Random Thoughts

Wanted

2010-02-18T23:24:00.000+10:30

Trying to think of something profound to write about...

hmmmm....
No, nothing.

A cuddle would be nice about now.

A little backsliding in the embracing

2010-02-03T22:26:00.000+10:30

Hi guys

I am still attempting to embrace.

I'm going to be honest, my embracing has lost a little bit of shine - and - if you look real close you can probably see a bit of a frown (just keeping it real ;)
Still,
when I put my little miseries, challenges, frustration or disappointments up alongside some real suffering I realise that the best thing for me to do is get out of my little self absorbed pity party and get back to embracing the bounty of gifts - with passion.

But....

Just before I do

can I just have a little, teeny weeny whinge?

Moved house (usual hard work) landed in a place that has neighbours from hell. Ok, that might be a bit harsh - but they have been - hmmm - difficult. Two young (theatrical) lads who like to park themselves in the backyard (spitting distance from my bedroom window) and debrief, in what only can be described as - a LOUD fashion. They start at about 11.30pm and go inside sometime after 2am. EVERY NIGHT. Part of their nightly routine is training little puppy dog ' Ollie". "Well done baby. Do toilet for daddy. Good boy!!!!" (about 30 min worth of doggy praise).

Thanks guys - thanks for allowing me a little mo -

Off to bed to count my blessings.

Embracing all kinds of things

2010-01-16T19:16:00.008+10:30

A word that won't leave me is....
EMBRACE
So, I am going to embrace that word as the word to see me through this year.

I have recently embraced approx 17,000 bees that decided to make the rosebush, outside my bedroom window, their new home.

"Mum, there are some bees outside."
"Whatever!"
"MUM, there are quite a few bees outside!!!"
"What part of 'whatever' are you having trouble with?"
"The part that suggests there are LOTS and LOTS of bees outside!!!!!!!"
So, I went and had a look and this is what I found.

Take a closer look

After I both freaked out and apologized to Ellisha for my flippant response I decided to have a go at embracing the situation. Having never had to deal with such a thing before it took a little while to get the embracing part organized. Problem is, the council is flat out just killing them (problem solved as far as they are concerned) oblivious to the fact that the loss of our good bees is having a negative impact on our agriculture. I Googled and Googled and Googled, eventually stumbling on a phone number. Helga answered and after I explained to her the approx size of the nest, she says, 'I vill be there in vorty minutes. Dey must go. I vill be there in vorty minutes".

Helga was very impressive.
She assured me that she had collected about 16,000 along with Queenie. The remaining 1000 or so would fly away within the hour (fly away and die).
And they did!
Helga will quarantine the bees for 6 months - if there is no disease she will put them to work. If diseased the department of agriculture will destroy them.

Another thing I have embraced lately is - bush fires.

South Australia and Victoria were on extreme bush fire alert last week. The temperatures were ridiculous. The land is dry and the trees are ready to burn.

I received a phone call putting me on standby (I am on the emergency relief team for the Salvos).
I had no sooner uttered the words, "I am bored" when the phone rang.
"Are you free? Pack an overnight bag, We are responding to a fire in the hills.Be at the warehouse in 20 min."
This was my very first call out. The fire had been burning for about 5 hours and the firefighters needed feeding and looking after.
That's my job - to feed em.
Stopped feeding at 2am. Fire contained. Stood down.
And as I am embracing reality - I have even got a picture to share.

I am flat out embracing packing the house ready for the move. I am also trying really hard to embrace the uncertainty of work. 3 days before teachers go back and I have not had the phone call yet. I am tempted to feel all jittery and nervous. I choose not to embrace the negative. I am being looked after. I am in His care. He knows my needs. I am grateful for all I have.

After going to the doctors, I have been told (in no uncertain terms) that I need to embrace a low fat diet STAT! I have 22 kilos to lose (again - sigh).

Oh yes, and a bit of an update with the hormones. I am typically (for me) atypical in my pursuit of menopause. Out of the three major hormones they measure. I am peri in one. All finished and dusted on another. And flying high with the third. So, doc said I can pick and choose which status I would like to be.

I would like to thank Kym from Nanna's cottage for the Lemonade stand award. I would like to pass it on to any of my friends who would like this beautiful award. "It is to be awarded to bloggers that show great attitude and gratitude."

Well, must go. Lots to do.

Being Ok with less than perfect.

2010-01-10T19:38:00.003+10:30

Once upon a time, quite some time ago, a wanna - be -quilter began a new adventure

I chose the colours with what can only be described as manic zeal.

and then rested.

Saint Linds prompted, prodded, tutored and threatened me until I had actually sewn the strips together.

and that was as far as I got!

Until.........

Just last week, as I was going through my 'stuff', I stumble upon my masterpiece.

What to do?

In the driveway was a trailer ready to take my unwanted 'stuff' to the rubbish tip.

Thinking I had Buckleys chance of actually finishing it - and considering the fact that I hadn't blogged for 6 months (and nobody would know) onto the 'out 'pile it went.

Guilt and a sense of unfinished business set in.

There was a lesson in this for me.

So, off to my friend Roses' place me and my unfinished quilt went.

It is timely for me to inform you that Rose has on her resumes, 'seamstress'. True to say that there have been many a time when Rose has rescued me (taken over) as I have remained tight lipped and allowed people to believe that I could actually sew.

Hold on!

That is not the exact truth. I suspect I can sew. But I don't get any joy from it and ultimately go for the give - in (sabotage) approach.

I really want to enjoy it.

I feel I should enjoy it.

But alas -

I don't!!!!!!

So, I am at Rose's place when she seeks reassurance that it is me not her about to sew. I assure her I am. My plan is to rip through it on the machine. What will be, will be. I am going to be ok with the outcome.

My plan is to embrace the obvious.

Embrace the faults in my quilt (add a few more even) and celebrate completion in spite of perfection.

And so - another drum roll please...........

The imperfect quilt.

and I am ok with that!

What next? - let me see!

I just might try crocheting - only kidding Linds ;)

Long time - no post

2010-01-09T19:32:00.002+10:30

I have some good news and some bad news.

First for the good news - Drum roll please......

Apparently - I am not - I repeat - am NOT going through the beastly 'menopause'.

(pause - allow time for the hip, hip hoorays)

And so - without further ado - I will launch straight into the bad news.........

If it wasn't menopause - then - boy, oh boy these past few months have been one hell of a good dress rehearsal.

It would appear that I have been part of a hormonal awakening.

You see, about 20 years ago, at a tender age of 32, it was necessary for me to have a hysterectomy. They left one badly damaged ovary (some small compensation. Year after year I had blood tests that came back with a diagnosis of Peri - menopausal. So, one just assumes that eventually you will actually reach the stage of being menopausal - right?

Nope. Not the case at all. I am up and riddled in hormones.

Rather than feeling relieved that I was not menopausal I was (and still am) rather peeved actually. I mean to say, honest to Betsy, the way I have been behaving fits quite nicely into some sort of menopausal madness. People have been excused of all sorts of random and hysterical behaviors under the banner of menopause.

Poor me - it would appear that all I can use in my defense is a large case of the 'dramatics'. That and boredom. And empty-ish nest carry on. Perhaps I could use, at a pinch, abundance of creativity?

Let me see now - What else has been going on in my 'non - menopausal' world?

1.Put on 13 kilos (post my fantabuloso effort of losing 16 kilos).

2. Challenged myself to a 30 day eating healthy program and lasted well over 12 hours (by the way, please hold your applause till all my bragging is done - ta).

3. The cranky knee has been doing alright lately P.T.L

4. My son decided to go to Canada to work. When he left (without the necessary amount of money) (I need to clarify that - without the necessary amount of HIS money)he was unsure for how long he would be away. He had a job lined up - cleaning Jacuzzis in some resort. Didn't work out. Became homeless for a minute or two. Landed on his feet. Hates the fact he uses all his 'talent' to work for a poultry $9 an hour (in Australia he would be paid $23 an hour). Feels cheated that he does not have enough time or money to hit those ski slopes as often as he thinks he should. Bless him. I really hope he learns what he needs to learn about life and himself and his walk before he actually spends all my hard earned money.

5. First born daughter has a boyfriend. They are talking serious. I am doing a Steve Martin.

6. Last born daughter got her drivers license. Has a bomb of a car. Enjoys the new found independence.

7.I am fairly confident that I have a teaching position for 2010. I am waiting on a phone call - but it looks promising. The class has a high intake of New Australians - predominantly from Sudan.

8. After enduring 3 months of house inspections (up to 3 a week) - we now have to find a new home as the owners decided (after assuring us they wanted us to stay as tenants) that they need the property for some family members who are in need. The rental market is low at moment. We went to look at one today - and all I can say is - pink is definitely NOT my colour ;) We did see one we liked and have put an application in. So, we will see. At this stage I am not panicking (curious, but true).

9. Next week it should have been be my 25th wedding anniversary. I need to come clean to those who may not actually have cottoned on to the fact that I am separated. My marriage ended nearly 4 years ago. I am needing final closure. When I was stomping through my 'non - menopausal' period, I seriously considered making my anniversary date my divorce application date. Always the need for dramatics - sigh!

10.It is Very, Very, Very HOT (41 plus)and I am very, very, very over it. It has been 3 days now, lol.

What else? Oh yes.

11. I finished the quilt. Now before you say,'well done! or bestow upon me congratulatory praises - I need to fess up to my shocking cheating methods.

Iusedthesewingmachinetofinish.

I am extremely proud of, and somewhat in awe of, two of my corners. I didn't cry once. And do you know what? I can live with my pathetic-ness. I really can. (If I get any requests I will post a picture).

well, chow for now.

menopausal madness

2009-06-06T20:47:00.006+09:30

So sorry for the slackness in my postings. I believe I have a reasonable excuse.

You see - I have been busy - in fact I have been busy, busy busy

with menopause.

Although it has not been confirmed with a blood test - I am fairly confident that I have IT.

If it turns out that I am mistaken - then I am in BIG BIG trouble.

I have checked the list of common symptoms and out of 33 I am confidently and outrageously experiencing 28 of them (possibly a few more but some things need to remain private ;))

Hot flushes - occasionally
Night Sweats - that's a negative
Irregular periods - I am sure that if I still had my uterus my periods would be irregular ?
Loss of Libido - ?
Vaginal Dryness - private (surely)
Mood swings - Now we are talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Fatigue - yawn
Hair Loss - by the handful (gone from greasy to DRY as) and it wont hold a colour - sigh
Sleep disorder - goes without saying
difficulty concentrating - what was that?
Memory lapses - where was I?
Dizziness - bolting up fast is a no no (apart from the knee forbidding such a crazy notion anyhow)
Weight gain - why not? It can't all be about my undisciplined eating habits
Incontinence - Please - me and my bladder are in need of counseling
bloating - ankle bloating - does that count?
Allergies - no more than usual (although the cat has really gotten under my nose lately)
Brittle nails - yep
change in odour - well people are keeping their distance - (I wonder if paranoia is on the list?)
Irregular heartbeat - thump, thump thump
Depression - thank God I am not going mad!
Anxiety - a big YES
Irritability - I said YES
Panic disorder - help, yes
Breast pain - rip them bras off in the evening
Headaches - part shares in pharmaceutical company
Joint pain - some days every single joint has a moan or two
Burning tongue - other than burning my tongue on that scalding coffee - no
Electric shocks - now you come to think of it - I believe so
Digestive problems - heart burn counts - yes?
Gum problems - no more than usual
Muscle tension - as tempted as I am to blame meno - lack of exercise is the issue with this one
Itchy skin - I look like a scaly snake
Tingling extremities - thankfully no

The Sooky La La symptom is the one that is getting to me the most. Man, I am so hyper sensitive at the moment that even commercials are causing me to sob.

I have put my coffee in the fridge and carried th milk carton around with me.

The other day some students were playing a familiar tune on the piano - I recognised the tune and bragged that I could also play it - although my version was slightly different. Although I can not play the piano I agreed to give a performance cause I knew (in the recesses of my muffled brain) that I was (hold that thought) pretty impressive with this particular party pleaser. I went to the piano and, horror of all horrors, nothing. It was like I had never seen a piano before in my entire life. I got the first two notes out and then - blank! Of course I laughed it off and made a quick exit to the nearest toilet where I had a Sooky La La moment.

Anyhow, you know what they say - 'A problem shared is a problem....' Oh my goodness- what is the saying?

quotes

2009-05-23T07:21:00.003+09:30

As long as we have memories,
yesterday remains.

As long as we have hope,
tomorrow awaits.

As long as we have friendship,
each day is never a waste.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; ‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, Till in Heaven the deed appears, Pass it on.
Henry Burton

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

and to conclude for now...

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people half way.

Scaredy cat...

2009-05-06T20:26:00.004+09:30

That's me.

I am so embarrassed! Actually, I am mortified! Well actually I am incredibly ... scared!

I am pacing. Literally, right now, as I type, I am pacing the room. I am pacing up and down the hallway. I am pacing and sweating. My heart is racing. Have I mentioned I am pacing? Scared? Embarrassed? Mortified?

Why?

How embarrassing..

Well, you see, I went into my bedroom to get into my pj's.

Hoping to save on a little power I groped around in the dark to find the bedside lamp. I felt something creep over my hand.

Somehow holding onto my last moment of sanity I found the switch and brought forward some light.

Scurrying away was this great big, ugly, hairy, black, plump, eight legged monster.

I am not exaggerating - it was definitely... Hold on, I have no idea why I am using past tense? It is still big, plump, hairy..

It is still in my bedroom.

I am freaking out here!

There is no way I am going to bed tonight - NO WAY!

I am almost crying here!

There is an eight legged monster in my bedroom - somewhere.

I do not care that it is quite likely it has been there for awhile.

My scalp is now itchy.

Add that to sweaty palms, racing heart and pacing.

I can't take much more!

Ok, I'm going in...

I have gathered many, many different kinds of ugly, hairy, plump, eight-legged monster- killing
thingamabobs.

Weapon of choice - vacuum cleaner.

I may or may not be back..

Wish me well........

A Soldier .......

2009-05-02T21:39:00.003+09:30

That was me in 1983. I was about to be commissioned as an Officer (Lieutenant) of The Salvation Army (I know, it is a bit hard to believe...)

Seems like a life time ago! A lot of water etc......

Tomorrow I am standing before the Officers and soldiers at Ingle Farm Corp (Adelaide) and becoming a salvo (again).

I first became a soldier in Kalgoorlie in 1980. I was a brand new Christian. Within a year I was off to College where I trained to be an Officer (two years). I was ordained, commissioned, given an appointment and was off and running.

Things don't always turn out the way you think they will.

In 1987 I resigned from Officership and attempted to continue to worship with the Army.

But, by 1991 I had left the army feeling betrayed, angry and hurt.

For many years I solely blamed the Army for 'letting me down'.

Boy was I bitter!!!!!

It has been a long journey back.

Different churches.

Different experiences.

Different highs and lows.

Last year I walked back into a corp.

I wanted to be invisible.

I was invisible for some time.

Lots of things had changed.

Thankfully the hat had gone ;)

Slowly, the healing began.

Slowly, I started to recognise the importance of belonging to a spiritual family.

The importance of committing.

The importance of having a place which will help you be accountable in your walk.

The Army, in principle, holds you to a high standard. And so it should.

After all, it is not asking of me anything that God has not already asked and in fact empowered me to be.

So, tomorrow I will sign the articles of war and I will be a soldier of The Salvation Army.

Hallelujah!

P.S. I will not be wearing uniform for the time being - so there will be no update photo ;)

Oh my golly gosh.....cry me a river.

2009-04-24T08:20:00.002+09:30

I went to the hairdressers knowing full well they had their work cut out for them. The lovely little girl asked me what colour I wanted. I informed her with a bit of a cheeky grin that I would rather like to have the colour she was crowning.

Off to work she went. Two bleach baths later...(I heard her say initially that the bleach would stay on for 5 min - huh! 40 min later she was saying things like, 'ooh, that is coming down nicely; just another 5 min or so!". I heard her say that many, many times and I could see the look of concern on that sweet little face of hers).

To her credit she did work on my hair for four hours - yep you heard right!

She even blow dried it for me. I had a little bounce and style for just a little while.

I lied when she asked me if I liked the colour. I tend to lie to hairdressers - go figure!!!!

She recommended that I come back in three weeks (I need that long for my hair to recover from all the stripping)so she could put some light brown highlights in. You know, to tone it down a little.

I can't wait 3 weeks.

No way Hosea!!!!!!

I kept going to the bathroom and taking a quick look in the mirror. Each time I went for the review I thought it was kinda growing on me. I even managed to convince myself that it wasn't too bad. After all if Deborah Harris can pull it off... well?

It really didn't help that I woke up this morning feeling like pooh. There are things going down in my little part of the kingdom which I feel powerless to control. Depressing the life out of me.I am becoming very cranky at the moment.

When I looked in the mirror this morning (hoping against all hope that it was a little less coppery blonde - miracles do still happen) the bejeebies were scared right out of me.

There will be no pictures. I wouldn't put you through it!

On another topic, there are not many photos of Queensland to show. I took the camera without the battery charger.

How quiet is it in bloggy land at the moment?

Where are all my friends. And why are some of you ignoring me?

See, I told you I was becoming cranky ( although some of you may think that 'becoming' is under playing it - clearly I have arrived... )

Still, you know what would cheer me up? A visit from my friends.

Come on over,,, Blondie will put the kettle on.

The Simple Woman's Daybook #5

2009-04-21T15:55:00.011+09:30

For Today.... 21st April, 2009

Outside My Window

Blue, blue skies, puffy white (dive into) clouds, lush rain forest, white sand, impressive surf, hunky surfers (perv alert!!!), boardwalks, outside showers, kids licking ice cream, tanned bikini-clad bodies (slightly depressing), soft air and ... paradise (literally).

I am thinking

How do you bottle this?

I am thankful that

I can function (reasonably well) on just a teeny weeny bit of sleep. I am thankful that I can love and feel and embrace beauty.

From the kitchen

Have you ever stayed in a backpacker’s hostel? Need I say more?

I am wearing

a very cute yellow polka dot bikini - what’s wrong with that?

Ok, I lied!!!!!

I am actually wearing neck to knees - I look stunning... really!

I am creating

Memories - lots and lots of them.

I am going

To weave in and out of all these simply fabulous art boutiques which are nestled in the quaint little townships surrounding Glass House Mountain (hold onto your wallet....)

I am reading

road maps, travel brochures, tour guides ...... price tags - how much?

I am hoping

that everyone is looking for a special moment and embracing it.

I am hearing

God’s whisper....... and it was good!

Around the house

Who knows?

I am sure there are dishes to be washed and floors to be swept, shelves to be dusted and ...

You know what?

Tomorrow will come quick enough.

One of my favourite things

Adventures with my skinny dipping friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week.

It will require a reality check but I guess I will need to mark and grade some projects, plan next terms program (outcomes), pay an enormous amount of money to a hairdresser so she can fix my attempt at permanent hair colouring and maybe, just maybe, I can squeeze in some coffee dates, a movie, a meal out and you never know, I might just do some exercise?

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you -

For more fantastic entries go to The Simple Woman's Daybook

I remember..........

