Sorry... I am here - just being very boring really.
Work's flat out. We have a new note system that has my team duplicating our notes, but handy to everyone else (well, it will be eventually - when we learn how to use it properly - I hope!). I'd love to tell you about some of our funnier customers but work does frown on that sort of thing. I will say that it does give us a bit of a chuckle when our customers tell us they can't figure out whether to use the 'ethanol' or the 'ubs' cable for their 'dls' modem.
Karate's moving on, though I haven't done much the last two weeks as my ankle has been playing up (I twisted it years ago and it gets a bit sore every now and then). I did get some of the group's dvds to try to practice with (I cannot get the hang of the kata and I need to if I want to ever get my yellow belt). I just did an hour's practice now and all I've learned is how truly uncoordinated I am. (Insert big sigh here...)
Our New Zealand trip is only a couple of weeks away (omg! How did that sneak up so quickly?). I think we're all organised. I hope we're all organised. Anyone got any last minute advice for someone who's barely seen it snow before?
I really need to catch up with everyone's blogs. My bloglines has a million unread posts. Plenty of saved ones too, so one of these days I'll come comment on those. Don't be surprised if you see some comments from a post you made weeks ago.... eventually!
Um... really there's not a lot happening here lately. Told you I was boring. At least the holiday soon will mean I'll have something to talk about.
27 July, 2008
23 June, 2008
Pretty pretty, shiny shiny
Well ok, perhaps they're not shiny, but I think they're rather pretty. Do you like them? These are my new boots for when we visit New Zealand. I thought a good pair of walking boots might be a good idea for tromping* around in. They're very comfortable, though I'm not used to the high ankle bits. The sales assistant suggested I wear them in gradually so I can get used to how they feel (even though I'd love to wear them to work and show them off!).
I ended up taking pity on J and Chickie over the weekend too. I went makeup shopping and sent them off to spend some of Chickie's birthday money. He ended up getting more Star Wars lego (surprise, surprise). I went to Myer's and chose the very scientific method of checking out the makeup on the sales assistants. Due to this I ended up at the Clinique counter, asked the advice of the lady there and she tried out a few things on me. I quite liked some of them (particularly the lipstick - Clinique Long Last in the colour called Merlot) but just as we'd finished the makeover the power to the centre went out. It came back on, went out again and stayed out. So... no buying stuff for me right then!
It looked like the middle part of the shopping centre had power so I said I'd go do my grocery shopping and come back afterwards to pick up what I'd chosen. Unfortunately, when I came back they had power but their registers still weren't working. I picked up the lipstick later from another store but I'll bet the store manager wasn't too pleased about things. This was a very busy Saturday afternoon.
* I love the word 'tromping'. I wonder if I can work it into a conversation (not connected to my new shoes) somewhere this week.
I ended up taking pity on J and Chickie over the weekend too. I went makeup shopping and sent them off to spend some of Chickie's birthday money. He ended up getting more Star Wars lego (surprise, surprise). I went to Myer's and chose the very scientific method of checking out the makeup on the sales assistants. Due to this I ended up at the Clinique counter, asked the advice of the lady there and she tried out a few things on me. I quite liked some of them (particularly the lipstick - Clinique Long Last in the colour called Merlot) but just as we'd finished the makeover the power to the centre went out. It came back on, went out again and stayed out. So... no buying stuff for me right then!
It looked like the middle part of the shopping centre had power so I said I'd go do my grocery shopping and come back afterwards to pick up what I'd chosen. Unfortunately, when I came back they had power but their registers still weren't working. I picked up the lipstick later from another store but I'll bet the store manager wasn't too pleased about things. This was a very busy Saturday afternoon.
* I love the word 'tromping'. I wonder if I can work it into a conversation (not connected to my new shoes) somewhere this week.
20 June, 2008
So... makeup
Where I work has a casual dress policy. Jeans and a t-shirt is normal to see (along with a jacket since the air conditioning is set so low). Combine this with the fact that I start work at 7am, means I normally could not be bothered wearing makeup. I really only wear it when going out somewhere.
So, I don't really need a lot, but that said - I can't remember the last time I actually bought makeup for myself. I've been given stuff here and there (J's mum is an Avon lady). I haven't actually done the buying myself though. Plus most of what I've been given is in those bigger sets. Great for getting different colours to wear with different things but not so handy if you just want to throw a lipstick in your (teensy tiny) evening bag!
