A Social Day in Hospital

What a huge day? It's not long after 8.30am and I've left Billy-Joe to snooze. He is exhausted after the day we've had. Not much of today was spent in bed. Basically from 10.30 onwards we were busy.

Billy-Joe went off with Max, the physiotherapist. She did some walking beep test stuff with him today. His lungs coped okay, bis ankles and knees not so well. We definitely need to look into these joint problems too. We want to get our boy to the healthiest he can be, to not be hampered by undiagnosed and untreated pain. Just before he headed to Physio a friend of ours Pete arrived, bearing gifts of scrumptious chocolates for both of us. Pete andi went downstairs for coffee. We were still sitting there when Billy-Joe finished. I was expecting two other visitors and I didn't tell Billy-Joe who was coming. Cath and Blake arrived, with Nan and Darby, Chrissy and Carlee in tow. What a lovely surprise. We sat and had another coffee and then headed to the ward so Billy-Joe could be hooked up to his IV again. Then we went into the Parent Room and Cath cut Billy-Joe's hair. It Looks so much better shorter. We went back to the ward and I had a late lunch. After his antibiotics were finished we decided to go on our walk.

We walked over to the Food Court had a drink and another sit out in the fresh air and the. We walked back. I could see Billy-Joe was had it when we got back.

We've gotten to the point where we don't even think that we will go home soon and we've fallen into a new routine in our new ward. The doctors visited us this morning and told us they were still not happy with the temperature spikes. They are trying to decide whether or. Ot to give Billy-Joe a CAT scan as they're concerned there might be an abscess, or something that the 'bug' has developed to make itself resilient toward the antibiotic. It all sounds rather serious to me so there's no way I'm going to be painful and push to go home. There's too much at stake.

Bunny is visiting tomorrow,bringing us some we things we need, including my MacBook and some school work for Billy-Joe.

I can say we made the most of today. I made Billy-Joe laugh loads of times. I'm trying to get him to eat more too, that's hard with the cruddy food he gets. He's actually hanging out for one of my stir fries!!!!!

One Week Post Surgery

Who would have thought that long Sunday spent in emergency would lead to such a long stay in hospital. 

And we are not going anywhere in a hurry either. 

Being in this new ward has had its down moments. Like I said yesterday I can't sleep beside Billy-Joe which isn't a bad thing because I actually slept and wasn't awoken by staff, beeping IV machines or moaning children. These a boy with cerebral palsy in the same ward. His Mum shores and he whimpers and moans. Poor Billy-Joe was in tears when I came back bedside. I really felt for him, his big sad eyes with shadows smudged underneath them in his pale face nearly broke my heart. It's not easy in this ward. I can't comfort myself either by saying that we've got it easy compared to the other kids and parents. Taking joy in another's misfortune doesn't bring me solace. I've used it for Billy-Joe more to help him gain an understanding of their situation, as kids so often are ignorant. 

I have to focus on the situation at hand, it's my reality and something I need to consolidate within my mind. 

In the morning we went to the gym with our Physio. Billy-Joe shot some hoops, and played on the Wii. Anything for a bit of aerobic activity, which helps expand the lungs and makes him cough too. 

I'd woken up with yet another massive headache, which I couldn't budge with Nurofen plus. When it eased slightly but I was ready for more pain relief I walked over to pharmacy on my own. Billy-Joe wanted to come but I needed time on my own and wanted to be quicker as it's a fair way, even further now that we've moved. 

Before I'd even left the floor, Dad rang which was lovely and much needed. It was good to be able to hear his voice and realize that home wasn't that far away. I got some meds at the chemist and then looked around the crowded food court to see what appealed. Peter rang while I debated joining the mile long queue in Subway. That was a much needed conversation and again it was good to be out of Billy-Joe's earshot. I could speak of my vasculitis concerns and let Peter know that the doctors were pretty sure it was in no way related to that. Thank God for that. During the conversation I faltered a little and held back some sobs. Peter offered to swap places but I declined. I know my place is here. I know that Billy-Joe needs me to be here. While I know Peter is doing it tough at home, in some ways it's not a bad thing. His appreciation for what I do has grown in leaps and bounds. He can still go to work and for the next few days Mickey is at school camp so there'll only be two of them at home, easy for Peter. Sammy on his own is a very serene child. Easy. 

I bought my lunch and then headed back to the ward feeling proud of myself that I'm learning how to navigate this huge complex. 

After my delicious Subway I went to have a lie down. The ward is so noisy and I don't like noise and when I have a headache I can't switch off from it. I slept on the two seater lounge for a couple of hours and felt much better for it. When I came back Billy-Joe had had a blood test. It was not without drama though as he has my veins and they're shrinking away from needles. The phlebotomist had two attempts and drew nothing. Protocol here states you only get two attempts. One of the doctors took him to the treatment room as was able to draw the required amount. 

The Infectious Disease guys came to visit too. If the fevers keep spiking we could be here for another few weeks. We are hoping that the changed antibiotics will give him a better chance at going home a little sooner. 

It's a day at a time. 

I've been praying for patience and peace. 



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Looking forward to better days.

I glad we've both got good outlooks otherwise today would have been dreadful.

