Today most of the rest of the group went skiing again (Coronet Peak again). One guy went skydiving, J and I went up the gondolas to the top of Bob's Peak (that's the name of the mountain we can see from our window). We had a good look around and took lots of photos - particularly of the people paragliding from the top of the mountain. I'll bet the views are awesome during the paragliding trip, they were fantastic just from the top where we were.
While up there, we had a go at the Luge track. So much fun!! We only did one ride for now but I'd love to go back again. J didn't bring his gloves though and his fingers were freezing after one go.
While up there we had a look at the restaurant we'll be dining at on Thursday night. It's called the Skyline Gondola Restaurant and it sounds so nice. Eating with the views over the mountains and the town should be lovely. Apparently there's also an option to see a Haka before dinner. I think we'll have to see that, if we can.
Tomorrow is the Lord of the Rings tour. It sounds pretty comprehensive - 20 locations and props from the actual movies. It goes for 7 hours too! Hopefully I'll have some nice photos from that. Some of the rest of the group are thinking of doing a horse riding tour tomorrow, while the others would like to try Cardrona for more skiing. Thursday will probably be at Cardrona for the rest of us and Friday, who knows - though it sounds like it might involve hot tubs!
19 August, 2008
18 August, 2008
I'm no ski bunny
Ok, first day of skiing down.
It turns out that I'm as good at skiing, as I am at other sports (which is to say... not very good!). J, me and one other of our group (call her C) were all newbies to skiing, having never skied before, so we got a private lesson. I was the first to fall over - sliding backwards, having no idea how to stop (hadn't got to that part yet). It was quite funny really.
We were taught the basics - particularly how to stop and then we had a go by ourselves. J and C were ok'd to go on the rope tow (to take them to the top of the beginner's slope) but the instructor suggested I practice from about halfway for a bit more yet.
J's first stack was one of the times he went up the rope tow. Apparently it jerks your arm quite a bit so I figure it will take me a bit to get used to it too! C seemed to get the hang of it quite quickly and 'graduated' to the carpet ride. I think J would have no problems on that as well, but he very chivalrously stayed with me.
After a bite to eat we had a bit more of a go, but we didn't stay out too long as it was starting to snow a bit harder and it was really quite hard to see well. It snowed pretty much the whole time we were there actually. The other reason I wanted to stop earlier than the others was the fact that I was tired and my boots were killing my legs.
Some observations on my skiing fun today...
Coronet Peaks at Queenstown is just lovely. Everyone should try it!
If you have to park in the 3rd carpark down, don't walk up in your ski boots. It might save you time but they are heavy to wear and very hard to walk in (let alone hike up a hill - while you're also wrangling a set of skis and poles).
Speaking of ski boots - my legs and knees are aching from wearing them today.
Chains (for your tyres) can be tricky to fit - it helps to have someone around who's put them on before (particularly if the rental company gives you two lots of dodgy sets).
Snow is wet and cold but LOTS of fun in a snowball fight (J won hehe).
It turns out that I'm as good at skiing, as I am at other sports (which is to say... not very good!). J, me and one other of our group (call her C) were all newbies to skiing, having never skied before, so we got a private lesson. I was the first to fall over - sliding backwards, having no idea how to stop (hadn't got to that part yet). It was quite funny really.
We were taught the basics - particularly how to stop and then we had a go by ourselves. J and C were ok'd to go on the rope tow (to take them to the top of the beginner's slope) but the instructor suggested I practice from about halfway for a bit more yet.
J's first stack was one of the times he went up the rope tow. Apparently it jerks your arm quite a bit so I figure it will take me a bit to get used to it too! C seemed to get the hang of it quite quickly and 'graduated' to the carpet ride. I think J would have no problems on that as well, but he very chivalrously stayed with me.
After a bite to eat we had a bit more of a go, but we didn't stay out too long as it was starting to snow a bit harder and it was really quite hard to see well. It snowed pretty much the whole time we were there actually. The other reason I wanted to stop earlier than the others was the fact that I was tired and my boots were killing my legs.
