Yesterday I was at a training course in Craigavon. I don’t normally mingle with others in my field of work so I found it strangely reassuring that everyone, everywhere is exactly the same. The same old stories of being passed over for promotion. The same old complaints about insincere praise. The same old bitterness everywhere. And in every single break we had the majority of people became glued to their mobile phones, except for one person who brought a book. I too brought a book but had left it in my car, so had to make do with texting Dave. Anything but talk to other people!

The drive home was hot and sticky – I removed most of my clothes when I got into my house.

Back in work today I find more people are discovering I am pregnant. Nobody looks me in the eye anymore, they all talk to my bump. I guess this is normal and I should just get used to it.

Over the weekend we took the dogs to Waterfoot beach, a place normally deserted except for a few hardy dog walkers, but which on Saturday was packed with kiddies and their sun-worshipping parents. On Sunday we walked up Trostan from the Glenariff side, another normally quite place, but which on Sunday was positively hiving with people. We even encountered a guy on a bike – Trostan is not exactly easy biking territory being surrounded by boggy ground.

I know that in my last post I said that I would love to have Gracie in work to keep me calm and that I would keep her in my drawer. Well… today I had both dogs in work after having locked myself out of the house at lunchtime, following the dogs lunchtime walk. Naturally, I didn’t have my phone with me, so my only option was to go back to work with the dogs.

At first I tied them up to the railings outside the building and ran inside to see if I had ever gotten around to stashing an emergency house key somewhere handy – no. Nor did I have any useful phone numbers written down.

The Director of Personnel came into the office with some stuff and I told him the situation and explained that I was distressed about my pooches being outside, so he suggested I bring them in.

Pooches came in. Maya was very excited and barked loudly. Shhhhh Maya, don’t give the game away!

I tried phoning the only number I could remember, Dave’s parents but they weren’t home. Then I realised that I could get the number of the guy Dave was out for lunch with and I could call him.

Much relieved to speak to Dave and for him to agree to come and take the dogs home. Though he took his time about it. Meanwhile Gracie relaxed on my lap and Maya stared out the window and barked at the leaves blowing outside.

Work has been stressing me out recently – today I felt physically ill and like my desk was my own personal Hell to which I was tethered for all of eternity. I know, this is not good!

Too much is being asked and people, including me, are getting a bit huffy. So, now I have to detach myself from it all, not get so annoyed by silly things and rise above the petty behaviour displayed by others. I am going to be as nice as pie.

I keep threatening to bring Gracie into work and stash her in my desk drawer for moments when it all gets too much for me. Petting Gracie makes me feel good. Knitting is a great stress-buster too and I have been knitting like crazy for the past few days. The hat above is a result of my stress-busting attempts. Apparently a council in Derbyshire are introducing Knitting classes to keep their employees cool.