I was quite sad this morning when we were told that we would have to move out of our ward. Wed grown rather comfortable there and already had a routine. The room was quiet with only one other patient and we had lots of room. I would spend the day in a very comfy recliner and then at night I'd roll out and unfold and make up my bed and push the recliner I to the bed's day spot. I was right beside Billy-Joe the entire time. I'd leave to go and have my shower and sometimes I'd go and have a cup of tea or I'd walk across to the main hospital to buy some food or go to the chemist but I was there all the rest of the time. I had offers to be collected so that I could spend the time elsewhere but I don't want to be anywhere else. Billy-Joe is relying on me and my company so very much. As it was now that we are in a new wars I cannot sleep beside him as there's not enough room for the stretcher. So I'm outside the ward and along the hall. I've set up my bed in a large open room which has breakfast facilities, lounge chairs, showers and toilets. The view is lovely though lol. It's a little lonely and strange.

The highlight of my day was Mike bringing my washing. What a kind and lovely man!! Now I have some fresh clothes which I like to wear. It's cooler here so I really misses the longer pants. Thank you Sheree for coming to collect my washing yesterday.

One of the doctors visited again this afternoon and told us we had to be patient. With the severity of the pneumonia they're not taking any chances. Sounds ominous. I wonder how kong we will remain here.

My baby boy goes on his first camp tomorrow and I won't be there to see him off and possibly won't be there when he comes home.

Peter is missing me badly. So good to hear his voice.
We've never spent so much time together before,well not since he was a baby. We've always been close and now we are even more so. We are so much alike it's a little scary. We can co exist very easily and harmoniously.

Update from RCH

I'm so glad I'm able to keep updates while I'm here. I would have killed for an iPad whilst I was in hospital and Ronald McDonald House. I could have kept a journal of all that went on, I kno I've fit some details scratched into a notebook somewhere but a blog would have been awesome. I just hope ive done justice to the last week as far as recording.

I've kept positive the entire time I've been here. I've been stressed and worried at times of course. But I've managed to keep my attitude buoyant. This has had a twofold affect. I keep my own spirits high, and Billy-Joe benefits from that. No point me being miserable and a sad sack, that won't help him at all. I fear that it's hardest on Peter in many ways. He's continuing on at home with work, the house and the kids. Bless his heart but he's not used to working and doing everything at home. I've had bouts of doing that and it's hard. In many ways I found it much harder when we didn't know what was going on. I know Billy-Joe is in good hands and that this is the best place he can possibly be.

I've just been downstairs. A lovely angel just arrived to wash my unmentionables and my clothes I've been living in. I thought we were going home today and I've been wearing the most comfortable stuff. Thank God Sheree was Ble to drop everything to pick up our waging. Suzy (My Personal Shopping Angel) bought some singlet tops and a nice pair of yoga pants which are co comfy and I'll get heaps of wear out of at home. They need a wash now. Barbi was here yesterday and has quenched my Pepsi Max addiction. Dear Bunny ga e me some money so that my credit card gets a rest.

It's after two thirty and I'm ready for a rest. It's busy here and the relaxed moments are treasured. Billy-Joe has another fever so is feeling a bit flat now. I hope he bas a kip.

I spent last night researching doing my nursing degree some more. I could do it part time. It would take me six years. By that time the kids are out of school. Definitely something to think about. I could still be eligible for HECS/HELP as you're entitled to 7 years full time and I've only used 3.

Only God knows what the future holds.

Update

The days here have passed by very quickly. I can't believe we have now been in Brisbane for this our sixth night. If anyone is like me and loves the full medical terminology of things Billy-Joe has a Complex pneumonia with a 
pleural effusion and empyema.  When you read at length about this I'm totally amazed at how strong and patient my boy has been. He's been through a lot. Actually he's still quite ill. While the surgery is behind us and the intercostal tube has been removed there is still a huge hill to climb. He still has a temperature everyday, has no appetite and is severely lethargic. He's still receiving nasal gastric feeds which is keeping him well nourished. Even if he were eating what's normal for him it wouldn't be enough to give him all the nutrients he needs. 

He's had enough of being here. Peter is convinced he'd get better quicker if he were home. I'm not 100% convinced we are out of the woods yet and would rather stay here than go home too soon. At least help is close at hand here. In many ways it's easier for me to be here with him then to have him in NGH. He'd want me to spend the day with him which of course I would do, but then all my other responsibilities would still be waiting for me at home. This way I can focus on him and he can e my priority without me being torn by all the other things I need to do too. 

We are fortunate as we are in a two bed ward and the other patient and his Mum spend many hours at home each day. So it's a peaceful room. The nursing and medical staff are awesome.   

I've even spent much of this evening researching a nursing degree. I don't know. I am comfortable in a hospital environment. I love the medical knowledge I have and am always interested in knowing more. I'm probably getting too old to pursue a new career. I mean let's face it, I've never really had one. A career is something that you can grow with and advance through. What I've ever done, even the teaching I've done has always been just a job, never a career. 

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Update from Royal Childrens' Hospital

It's Friday we've been here now since Tuesday night. 

He's been up and walking. I showered him and he ate a bowl of coco pops for breakfast. These things sound so positive but he's oh so miserable. The tube is also gone. He was so brave as that was being removed. We are here until at least Monday. 

I have just found out that there's a lot of white still on his chest X-ray. It could be infection or it could be more fluid. He's developed a temperature too which isn't good. A doctor will come and check up on him later. 