2009-04-13T07:09:00.006+09:30

All I can say to those who came around to my place after the Sunday service is -

'Sorry, sorry, sorry x 100'

and

'Thanks for letting yourselves out so quietly!'

I remember the service (very nicely put together).
I remember singing - I would just like to thank my family and my friends and I would like to thank all the pharmaceutical companies that helped make this possible ;)

Back to my memories...

I remember having a quick coffee with a friend who had driven down for the service.
I remember walking through my front door.
I vaguely remember the Ex arriving and the son (who had told me he was working) arriving.

I think we gave out chocolate eggs ??????????????

I remember sitting on the couch.....................................

Then I woke up

and

the Ex had left

the son was about to be gone (I think I heard him chant, "thanks for lunch, mum!")

Not sure on that one!!!!!!!!!

Ellisha was on the laptop (chatting).

Jenna was packing.

I did what any fine host would do...

I zombie crawled my way into bed and tossed and turned for approx seven and a half hours.

Fell asleep just long enough to stumble/stagger/sleep walk out of bed at 4 am to drive Jenna to the airport (she's off to Melbourne for a week).

Ellisha arrived back from an all night movie marathon at 6am and immediately put this on her door.....

Cheeky blighter!!!!!

What the heck - I might just do the same........

Szzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Just a little cough and splutter in between notes

2009-04-10T18:25:00.004+09:30

I woke up this morning feeling much, much better than I thought I would. I'll be honest and admit I did require a few pharmaceutical bits and pieces to camouflage some of the symptoms that were still present.

It was a beautiful service. The Officers (Salvo's) did a great job of creating a reflective and reverent place of worship.

My hands were a little shaky as I held on tight to the choral music. Part way through the service I could feel a cough coming on and was just about to clear the old passages when the choir stood up to sing. Ellisha misinterpreted my slight hesitation as a sign that I was going to pike out and literally pushed me forward (no time for that cough).

The song started. I sang. All was going well. Then that cough that had been ignored demanded a bit of attention.

Have you ever tried to release a subtle cough in between singing notes?

I thought I had an opportunity as the band swelled and so I took my eyes off the sheet music for just a sec. When I looked up it became rather clear to me that the rest of the choir had turned the page. I could not see the words I thought I was meant to be singing. Oh boy! Start lip synching ;)

I eventually caught up without causing a scene (I hope! ).

The end note was looming. I just knew I was not going to be able to give it all it deserved.

Hallelujah and thank You God for small mercies. I can say that I actually hit the right note and held it for about 6 counts - as for the last 12 counts - well - I held that look on my face as if sound was still coming out and snapped it shut when the conductor indicated. You should try it? It is quite a skill looking like you are pushing out a demanding top something or other when you are actually silent. The neck has to bulge and you have to have that agonized look on your face.

Well, according to my girls I definitely got the agonized look down pat.

Way too much fun.... and to think I get to sing two songs on Sunday (with the choir, of course!!!!!)

Many blessings to all.

What am I?

2009-04-09T21:50:00.007+09:30

I have
tingling sinuses
rubber band grip on temples
sniff, snort and snotty sneezes
raised temperature
gulp, gulp (ouch) sore throat
and
am short tempered!

What am I?

Poor me........

I have found myself a cold.

Still, the show must go on....

I have purchased the black pants and black shoes (appropriate attire for the choir) and by Jingo even if I have to lip sync I will stand up tomorrow and be counted.

A little bit more of this, that and the other!

2009-04-07T21:27:00.005+09:30

Thought I might just get myself a little cleaning partner...........

This little beauty is an impressive (and powerful) steam cleaner. The instructions (yes I have read them) do make some pretty wild claims. Apparently, IT cleans floor surfaces with the greatest of ease.

So, here's the problem - I have had it for a week now and it has pretty much stayed in the same position as seen in the photo.

It would appear that I have to actually direct it.

Damn and double damn!!!

I was so hoping IT would do all the cleaning.

I guess that aint gonna happen - sigh!

Two more days and I am on a two week break. I am off to Brisbane with my skinny dippin partner in crime. I am also hoping to hit the open road and take a drive up to Port Augusta to meet and have coffee with a fellow blogger (that's you Theressa) - me other good friend 'la homeschooler' is coming with me - watch out Portagutter - we party hard ;)

Oh yes, if you are wondering what to do on Good Friday and Easter Sunday why not pop in to my Church. Ladies and gentleman - I am gonna sing. Yep, you heard right ladies. I have temporarily joined the Salvo songters and I am giving the old vocal chords a work out.

Excited did you ask?

Excited?

Hardly! I am certifiably terrified!!!!!!! You see, there's this really, really, REALLY high note. The thing is I used to love, I mean LOVE, hitting those top notes. However, (and here is the crux of my fear) them where the days my friends. I am not (I repeat) I am NOT super confident with this particular song. At this stage I kinda know when I am "supposed" to go for gold - but (and this is a big BUT); What if I soar to the heavenly rafters and it ends up as a terribly embarrassing solo? Watch the conductor, did I hear you advise? Well of course that would be just perfect if - I could actually see her. The stage lights - boy - them lights on stage are pretty darn bright! So, I am looking for the key of confidence! Oh yeah, perhaps a little dose of perspective wouldn't go astray. After all, it's not just about me, is it? (Please, no lectures in humility- just encouragement - Ta).

You all come back now.....

The promised ramble.

2009-04-04T22:34:00.005+10:30

How impressive where you guys with your swift and encouraging comments? I am suitably impressed. I am super, super, super duper impressed with those who left multiples - why thank you, thank you very much!!!!! And the winner goes to Crystal - last one in but, by far, pretty darn impressive.

And as promised - let the random ramblings begin.

Now, just before Christmas 2008 I started a weight reduction diet. Lord only knows I needed to shift a fair few Kilo's.

Do you remember how I put up that 'way too embarrassing' photo of me - the one of me in that revolting red top? Well it sure was a motivator.

I lost 16 kilo's.

Thank you, thank you very much.

So, the update you ask?

Here is an ionsightful picture that might just give you a little hint...

Moderation - that's the key to success. Ladies and gentleman. Let me re-phrase that - Ladies and ladies I give you - THE healthy way to consume chocolate?

Alright, so I have been a bit naughty lately.

16 - 3 = 13.

That's still good, right?

Let's stay positive shall we?

Fruit anybody?

This was no help at all -

It took me close on 5 days to recover from pumping the thing up! You reward yourself for those sorts of challenges. Am I right or am I right?

Monday! I'm starting again on Monday.

C'mon, does it really matter which Monday?

Please, give me a break!

I have more ramblings. But it is late and I want to go to bed.

I'll post this and then come back tomorrow to ramble a little more.

See ya then.

howdydoodarday

2009-04-02T18:23:00.016+10:30

Interviews are all but over. I think I still fall under the.....................................
'relatively sound mind' status......hmmmm!

Now, I know I have been a very boring blogger lately, but ...(here is where I am tempted to offer the rather lame excuses). No I am not going to..... I wont (even though I have been juggling MANY balls....) Exactly how disciplined am I being? I tell you what? Pretty darn disciplined - I think.

Still....... maybe a bit of encouragement/attention/adulation/pity/greeting/howdydoodarday shout outs.... (say 8 comments) would inspire me to randomly ramble on a bit.

A bit cheeky?
You betcha!

---------------------------

Thank you Therese (comments 1 - 3) for your prompt responses.
May I apologize for the terrible font and the odd grammatical blunder. I was trying to fix it up but the computer was giving me endless trouble... it looks great from my screen (in edit) but rather shabby on publish.. any ideas what I am doing wrong?

pick a ball.... any ball

2009-03-31T21:01:00.005+10:30

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews ( I mean conferences) are on...

Need I say more?

These are not the dropped balls - oh no! These are balls patiently waiting to get into the juggling act.

The juggler

2009-03-22T21:32:00.004+10:30

I used to be a great juggler.

I prided myself on being able to keep lots and lots of tasks in motion at the same time. I rather considered myself a 'Super Proficient Multitasking Juggler'.

It's true!

But those were the days my friend.

Memories
may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
and now
there's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, I believe in yesterday ....
Suddenly.... I'm not half the juggler I used to be
etc etc etc.

Shock, horror, sorrow and shame - I no longer have that Juggling extraordinariness.

Bugger!!!!!!

Like a fool, however, I grab the tasks - throw them in the air (completely ignoring my loss of juggling powers) and simply wait for the juggle to come crashing down all around me.

I guess what I am trying to say is - I need to get used to the idea of prioritizing (big time). Struggling with juggling the competing tasks (that demand completion at the same time) is wiping me out.

Are you picturing my dilemma?

There you are with all these demanding tasks whizzing past your eyes. Suddenly you get the sense that you have thrown one too many items into the juggle and you are about to drop the lot. So, in a complete paralyzed state you have no choice but to watch them all come tumbling down.

I used to be a great juggler - those were the days my friend!

Please don't cry for me Argentina!

Remember, I said I used to be extraordinary.

Still,
pretty darn good is more than acceptable -

right?

Brought to you by the letter R

2009-03-19T18:47:00.005+10:30

Here we go.......

It's time for a little of my famous Random Ramblings..... I am possibly the only person who truly appreciates the workings of my mind - still - read on if you feel so inclined.

Right - ee - o, let's begin shall we?

On Sunday the girls and I went to Glenelg (a seaside-ee, tourist-ee, shopaholic-ee place) for a much needed, 'let's all try to get along for a couple of hours', kind of an outing. Before you say anything I already know I am a woman with high expectations.

The outing was filled to the brim with the letter 'R' .

R for rebellion. R for Rage. R for restoration. R for Retail riots. R for 'right out there'. R for Rain. R for revelation and R for self- righteousness.

What an interesting few hours it was. You need to know that I consider myself to be truly blessed - at times - hmmmm...

First off - Daughter is going through a rather rebellious phase at the moment. 'I'm telling you - I am SO over it'. Bless her heart - she feels a need to back chat, argue, ignore me, give me the 'evil' eye, share snippy sarcastic verbal bulletins and, on the whole, is showing about as much flair in her rebellion outbursts to put me into Rehab. The girl is being a right royal pain in the rump. There, I said it - and - what's more -mean it.

Unfortunately I let her 'moods' get to me. I raised my voice to her. I really raised my voice. I was so frustrated that I opened my mouth and let rip. I courted a rage. I am not proud.

We needed a day at Glenelg. We needed a little restoration/rehabilitation.

It was at this lovely little hip hop and happening place that another R came rushing in to bowl me over.

Please welcome - Retail rioting.

I am walking down the street. I am minding my own business. It's true, thank you very much.

I enter a bookstore and I find this really good maths book. The price is very good. A real bargain. I decide I can well afford this great resource and so take myself off to the counter to pay. Welcome to retail rioting at its best.

The young 'barely out of nappies' sales assistant scans the book and after looking at the computer declares that the book is $9.90. I give her my card and she commences the transaction. Then the little upstart notices the sticker on the back of the book shows a price of $11.40. Little miss 'I don't know if I am Martha or Arthur' says, ' oh no, I mean its actually $11.40'(what do I do?). I suggest to her, ever so nicely - honest - that surely if the computer says it is a certain price then that is the price you sell it for. Baby face looks confused and so decides she had better ask the other, slightly, but not much, older sales girl for advice. The other girl also looks confused and eventually declares (with a wobbly voice of conviction) that they'll go with the $11.40 price. I think not!

After a little bit of back and forth (healthy) discussion about consumer law and practices the older girl suggests a little phone call to the boss may help resolve the issue. 'Go ahead,' I say, 'Phone him!'

Poor little mite - the look on her face was priceless.

She rings and (in front of me) proceeds to wave a flag in front of me by using words like ' she reckons' and 'SHE says it's consumer law, ha!'. The girl clearly has a death wish. That, or she hasn't picked up the clues that I am in no mood to go to battle with a young upstart without the intent of winning.

The girl's apparent confidence is growing by the mili-second. Fool.

I no longer cared about anything other than walking out of that store with the book for $9.90

I mean to say, please.

I told the girl that initially I was prepared to pay $11.40 - in fact I even told her I thought it was a very good price. The computer says $9.90. You initially asked for $9.90. I am wanting this book for $9.90. Not $11.40.

The girls argument was that the barcode on the book matched the barcode on the computer so therefore the book must be the price on the book. fantastic logic!

I argued that the barcode on the book also matched the barcode on the computer - so far we agree - right? Right! However, the matched barcode also says (on the computer) that the price of the book is $9.90.

The girl hangs up the phone and says I can have the book for $9.90 - this time - 'but'............... No buts about it........... Retail rioting - bring it on!!!!!

By now I desperately needed a coffee so off we went in search for a restaurant/ cafe. It was during this recovery time that the next R came a visiting.

But.... It is late and I have some school stuff to deal with. I will post tomorrow.

I can't promise it will get any better. My own behaviour probably continues to go on a bit of a downward spiral...

one year bloggaversary

2009-03-14T19:42:00.013+10:30

Thank you all for dropping into my one year bloggaversary.

And what a year it has been.

Many changes.

For example - I know most of you are privy to the fact that I needed to lose a few kilo's.

Well here is an update.

From this....
to this....

How much younger do I look?

Confession number 1 - I do tend to exaggerate a little. The truth is I have dyed my hair a little (just to cover the odd white stray you understand!)

So, I was flicking through my past posts - as you do when you are having an anniversary. Anyhow, I was having a little scroll down memory lane and something jumped out at me.

I had to laugh.

You see as it turns out I did some of my best posts when not one single person came to visit (or if they did they tiptoed out without leaving a comment) can you believe that? What a waste! I mean to say - and I do not intend to blow my horn too excessively - but - sometimes I am right on the money with my wit and ramblings. Sadly though at other times I rather regret posting at all - hmmm!

These were the times when the visitors arrived (of course).

You know how it goes .......... right?

Usually your house is in a 'reasonable' state - things are more often than not ready to receive guests.

Post after post you sit in your spic and span home with only the air freshener appreciating your cleanliness

and then

quite predictably

the day you don't make your bed, or you leave some dishes on the sink, or

heaven forbid you leave the cat litter in the laundry and it's smelling the place out

you get visitors!

So, there you are having a 'slump' when some intelligent or classy or well groomed or articulate or interesting or witty or spiritual or grammatically correct (you can tell why that would freak me out a little) or worse still, someone with several of these attributes comes a visiting and .....

What can you do?

You can only apologise or you can try making some lame excuse about being tired, or unwell, or momentarily mad or (if you are quick enough) suggest you are part of an experiment on the effects 'slumming it' has on the usually witty, articulate and profound self.

I guess what I am trying to say here is that I was ready to have a great big celebration today and then

the day took a turn towards the cat litter.

I really don't think it is appropriate to celebrate one whole year of blogging with a cat litter moment - do you?

I was tempted to try for another rain check.

Clean up the house a little ..........

SIGH!!!!!!

Oh what the heck.

Confession number 2 - I tend to ramble and rave about random stuff (often).

Come on - let's dance....

No excuses..... none!

Grab the meds if needed -

dance sitting down if you have to

but

please excuse the mess and

let's dance ladies - (Linds, that's you wearing the green hat - futuristic!!!!)

Confession number 3 - that was not really me in the photo earlier (the one on the beach that is).

Phew! I'm all done - completely and utterly spent. Let's put the kettle on have a coffee and perhaps a bit of chocolate cake that Crystal so kindly offered to bring.

One year blogging!!!

What a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love ya ladies - you are my saving grace.

What a slacker.....

2009-03-13T17:20:00.002+10:30

Please excuse my boringness. What a slacker I turned out to be (go easy now). I have no excuses. Ok, there are a few but I am fairly confident that they will not hold up to any form of scrutiny. I am desperately holding onto jet lag. That's my pathetic excuse for not blogging for awhile (ages actually). I am suffering from jet lag. How pathetic is that? A four hour flight with only a 1 and a half hour time shift and I am out for the count for the rest of the week.

Mum is - well - mum is - hmmm! Start again. Mum is not well. Mum is not doing well emotionally or mentally or physically (in that order). Thank you for those who prayed for her. The story is long and difficult and rather painful - so I will not reveal anything on this blog. Please (on my behalf) just pray for my mum and my sister who desperately needs a break.

On a brighter note.

Guess what?

My One year blogging anniversary is coming up.

It's going to be huge! Massive!! Extraordinary!!!!!

I plan to randomly ramble on for..... well put it this way - you may need to get the coffee urn filled, grab a sleeping bag and bunker on down.

And as a warm up ... let's do a jig shall we?

raincheck!!!!!!

2009-03-04T21:53:00.003+10:30

I will have to do that big catch up post tomorrow. I have a LOT of books to mark tonight.

My brother rang tonight. We had a great talk.

I immediately got on the internet and booked 3 flights to Perth this weekend.

This is insane but I got the three of us to Perth and back for $151. INSANE. Normal fare for one person is $800.

The deal was you only pay the taxes - the seats are free - honest!!!!!!!

So, we leave at some ungodly hour on Friday night and arrive in Perth at 6am. We leave Perth at 01.45 on Tuesday morning and get into Adelaide at 6am - then its run like the dickens to work. It is a 4 hour flight with a 1 and half hour time difference. The family then live 200kms from airport.

Don't get me wrong - me not complaining. I feel young . I'm going to grab a red eye and have some fun.

I'll catch you up on other things a little later.

Take care my lovelies.

A quick (embarrassingly so) note

2009-03-04T07:14:00.003+10:30

Hi guys.

A very quick note to let you know that I am fine - ish. Mum is out of hospital. My brother never rang. I am working like a Trojan.

I will be sitting down and writing a good old post after work tonight.

You come back now!

facebook - very informative!

2009-02-25T22:28:00.004+10:30

Warning: Read on with extreme caution - This is one disappointed blogger!!!!!!

Facebook. Such a useful page. Great way to catch up on the incidental, insignificant stuff happening in people's lives. I love Facebook - not!

So, I opened my page and noticed my niece had written a comment. It went something like this, "....... is hoping everything is alright with my granny."

What?

Hold on a minute! (as the penny dropped). YOUR granny would be MY Mum. What is going on with my mum?

So, I get on the phone trying to reach anyone.

Eventually my sister calls me back (ever so casually) to let me know that our mum was in hospital. Has been for 3 days now. She fell and split her head and was then admitted to the cardiac ward because her heart was apparently going wild. Apparently she will be there for a few more days yet.

Well, 'apparently' my sister felt it appropriate to ring my brother and tell him who 'apparently' informed my youngest brother who, 'apparently' is over at the moment for a holiday from Sweden - that's right - Sweden.

But 'apparently' mum is okay - if it was anything to be really worried about she would have told me - 'apparently!' And 'apparently' it is no biggy that my brother who I have not seen in over 10 years (because the last time he was over I didn't find out until he had gone back) is back over.

That's good, I replied. I am glad that mum is okay up there in the cardiac ward.

"Oohhh... Said with a bit of resentment', was my sister's response.

"Oh, just a tad", - said I (although I really think she completely missed the hurt sarcasm).

What is wrong with my family?

My mum is in hospital. My brother who lives in Sweden is over in Australia and I don't get any news of these events.

I am so over them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They treat me like ----- well they treat me like I am invisible, unimportant.....whatever!

My sister goes on to tell me that mum has been asking for me but my sister thought it was reasonable to let mum know that she hadn't spoken to me since October.

