Days I once only dreamed of

I can remember when Billy-Joe was in pre-school and I had a toddler and a baby at home, mothers telling me how wonderful school holidays were...... I almost cringed when they told me....I hated school holidays coming up. It left me with the same feeling I have nowadays when someone tells me they're moving house, or having a baby..... I have a deep thankfulness within that says 'Thank God it's not me'.

How do you get to that point? It's never going to happen that I'll feel calm and relaxed with kids around....not until they leave home lol....

Holidays now are so different. They're fun, for the most part calm and so much more relaxed, even moreso that I could ever have hoped for.

I've spent this morning lying by the pool, finishing my book. My tan is developing nicely and I'm feeling healthy and happy. Dear Bunny took the kids fishing and brought home some fresh bread and ham for a late lunch. The kids played in the pool for a bit and then we sat outside with them too.

At 4pm we headed out to walk along the beach. It was just the most beautiful day. Actually these kinds of days are rare here. It was hot, but not too hot. It was breezy but not too windy. The air was balmy and felt good on my sunkissed skin. The kids played along in the water while we walked along. We walked for about an hour and a half. We visited one of the pizza shops to pick out our pizza for dinner later.

Once home, we sipped wine by the pool and watched as the kids played. I even jumped in quickly too cool off and then Sammy and I headed for a nice warm shower.

Dinner was delicious and now we're sitting down watching 'The Goonies', well I'm pretending to watch it.... My MacBook beckons....

Just as an aside, I have a new love affair..... Thanks to my dear friend SuzyQ I've found a new brand of thongs. Can you believe it? I've not worn thongs in years and years. I hate them. I think they look cheap for one thing, and another they're so damn uncomfortable. These however are awesome. They are so soft and feel great on my feet. I'm very impressed. I bought one pair during the last Myer Sale (a sandal pair) and today I bought a pair of thongs at the local surf shop..... Do yourself a favour and buy a pair, not only are they gorgeous but they feel great......Take the time to peruse this site, it takes a while to load but is worth visiting.

Lazy Blogger Catches Up

Once again time goes by and my poor blog is neglected. I've had time, just not the inclination. I write them in my mind, but never post them. I could even do them on my phone, just jot down notes and then elaborate when I'm near my MacBook, but I don't.

The school holidays went by quickly, and were so relaxing. The first week was an odd one for me. I lacked motivation to do much and actually missed my kids while they were at golf clinic. The dust storm really played havoc with my eyes so I'm glad that week is over. In the second week, we just chilled out at home for much of it. We watched some movies together, and went to the pool a couple of times. Peter's niece Ashlea helped the kids with some swimming pointers, as I especially want Mickey to feel more confident swimming in the pool at the holiday house in Rainbow. I can teach swimming, but somehow I knew the kids would take instruction more kindly from Ash than from me. It was good, because I took them out again the next day to continue the lessons. I don't think my kids quite reconcile "Mum, with teacher".....

The card making retreat was last weekend. It was an away one staying at the Mapleton Holiday Centre, ooops a feeling of de ja vu, I know I've already blogged this stuff lol.... My mind is a sieve!!

On Wednesday I went to Maroochydore and picked up my cousin. She's from Germany and has been in Australia for 18 months and we've only just met. I was so excited and nervous. I have never spent any time with any of my cousins. I met one once in 1984 when I went to Europe, but it was a family dinner, where we only spoke a few polite words. In all my life, I've never even said the word 'cousin' in relation to myself. I took her up to Montville for the morning. It was nice we browsed through a few shops, had a coffee and a light lunch and then came home. It was lovely to speak German to her too. I was surprised at how much I still know, and it was lovely to be understood. I know that if I spoke it frequently, it would improve very quickly. It still feels quite familiar on my tongue. Sara was a lovely houseguest, considerate of us all, and helpful too. The kids just fell in love with her, and as she's a Nanny and au pair, she related to them very well. We had an easy evening watching TV and then a fairly early night as we had to get up early so she was at the bus station at 4am!!! I'm so glad she came to visit, and even happier that we made it happen. It's not easy meeting someone and then having to feel close immediately just because you are related, but we got along well. For her sad upbringing, she's got a good head on her shoulders and has learned some hard lessons in life through her Mother who tragically committed suicide fifteen years ago. I never met my Aunty, and knew next to nothing about her. She was 8 years younger than my Mum, and when they moved to Australia, Toni was the annoying little sister that shadowed my Mum. When my parents married, Toni went back to Germany with her parents. Sara said she always spoke of Australia and would have loved to come back. It's a shame that she never got her life in order, her drinking undercontrol and her manic episodes managed enough that she could have made something of her life.......very very sad. Sara has a close bond to her other sisters, who when I think about it one of whom is also a cousin, the other not......ah, so confusing, my family is so small but not simple. I had a good day of feeling connected with family, an insight into how other people feel when they are surrounded by a large family....... I have two parents and my brother and my closest relatives are my Aunt and Uncle in Geelong, who aren't even my aunt and uncle.....technically speaking. My Uncle is my Dad's cousin, so actually my second cousin.... Very nice to spend time with a cousin. I wish she lived closer. She left on Thursday morning to spend five days in Cairns and then she flies out to Germany to return to her sister who's very very ill and will die from Endometriosis!! The sadness in Sara's life is not ending yet.

We arrived in our rented holiday house in Rainbow Beach yesterday. It's an awesome house, and the best part I can access my wireless internet....I'm very very happy about that. I thought it might be a little too remote for wireless. There's nothing around here, we're miles from Gympie....... The house is spacious, newly renovated inside, (the outside is tired, but the pool is nice). There's a living room AND a family room and the bedrooms are spacious and there's an ensuite. This so much nicer than the unit in Caloundra. The kids can have one area and we another. The beds are so comfy, with eggshell mattresses, I had a lovely night's sleep. (Thank you Alaine)

We went exploring this morning. It's a bit blowy and Peter wanted to find a fishing spot that was sheltered, we had a late lunch and now the boys have headed out. I was going to lie by the pool, but it's a bit cool, so I'm updating my blog instead. My bed beckons and my Diana Gabaldon book is too....

A few photos.

A girl needs to Facebook, even in the bush!!

At Rainbow this Morning. (ISO set wrong, blown out but still a nice pic)

Sara and I

One of the cards I made on the card making weekend, and the reason my ISO was set wrong on the little camera. Love this card.

Book Giveaway

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Daisy Chain Scrapbooks Cardmaking Retreat 2009

I've been away for the weekend to my first card making retreat. The Food and Wine Show, is on the same weekend as the next Scrapbooking retreat, and the girls have been trying to get me to the card one all year, but I declined, thinking two was overkill..... but when it fell on the same weekend as the F&W show, it was a lay down miser e (sp?).

I wasn't even really thinking of this retreat, it was so close to the last one, so I didn't feel like I 'needed' a retreat. When I spoke to Barbi and Suzy on Thursday morning, I felt the first stirrings of excitement, and from then on I looked forward to the weekend with a keen anticipation.

On Friday I created my 'to dos' and set about making sure the weekend was a success, for myself and for my boys left at home. The house was left tidy, everything up to date, and I was packed, rested and organized for a great weekend of creating.

I'll start with the negatives as I update my thoughts from the weekend, get them out of the way and pay them the negligible due that they deserve. Sleep, as always when away for a short time, was pretty crappy. Late nights, combined with crappy mattresses, early mornings and unfamiliar surroundings resulted in a night of light dozing at best and full wakefulness at worst.

That's out of the way lol, and I can discuss the myriad of positives.....

* I got to see Barbi doll sitting across the table from me - just like the old days. She didn't need to cook and the demands from the other cardmakers were minimal, so she actually got to play and create and converse....... We stayed up till last, with Dawnie, just like the old days, like our first retreats, it was lovely to revisit those moments.

