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Dreading today.

(55 Posts)
Katek Wed 01-Jun-16 08:55:55

DH bought tickets for a big stadium concert in February-I don't particularly like the performer (Bruce Springsteen) but I often go to these things to keep DH company. He's quite sociable but doesn't do the close male friend thing, so he doesn't have anyone else to go with.

So far, so good-we were going to drive down today (3.5 hour drive), check into our hotel, taxi to and from the venue then drive home at our leisure tomorrow. Now this is where it starts going pear shaped. Due to changing work commitments DH cannot get away until 2.30 this afternoon and also has a meeting tomorrow. Work arrangements have been very fluid this week so our window for travelling has become narrower and narrower. He is now planning to drive down straight to the venue (Hampden Park) at 2.30 for concert start at 6.30 and drive back home afterwards. We will be driving or sitting for around 12 consecutive hours-him on top of early start today and busy morning/early afternoon, me on top of very bad night worrying about today. This is a man who has had 2 heart attacks, is on a hefty dose of various medications and also has PVD. I don't know how I'm going to manage this as sitting for long periods can be painful, and it also triggers restless legs due to pressure on nerves. I was at physio last night and told her-apart from saying it was a mad idea she also agreed that I'm going to suffer for this. I can't let him go alone as I'll be worrying all the time about him falling asleep at the wheel. He's totally uncompromising (unreasonable and angry actually) if I try to suggest that perhaps we shouidn't be going. In fact we're barely speaking this morning. I feel as if I'm facing an Everest of effort to cope and I'm dreading it.

Lona Thu 02-Jun-16 20:26:52

Katek hope you've recovered somewhat now flowers
Time to be firm about your health and feelings.

cornergran Thu 02-Jun-16 20:14:31

You survived! Hope you can rest for a few days katek. My guess is you will need to. It sounds really hard work. Hope your DH continues to care for you. Still think I would have gone along, as you did, but also think I would now consider being a bit more assertive over smaller issues so I would feel confident to reject any more mad plans.

DanniRae Thu 02-Jun-16 20:11:28

Hi Katek - so glad it all went well in the end. I would have HATED the whole experience. Can't stand long car journeys and all those hours of rock music Noooooooooooooo! Well Done xx

J52 Thu 02-Jun-16 19:43:11

Pleased it went without any serious hitches. Hopefully, it's something you'll look back on with fonder memories.

X

Nelliemoser Thu 02-Jun-16 17:51:21

KateK All in all it sounds a nightmare all round for you.
A rushed journey, a noisy concert and an awfully late night and your health issues.

Make him take someone else next time.
You take it easy now and get him to take you out for dinner.

SueDonim Thu 02-Jun-16 17:41:19

I'm glad it's over and done with, Katek. My Dh would have gone in your place!

My older Dd and her Dh were at the concert last night! They loved it, thought Bruce was marvellous. They ended up walking to and from Hampden as the transport was so bad. That was 25,000 steps on her Fit Bit, apparently. hmm Then they were up early this morning to catch a flight from Glasgow airport.

NotTooOld Thu 02-Jun-16 17:33:05

Well done, Katek. Bet you're glad that's all over.

Lyndylou Thu 02-Jun-16 17:23:50

Hi katek. I am so pleased you got home safely. Sorry you didn't enjoy the concert, everyone has different tastes, I know. 3.5 hours of rock music is my idea of heaven, but I am a bit weird, I will be the first to admit that! Even so it takes me a couple of days to recover from a concert and you had all that extra travelling on top. I did think to myself it would be at least 3 a.m. before you got back home.

I echo the other posters, take the opportunity now to ask your husband how he feels after all that driving and his early meeting (did he make the meeting?), and make him promise to go on his own next time or at least organise it better. And I think he owes you a treat you would enjoy, a theatre trip or a decent meal, whatever you would like.

bartonlady Thu 02-Jun-16 15:32:50

Well done! Just say when you feel up to it, that that's the last time you want to be in this position, and he must think of your health as well as his own!

FarNorth Thu 02-Jun-16 15:24:08

I've just read all this and am relieved to see it has all been accomplished and you are now resting up.
I'd suggest taking the opportunity soon to tell him that you won't be doing anything like that again.
You must decide what your boundaries are, make sure he knows them and then stick to them.

flowers

Jane10 Thu 02-Jun-16 14:55:56

Pile it on Katek - keep him feeling grateful but guilty and remind him next time...if there is a next time.

grannyactivist Thu 02-Jun-16 14:54:02

katek, well done - you both survived to tell the tale.smile
May I suggest that as Mr.KK is 'playing nice' at the moment you seize the opportunity to gently explain why he should never put you in this situation (or similar) again.