Why October? Well, sis and I had a long talk in October and I thought we had come to a new understanding of the concept 'family'. She promised that she would make a big effort to keep in touch - you know how important family is? It was her promise so I have been patiently waiting for that 'new' relationship. I have spent my whole life trying to please this lot. I have bent over backwards trying to 'belong'. I have been hurt and abused and let down - big time - but I kept on going back for more.

I thought I had come to the stage of accepting my family for what it was - dysfunctional supreme.

But honestly! How can they give lip service all the time that we are 'family' and then not let me know mum is in hospital and my brother is over from Sweden? Am I dead?

It's just a bloody plane trip for me to go over there! I would move mountains to get there! But.... 'apparently' there's no need for me to know.

Grrrr!

And I so wanted to share a good news story.

Not tonight.

Tonight I am sucking up my misery and rehearsing the line ....'Frankly my dear.... I don't give a damn!"

Why don't they just cut my heart out while they are at it?

You know what? I am not going to edit this. I am not going to spell check it or worry about how anyone feels about it.

I am peeved to the max. I am disappointed. I am so disappointed in myself. I thought I had moved past caring that much about stuff I had no hope of changing.

I read about it on Facebook for goodness sake.

Clearly I still give a damn...... sigh!

Tomorrow I will suck up this disappointment and show a little more grace - promise.

P.S - had a great sleep last night. Far out - what a difference a sleep makes. I just made myself laugh - wild, but true (yesterday a snort, today a laugh). Can you imagine the tone of this post if I was sleep deprived? - Scary............

Honest to God - if you guys manage to ride with me through this current part of my journey then I promise you that the coffee crawl will happen and it will be my shout (may even include lunch).

cheers for now .

night night

2009-02-24T21:22:00.002+10:30

and so the pendulum swings.

Last week I had 3 nights straight of little to no sleep. Tonight it is 9.20pm and I have exactly 10 minutes to make this post, turn off the computer, do my bathroom stop - over, jump into bed and shut my eyes before the coma arrives. Man I am so asleep on my feet.

I have such a beautiful story of success to share with you concerning one of my students - I'm so proud of her. But - the eyelids are drooping and the eyes are doing that glarey stare thing. Catch you tomorrow.

Night night - sleep tight - I have a feeling I will (just enough energy left to smile).

And that now leaves me with 5 min.

Night.

The simple woman's daybook #6

2009-02-23T21:40:00.003+10:30

For Today.... 23rd February, 2009

Outside My Window

I can see a brand new (well actually - second hand - but as cute as can be) little apple green Daewoo (Matiz) car that has my daughters name on the registration papers and my signature on the bank cheque. Don’t you find it incredible that the minute you have a little money saved someone needs a loan?

I am thinking

I am so glad that I am coming out of the moody blues.

I am thankful that

Some brilliant, constructive, creative, inspiring and collaborative teachers are willing to share their knowledge and creativity through web quests (why invent the wheel - right?)

From the kitchen

I may well have to change careers after this meal. Diced chicken breast sautéed in garlic butter (that’s all I had) with a dash of Smokey BBQ sauce, Dijon mayonnaise (you read right), lemon juice, onion flakes, and sweet chili sauce. Throw in some cherry tomatoes and sweet garden peas - Simmer in pan. Steam up some brown rice - and what do you get? Heaven, that’s what! - Absolutely zing, ping and serve me some more deliciousyumiscious (new word - lock it in).

I am wearing

It’s past tea time so that means PJ time in this house - well for me anyway.

I am creating

I feel so guilty - really, really guilty. Any day now I am going to start the hand stitching on that truly amazing quilt I am putting together (I’m such a slacker).

I am going

I am so excited. Skinny dipping friend and I are planning our next trip. We are going to the Kimberley’s - Glorious!!!!!

I am reading

The T.V guide - sad, but true!

I am hoping

To one day save enough money to start one big coffee crawl and visit all my blogging friends around the world.

I am hearing

I actually just snorted - honest! That’s the sound I just heard. I mean - nothing funny happened - I just spontaneously snorted - just then - I know - too weird!

Around the house

My daughter (youngest) is hiding - possibly hoping I won’t realise she is home and therefore available to wash the tea dishes. Well. I’ve got news for her!

One of my favourite things

Taking that first deep breathe when you step outside in the morning (rain, hail or shine).

A few plans for the rest of the week.

Work, rest and play

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Here she is - my new car. I mean Ellisha's new car!!!!

Why not pop over to A Simple Woman's Daybook to read more posts.

I talked and talked and talked some more.

2009-02-22T22:05:00.004+10:30

Today was exactly the kind of day I needed.

I drove up the hills to spend some time with my skinny dipping / bike riding/adventure seeking friend.

We talked.

And talked.

Well actually, she let me talk and talk..... and then some.

I got a lot off my chest. I got a lot off my mind.

I was pretty wound up.

I think I may have used a swear word or two (I know - disappointing really. Please don't judge me too harshly).

We sat and talked and drank coffee and reminisced and then bravely duck dived right into the obstacle course of my minds thinking. In brief - we sorted out some of the problems of my world - for now at least!

My friend -

She can drive me absolutely stark raving mad at times.

We are a complicated pair.

But I love her to bits.

Today we sat and talked and talked and talked.

And we sorted out a lot of stuff - my stuff really.

You see -

I was going to close off my blog (many reasons - blah, blah, blah).

She advised against it.

She is a smart person who is probably closer to knowing me than anyone else I know.

I haven't been able to post freely these last few weeks. I have been stuck. I have been consumed with a restlessness, a sense of inadequacy. Two words ( fraud and pretense) have been whirling around my crammed head.

Today was just the kind of day I needed.

Thank God I had coffee with my friend who let me talk and talk and talk....

I talked myself out of my near miss - pity party.

It was a good day!

A few questions from Linds

2009-02-15T19:12:00.000+10:30

Linds from Rocking Chair Reflections (hi Linds!) participated in a questionnaire and invited anyone who wanted to be interviewed by herself to simply ask. I asked and here is the interview. I must say that I had to really do some intense pondering - they were tough questions and I am not sure if I have done them justice - but here goes!

1. Who, outside your immediate family, has been the greatest influence in your life?

Fourteen people come to mind. That's right 14! My Granny; First Aid Cadet leader and Twelve goody-too- shoe Christian nurses. First my granny - You see my mother came from a middle class family. Her childhood was a somewhat privileged one. Mum was raised in a strict Irish-Catholic family - her dad was a doctor and her mother was a pillar to the community. Mum (bless her heart) married beneath her station. She married a protestant (and managed to get ex - communicated for her troubles). Granny was not too impressed with her choice of life partner and so suggested that if she went ahead and made her bed she had better be prepared to lie in it. Mum didn't do the whole poverty thing very well and life became very hard. So, I was born into a troubled marriage with an internal religious war imminent and extreme poverty. Dad was well on his way to becoming an alcoholic and mum had developed some mental health issues. Get the picture? My telling you this is not to draw sympathy or anything like that (nor do I want it to excuse or account for my own mixed up self) but to highlight the importance of my relationship with granny. So, Granny and Grandad would travel down by train from Birkenhead to Hoylake once a year and collect the grandchildren to go back to her place for a week's holiday. My brothers and sister usually cried until they were picked up early and I was left in heaven for the rest of the time. How can I describe the joy of fresh sheets on the bed, vegetables on the plate (eaten at a table at the same time every day), picnics with egg sandwiches and orange cordial, trips to the zoo, library, ferries, church, parks, Ice-cream, fizzy drink (a very special treat), a bed to myself, hankies to wipe your nose on (instead of screwed up newspaper) ...... so many more insanely beautiful memories. I loved my Granny and Granddad. I loved going to their place. I learnt a lot. My childhood was tough - and that's an understatement - but my granny and granddad were my saviours. They were my balance. They created memories that have gotten me through many a painful day. My Granny always saw beyond my rough, tough exterior and encouraged me to dream. My Grandad understood my inquisitive / creative mind and advised me to believe in myself - no matter who said differently. I could write a book on my memories of Granny and Grandad. I loved them.

Next was my leader in St John's ambulance. A kind, sensitive and insightful woman who understood and recognized that my parents had possibly neglected to educate me in some areas. I remember one day I went to visit her in hospital. She told me a story about a young lady she once knew who was a little shy in her general hygiene upkeep. This young girl did not know how to manage her menstruation cycles and was often teased by her friends for being a bit smelly. I listened intently and recognized straight away that I was in fact that young lady she was talking about. We said nothing more. But I learnt from her a little more about how to care for myself. I was not embarrassed then and am not embarrassed now to share the story. That kind woman saved me a whole lot of pain.

And then there were the twelve Christian girls. I was nursing at the time. I was 21 and out of control. I was drinking heavy, smoking heavy, playing around with drugs and - well - I think you get the picture? I was working in a country town where prostitution was openly paraded and there were 24 pubs on the 1 mile main road. The Church was organising a revival. The Pastor had challenged everyone to ask God to place on their heart a person who really, really, really needed Jesus. They were then to go and invite that person to the revival. So, I was in the wash room ironing my uniforms when a procession of goody- too -shoe Christian nurses came and invited me to some revival they were having. They came one by one and (as I learnt later) had no idea that they were all inviting me. I thought (at the time) that it was a pathetic attempt at bombarding me (a pay back for my bible bashing remarks I used to hurl at them) and was quite colourful in my rejections (especially after nurse number 7). By the time Coralie (nurse 12) came along I was fed up and over it all! I told her (in a rather condescending way) that I'de come. Of course I had no intentions of going (after all it was Wednesday and Wednesday in Kalgoorlie was pub night). It should not surprise you that God knew better. In what can only be described as a series of rather miraculous events I found myself sitting in church listening to the message, that I now realize, I was hungry to hear. For four consecutive evenings I rocked up and listened ( you should have see me - I was overweight with orange hair - David Bowie style - had on a mens lumber shirt with a packet of cigarettes proudly sticking out of the chest pocket - sad!). On the fourth night I went forward and gave my heart to Jesus - Hallelujah! I guess those twelve obedient nurses were pretty influential in saving my life.

2.What are the three most important things about raising a family that you would list?

How on earth do you narrow it down to three? I consider parenting to be a kaleidoscopic experience and therefore the important things you have to address change depending on the needs of the time. If I have to choose three - hmmm - let's see? - I will go for 1. The right to life. 2. The right to be loved and 3. The right to learn. Oh, and I am a firm believer in discipline and firm boundaries. I'll leave it at that or I will be writing a thesis.

3. What is your favourite song and why?

Almost impossible to answer. I burst into song at least every hour. A little line of a song here and then a little line of a song there. I have a line of a song for just about every occasion. And yet - I don't think I know one song from beginning to end. I love to sing and actually have (more past tense these days) a good voice (or so it has been said). I have sung at the Festival Theatre in front of thousands (ok, it was in a choir - still? - pretty impressive - I thought!) and on T.V (many moons ago). But favourites? I just can't remember - honest! Sometimes when I hear a song I'll go' Oh, I love that song!" or, "Oh, how could I have forgotten that song?" The other day I was singing William Booth's (Salvation Army founder), 'O' Boundless Salvation', for the first time in a life time - now that was incredible and I nearly sobbed my way through the last verse. I rather like belting it out with Barbara Streisand (if you personally know her - could you let her know I would so love to do a bit of a duet with her-ta!). I just love singing.

4. If you could be anything in the world, what would you choose to be?

This may sound a little mental - but - I want to be someones bestest, bestest, dearest soulmate friend. Full stop! (I've just rung my therapist for the next available session - ;)).

5. How do you see yourself - as a flower, a car or a food?

I am not sure whether I see myself as any of these. Sometimes I have enough trouble seeing myself as me. (I did say at the beginning I was struggling with these questions). How about a Zephyr (car) because although not necessarily the most attractive model they are strong and sturdy. They are roomy enough to take a lot of people along on a journey. They are reliable and when you see one passing you by they are hard to ignore. Then again -perhaps a sunflower? Bright, open, attention seeker - again - a bit hard to ignore a sunflower amongst the other little flowers (big head? -Moi?). No, wait - I think I'll go for a casserole - a bit of this, a bit of that (experiences) put them all together and what do you get? A wholesome, delicious, interesting, flavorsome, nutritious surprise flavour. Yep, lock in casserole thanks Linds. You never really know what you're getting until you arrive with your bowl.

Thanks for the questions Linds. Phew!

the promise

2009-02-08T08:58:00.004+10:30

Just a quick note to share the brilliant news. THE COOL CHANGE ARRIVED. I am half besides myself with pure joy. And - it is raining (tiny little drops) .

Come on ladies - join me in a ' Yahoo'

YIPPEE -YAHOO!

have you heard/seen this one?

2009-02-06T20:15:00.004+10:30

Have you come across these clever anagrams before?

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER

THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

SNOOZE ALARMS!:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

Have you come across this?

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and said, 'I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today.. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood

I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."

I reflected on what he said.

Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins.. Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked

He continued, "...the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity''

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything .

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Matthew 6:34.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

And then there's this one........

A farewell cake…. from Woolworths.

Make sure you read the story under the picture.

This really did happen.

This cake was for someone who was moving from an Insurance Claims office

Okay ... so this is how I imagine this conversation went:

Woolworths Employee: 'Hello 'dis be Woolworths, how can I help you?'

Customer: 'I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week.'

Woolworths Employee: 'What you want on the cake?'

Customer: 'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that, 'We will miss you'.

Have a good weekend.

Mind games

2009-02-05T18:10:00.004+10:30

Someone (in the weather bureau) is trying to mess with my head!

As you very well know I have been resisting the temptation to whine over this extreme weather we have been suffering lately. I have not over whined about the records we are breaking. I have resisted the whine about the students being kept in the classroom (all day - due to the heat). I have even stoically endured (without whine) the fact that my air conditioner has exhaled its last cool breath and all I got from the land Agent was - 'Sorry - join the queue!'.

How have I managed to stay so un-whiny you ask?

Well -

I have been keeping an eye on the weather through the weather bureau and four days ago they said 44 degrees on Friday then a cool-ish change on Saturday. Then two days ago they amended that and said 40 degrees on Friday (they promised - well almost) and low 20's on Sunday.

Today they are saying 43 degrees on Friday and 42 Degrees on Saturday... WHAT?

Why are they messing with my head?

Don't they realize that I have to psych myself up for these hotties.

Don't they realize that I am dying here?

Don't they realize that I do not like to whine?

My dear friends, I will resist the temptation to utter one little complaint.

And here is the reason why.

Well, I just don't trust the weather man, He/she has been known to get it wrong. So, I reckon I will wake up on Friday, saturday at latest, and run outside to play in the snow.

If that doesn't happen - or if that promised 26 degrees on Sunday does not arrive - then watch out - I am going to whine - and whine - and whine - and then some ;) bad!!!!!

Other than that non-whine everything is real good. I'm grooving with the students - and lovin it.

and then I opened my eyes

2009-02-04T07:03:00.003+10:30

I woke up this morning

stumbled out of bed

Sauntered (or wobbled) to the kettle

for a brew -

then I opened my eyes.

Gulped in some fresh air

plonked myself down on outside rocker

daydreamed for awhile

then I opened my eyes.

Meandered to the bathroom

stood under a tepid shower

contemplated this and that

then I opened my eyes.

Made my way back into the bedroom

saw the bed

lay myself down (for just a tick)

then closed my eyes.

BIG MISTAKE!

Running late guys.

And yet I write about it!!!!!

It's all good - only a few more days of this extreme heat and then down to low 20's Sunday.

Must go now I can almost hear the bell about to ring.

Have a good one!!!!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook #5

2009-02-02T19:58:00.013+10:30

For Today.... 3^rd February, 2009

Outside My Window

Believe it or not - I can see the tree in the backyard swaying ever so slightly. There is a bit of a breeze trying to happen (I am almost beside myself with excitement).

I am thinking

I really do think I am going to be an incredible 51 year old.It’s actually just dawned on me that I am doing 50 fabulously!

I am thankful that

The waiting list for my air conditioner to be fixed is only a week. And I am not being sarcastic here - a week is pretty good seeing as half of Adelaide’s Air cons have broken down.

From the kitchen

The tastiest fried rice on planet earth (bought from an Asian deli). Honey mustard chicken (sauce straight out of a jar) and (shhhh - one hot cross bun which I am hiding from Jenna).

I am wearing

I have to tell you about these fabulous jammie pants I bought today. Smooth, cool, soft, heavenly and very very FUNKY! I am so into jammies at the moment -have been for quite awhile actually.

I am creating

Linds said I didn’t have to hand stitch my quilt until the temp dropped to 36 degrees. It looks like I will be stitching away on Sunday

(one day opportunity).

I am going

(I hope) to see ‘Phantom of the Opera’

(just as soon as I get a ticket).

I am reading

All you Inspirational Bloggers are about it at the moment.

I am hoping

That Ellisha’s car can get fixed ASAP!

I am hearing

‘Meow.... Meow.... Meow....’ (and then there's nails down the blackboard).

I think the cat might be hungry.

Around the house

Two words - creepy crawlies!

One of my favourite things

Just at this moment I am very fond of insect spray.That and -

I could really go a Lindt chocolate right now ;)

A few plans for the rest of the week.

Continue to build positive relationships with my students - top priority.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Aliens - right?

They have invaded in their tens, hundreds, thousands, millions even!

Does anyone know what they are - besides horrid?

I can't lie - they are not in their millions - thanks to Baygon ;)

Go check out some more posts at....

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Almost up to a big whine

2009-02-01T22:21:00.006+10:30

Here is a list of the things that I am considering whining about -

1. It's Hot - I mean really hot. It is relentlessly hot. Look it up if you don't believe me. We have just broken all sorts of record - highest temp day in all recorded SA history. Highest stretch of days over 40 degrees in 100 years. The most amount of deaths related to the heat. Not to mention the strain on the ambulance and hospital workers.
2. We (The State) are not producing enough energy to keep the supply on in all areas - so - we are having these little breaks in power usage. No warning, no apology - NO POWER!
3. My air conditioner has had enough and has gone on strike.
4. I have all these disgusting creepy crawly critters marching through my home - uninvited I might just add. They are ugly. They look part cockroach, part cricket and part half - formed tadpole.They have come to join all the mozzies and little black spiders who have already taken up residence.
5. I am not sleeping well - no exclamation needed, surely. My bedroom is like a sauna.
6. When I have a shower and use cold water only I am practically getting scalded.
7. My daughters think they are the only one affected by the heat - don't ask!!!!
8. I spent 3 hours creating some signs / posters for the classroom. When I went to print them off they didn't fit onto the page. I had to start all over again as I had used Photoshop and that fixes the margins.
9. To save the house from exploding in the heat I have not been cooking. However, I have consumed far too many hot cross buns from the fridge - with loads of butter from the fridge. Swilled down with Pepsi Max (from the fridge).

I'll stop now cause I am determined not to whine.

In everything give thanks. I'm gonna be honest - right now - the way things stand - it's a bit of a stretch.

But I'll be right mate!!!!!!

There's enough good things going on that I don't have to whine about.

Ooh! There goes another of those little yucky critters .

I will not whine!
I will not whine !!
I will not whine !!!