Family Update

I can't even remembered what if anything I've posted about Billy-Joe's. I know if I don't post now, everything will blur. 

Sunday morning Billy-Joe awoke and came in to see me saying that he was in a lot of pain and was having trouble breathing. I sat with him for a few minutes. Saw how puffed he was and the level of pain he was in and I rang the ambulance. I've never had to do that before. We were taken to NGH. From here on in I'll write in dot point. 

.given ventolin in ambulance even though I knew it wasn't asthma
. Gave him oxygen and pain relief
. Took a chest x ray which was clear

. We were sent home 5 hours later. I was told it was muscular. 
. Billy-Joe rested all afternoon on my bed with me
.  Took kids to school and Billy-Joe to GP

. She rang ambulance immediately.  She said he either had a punctured lung or pneumonia
. He was placed on oxygen
. Given pain relief in hospital
. Took another chest X-ray 
. Diagnosis Pneumonia (One for Andrea Norton)

. Started immediately on IV antibiotics 
. Took blood gases 
. Admitted to Childrens' Ward 2pm

. Took a new chest X-ray
. Pneumonia has worsened fluid on the lung which has happened rapidly. 
. Moved to 1D because of bed shortage. 

. I went home and was called back as they were going to aspired
. Couldn't aspirate as it was all in pockets. 

. Were told we needed to go to RCH as they would drain the fluid. He had Pleural Effusion)

. Went home packed and went back
. Arrived Brisbane 9pm
. Saw many doctors including Respiratory Specialist. (who said he believed Billy-Joe doesn't have asthma) 
. We were finally taken to a ward at 3am
. Billy-Joe finally given string pain relief and he slept from then on and for much of the next day. 

. Woke up he wasn't in too much pain. Looking forward to feeling better after surgery
. Saw loads of people. Doctors, med students, nurses, nursing students, Specialist, even a professor. 
.Went into Theatre 12.30am

. I got to shower and even slept. 

.Billy-Joe back from theatre 3.40pm

.He's comfortable. Another X-ray shows that fluid is reduced. 

. He has a morphine pump. He's very comfortable and sleeping. He has a nasal gastric tube. 

We will wait and see what tomorrow brings. He should start getting better now that the fluid is going. The drain is still in and will remain for another couple of days.  

His concern for me and his appreciation for me being with him is so overwhelming for me. He has received so many compliments about his behaviour. I've been complimented on bringing up such a beautiful boy. I am so proud of him. 

He is just the most amazing boy such a great patient too. 





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Addendum

Just some thoughts to add to today.

I've focussed on the happenings of today and the last week or so. Tonight, while having dinner I was able to speak my thoughts with Peter and he added some more and made us realize this isn't as isolated as I'd originally thought.

Readers of my blog may remember that we've been worried about him for some time. Nothing has improved and even though the pediatrician's appointment has taken ages to be organized I'm so glad it's this week.

He's 14, nearly 15 and eats like a bird. Mickey eats more than he does and is five years younger than Billy-Joe. At almost 15 he should be eating us out of house and home. He's small too, too small.

He's got a huge heart and he's tough but he's got no resilience. His body is bruised from one end to the other. Mind you he doesn't look that much better when he's not had a footy game. I've had bloods done before as I was concerned something more sinister was afoot.

I've always pushed for more assessment to be done from where his asthma is concerned. He's always chesty sounding with a permanent wet cough and yet his chest is always clear. He can't even laugh without his body being racked by a cough, laughter quickly dying.

I pray I'm reading too much into these symptoms. But I've put these thoughts on the back burners for long enough.

Thank you to my family and my friends for your well wishes and prayers. Billy-Joe feels very blessed to be surrounded by so much love. Thank you.

A Trip to Hospital

I sit here on my bed, feeling a little numb, feeling sad, feeling grateful and strangely enough, with a strong sense of peace too.

At 7am, Billy-Joe woke me up to say he was having problems breathing. He had a heat pack and I new that his muscular problem from a week ago had come back. I laid back down, cursing the fact I'd allowed him to play football on Friday. I quickly reassessed the situation, flew out of bed, and, within five minutes had dressed and rung the ambulance. A part of me felt ridiculous for ringing, but for the most part, I knew it was my only option. I couldn't have moved him, he couldn't walk, he was chalky white, with a green tinge, and his lips were white, he was not well. I didn't think he was cyanosed, but felt it was not within my experience to be 100% sure.

The paramedics were quick. I'd woken Mickey who went and got Peter and then the ambos arrived. They took him to hospital, put him on oxygen and then a nebulizer even though I was sure it wasn't asthma, but it was a safeguard. I'd never ever seen him in so much pain. He was so good. Never flinched even when he was cannulated.

After a quick assessment, even a mobile chest x-ray, we knew he didn't have a collapsed lung, or pneumonia, which were my first thoughts.

After two morphine shots, his pain levels were tolerable, and then low enough for him to be comfortable. We remained in hospital for five hours, he was under constant observation and hooked up the whole time. He vomited and his temperature went up a bit too.

I'm not sure what this all means. To me, yes, there could be a pulled muscle, but then it's been good all week, and didn't hurt during or after his football game. He's bruised on all his limbs from the game, too bruised for my way of thinking, and for the pain to be so great that he can't take full breathes seems excessive to me. His appointment with the paediatrician is on Wednesday, finally.