Work, has paid us our yearly bonus now, so I figured I'd treat myself to some new stuff. I'd like to go somewhere that can suggest colours etc. Particularly lipstick - as I have a couple of red things (dress, top) and no actual lipstick that complements it. I do have a red lipstick that looks great in the tube, but unfortunately on me it turns orange (and looks hideous!). What I've been doing is blending a few colours from what I have and it looks pretty good. Unfortunately touch ups are impossible though, so I need to do something about it.
Tomorrow J, Chickie and I are going to head into the city and check out a few places and see what's out there. Does anyone have any suggestions on brands they like? Are there certain stores to avoid (Do the makeup ladies in Myers go beserk if you even suggest you're going to buy something, for example)? Should I avoid David Jones if I'm not dressed to the nines?
Throw some suggestions at me please. I feel like a reborn makeup virgin here!
So, I don't really need a lot, but that said - I can't remember the last time I actually bought makeup for myself. I've been given stuff here and there (J's mum is an Avon lady). I haven't actually done the buying myself though. Plus most of what I've been given is in those bigger sets. Great for getting different colours to wear with different things but not so handy if you just want to throw a lipstick in your (teensy tiny) evening bag!
Work, has paid us our yearly bonus now, so I figured I'd treat myself to some new stuff. I'd like to go somewhere that can suggest colours etc. Particularly lipstick - as I have a couple of red things (dress, top) and no actual lipstick that complements it. I do have a red lipstick that looks great in the tube, but unfortunately on me it turns orange (and looks hideous!). What I've been doing is blending a few colours from what I have and it looks pretty good. Unfortunately touch ups are impossible though, so I need to do something about it.
Tomorrow J, Chickie and I are going to head into the city and check out a few places and see what's out there. Does anyone have any suggestions on brands they like? Are there certain stores to avoid (Do the makeup ladies in Myers go beserk if you even suggest you're going to buy something, for example)? Should I avoid David Jones if I'm not dressed to the nines?
Throw some suggestions at me please. I feel like a reborn makeup virgin here!
09 June, 2008
Photo Mosaic
This is a cute thing I saw on Stomper's blog. I figured I'd have a go as well (even though I have a long outstanding meme from when I was tagged by Every Generation!).
The concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favourite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favourite colour?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favourite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favourite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name
By the way, none of these pictures are of me and number 12 is actually a contraction of my flickr name as my full one didn't get any hits at all.
The concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favourite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favourite colour?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favourite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favourite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name
By the way, none of these pictures are of me and number 12 is actually a contraction of my flickr name as my full one didn't get any hits at all.
01 June, 2008
Happy Birthday Chickie!
Sorry I haven't posted much lately. My life's actually been quite boring lately. Today though, I do have something to post about. It's hard for me to believe it, but this cute little baby is a big grown up boy of 6 today!
He's still got those amazing eyelashes but the hair is lighter and only curly if you let it grow really really long.
He's still Star Wars mad (we gave him some Anakin Skywalker lego) but he's also into Indiana Jones lego and Iron Man action figures. He's liking school, is just starting to 'get it' when it comes to reading and writing. He's organised a little cubby house under his desk with a box to use as a mini desk and that's his 'office'. Yesterday, he was creating a comic book that he planned to take to the school library (perhaps I should create his own blog instead - just in case the school library isn't interested - hehe). Oh and if you talk to him, he's the birthday boy so he gets to do whatever he likes and his birthday lasts several days...
No party, as such, just a family BBQ this afternoon. With a chocolate chip birthday cake that he chose (thank goodness he's not into themed cakes yet - my decorating skills stop at putting a candle in!)
16 May, 2008
I don't feed my child...
apparently.
I start work early - 7am (which is way too early for my liking but it means I can pick up Chickie after school). So, this means J takes Chickie to school and then heads off to work himself. One day a week J studies (he's doing a computer programming degree) so he drops Chickie off at his grandmother's place and she takes him to school.
So yesterday, Chickie woke up while I was still here and came and gave me a cuddle. I reminded him that his dad would take him round to his grandmothers and he smiled and said,
"I like going to nanny's place, do you know why?"
I asked why, and the answer was,
"Because she has food!!"*
* Apparently if it's not a chocolate biscuit, a packet of chips or a bowl of Milo breakfast cereal, it doesn't count as food...
I start work early - 7am (which is way too early for my liking but it means I can pick up Chickie after school). So, this means J takes Chickie to school and then heads off to work himself. One day a week J studies (he's doing a computer programming degree) so he drops Chickie off at his grandmother's place and she takes him to school.