Some observations on my skiing fun today...
Coronet Peaks at Queenstown is just lovely. Everyone should try it!
If you have to park in the 3rd carpark down, don't walk up in your ski boots. It might save you time but they are heavy to wear and very hard to walk in (let alone hike up a hill - while you're also wrangling a set of skis and poles).
Speaking of ski boots - my legs and knees are aching from wearing them today.
Chains (for your tyres) can be tricky to fit - it helps to have someone around who's put them on before (particularly if the rental company gives you two lots of dodgy sets).
Snow is wet and cold but LOTS of fun in a snowball fight (J won hehe).
17 August, 2008
Pictures as promised
Ok, here's some pictures of it snowing. Two are out our front windows - the apartment has a fantastic view of the mountain and the gondolas going up.
There's some not so pretty electricity cables but just ignore those.
The other is the garden/courtyard area. You can just see a little snowman in the corner. I don't know who made it - it was there when we got here. We're going skiing tomorrow so hopefully, at some stage during the day, I'll be able to make my own!
On the helicopter decision front, I'm now leaning towards doing an all day Lord of the Rings tour. The one I'm looking at says you can even handle items from the sets as well as see 20 locations used in the movies.
Decisions, decisions!
snow!
It was snowing when we woke up this morning! So pretty. J's taken a pic from our apartment window so I'll upload it later when we get it off the camera.
J and 3 others have gone for a jetboat ride. When they come back, one of the other three wants to possibly go bungy jumping. I'm not so sure of that myself. I know I've done the skydiving thing before, but the thought of bungy jumping makes me nervous!
What I'd love to do is take a helicopter ride to see a glacier. I think that would just be brilliant. It's about $500 or so dollars though and that's a lot of money. Perhaps I'll compromise and go for the $300 or so flight that does a landing somewhere. It doesn't say where exactly, it just says 'take your photo seemingly on top of the world' in the brochure, so I figure it's one of the mountains around the area (there's plenty here!). How cool would that be!
We're going to go get our ski gear hire today. So hopefully by this time tomorrow, I'll be taking lessons on how not to fall over in a big heap while wearing great big long planks of wood on your feet. Wish me luck!
J and 3 others have gone for a jetboat ride. When they come back, one of the other three wants to possibly go bungy jumping. I'm not so sure of that myself. I know I've done the skydiving thing before, but the thought of bungy jumping makes me nervous!
What I'd love to do is take a helicopter ride to see a glacier. I think that would just be brilliant. It's about $500 or so dollars though and that's a lot of money. Perhaps I'll compromise and go for the $300 or so flight that does a landing somewhere. It doesn't say where exactly, it just says 'take your photo seemingly on top of the world' in the brochure, so I figure it's one of the mountains around the area (there's plenty here!). How cool would that be!
We're going to go get our ski gear hire today. So hopefully by this time tomorrow, I'll be taking lessons on how not to fall over in a big heap while wearing great big long planks of wood on your feet. Wish me luck!
16 August, 2008
First glimpses of New Zealand
We're here - and loving it!
The plane ride over was pretty uneventful, with the only real stand-out moment being the first glimpse of New Zealand peeking through the clouds. Just beautiful! Once we sort out all the photos, I'll put them up on Flickr - I'm sure I'll have many many shots of breath-taking scenery to show you.
We landed in Christchurch mid afternoon on Friday and had a quick look around. We didn't get to see very much of the area unfortunately (it was getting dark) but after a quick couple of pics we went and had something to eat. Christchurch actually seems a lot like home - but with a slight accent. Apparently Christchurch was designed by the same person that did Adelaide, so I guess that's why it felt so familiar.
Next up was another early night and early morning, and we caught a bus to Queenstown - arriving at about 2.30 this afternoon. The group we're travelling with has 3 serviced apartments and J and I lucked out and ended up with the only 1 bedroom apartment in the group. It's nice to have a bit of privacy!