He coped well, probably because I was calm and that helped him. Nothing soothes a child more than a Mum who's calm in a situation which much have been very scary for him.

Me, I coped alright too, even on the inside. It's now I don't feel so good. But I've always been like that, good in a crisis, not so good later on. I didn't pray at all while this was going on. I felt peace though, and still do. I knew Billy-Joe was in the good hands of the hospital staff and in the Good Lord's hands too. My role was to be there to comfort and hold..........

I didn't cry until I read something from Barbi's email, and after I'd spoken to my Mum.

He's sleeping and I'm enjoying the quiet and solitude in my room.

Not long after we arrived.

Much more comfortable.

I'm a very lucky girl

Every now and again the flash of red takes me by surprise. I still get a little quiver of happiness inside me when I realize that the gorgeous car outside my house is mine.

Friday week ago things didn't look good. I didn't think the car was going to happen. With all the phone calls and faxing I wasn't really feeling too positive. Even when the loan was approved I was reluctant to get excited as I almost felt like something could still go wrong.

On Friday afternoon with three kids in tow and torrential rain, I went and picked up my new car.

I am one very lucky and extremely happy and grateful girl.

I've driven almost 200km already. The car handles like a dream and has the best added features. I've already used the voice recognition to make a call this is an awesome feature. I've already bought a double ended audio jack so I can plug in my iPhone and the music will play through the speakers. I also discovered a drawer under the front passenger seat.


When I went to get the car on Friday the salesman was really sweet and wanted me to see the car dry. He set up the Bluetooth with my phone which in all Apple wonderfulness took 1 second to do.

On the weekend I took every opportunity to drive. On Sunday I went for a drive down to the coast and I needed fuel but the petrol here in town was too dear. I pulled over beforehand so I could see which side my cap was on. Didn't want to look like a complete noob at the bowser lol. Added to that I didn't know how to open my petrol cap. Thank goodness for Google on my iPhone.

I'm enjoying zipping around everywhere. It is much nicer than driving my Camry. And the fuel cost me less than $40 too.

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Stressful Days

I can't ever remember trying to get a loan as much as I have this week. It's like you get told 'yes you'll get the money no worries' when you give them figures and then when you supply the figures and the concrete information to back it up, it becomes close and iffy. In the last two days I've made about 25 phone calls a couple of trips to make faxes and I've received man calls. And the saddest part is that during this time our financial adviser has been largely absent through all this. We've decided to organize the finance ourselves and to avail ourselves of our redraw facility on our home loan.

I'm feeling absolutely mentally drained with all this. I've been told the loan has been approved but they are still requesting information. So, at the moment I'm in a kind of limbo. Not sure whether to get excited and feeling decidedly flat.

My day went like this ...........

After an hour of working on the site and my patience had left me, I rang Toyota Finance when I could wait no longer and, when I remembered they were an hour ahead.

He said 'oh yes, it's been approved as long as the paperwork measures up with the information you've provided '.

Oooookkkkaaaay, then why am I not excited yet.

I collect all my documents and then head into Daisys to fax them through and then I head to my dental appointment to collect my splint. I was no sooner home and I got a call asking for my Centrelink income on a different document so I printed that out and faxed it off. Then I get another call asking to change my estimate to show my true entitlement, then I went and faxed it again.

Meanwhile I'm trying to organize access to my redraw facility on the home loan. Because I want the money quickly and I don't have a fax machine, I organize to have it faxed to Daisys. I also have to set up a new bank account so the money can be deposited and i can access it ASAP .Unfortunately the fax machine ran out of ink so I couldn't get the papers.

I had to pick up the kids and then get some footy boots for Billy-Joe and I'd promised Mickey a new Zac Power book.

We got home and I rang Homeside again. They will fax the papers to my local NAB branch and I'll collect them tomorrow. We can then fax it back.

My Dad hasn't signed the Ford document yet so I'll drop that in to him tomorrow.

Soooooooo when we have the money I can pick up my new car.

I'm still not quite believing that it's all go. I also can't believe that I set it all up on my own without the financial guy.

Happy Much!!!!!!

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An interesting few days

After seeing our financial adviser, and then putting a deposit on my lovely new car, we thought it was a done deal. I was already only half filling my Camry, in anticipation of my new set of wheels.

Friday afternoon, a phone call from our adviser, had it all crashing down around our ears. For some inexplicable reason, our bank won't use my Family Assistance as any form of income. Laughably, they wouldn't even loan us what we currently owe, as Peter's income, (which is now quite a bit more than it was even five years ago) and having three children, makes us eligible, for what's basically a pittance.

To add insult to injury, our track record with our repayments, the fact we're ahead and have money in a redraw facility has all added up to naught!! In the last 12 years, in addition to our home loans, we've furnished three car loans, which have ALL been paid out well before the final date.

Banks use a Poverty marker to ascertain what it costs a family to live per month, and they use that in their calculations for loan serviceability. Sadly, for us, this increased from $2000 per month, to $2900 per month, the DAY BEFORE we saw our adviser. This is quite ridiculous as Peter doesn't even bring home that much per month!! Where do they get that figure from I wonder. So as we've always known we're not well off, this is beyond poor!!