He's going down !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

They offered me the contract

2009-01-30T21:55:00.005+10:30

and I gratefully accepted.

I thank the lord.
I thank Sharon (the principal from my last school)who was in the right place at the right time and recommended me for this position. God orchestrated that one.
I thank the Principal from this school who worked really hard (and pulled a lot of strings) so that I could get that little name badge which identifies me as belonging.
And
I thank my blogger friends who encouraged me and prayed me through my many fears and doubts and apprehensions and 'wobbly faith' moments. I was a bit like - 'Lord, I believe; Help my unbelief!'.

I really do recognize and appreciate Gods hand in this new opportunity.

So, the class is mine for the whole year. Thirty students. Thirty wonderful opportunities.

And do you know what really blessed me? When I told the students on Thursday that I was staying as their teacher I saw a group of students look at each other,smile and then they mouthed the word - YES!

So, it has been a long, hot(every day was over 43 degrees C),exhausting (my classroom is upstairs and about 1000 Km's from the staff room and staff toilets - which I guess I didn't see much of - seeing as the students were not allowed outside to play and I only had 5 min to take a break - so I had to run - hence the exhaustion!), exciting, challenging - but - rewarding first week.

Oh boy, I have so much prep to do this weekend. Bring it on!!!!!

I'm so excited. Exhausted - but definitely - EXCITED and THANKFUL.

P.S. Please insert a smiley face here!

I tried but at the moment I can't upload any photos or images or use italics or bold - I just get a whole lot of letters and symbols. Grrrrrr!

sizzling summer

2009-01-28T17:56:00.008+10:30

This is not a whine or a whinge or an ungrateful outburst. No way! Honest....

It could however be the ranting and ramblings of someone with heat-stroke - maybe, possible - more than likely!!!!!

So, today was rather hot. No doubt about it - most of us were holding back from darting around too much.

The school asserted some good sense by enforcing the hot weather policy and forbidding the students from leaving the classroom. This makes sense as the rooms are air - conditioned. My non - whinge is the fact that here in SA we (teachers) get the privilege of staying in with the students. No relief. No toilet breaks. No lunch. No siree - we take our duty of care seriously. Had to laugh really. The school value we are looking at this week is, 'getting along' - hmmmmmm!!!!!!

Practice what you preach sweetie. Practice what you preach!

So, I made it through the day and felt right proud of myself. No murders - not one.

I walked to the car knowing that it was going to be a tad hot. A tad? Blimey - it was stifling. My little fingers did a frantic dance trying to get a hold on the burning steering wheel. A little first aid on the blisters and off I went.

Actually, all things considered, I thought I was coping with the heat quite well. I was mentally ready for the predicted 44 degrees. And then the little man in my radio announced that it was currently 45.7 degress Celsius. Wait a minute - just checking the date. Nope - it's not April 1st.

Are you kidding me? 45.7 degrees - that's 114 degrees F. That's bloody hot (please excuse the good old Aussie slang).

Suddenly I am not doing quite as well as I thought. What a difference a bit of information can make.

What are we doing out in this temp? Why are people walking across the street? Why are those kids sitting at the bus stop?

Why aren't we all hiding in our fridges?

Problem solving skills - that's the answer.

A nice cool shower maybe? Oh dear - we are in the middle of a drought.
Crank up the air-conditioner perhaps? Oh no! The grids are over loaded and we are having a power rest(??????)
A cool beer - Don't drink.

What to do?

Then I remembered. A nice luke-warm cup of tea. That will do the trick. The un-scientific theory is that if you drink a lukewarm cup of tea it brings your internal temp to that of the outside and then you feel cooler. Well, that's the theory!

In all honesty, I am considering filling the hot water bottle with water and slipping it in the freezer.

I just went into my bedroom (has no cooling system) and according to my recipe book I could bake a cake in there. Well. I am not sure about the frozen water bottle but the sheets are definitely going to sit in the fridge for an hour or two. The idea is that you have a very quick cool shower, grab the sheets out of the fridge and then dive onto the bed with the sheets draped around you. Hopefully you fall asleep before they convert into a hot blanket.

What? You think I kid?

So, the weather lady just informed us that it is our hottest day in 70 years. Thanks honey - I feel so much better for knowing that.

What did she just say?

We can look forward to 6 more days of 40 degree plus days?

Excuse me Crystal - could you make up the spare bed cause I am thinking -35 degrees is sounding doable right now.

Mind you, those poor tennis champs had to play tough tennis at the Australian Open - 50 degrees on the court before they closed the roof. Now that puts my heat comfort into perspective - right?

Well,I gotta go - I am off to sit in the ice cube tray now.

P.S. Although this may have resembled a bit of a whine it wasn't - honest!

It may have been a little heat stroke rambling though.

And now - let's hear it for for the power of positive thinking....

I'm cool! I'm cool! I'm cool!

Actually, I'm way too hot to be cool - if you get my drift?

The Simple Woman's Daybook #4

2009-01-27T19:19:00.007+10:30

For Today.... 27th January, 2009

Outside My Window

Sun, sun, sun, sun - it is official we are having a heat wave (43 degrees C today) with no relief in site for the week. So, everything outside my window is looking a little frazzled.

I am thinking

What a wonderful invention the air - conditioner is!

I am thankful that

I went to school today and had a great time. It is looking like I might just get the contract. Thank you Lord.

From the kitchen

Marinated chicken thigh fillets, crispy tossed salad and Pepsi Max (what’s better my daughter cooked and prepared). Thanks Ellisha.

I am wearing

Five minutes ago I had Khaki three quarter pants and a bright pink and burnt orange top on - but right now? Sorry - can’t say (it’s hot in the house).

I am creating

Moving along nicely with my quilt. I am also creating some interesting and engaging lesson plans (well I like them ;))

I am going

To jump under the shower and cool off - very soon.

I am reading

Some journal entries from my new students - some of them are hilarious. For example, one student wrote, ‘I think this has been the best day of the school year so far!’ It made me laugh - as it was the first day of the school year. Not really sure what she meant by ‘think’?

I am hoping

That nobody (especially the very young or the very old) suffer too much with this extreme heat wave. Many oldies can not afford to pay the amenities bill so they don’t put on the cooling.

I am hearing

My two daughters chatting away to each other in heat stroke tones.

Around the house

Bodies lounging around on the sofa - looking COOL!!!!

One of my favourite things

My vote for today definitely goes to air conditioners (have I mentioned we are having a heat wave?)

A few plans for the rest of the week.

Lesson plans, staff meetings, quilting (perhaps), cool showers, netball trials and of course - a coffee date.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

From this

to this slightly over zealous bit of pruning (oh boy!)

Why not jump over to The Simple Woman's Daybook and read some more entries.

Quilt update/Tagged

2009-01-24T17:35:00.010+10:30

The Abstract Quilt

One of the most important quilting tips to remember is ..... to iron - and iron I did.

I confess straight up that there was plenty - I mean -like heaps - of this next activity going on.

But like I said in my 'Simple Woman' post - "If at first you don't succeed, - try - try - again".

And a special call goes out to Linds right now for her patient (mostly) and long suffering (always) encouragement. Cheers Linds - love ya.

This is where I am up to guys. What do you think? Funky heh?

Please remember this is my first (and possibly only) quilt so please don't take too much notice of the uno numero mistakes. I remember some one said that the Amish people left an imperfection on purpose because only God creates perfectly. I was going to scrap the whole thing until Ellisha suggested I stop all the fretting and fussing and just call it, 'Abstract quilting!' - works for me ;)

So, the next stage will commence real soon.

Ladies and Gentleman (drum roll please) may I present - THE SAFETY PINS.

Actually I can probably deal with the pins - but - and please don't think I am being disrespectful- but - I'll tell you what - I have been quietly praying for the rapture to come before I have to start the hand stitching.

Merrily I quilt away, quilt away, quilt away. Merrily I quilt away until the stitchings done.

Huge amounts of encouragement would be most appreciated (cheeky aren't I?)
_____________________________

I've been tagged by Crystal

The rules - Write 6 random things about myself, link the person who tagged you and post the rules. Tag six people and link them. Let them know they have been tagged.

1. When I was about 8yrs old my cousin threw a bat (during a game of rounders) and it landed on my head. I needed 24 stitches. The day the stitches were removed I climbed up a makeshift shelf in the kitchen (was told not to) and pulled the whole thing down (including plates etc) onto my head (I was stitched back up and then some). When my dad came home he thought my head was better and gave me a lovely pat on the head - ouch. Still have the scar to prove it!

2. Once, when I was about 10yrs old, our family went to the fabulous Butlins Holiday Camp. I was a huge success. I won the donkey race, the talent show and got then got so excited with my own successes I registered myself in the Junior Ballroom Dance Competition. The girls and boys looked lovely in their pretty ballroom gowns and tux's. As for me, I was wearing my one and only summer frock and plimsoles. I whipped around that room with my younger brother as if I was going to win that competition as well - I didn't - but I did get an honourable mention - for tenacity - and I was on the following years brochure.

3. I was so naughty (rebellious) in high school that I went from an A grade student to being put on probation in year 11 (4th year high back then). If it wasn't for the Principal who rather thought I was amusing I would have been kicked out long before. The dear old lady had a table just near hers with little jobs for me to do. So, when the teacher marched me out the classroom straight to the office - a daily event - I was very helpful. Ha! - and now I am a teacher. What goes round comes round - right?

4. I went on a holiday to The Northern Territory when I was a late teen. It was hot, so hot. I grabbed an airbed and ran into the water for a float and a paddle. After a little while I was nearly bumped off the airbed from underneath. I jokingly called out for one of the lads to stop being silly. From a distance he replied that he was no where near me. After some rather frantic yelling from the tour guide I came back in. It works out that the bump was from a crocodile. Completely missed the sign - 'Do not swim - Crocodile territory'.

5. I woke up one night and found myself sitting on my bed eating a chocolate cake - clearly I felt a little chocolate deprived.

6. I was at the concert where Cliff Richard told his fans (for the first time) that he had become a christian.

I would like to invite some friends to join in the fun.

Linds
Alison
Edith
Judith
Nana K (but I think you have already been tagged)
Margaret
Heidi

an open door - an opportunity.

2009-01-22T20:25:00.003+10:30

Late on Wednesday the phone rings (way past business hours) -
A Principal from a local school was wondering if I would be interested in a year 6/7 class.
Thank you Lord.
This Principal was at a district principles meeting when she discussed her class need with another Principal (who just happened to be the Principal from my last school) - who went ahead and highly recommended me.
Thank you Lord.
Politics was in full swing - would I still be interested if I had to start the year (come in first day ) as a temp and then hopefully have the position made into a contract?
Thank you Lord.
The Education dept was insisting she went through all the unplaced permanents first (even though there was not a suitable match) - so this may not materialize. Still interested?
Thank you Lord.
The Principal suggested I come in on Friday and set up the room (the students commence on Tuesday as it is a public Hol on Monday). She would ring me on Thursday arvo because the dept may have placed someone in the meantime.
Thank you Lord.

There was no jumping up and down with excitement. No running around like a mad person. No second guessing. No what- ifs? I would not allow myself to be anything accept quietly grateful for the offer, the opportunity - the possibility. I am in His hands. I am walking the road He has set for me. I am trusting that I will show grace and gratitude no matter what the outcome.

O Lord.... Please, please, please, please.

Thursday arrives and I have this huge, horrible headache. I sleep. I pop pills. I have the phone real close. I have no milk but dare not leave the house . My headache is taking its time to go. It is 4.45pm and the phone call has not come. What can this mean?

I do not panic. I do not fret. I do not get discouraged.

In everything give thanks.
Thank you Lord.

I decide to ring the school. I speak to the Principal who apologizes for forgetting to ring me back. 'It has been hectic', she says. I believe her.

So, I am going to the school on Friday noon. I will assume the position of classroom teacher and get some work organized. WE are going to assume that I will start on Tuesday. The Principal assures me that she will do everything in her power to convince the Dept that I am the best person for the position. No guarantees. No promises.

I'm ok with that.

Thank you Lord.

In everything give thanks.

Many thanks for those who have prayed for my position and encouraged me along this waiting game journey. I am truly grateful.

The Simple Woman's Daybook #3

2009-01-19T14:16:00.009+10:30

For Today....... January 20th, 2009

Outside My Window

I’ll just go and have a peek (the venetian blinds are closed to keep the heat out). Hmmmm - not a soul in sight (they must all be inside under the air-conditioner).

I am thinking

If at first you don’t succeed....try, try again. (I’m referring to my quilting here).

and

Happy Birthday son.

I am thankful that .

I have a place I call home and a family and I’ve had a meal and I have a bed to sleep on - and I know things are tough (and will get tougher) - but - He is in control - and compared to many - I am rich and truly blessed.

From the kitchen

I bought this slow cooker - and - well - I am cooking everything in it - I mean everything. Having too much fun with it.

I am wearing

Blue and white board shorts (very me ;)) and a singlet top (tuck shop arms and all - it’s hot-ok?)

I am creating

My first quilt - well at least I am giving it a go (learner plates on).

I am going

Out to tea to celebrate my son's 22nd birthday (today)

and

To the cinemas (sometime this week) to watch ‘Doubt’ (Meryl Streep).

I am reading

The Salvation Army Song Book - I had forgotten what beautiful words are written in some of these good old songs - what a blessing.

I am hoping

That my son finds a producer for his film - real soon.

I am hearing

A frog which has gotten itself parked in the drain across the street - the croak, croak, croaking sound is amplified x1 billion (his favourite croak time is 2 am- true).

Around the house

Where is everyone? A little too quiet - except for the frog and the rather annoying buzz, buzz buzzing sound of that mozzie - who really needs to move on or pay the price - I show no mercy.

One of my favourite things

Singing (or should I say belting it out) with Barbara Streisand. Having said that - she has been placed on the backseat while Meryl and I go our hardest with - ‘The winner takes it all’.

A few plans for the rest of the week

More quilting, movies, a few more nails in the wall to hang some picture frames recently acquired (very groovy), a visit with a friend or two and hopefully accepting a teaching contract (staying positive).

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

This is a picture of my son, David (during his 'cool' phase).

To take a peek at more Daybook entries why not pop over to our host Peggy's blog at
The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Maybe you would like to join in.

Quilting dilema - make that dilemma's

2009-01-18T20:20:00.011+10:30

To all you talented quilters out there - let me first say - sorry!

This (quilting) is NOT going to drive me nuts.

I simply refuse to allow it.

Having said that - I was hoping to be up to the hand stitching by now.

Am I ?

NO!

Not even close.

I am kind of stuck on the pattern.

First decision I had to make was to drop the loud orange / blue flowery pattern. Next came the plain blue (for obvious reasons). The rich orange was next to go.

Suddenly I am thinking it's just not as funky as I wanted.

Oh well!!!!!!!

I measured and I cut and then I started to arrange.
I re - arranged.
Then I re - arranged again, and again, and again.

Thought I had it.
What's the problem here?

Oh, I see. I am short of a row of green half squares - you see that - right?

It should be said that I did not discover this until after I had painstakingly packed the rows in(what I thought) an order that I would not forget.

I did forget - of course I forgot. But at least by having to re- arrange again (or should I say re-construct?) the next day I was able to see the GREEN problem.

Again I couldn't remember which way I stacked the rows!!!! So, re-constructing this masterpiece (trying to stay positive here) was another headache. A little too late I remembered Linds saying that I will need lots and lots of pins. On hindsight I guess this was the stage when the pins should have made an appearance - right?

Never mind. At least I solved the green problem (I swapped an orange in third row for green).

How about this for brilliance? Check out the labeling!

Oh no! Back to the drawing board. The pattern is still not right. Look! Go back to the second picture. What's wrong? The third row of green needs to be around the other way. Which means I have to change the first row - which will affect the second and fifth. You can't have first and third row going the same way and fifth the opposite. You just can't. Third row (the middle) need to be the odd one out.

Grrrrr!!!!!!!

I am having SO MUCH FUN.

I can do it, I can do it, I can do it....... I CAN DO IT (said the little train).

Back to the re-constructing.

I tell you - those written instructions better work (smile).

Apart from all that. What do you think so far?

Stage 1 of my quilting & I have been tagged - yeah!

2009-01-15T19:07:00.009+10:30

The quilting adventure begins

So, I have actually started my quilting - I know - go figure!

Firstly, I need to thank Linds for the fantastic tutorial. Secondly, I need to thank my daughter Jenna for not laughing too loudly as I armed myself with some pretty wild fabric selections. Who knew there were so many patterns and colors to choose from? I was exhausted after just one table.

My favourite colour is blue. My next favourite colour would be blue - followed closely by..... blue.

Look at thefabrics I chose and tell me what you notice.

Wild heh?

So not my normal pick. But I am so happy with these fabrics. They are funky and vibrant and any minute now I am going to figure out my next move.

Stay tuned my friends - you are not going to want to miss this adventure.

--------------------------------------------

I've been tagged

Jules over at Juliemom has tagged me. Yeah, a tag! I am more than happy to respond. Thanks Jules.

Here are the rules: (NO cheating!!)

1. Under your pictures - go to the fourth folder down.

2. Find the fourth picture-no exceptions!

3. Post it- and tell about it.

4. Tag four more people.

This was a bit tricky cause I haven't got all my pictures in any particular folder. So, what I did (to try and keep it as authentic as possible) was I went to my blogging folder and chose the fourth row and the fourth picture in that row.

This is a picture of my son David on his father's shoulders.

I was not the least bit surprised when this picture came up,. It so happens that I have been thinking of this picture lately - it creates a wonderful image for me as I reflect on that beautiful stirring song (which has been on my mind again(a lot) lately) -

You Lift Me Up

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

And now I would like to invite anyone else who would like to share their photo to join in the fun (I know that it says to tag 4 other people - but I kind of get about that many friends pop over - so, if you are reading this - you are tagged - please feel free to join in).

My talents astound me!

2009-01-14T19:44:00.004+10:30

There are a quite a few things I can do really well. There are a quite a few things that I can do reasonably well and then there are quite a few more things that - to be honest - I could certainly improve on.

What this? You don't believe me? You want proof?

Ok!

Let's take my recent attempt at making Yorkshire pudding for the first time.

Perfect, right? Hmmmmm!

And then there is my rather pathetic attempt at Scrapbooking.

This little masterpiece took me forever. I really thought (at the time) that I was onto something magical. These photos are from a road trip I took down the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide to Melbourne. I was especially proud of the little pop-up title I made.

I could show you my dress making skills or my curtain making skills - and you've already seen the magnificent Christmas Ice-Cream cake fiasco - but - that's all in the past.

I have decided that 2009 is going to be the year that I master two things that I have done poorly at in previous efforts - and one of them is not Yorkshire Pud's.

Scrapbooking and quilting are my chosen projects. I have actually tried quilting once before - but this lovely old lady who ran the sessions suggested I try Batiking.

This time however I've got my friend (Le skinny dipper / Le bike rider) on board.

There is no stopping us.

Stay tuned friends - a miracle or two is on its way.

The Simple Woman's daybook #2

2009-01-12T18:06:00.004+10:30

For Today....... January 12th,2009

Outside My Window . . I see the ants marching in what can only be described as a precise and determined manner as they try and get inside my home to (I assume) enjoy the air-conditioner (36 degrees Celsius outside)

I am thinking . . . summer heat may be late - but - it is on its way with a vengeance.