Most of our group (there's 15 of us altogether) went to get fitted for boots and snow boards today, but J and I, along with 3 others have decided to do some sight-seeing first and get our boots and skis fitted tomorrow. We're not completely sure what we want to do tomorrow but J and the others may go have a jet boat ride (boats aren't my thing though) and most likely we'll take a drive around the area to see what's about.
The photo here was taken along the way to Queenstown. We could see the alps for most of the trip and the views were just spectactular. I've barely seen snow before so the scenery is just gorgeous. The view from our apartment is spectacular too. It looks out towards one of the mountains (I'm not sure which one) and it looks like it has a restaurant at the top. We're thinking of eating there on our last night here if possible. I'll have to take a pic of the view from our window, so you can see what I mean - it's amazing.
Apparently there's been quite a bit of snow here lately and there's quite a bit of slush around the town. I can't wait to get out into the snow a bit more and build a snowman (not to mention toss a snowball at someone!).
14 August, 2008
tag-a-palooza
Ok, freakout is intensifying...
The plane to New Zealand takes off tomorrow morning (6am - have I mentioned how insanely early, that is??), packing is done and Chickie is safely ensconced in bed at his grandparent's place (I miss him already!). All that's really left to do is put a few movies on the laptop we're taking and relax before bed.
So, time for a meme or two that I owe.
On re-reading, KindaBlue has tagged me for 6 quirky things about me, and Aprill tagged me for 6 random things. I'm going to make them the same meme though. Also, Steve asked me to name some of the practical jokes that have occurred at work. So here goes!
6 random/quirky things about me:
1. I have absolutely no sense of direction. I've lived in this city for 10 years now and I still get lost. Regularly. I get lost in World of Warcraft (even when I have a map with co-ordinates!). I couldn't tell you which direction was north, if my life depended on it. When I first mentioned to friends that I needed a new phone and asked for suggestions on what would be good - everyone said to get one with maps/gps on it.
2. I point with my 'rude finger' (as Chickie calls it). I never realised this until a year or so back when J pointed it out. Apparently I've passed this habit/trait on to Chickie too.
3. I used to be a radio announcer but I'm absolutely terrified by public speaking. People seem confused by this but I think it's simple - if I can't see people listening to me speak - they're not really there!
4. I completely lost my taste for chocolate in the early stages of pregnancy with Chickie. That's. Just. Wrong.
5. I have a big scar behind my left ear and lots of smaller scars over my scalp. I was in a car accident when I was a kid. The car flipped and I was thrown through the back windscreen (no seatbelts in the back then). I still don't remember any of it and don't think I ever will - it was over 30 years ago now.
6. I'm a fussy eater. My mum and dad think I'm weird because I don't like the taste of raw onion in salads or like the taste of mushrooms (and fish and pumpkin and a million other things). Oh and they think I'm weird because I can taste the difference between green and red capsicum. They insist there's no difference - I say if the raw onion in their salads didn't overpower the flavour of everything else, they'd be able to taste the difference too!
Practical jokes at work:
We desk share so location based practical jokes aren't really possible. The longest running joke a few years back was an email that went round our centre. It was a sound file that said 'Hey, I'm watching porno over here!' when you opened the email. It went round and round (because it always looked like an innocent email) but eventually management 'suggested' we stop.
There's always the usual ones where your team-mates call in and pretend to be a very bizarre customer. There were a couple of guys that called in and were so good at it that they were believed. That one doesn't happen these days since we have a centre in India and they just wouldn't get it.
Lately in our team, on a person's last day, we'll nominate an unusual word for them to work into their calls. It's not really an unusual word, as such, just unusual for tech support. One guy had the word 'fishing' for example and had to use that word somewhere in each call of the day. Points are always given if the word is made relevant to the troubleshooting. Not really a practical joke, but it gives us a laugh.
