Coach Beth

We used a childminder when our child was 6 months to 14 months and then, as she decided to give up childminding, we found a nursery we liked and our boy has been there ever since. The problem with trying to put your name down for a nursery now is that most won't put your name down untill your child is born. And, as Fushia says, childminders as well won't be able to tell you if they can give you a place till a few months before you want it. The best thing to do is to get the list of childminders from Southwark Council's Children's Informatin Service, and do a shortlist of ones you would consider based on their description. Then you could ring them up to get a bit more idea of what they are like and the hours they do. Then, you should have a good shortlist which you can use nearer the time. Good luck!

Three piece suites??

A quicker way to commute would be to get the train from East Dulwich to London Bridge. And then - a much quicker change than going to the tube - would be to get a train going to Charing Cross - next stop from London Bridge is Waterloo East. Trains leave to Charing X every 10 minutes and the change from the trains is pretty quick, just go over the footbridge to platform 6.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention - I am a big user of this post office, it is very handy and is never as busy as the branch at Lordship Lane.

I think it's just because they are constantly moving about causes the noise! When you think about it, adults mostly come in to a flat/house and then simply crash on the sofa, or at the computer or read or something. But usually, we're sitting down and then occasionally walking to get something. And small children love to jump - off furniture, up and down on the floor, everywhere. I think I read somewhere that they got a bunch of adults to follow physically exactly what a bunch of toddlers did all day and by the end, they were absoluely shattered and couldn't move!

I kinda read this as you were looking for tips for you in dealing with missing your daughter? I think it's totally natural you'd miss her for starters - you've obvisously have given her alot of love and support and here she is, ready to fly! Well done you! The downside is for you is that there is bound to be a feeling of loss - and maybe a loss of focus/structure to your life now? I'd say that it's good to honour and give those feelings a space - you could write a letter to your daughter (not neccessarily to give her now or at all) about how you are feeling. Then once you've done that, you could look at the opportunities that the situation presents for you (i.e. time to focus on new projects/ventures) and also the new 'gifts' avaiable to you in your changing relationship with her (i.e. what does it mean to be moving into a new phrase of your relationship). Anyway, hope that is helpful and not too serious for this discussion!

I saw a coach myself about 8 years ago - after being miserable in my job (managing a busy charity). I did have lots of supportive friends who were great sounding boards and they offered all sorts of advice. But I did find it really helpful seeing a coach as didn't just give advice - he used coaching techniques to help me figure out what it was I wanted to do instead and how to get there. After we did that, he helped me write my business plan and then I launched a fundraising consultancy working with charities. So that's one of the reasons I went in to coaching (which I do alongside with the fundraising as well) - because I found it very helpful on a personal level. But it doesn't suit everyone - and people can get help in all sorts of ways - friends, parents, books, etc.

Alan - you are spot on! It's really important not just to jump from the proverbial frying pan into the fire and when you are miserable in a job, anything seems better than what you are doing now! The first thing is to identify what you really enjoy doing and then work out how you can earn money doing that. It's good to step back and think about what you'd like your working life to be. I encourage people to write an ideal job/work description before fixing their minds on a specific career - what would your ideal working week look like? Who would you be working with? Would you be working on your own? What kinds of tasks in the day would you be doing? What would you feel like when you get out of bed ready to start a working day? What kind of clients or customers would you be dealing with? Beth Follini http://www.ticktockcoaching.co.uk

I recently coached a client who had been a nanny for 10 years and wants to change careers but wasn't sure what she wanted to do at first. Like you, she has been exploring floristry and in particular focussing on doing weddings and corporate events. I'll contact her and see if she'd be happy to get in touch with you. I also know a lovely woman locally who is a florist - Ellie Kimberley and I'll point her in the direction of your request. If you'd like a chat about coaching and how it can help when you are looking to change careers, do get in touch. I offer a free initial consultation so you can find out more. Details about my coaching service can be found at http://www.ticktockcoaching.co.uk

Democrats Abroad are hosting a primary and town meeting tommorrow - I went last time around and it was great fun - and good to be part of the democratic process. Check out there website for more details of venue and place - you'll need to bring your American passport with you to gain entrance.

Great! Another local Jazz venue - and Dave is a pretty top jazz guitarist so I'll be there!