Luckygirl Thu 02-Jun-16 14:47:48

Or should I say "You're" - oops!

Luckygirl Thu 02-Jun-16 14:47:22

Your a better woman than I am!! Take it easy. Milk it for all it is worth!!! grin

Jalima Thu 02-Jun-16 14:46:33

Take it easy and be kind to yourself today. flowers

And next time ..... 'What next time?' I hear you ask

Katek Thu 02-Jun-16 14:42:31

Well, as many of you predicted I gave in, ceded, capitulated and went to the concert. It was easier that put up with Mr Grumpy although it does reinforce his thinking, I recognise that.

He managed to get clear slightly earlier than expected so we managed to leave just before 2 after I'd driven into town. Traffic was ok and we made good time until first hold up north of Dundee. Cleared that but then it all went wrong when we reached outskirts of Glasgow-horrendous tail backs, slow moving traffic-took an hour to cover around 6 miles. Eventually reached Hampden at 6.30, did route march round stadium and managed to get to our seats just as gig started.

Well, we certainly got our money's worth-3.5 hours of uninterrupted rock music. Very powerful, very professional, the fans were ecstatic but it's just not my thing. Concert finished around 10.15 and had another forced march to get to car. (I don't do walking very well between spinal issues and asthma so it was all a bit difficult for me) Took an hour to get out of car park then 3.5 hours drive home. Gone 3a.m before I got to bed.

I am exhausted, stiff, sore, ears are still fuzzy, and I'm dehydrated from drinking less than 1 pint yesterday because of travelling/toilet issue. I feel like a half shut knife. DH is falling over himself to be nice-I feel too rubbish to care! Hopefully I'll feel more like myself tomorrow.

Thanks for all the support yesterday-it helped me just knowing that I wasn't the only one who though this was a mad idea.

Great big bunch of flowers to you all

Jane10 Wed 01-Jun-16 17:56:51

Any chance that you could be sneaky and cancel his earlier appointments or the next morning's work? I know its underhand but could secretaries be taken into your confidence and understand the manoeuvring and necessity for it? Otherwise do as thatbags suggests. You have your own health to consider too... how are you feeling?...Could that be migraine?...Obviously you'll have to cancel...wink

annodomini Wed 01-Jun-16 17:14:06

There are Travel Lodges at Stirling and Perth which I assume are on your route north, Kate. Good luck, whatever you decide to do. I wouldn't be in your shoes for anything.

kittylester Wed 01-Jun-16 16:49:56

Let us know what happens, Kate, we are with you in spirit - even those who can manage without the Boss!

NotTooOld Wed 01-Jun-16 15:41:24

KateK - oh, yes, a control freak. I have vast experience of those, well, one of them anyway. My guess is that he wants you to go and will make a fuss if you don't. I think you'll have to bite the bullet.

Largolass Wed 01-Jun-16 14:22:43

My SD and SSIL left their home at 2pm today for Hampden Park (big fans of Bruce)it will only take them about an hour to drive there they park a bit away and walk the rest of the way as parking is a Nightmare so be warned!!

cornergran Wed 01-Jun-16 14:03:21

lucky and the others are definitely taking the most sensible and assertive approach, he must do a lot on his own for work if he has a responsible job. Does he travel for that? However, only you can know if this is the right time to make a stand. if it is then go for it, if not then make ithe proess the least damaging you can for yourself. I do still know that in your shoes I would go, but we are all different and you must do what sees possible and right for you. Good luck, let us know what you decide if you can.

thatbags Wed 01-Jun-16 13:13:29

It sounds as if you'll be worried and stressed if you go and worried of you don't. Why not plump for just one discomfort (the worrying part) by not going. As someone said, at least you can worry in comfort at home.

BUT, since your DH is a bit of a control freak, maybe he likes to think that you'll worry. I'd call his bluff and tell him to go on his own because you really do not fancy it and, if he wants you to go to stuff with him in future, either let you organise it (best!) or make plans that aren't subject to so many changes because of his work.

Grannyknot Wed 01-Jun-16 13:02:28

I'm also with lucky and others. That's what I would do. I'd say "Sorry, it's not for me". Actually, I'd have said so right at the start...gently of course smile

My husband also had a heart attack at 53. The medics told me I saved his life smile all I did was call an ambulance pronto. I don't worry about him one dot, because no amount of me worrying is gonna change what will be.

I'm sorry if this sounds unsympathetic, but obviously having been married to an A type control freak has taught me this: how to look after myself! I'd never put myself through all that stress and anxiety.

merlotgran Wed 01-Jun-16 12:54:30

Lindylou is right about the traffic problems. Cutting it fine, time-wise is very risky because the roads around the stadium could be gridlocked and you may not even get there in time.

I would do as Lucky suggests and give it a miss.