Sounds pretty tame really. Got any good practical jokes you can spare??
The plane to New Zealand takes off tomorrow morning (6am - have I mentioned how insanely early, that is??), packing is done and Chickie is safely ensconced in bed at his grandparent's place (I miss him already!). All that's really left to do is put a few movies on the laptop we're taking and relax before bed.
So, time for a meme or two that I owe.
On re-reading, KindaBlue has tagged me for 6 quirky things about me, and Aprill tagged me for 6 random things. I'm going to make them the same meme though. Also, Steve asked me to name some of the practical jokes that have occurred at work. So here goes!
6 random/quirky things about me:
1. I have absolutely no sense of direction. I've lived in this city for 10 years now and I still get lost. Regularly. I get lost in World of Warcraft (even when I have a map with co-ordinates!). I couldn't tell you which direction was north, if my life depended on it. When I first mentioned to friends that I needed a new phone and asked for suggestions on what would be good - everyone said to get one with maps/gps on it.
2. I point with my 'rude finger' (as Chickie calls it). I never realised this until a year or so back when J pointed it out. Apparently I've passed this habit/trait on to Chickie too.
3. I used to be a radio announcer but I'm absolutely terrified by public speaking. People seem confused by this but I think it's simple - if I can't see people listening to me speak - they're not really there!
4. I completely lost my taste for chocolate in the early stages of pregnancy with Chickie. That's. Just. Wrong.
5. I have a big scar behind my left ear and lots of smaller scars over my scalp. I was in a car accident when I was a kid. The car flipped and I was thrown through the back windscreen (no seatbelts in the back then). I still don't remember any of it and don't think I ever will - it was over 30 years ago now.
6. I'm a fussy eater. My mum and dad think I'm weird because I don't like the taste of raw onion in salads or like the taste of mushrooms (and fish and pumpkin and a million other things). Oh and they think I'm weird because I can taste the difference between green and red capsicum. They insist there's no difference - I say if the raw onion in their salads didn't overpower the flavour of everything else, they'd be able to taste the difference too!
Practical jokes at work:
We desk share so location based practical jokes aren't really possible. The longest running joke a few years back was an email that went round our centre. It was a sound file that said 'Hey, I'm watching porno over here!' when you opened the email. It went round and round (because it always looked like an innocent email) but eventually management 'suggested' we stop.
There's always the usual ones where your team-mates call in and pretend to be a very bizarre customer. There were a couple of guys that called in and were so good at it that they were believed. That one doesn't happen these days since we have a centre in India and they just wouldn't get it.
Lately in our team, on a person's last day, we'll nominate an unusual word for them to work into their calls. It's not really an unusual word, as such, just unusual for tech support. One guy had the word 'fishing' for example and had to use that word somewhere in each call of the day. Points are always given if the word is made relevant to the troubleshooting. Not really a practical joke, but it gives us a laugh.
Sounds pretty tame really. Got any good practical jokes you can spare??
13 August, 2008
clothes purchasing freakout ebbing...
Ok, I think I'm nearly there. I believe I have the clothing situation sorted (via large amounts of shopping!). If needed I can dress in about 3 bazillion layers (ok, perhaps I'm exaggerating - make it 2 bazillion hehe).
I've tried stuff on and it should all be ok. I'm a little doubtful about the ski pants I have. They're borrowed from J's dad and they're a teensy bit snug around the tummy/hips area - I've put a kilo or two, back on, over the last few months (not enough exercise unfortunately - lazy will do that for you). J thinks I'll be fine and if I just can't stand it, apparently I'm able to hire that sort of thing there anyway.
Next freakout will be the packing. We're doing that tonight. I think we should be fine there though. So long as the backpack we borrowed from J's dad is ok as carry on (J's dad used it as carry on for his trip to Canada last year so I'm presuming it will be fine).