* Spending time with Nellie and Linda. I enjoy their company, and their antics, but it's so often snippets thereof as I see them when they're working, or on their way home, so I rarely get a chance to spend any length of time with them.

* An opportunity to focus on cardmaking rather than scrapbooking, effectively taking away the need for me to feel guilty about not scrapbooking. This meant that I could focus on playing with items I'd only read about previously. I got to colour in with water mixed with Tim Holz distress inks, and I used Tombow markers.

* At long last I mastered the Cuttlebug and am even proficient enough to help others..... I'm sure Suzy and Barbi have breathed a huge sigh of relief lol..........

* Got to spend an entire weekend with Suzy. We spend a nice easy, relaxed time together, in sync with each other's thoughts and needs - pretty special actually. There's a calm and soothing aura of understanding when we're togeth, er, doesn't matter if we're shopping, having a D&M or creating together......

* Spending time not worrying about a single chore! No washing, dusting, cooking, cleaning, or tending to anyone's needs other than my own. Soooooo self indulgent!!

* Catching up with friends I don't see nearly enough, Carrin, Sue, Susan, Alaine and Kristie-Anne. I wish I'd had more time to catch up even more. The time flies by so quickly and I wish I could have chatted more.......

* Even with sleeping much worse than with recent retreats (and coming home to sleep) my hours spent in bed were cut drastically and thanks to the new eye gel I have, and lots of pain killers for the hangover without a drink syndrome, I feel remarkably wonderful this evening.....

I'm so looking forward to spending the night in my own delicious bed. I hate sleeping in a single bed, it's far too small.....and those plastic covered matresses aren't the most comfortable things to sleep on.

I've come home to a happy family. Mickey and Billy-Joe had funny tummy cramps, not sure from what though. DB was cooking my steak burger for dinner and cut his finger as well as the roll!!! Of course he won't go and get it stitched...... He'd changed the sheets on his bed, so I've gone down and remade his bed and cleaned up, we're just having ice cream and enjoying Idol.

Kids are back at school tomorrow, and I'm a little sad. Who would have thought school holidays could become such a wonderfully relaxing experience.......just an awesome break. And the best thing, is four days back at school and we had to our rented house at Rainbow Beach for ten days.....

I created lots of lovely cards...... I will photograph and upload them tomorrow.

*

Best laid plans

Thank goodness the classes on Jessica Sprague's site are available forever, and don't expire like some of the others do. This is the first lesson in Digi in Deep, the most advanced digital scrapbooking class. I've enjoyed doing it. Now that I've upped the RAM in my MacBook, I'll do more. She has added another class which I may sign up for. It focuses on working with text. I'm so much more comfortable with the text tool now, thanks to her classes. I should do more though, it's one thing to follow a video, another to do it all myself.

This week hasn't panned out quite like I wanted it to. The kids at the golf clinic has been a big plus for the week. They've just been so excited. I picked up Billy-Joe at lunch time today, because he had a bad headache. I left the other two there. When I went to pick them up, the Pro, Mark told me that the kids had played 18 holes, then 9 holes and had gone out AGAIN!!! He said the kids are so keen, he can't stop them. They were disappointed that I'd picked them up earlier than normal.

I'd done some groceries in the morning and was on the phone to Apple for an hour still trying to resolve my dropout issues. It could be a modem issue, so we've changed some settings. I've had no further problems today, but time will tell. I had a pedicure in the morning so am sporting nice pink toe nails. I laid down for a bit in the late afternoon, I'd had a headache all day.

Dinner was simple, a Woolies chook and I made a delicious greek salad. I splurged today and bought Greek Feta instead of Australian Feta and now I understand the more than double price tag. The Greek Feta is so creamy and crumbles beautifully through the salad. Love the salty combination of fetta, olives and the freshness of salad topped with a good quality olive oil.

My dear Bunny is finishing work early tomorrow and taking me out to lunch. We are going to Eumundi to eat at a pub there. I'm shop sitting tomorrow night. Am looking forward to seeing Karen. The weeks go by so quickly, but I miss her when I haven't seen her all week. Thank goodness for iChat. Barbi is away having a well deserved holiday. I pray that the weather has improved. The dust storm would have spoiled her last couple of days too. Today was clear and the air was fresh.

A dusty day

I was going to the beach today. To catch a few rays, and Vitamin D, and to listen to the waves roll in. It's a windy and revolting day with the air thick with dust. Apparently there have been dust storms south of here and they even hit Brisbane, and we've had more than our fair share. I have so much trouble with my eyes normally and I got a new paraffin gel for them on Friday which has helped enormously, but the dust in the air is too much today.... I've had to put the a/c on in the bid to clear the air. The light is a funny yellow, chillingly reminiscent of the dust storms I lived through in Geelong during the Ash Wednesday Bush Fires all those years ago. The kids are out playing golf. I've not had a call so they must be doing fine. The wind has died down now, which means that the dust is just sitting there, thick, heavy and intrusive.

My boys are growing up

I remember, not all that long ago, approaching the school holidays with a heavy heart and dread...... What a dreadful admission for a mother to make. My days were difficult enough with two small kids and then when they were all home together it was diabolical. There was no peace and quiet. They fought and got into mischief all day long. I hated it. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when they were all in bed, and then faced it all the next day.

Nowadays, while I still breathe a sigh of relief when they go to bed, my days are so much nicer. I have talked about this before. In those days I was so grateful for the holiday care programme. It saved my sanity. It meant I had days that were quiet, and I could be home on my own, or do errands, or have my hair done. Just time to be me!! As the kids got older, they didn't like holiday care so much, but I still sent them, that time for me was crucial and a great way for me to feel rejuvenated.

Now I look forward to the holidays. I can lie in and the kids quietly watch TV or play on the Wii. Bliss!! We can do things together, without almost giving me a coronary. I can take them places and know that they are well behaved, much calmer days. A wonderful reward for all the hard work I put in in the early days. The routine, the discipline, the constant haranguing has paid off, it more ways than I can count. The structure and the order, and the not letting them have their way while hard work at the time has brought its own rewards, thousandfold!!!

Today another another stage was entered.

The kids started a golf clinic. For four days, they have tuition and a game. They play and have a clinic session every Saturday and play most Sundays. Sammy generally comes home after clinic, while Mickey and Billy-Joe stay for the game. Sammy likes to come home with Daddy and has had enough. We were a little concerned about how he'd cope with the clinic, but decided to 'make' him go, to push him out of his comfort zone. Their beaming faces when I picked them up this afternoon, said it all!! They had an absolute ball. Their scores were amazing. Billy-Joe played sensationally. DB was stunned! He said he's destined to be the worst golfer in the family lol......

I kind of wasted my day, in that I didn't do anything special. I had an appointment to have my routine mammogram done, and had to pick up some groceries. At home I'm still organizing my drawers and stuff. Losing my desk with the filing cabinet has actually taken some storage space away. I still need some stuff from Ikea and am hoping like heck that my girlfriend is going again this Friday.

I did have a kip this afternoon which was very nice. It wasn't as hot today as it's been the last few days, so was much more pleasant.

Dinner is Quesadillas, with a coconut cake for dessert.

Just a little homesick

A bizarre title, I know! I've lived here for twenty years next month. Almost half my life and certainly most of my adult life.

Anyone who knows me knows I hate sport. No, hate is too strong a word. I love that people can play it and enjoy it. I don't enjoy watching it and in general I hate the cult mentality of people who follow a sport, or who actively involve their kids and push their kids into a sport........but, as I'm a girl of many shades and shadows......I have a passion within me for Geelong, which I can't explain.

Watching a knockout final of a team I don't even follow heightens my hidden passion for the game. Funny thing is though, I don't think the passion is so much linked to the game but for the town that it represents.

I left Geelong nearly 20 years ago. I love it here. I love the family I have here, the dear friends I've made, and the climate is just glorious. I don't intend leaving here.....it's perfect!!