We are dumbfounded why they won't use my assistance as income, a figure which has always been counted before, from our initial home loan, to our two other re financing situations.

My mind has been whirring and churning, and my heart has been filled with prayer this week. I've oscillated between praying for those suffering in Christchurch to being thankful for my life, to asking for guidance with this loan matter. While I'm at peace, with whichever way this transpires, I haven't given up hope as yet. We still have options and it's not over till the fat lady sings.

It had been such an exciting week, and then Friday afternoon, the wind had been taken from my sails.

I've spent the weekend, quietly, with lots of much needed sleep, and my waking moments, have been spent putting figures through loan calculators and tossing up our ideas.

My week has been so exciting, and I've not been sleeping well for ages.........that I'd hit a wall by Friday and again yesterday. It was the first Saturday yesterday, where I'd had nothing on, so the day was very leisurely. Billy-Joe had been ill on Friday, so he laid down with me yesterday, and we both snoozed together for a few hours.

I feel better for it today.

In between all the car stuff of last week, I finally had my specialist visit. I'm very grateful that, for the first time with all this pain, that someone is monitoring it and can see that I'm not doing well. I got my MRI result and it showed that I have bursitis in my shoulder and also that there is something torn. No wonder, it was almost two years of pain.

I've been 8 months now on my new medication, with little improvement. On Wednesday, I was given a new drug, which hopefully will help me. My inflammation markers are so high, that if this new medication doesn't help, I would qualify for another class of drugs. It would be in the form of an injection. So there are still options ahead, which gives me peace of mind. I am thankful for my specialist, and I no longer feel 'hypochondriac like'. This is all thanks to my physiotherapist, who saw that there was obviously something systemically wrong with me.

Wonder what next week brings!

Another Busy Day

I'm looking forward to a full day at home tomorrow and Friday, the last few weeks have been so very busy. I enjoy being busy, but love and look forward to the down times.

This morning I did my washing and my ironing. I also chose my week's menus and did the groceries online, so they can be delivered tomorrow.

I have been out more than I'd normally like, so I was happy to get this done. I'm on schedule now for the week, when I complete more housework tomorrow. I did some Daisy work, although got frustrated yet again with my lack of knowledge, which of course means my lack of control over how the site looks. I don't like how it looks and have ideas for improving it, but don't have the knowledge. So then I went on to working on the things I can change so as not to waste precious time.

I was excited this morning when the car salesman rang and told me they could find a red car. It's only the second time in my life, I've been able to choose the colour of my car and I'm so very very excited. Because I love colour, actually settling on one is quite difficult. I'd never choose a white car by myself, but the white in the Fiestas is stunning, very crisp and clean looking, but these were sold out. The green was my second choice with a deep mulberry being my third choice. I do like the fact that none of the colours incurred extra charges. What did intrigue me, however, was the amount of 'McDonalds' style of salesmanship. You know what I mean, instead of saying, would you like fries with that? It's, would you like, external paint treatment, interior fabric treatment, tinted windows treatment, tyre and rim insurance, extra 4 years warranty insurance, insurance shortfall insurance........My mind was whirring. I only went there to sign some papers and pay a (large) deposit and then had to sit through the obligatory spiel.... I'd organized my time so I could fix that up, then have a coffee and then go on to my Rheumatologist appointment, but I had to skip the coffee and settled for a cold drink five minutes before my appointment instead....and, as it was I had to call the palaver short so I could make my appointment. Mind you, the idea of having my paint protected is appealing, especially as I've chosen red!! That with the window tinting is over $800 - a lot of money, but this car is a huge amount of money, not sure what to do there........ I've done a little look around what's available and the price they quoted me is a fair one.

My appointment with my specialist went well. Thankfully I can go onto some new medication, as my inflammatory levels have risen and my pain levels even more. For a while I have to be on both meds though, so from a financial standpoint that's not good, but I need the relief, so of course will try it.

Can't wait to drive my new metal baby around, it's just gorgeous.

An exciting time

It's been a busy and happy few weeks. The term is going by at a steady rate, and it still feels great having the kids back at school. I definitely have more time to myself when they are at school than when they are home. I do enjoy my freedom to be able to do as I please too, fitting in work where I like to and doing housework and still having time for myself.

Last week, I finished my E Commerce course. It was a good day, I wish it could have had more hands on, time together stuff. While the external work is a good idea, I think for things like this that have such a practical application more time together would have been beneficial. So much I just couldn't do. I'm still tossing up whether or not to do the Dreamweaver course, or even whether just to buy the program and have a go myself. If it were just an information site with a few interactive aspects for joining the newsletter and such, I would definitely have a go at creating a new one, but as it has the shopping cart with it, it adds a whole new dimension to the site. It's not a basic site. I know I could learn how to do it, but am not sure the best way to go about it. Like I've said before, I don't want to do another uni degree and I think the short course, is too short. I'll have to think on that one some more. I had totally discounted the idea, but it's reasserted itself, so I'm not done with the thought yet.