So yesterday, Chickie woke up while I was still here and came and gave me a cuddle. I reminded him that his dad would take him round to his grandmothers and he smiled and said,
"I like going to nanny's place, do you know why?"
I asked why, and the answer was,
"Because she has food!!"*
* Apparently if it's not a chocolate biscuit, a packet of chips or a bowl of Milo breakfast cereal, it doesn't count as food...
03 May, 2008
Rites of passage number 74
Chickie has cut his own hair with scissors.
Thankfully it's not too bad, but it will need tidying up by the hairdresser. He's been wanting to have his hair like Anakin Skywalker in the third Star Wars movie, so we let it grow a little longer. I guess he got a little annoyed with the hair on his forehead (even though it wasn't actually in his eyes or anything) and chopped off a chunk at the front.
Oh well, it's off to the hairdressers today then!
Thankfully it's not too bad, but it will need tidying up by the hairdresser. He's been wanting to have his hair like Anakin Skywalker in the third Star Wars movie, so we let it grow a little longer. I guess he got a little annoyed with the hair on his forehead (even though it wasn't actually in his eyes or anything) and chopped off a chunk at the front.
Oh well, it's off to the hairdressers today then!
25 April, 2008
As a mother, I never expected I'd have to say...
"When you take all your clothes off so you can jump on the trampoline naked*, please bring them inside with you".
* Yes, Chickie likes to jump on the trampoline naked**
** No, I've no idea why***
***Thank goodness for high fences
* Yes, Chickie likes to jump on the trampoline naked**
** No, I've no idea why***
***Thank goodness for high fences
20 April, 2008
What I ended up wearing...
Well, the weather was cool - so I wore the black pants and red top to the wedding. Had a couple of people say they were glad I did, so they weren't the only ones in pants! A bit of a shame I didn't get to wear my new dress, but I'm sure there will be lots of occasions I can wear it (and if there isn't, I'll make something up). Thanks for all your advice.
The wedding itself was lovely. The bride was beautiful (aren't they always?), the people waiting got a laugh when the groomsmen comically pushed the groom into the church, the reception was lovely (I should post the pictures J took of the food - heavenly!) and it was great to see everyone.
A few oddities though - the priest started the wedding ceremony with a history of that particular church. It was a nice little story, but something that didn't seem connected to the actual ceremony, as far as I could tell. We also got to hear the church's stance on what constitutes a marriage (yep, no problem with that) and also their views on breakups and divorce (err... at a wedding?? A related subject yes, but statistics on how many marriages fail is a bit of a grim thing to ponder during the actual ceremony!).
On a different subject, Chickie recently expressed an interest in learning karate. I'm very happy to encourage him to get into after school activities, so all three of us now go to a karate class on Monday evenings. We had our first class last week and Chickie seemed to really enjoy it. As we were getting out of the car afterwards, he gave us a bit of a laugh. He ran to the front door ahead of us, got into one of the punching stances and said 'Don't worry mum, I'll protect you'.
And a last giggle for you...
Overheard in the supermarket yesterday:
Husband: (picking up a packet of chocolate biscuits) This is for our Biggest Loser 'push'.
Wife: What??
Husband: Well, how can we lose weight, unless we put it on first?
The wedding itself was lovely. The bride was beautiful (aren't they always?), the people waiting got a laugh when the groomsmen comically pushed the groom into the church, the reception was lovely (I should post the pictures J took of the food - heavenly!) and it was great to see everyone.
A few oddities though - the priest started the wedding ceremony with a history of that particular church. It was a nice little story, but something that didn't seem connected to the actual ceremony, as far as I could tell. We also got to hear the church's stance on what constitutes a marriage (yep, no problem with that) and also their views on breakups and divorce (err... at a wedding?? A related subject yes, but statistics on how many marriages fail is a bit of a grim thing to ponder during the actual ceremony!).
On a different subject, Chickie recently expressed an interest in learning karate. I'm very happy to encourage him to get into after school activities, so all three of us now go to a karate class on Monday evenings. We had our first class last week and Chickie seemed to really enjoy it. As we were getting out of the car afterwards, he gave us a bit of a laugh. He ran to the front door ahead of us, got into one of the punching stances and said 'Don't worry mum, I'll protect you'.
And a last giggle for you...
Overheard in the supermarket yesterday:
Husband: (picking up a packet of chocolate biscuits) This is for our Biggest Loser 'push'.