But I miss Geelong. I yearn for the town, with an aching hurt that is normally only saved for an individual, not an inanimate object like a city!! Perhaps having an oft times broken heart leaves a part of oneself in the place......ah that's the romantic notion, but the reasons run far deeper than that.

I love the place. I grew up there. I lived there. I loved there. When I left there, a small part of me remained. A portion of my heart will always yearn and miss there. Possibly the sad and rushed nature in which I left the place has added to that too.

I miss the prettiness of the place. I miss the food and the culture. I miss the 'cityness' of the place.....

Geelong, always and forever in my heart.

Now Pussycats - do me proud and win the Grand Final..........

Testing

I am testing a new app on my new phone which enables me to post from my iPhone. Have just spent the entire morning on the phone to telcos. Westnet
Because I currently don't have a working landline and optus because I'm having problems setting up my account on the net. I need this so I can monitor my usage on my iPhone. Making changes with telcos is never straight forward.

Monday Monday

I know, a lame title, but it's better than 'An update'.....

I had a nice Monday. Peaceful, organized, quiet, stress free. Just perfect. I just have unrelated thoughts....so I will just dot point them.

*my home phone died some time over the weekend. Not happy Jan. It's only 2 years old and wasn't cheap. It was a good phone, a cordless that I could actually hear the caller perfectly well when they spoke. Technologically advanced indeed for a cordless phone...... But it carked it. I have no idea why. Battery is fully charged, but line is dead when you ring it. Thank goodness the 'netski is still working, so I know there's no problem with the line. I ordered another online last night, without an answering machine, much cheaper and my friends and family can all SMS me nowadays anyway....

*I dropped in to visit my friend Dawnie and helped her with her computer. I tidied up her bookmarks, taught her how to us a bookmark toolbar, re organized her start menu......I just loooooveeeee organizing people's puters for them, and I'm very grateful that my friends let me!! It's getting weirder and weirder working on a PC though, for the most part it's instinctive and then I'll do something completely MacLike which of course does nothing.....

*I ordered Snow Leopard. Can't wait to do the upgrade. It's faster, sleeker and that's so good. It appeases the techno hunger within lol....... When I was a PC girl, I learned so much, and most of it was damage control. With my Mac it's so different, it's productive!! Wish I knew more. I'll have to buy a new book, to peruse all the wonderful things that Snow Leopard is capable of. When I was a PC girl, I never ever considered upgrading unless I was buying a new machine because the cost was prohibitive..... Now it's so easy and affordable. I'm thinking about changing the name of my blog according to my Apple passion, but I'm not sure about copyright....

*I walked again today on my treadmill. Second day in a row. I'm just walking, not jogging yet. I felt good. I want to lose a couple of kg before we go away. Plus I know it's so good for me, and I love it when my legs firm up.

*The bane of my life at the moment, is preparing for Billy-Joe's cooking lessons. When I was in high school (insert dreamy music here) I brought my 50 cents and we cooked whatever we needed to. The ingredients were all supplied. When the teacher wasn't looking, I'd dive back in to the pantry to gather up garlic and onions and extra herbs. Even at the tender age of 13 I knew that there was more to life than 'Cooking the Australian Way'. I was a flavour junkie even back then. I wasn't bought up on plain fare, so it stems from then, plus I was fortunate to have been exposed to the food of many different cultures, and I loved it............anyway I digress......... Billy-Joe has to bring the ingredients for cooking, which in itself doesn't sound terribly onerous, but when you have to chop the garlic and grate the ginger, and measure out all the ingredients, it puts a whole new slant on the term 'Mum, we're doing cooking at school'. They are indeed ONLY cooking, no selecting ingredients, no chopping, washing, dicing, measuring, grating, mincing.......you get the picture.....they are merely COOKING. Tip all the crap your Mum put in the plastic bag for you and COOK it!!!!! The mind boggles, wonder what the lesson plan holds for those lessons.......they'd be short!!! Sooooo, because I had to prep the ingredients for a stir fry for Billy-Joe to cook tomorrow, we are having pie and vegies for dinner....sorta kinda negates my walk.......but serves a greater purpose lol.......

*Fathers Day this weekend. Another day to celebrate and enjoy........ We'll have a BBQ in the backyard and are all looking forward to it.

An update

The photo is of Sammy and Mickey all dressed up for their Book Week Parade this week. Sammy's theme was space, and in his normal lateral way, he chose to go as Mercury the God. Thank goodness, I said, I can do a toga lol.....that's about the scope of my costume making. Mickey's theme was an aboriginal one, and I was lucky we had some nice t'shirts which Nanny had brought back from Cairns years ago. It was Billy-Joe's and fitted nicely on Mickey. I worked this day, but was really pleased that I took the time to take a photo, seeing as I couldn't be at the parade. Morning light is just a glorious one to be taking photos in. I'm so proud of my boys and think they're just beautiful.

The unseasonally hot weather has continued, but it's been very nice. Peter and I are in holiday mode which is a really nice place to be. With out holidays coming up, the anticipation and waiting is just fantastic. There are only three weeks until the end of term, and I can't wait for it to finish. I'm tired and need a break.

I went on the treadmill again today, first time in weeks. I'm going to start again, looking forward to getting fit again.

Angel in my home

I've made no secret of the fact that my kids were hard work. The two youngest were too close together, coupled with my middle child having extra needs, my depression and the early years were damn hard work.......

I'm not generally one who considers their children to be perfect either. I've sat through too many conversations where Mums wax lyrical about how wonderful their kids are, and I wonder if they're living on the same planet as their kids lol...... I know we can have a blind spot where our loved ones are concerned, but common sense and reality has always prevailed with me. I have always easily acknowledged my childrens' faults as easily as I've glowed in pride when they've been praised.

Every now and again something happens which is so profound that it takes your breathe away. My kids are at a Catholic school, for many reasons. I wanted a faith based education in a small, well funded and caring community. I'm lucky I have that. I'm not Catholic but I have a faith, and a good respect of religion.

Sammy has a book which goes between school and home. It's a valuable communication tool set up initially for a child who rarely articulated what was going on around him. Today the message was a little different.... 'Sammy was uncomfortable going up for a blessing'.........

We sat down at afternoon tea and I asked him why he didn't want a blessing today in Church. He was reluctant to answer me and I could tell this was not a two minute conversation, or something to be brushed off..... I asked him if he wanted to come and talk to me on my own, and he did. There the revelation unfolded.

'Honey, why didn't you want to accept a blessing'
' I don't want a blessing, because I don't believe in the Bible'
' What don't you believe in?'
'They talk about things that aren't true. Mum I know my ancient history and they talk about slaves in the Bible and I know they came from somewhere other than what they're saying in the Bible, it's not true. How can I believe that someone touches Jesus' hand after being ill for many years and suddenly they're okay again - that just doesn't happen Mum'

Okay, deep breath here.....thinking fast here too. Thinking to myself, 'how old are you child? 9 or 19' This is not going to be an easy one.

' Sammy the Bible is based on stories, which have been handed down. Can I tell you a secret, I struggle with lots of what's in the Bible too. Maybe you just have to view them as stories, legends almost. Do you believe in Jesus?

'Yes, but only because we have AD and BC'
'It says in the Bible, that God speaks to people and I've never heard him Mummy' (he's crying at this stage.....
' Well Jesus lived. Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God?'
'No Mummy'
Shit, Lord help me I'm out of my depth here......

I continue
'Do you know the difference from right and wrong?'
'Yes Mummy'
'That's because God speaks to your heart, he tells you what to do, even though you don't 'hear' him, you feel him there'.