Yesterday I went and test drove some more cars. Dad came with me which was great. We managed to get the car down to the price we were prepared to pay, but not with Dad's ex employee discount, but with the reasonable trade in they have offered us for the Camry. We then went to another Ford dealer and we were given the same info on the Ford Fiesta there, although we didn't get to the point of having the Camry valued again. The dealership is under an umbrella with other car yards and the Kia yard was adjacent. Not wanting to discount any cars, we test drove the Kia Sports as well. It looked fabulous from the outside, alloy wheels, ABS and EBD brakes (which are standard in the Fiesta) large rear spoiler and a pretty snazzy looking front grille. However the inside of the car, and its drivability let it down. The inside was rather spartan looking to the point of being old fashioned. I found driving it difficult and was quite erratic with it. I found it harder to get the 'feel' of the car, and it was rather noisy too, which is something I hate with the Camry. I hate road noise and the sound that always makes me think a car window is open. The Fiesta was very very quiet, and smooth to drive. However, as it's a German design, the indicator on the left will take a bit to get used to. About half the corners I turned were signalled with the wipers flapping instead. Dad and I were disappointed with the Discount that Ford offered us on the basis of Dad being an ex employee. The car is a new model in all aspects, with all the latest December additions, but has a 2010 compliance plate, but this already reduces the car by $3000.

Peter and I talked about selling the Camry privately as he always maintains you always get more money selling it privately. I agree with this, but quite frankly don't want the hassle of doing this. Like all the admin aspects of our lives, this job would fall to me and as we know the Camry needs some work, and a RWC isn't free......I'd hate to think how much we'd actually have to spend on it. Thankfully Peter came around to my way of thinking and has agreed that trading in the Camry is a good idea.

Our Financial Adviser came today, and has given us the green light to go ahead as we'll have no dramas getting the funds for the car. Peter was relieved beyond belief, when he was told our repayments wouldn't increase!!!! It shows that once again he'd not listened to me, when I increased our repayments and explained that these would cover any extra money we borrowed.... I even suggested well if you were expecting our repayments to go up, perhaps we can buy a better car lol......

Anyway, the car yard is ringing back and I'm getting antsy. I expected them to ring back by late morning and it's now early afternoon. My heart is still going quickly and I'm positive my blood pressure is elevated. I'm so excited. This is my first new car in 25 years........and no one is going to take it away from me this time!!! It's been a long time since my ex husband pulled a shifty on me and left the country, leaving me a car he'd promised to pay for. I was at Uni at the time, and had no possible way of paying the loan off, so my car was returned, and I was left with the debt anyway!! I won't go into details, it's ancient history now, but is what hurts me the most about the fact that marriage broke up. This new car will be so much more special. Actually if I go back in my life, my only other new car I'd ever owned, I had to leave when that marriage dissolved..........mmmmmm....something about my husbands and new cars!! Thankfully this husband and I are together forever, so my car will stay with me too.

I'm often asked why we've settled for a small car, as we have 3 boys and it seems silly to buy something so tiny. Well the reasons are many, not that I have to justify myself to anyone other than myself and my husband, but these are the reasons I came up with.
- I do lots of driving, all in suburbia and in town
- When we drive to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the car will be fine
- It's a perfect car for teaching the boys to drive in
- I will feel more confident in it, and am excited to finally parallel park (something I've only every done once since I've got my license!!!)
- When we go away as a family, we go in the ute. There's plenty of room for us all, and as the car is older, it doesn't matter if the kids get in it wet, and we can take everything with us.
- I'm tired of having used cars which cost heaps to maintain, and cost heaps to put petrol into
- The Camry is 14 years old, getting tired and is in need of some major works

Can't wait!! Will post a pic when it arrives. Although, having said that, a part of me wonders whether I should check out more used but fairly new cars.....mmmm......I'm off to google!!

Test drove another car today

Another good day today. I went to Sammy and Mickey's school assembly, and I was there for quite a while. Sammy's class presented an item, and it was quite pertinent. The presentation was based on the fact, that, even though we've had these disasters of late, floods, cyclones and bushfires, and the tragic loss of lives, there are many things to be thankful of. We can't take away from the severity or the sadness that these have created, but we can thank God, for the miracles that still take place. It was good for the kids to do something like that, and, I think the message would have brought comfort to some of the parents there too. Sammy often says to me, there are no miracles anymore, but there are miracles around us all the time. A seed growing, a flower budding and a child being born. One doesn't have to look to far to see miracles around us everyday.

After the assembly I zoomed home as I was very thirsty, and then I thought I'd better get some fuel before it goes up for the weekend. I was unable to release my fuel cap. I have a latch beside my seat and it wasn't opening the cap. So, I headed down to my mechanic, who glued something, and left my cap open so I could go and get fuel. I was well and truly on empty by this stage. I filled up and came home. I baked some choc chip cookies for a morning tea tomorrow and did some chores and then headed out to Nissan to test drive the new Micra, pictured above. I think these look very cool on the road, and they're marketed as a 'girl's car'. They've got all the latest bells and whistles and are very reasonably priced. I test drove the 1.2L which was interesting as I've never driven a three cylinder car before. I was impressed..... It's got a lot more oompf than my (nanna) camry!!! Even though I'm going to test all these cars, I'm pretty sure we'll go for a Ford, but I need something to compare cars against. The guy at the dealership, was young and very helpful and told me heaps about the car. He explained all the safety features, which I was impressed with. I also looked but didn't drive the Tiida, it's a great little car. The Micra was surprisingly roomy,I was very much surprised. My boys could easily fit in the car, without their knees under their chin. The guy said he sold a Micra to a lady with three kids just the other day.

