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.