I think Sammy you have to have boxes in your brain, some for your ancient history knowledge and another for your Bible knowledge, and they need to be kept seperate.'
'It's so confusing Mum'
Sammy I struggle with it too,and it's okay to question things, there's nothing wrong with that, you're a smart boy and if something doesn't make sense, it's okay to make it try and make sense'
'Just keep it seperate Honey. Let's go out and have some afternoon tea'

He was still teary but held my hand and we walked out together.

'Do you think Honey, that if you believe in God, that you are not being loyal to the Egyptians?'
The tears ran freely again, hurt and dismay in his eyes. Tears of sadness at his betrayal and a disbelief that I understood.

'Honey those Egyptians and people from all the ancient civilizations that you love, would be proud to have you amongst them, and they would not be sad if you believed in God'....'You are not being disloyal'.

'Do you know how I know there's a God Sammy?'
'How Mummy?'
The tears welled up again and his beautiful face looked up at me expectantly.
'I look in your eyes Sammy and I see God. I listen to you sing and I hear Angels. You are beautiful and good and smart and you're living proof that there is a God. I was blessed when you were given to me.'

His tears ran down his face, mine rolled down mine into his hair.

Precious Blessed Child.

I love you with all my heart.

How old are you?

Deeply immersed in iPhone land......

I had a full day today. It started early, the two youngest were involved in a Book Week parade, so I needed to dress them up, thankfully I got that sorted last night and was all organized for this morning. I was rapt to leave the house, spotless and tidy and have the kids all dressed up and I was at work by 8.20am. My day was an eventful one. I had non verbal kids, one who abused me, he also went AWOL. I had another that's not keen to transition from one location to another and another who hit himself over the head. Thank goodness for assistants.... I self talk the entire time, trying to turn a situation around. I can't get angry, and definitely can't become upset. It was a hot day again today too, plus I spent time in the garden. I think the universe is trying to tell me something lol... I'm sure DB sniggers everytime I tell him I gardened lol.....

I've spent the entire evening scouring my iPhone manual. I'm very very excited as I've taught myself how to turn mp3 files into ringtones that the iPhone can recognize....... I realized today that I've spent so much time reading how to use the functions that I hadn't even worked out how to make a phone call..... Got there in the end though lol...

Time for a late cup of tea and then heading off to bed. DB has not come back upstairs, so he's fallen asleep down there..... It's feeling bizarre for an August night to be sitting here in a singlet and short pj bottoms with the fan on!!! Bizarre weather indeed.

A new member to the Apple Family

For months now I've been waiting to get my iphone. Funnily enough, my existing mobile phone just carked it. It won't even hold enough charge for a single day anymore, even though I bought anew battery. It's only out of contract in four weeks time and it's had it!!

I was going to buy the new one, the 16GB 3GS, but decided this morning that the 8GB iphone was certainly more than adequate for my needs and I would probably update in two years anyway. This has saved me quite a bit of money, so I'm rapt. I was extra lucky, because it was the last 8GB iphone in my town. The 16GB iphone is out of stock, and they couldn't even give me an ETA. Billy-Joe is beside himself because he has my old phone, but it's not good enough for him. I don't want him with a phone that will die, although he has it turned off at school all day anyway and he's pedantic about placing it on the charger everynight, so it's a short term stop gap. He has my old old phone currently, but it doesn't have bluetooth or music capabilities. I'll wait and see to decide what to do....

I should have slept today, I've got two days of work coming up. My eyes are on fire due to tiredness and the fact that the air has been so hot and dry. I had to relent and put the A/C on, it was revoltingly hot inside. It's winter for goodness sake and was 35 degrees (95F).......ridiculous!!

Scrapbooking Retreat @ Daisy's

Karen Knight and I

Just come home from a funfilled weekend @ Daisy's. Can't believe it's all over again, at least it's never long to the next one. I feel tired, but re energized in a way that can only be achieved by spending two whole days relaxing. No one to worry about, no one to cook for, or wash for or clean for......... Bliss!! I completed 3 A4 layouts and made four cards. I need to crop and edit those pics before I can upload them. I had my MacBook with me, but limited myself to spending time on it. Didn't want to waste precious retreat time computing, I can do that anytime after all..... I even left my farm fallow, so I could scrap without worrying about harvesting my crops [grin]......

The theme was Barbie's 50th Birthday, and the interpretation was very loose lol..... Karen K and I came as slumber Barbies, what an awesome way to arrive in pjs!! We even had a 'Ken' there, you can see 'him' standing behind me. He was totally in character lol and was very cheeky, thought he was in heaven with this bevy of Barbies.....

Karen Knight and I

Karen Knight, Lisa Webb, Lisa Hayes and Kim Zerner......

It was fabulous catching up with Kim. We only know each other through the retreats and have become friends even though we don't contact one another much after the retreats. I set up a Facebook page for her over the weekend, so hopefully we can keep in touch more that way. Karen Knight was positively glowing with her beautiful baby bump, new hairdo and a lovely relaxed attitude, she's a beautiful girl with a tender heart, thank you Karen, for adding something special to my weekend. Lisa Hayes and Lisa Webb - thank you both, for your entertaining banter, even though you informed me that I had a flat head (lol.....)!!! Kim, so glad you make the long journey to join us, hope you had a fab time... Two of my closest friends were unable to come this weekend, and I missed them very much. I'm already looking forward to the October card retreat to spend time with Suzy, and unfortunately won't spend another with Karen B until February 2010. Thank goodness she's booked in because retreats for next year are booked out already. For Karen and I, this is nice time which is rare for us together. We can converse and not be interrupted and I love seeing her relax. With Suzy we can discuss out 'geeky' issues together and catch up with what the many emails can't always sort out.

I've come home to a spotless house, a load of swimming clothes from this morning, washed and ready to be hung out, a dishwasher full of clean dishes, and everything else in place. I am truly blessed to be able to enjoy these sojourns with my girlfriends and know that I come home to a happy family and order.

Book Giveaway

A friend of mine's daughter is giving the opportunity of winning books on her blog.

Follow the instructions and you could win yourself a lovely book.

I have been sadly neglecting my blog of late. Life has been busy and my computer leisure time seems curtailed somewhat. I wonder who did invent Facebook lol........

After a fairly dry year workwise, I've landed an 8 day contract. Apart from the fact that I'll actually get paid, it means that the school is still happy enough with me to have me work there. My finances take a dive, and so does my self confidence. Eighteen months, I've been at this school and I've finally realized that I do indeed have a job there. However unpredictable it may be, the positives far out weigh the negatives. I've had a great class these past two weeks. Autistic kids, with just enough teenage angst to make it interesting. The neglect that some of these kids are exposed too still astounds me, but I have a good feeling knowing that in some small way I've been a positive thing in these kids lives. I love spending time with them, talking to them, listening to them and helping them. I will miss these kids and look forward to going back into their class at some stage. Their regular teacher is feeling better which is good.

It's my darling Bunny's birthday tomorrow night and we're all excited. The extra work has come in handy, as it means he's getting spoilt for a change. I bought him three Black Adder DVDs, a gift certificate at the Golf Club for three private lessons and I'm even hiring a baby sitter and taking him out to dinner on Saturday night. We're going to a Thai restaurant that we went to about 7 years ago. We always said we'd go back and have never had the money/time/inclination. Fortunately the place still has a good reputation so we know it will be good.

Not much else to report. Life is good and humming along nicely. I can't believe where the year is going and we are all beginning to get excited about our holiday in October.

Family Matters

I am really happy that my brother is now very happy in his life. No-one should stay in an unhappy marriage, and no-one should compromise themselves in order to do so. I believe you need to be true to yourself. Always!