So that just leaves Thursday for last minute bits and pieces and an insanely early night to compensate for the plane leaving at 6am on Friday (arrrggh shoot me now!). Oh and there will be a post on Thursday since I owe a couple of people memes now too!
Actually I might be able to post while over in NZ too. J's bought himself a itty bitty laptop (a little Acer Aspire Netbook) and there's supposed to be wireless in the apartments where we're staying. So stay tuned peoples!
I've tried stuff on and it should all be ok. I'm a little doubtful about the ski pants I have. They're borrowed from J's dad and they're a teensy bit snug around the tummy/hips area - I've put a kilo or two, back on, over the last few months (not enough exercise unfortunately - lazy will do that for you). J thinks I'll be fine and if I just can't stand it, apparently I'm able to hire that sort of thing there anyway.
Next freakout will be the packing. We're doing that tonight. I think we should be fine there though. So long as the backpack we borrowed from J's dad is ok as carry on (J's dad used it as carry on for his trip to Canada last year so I'm presuming it will be fine).
So that just leaves Thursday for last minute bits and pieces and an insanely early night to compensate for the plane leaving at 6am on Friday (arrrggh shoot me now!). Oh and there will be a post on Thursday since I owe a couple of people memes now too!
Actually I might be able to post while over in NZ too. J's bought himself a itty bitty laptop (a little Acer Aspire Netbook) and there's supposed to be wireless in the apartments where we're staying. So stay tuned peoples!
29 July, 2008
Minor freakout
Ok, I'm having a minor freakout about what to wear on our trip to New Zealand. I know people have been saying thermals are the go, but I'm not certain what to wear on top of the thermals!
I don't consider it to be cold where I live. It doesn't snow in my area (well ok, perhaps a teensy bit on top of the local mountain) and yesterday we had the coldest morning in over 20 years (0.7 degrees C or 33 F). It was a little chilly but nothing a nice jacket couldn't handle. Our maximum, during the day lately, seems to be be around the 14-15 degree mark (57-59 F). What all this means is I live in jeans and essentially a long sleeve t-shirt (no singlets or undershirts etc) with a jacket. I don't really have any fleecy type clothing and not a great deal of my clothes are really suitable to wear with thermals - I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to wear thermals under my jeans (there's not a lot of excess space in them at the moment).
I have snow/ski pants from J's dad and a couple of proper snow jackets from J's sister (lucky we're approximately the same size), but what about every day wear? If I'm sight seeing around the place, I presume I don't want to wear snow pants. Are jeans enough if I buy a larger pair and team them with thermals? Should there be some other types of pants I should look into? If I look around for some fleecy type tops to wear over the thermals and under the jacket, will that be enough?
Any suggestions? Any websites with clothing that you like? I doubt I'll be able to order online but if I can get an idea of the types of things needed, I can go shopping (/rubs hands in glee!)
17 days to go!!
I don't consider it to be cold where I live. It doesn't snow in my area (well ok, perhaps a teensy bit on top of the local mountain) and yesterday we had the coldest morning in over 20 years (0.7 degrees C or 33 F). It was a little chilly but nothing a nice jacket couldn't handle. Our maximum, during the day lately, seems to be be around the 14-15 degree mark (57-59 F). What all this means is I live in jeans and essentially a long sleeve t-shirt (no singlets or undershirts etc) with a jacket. I don't really have any fleecy type clothing and not a great deal of my clothes are really suitable to wear with thermals - I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to wear thermals under my jeans (there's not a lot of excess space in them at the moment).
I have snow/ski pants from J's dad and a couple of proper snow jackets from J's sister (lucky we're approximately the same size), but what about every day wear? If I'm sight seeing around the place, I presume I don't want to wear snow pants. Are jeans enough if I buy a larger pair and team them with thermals? Should there be some other types of pants I should look into? If I look around for some fleecy type tops to wear over the thermals and under the jacket, will that be enough?