I am thankful that . . . . the air conditioner got fixed, my electricity bill from last quarter is paid and my recent bike riding adventure did not leave me crippled. Oh yes, and that my friend Linds is SO going to get some good news from the medics in Bath.

From the kitchen ........an interesting soup I am making using left over veggies (carrots, zucchini, onion, broad beans, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, tomatoes, leek, squash and - lean bacon bits?

I am wearing . . . Knee length shorts and cotton top (with sleeves cut off) that are for indoor wear only - trust me!

I am creating . . . lots and lots of photo frames to fill my bare walls (hallway)

I am going.... to dive into the fridge any minute now and grab an icy- cold glass of Pepsi Max.

I am reading . . . ‘In the Grip of Grace’, by Max Lucado.

I am hoping . . . that the phone rings in the next week or two with a teaching contract for 2009.

I am hearing . . . Sundays message replaying in my head (based on Romans 11:36 & 12:1) “What do we place in the position of glory - what do you give glory to - what do you make sacrifices for?”

Around the house . . . youngest daughter and friend have bunked down under the air conditioner and our watching a chick flick. Son who popped in to use the computer has just left for work. The cat has sneaked into my room and is leaving her hair all over my bed (I’m allergic) and I

One of my favourite things . . . . That first night you get to pull up the covers in bed after a long spell of tossing and turning with the heat - unbelievably good!

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . continue decorating my lounge room and dining room with what ever takes my fancy, scrapbooking (that’s right Crystal, I’m getting all crafty minded), sorting out ‘Twitter’, doctors appointment, coffee with friends (if you’re free - give me a call).

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you -

I took a drive to Whyalla and found this pretty little beach cove. In amongst the rocks we found this Port Jackson shark Egg. Here in SA we have had two shark attacks this week - they are coming in very close to the ares that people swim.

P.S I have tasted the soup - delicious!

Le bike ride

2009-01-09T20:12:00.011+10:30

The BIG event that I was (some what) excited about and also (some what) dreading finally arrived. The alarm had been set for the the early get away. Backpack - check. Camera - check. Water bottle - Check. Sunscreen - Check. Crossword puzzle and pen - check (well you never know?). I was ready. So off I toodles to the station to catch the train into the city where I would meet my fellow bike rider, Rose (otherwise known as Le skinny dipper).

Don't you just love train rides? So many interesting people traveling about. This trip did not disappoint. I have a story and it goes something like this......

First, I must confess to leaving the house a little later than I planned. I only allowed myself 4 min to get to the station (the station is a 3 min ride away from my home- so long as there are no Sunday drivers around). As it turns out there weren't and so I just got onto the platform when the train arrived. I was a bit breathy, I admit. Unfortunately, I did not have a ticket. So I had to feed this machine with all this loose change I had grabbed from the piggy bank (as I was dashing out the house). I was really hoping I had pinched enough. A funny thing happened )an understatement). When I put the last coin into the slot it came whooshing out from the return slot. I mean it was like a missile. The coin starts making its way down the aisle. I had no choice but to chase it down..... you are really going to have to visualize the rest ... not necessarily a pretty sight.

With ticket in hand I wobble down the aisle to find a seat. The only one available was across from this little old lady who was smiling away at me like I was either her long lost child or she thought I was nuts. The train ride took about 30 min and this lady talks and smiles to me for all of them. I listened and hoped that I was nodding and smiling back in the right places (her English was broken and it was a noisy train). Anyhow, when we got into the city station she smiles at me one last time and says, 'You are a good person. You spoke to me. You listened to me - other people they turn from me. You are good - cause you smile."

I'm telling you - I could have floated all the way to the place Rose and I agreed to meet. What a blessing.

So, it was time for the ride. But first things first. Priorities, right?

Paper - Check. Sunscreen - Check. Methyl Silicate (for the knee) - check. Support bandage (also for the knee) - check. Water - check. Mobile phone - check and Coffee - double check!

It took us forever to choose just the right bike (we hired them). Thumbs up Rose - we are ready to hit the path my dear. Pedal away!!!

Before you look at the next picture you just have to take my word for it that Rose and I did actually do some riding before we had this rest (we must have been riding for at least 30 min...). Also, remember that Rose had not been on a bike for 28 years and I have a bad knee - ok? Actually, we were cool riders - honest. I did promise Rose that I would not take a photo of her mounted on the bike. But if you want to visualize us pedaling - think - Armstrong ;)

So, we rested and enjoyed the view. I adamantly reassured Rose I knew where we were going.

On behalf of my own defense I just want you to know that Linear Park has a very complex and vast bike / walking trails. Anyone can take the wrong fork in the path! Besides, we were riding mountain bikes ;). And, if you look at the picture, my bike is already up the top and I am taking the picture - a born leader - that's me!

Two hours of riding later ... that's rose

and that's me.. flat on my back.....

Two hours down - and now we have to ride back - yippee!!

And just in case you were wondering what heaven really looks like,- hmmm - I have a picture for you - (in the far distance is the place we started - the bike rental man).

We gave the bikes back and managed to walk like two crippled geriatrics up this incline of a road to the Mall for a spot of retail therapy. On the way up I was brave enough to ask Rose what was next on our list of adventures - bring it on!!!!!

And now it is 7 hours post dismount and every muscle has seized up. I am feeling it!!!!! I am feeling it in places long , long, long ago forgotten!!!!!! To think - tomorrow I rise at the crack of dawn and get into the little lawn mower excuse of a car and drive 5 hours up to Whyalla to bring Jenna home (I'll be gone 2 days). Bring it on!!!!!!

Oh no, as I have been making this post I have just realized (remembered actually) that we have a cat. I have forgotten to make any arrangements for the cat. Oh pooh - oh bother!

Good night dear friends. I'll deal with that in morning (just before sun comes up).

An unfortunate event

2009-01-08T07:56:00.007+10:30

A rather funny, unfortunate, slightly embarrassing thing happened to me yesterday. And it goes something like this... (I'll give you the full Monty).

I was a little bored (as I thought I might be) so I decided I might just go to the shops after all and spend some of my depleted money store. I had a lovely time buying this and that - which I was hoping would all make sense sooner or later. The items were mainly knick knacks for around the house - I am going through a phase - don't ask!. Inside my trolley (besides the little knick knacks) was a canvas painting I had picked up for a song and a dance - thing was, it was a little too big to sit square in the trolley, so I needed to keep a hand on it - just to keep it from banging up against the sides - damage control, you understand. Shopping done, I grabbed a coffee to go and pushed the trolley outside - now you have to understand that the trolley would not steer straight to begin with...... I had one hand on the picture frame and I was holding a cup of hot coffee - and I had to get the trolley down a slope... see my problem? Nah! That part was not embarrassing, or unfortunate - but it was a little funny. The unfortunate and embarrassing part comes next.

So, there I was, for all intents and purposes, looking like I was managing to maneuver my way back to the car when two, no make that three, things happened.

First my shorts start slipping down at an alarmingly fast rate. Next, my bladder decided then and there it was carrying its own heavy load and - well .... (Let's just say I started looking like Bambi on ice without the ice). Did I let go of the coffee cup to give myself a free hand? No way! My best plan, so I thought, was to somehow jiggle my way to my car as fast and un-embarrassingly as I could ever hope for (under these particular circumstances). I darted here, I darted there. I looked and looked and looked for my car. I was getting desperate - the old bladder was about to erupt. (Being a modest person n all I had managed to hitch my shorts back to a semi-respectable position. I use the word semi, reluctantly). I hope you understand that I am talking FULL bladder here!

Where, oh where was my car?

By now I am desperate.... desperate.

Have you figured it out yet (based on my last post)?

You got it! My car was in Whyalla (many km's away). I had Christan's lawn mower!!!!!

The story has a reasonable ending - accept - that one minute before I left the shopping complex I bumped into a student from last year - I just hope they went back to their own business.

I found the car, eventually remembered how to unlock it, unloaded the trolley, got in car and drove away - all without having to put my coffee cup down.

Now, how I got into the house and to the loo before peeing my pants is a another story.

I lead a charmed life.

Oh yes, as a slight justification on the shorts dropping part - I have lost another Kilo (I know - amazing - I so thought I had put on - cause I have been naughty). 12 kilo down - 12 to go. You go girl!

The Simple Woman & On the near horizon

2009-01-06T08:41:00.005+10:30

For today... January 6th 2009 - My first entry

Outside My Window . . . parched grass, blue skies and some washing that needs to be brought in before it crisps.

I am thinking . . . a million thoughts at the moment - none of which will settle to be a priority - sigh.

I am thankful that . . . My girls have just rung to say they arrived safely in Whyalla. and my electricity bill was not heart attack material.

From the kitchen . . . a few dishes to put away and a frozen Pepsi Max bottle which I accidentally left in the freezer.

I am wearing . . . three quarter denim shorts, a white cheese cloth top and a hippy bracelet I bough from the surf shop.

I am reading . . . ‘No Dark Valley, by Jamie Langston Turner.

I am hoping . . . that I do not get too bored while the girls are away and that I do not hit the naughty foods for comfort.

I am hearing . . . The sounds of silence - it is really quiet her at the moment.

I am creating . . . bad news really - nothing - double sigh. Hold on , I am creating some ideas?

Around the house . . . Cat strolling around looking as bored as me. oh yes and the floors are screaming out for a mop.

One of my favourite things . . . . coffee and chats with friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . Get some photos printed and mounted in my new wall photo frame, a bike ride, go see the movie -‘7 Pound’s, more blogging and hopefully another coffee date.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you -

This was an advertisement for our Post service. I just love the concept of being wrapped in warmth and welcome from personal words others have written.

Be sure to visit The Simple Woman to read more and join in the fun.

P.S. This is my first entry in 'The Simple Woman' and I am really hoping that it will encourage my mind to slow down and appreciate the simple things that are going on around you.

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At 10.00 O'clock today I am meeting my new minister for a coffee at a lovely little cafe on the lake. Thing is - I am a little curious as to how it will go. What will the topics of conversation be? How will I respond? Will it be social talk or spiritual talk. If it is social - then what will the topics be? If it is spiritual - then what do I want to reveal. What's that I almost hear you say? You are thinking that I am making a mountain out of a little old coffee date with one of the Officers (the wife - who - in the Salvation Army is rightfully an ordained minster too). Well, maybe I am. Thing is I used to be an Officer. There is a lot wrapped up in this coffee date. Will I be returning to the Salvo's as a signed in soldier? Will I be joining the ranks once again? Do I want to? Do I know what I want yet? Will I make a decision today based on having coffee? Will that even come up? Do I want it to come up? Oh ye of little faith! Yep, that is the mountain in disguise that stands before me. Fear not! By the time I get to the cafe I will be fully in control of my rambling mind and I will breathe in the air and watch the pelicans and ducks perched on the lake and I will have a coffee and I will let the coffee date be just what it is. God willing.

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So, I am back from the 4 hour coffee chat. I looked at that mountain and then I started talking and talking and then some (Wendy managed to talk also). A lot came up. I shared a lot (as did she). I walked home after feeling - spent - and had these uncontrollable thoughts of winding back time and starting the coffee all over - Oh, I think I may have shared a little too much! Why do I have to have everything flip to complicated? I am so over complicated!!!! And why am I telling you all this? Glory only knows? Sigh.

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By the time I return from the lake my house (sorry, home) will be empty. The girls are off to Whyalla (about 450 km's away). Ellisha is doing a summer Uni course and Jenna and two friends (from Christmas dessert) are going along for the trip. Ellisha will be away for two weeks. I am driving up on the weekend to bring Jenna and Rhiannan back. Ellisha is driving my car (more room - way more comfortable) and I will have the pleasure of driving Christan's lawn mower. Thing is, I will miss them. I do not do alone very well. So, please come and visit me.

Later today I am catching up with John and son David to hand over the money for sons car. And that will pretty much clear out my savings. We will talk strict repayment terms. I just love the whole concept of grown up children living independently - if some-one could explain the rules I would be forever indebted ;)

I need to get back to some sensible eating habits - i fear I may have put on a kilo or two of the weight I lost. Which reminds me. On Friday my friend Rose (Le Skinny dipper) and I are hiring bikes and going for a half day ride around the Torrens River. Thing is, Rose has not ridden a bike in like 20 years and I am just going to flat out refuse to let my knee dictate what I can and can not do. I am a bike rider - here me roar (or cry in pain afterwards ;)).

a little of this and a little of that - 100% random!

2009-01-03T21:04:00.010+10:30

I have been waiting for a brilliant idea to come to me so I could make a post. Meantime, I realized that the hours where turning into days and the days would soon be weeks and before you know it I would be old and grey and still waiting. I decided that I would just start. Give you some of my randomness.

So, in no particular order (Mmmm ) - that was my first bit of random - smile.

Actually, the grey has already arrived - Mmmm! I had better get a move on.

New Years eve (sorry - no photos). It went something like this........

My girls were going to have a night home with a few friends and they graciously invited me to hang around, if I so desired (which could easily be interpreted in a million different ways - right?). Thing is, I am not (nor have been for awhile) that much into the actual N.Y.E clock watching ritual. Let me explain - one year my (then) husband, who usually went to bed at 9.30pm on the dot, decided to stay up and see the N.Y in. Unfortunately, he got very tired and went to bed at about 11.30pm. Of course I followed and resigned myself to the fact that N.Y.E was way over rated. At about 11.55pm hubby switches off the light and took on his 'sleeping position'. I was a little amused (at the time) and thought perhaps he was going to spring up at the stroke of midnight and surprise me. He didn't . He actually just pretended to be asleep and I lay awake for hours re-assessing the whole N.Y.E hype. So the result of that event now means it seems prudent that I keep my options open. So, back to 2008! My friend, who lives up in the hills, suggested I come up to her place and see in the new year with her. I said, ' maybe!'. She texts me again at about 8.30pm and says, "come on up! Don't let this be another non-event N.Y.E!" (you should know, this is my skinny dipping partner we're talking of here!). So, I allowed myself to be persuaded and off I went (an hour drive). When I arrived her hubby (who has dementia and post stroke) was cuddled up on the lounge. Friend sits and starts grooming her dogs. I settled into my non - event N.Y.E prevention mode. Friend puts on a DVD - which was absolutely awful. I was screaming on the inside to switch it off - no deal. Her husband was now nodding off and the dogs were almost groomed to 'show' standard. Meantime their big, fat (ugly) cat had taken a shine to me and had parked itself on my lap. N.B. I am not a real cat lover - especially the fat, ugly, malting kind. Movie finishes and it is now 11.30pm. I am wondering what comes next? I go to the loo (toilet) at about 11.40pm and when I return husband is snoring and friend has disappeared. After searching high and low I find friend outside crushing snails- which are eating her plants. I can work with this!!! We star gaze for a couple of minutes - until the clouds rolling at about 1000km's per hour cover the sky and not a star can be seen. Friend goes inside and then pops her head out to let me know that she is putting hubby to bed. It is now 11.55pm mind you! I have a little laugh (I can see a pattern in this.) I grab an outside chair and plonk myself under her apple tree and have my own little countdown. Midnight comes and midnight goes. At about 12.03 am friend rushes out doing a little countdown thing - 5,4,3,2,1. Ok, I'll play along. She hands me a party popper and joyfully pops hers. Mine? Well, the string comes away - no pop! H.N.Y!!!! We went and watched another DVD. Went to bed at about 2.30 ish. I remained wide awake. Have you ever had a bout of insomnia when you are in someone else's home - and you don't know how to operate their telly? Must have been all the excitement.

I really do not want to sound like I am whining about my N.Y.E. Far from it. Oh, for sure, I considered feeling peeved, or disappointed, or somewhat confused over the 'Let's not make this a non - event N.Y.E' theory - but actually, I ended up choosing to see it for exactly what it was. An evening spent with a friend I love and value, a cat I am learning to embrace and a pop less popper. Perfect real life memory making stuff, right?.

Which brings me to my next random.

I think my word for 2009 is going to be 'choice'. I think I am going to find myself looking fair and square in the eyes of the 'you have a choice', philosophy. I can choose to be sad, to be mad, to be angry, to be depressed, to be disloyal, to be stubborn, to be loved, to be valued, to be informed, to be free, to be accepting of my faults and those of others. I can choose my responses, if nothing else!

The day after New years day was a bit of a downer. I was feeling a bit flat and a bit sorry for myself. I had a touch of the blues. Clearly my new word had not fully sunk into this thick skull of mine. Anyhow, there I was having a bad norning. (This next bit is so random - so beautifully random). The phone rings. Oh me, Oh my... It is a blogger friend - she is on the phone - talking - SURREAL!!!!! I am fairly sure that I portrayed myself as some blubbering idiot. I was kind of in shock (that's my defense). My friend sounded so....royal like.. beautiful.... soft (it should be said that she has shouted at me on line a few times (in love of course..) But after hearing her voice, I just can't imagine her shouting - EVER!!!. I don't mean to harp on and on about this (although it is a lot shorter randomness than my last random) - but I was like this little kid - I actually had a litle dance around the kitchen. What a lovely thing to do - to ring me. Very surreal. After we had hung up I asked my girls if I had sounded a little weird? Affirmative! No kidding, it was such a blessing.

What else?

Today my friend (Le skinny dipper) and my friend (Le home schooler) came over with their kids and grand kids (along with skinny dippers husband and son in law) and we had a bit of a craftmaking / art /computer games/movie/lunch/social play / date. We had arranged to start at 10.30 am. Which would have really worked out fine if I had not woken at 9.30? I never sleep in. Never - ever. I raced around like a mad man (which gets pretty close to the bone). I didn't get around to vacuuming the carpet in the lounge - can you believe it? That my friends is not how I usually prepare for guests ( have I mentioned that I am a bit of a 'let's clean the house before the cleaner arrives' kind of girl?) I am MUCH better than I used to be!!!!! Still, they arrived and we did what we did and I think everyone got something positive out of it. I know I did. Thanks guys!

Because of the yummy lunch my girls thought we all needed a little exercise. It was time to walk around the lake. All I have to do is walk out my front door and you can see the lake (it's just to the right of that white building).

About 20 steps . Well done, Mary! At this pace you will be fitter, stronger, leaner in no time at all!

The girls had on their roller blades - so obviously they could go a lot faster than me. "You go on ahead girls - I'll take the photo's. No, really, I will be fine, you go on ahead. Have fun!"

Now, I know it might look like I have stayed in the same place. I did walk around the whole lake - honest. The girls are just showing off cause they skated around four times. They are young.... and have healthy knees!!!!!!

Show offs.

I think that is about all the random for now.

Can you believe it is 2009?

Bring it on!
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I had this funny feeling that there would be lots and lots af spelling and grammar mistakes in this post. Came back to check. I am so sorry Linds and Theressa and Alison. That must have been hard yakka making heads or tails of what I was saying. I have fixed it up a little. Left a few errors in there - like to be authentic an all ;)

Getting ready for a New Year....

2008-12-29T19:46:00.049+10:30

(Photography - Gregory Colbet. Text (excerpts) 'The Principle of Emptiness' - Joseph Newton)

As I reflect on the year that was and prepare myself for the coming New Year - I pray that I will know what to hold onto and what to release; What to pass on and what to embrace.

