Christine's last day

Christine's last day arrives. I spent ages trying to find a candle with starfish inside it and in the end gave up and bought a blue one that reminded me of the sea instead. I wanted the starfish to go with the words on the card and did seriously consider giving her my starfish from Aurora but decided against it in the end. That particular starfish had not been rescued and it meant alot to me probably more than it would mean to Christine. Anyway I think she appreciated the words and sentiments. The card from everyone had lovely words and messages inside and Sally had got her a lovely picture with lovely words and her own message talked about Christine being a 'mother' to her.

A very emotional day. The end of an era. I'm sure Christine will do well in her new post as she takes her people skills and her genuine care for people with her. I'll miss the regular contact with her thats for sure.

I did get a nice email from a soon to be colleague welcoming me to the new team so that was nice. Just a week to go and I'll be leaving RJFGC myself. Its a strange time this time between jobs. I have nothing to do in this role now and its a waste of time just sitting around. I should be motiviated into doing lots of jobs at home but I'm not really. Would be good to have some money to do something to the house or better still get someone else to do something.

Got cross with my mum today as Chris and Fiona were travelling down to see her after they had set up their camp and had got delayed in traffic. She put on her 'martyr' voice when I called and said she couldn't go out to dinner with them as she had a chicken pie to eat. I just get so angry when I speak to her, I went and bought twice as much wine as I had planned to and let off with a scream of frustration in the office, resulting in a cuddle from Christine and telling me to breathe.

Later got a message from Karen to say she was going to be early as she felt ill which then gave me the green light to call off the trip to Southampton. I cited traffic and Karen feeling poorly and that it would be a shame for Karen to miss it but the reality is that I am pleased not to have to be going down there and wouldn't ever miss going there again if it were not for contact with Lisa.

As for Mr V...he seems firmly back on track once again, texting me from Turkey and even phoning this morning. He doesn't seem to get bored. On the other hand I am wondering why I do this as he obviously does not care one jot about me as a person...but then I remember why...its cos the sex is so good.

So a bank holiday weekend looms and the weather is supposed to be good. I now rather unexpectedly have time on my hands and so what to do with it. I would like to go and order some nice furniture for the sitting room but have no real money to do this and can't get into further debt really. I could do either the front or back garden or do some of the thousand jobs that need looking at around the house. Or I could sit in the garden and read my book. Wonder which of those it will be?

Health - good although a bit stiff from lack of exercise

Money - just got paid so okayish but must be more careful. I've spent too much lately on leaving meals and stuff and clothes.

Mood - nervous and a bit tense from leaving and apprehensive of new job and new direction etc

News - poor little Rhys who was shot in Liverpool- only 11 - lots of politicians talking about gang culture and morality and the same old stuff without any clear ideas of what to do really. Are we all as a nation so fragmented and damaged our children are now killing each other?

Weather - at long last we have some sunshine and apparently it is supposed to be hot here.