Any suggestions? Any websites with clothing that you like? I doubt I'll be able to order online but if I can get an idea of the types of things needed, I can go shopping (/rubs hands in glee!)
17 days to go!!
27 July, 2008
Umm hi
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.
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.
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!
25 December, 2007
Merry Christmas everyone!
Hi all, sorry I haven't been around lately. With my mum and dad visiting, and now having all the family here, things have been very busy. It's been lots of fun - with a bit of tension thrown in. There's always a little bit of tension when you get that many people together in one place, I suppose.
For those that celebrate it, I hope you're all having a lovely Christmas day. We all trooped over to J's parents' place for lunch. It was lovely. Too much food though (isn't it always the way?).
The rest of the family have now gone to where two of my sisters, and families, are staying. They have a pool there, so everyone else has gone off for a swim while we give Chickie the chance to quieten down, play with his new toys himself and have an early night. The last few nights he's gone to bed so late and since he doesn't know the meaning of sleeping in, he's been over tired. An earlier night is sorely needed! Plus, it gives J and I a bit of a break too.
And finally, I don't want to leave things on a downer but if you can spare some positive vibes I'd appreciate it. A friend's father had a farm accident a few days ago and has lost one of his legs. They've rushed him to a big Sydney hospital to try to save the other and it looks good, but they say there's always the chance they won't be able to save it. Any positive vibes you can spare would be welcomed. My friend (T) and her family were our next door neighbours whilst growing up and we're quite close. T is very close to her dad and she was quite shaken when she called to let me know.
It was quite a coincidence really - just days before, a girl (that T and my sister D went to school with) was on Today Tonight before going to jail for fraud. Then the morning before T called to let me know about her dad, the rest of my family were discussing the story of the accident they read about in the newspaper. Since my home town is fairly small, they presumed they knew the person - even though the article didn't give any names. Was a bit of a shock to find out it was my friend's dad.
Anyway, hope everyone has a lovely holiday season - take care and have fun. I'm sure I'll be round to read everyone's blogs once everyone goes home again!
For those that celebrate it, I hope you're all having a lovely Christmas day. We all trooped over to J's parents' place for lunch. It was lovely. Too much food though (isn't it always the way?).
The rest of the family have now gone to where two of my sisters, and families, are staying. They have a pool there, so everyone else has gone off for a swim while we give Chickie the chance to quieten down, play with his new toys himself and have an early night. The last few nights he's gone to bed so late and since he doesn't know the meaning of sleeping in, he's been over tired. An earlier night is sorely needed! Plus, it gives J and I a bit of a break too.
And finally, I don't want to leave things on a downer but if you can spare some positive vibes I'd appreciate it. A friend's father had a farm accident a few days ago and has lost one of his legs. They've rushed him to a big Sydney hospital to try to save the other and it looks good, but they say there's always the chance they won't be able to save it. Any positive vibes you can spare would be welcomed. My friend (T) and her family were our next door neighbours whilst growing up and we're quite close. T is very close to her dad and she was quite shaken when she called to let me know.
It was quite a coincidence really - just days before, a girl (that T and my sister D went to school with) was on Today Tonight before going to jail for fraud. Then the morning before T called to let me know about her dad, the rest of my family were discussing the story of the accident they read about in the newspaper. Since my home town is fairly small, they presumed they knew the person - even though the article didn't give any names. Was a bit of a shock to find out it was my friend's dad.
Anyway, hope everyone has a lovely holiday season - take care and have fun. I'm sure I'll be round to read everyone's blogs once everyone goes home again!
09 December, 2007
Day three
Yes, it's already day three into my holidays and I'm exhausted.
First day was spent being very very lazy.
I did nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Well ok, I tidied up a little bit (aka: toss Chickie's toys into his room and shut the door, to be dealt with later) and a few loads of washing (well I needed clothes for day two, you see...). Oh and I did play a bit of World of Warcraft.
Day two saw J, Chickie and I at the shops. Specifically the toy shops. On a Saturday. A few weeks before Christmas.