May my heart be open to His word, His leadings, His will and His plan for my future.

The Christmas that was - pudding n all!

2008-12-26T18:49:00.042+10:30

The girls and I started off the day by going to The Salvation Army for their Christmas service. The elderly gentleman who was at the door to welcome people took my hand and said, 'Oh , I didn't recognize you - all dressed up!!!!!." That really had me thinking - Do I usually rock up to church a little too casually? Fair enough, perhaps I don't put on the pearls, or the white gloves, or the fancy hat, court shoes etc etc etc - but I really thought I was neat and clean? Mmmmmm...

As the service progressed it suddenly dawned on me that the only two people in uniform were the officers. Everyone else was in civvies. That must have been what the old man was referring to - he didn't initially recognize me out of uniform. Bless him! (I don't wear uniform).

After a lovely service us girls went home to check on the progress of the turkey. Now remember, Son had informed us that we were going to have fish for Christmas. (I am no fish lover). I decided I would sneak a turkey into the oven (stand by - of course).

Mentally I went through a check list. Christmas tree up? Pressies all wrapped and under the tree? Check!
Table set?

Ok, I will confess that I had completely neglected to organize the table this year. Then I remembered the Christmas table cloth in the cupboard. I borrowed Ellisha's plates from her glory box (we only have 4 in the cupboard - and 6 people were eating). A few candles, last year's serviettes (also found in the drawer) and odd cutlery. Well, they all matched except for one set - I gave myself the blue handled knife from the picnic set. I rang up John and asked him to bring some glasses - he informed me he did not have any decent ones. 'Me either', I responded. Clearly this was going to be my problem - out came the plastic champagne glasses from our 'Mama Mia' evening.

Table set? Check!

Son had requested I make some of those custard horns - I used to make them all the time when he was little. Now, how did I used to make them?

I know, I know, the pastry is meant to be cool - not all stretchy. Still, where there is a will, there is a way - right? (I am a much better creator in my head than in actual reality).

Not a bad effort!

I know, I know, you are meant to wait for the custard to cool before you add the swirl of cream on top. (I was under time presuure!!!!)

Out of the freezer comes the zillion calorie Ice - cream cake that I had been creating all week.

What do you mean? That is a Christmas tree on top - with baubles - if you please. So, I need a few more lessons on my icing techique.

Like I said before - I create brilliantly in my head.
First layer - Oreo biscuits crushed - melted butter - chocolate topping.
Second later - Vanilla ice - cream with cadbury flakes mixed inside.
Third layer - whipped cream - oreo biscuits - whipped cream.
Fourth layer - Double chocolate Ice - cream.
Fifth layer - melted mars bars.
Sixth layer - vanilla ice - cream with crushed maltesers.
seventh layer - oreo biscuits - cream
last layer - double choc icecream with a thin layer of vanilla ice - cream.
and then of course the icing.

Armed with my new Christmas apron I reminded the kids that it was, after all, their idea to share the work load his year. Come on then - who wants to help?

"Look Mum - the fish!"

Well done son, I see you have added calamari - yummy! (The turkey is looking good folks).

"Love to help mum, but last week I made the gingerbread house - and I am exhausted!".

Well done, daughter - it looks magnificent!

"Jenna, the custard is finished!" Nice try!

Time to eat. The best part was they all went on automatic mode and put their hats on without my need to plead and coherse! Actually, the best part was John saying grace (it's been a long time since we prayed together).

After our meal (which was by some small miracle- delicious) we hit the Wii games. Notice the stance on Ellisha? She's the competetive one (not at all like her mother;)) Actually, John looks pretty determined himself!

The girls invited their friends for dessert. I made them have a little bit of everything. I had a small piece of the zillion calorie cake (looked ridiculous - but tasted GLORIOUS).

Time for a game of Taboo. Cross eyes (Rhiannan) was on my team - we lost!

It took us 10 attempts to get this photo. One day I might just post the others (perhaps not!).

David (son), Jenna (daughter), Ellisha (daughter) John (ex), Val (ex M.I.L) and me.

There is the sequel to the pudding story - but I'll leave that for another day.

P.S. I have to confess to eating too much - woke up next day with a food indulgence hangover.

my 100th post

2008-12-23T15:57:00.006+10:30

This is my 100th post. I was wondering what I could write about. I thought of many, many things.

Then I realized I just wanted to say a great big thank you to my new friends in blog land.

You may never really know just how much you have blessed me.

Have a wonderful, glorious, peaceful, blessed Christmas.

Sorry, I tried and tried to get this ecard to fit on my page.

"May the blessing of the Lord be upon you." (Psalm 129.8)
"May you rejoice in the blessing of His love this Christmas and always."

Back on the road again

2008-12-19T19:00:00.016+10:30

My friend Rose and I both agree that it is way too easy for both of us to get caught up in the stresses and pressures of the Pre - Christmas - shopping centre - commercialism supreme - "oh why isn't it snowing?" mania/ madness that bombards our senses every year..

My friend Rose and I are very similar in that we find ourselves being rather emotionally vulnerable at Christmas time. As hard as we try we usually end up 'disappointed'.

Rose and I have our own secret dreams / fantasies / visions of what Christmas ought to look like - but in essence we agree that it hardly ever turns out to be what we would hope it to be.

So, last year Rose and I decided to escape for a few days during the crazy days. Last year was a great success. We soaked in the beauty of our land and breathed in the goodness of God while many others where madly dashing around spending money they didn't need to. Purchasing 'goodies' they had no idea they really needed until they had them hurling through the pushy checkouts.

So successful was our Pre - Christmas madness diversion last year that we decided (on the spur of the moment) that we would do it again.

My friend Rose and I loaded up her van and hit the open road.

We decided on the Yorke Peninsula this time. Check out the view we had from the van.

If you were driving towards these magnificent clouds wouldn't you be in glorious anticipation? We were! Man those clouds were just AWESOME!!! This was going to be a great diversion.

Come on - admit it. That water looks inviting - right?

And not a manic shopping centre in sight - Blessings.

Tempting right? Unfortunately the tide was low (excuse number 1) so Rose and I decided to just reminisce about the days when nothing would have stopped us from running into that water.
Some of our excuses were
- age (55 and 59) - lot's of verty young swimmers were hanging about.
- not sure if knees would cope with the steps?
- What if we scare the other beach dwellers with our lumps and bumps (they don't sell neck to knees anymore;))
- excuses, escuses, excuses.

We sat and viewed the wonderful deserted beach and pondered the goodness of God.

As I was enjoying the view a thought came into my head. "What if this was Christmas day - right now - Christmas day. Would I feel blessed? Would I be disappointed in the day? The answer was simple. If it was Christmas day I would be so grateful for the peace and love and gratitude I was feeling as the warm breeze caressed my face; as the serenity of the water soothed my soul; as the friend sitting next to me embraced my reflectiveness. Sure, I would have like it more if my family were there to share the view, the blessings, the relaxed wonder of His goodness.

Christmas - does not need shopping centres. Christmas - does not need fancy wrapped presents. Christmas - does not need stress and disappointments. Christmas - does not even need snow, or lights, or decorations, or turkey or....

Please do not get me wrong. Christmas can be enhanced by all of the above. I think that is part of my vulverability at Christmas - the expectations. People can be blessed by all of the above. All of the above can draw people together.

Hold on - I don't think I am expressing myself very well here.

I guess I will just say that as I sat on that bench and looked at the glistening water and the crazy clouds I was so grateful that I was not getting stressed to the max in some shopping centre. I was having my soul restored.

The water was inviting.

Rose and I were directed by a bloke with a surf board (who was there one min and invisible the next- now I am not suggesting he was an angel - although ......) to a path that supposedly led to a 'beautiful' part of the beach.

Why not?

We followed the path. We climbed some sand dunes. We entered a secluded stretch of beach.

It was indeed beautiful.

It was indeed secluded.

Very secluded.

Rose looked at the water and then looked at me.

Could we?

Should we?

"But we don't have our bathers!" we both chorused (with a little giggle).

Like I said...

It was secluded.

Very secluded.

So, we stripped down to undies and ran (at superman speed) into the very cold, refreshing, revitalizing water.

We smiled at each other.

Lifted our hands to the sky.

Did a little joyful dance.

And then ran right back (at double super man speed) to our clothes.

Such a fantastic trip.

Thanks Rose.

Thanks God.

New chapter - day one

2008-12-16T08:24:00.003+10:30

I am not one for finishing work and then relaxing and enjoying the freedom of not going to work. No siree. First day of the new chapter (loosely translated - first day as unemployed) I opened the carport doors - starred at the boxes and boxes and boxes of resources that I had lugged back from school (I so thought I had only taken the bare essentials - wrong!).

I shut the door - made my self a cuppa - drifted around blog land for awhile - and then, armed with a determination that could possibly bring about world peace, I re-opened the carport and got stuck into it.

One pile was for keeps (but needed to be re-organized into cute - color coded plastic containers.
One pile for the bin (I was ruthless).
One pile to give away to a homeschooling friend.
One pile for a friend whose grandchildren come up to stay and they love playing school (strange - I know).
One pile for the stuff that should go but, as yet, I can't let go!!!

Therapeutic - to say the least.

Then I went armed with my purse to the shopping centre and got the christmas pressies out the way. Must say - not only my presents for others - but also My present from daughter (love surprises) - daughters presents to sister and brother and dad and nanna etc etc etc. "Why not just give me your money and I will do it all next time?", I suggested. The look from daughter said it all (she's in complete denial;))

To finish off my first day of being unemployed I jumped on the scales - after several frothy coffees I was bracing myself for a gain.

Yippee!!!!

11 kgs down. I do not think I will make it to my goal for Christmas - unless I can loose 3.7 kg in 10 days.

What am I talking about? Of course I can!

Must run, I have to get into day two of unemployement by killing myself (this will be the first run I have done in say - oohh - forever!)

Actually the last time I had to run was to catch the train (couldn't afford to miss it). The girls ran on ahead and delayed the train. I wheezed my way to the platform. I looked up as I stepped onto the train - and through blurry, star stuuded eyes I thought I saw tens of mobiles poised ready to dial 000 emergency. This time of course I am carrying less weight - but there is that tricky, damaged knee that can come in handy when I have to stop running for safety reasons.

Must toodles now.

Catch you all soon.

Get a blessing from God today - He's handing them out free.

Love ya all!

End of a chapter -

2008-12-12T19:59:00.002+10:30

So, my time at this school has come to a close. It was a lovely last day. The students hugged me (even some of the 'toughies'). The staff where very encouraging and said some incredibly kind and uplifting words.

It is with a truly grateful heart that I close this chapter.

Here are some of the kind words put on cards for me (from staff and parents).

"Mary, You are a fantastic teacher and I thank you for enriching my child's life with your style of teaching. I wish you the very best. How lucky for the children you'll be teaching next year."

"Thank you so very much for being a wonderful teacher to my son - I love you for it. Thanks."

"Mary, I've really enjoyed working with you."

"Dear Mary, you are a card! I'll miss your sense of humor and that soup diet. Great concert item!"

"Thank you so very much. You did an incredible job."

"Keep smiling girl - like the angel you are."

"You have made a huge difference to a group of very needy kids. Thanks for caring!"

"Dear Mary, I can not thank you enough for the last two terms work. Thanks."

"Keep making a difference everywhere you go. Thanks!"

"May the future be full of wonderful surprises - you deserve it!"

And now let the poor say I am rich
let the weak say I am strong
for what the lord has done for me
Give thanks.

8 hours before I am unemployed.

2008-12-12T06:14:00.003+10:30

Give thanks with a grateful heart.... ok!

I am thankful for the job I have had for the past 6 months.
I am thankful for the opportunity of investing a little bit of stability and care (and maybe the odd bit of knowledge - who knows) into the lives of my students.
I am thankful that ALL the year 7 students made it to graduation (close call there for a while).
I am thankful that we will finish the year off with a wonderful / fun day at the aquatics centre.

I am thankful that new opportunities WILL emerge for me next year (added a bit of positive thinking in as well).
I am thankful that leadership acknowledge my hard work and said they would highly recommend me - and would have me back if only the school wasn't down one class next year.
I am thankful that I will be finishing this job with the knowledge that I did my best.

I am not sure how to make this real yet... but

I am thankful that In in 8 hours I will be unemployed - In His hands.

In everything give thanks.

I will admit to feeling a little jittery - but then again - This time last year I was feeling devastated - So for that I am thankful.

Christmas lights

2008-12-09T20:14:00.004+10:30

What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday the thunder storms, grey clouds, stillness. Today the sun is a blazing yellow. There is a yellow / orange -ish glow coming through my fly screen. The doors and windows are wide open (and it is only 6am). The little birds are cheeping away. I am breathing in this goodness.

And at the same time breathing in some calming peace. Today is graduation day for my students moving on to high school. My fellow yr 7 teacher is a control freak (and a bit of a bully) so I really don't know what is happening - except I am to be there and I am to read her mind and I am to somehow make sure my kids get to feel it is there graduation. No mean task - I can tekll you. It will be a long day. The graduation is in the evening - we stay all day and then all evening. Still, I will be thankful (it will become real soon) and I will take some of this morning glow into the rest of my day.

And then there is this clip from You tube. Hope you enjoy.

Getting in the swing of it from my computer chair ;)

It is raining outside

2008-12-09T07:10:00.004+10:30

When I went to bed last night (slightly overdressed in my flanny Pj's) I had to kick the sheet off to get comfortable (a bit of a warm night).

Slept soundly.

Woke this morning with the covers tucked up near my chin and the rumbling sounds of distance thunder in my ears.

Unlike the last time I woke to the sounds of thunder - this time I was thrilled to bits.

How cosy.

Ok, the alarm interrupted my snuggle in to the doona moment.

But I ignored it!

The sky is grey. Not the tiniest bit of blue sky around. The rain is coming down. Certainly not in buckets - just that nice pitter patter kind.

The cup of tea is in hand and I am SO wanting to just sit here and take in this atmosphere.

Trust me - when you live in the driest State (as I do) then rain makes everything GLOW.

The bricks are redder. The grass suddenly gets a greenish colour. The earth smells like -ok, that part is not so pleasant!

Excuse me a minute - the rain is pelting at the moment - must go and take a look. Really this is an opportunity to give thanks - yes indeed.

I am grateful that the dark grey skies are comforting me and not stirring up darker moods.

The students will have to stay in the classroom today - rain - no play policy - crazy! Still, with only three days to go before Summer break - I am sure we will do just fine.

I am looking at the clock and I realize I had better get my skates on if I am to get dressed and be ready for school (in time).

Oh what a pity!

Just a few things of update.
1. I had my hair coloured yesterday - auburn/brown with caramel highlights.
2. I have 300g to go and I have lost 10kg.
3. Ellisha's basketball team won the grand final - and she got fairest and best from the association.
4. It has been confirmed - by son - that we are having fish for Christmas (I will cook a turkey as well).

Thinking of you all (well not all - but definitely my drop in people).

With 10 min to go (before I need to be in car)I have to iron jeans, dry hair, get lunch ready (soup) make bed, clean teeth - what the heck - I'll leave the dishes!!!!

That now makes 9 min so I must run.

Toodles!

The pendulum affect

2008-12-07T21:10:00.005+10:30

Ah, the pendulum affect - was in full force today.

On one swing you have the humble practice of gratitude. On the other swing you have an appalling display of the wobbles - which I will call - 'The complete lacking of any display of gratitude which results in potential high blood pressure syndrome'.

Today I was a pendulum!

I've considered revealing all. But I think I might just leave it with these clues (they are not excuses - honest!)

Worship at Church - swing.
Phone call from friend with a not so subtle backing down of enthusiasm for a movie date (which she requested) - swing.
Certificate of acknowledgment for an emergency services orientation course completed - swing.
Packed to the rafters shopping complex (no parking spaces) - swing.
Table offered to have lunch from family who saw I needed a seat - swing.
Arrogant sales assistant who overcharged and then had a 'whatever' attitude - swing.
Kris Kringle present successfully purchased (within budget) - swing.
Daughter with a bucket load of attitude (we were there for her, after all!!!) - swing.
Phone call from same friend with a renewed enthusiasm to meet for coffee / movie - swing.
Car blocking my driveway - swing.
Finished School reports - swing.

So far the pendulum is on a positive swing - so this is what I will give thanks for.

Being thankful and displaying gratitude is not a guarantee for a perfect day. Days will be filled with all sorts of challenges, frustrations, disappointments, stresses and packed shopping centres - filled with pushy, stressed out shoppers. However, I believe that the more I practice noticing and expressing thanks for the positive things in my life (be they big or small) then I will be in a better place to accept the disappointments.

After all - let's put those negative swings into perspective - hardly catastrophic right?

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them".
John. F. Kennedy

The gratitude test

2008-12-06T07:48:00.004+10:30

1= strongly disagree
2= disagree
3 = slightly disagree
4= neutral
5 = slightly agree
6= agree
7= strongly agree

These are the things which you are to grade -
- 1. I have so much in my life to be thankful for.
-2. If I had to list everything that I felt grateful for, it would be a very long list.
-3. When I look at the world, I can see so much I can be grateful for.
-4. I am grateful to a wide variety of people.
-5. As I get older I find myself more able to to appreciate the people. event, and situations that have been part of my life history.
-6. Very short amounts of time can go by before I feel grateful to something or someone.
-7. I practice saying Thank you to those who deserve to be thanked on a daily basis.

The higher your score - the more grateful you are.

My score was 33.

According to the scale, a score of 41 and above suggests you are intensely grateful. Under 27 may suggest you could probably use a bit of 'Thank You power' in your life.

I was able to identify the area that I can improve on. For me it was to practice displaying this gratitude and recognizing on a daily basis things I have opportunity to be grateful for. I also recognized that although I can make an intellectual list I need to allow The Spirit to move it from head to heart.

What I have decided to do (or been led to do) is take on the challenge given by Deborah Norville in her book, 'Thank You Power', and record daily at least three things that I could and should be grateful for.

Deborah asks that you record anything that uplifted you,, brought a smile to your face or put your own woes into perspective. She then asks that you write down why this was good for your life/ journey. Finally, make a note of who, if anyone, played a role in what you've recalled for the day and how that person impacted on your life.

Why?

- It forces your focus onto what went right today, versus the inevitable things that went wrong.
- It brings you into the present not the 'woulda' - 'coulda' - 'shoulda' - looking at life.
- It reminds you of the interconnectedness of life - we can sometimes go days with out human contact. We need to be reminded about how others have contributed to our lives.
- It enhances self-esteem. Good things happen to good people - therefore I am good because something good happened to me today to which I will show gratitude.

Your frame of mind when engaging in the practice is important. I do not want to practice gratitude in order to simply achieve the benefit. I want to practice gratitude because Scripture says 'In everything, give thanks'. God gave us a key to a fruitful life. It is time I started thoroughly practicing. Let's face it- too much naval gazing on the woes of your life can be damn right depressing.

Well, I am off to start my day now.

Gratitude 1: I am thankful for this opportunity to share my journey through blogging. I recognize that friends such as Linds, Judith Crystal, Julie (and others) are faithful and encouraging and make me feel valued. Thank You.

Exciting times

2008-12-03T19:49:00.003+10:30

Give Thanks

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Over the last few days these lyrics have nudged their way into my consciousness.