Having said that, I have always mourned the loss of the relationship I had with his previous wife. They were together 17 years. A long time. A long time for us to develop a close relationship. Even with the argument that happened during that time, and the ensuing estrangement, I never stop missing our friendship. Mum told me that she had agreed to drop by last weekend with the girls. They say good things come from bad, and I guess having Dad take that 'turn' set some minds thinking. The visit never happened because one of my nieces was quite ill and it wasn't wise to have her around Dad. It's her birthday next Monday. I always think of her birthdays. I sent her a card for her 40th and never had a response, but that's okay. She knew I was thinking of her. I took on board, her planned visit to my parents' house and I invited her for Billy-Joe's birthday luncheon on Sunday.

My heart raced last night when I hit the send button. No reply last night, but I was having server problems so later in the evening no emails were sending or receiving. I sat with a stunned look on my face as a reply came through this morning. She is dropping in on Saturday afternoon. Kiana is still not 100% and I'm not sure if she's ready for the whole family thing just yet. She will bring the girls around on Saturday afternoon and I am so very very excited. I never thought I'd see the day. I don't know how our relationship will be. I don't expect to be bosom buddies. But I do want her to understand and respect the fact that she will always remain a much loved Auntie to my kids. We love her and I want her to know that. She has always turned to me in times of trouble, even during our estrangement. She knows I don't judge. She's known deep down inside of her, buried beneath the hurt that I have always loved her.

I'm very nervous about seeing her. It's been years since we've spoken. I can't wait.

Birthday Week

Monday starts with my niece's birthday. I still can't believe Julia is 16. I still remember and feel the depth of my emotion as I held her in my arms in the hospital. I thought she was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. For years I wanted to have a daughter just like her. The good Lord decided otherwise and I was blessed with three beautiful boys instead. My two gorgeous nieces are growing up so quickly. They are children no longer. Time just passes by so quickly. I'm so happy that now I'm able to really enjoy life so much more. It's like things have slowed down and I'm smelling the roses again.

Next weekend we celebrate Billy-Joe's birthday. My first born son is a beautifully natured child and I'm so proud to be his Mum. My boy will be 13 next Monday. He is so kind and loving and is an absolute delight to be around. He's great company and we share many interests. Like me, he loves all gadgets and it's so cool to grow with my children. Next Sunday we'll have a luncheon for him. He's chosen lots of yummy food, including a chocolate chunk mud cake totally covered in maltesers. He will want home made sausage rolls too. I have yet to finalize the list. When we celebrated Mickey's birthday I was amazed at how much food we put away. I will have to make more this time.

I've got his birthday presents sorted. He's getting a mobile phone. I bought a sim card through Savvytel. They are a great provider as their prepaid calls don't ever expire. Billy-Joe will be stoked. There are more and more often times now where we really need to contact one another. The time has arrived where he needs one. I've set up my old phone and will give him my current phone, when the contract expires on it. I've also bought him Sims2 for the Mac, so he'll be rapt. Mum and Dad have bought him a Manga drawing book, so he'll be a very very happy teenager.

Last weekend was great fun. Friday night was scrapping as usual and in sharp contrast to the Friday before when I was worried about my Dad. Saturday Barbi ran a class, and we were able to scrap there until 6pm. She'd catered and the food was yummy, as usual. I was hoping like mad that Karen could make it, and was so excited when she was able to come for the Saturday afternoon. Suzy was there Friday night and Saturday, so I felt pretty excited that I spent another weekend with her. With her work schedule, it's not uncommon for me not to see her for a few weeks at a time, so this was a huge treat. We did take our MacBooks but both of us were creative. I need to take some photos in day light tomorrow and upload them. Lisa made some of us wheat bags, so we sported them at various times over the weekend. Not only are they great for a sore neck or the tops of your shoulders, they are cosy when it gets cold. I've been wanting one of these for ages, but they were rather expensive to make. I was rapt when Lisa offered to make me one. Not only did I get to spend some much needed time with my best friends, I also was home at a good hour on Saturday night. Peter cooked a delicious steak dinner with vegies that he steamed in cream. We had a great night. I drank wine, laughed, ate and virtually fell into bed at the end of the night.

Sunday was full on. Even though dear Bunny had looked after the washing, there was loads of other stuff that needed doing. I made the weeks' lunches, ironed the kids' uniforms and cleaned the bathroom and laundry, and loo. I dusted and cleaned up some crap that's been collecting in my room. Sometimes I wish I could do with less crap. I would just love the minimalist look in my house. Books and papers, I just breed the stuff.....shits me to tears. The kids and DB went to golf yesterday and I was able to finish the washing and then I sat and watched two more episodes of True Blood which I'm totally hooked on. I'm loving the whole vampire thing, just fascinating. This series is better than the books it's based upon. I find Sookie in the TV series has more depth and intelligence than the Sookie Charlaine Harris portrays in her books. Even though the story lines are changed, I find they have more depth and substance to them as well. Karen and I are just loving the episodes and are excited about watching the second season, virtually as they come out on US tv.

On the topic of TV, I'm disappointed that MasterChef is finished for the year. I'm over the moon excited for Julie, I think she was a deserving winner and can't wait for her book to be released. I think I will enjoy her style of food. I would love to learn how to present food like they do in good restaurants. I think it just makes the food look exquisitely delicious, and so tempting. I would love having my food look as well presented and as good as it tastes.

Book Giveaway

One of my girlfriends is giving away some books on her blog. Visit here to check it out and enter. I love Sheree's reviews, and I admire the copious amounts that she reads.

The day started normal enough. The holidays were drawing to an end and we were all aware of the fact that we should enjoy every last minute of it. Dinner on Thursday night was fabulous and the Friday's plans were to do a few errands and just chill out in the afternoon. Billy-Joe had a friend around to play and all four kids were happy and occupied.

I was getting ready to go out to Daisy’s, I was half dressed with wet hair and no makeup. The phone rang. I answered to a very quiet Mum who wasted no time on preliminaries. My Dad had collapsed and the ambulance were with him as we spoke. I hung up the phone, outwardly calm but my mind was racing. I went back into the bathroom concentrating on finishing getting ready, a little calmed in the knowledge that I could do nothing and that Dad was in good hands. Somehow I fluffed around, finished getting ready and collected my thoughts.

I decided to leave the kids as Peter was only about 15 minutes away. I had to tell them why and where I was going of course and they were shocked and upset. I’m glad I took the time to talk to them, and explain that he was being helped and being taken to the hospital and that I had to go and help Oma. We held hands and prayed. I found this very grounding and soothing.

I headed up to Mum’s and saw the ambulance heading toward the hospital. I always get a strange feeling when I see an ambulance, you can imagine how I felt when I just knew my Dad was in this one. Understandably so, my Mum was rather upset. I’m so glad I came as soon as I could. We packed Dad some items both being sure he would stay the night. I stayed at the hospital for a couple of hours and then left. Thankfully the doctors told Mum to go home later. My Dad was in good hands and being taken care of. They’d ordered a battery of tests, in the bid to try and figure out what had caused the collapse.

You can imagine my delight and surprise when I went to my Mum’s in the morning and she said Dad was coming home. They couldn’t find evidence of anything untoward going on. My Dad hadn’t had a heart attack, stroke or epileptic fit. They sent him home saying he was far too healthy for them. It was pretty special bringing Dad home and knowing he was well.

We all got such a fright. I rang my brother and he cried. I look back on it now, and can’t believe it had happened. I went and took the kids to see him yesterday and he was up and about, he’d been out to buy something and had a job he was about to tackle...........did last Friday night even happen??

Every day I’m grateful. I’m rare amongst my friends, who are all younger, and some much younger than me. I have both my parents, actually Peter and I still both have our parents. We are very very blessed and for years I’ve known just how lucky we are. One day I will get a call. One day the result won’t be so good.

I’m not ready for that. How does one prepare oneself for the death of their parents. They are the one constant in my whole entire life. Through the changes of my life, even the changes of husbands, through the growth of my own children, my parents are always always there. It’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve had them forever. When will God call them? How will I cope?

The circle of life will continue on.