Wife: What??
Husband: Well, how can we lose weight, unless we put it on first?
06 April, 2008
Sometimes...
... I really hate shopping.
J and I have a friend's wedding to attend next weekend. I don't have a lot to wear to it. I have a quite nice new red dress I could wear (is it ok to wear red to a wedding these days? It is rather bright). That will be ok if it's warm. Even if it's slightly coolish, I can wear a scarf/wrap type of thing around my shoulders/arms.
If it's cold, however, I'll be a bit stuck! J, Chickie and I went to have a look around the shops and I couldn't find anything I really liked. The stuff I found was either too casual, too 'old' (grandma type stuff) or some very nice dresses - but no warmer than my new dress.
I do have an outfit consisting of a pair of black pants and a nice top that I could wear if it's cool (again, the top is red!). It's not really wedding type dressy (even though the wedding isn't officially formal or anything). It would do, however.
Wearing red to a wedding though - ok, or not?
J and I have a friend's wedding to attend next weekend. I don't have a lot to wear to it. I have a quite nice new red dress I could wear (is it ok to wear red to a wedding these days? It is rather bright). That will be ok if it's warm. Even if it's slightly coolish, I can wear a scarf/wrap type of thing around my shoulders/arms.
If it's cold, however, I'll be a bit stuck! J, Chickie and I went to have a look around the shops and I couldn't find anything I really liked. The stuff I found was either too casual, too 'old' (grandma type stuff) or some very nice dresses - but no warmer than my new dress.
I do have an outfit consisting of a pair of black pants and a nice top that I could wear if it's cool (again, the top is red!). It's not really wedding type dressy (even though the wedding isn't officially formal or anything). It would do, however.
Wearing red to a wedding though - ok, or not?
01 April, 2008
Thump thump thump...
Who is this elephant that's living in our house? And what happened to my little boy?
Chickie appears to be physically incapable of walking, stepping quietly, sitting properly and well, being quiet for more than a moment lately. These days he galumphs* around the house like an elephant. stomping instead of walking, running most of the time and rather than place his posterior into a chair like a normal person, he almost launches himself into it.
All rather strange when his teacher commented on how quiet and well-behaved he is at school. On second thoughts - that's probably why we have an elephant at home!
--
In other news, I'm updating my template shortly. I was going to fiddle around with doing a picture like I had before, but for now I'm just going to use a free template (cos, I'm lazy like that). I'm going to go through my links and tidy them up so if any one links to me, but I haven't included you, please comment and let me know.
* I saw the word used on Frogdancer's blog and it immediately made me think of Chickie!
Chickie appears to be physically incapable of walking, stepping quietly, sitting properly and well, being quiet for more than a moment lately. These days he galumphs* around the house like an elephant. stomping instead of walking, running most of the time and rather than place his posterior into a chair like a normal person, he almost launches himself into it.
All rather strange when his teacher commented on how quiet and well-behaved he is at school. On second thoughts - that's probably why we have an elephant at home!
--
In other news, I'm updating my template shortly. I was going to fiddle around with doing a picture like I had before, but for now I'm just going to use a free template (cos, I'm lazy like that). I'm going to go through my links and tidy them up so if any one links to me, but I haven't included you, please comment and let me know.
* I saw the word used on Frogdancer's blog and it immediately made me think of Chickie!
13 March, 2008
Bargaining...
I don't think Chickie quite understands it yet...
The scene:
Chickie had finished his dinner - including all his veges, so that meant he could have a little 'something special' (we don't really do desserts in this house).
Chickie: Can I have a Tim Tam and two pieces of chocolate?
Me: How about a Tim Tam and just one piece of chocolate?
Chickie (in his best bargaining voice): How about just a Tim Tam?
Me (in a voice full of feigned reluctance): Oh alright then.
In the end he didn't even eat all the Tim Tam (sacrilege!), so I had the other half. Yum!
The scene:
Chickie had finished his dinner - including all his veges, so that meant he could have a little 'something special' (we don't really do desserts in this house).
Chickie: Can I have a Tim Tam and two pieces of chocolate?
Me: How about a Tim Tam and just one piece of chocolate?
Chickie (in his best bargaining voice): How about just a Tim Tam?
Me (in a voice full of feigned reluctance): Oh alright then.
In the end he didn't even eat all the Tim Tam (sacrilege!), so I had the other half. Yum!