I'm off to shower shortly and head out for another night at Daisy's.

A good day

Another layout for my Christmas 2009 Album (I'm such a goombah, my middle son, just saw this on my iMac and said 'Mummy, you've made a mistake, this wasn't 2009 it was 2010', what was I thinking of, I'm supposed to be working on old photos......grrrr)

It's been a good week. Yesterday I headed to Brisbane again to spend the day with Barbi, Holly and Jas. We went back to Ikea, to pick up the rest of my chair, I ended up getting the white seat. Jas' eyes were wide as we walked around the store. I bought a few more bits and pieces, it's not an easy place to walk through without buying anything. I got some tea towels, they're cheap and were worth trying, some plastic cups, a mattress protector.

Then we drove to Nathan Campus to organize Holl's ID. We then dropped the girls off at QPAC as they were booked in to see 'Wicked'. We then had quite a few hours on our own. We headed to Koorong and browsed around the books, and bought some too of course. Afterwards we headed to Maccy D's and availed ourselves of their free (lousy) wifi. We got some work done, but the connection was so slow, and we had to resort to taking notes on paper - can you believe that?? We enjoyed a late lunch, and left there around 5.30pm to pick up the girls after they'd shopped in the mall after the show. We didn't get home until nearly 8pm as the traffic was heavy and we got lost.......I wonder how many cities there are in the world that consist of one way streets?? It's a nightmare of a place to navigate. I would have to go there so regulary as to actually become familiar with the place. The one way roads do my head in. Barbi does so well, even though she's not 100% familiar with the city, she's great, and even if she makes an error she can so easily fix it. I am happy to say though, that I could find my own way to Ikea lol........

I had a nice evening catching up with Peter and then I headed to bed fairly late. I actually slept well, which was just bliss. Of late I've been waking and finding it really hard to go back to sleep. My eternal problem which has always been fixed with medication, and I think that because my GP is weaning me off my HRT, this is causing sleep disturbances. On another medication front, my arthritis has been really bad for the last couple of months. My fingers are so sore, I'm struggling to do lots of 'normal' things. I've been on my arthritis medication for 7 months now, and I'm not sure if they're helping that much. I've been waiting for ages to go and see my specialist, and I'm not booked in until the end of the month. Hope we can do something.....I'm even finding it hard getting my rings over the knuckles, massaging the kids or Peter, grabbing something in one hand without the support of the other, even something as light as large envelope of papers. I'm always frightened when Peter grabs my hand that he'll squeeze my fingers together like he often does, although he's getting used to not doing it.

This morning I headed into the shops and bought my out of stock Coles items, well some anyway, as I couldn't get fresh coriander at Woolies either. I tried to put my chair together, but didn't have the strength in my hands so Bunny did it later for me. I'm glad I got the white one, it looks good, and works well with my iMac and my white desk, even though it's in my lounge which is predominantly red. I had to catch up on my washing, seeing as I wasn't home yesterday. My groceries arrived and I put them away. I did quite a bit of the work which Barbi and I had talked about yesterday, so I was pleased with that. In the afternoon, I completed the second page of my album. I also set up DropBox, which is a cloud app which can sync documents between my computers and devices. A great way of having important things on all devices. Nothing more frustrating than having to email oneself important data.

Mickey cooked this afternoon, he's made little quiches. We made them in muffin pans using puff pastry. He's surprisingly quite comfortable in the kitchen, he's a good listener and an excellent follower of instructions and when I've shown him something. Thank God, as Sammy is hard work to show something, because even at 11 he knows everything, and won't stop and let me finish showing him. Plus he's awkward around food preparation. I thought Mickey would be the same as I figured it was an age thing.

We're having a Roast pumpkin and feta salad, with spinach, barley and chicken. It should be yummy. I bought a Super Food Ideas magazine this week, and it's my adaptation of a recipe in there.

Take 3

This is my second attempt at blogging today. I'd done an entire post earlier, via Picasa and it had a conniption. I wasn't impressed, because there's no back button so I couldn't even go back to copy and paste.........hence the post title.

Actually 24 hours have gone by, best laid plans and all.......

Actually it's now Take 3, because of the time that has elapsed, I needed to create another post ......

It's been great with the kids at school. I must say I'm enjoying having my days back to myself. I seem to get more things done, and am able to spend some time doing things for myself which is nice. Although, having said that, with the heat, I've been doing the minimum. The weather last week was so humid, I found it hard to do anything other than my chores. I'd made such a good start with doing things, and last week fell in a heap, so I thought all my motivation was back in the dumps where it was. Yesterday a cool change came through, and, even though I've not been sleeping properly, I was awake at 5am, up at 6am and managed to do heaps of different things yesterday. I don't  mind napping on a Sunday or on a Friday afternoon before scrapbooking, but in the last 2 weeks, I've been having a snooze every afternoon. I now realize, it was the heat just sapping the energy out of me.

I've got things I want to finish, one of them being my Christmas 2009 album. I've opted for digital, so above is my first page. I've half done my second page today. I had a fair bit of spare time today, but I ended up with a slight change of plans. I dropped into Daisys to collect some work, and I stopped and chatted to some girlfriends, which was lovely. I could have stayed and chatted more, but Cath rang and was dropping in with some things she wanted to give the boys. She stayed two and a half hours which was so good, just to chat and catch up. 