Were we mad???
Ok, so we were scouting out for ideas for Chickie and for my niece and nephews. Didn't really need to bother with Chickie though. All he wants is Star Wars stuff. Star Wars Lego specifically. I'm just glad we didn't have to go through any checkouts and that it only took us one and a half goes around the car park to get a spot. I'll go back during the week when (hopefully!) things will be slightly quieter. If I go this week, at least school is still happening so that's going to make things easier.
Then today, day three, saw us dealing with Chickie's room. Chickie comes from a long line of hoarders and for a long time wouldn't even let us throw out the boxes of some of his toys from last Christmas. His room was a mess. J was quite ruthless with the old toys though. Anything broken got tossed, anything no longer played with is in a plastic tub (with the view of seeing if a friend with a 1 year old wants any of it), and his room is a lot more spacious. On the other hand our lounge room is a bit of a mess. I moved all Chickie's old clothes out there to be sorted through. I'll keep a couple of sentimental pieces but the rest will be given to charity (if I can find somewhere with a charity bin that's not already overflowing). That will be my job tomorrow.
That, along with shopping, cleaning (my parents arrive this week), more washing, posting presents andrelaxing (ah well, perhaps later).
First day was spent being very very lazy.
I did nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Well ok, I tidied up a little bit (aka: toss Chickie's toys into his room and shut the door, to be dealt with later) and a few loads of washing (well I needed clothes for day two, you see...). Oh and I did play a bit of World of Warcraft.
Day two saw J, Chickie and I at the shops. Specifically the toy shops. On a Saturday. A few weeks before Christmas.
Were we mad???
Ok, so we were scouting out for ideas for Chickie and for my niece and nephews. Didn't really need to bother with Chickie though. All he wants is Star Wars stuff. Star Wars Lego specifically. I'm just glad we didn't have to go through any checkouts and that it only took us one and a half goes around the car park to get a spot. I'll go back during the week when (hopefully!) things will be slightly quieter. If I go this week, at least school is still happening so that's going to make things easier.
Then today, day three, saw us dealing with Chickie's room. Chickie comes from a long line of hoarders and for a long time wouldn't even let us throw out the boxes of some of his toys from last Christmas. His room was a mess. J was quite ruthless with the old toys though. Anything broken got tossed, anything no longer played with is in a plastic tub (with the view of seeing if a friend with a 1 year old wants any of it), and his room is a lot more spacious. On the other hand our lounge room is a bit of a mess. I moved all Chickie's old clothes out there to be sorted through. I'll keep a couple of sentimental pieces but the rest will be given to charity (if I can find somewhere with a charity bin that's not already overflowing). That will be my job tomorrow.
That, along with shopping, cleaning (my parents arrive this week), more washing, posting presents and
29 November, 2007
Hand over fist
That's how our money is heading out of our household at the moment...
We've had a few upgrades to things furniture and pc-wise lately. Stuff we've been looking at getting for months really, but we finally just went ahead and bought what we needed (we have a new lounge!).
Then last weekend J's car had a bit of a fit. He found the motor is on the way out and has been contacting people for quotes on repairing or replacing the motor (that's cheaper apparently). Last night he was about 10 minutes from home when the motor had another hissy fit. He said there was smoke and oil everywhere. I'm glad he was so close to home when it happened since he had actually been nearly 45 mins from home at one stage. His dad was able to tow him home safe and sound.
Unfortunately now, we're looking at a minimum $1500 to replace the motor. Expensive things these cars...
It's going to be a bit of swapping and changing while organising around one car, a bit of a hassle when you're so used to having two. Thankfully J's dad works in the same area as J, so they can carpool. Plus I'm on holidays from Friday the 6th of December (did I mention I have a month off work at all? hehe), so that will make things a bit easier then. I've no idea how long it will take to get it fixed.