04 March, 2008
Misnomer
Why do they call it a 'near-miss'? 'Near-hit' doesn't have quite the same ring to it but that's really what they are.
My little incident yesterday was definitely a miss... thank goodness!
It was nothing big but it left me a bit shaken up. I was driving home from work and a lady, coming the other way, quickly darted into the drive-way of a car park to my left (right in front of me). Only thing was, she didn't just pull into the car park, she was actually doing a u-turn. And she didn't bother looking when she pulled out onto the road again.
It's a good thing I had new tyres put on my car a few months ago. With my old tyres, my car would have been all crumpled on the front left hand side. It's also a good thing that the speed limit was 50km and I was slowing down already as I was coming up to an intersection.
Seriously, what idiot does a u-turn in front of traffic and then doesn't check to ensure said traffic isn't using the exact piece of road you're wanting to drive on?
My little incident yesterday was definitely a miss... thank goodness!
It was nothing big but it left me a bit shaken up. I was driving home from work and a lady, coming the other way, quickly darted into the drive-way of a car park to my left (right in front of me). Only thing was, she didn't just pull into the car park, she was actually doing a u-turn. And she didn't bother looking when she pulled out onto the road again.
It's a good thing I had new tyres put on my car a few months ago. With my old tyres, my car would have been all crumpled on the front left hand side. It's also a good thing that the speed limit was 50km and I was slowing down already as I was coming up to an intersection.
Seriously, what idiot does a u-turn in front of traffic and then doesn't check to ensure said traffic isn't using the exact piece of road you're wanting to drive on?
16 February, 2008
Ah, the things kids learn in school...
I picked Chickie up from school the other day and he was telling me about his day. He told me that something funny had happened. He said:
"D likes L, so they had the sex and he kissed her".
He obviously had no idea what sex is, because the kissing was the amazing and very hilarious part.
He's 5 and a half! Perhaps I'd better buy that Where Did I Come From book? I remember that one being around when I was a kid and I seem to remember it being quite informative.
"D likes L, so they had the sex and he kissed her".
He obviously had no idea what sex is, because the kissing was the amazing and very hilarious part.
He's 5 and a half! Perhaps I'd better buy that Where Did I Come From book? I remember that one being around when I was a kid and I seem to remember it being quite informative.
07 February, 2008
spoke too soon
Recently I made a comment on house & baby's blog about how Chickie had picked up every cold and bug that was going around when he was at childcare - but had been healthy so far at school. Well, obviously I didn't knock on wood hard enough, or didn't cross my fingers tightly enough... because he now has a cold. He seems fine - apparently two mouthfuls of cough medicine will fix him right up (so he says) - you have to love the resilience of little kids. J, however, seems to have caught it too and didn't look very good at all last night.
This morning I felt fine when I got out of bed, but not long after I arrived at work, I started feeling achy and my throat started to feel all scratchy. Then a bit later I started having this strong craving for raw carrot. That's always been my signal for the start of a cold or whatever. I could never figure out why I'd feel like eating carrots when my throat is sore and I'm feeling under the weather. Am I weird or do others get strange cravings when they're sick (please tell me I'm not weird!) . Anyway I've come home from work early to try to rest (in the hopes of getting rid of it sooner) and as soon as I've finished my lemon and ginger tea, I'm off to bed.
In other news, Chickie has now lost both the teeth that were being pushed aside for the big front tooth. The big front tooth is taking up the space that used to contain two, so I'm thinking dental fund is a good idea (and a big holiday, if he doesn't need, it is a great idea hehe).
My twitch is mostly gone. Stretching, heat etc didn't really seem to do anything to it, so I don't know what's caused it - or caused it to go away again.
In other big news - J and I might be visiting New Zealand later this year. I'm so excited! I might get to go skiing, which I've never tried before.
Right, tea's finished, so I'm off to lie down.
This morning I felt fine when I got out of bed, but not long after I arrived at work, I started feeling achy and my throat started to feel all scratchy. Then a bit later I started having this strong craving for raw carrot. That's always been my signal for the start of a cold or whatever. I could never figure out why I'd feel like eating carrots when my throat is sore and I'm feeling under the weather. Am I weird or do others get strange cravings when they're sick (please tell me I'm not weird!) . Anyway I've come home from work early to try to rest (in the hopes of getting rid of it sooner) and as soon as I've finished my lemon and ginger tea, I'm off to bed.
In other news, Chickie has now lost both the teeth that were being pushed aside for the big front tooth. The big front tooth is taking up the space that used to contain two, so I'm thinking dental fund is a good idea (and a big holiday, if he doesn't need, it is a great idea hehe).