I can not stop the inevitable. I can enjoy every single day with them. My kids are so lucky to have grandparents that love them so deeply.

Through thick and thin we are always here for each other. Our love protects, nurtures and helps one another.

I have much to be grateful for.

Seeing my Dad yesterday going about his business, made my heart sing.

A busy week

It's been a lovely week, in sharp contrast to the quiet and slow pace of last week. The contrast has shown in the weather too. Lovely last week, crappy this week.

On Saturday I was quite tired. I 'shopsat' for Barbi while she was away at her niece's 21st for the weekend. The night was travelling along nicely until the lowlife living next door came to give us grief. Apparently he'd approached Barbi one Saturday morning about the late hour that all the ladies were leaving and that it was quite noisy. Fair call! Some ladies start their 4WD and don't get in straight away, some stand out there chatting and then yell out 'bye' whether it's 10pm or after midnight that's not acceptable. Barbi apologized and every Friday night she makes an announcement asking people to be considerate of them. Barbi even offered to buy them blinds so that the car lights don't shine into the house. He has young kids and was saying they wake up with the noise. He declined the offer of blinds and seemed mollified when he could see that Barbi was genuinely concerned. No issues since. Until last Friday night. He came over (drunk) and started abusing the other girl who looks after the store with me. He was swearing and carrying on. We had to escort ladies to the toilet and then locked up the shop with the roller door down. We ended up calling the police as he even got right up into the face of one of the husbands who was coming to collect his pregnant wife!!! My friends, drove past the police station, which was unmanned but the guy from next door followed them (on his pushbike) and saw them......and came back and gave Shelly some more lip!! I told her to call the police. They came and were fabulous. They had a word to the guy next door, and his wife, who had also come out to put her two bobs worth in. Apparently he was concillatory and the police were happy that he wouldnt' bother us again. I'm glad I didn't shut up the store, even though it was suggested. I wasnt going to let him 'win'. It put a dampener on our night,but I'm glad we kept on going. I was sorry that this happened while Barbi was away, but in hindsight, at least she didn't have to deal with it, or cop the earful from the neighbour............

I digress, so I was tired from a late night on Friday night and I had things to cook for Mickey's birthday. His birthday was good fun. See my previous post.

On Monday we headed out to Wappa Dam to have a BBQ. I'm so glad we chose that day, because the weather has been pretty cruddy ever since. We had a great day. The boys had a ball playing in the park, playing footy and they went for a walk too. I just sat around all day. We had sausages, chops, salad and coffee and cake for later on. The next day I caught up on my jobs and just chilled out with my MacBook in the afternoon. That night I went and saw The Hangover with my girlfriend, her daughter and her friends. It was a bit rushed, with getting something to eat and organizing tickets which wasn't straight forward, and we had to sit in the first row. My neck has been really playing up, so this was extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately Lis found some seats further up, so we moved and that was soooo much better. The film was hilarious. Very rude and crude, but a good laugh. I wish I could afford to go to the movies all the time. I could easily go every week. I love it. I think I'll stay away in the school holidays though.

Wednesday I had organized to meet Laureen and Geoff at a park in Caloundra. Unfortunately the weather was blowy and cold. We spent three and a half hours sitting in McDonalds instead. Not ideal, but the only place where we could sit for that long with my kids being happy. On the way home I bought soup vegies and put on a big pot of chicken soup for dinner that night. It was lovely catching up with Laureen and Geoff. Hard to believe we've been friends for nearly 30 years!!!! Even though we've not seen much of each other in the last 22 years or so, we just pick up where we've left off and the time just melts away. I think I've changed much more in personality than she has. She's still exactly the same. Same likes and dislikes with food even.

Today I got up late, and tidied the house and did some washing. Those fairies never do it for me when I'm out for the day...... I had to go out and get a few groceries and then go to the fruit market. I dropped in to see Barbi and am now home relaxing for the afternoon.

I'm very excited, because last night I watched the first episode of True Blood!! I love it. Can't wait to watch more. What's more decadent is that I took my MacBook and watched it in bed!!!! It was fabulous and so comfortable and snug. I felt very decandent. I'm just rapt that Karen gave them to me to watch!! Can't wait to see the other episodes. I love it when I've read a series of books and then I get to see it IRL.

Happy Days

grrrrrrr...........I just lost my entire post..........

I'll start again. I've had a lovely few days. They've been quite busy after the quiet start to our holidays. I've had a great time.

On Friday I picked up the girls and they came for a while. They had morning tea and hung out with the boys for a bit. I love how they can still spend time with my kids, even though they are just so much more grown up now. The age difference is going to be quite evident now for a few years. Julia will be sixteen in a few weeks. I can still feel her lying in my arms. I so badly wished she'd been mine when she was born. I craved for a daughter as beautiful as her for many years. And then I had three boys lol........ On Friday, Suzy came for a visit. We spent the hours with our MacBooks. She taught me some stuff, which I was very excited about. I can now bluetooth songs from my MB to my phone. It's so cool. We also looked at these markets in Brisbane, and I'm so excited because we'll go next Sunday. They have a coffee and chocolate expo thingy too......

Yesterday I spent the morning cooking yummy treats for Mickey's birthday today. I can't believe my baby is 8!!! And as he leaves babyhood, he becomes a more and more beautiful boy who's growing up so very quickly. I'm so proud of you Mickey! I love your passion for your friends and family and for your golf. You are a daily delight.

Both sets of grandparents came for lunch. We had homemade sausage rolls, spinach and ricotta pastries, egg and lettuce sandwiches, caramel slice, pear and sour cream slice and a delicious chocolate cake which I thought I'd stuffed up. It was mainly chocolate, it is absolutely divine!! It only has 3/4 of a cup of flour and I put plain flour in, instead of SR flour, but I don't think it made any difference, actually I think the extra weight made a richer cake!!

Mickey got lovely presents. We bought him an Indiana Jones Lego set, Mum and Dad got him an infra red Meccanno set, and Nanny and Darby gave him $50 which he thought was rather exciting. We had a lovely afternoon. The kids and Bunny went to golf in the late afternoon, and I had some time to chill......

Looking forward to tomorrow as we go out to Wappa Dam with my parents.

A digi layout

I've spent some time on http://jessicasprague.com today and I did this layout. 

 

I’m a sourpuss today.

I’m tired, I’m bored and I’m cranky.

I did lots of chores and dinner is ready. The kids are playing and are happy. The holidays are near. And I’m feeling crappy.

I don’t know if it’s a side effect from my anaesethic yesterday. I’m feeling like I’m getting thrush today, why do my darned nether regions have to be so bloody sensitive. It shits me to tears. I hate feeling like this. I hate being bored and grumpy. It’s such a useless feeling and such a waste of precious time.

I rang my Mum today. That cheered me up. Then the kids started fighting and I was sour again......

Dinner is now done, kitchen is clean. Kids are quiet. I’m feeling better. Tomorrow is a new day.

Looking forward to holidays

I'm sitting down and relaxing now. The kids are at school, the house is tidy, washing is on the line, some more is washing and the ironing is done. I'm glad I'm not working today. I feel really flat, and am happy to be at home. Yesterday I had my IUD replaced so I think I'm still washed out from that. This time I wasn't going to be brave and I opted to have an anaesethic - probably overkill, but it was really nice to wake up and have it all done. It hurt like crazy last time and seemed to go on forever. They couldn't even get me up afterwards, because my blood pressure was not good. Yesterday, my BP was up before the procedure which is understandable and then when I woke up, they got me straight up off the bed. I felt a bit unsteady but them went and got dressed and sat and had a cup of tea and a sandwich. I'd fasted and missed my cup of tea that morning, so that was just bliss. My gf picked me up and I was hoping I'd be okay and not wanting to sleep straight away the afternoon. I get to see Karen so rarely outside of our irregular Friday nights, so when she suggested we meet for a cuppa after her class I jumped at the idea to have her come and get me and spend some time with her. I went and picked up the kids from school and then went to sleep for a good hour afterwards. Darling Bunny brought home fish and chips for dinner so that was good. I'm glad now that's over, probably won't need this renewed seeing as my girlie bits are all shutting down, if they've not shut down completely already.