I find myself bursting forth in song.

Exciting times.

concert review

2008-12-02T21:28:00.002+10:30

Well the school concert came and the school concert went

and my students were

BRILLIANT.

Me of little faith .......

A bit of this, that and the other!

2008-12-01T19:11:00.002+10:30

Hi guys, thanks for dropping by.

Thought I might bring you up to speed with a few things that are happening my way at the moment.

1. The update on my weight loss is that I have SUCCESSFULLY shed 8 Kilograms so far. For those who work in pounds that would be approx 17.636 pounds. I am feeling good. My jeans which I bought and had to leave hanging in my wardrobe cause they had the potential of giving me a hernia if worn, now slip down a tad (belt time!). So, my plan to be back to the weight I was last Christmas is on schedule. 6 kilos to go - in four weeks - I can do it!!!!!

2. My eldest has just gotten her first car. It came her way by means of a very generous man who got it for his daughter. His daughter would not be seen dead driving it, so he offered it to Ellisha. What a blessing - well mostly anyway. Even though Ellisha has been driving my car for a year now it is kind of unnerving knowing she has her own. I mean I know my car. I know she knows that if she damaged my car I would not be happy. I know she knows that I want her to be safe first and foremost. I just hope that having her own car doesn't mean that she is never home now. Let's face it, when she was borrowing my car I knew she would only be out and about for a certain time. I know, I know, a little neurotic of me - still I am new at this letting go of the child/adult/child thing. (must say she is a responsible person - so I should not worry too much!!!)

3. I had a lovely time with God at Church on Sunday. I really felt His presence while singing His praises. Hallelujah.

4. My students have their end of year concert tomorrow. My son(David) and I have been teaching them the drums. I have hired a gorilla suit and one of the students is re-enacting the Cadbury commercial (In the air tonight). The other students are doing various percussion sets. Today was the dress rehearsal - they were shocking!!! No good denying it - they were SHOCKING. So, we went back to class and had a little discussion (kind way of saying - straight shooting talk). I reminded them that they were talented and that they had done a great job to learn the pieces and that they should feel proud of themselves and why not go out there and have a blast and..... So, we went and had another rehearsal. I rang David and asked him to come in to school (he was free so he did - bless him). The students rose to the occassion and were much MUCH better. It's up to them now. Tomorrow they need to BRING IT!!!!!

5. I have just finished writing the school reports - I am getting really good at creative comments.

6. Did I mention that I had a great time with God on sunday? I am fairly confident that some of you readers are doing some praying. And I thank you.

7. I am reading Max Lucado - 'Facing your Giants.' His focus is on the life of David as both a shepherd boy facing a giant and an adult - being a giant. I must admit to finding it a little tougher to get through than 'Traveling Light'. Discovering your Giants is clearly introspective and I think I have naval gazed a little too much lately.

8. I went to the doctors today to have my meds reviewed. My doctor was not there so I saw his replacement. He was Indian and I could not understand a word he said. I think he said my blood pressure was very good. Can I say he had a very interesting way of taking my BP. Seeing I have my own blood pressure monitor at home this was hardly a revelation. What I wanted to know was if I should reduce my meds - It was very high so they put me on triple meds and now it is low? My doc will be back in a week.

Well that is a bit of what is happening around here.

Did I mention I had a great time with God on sunday?

Retraction and disclosure

2008-11-29T08:25:00.002+10:30

I made a post yesterday that was riddled with hurt and frustration and anger and bitterness and dare I say it 'poor me' attitudes. I removed the post not because I am wanting people to only see me in a positive way - but rather because I need to bring these things before God and allow His love and support to heal me. Depression is a strange force.

I do want the few readers I have to know that on the outside I appear just fine. I am strong, supportive, caring, amusing even. But right now (and for some time now) there has been a dark cloud over my spirit which tries to consume me.

I know I will rise above this and I know that God will be the one who raises me high above all this.

I miss the close relationship I once had with God. I am doing all I can (reading and praying) to restore my faith. I dare to reach out to His faithful people which is not easy for me as I do suffer from the crippling belief that I am only going to be rejected when they see me in my vulnerable state.

This post is not a pity party - it is (and I say it with all of my heart) and honest testimony to where I am.

I long for His presence to consume me so there is no room for my own inadequacies to make me stumble and fall out of His grace.

For those who read my post yesterday - please no that I am regretful for any offense I caused.

This is hard for me to do but I am asking you to pray me - for healing. My past hurts still fester within my heart and try to define me. Most of the time I am able to stay one step ahead of depression.

Depression - there I have said it.

We are all complex people.

Just a little dizziness

2008-11-26T18:25:00.004+10:30

Woke up this morning - nothing new or exciting about that seeing as I wake up almost every morning (can't remember the last time I woke and it was past noon). So, I woke up and felt just dandy. It would appear that I really don't require a lot of sleep. The night before I was chit chatting to a friend until - well let's say late - past midnight. I was having a great time - probably would have kept that lovely lady chatting for ever and ever had she not booted me off line.

But I digress! So, I chatted till late (midnight) then I did the dishes and then I went and had a little debate with Max and before you know it - it was 2am. Wide awake and feeling like I still had things I needed to get off my chest or heart I had a little informal share time with God. I say informal because I was struggling to stay completely focused on the topic/s. I am so grateful that God knows and speaks many languages - cause by the time I was done I was ranting complete gibberish.

So, about 3'ish I turned off the light, checked that the alarm was set for 6am, and immediately landed in snooze land.

Woke up this morning feeling just dandy. I even beat the alarm - true.

I rolled out of bed and started to make my way to the door. It was then that I realised something was not quite right. Firstly the door would not keep still. I walked straight into the edge of the bed and then jammed my shoulder on the door frame. It was as I was moving into the passageway I noticed our delusional cat doing that horrible regurgitation dance. I tried to bend down to scoop her up hoping to get her to the yard before the contents (hairball) was projected onto the floor. I swear I had her in my sights - but when I got to floor level I was out by a mile.

I have a complete new empathy for anyone who suffers from balance issues - or drunks even for that matter.

I could not wak a straight line. I tried talking myself into it but to no avail. The best I could manage was a pretty pathetic rendition of the vienna waltz as I swooped and swooned my way to the kitchen.

I managed to steady myself up and the dizziness passed. So, forgetting where I was up to in my morning routine I grabbed the clothes out of the machine (I had pre set it to wash during my sleep) and attempted to walk through the side door to the clothes line. I have the bruises to prove my pathetic attempts. One minute the door was there and so I proceeded to walk through it. Next thing you know it was a little to the left, then a little to the right.

I gave up and staggered to the kitchen, put the kettle on, and against better judegemnt, made myself a cup of tea (I wish I could describe adequately the whole pouring of boiling water into a cup that was on some sort of moving shelf).

So, with a lot of skill and a little paranoia (I was just beginning to feel a little apprehensive in case it was the old blood pressure) I sipped away at the cuppa. I plonked myself on the couch and waited for the waltz to conclude.

It was then, from my bedroom, (which was all the way back down the passageT that I heard the alarm go off. I am really proud of how I was able to negotiate my way around the precious cats deposit of fur ball (and various other contents).

By the time I got to my bedroom it made perfect sense to plonk back down on the bed.

The crazy sensation passed and I managed to get ready for school (on time).

I shared my wonderful experience with the principal - maybe hoping that she would say go home. Alas, all I got was her version of her own dizzy spell several years ago!!!!

What a morning!!!!!!!

I'm well thanks

2008-11-24T17:27:00.004+10:30

I raced home from work and dived onto the computer to check if anyone had been on my site. Unfortunately two people had. I say unfortunately because I was going to delete the stupid picture. Oh well!

Pleasant evening here in our home. Jenna just walked through the door - I am fairly sure she was cursing (maybe a swear word even passed her lips). She is not a happy camper!!!! What is she so cross about? Well, you see when we went to Sydney she passed me her PSP and it slipped through my hands and broke. She was not happy then, trust me. If that plane had windows that opened - I was a gonna!!! Anyway I rang the insurance and put in a claim. Took them for ever to get her a new one. However, she was a little happier because they gave her the upgraded version.

So, why the cussing and cursing now? Oops, she dropped the PSP!!!!! Meltdown. Where can I hide? Dare I ring the insurance again? I am nervous - I have this feeling I will utter the wrong words to my precious.

What? Could it be?

She is out of the room. Yes, she is Ok! All is well! The world can keep turning!!!

Oh thank you Lord - The Sony PSP is not broken.

Now as for the son. Well he bought a car. He bought a car in spite of both parents advising him to be cautious, careful, have it checked etc etc. He bought a car knowing best. It was a lemon!!! Seized up two days after. Took it back to previous owner (happens to own a wreckers - very sus!!!). Four weeks later after a whole lot of mucking around, lies, etc etc he got the car back (not before A Current Affairs rang them and suggested they were coming for a visit). Three weeks later car seized up again. Son would like to be rescued. Wants to float a loan to get the car fixed - STAT. Thing is he owes his father like $900 for the last fix. Whoa! I say. I think you need to take some responsibility here, son. Pay back your dad and then we will talk about another loan. Meantime catch a bus like thousands of other workers.

Am I his favorite mother right now? I think not!!!!!

Eldest daughter has got her self some work where her friends dad works. Deal breaker is she now has to sleep over at her friends every night cause she has no transport and she starts at 6am - the friend is also doing it. I am not happy (as it is) with all the time she spends there. "Well!" she whined, " if you loaned me some money to get a car I wouldn't need to be reliant on your car and its availability!". What?

Clearly they need to be reminded of the traumatic births each of them put me through :) That and the fact I am not a bleedin bank!!!!!

I'm well thanks!
__________________________________________

Phew! Got back here before anyone came and read. I just wanted to be sure you understood that I love my kids very much. Excellent. I am very proud of them. Excellent. Oh yes, I also wanted you to know that their births were really, really traumatic!!! They owe me BIG time ;)

Well that's that then.

Felt a bit tired after work today so I am in my Pj's - must go and quickly drag in the bins - hoping neighbours are bust cooking their tea (It's ok Linds, I have fastened the waist band nice and tight).

Spot the differences!

2008-11-24T07:12:00.009+10:30

Apart from the poor quality of the photo (Son has my camera and daughter - who I woke to take this - was not happy photographer) and besides the fact I could not afford to fly over to Sydney for the reenactment - can you spot the differences?

P.S I have truly woken up to the fact that this is not, nor ever was, nor ever will be a flattering top! Still, it's what I was wearing and so it will show the differences, right?

Hint: 7kg
-------------------------------------------------

Add on - Don't mean to be crude but my right bust is out of control. You can see it in the face - right?

A weekend getaway

2008-11-16T22:05:00.020+10:30

I took off for a three day weekend break. I went armed with my laptop (I managed to reclaim it from son) in order to work through some end of year school reports. I also went armed with a bag of books (visions of comfortable chair, long, tall drink, Mama Mia CD?) and of course a new, but dear friend of mine (you may know him), Max Lucado.

My girls didn't really think I would do it. I am always saying I am taking off for the weekend - but never do. Responsibilities (let's not forget my girls are now 20 and 23!!), house chores ( do they ever really get to the end of the list?)., an invitation to have coffee (talk about timing????). Endless excuses. Not to mention that I like company - and I was going alone.

The girls went to Uni and work (respectively) and confidently chorused, ' See ya this arvo, mum ;)'.

No way! I got on the internet, booked a cabin at Goolwa (about a 2 hour drive) - close enough to get back should an emergency happen, but far enough away to make me stay when I got bored, through as much into the car as I could fit (including my portable TV/DVD and groovy camera and hit the road.

The drive down was pleasant enough. The cabin was okay! The tourist centre were very chatty (and helpful) and by 4 O'clock I was bored. I sat in front of the laptop and tried really hard to get motivated to write positive comments - failed! I grabbed a book and tried to read - failed! I went for a walk with my camera - failed! I had another cup of soup - I am so over this soup! I got on the mobile phone and checked in on the girls - they were fine. I rang a friend who lives an hour away from Goolwa. Bingo! She invited herself to come down Saturday for a couple of hours - (what a life saver - and how clever was I to sound like it was a lovely idea - if that is what she would like to do!!!!). God bless her.

Knowing that someone was on there way the next day I was able to surrender a little more into this self appointed retreat.

I had a little one on one with Max and then grabbed the camera again.

Ah, that's better - what a difference an attitude makes.

Each scene was whispering a new and refreshing message.

On Sunday I decided to book myself on a river cruise down the Coorong (part of the Murray River).

Oh My Lord! And I mean 'Oh My Lord' - glorious, so glorious. I took Max with me and finished the 'Traveling Light' book. I will be making my final post on what I have discovered soon. For now let me share with you the setting which allowed Max and God to do their stirring of my heart.

The prison of want - The burden of discontent

2008-11-11T19:01:00.000+10:30

The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want.

Max has started to break the 23rd Psalm down. I like the way he punctuates his message with lots and lots of metaphors - analogies - parables. But more of that later.

The question pounding in my head (over and over and over again) - therefore demanding some serious reflection is - Am I in want? Is there something - that I want, that I crave, that I feel I do not have that may be the missing link to my happiness?

Am I in want? Let's flip it around a minute and ask - Do I have everything I need that will bring me peace, joy, happiness?

My friends, the resounding response needs to be - I am in want!

Remember, I am reflecting and looking at this want issue within the context of things that will bring me peace, joy and happiness. Of course there are things that I have. I have a roof over my head, a car, food in the cupboard, a job (for now), internet (P.T.L), clothes, a few dollars spare for the minor (very minor) crisis, etc etc. I also have three children who have made it through to young adulthood without being lured into alcohol, drugs, promiscuous behavior or a nasty nature. Oh yes, I do have things - and for these I am grateful.

Still, there is no hiding the truth - when it comes to my spiritual well being - I am in want.

Max sets an exercise up - he asks the reader to write down what they think they need to make them happy ( he actually calls it meddling - sweet man). In essence what he is asking is - What do I think I am in want of? What is separating me fromjoy?

Here goes -

I will be happy when I ...

Actually I need to change this a little . I know what I need for spiritual well being. I also know that gaining material things will not be the answer - in the long run. I need to acknowledge the things that make me happy and bring a sense of joy.

I am happy when I am acknowledged.

I am happy when I share with my friends (joy or hardships).

I am happy when I am slimmer.

I am happy when I feel financially more secure.

I am happy when I sing.

I am happy when my children nurture a relationship with me.

As I was thinking of the things that make me happy it was easier when I considered what made me feel sad, or disappointed, or hurt. Many of the things that make me happy , I noticed where dependent on other people. Not quite a revelation - but ...... I need to get this addressed.

Of course the solution is presented nicely, in the scriptures. The Lord is My shepherd.... I Shall Not Want. I get it Max, I get it! When you really consider (and live it) that the Lord is your shepherd then and only then can you feel that you have everything you need - you are wanting for nothing.

So, I must conclude that one of the things I am in want of is a conviction that the Lord is my shepherd. Again I find myself intellectually 'getting it' - but- clearly not 'living it'. There is a block there, for sure.

But why?

Oh, I'm sure that I know the answer - simply put - TRUST.

I find it hard to trust God. I know, that's a pretty big confession (brave move Mary!).

Sure, I trust on a superficial level - but I realize that when you have been expected (from a very young age) to be strong, to be a survivor, to be a leader, then it is quite a challenge to really submit your will to another - even if that 'other' is God himself - you know - the Creator!

Needing some spiritual intervention on this one.

Maybe chapter by chapter - as I read more about the shepherd - I will discover a way to live a life without want. The shepherd being all I need.

Travelling light

2008-11-08T13:46:00.004+10:30

I am reflecting my way through a book by Max Lucado titled 'Traveling Light - Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear."

Chapter one - The luggage of life.

Here Max uses an analogy of being over prepared when his is going on a holiday or a trip. He says that, due to habit and a need to be always prepared for every outcome, he throws into his bag all sorts of unnecessary this and thats - hence making his burden heavier than it needs to be. "I've never been one to travel light", says Max.

Max goes on to say that he should listen to the voice that says "Set that stuff down! You're carrying burdens you don't need to bear." The voice goes on to say " Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)

Max next goes on to reveal how we can let the voice (God) lessen our load - Psalm 23 - here are some of the verses that jumped out at me (after the second read).

He makes me to lie down in green pastures - lying down equals rest - green pastures equals life.
He leads me beside still waters - Peaceful - no hazards - welcoming.
He restores my soul - when you think of what can be restored these days with the latest technology - old photos made into new etc - just think what God can do to the shattered, disillusioned, damaged or neglected souls.
He leads me in the path of righteousness - It's not all take - I need to walk the walk. I need to talk the talk. I need to be willing to be led into Godliness. This is my choice. He leads. He does not shove or push or drag or demand - He leads.
For Thou are with me - I confess to being a victim from the classic case of ' who really is going to be there for ME?'. Well, He says, He will be!

The verses go on to remind me that when I place my trust in Him and when I allow His peace to restore my soul then - my cup will run over, goodness and mercy will follow me - ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE! That's not bad a promise to hold onto in this disposable world we now live in.

And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever - this may mean heaven for some - it may even be the intent of the author - but for me it says that if I dwell (linger, hang out) in His presence then I will never be alone (in the here and now). Forever would indicate that it lasts for infinity but it starts right here, right now.

Max also uses another analogy of a bride and groom entering their wedding day with bags (burdens) and tags plastered all over them. The tags are defining the baggage that they are both bringing into this new relationship. I really liked the analogy but have chosen not to reflect on it too much as it hits pretty close to the bone. I think Max is suggesting through this analogy that if we are carrying too many extra bags then we loose the capacity to carry the ones we are meant to be carrying .

"Set them down", he says. "How do you embrace someone if your arms are full?". This point required a little more thinking. I certainly carry excess baggage (emotional burdens) but I have always found that if I come across someone who needs to be embraced (physically, financially, mentally or emotionally) I find a way to carry that load as well. In fact, sometimes I think that my burdens seem much lighter when I am carrying someone else's. Hah! As I type this justification I am starting to get a little niggle of a thought that perhaps, just maybe, there lies the problem. I suspect God (through Max's writings) will cover that a little later.

At the beginning of the chapter Max shared why he always needing to be over prepared - which in turn led him to carrying stuff he didn't need to carry. For Max it was going back to his memories of the old Scouts salute - 'BE PREPARED'.

I have a clear memory as a child of stealing a pound note from my dad's wage money. I had no idea what the value of that note was - but I now know that it was a considerable portion of his wage. I took the money and went and bought a whole lot of sweets. I then took these treasures to school and gave one to all my friends and all the children who looked like they could do with a treat ( kind of me, right?). Of course, after school all the children walked past our house and said hello to my mum. They also excitedly told her how generous I had been that day. Mum figured out I was the culprit. I was sent out to the backyard to wait until dad got home.

I remember it began to snow and I was freezing. I stayed outside for hours. When dad got home he took me upstairs and belted me with his army belt. Outcome -A bit drastic, but I learnt a great lesson and vowed never to steal again.