My twitch is mostly gone. Stretching, heat etc didn't really seem to do anything to it, so I don't know what's caused it - or caused it to go away again.
In other big news - J and I might be visiting New Zealand later this year. I'm so excited! I might get to go skiing, which I've never tried before.
Right, tea's finished, so I'm off to lie down.
27 January, 2008
twitch... twitch... twitch...
That's what my leg is doing right now.
I have a muscle twitch in the middle of my right thigh, at the front. It's the weirdest feeling. How do I get rid of it though? It's starting to drive me a little nuts!
I'm sure it will go away eventually. J's a little amazed that I've never experienced this before. I guess I've had a twitch in my eye before (I tend to get that when I'm stressed or over-tired) but it's never happened in my leg before.
Has anyone else had this before? And more importantly, how the heck did you get rid of it?!
I have a muscle twitch in the middle of my right thigh, at the front. It's the weirdest feeling. How do I get rid of it though? It's starting to drive me a little nuts!
I'm sure it will go away eventually. J's a little amazed that I've never experienced this before. I guess I've had a twitch in my eye before (I tend to get that when I'm stressed or over-tired) but it's never happened in my leg before.
Has anyone else had this before? And more importantly, how the heck did you get rid of it?!
23 January, 2008
omg...
The news reports are saying Heath Ledger has died of a drug overdose. I'm stunned - he didn't really seem the type to me.
22 January, 2008
What is it with...
* little boys and their 'aim' in the bathroom?
I went into the toilet after Chickie used it and nearly slipped over in the large puddle of wee next to the toilet. I was not amused. Moral of the story here - always turn the light on when entering.
* shops stocking up on the next 'holiday item' so early?
Seriously, I saw hot cross buns in the supermarket on December 27th! Easter is what? March, April? Now the shelves are stocked with easter eggs and I'm going to have to live with the gooey deliciousness, that is the Cadbury creme egg, calling my name for months!
* my lack of motivation to look after myself?
I have type 2 diabetes that is controlled by diet and exercise. I haven't exercised properly in two months and while I try to watch the diet, the last two months has also seen a lot of icecream being eaten. I keep saying that I need to exercise but I can't seem to actually drag myself onto my bike. My next HbA1c is going to be awful I think (and the point above won't help...)
* grumpy customers who can't seem to accept that sometimes you do need to take some responsibility too!
Honestly some customers drive me mad sometimes. You get so many customers that just don't believe you when you suggest that the problem may be something on their end - even when you can prove to them that they don't have the problem when they unplug that phone or stop using the 70 gazillion metre phone cable. We had one customer who went ballistic at one of our reps, even after her brother (who is a telephone line technician by trade and had checked the wiring inside her house) told her the wiring was the cause of the problem. Considering this brother works for the opposition, I'm inclined to believe him.
The one that blows my mind is the lady I spoke to a few months back. She had a new service that hadn't worked from the start. She was furious when I spoke to her and was demanding we refund her full monthly fee. The problem? Well, she'd plugged the filter in backwards. Now I can understand that some people get confused about how the DSL service is supposed to be set up. That's why we include a pamphlet with pictures showing how to plug it in (this customer told me she hadn't bothered to look at that). We also include a little animation on the setup CD showing exactly how to set it up (she told me she skipped that part of the setup CD). Finally our service also provides free 24 hour phone support if there are problems or you want help setting things up. This customer waited over a week to call us, and when she did she yelled at the rep she spoke to and basically wouldn't let them troubleshoot. It was passed onto me and fixed in 10 minutes. She didn't get to use it for a week and wanted the whole monthly fee back. I didn't give it to her. If she'd been nice about the whole thing though, I would have been happy to give her a credit for the week she wasn't able to use - even though it was a problem she'd caused.
Thank goodness there are plenty of nice customers out there though.
* Chickie's teeth!
I'm amazed at how quickly straight teeth can shift once the adult tooth decides it's not waiting for the baby teeth to be lost first.
In the last few weeks of school last year, Chickie's teacher took photos of all the kids so they could make a frame as a Christmas present for their parents. Chickie's photo is very cute and his teeth are quite straight. Then by Christmas day, two of Chickie's front teeth have been pushed aside so far he was able to fit a straw in the gap (one of the big front teeth and the smaller one to the left). The big front one was overlapping the other big front one, while the smaller one next to it was almost sticking out at right angles! Neither of these two were loose, by the way, and I was about to make an appointment at the dentist to have him check things. Then on my birthday he came home with the big front tooth in a paper towel. It had finally been pushed out far enough. He's funny sometimes though, he told the vacation care supervisor that she could have his tooth as a present. She kindly declined, suggesting he might want to see if the tooth fairy came (she did).
