, 28 October 2007 at 20:39
Aw, just saw this, I'm honoured! Anytime hun. Must do lunch again next week and you can fill me in on the further office shenanigans. In the meantime, sending good vibes over to your granny. x
Posted by: Lucy | Sunday, 28 October 2007 at 20:45
Best wishes for your Granny - it's hard to be far away from family when "stuff" happens.
I am impressed with the Ikea shop though - four trolleys? Blimey!
Posted by: dottycookie | Tuesday, 30 October 2007 at 13:01