The last weekend went by so quickly. Friday night was scrapping as usual and then on Saturday night we had dinner at Lisa's place. She cooked us a lovely meal and we enjoyed being together and oohing and aahing over her beautiful house. It's so spacious and just gorgeous. I can only dream of ever living in a house like that. We watched a movie later, which was a good movie although it changed the tone of the gathering from fun, laughter and silliness, to a more serious note. Probably my fault because I chose the movie, we probably would have kept the laughter going had we not watched a movie..... I even dressed up in some of Lisa's clothes that she was giving away....hilarious as the photos will show. My days of wearing clothing like that have long gone lol..... We watched 'Walk the Line' which I really enjoyed. It was a lovely night, and really special to have us together and not at Daisy's. Lisa loved the idea of waiting on dear Barbi, who is normally always looking after us. Food was yummy and the company was great, a perfect combination for a lovely evening.

Laughing but trying hard for a sexy pout.

Suzy and Barbi

Lisa, Suzy and Barbi

The Lovely Lisa and I

Carrin and Lisa

Suzy, Barbi, Carrin and Lisa

Me taking the outfit off, while the girls convince me to take them home for Peter!!

Too long between posts.

My Dad alerted me to the fact that my last blog post was weeks ago. I've been slack at blogging, so here I am with an update.

Life is busy, but just normal day to day stuff. Nothing out of the ordinary, I've not even had any work. I enjoy the day to day routine. My life is without stress as far as day to day stuff goes. The kids are all well and happy, and we're all looking forward to the school holidays which start in two weeks. Last week was a short week, due to the Queen's Birthday and Show holiday. It was nice having Peter able to spend more time with the kids.

The boys have been enjoying their golf. Billy-Joe played in his first tournament last Saturday. He was very excited and played reasonably well. Last Saturday he and Mickey both played a game after their practice and he won! He was very very excited and came away with a few golf balls. Mickey also did very well. My Dear Sammy doesn't want to play after practice. He prefers to come home and we're not pushing him. We pushed him to go to practice and to focus. It will be a year or two before he'll feel comfortable enough to stay and play with his brothers. He goes out willingly now with Daddy and his brothers on a Sunday which is fabulous. I love seeing them go out together and enjoy being together. I see many many years of my boys playing together. What an awesome legacy for Peter to give his kids. Father - Son time, so special!

On a personal front I haven't been as good as I would like. My HRT levels are great though, so I'm sleeeping really well again. I had another cortisone injection in my shoulder, this time guided by ultrasound. I have bad days and I have better days. I'm not sure what my next step is. I will go back to my physiotherapist. Sometimes I get so down by the level of pain I'm in. Then on a day like today where it feels a bit better and I've just watched Michael J Fox on Oprah, and I realize that I have much to be grateful for. Unfortunately thinking of those worse off than myself often doesn't help on a bad day. Let's face it, we are immersed in our own reality,not in someone else's. So while I have a great understanding and empathy of the pain and grief that others suffer, really when it's all said and done that doesn't change anything for me. I have just come to the realization that my body produces abnormal levels of inflammtory responses and I just have to cope with that. Pain killers are my friend, and thankfully I don't take very strong ones too often, and panadol and ibuprofen gives me a lot of relief. Two of my closest friends also suffer, caused by trauma within the body and the body's responses to other conditions. We are all on our own paths searching for relief and answers. My new year's resolution was no doctors.......and I've stuffed that big time. Now I'm concentrating on getting better, and managing the pain I live with, whether it's my shoulder, or upper back or hip........I'll manage it, on a day to day basis. I’ve bought emu oil, which I think is happening, I use it twice a day.

Winter is here. I love the cooler weather. The oil heater keeps our little house cosy at night time. The days are clear and glorious as only they can be in a sub tropical climate. A couple of nights last week it got down to around 4 degrees celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Last week I decided to sew the kids a dressing gown each. I didn't want to buy one, as I felt they were too expensive and always plastered with some kid design, many of them quite ugly and which seriously limits their life span, so I decided to make some myself. I bought them beautiful warm polar fleece, and they turned out great. All three boys can grow into their dressing gowns and have them for a years, as they won't grow out of the style or design. I haven't sewn in years, and feel really proud of myself that I attempted to do this. The boys are so rapt. Mickey was disappointed that I hadn't finished his on the weekend. He'll be excited to come home and finding it hanging up.

I enjoying my new MacBook. Two of my friends have them now, we're like a secret Geek Society lol. I can't wait for us all be together at Daisy's one night. Suzy is unfortunately having lots of drama setting up her wireless network with her MacBook and PC. I think she's close to having it all resolved, but not after spending many hours back and forth to the store, and also to Apple Support and also Optus Support. Even through it all I feel like she's very happy with her decision to 'cross over'. Yesterday Mickey had a birthday party in the same town where Suzy lives, and I visited Suzy. She had a power board set up and we sat side by side at the dining table and had a MacBook date. It was so much fun. We worked things out together and actually solved a couple of problems. The three hours just flew. Actually the entire weeekend flew and it was three days.

We’re heading into ‘birthday season’. Mickey turns 8 and Billy-Joe will turn 13 next month. I have decided that I’ll get Billy-Joe a prepaid mobile phone. I’ll give him my old flip phone and then when I get my iphone, he can have my current phone. The flip phone has a few glitches but will work fine for a few months.

A full week

This week has been a full one, but a good one. I had a guided cortisone injection yesterday. I had a radiographer inject right into the calcification on my shoulder. My Dad and I planned to go shopping for his new computer which we did afterwards. My shoulder ached badly yesterday at the injection site. Funnily enough though, when I blow waved my hair in the afternoon it felt a little better, and today it feels even better. Unfortunately I had the crappiest night sleep last night. Getting to bed and listening to my audiobook until 2am means I desperately need a good night's sleep. I'm wondering whether cortisone in your body can cause the same reaction as prednisone for example. It's also a steriod and can really hype you up. I felt wired last night, like I'd drunk coffee all night. I should have stayed up. I don't feel too bad today though which is good.

Dad and I had a great time yesterday. We ended up buying him a machine from the second store we went to, we got a fantastic deal and he was just rapt. I'm so excited for him. I'm going to ring shortly and see how it all went. He took me out to lunch afterwards to an Indian restaurant. The food was divine. I can't wait to go back there, and it was reasonably priced too. Thanks Dad, I had a ball, and look forward to maybe all of us going there together. We would all enjoy it.

We got home in the afternoon and it was almost time to pick up the kids. I sat for a bit after I took some pain killers as my arm was quite achy. I even laid down for 45 minutes before I headed off to Daisy's. I didn't take my stuff, it was so nice just to carry my MacBook. We had dinner late, seeing as I wasn't hungry from having had a lovely lunch. So it was well after 9pm before we returned to the table to actually do something. I played on Facebook, on my farm, and then started a class on learning how to use Picasa. We also watched Twilight on DVD. I had a grea time, but missed Karen. Lisa and Karen K were there which was lovely. Karen K is starting to get a tiny tiny belly, she's almost 18 weeks pregnant so we are all thinking it's about time she starts getting a bump. She's so slim and will carry this baby really well,there's no fat on her. She'll go back to normal quick smart after her baby is born..........not like me lol. Eight years after baby #3 and I'm so far from pre pregnancy body it's not funny [sigh].............