You can now see the adult tooth and it's huge. It's basically taking up the whole gap where previously there were two baby teeth. I'm worried the poor kid's not going to have room in his jaw for all these huge teeth that he seems to be getting (this is his 4th adult tooth and he has two more wobbly teeth! Not counting the one that is still sticking out at the front).
Can anyone reassure me that he'll grow into his teeth? Or should I be starting a braces/dental fund now?
I went into the toilet after Chickie used it and nearly slipped over in the large puddle of wee next to the toilet. I was not amused. Moral of the story here - always turn the light on when entering.
* shops stocking up on the next 'holiday item' so early?
Seriously, I saw hot cross buns in the supermarket on December 27th! Easter is what? March, April? Now the shelves are stocked with easter eggs and I'm going to have to live with the gooey deliciousness, that is the Cadbury creme egg, calling my name for months!
* my lack of motivation to look after myself?
I have type 2 diabetes that is controlled by diet and exercise. I haven't exercised properly in two months and while I try to watch the diet, the last two months has also seen a lot of icecream being eaten. I keep saying that I need to exercise but I can't seem to actually drag myself onto my bike. My next HbA1c is going to be awful I think (and the point above won't help...)
* grumpy customers who can't seem to accept that sometimes you do need to take some responsibility too!
Honestly some customers drive me mad sometimes. You get so many customers that just don't believe you when you suggest that the problem may be something on their end - even when you can prove to them that they don't have the problem when they unplug that phone or stop using the 70 gazillion metre phone cable. We had one customer who went ballistic at one of our reps, even after her brother (who is a telephone line technician by trade and had checked the wiring inside her house) told her the wiring was the cause of the problem. Considering this brother works for the opposition, I'm inclined to believe him.
The one that blows my mind is the lady I spoke to a few months back. She had a new service that hadn't worked from the start. She was furious when I spoke to her and was demanding we refund her full monthly fee. The problem? Well, she'd plugged the filter in backwards. Now I can understand that some people get confused about how the DSL service is supposed to be set up. That's why we include a pamphlet with pictures showing how to plug it in (this customer told me she hadn't bothered to look at that). We also include a little animation on the setup CD showing exactly how to set it up (she told me she skipped that part of the setup CD). Finally our service also provides free 24 hour phone support if there are problems or you want help setting things up. This customer waited over a week to call us, and when she did she yelled at the rep she spoke to and basically wouldn't let them troubleshoot. It was passed onto me and fixed in 10 minutes. She didn't get to use it for a week and wanted the whole monthly fee back. I didn't give it to her. If she'd been nice about the whole thing though, I would have been happy to give her a credit for the week she wasn't able to use - even though it was a problem she'd caused.
Thank goodness there are plenty of nice customers out there though.
* Chickie's teeth!
I'm amazed at how quickly straight teeth can shift once the adult tooth decides it's not waiting for the baby teeth to be lost first.
In the last few weeks of school last year, Chickie's teacher took photos of all the kids so they could make a frame as a Christmas present for their parents. Chickie's photo is very cute and his teeth are quite straight. Then by Christmas day, two of Chickie's front teeth have been pushed aside so far he was able to fit a straw in the gap (one of the big front teeth and the smaller one to the left). The big front one was overlapping the other big front one, while the smaller one next to it was almost sticking out at right angles! Neither of these two were loose, by the way, and I was about to make an appointment at the dentist to have him check things. Then on my birthday he came home with the big front tooth in a paper towel. It had finally been pushed out far enough. He's funny sometimes though, he told the vacation care supervisor that she could have his tooth as a present. She kindly declined, suggesting he might want to see if the tooth fairy came (she did).
You can now see the adult tooth and it's huge. It's basically taking up the whole gap where previously there were two baby teeth. I'm worried the poor kid's not going to have room in his jaw for all these huge teeth that he seems to be getting (this is his 4th adult tooth and he has two more wobbly teeth! Not counting the one that is still sticking out at the front).
Can anyone reassure me that he'll grow into his teeth? Or should I be starting a braces/dental fund now?
17 January, 2008
It's official...
