Dear Miss T,

I'm very sorry that you're leaving the company. We are all going to miss you. You're fab. Thanks so much for being a good friend (we shall remain so). Thanks also for the gift of clothes you gave me today. I've had fun trying them all on and apart from one, I can definately use these! I look forward to my next night out.

Good luck in your new job. I know you'll do well, you're that kinda person. I look forward to seeing you at company events in the future thanks to the new love of your life.

Go to it!

Love from Sleeper

My son (8 yrs) and I had a bit of a run in last weekend and it reflects very poorly on my parenting skills that after only 10 minutes of careful attempts to discuss and engage in an enlightened way, I finally lost my temper.

I won't elaborate except to say that I gave R a bit of a scare. We immediately hugged afterwards, but it needed a further chat and bi-directional apology (and more hugs) on Monday night.

Later on, I twigged further to the brilliance of the writers of "The Simpsons". You see there's probably a bit of Homer Simpson in every father, just as there's a bit of Ned Flanders in every Dad too. Most of the time I'm caring and compassionate, reasonable and enjoy doing things with my son like fishing, but sometimes I just want to throttle the little pest!

Now I think we must agree a 'watch-word' between us. By that I mean a trigger word or phrase, carefully chosen so that R can use it if he suspects that trouble is brewing. "I need Ned!" would be one possibility, meaning that he calls upon the Ned Flanders in me.

Please go here http://redtongue.blog.co.uk/2008/01/31/to_cease_existing~3660867

Phinebooty is feeling the stress and needs your kind words and encouragement.

Heartfelt thanks.