Rusty, was castrated today. I picked him up from the vet's after I picked up the boys from school. He's fairly active for someone who's had surgery. I missed him today, he's such good company and it didn't seem the same without Rusty sitting on the Time Capsule while I work.

Tomorrow I'm off to Brisbane again with Barbi. Holly is going to see 'Wicked' with her girlfriend and Barbi and I will camp somewhere, preferably with wi fi and good coffee!!!

Digi Layout

Two out of three

The kids are back at school today, well two are anyway. It has been nice having a quieter day, I do enjoy my time to myself, although I don't miss the getting ready in the mornings.

Thank God I got up early, had a quiet moment to myself, and then got started with the day. I'm pleased I was ready and in the car early as my car wouldn't start, so Bunny had to come and jump start me. Luckily the car was booked in for a service today, so it will have gotten a new battery.

When we finally got to school Billy-Joe got the kids organized in their rooms while I queued up to organize some new uniforms. Mickey has grown so much, and filled out that he looked absolutely ridiculous in his clothes. I had some larger sized ones, so that was good for today. The queue for the uniform shop was long and it was so hot in the room with no ventilation. The guy at the mechanics brought Billy-Joe and I home.

I did my ironing and finished the invoices for Barbi. I am so pleased that's finished. Two years of invoices from a busy retail store, is quite a lot of papers!!! Once again I handled a snake. I'm pretty sure it was a tree snake, but quite an aggressive one. Billy-Joe wouldn't even come out and take a photo of me holding it. He's absolutely petrified. It was quite a pretty snake, although not at all happy that Izzy was trying to hit him on the head with her paw. I'm sure she thinks it's a play thing. I don't think she caught it, I think it was just on the verandah, at one point it had half it's body inside the door, Billy-Joe really panicked then lol......

Billy-Joe and I then made melting moments, although I was disappointed with them as they're quite flat. I should have stuck to my tried and true recipe. I'm sure they'll all get eaten though.

Dinner is simple, spicy mango chicken with a potato salad. I don't feel like being in the kitchen for ages today as it's quite hot.

Tomorrow is Australia Day. Mum and Dad are coming around to celebrate. We'll have chicken skewers, sausages, pork spare ribs salads, and a home made pavlova for dessert. With a bit of wine thrown in too!!

This was the photo for today's Project 365!! It was supposed to be of the kids' first day of school, but we weren't in the same place all together at school, so it didn't happen.....lucky, the kitties are always there to photograph.

To be successful I need to eat frogs.

Last night I bought a Kindle book called 'Eat that Frog' by Brian Tracy. Apparently it's a list maker's book, Alaine recommended it to me. It based on the premise that in order to be successful in life you need to eat the frogs first. This was based on something that Mark Twain said. If you eat a frog first thing in the morning the day can only get better. For us the frog I'd doing the task we dislike the most but will give us the best sense of achievement.

I started reading it this afternoon and am enjoying it. It works in really well with my one little word project for this year. This book is part of my journey for me to focus my energies not only to become more productive but to be better at what I currently do.

The bizarre thing is that while I find I can easily pinpoint my goals from a personal standpoint I am unable to figure out what I want to do work wise. In a nutshell I don't want to go out to work anymore. U enjoy working from home And organizing my life around what I do. On the other hand if I had something that was two days a week work, good money and I had school holidays. These jobs are rare. Oh that's right I have a job like that. I'm a teacher. But as with all jobs there are positives and negatives. The positives are, great money, I get to work with good people, I learn new skills. The negatives are I get rung up on e day I'm needed, and I may not be rung for weeks at a time, and yet I could lay money on the fact that the one day I've planned to go out or have a friend for lunch or a doctor's appointment is the day I get a call. Without fail!!!!! I also feel like I'm running on a facade of confidence as it's that which gets me through. I'm not experienced enough and certainly not experienced in special ed the area where I last worked and yet while I'm trusted I think it's more my age and attitude that makes the other staff members believe I'm quite capable. Basically I feel like I'm a fraud. I could study some more, but I don't have it in me anymore to do anymore uni study.

I enjoy variety in work, and I like being in charge of what and how I do things. That was great with teaching as there was no one over my shoulder telling me how to work. I've considered doing a course in Dreamweaver to build a new site for Daisys.

I love being a mother and a wife. That is my job and the only one I've had for this long. I enjoy making a home and taking care of my boys. And I know they appreciate what I do. I have job satisfaction galore. But the pay is crappy. I want mo money,but it's obviously not a strong enough motivator to get me into a 'proper job '.

I don't miss teaching at all. I was born in the wrong era for teaching. The entire system would need an overhaul before I considered teaching again. I can't cope with feral kids and the disrespect they bring. I don't want anything to do with that echelon of society. A terribly unchristian attitude from me I know but I'm interested in helping people who want help. Not someone who is going to fight me every step of the way.

My expectations are probably too high although it's a sad reflection on society if common courtesy, respect of your fellow man and manners are having too high an expectation. Tragic indeed. What needs to happen before things will change. How long before we acknowledge that the free reign approach to raising kids simply isn't working. Possibly something I'll never see.

It's hard to decide what to do when I haven't the faintest idea. How can I map out a plan when I know not my destination?






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