Three things on a Thursday

[lady_mitzi]

Thanks for all the commiserating comments about yesterday's failed attempt at becoming an Independent Person with Wheels and a License to Use Them.  They were appreciated.  Next time I shall be marvellous, and if any of you want a lift anywhere I'll be the person to ask from that moment on.  I have confidence in that, yes I do.  I am a Good Driver. (Positive thinking, I am fantastic, I can do ANYTHING, ET-bloody-C).

Did I tell you that Sam is now able to name (some of) his body parts?  He points at his mouth and says "MOW".  He points at a place quite close to one of his eyes and says "EYE".  He takes one ear in each hand, pulls them forward and says "EE-YA!".  It's so cute it makes me die.  Expect a video clip of this sure sign of brilliance imminently, just as soon as his stupid mother finally works out how to upload them onto her computer.

I'm feeling tired and deflated today.  I'm going to the Citizens Advice Bureau this afternoon and I'm only allowed to discuss one issue.  I'm not sure whether to focus on my rights as an employee and what to do with them or what benefits I can claim if I decide I can't deal with my job anymore. I'm sure it'll all become clear once I get there.  I should probably get going but I'm finding myself incapable of getting off this chair.

Comments

[mockduck.livejournal.com]

That is all one issue! And don't let them tell you otherwise.

I bet it will seem strange when Sam starts talking in full sentences after all this time.

[lady-mitzi.livejournal.com]

You'd think it's all one issue but that isn't the way THEY see things. We discussed work for ages and the advisor told me that I have all the help I need from HR, the Union and Occupational Health and that they couldn't really add anything to that. Well, yes, if only they'd ever call me back or answer my emails! Bah! The woman told me that a meeting about benefits would take another 45 minutes so I'll just have to find a way to make another appointment.

It's most annoying as you can only see them by turning up at their drop-in service, which means arriving at 9 in the morning and potentially waiting for 2 and a half hours to be seen - I really can't see Sam putting up with that! I was lucky last time - I arrived at 10.30 and they let me wait until they closed at 11.30 and then make an appointment. It makes no sense!!!!! Seriously.

I can't *begin* to imagine Sam talking in sentences. My mind boggles at the very idea. We're still at the stage when a single new word, however badly it's pronouced, is cause for celebration. A sentence? I honestly think I'd DIE.

[melusinahp.livejournal.com]

That is wonderful about Sam. He's made so much progress even in the time I've known you.

[lady-mitzi.livejournal.com]

He's a brilliant, beautiful boy!

(biased much!)

[integritysinger.livejournal.com]

OK, I'll bite, because up until now, I haven't.

This driver's test thing, how does it work? sassy_fae has had to retake a test a few times too. And I'm curious, is it different in the UK and Canada to get a license than in the US? Because I took a test when I was 16, passed and that was it. Done. Finito for life (unless I become a senial 80 yr old and get my license revoked)

Enlighten me?

[lady-mitzi.livejournal.com]

I don't know the exact mechanics of how it works over there, but it sounds fairly similar to our system. We're legally allowed to drive at the age of 17, but for various reasons I never bothered to learn until last year. Well that isn't quite true - I started learning a couple of times and stopped, because there wasn't much point. I've never needed a car to get around until now - having a Sam to transport around has changed things!

My instructor thinks that the test is harder in the UK than it is most other places. We have to take a theory test (50 multiple choice questions plus hazard perception stuff) before we can sit the practical test. Most people don't pass their test first time. My dad, mum and brother all passed fourth time. One sister passed 5th time. Another sister has failed three times and has put her lessons on hold while she regains her lost confidence and finances. My other sister passed first time and is now too terrified to drive.:-/ We're just not a family of natural drivers!

However, once you pass that's pretty much it for life. I just need to pass the damn test! I'm confident that I'm a good enough driver - I'm just not good at that kind of test.