Today I fully intended to stay home and do not much. I've been out the last two Saturdays and I wanted no commitments. I really wanted to go to a cooking demo today, by Laurent who did my birthday dinner, with Karen. Karen and Geoff have gone to see Angels and Demons and she had her hair done, so it wasn't meant to be anyway. Billy-Joe needed a costume done for a play he's doing in English. As much as I hate dressing up, I hate making a costume more. I just don't have any imagination. I was so cranky, and had to explain to my darling boy that I wasn't cranky at him, but just cranky at my own lack of confidence, plus the fact I had to go out trawling through Spotlight on a day I wanted to stay in........... We got the stuff organized and I made it. We are both quite excited with the result. I'll post an image when we get his staff all made up. I whinged and moaned, and it all turned out really well. I hate doubting myself all the time. Some mothers just whip up things all the time, I wonder if they whine and moan too........ Once upon a time I wouldn't have had the money to spend on buying stuff either, thankfully that's not such a drama now.

Tonight's dinner will be simple, t bone and vegies. Yummo and wholesome......

Just spoke to Dad and the computer is all up and running.......Awesome stuff Dad.

Update from Geeksville

My day started well, as I walked out the door this morning, I noticed that DB had cut out an article from the newspaper. I only had time to glance at the headline, but I made sure I read it later, after my shopping and before going to yet another doctor. I enjoyed my morning tea muffin all the more, because the news article claimed that Apple were opening another store - this time on the northside of Brisbane. Mmmmm, what else could I add to the Apple family lol?? One of my besties Karen, also thought this was dangerous knowledge lol....... wait till her dh finds out. These stores are geared towards assistance and tuition not sales. I knew that having another computer in the household would be practical, I just didn't realize how much. I can still have access to a computer while Billy-Joe does his research and types up an assignment. We even play together, with our farms on Facebook. So cool, and so much fun. I always vowed and declared I wanted to stay up to date with technology, for my own sake and for my kids. I listen to Billy-Joe and he is so much a chip off the old block that it's uncanny how much he resembles me. He appreciates the fact that I'm interested and up to date. My Mum and Dad dropped in this afternoon, which was a nice surprise. My Dad is excited as he is buying a new computer. For years he's had ones which my brother has thrown together from spare parts. He's never actually had a new computer. He won't know himself. And I get to go and shop with him. I'm so excited for him, and rapt that he wants me to go with him. I know we'll get an awesome machine for under $1000. He doesn't want it for gaming or photo editing, just browsing, emails and itunes.

Tomorrow will be a nice day, and going shopping for geek materials, but beforehand I'll be going to the X-Ray clinic to have a guided cortisone injection. I went and saw another doctor today, who was recommended by my physiotherapist. He decided that rather than give me another unguided injection, this was the best way to go. I'm actually excited. I have forgotten what it's like to live without daily pain.......between my hip last year and my shoulder this year, it hasn't stopped. I've had a lot of pain this week and that prompted me to take further action. It wasn't until I gathered my films to take today, that I realized that it was two months since my last injection which was borderline useless............two months. I've wasted two months!!!!!

My DB is ordering wine on the phone, the kids aren't far out of bed, and I'm enjoying a glass of wine and blogging. Dinner is steak burgers with pommes noisettes while watching MasterChef.......

Until next time.

My Day

I feel like I've just run around all day. After yesterday's debacle with school being closed and me having to send the kids home not long after they got there, the craziness just continued. I did my Coles online shopping but always get a few things from Woolies and the fruit market. I also had to get a cartridge for my printer and buy a gift for my MIL who is 75 today. I got her a beautiful mauve fresh water pearl with a diamond. We have never spent much on her gifts before and wanted to get her something special. I think she will really like it.

I headed home and then had some time before I had to head out again for my physio appointment. I wanted to transfer funds onto my credit card after buying the groceries etc, only to discover that my groceries aren't coming today!! I'd made a change to my order, but hadn't 'checked out' the modified order!!! Thankfully I was able to organize a delivery for tomorrow afternoon, but it meant I needed to get a couple of things to tide us over..... I'm just so relieved that I actually had to look up my order. Normally I don't pay my CC until the next week!!

I went to my appointment, my arm and shoulder is having really bad spasms and I've been needing to go since the weekend. I hope I get some relief. It looks like I'll need another cortisone injection. After the appt I bought some milk and bacon and then headed home. I made a slice for the weekend, one less thing for Barbi to worry about. I wanted to make two, but ran out of time.

I've had some lunch and sat down for 40 minutes. The dishwasher is emptied and the washing is up to date. I need to do some ironing but will do that tomorrow. Pizza for dinner tonight and I'll use the bread machine for he kneading as I still can't knead dough with my arm.

I'm off to pick up my eldest.

Update

I'm really happy to be home today. It's raining and miserable. Just wish my family were home too. I always love it when everyone's home snug after the end of a miserable day. I've done two loads of washing, and put them all in the dryer, no point stuffing around with washing that won't dry on the line, even when it's undercover like mine.

The weekend has gone by quickly, and was a good one. On Saturday everyone was busy and running in different directions. A sign of things to come as the kids grow up. I had my camera class, which have five participants and went very well. I finished the class on such a high as my students left happy and armed with new knowledge. It's exciting seeing the light bulbs go on in their heads, and hearing the enthusiastic and excited chatter as they left Daisy's. I stayed back for a bit, had a cuppa and then headed home. It had been a busy morning before I left as I got three kids organized. In the afternoon Billy-Joe and Mickey went out with my parents for the afternoon. They had a ball on a boat, and enjoyed a picnic. Plus they got to spend time with their cousins too, as Ricky and Dee were down visiting the girls. It's a shame we couldn't have all been there together, but it worked out well. Sammy didn't go as he went to a birthday party and his first sleep over. It wasn't until the middle of that night that I could believe he'd actually be able to stay away. He had wonderful time and coped very well being in a different environment.

We went to pick him up on Sunday at lunch time and then headed down to Coolum. I hadn't been there in years, and I wanted to see if it had changed, and maybe look inside some shops and have lunch. Well it was still as daggy as ever, not much had changed. The entire corner was demolished and lots of building is taking place. That will bring with it some new shops and food places. We had lunch at the bowls club, a simple meal,but it was nice. In the afternoon Peter took Billy-Joe and Mickey to golf and Sammy stayed home with me. He was very tired and was happy just watching TV.

This week, I want to get organized for the retreat. I mean I've only had three months to do it in!!! I have no idea what I'll do yet. I still don't want to spend much on supplies. Karen B and I are taking our MacBooks and I know Alaine will bring her laptop and Sheree has a new netbook. So all us geeks will be sitting together having a ball. In between catching up, laughing chatting, eating, surfing, checking facebook, we may actually scrap lol........ Karen K is coming, it's her first retreat and Lisa W is coming on the Saturday night. The theme is Happy Days, but I'm not interested in getting dressed up. Unless someone holds my hand and tells me what to do, my imagination is sadly lacking when it comes to fancy dress. I had a ball getting dressed as a fairy last year, but haven't dressed up since. Oh no I fib, I did wear a pirate costume at the pirate themed retreat, but that was only because someone brought me in an outfit to wear.....

I went on the treadmill today. I need to try and get on it everyday this week. With the retreat coming up, I need to bank up sone exercise points. I have to leave the retreat early on much to Karen's and my disappointment. MIL is having a 75th birthday party put on by her daughters and it's this Sunday. It's not that I mind going to celebrate MIL's milestone, but Karen's and my time together is so limited and we don't get together at every retreat, so we guard that time. I have decided that I'll probably go home on Saturday night and not go in at all on Sunday. That way I can sleep in and then we can go out.

I've had to make a physio appointment. My arm's worsened again, possibly due to the extra time I've been spending on the computer. At least with the trackpad I can use my left hand more.
Thanks Sheree for the award. I'm often lax at posting that I have received these, so have made a special effort to remember to post it on my blog. Thanks for thinking of me. I can't wait to catch up with you and Alaine on the weekend.