A little while later some more money went missing. This time it was my sister ( who is one year older than me). Mum was really worried at what dad would do to my sister. Apparently I was dad's favorite (did not feel that way when I was getting the strap!) and mum was convinced that if I got the belting I did then surely dad would kill my sister. Mum begged me to pretend it was me who had stolen the money and confess to dad on behalf of my sister. What did I do? I carried her load, that's what!This time my belting was done with the buckle side of the belt.The damage to my behind was pretty ugly. Dad had been drinking and kind of lost it.

The point of this story is not to share some miserable childhood drama but to really begin to identify and resolve why it is I tend to hold onto burdens allowing them to weigh me down when I am feeling vulnerable. After all, Max identified his training. I was trained to be the burden carrier. I don't think you can really disregard or underestimate the influence of childhood experiences. And although that particular incident rarely reaches my conscious state any more, I think it would be fair to say that it has remained in my subconscious and jumps out (usually in some disguise) when I am feeling particularly vulnerable or disappointed.

Intellectually I know that I can lay down my burdens at His feet. As Max quoted - to conclude chapter one - "Unload all your worries onto Him, since He is looking after you." (1 Peter 5:7).

For the sake of those you love, travel light.
For the sake of the God you serve, travel light.
For the sake of your own joy, travel light.

Dear God, help me move from head knowledge to heart experience. Amen

What's in a name?

2008-11-04T17:44:00.002+10:30

"Sticks and stones may break by bones but names will never hurt me!"

Well that statement is definitely debatable. I read that name calling is intended to wound one's self respect. Name calling is personal. Hurt occurs when you don't see yourself in that light.

I heard a group of students getting into a bit of name calling today. The recipients of the names were laughing nervously, I thought, and were flat out trying to make claim, by their behavior, to the above statement that names do not hurt. They failed miserably. With trained eyes, I could see the, barely hidden, hurt. Admittedly, most of the names were said in 'jest'. However, many had a little edge to them.

It got me thinking about the power of name calling or adjective titles that are bestowed on us. That of course got me thinking of some of the names / titles I have been called at various times. Many of them hurt, many of them uplifted me, many were spot on and many were so far off the mark they were laughable.

So, some names (or titles) that I have been called are;

Creative, Tenacious, Loyal. Bossy, Best Teacher, Bitch, Stupid, Clever, Industrious, Obsessive, Needy, Dramatic, Control Freak, Loser, Darling, Honest, Fatty, (Wolf whistle), Liar, Leader, Friend, Ugly, Mummy, Loyal, Flirt and many , many more.

As you can see - some names are not that bad - easy to embrace - uplifting. Some names are insulting and designed to offend.

Which names stick?

As I was thinking of the best way to talk to my students on the affects (positive or negative) that name calling can have, I remembered the story Wemmicks. This is a beautiful story - with a powerful message.

"Why don't the stickers stay on her?"

"Because she has decided thatwhat I think is more important than what they think. The stickers only stick if you let them."

"What?"

"The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust my love, the less you care about the stickers."

"I"m not sure I understand."

"You will, but it will take time. You've got a lot of marks. For now, just come to see me every day and let me remind you how much I care."

"Remember. you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."

Punchinello didn't stop but in his heart he thought, 'I think He really means it."

And when he did, a dot fell to the ground.

Names may hurt - but this I know - I have been created in His Image. I am a child of God.

Amen.

P.S. A truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who prayed me through my last post. - blessings.

paddling on the inside

2008-11-02T09:02:00.004+10:30

I went to bed last night with a lot of things on my mind. There are so many things that I am trying to bring before God in prayer - things that are about me and affecting me - disappointments, betrayals, finances, friendships, job prospects, weight, loneliness, parched spirit. I say 'trying' because although I know how to pray and although I definitely know the power of prayer (having experienced it on many 0ccassions - in the past) and although I believe in prayer - I am struggling to really connect in prayer - I feel like I am operating on such a superficial level - I have the words; I reflect; I praise His name; I ... there are a few "I" statements in there - I know!. So I try to rest in His arms. I bring other people's needs before Him - there are so many people (even here in blog land that are in need of prayer) - somehow praying for others is so much easier.

I woke up this morning and the first thing I heard was a great big (very big - very close) clap of thunder. I snuggled into my doona and enjoyed the experience. Then, the dark cloud ascended on me. Something was rumbling in the depths of my soul. Was it fear? Dissapointment (in self) ?
Depression?

This is me right now

We all know the metaphor - right?

For all intents and purposes I am keeping above the surface. I am meeting my childrens needs, I will be there for a friend if they need me (sincerely), I will write my school reports, I will go and celebrate a friends birthday, I will prepare my lessons for next week, I will go for a walk and enjoy this new day, I will continue to eat soup for one more day, I will stay off the scales for one more day, I will look like I am doing well - if anyone should Iask, I will say- I am doing well!

And, I'll be paddling furiously underneath it all.

Draw me nearer, precious lord - to your side - Amen.

I'm a proud mum

2008-10-30T20:01:00.004+10:30

My son (David) went to see the director of the SA film Company the other day. He had emailed them a script for a short film that he had written and the bloke wanted to have a chat. David came home with a firm commitment from the company that they were really excited with his script and that they were going to fund him so he can turn his script into a film.

How proud am I? Pretty proud.

So now he is hiring the crew (some of which he worked with when he was at film school two years ago). I'll keep you posted when it is released.

I'm going to be a famous mum - I mean a mum of a famous person ;).

This is my son - he's pretty excited..

Well done son.

I had a dream

2008-10-29T17:33:00.003+10:30

Woke up this morning at around 4am absolutely exhausted. I woke myself up from a dream. It was a very, very vigorous dream. In my dream I was at war. I was having this rather intense argument with some faceless people. I knew that I knew them, I recognized that much - but they had no faces - so I couldn't be sure.

In my dream I was so frustrated.I remember having these pleading arguments (shouting matches really) with the faceless ones. They would not back me up on something really important - I was accused of wrong and they knew I was innocent but they just looked at me and repeated they knew nothing of my innocence. They were not accusing - just refusing to clear my name. I ran from faceless face to faceless face - jolted in the pain of their rejection.

I woke and tried to analyse the dream (I am a little bit of an over analyzer).

Knowing I had to get up to go to work in two hours I surrendered again to sleep.

The dream (which was now becoming desperate) continued. The rejectors remained faceless. My determination to find at least one person who believed in my innocence grew into sobbing pleads.

I felt betrayed.

The alarm went off.

I knew what the dream was telling me - it is time to put a full stop to the hurt and sense of betrayal I have been feeling concerning my work situation last year.

The betrayal was costly. It cost me financially. Worse - it cost me emotionally and spiritually.

So, without fully understanding yet how I am going to get that full stop next to the hurt - and keep it there - I know I must.

I'm hanging on tight to the better things.

Reflecting on better things

2008-10-27T19:43:00.011+10:30

These photos were taken from our local jetty.

As I looked at them today (part of holding onto better things) I remembered the amazing, overwhelming realization that God's presence is truly visible for those who see. I remembered the peace I felt. I remembered the promise I made that I would rejoice in His greatness. I remembered His promise to sustain my belief even through the dark days - You won't always get the sunsets.

I am making a list of the things I need to let go of - Where the full stops belong! It's time.

"Sometimes holding on makes you stronger. sometimes it's letting go."

A renewed determination

2008-10-26T21:23:00.004+10:30

First of all I really want to say thanks to a fellow blogger for letting me have a bit of a rant and rave on saturday night. I was feeling a little bit low (putting it mildly) and a whole lot sorry for myself. During our conversation I was (gently - but firmly) reminded that perhaps I needed to let go of a few things and to get a firmer hold on some different things. I really value everything that was said. I was encouraged.

I tried to pray. The tears where often distracting yet somehow necessary. I reflected. I opened my heart a little more.

I slept.

Morning came and with it a renewed determination to get on with it.

Some of the things I want to grab hold of a whole lot more and to find a way to express on a daily basis appreciation. Appreciation for the good things in my life, for opportunities yet to come, for grace offered freely from the one who paid the greatest price, for eyes that allow me to see - really see - His creation, for the invitation to commune with our creator in a personal way, for forgiveness and for still having a pulse.

There are a few things in my life (experiences, disappointments, mistakes, hurts, fears) that I need to put a full stop next to. These things I need to bring before God and allow His guidance and His peace to direct me. I need to forgive some people. I need to seek forgiveness. I need to be forgiven. I need to trust. I need to trust His forgiveness.

Trusting is believing that God will keep His word
And trusting is believing you're every prayer is heard
And trusting is letting God know you're depending on Him
It's feeling His forgiveness within.

Trusting is believing that God cares for you
And trusting is believing just as a child would do
It's like giving your hand to Jesus knowing He wont let go

I'll trust Him because He loves me so.

So that was my prayer today.

Thanks Linds.

One more whine

2008-10-24T18:29:00.003+10:30

Complimenting yesterdays post (where I had a few whines about the upcoming weather) is today's update.

The really nice weather lady punctuated these words concerning tomorrows forecast:

EXTREME POLLEN COUNT

DUST STORMS JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE

AN UNCOMFORTABLE 37 DEGREES

TAKE CARE (her exact words).

No kidding.....

If you had my sinuses you would be feeling my pain right now.

weather forecast

2008-10-23T21:05:00.008+10:30

It would be fair to say that I do not particularly like hot weather, especially, unseasonal hot weather like summer-hot weather- when it is still spring. That's gripe number one!

Gripe number two: I really, really don't like these all consuming, dry, (make that very dry) northerly winds we are so blessed with over here in South Australia. 'How bad', you ask? They have the capacity to dehydrate your skin to a shrivelly, pruney, sandpapery (I know these are not real words - but they are expressive - so they stay!) kind of look - not to mention what it does to the sinuses - or my mood!!!

So, here's the weather forecast for the next week

Saturday      Windy. Late afternoon change.      Max 37
Sunday        Morning shower, then fine.         Max 25
Monday        Fine. Mostly sunny.                Max 25
Tuesday       windy. Hot and dry.                Max 35
Wednesday     Hot and dry.                       Max 36

I was doing just fine until I heard the lovely weather girl announce the GREAT news. Did she have to have that smile plastered on her face?

The mere thought has set my sinuses tingling.

Did I mention that IT IS NOT SUMMER YET?

At least Sunday and Monday look like nice days

I know, I know

In everything give thanks...

It's going to be a tough week.

My favourite first born had a birthday

2008-10-19T19:20:00.019+10:30

On Thursday (16th) it was my eldest daughters birthday. My favorite first born child is now twenty three. Twenty three! Where, oh where have those years gone?

It seems only fitting that I take this opportunity of introducing my eldest girl with a few baby tales.

Full name is Ellisha (no middle name) - a bug bear of hers that comes up frequently and usually in a whinny, 'how come I have no middle name?' sort of grilling! My middle name is Ann but I have never been called Ann, nor referred to as Ann. So that's that and let's just drop it shall we my dear.

Ellisha was a honeymoon baby (thought you might want to know this fact- mmm). Ellisha's pregnancy was very difficult (a thesis in itself). She eventually came into the world via an emergency cesarean. When I woke from the anesthetic I thought the nurse said I had lost her. She said, "you had a beautiful baby girl!", my foggy brain registered that to be past tense.

She was beautiful (and still is) and very much alive. I know a lot of mothers try and suggest their baby smiled really, really early, but Ellisha really, really did. Day two she blessed us with a huge smile (even the cleaner said that it was genuine and not wind).

What a dream baby - well almost. She was, in fact, a finicky little feeder. Took about 1 hour of swapping from nipple to nipple before she would settle for a good feed. Perhaps the fact that I remained excruciatingly engorged (so much so that during feeding everyone else had to clear the room because the milk from unused breast was missile- like.) No kidding! Oh yes, and when she fed her legs were out stiff. Here's a photo to prove it.

She was a fantastic sleeper - sleeping right through the night from 9 weeks. No colic. No grizzles.

What's more no 'terrible two' tantrums (totally forbidden). If it looked like she was about to throw a wobbly I would scoop her up, distract her and suggest that she try another way of expressing her frustrations. She was a rather obliging toddler.

As a young tacker she did have this scary relational thing going on with complete strangers that we happened to bump into when out at the shops. She would approach them, tap them on the leg and say, "I love you!".

Yep, she was really embracing the 'Jesus loves you' concept- with passion ;)

As for the walking. That's a story worth sharing. It goes like this:
By her first birthday I suspected she was just about ready to take her first independent steps - all the signs were there. It came to her birthday and we had a little party. No matter what coaxing methods I used to entice the girl to walk ( my un-cooperative and stubborn first born) refused to entertain the guests. She would stand, stare, then smugly plonk herself on the ground (I stand by the smug look). Anyhow, eventually the guests left and still darling daughter had not fulfilled my expectation for her to be walking by her first birthday. Hubby went out and Ellisha and I were all alone at home. About half an hour after the last person left I was sitting on the lounge having a well earned cup of tea when little Miss stubborn pulled herself up and ran out of the lounge, down the corridor and back into the lounge via the kitchen doors. She was giggling as she did it. I am not making this up. She did not tentatively wobble, nor did she hold onto anything - she ran.

When she came back into the lounge (to be greeted by a wide eyed, open mouthed mother) she raised her hands into the air, laughed, and then plonked herself back onto the floor. Of course I frantically dialed all the numbers in my directory just to be greeted with disbelief. Fortunately (for her) she backed the performance up the next day with a solid little gallop around the lounge - and basically hasn't looked back since. To her credit she got into the finals for the Australian under 13 National Athletics Championships (100 m hurdles and high jump). She still holds the State record for Little Atletics under 17's in the 200m hurdles and high jump. She is a terrific netballer and not bad at basketball. However, please don't make me talk about her swimming achievements - or for that matter, even her style - pretty pathetic - which is sad seeing as I can't run or jump but boy can I swim!

So my favourite first born is now twenty three.

I brought her up proper (honest;)).
Oh well, I guess she is her mother's daughter!!!

Sorry mum!

Happy Birthday my favourite first born.

Oh Yeah!

2008-10-15T20:59:00.007+10:30

I'M SO EXCITED (YEAH, YEAH)

I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT (YEAH, YEAH)

I'M ABOUT TO LOOSE CONTROL

AND I THINK I ...

HOLD ON!

EXCUSE ME!!

COME ON GUYS

I SAID - I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!

I NEED A BIT OF VOCAL BACKING SUPPORT HERE (A little jig wouldn't go amiss either;))

HERE GOES

ON THE COUNT OF THREE

ONE ...

TWO ...

THREE .

I'M SO EXCITED (YEAH, YEAH)

I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT (YEAH, YEAH)

I'M ABOUT TO LOOSE CONTROL

AND I THINK I LIKE IT

LIKE IT.

WELL DONE (clap, clap, clap).

WHAT ARE YOU SO EXCITED ABOUT? I HEAR YOU ALL CHORUS (tunefully).

drum rolllllllllllllllllllllllllll

1300grams

you heard right

1300 grams slimmer.

The bag challenge

2008-10-14T17:29:00.006+10:30

Julie from my life as Julie mom has been brave enough to empty her bag and declare its contents. Granted it was a little bit eclectic ( that's actually a bit of an understatement) however, I thought her justification was admiral. Any old how, Julie has invited fellow bloggers to reveal their bags (and contents). I thought I was in with a chance (a little competitive - have you noticed?), however, however, on reviewing my photos I must say I am a little bit disappointed with my effort, (Please don't challenge my atrocious grammar on the however s - TA), (and while we are talking of language skills, I would appreciate it if you ignore all spelling, punctuation or dribble mistakes, double Ta).

So, here is my bag
I know, I know it's pretty funky. I got this bag in Sydney (notice the bridge and the opera house?) when I went to see Billy Elliot The Musical (boy that was some show!). Now, I may have to go back to Julie's blog, but I am fairly sure mine might be a little teeny weeny bit larger.

Now for the contents

we have:
1. A plastic shopping bag filled with chocolate bars - yes I know I am on a weight loss thingy me bobby - which are to be placed in the student's reward chest - yes I know that we are not meant to reward students with sweets. "She's a rebel in disguise! Oh yes she is, a rebel in disguise!!".
2. A lanyard with my classroom keys attached - a must for everyone.
3. A little plastic container where I store my Ipod shuffle ( a birthday pressie - loaded with Mama Mia the musical songs).
4. A pump water bottle with a third of water within.
5. A full can of chilled Pepsi Max for lunch - please don't lecture me about the benefits of poison - Ta.
6. A little shoulder bag from Thailand that holds my various cards - please notice the honour card in the pouch (five coffes = 1 free) and please note how easily accessible it is ;)
7. My change purse -the red thing - unzipped - to indicate lack of change at the moment.
8. Packet of codeine and paracetemol - I have had this really hacky cough - honest.
9. A strip of anti acid tablets - yep - they are for my heartburn caused by Pepsi Max?
10. You can just see the edge of my nasal spray - hay fever.
11. An almost empty bag of no brand licorice - to counteract the effects from the codeine - if you get my drift?
12. My central locking car keys - for the car, of course!
13. My flight pouch that now holds my tax return cheque - I am really into recycling ;)
14. One of those USB things - everyone carries that around with them.
15. A cloth to clean my spectacles - which is a bit of a laugh cause it is filthy.
16. A pen that does not work - and I have discovered this fact at least five times now.
17. A petrol discount docket - no further explanation needed - accept to say - they are usually on my fridge when I drive to the petrol station - go figure!
18 A nutritiously balanced lunch in the form of a plastic cheese (low fat) sandwich - on white bread - nicely presented in some glad wrap a fantastic haven for all sorts of bacteria.

It was as I was arranging my contents (at school) that I realised there was something missing.

I left my mobile phone at home. Good news is that I now know I can live without it.

So, that's my bag and all it's contents.

What does your bag look like - let Julie know and we will all come and judge you - nah not really. Julie wins - hands down (Christmas stuff???)

And the inspirational quote for this post is

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path
Buddhist saying

cheers.

A little more Sydney

2008-10-12T17:51:00.027+10:30

Here are a few more photos from my trip to Sydney. They are not in order, nor are they formatted very well. Thing i, you see I got a little carried away when I was uploading the photos - by the time I came up for air they were all parked on the page and I can not for the love of me (at least without shouting some obscenities - which I am trying to curb - seeing as I never swore for 23 years( ( sorry for the pathetic punctuation!)

Any old how - I will give a little commentary on the photos as I go.

This is The Three Sisters up at the Blue Mountains (about a 2 hour train ride from Sydney). Beautiful place. I mean really beautiful - definitely part of God's wonderful creation.

What you need to understand is that my favourite chocolate of all time is Lindt milk chocolate balls -(served at exactly 22C). So, how very excited were we to stumble on a Lindt Cafe.
Oh me, Oh my this white chocolate drink was - to die for!

He was looking at me in a kind of funky way. I am fairly sure he was trying to communicate with me. I am imagining something like - 'Heh babe, looking good ;)", or something similar maybe?

(Okay so I forgot what I was going to say on that photo - or why I even posted it.. still, it stays...)

Our beautiful Opera house - did you know it was short listed to go on the modern 'wonders of the world' list? It's true! And it's no wonder (well it is a wonder).

Sydney Harbour bridge. Jenna and I walked over it. Check out the sky - neat heh?

Well this has been a mammoth effort bringing these photos to you. I deleted about six because I just could not format them (and I confess to swearing twice).

And so, I leave you with the inspirational quote for this post

"Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meaness".
(George Sand)