I am now officially the answer to the "Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything".
Just thought you'd like to know...
Just thought you'd like to know...
12 January, 2008
Back into it
It's now been a week since Mum and Dad left for home. They should arrive home today after a slow drive home with the caravan. They were here for a bit over three weeks, with my sisters and their families here for around a week (over Christmas).
It was really great to see them all. Some of the family had never been down here (and we've been here almost 10 years now), and some I haven't seen in over a year. The amazing thing was how grown up the kids are getting. The oldest nephew didn't come - he was actually in Japan over Christmas (got back the day before yesterday). He's 18 and finished school now so I guess it's to be expected. At least we got to see him when we went on our holidays earlier this year.
There were a few stresses and annoyances during the whole time. I suppose that's also to be expected (there were 10 adults and 7 kids around for a lot of the time and our house isn't that big!). I was debating with myself about posting some of my gripes here, but I've decided to just let it go. I think that might be healthier!
So, I'm back at work now and nothing really changes. I mean that literally. We're still dealing with issues that were a problem, before I started my holidays! Although, there was one change. The no shorts policy has been temporarily changed back to allowing them - due to the extreme heat. Same rules as before - below the knee, dress shorts, no board shorts etc. So I can wear my capris again. A good thing, as I did wear one of my skirts to work and I just felt I wasn't dressy enough (like I do in my capris!).
Thank you all for your good wishes for T's dad. At this stage it will be a bit of a hard road for him as he recovers. He's lost one foot (up to mid calf as prosthethics available for this amputation are better) and the heel from the other. They were able to save his toes on the other foot and grafted a muscle from his stomach to reconstruct the heel (basically from his arch to the little bone that pokes out on the side of your ankle was lost).
T says he was very lucky. He was doing the work on his friend's property and she was home so heard him yelling for help. They also have neighbours, very close to the area he was working in, who also heard him - these neighbours are both nurses, so he was able to get medical help very quickly. If this had happened on his own property it's quite likely he wouldn't have survived apparently.
I'm going to try visiting all your blogs soon and I know I need to do some work on my template. A lot of my links need updating and I need to fix up my header/photo, so I have a bit of work to do. I was thinking of redoing my header pic again anyway, so this will be a good opportunity for it. I have no idea how long it will take me though!
Feel free to comment and update me with how you're doing. I hope you all had a lovely holiday season and 2008 is a wonderful year for you!
It was really great to see them all. Some of the family had never been down here (and we've been here almost 10 years now), and some I haven't seen in over a year. The amazing thing was how grown up the kids are getting. The oldest nephew didn't come - he was actually in Japan over Christmas (got back the day before yesterday). He's 18 and finished school now so I guess it's to be expected. At least we got to see him when we went on our holidays earlier this year.
There were a few stresses and annoyances during the whole time. I suppose that's also to be expected (there were 10 adults and 7 kids around for a lot of the time and our house isn't that big!). I was debating with myself about posting some of my gripes here, but I've decided to just let it go. I think that might be healthier!
So, I'm back at work now and nothing really changes. I mean that literally. We're still dealing with issues that were a problem, before I started my holidays! Although, there was one change. The no shorts policy has been temporarily changed back to allowing them - due to the extreme heat. Same rules as before - below the knee, dress shorts, no board shorts etc. So I can wear my capris again. A good thing, as I did wear one of my skirts to work and I just felt I wasn't dressy enough (like I do in my capris!).
Thank you all for your good wishes for T's dad. At this stage it will be a bit of a hard road for him as he recovers. He's lost one foot (up to mid calf as prosthethics available for this amputation are better) and the heel from the other. They were able to save his toes on the other foot and grafted a muscle from his stomach to reconstruct the heel (basically from his arch to the little bone that pokes out on the side of your ankle was lost).
T says he was very lucky. He was doing the work on his friend's property and she was home so heard him yelling for help. They also have neighbours, very close to the area he was working in, who also heard him - these neighbours are both nurses, so he was able to get medical help very quickly. If this had happened on his own property it's quite likely he wouldn't have survived apparently.
I'm going to try visiting all your blogs soon and I know I need to do some work on my template. A lot of my links need updating and I need to fix up my header/photo, so I have a bit of work to do. I was thinking of redoing my header pic again anyway, so this will be a good opportunity for it. I have no idea how long it will take me though!
Feel free to comment and update me with how you're doing. I hope you all had a lovely holiday season and 2008 is a wonderful year for you!
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