House for sale

I am a renter.

I would prefer not to be a renter.... But, that's life...and I am. Always have been.....

Probably always will be.

Sigh.....

My landlord has decided to sell. This means that I am expected to have the house  spiffy. This means that I have to get out of holiday mode and into 'oh my goodness me, I think I should scrub the house from top to bottom while it's 38 degrees' mode. Anything to help landlord get a sale;) The thing is,  I am not really sure how looking through my dresser will clinch the deal for the buyer.  Excuse me but that is MY personal stuff :(

Europe news

Places I am definitely visiting in England are:
London - Buckingham palace ( I'm sure the minute dear Liz sees me hanging out the front she'll cooee me in for a cup of tea).
Bath - strip down and have he a nice soak in the tub.
Linds
Blackpool lights
Chester zoo
Across the Mersey
Birkenhead - arrowe  park
Hoylake
The lakes district.

And the weight?
Pleases me to say adios to another 1 kg.

That's 2 down, 23 to go :)

Destination - Europe

January 1st 2014..

Hello. I'm back.

Filling in the missing years from this blog.... near on impossible! Mountain way too high....rivers way too deep etc etc etc...

Besides:
1. My memory aint as good as it used to be.
2.Some things are best left in the past.

But probably most importantly -

3.This year is going to be all about 2014........The new me. The refreshed me. The unstoppable - I am going to Europe in September me.

First things first..
I am just going to put this out there.. no hesitation.. well not much :) It's a confession  - followed by a resolution proposal.

Confession -
I managed to put on so much weight last year that I am now the heaviest I have ever been in my entire life (including pregnancies).

Resolution proposal -
My aim is to lose 25 kilo's. You heard correctly - 25 massive kilos before I set foot on the plane to Europe.

What's my plan?
1. Eat less junk
2. Eat more healthy options
3. Get out the old bike, pump up the tyres, shoot up a quick  prayer and pedal off a few kilo's.

When I hit Europe I want to experience it to the max. I want to truly experience every inch of it without ringing up my insurance company beforehand to check that my premiums are up to date. I need to be healthy - or as healthy as this cranky 55 year old arthritic body can get. I plan to have a ball.

I started 3 days ago and am super excited to share that 1 nasty unwanted kilo has already gone.

24 to go.... I am pumped. I am motivated. I am hungry for a belly full of sugar.... STOP. note to self...

Dear Mary (my love),
Keep your eye on the prize. You are actually going to Europe. Tickets booked and paid for. You need ( my lovely) to lose some of this weight. You want to be healthy enough to enjoy this experience to the max. Get a grip NOW and have a piece of fruit.
love always
me

There... I'm back.

Just before I leave I just want to bring this blog up to date in regards to my family.. I am a granny. BEST gig ever

Till later... be good to yourself.

A little backsliding in the embracing

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

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.

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

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

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 ;))

1. Hot flushes - occasionally
   
2. Night Sweats - that's a negative
   
3. Irregular periods - I am sure that if I still had my uterus my periods would be irregular ?
4. Loss of Libido - ?
5. Vaginal Dryness - private (surely)
6. Mood swings - Now we are talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
   
7. Fatigue - yawn
8. Hair Loss - by the handful (gone from greasy to DRY as) and it wont hold a colour - sigh
9. Sleep disorder - goes without saying
10. difficulty concentrating - what was that?
11. Memory lapses - where was I?
12. Dizziness - bolting up fast is a no no (apart from the knee forbidding such a crazy notion anyhow)
    
13. Weight gain - why not? It can't all be about my undisciplined eating habits
    
14. Incontinence - Please - me and my bladder are in need of counseling
    
15. bloating - ankle bloating - does that count?
16. Allergies - no more than usual (although the cat has really gotten under my nose lately)
17. Brittle nails - yep
18. change in odour - well people are keeping their distance - (I wonder if paranoia is on the list?)
19. Irregular heartbeat - thump, thump thump
20. Depression - thank God I am not going mad!
21. Anxiety - a big YES
22. Irritability - I said YES
23. Panic disorder - help, yes
24. Breast pain - rip them bras off in the evening
25. Headaches - part shares in pharmaceutical company
26. Joint pain - some days every single joint has a moan or two
27. Burning tongue - other than burning my tongue on that scalding coffee - no
28. Electric shocks - now you come to think of it - I believe so
29. Digestive problems - heart burn counts - yes?
30. Gum problems - no more than usual
31. Muscle tension - as tempted as I am to blame meno - lack of exercise is the issue with this one
32. Itchy skin - I look like a scaly snake
    
33. 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

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...

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 .......

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.

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

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..........

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

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?

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!

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.

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

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

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

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?