We've had a few upgrades to things furniture and pc-wise lately. Stuff we've been looking at getting for months really, but we finally just went ahead and bought what we needed (we have a new lounge!).
Then last weekend J's car had a bit of a fit. He found the motor is on the way out and has been contacting people for quotes on repairing or replacing the motor (that's cheaper apparently). Last night he was about 10 minutes from home when the motor had another hissy fit. He said there was smoke and oil everywhere. I'm glad he was so close to home when it happened since he had actually been nearly 45 mins from home at one stage. His dad was able to tow him home safe and sound.
Unfortunately now, we're looking at a minimum $1500 to replace the motor. Expensive things these cars...
It's going to be a bit of swapping and changing while organising around one car, a bit of a hassle when you're so used to having two. Thankfully J's dad works in the same area as J, so they can carpool. Plus I'm on holidays from Friday the 6th of December (did I mention I have a month off work at all? hehe), so that will make things a bit easier then. I've no idea how long it will take to get it fixed.
22 November, 2007
Grrr...
I am so annoyed at the moment.
Our work has a casual dress policy - we can wear smart casual clothes. It's company wide, however some parts of the company are customer facing so they wear business attire. Most of our callcentres are not open to the public though, so our clothing is more relaxed and comfortable. There's obviously certain rules - no inappropriate slogans on t-shirts, no revealing clothing, no ripped/dirty items etc. All fair enough if you ask me.
Now we've had a directive from management to say that no shorts of any kinds will be allowed. Nothing that shows the ankles will be permitted. This leaves the guys with one option - long pants. We're coming into summer and it's going to be a hot one I think. We've had some very hot days already and we're not even into summer proper yet. I really don't think that's fair for them.
Women can wear skirts apparently, but there's a few problems that I have with this - one is that the few skirts I own (I'm not really a skirt person) are the full flowing type of skirt. I just don't feel that I'd be business like enough in them. I feel more business like in my long shorts (capri pants). If I don't wear the skirts though, I'm going to be stuck with long pants (and the only long pants I have are jeans). I really don't want to have to wear jeans to work in 40 degree days!
To me, it feels that they want business wear policy back again so they're kinda doing it by stealth... When I started we had to wear business attire and it seemed so pointless. We never saw anyone but our workmates. We were thrilled when they brought in the casual dress policy. People still had the option of wearing business attire but hardly anyone did - in our building at least.
I'm not sure what's brought this on. I've never seen or heard of anyone wearing inappropriate shorts. It really doesn't seem fair on the guys - almost discriminatory.
I'm currently trying to convince the guys in my team to wear skirts/kilts to work...
Our work has a casual dress policy - we can wear smart casual clothes. It's company wide, however some parts of the company are customer facing so they wear business attire. Most of our callcentres are not open to the public though, so our clothing is more relaxed and comfortable. There's obviously certain rules - no inappropriate slogans on t-shirts, no revealing clothing, no ripped/dirty items etc. All fair enough if you ask me.
Now we've had a directive from management to say that no shorts of any kinds will be allowed. Nothing that shows the ankles will be permitted. This leaves the guys with one option - long pants. We're coming into summer and it's going to be a hot one I think. We've had some very hot days already and we're not even into summer proper yet. I really don't think that's fair for them.
Women can wear skirts apparently, but there's a few problems that I have with this - one is that the few skirts I own (I'm not really a skirt person) are the full flowing type of skirt. I just don't feel that I'd be business like enough in them. I feel more business like in my long shorts (capri pants). If I don't wear the skirts though, I'm going to be stuck with long pants (and the only long pants I have are jeans). I really don't want to have to wear jeans to work in 40 degree days!
To me, it feels that they want business wear policy back again so they're kinda doing it by stealth... When I started we had to wear business attire and it seemed so pointless. We never saw anyone but our workmates. We were thrilled when they brought in the casual dress policy. People still had the option of wearing business attire but hardly anyone did - in our building at least.
I'm not sure what's brought this on. I've never seen or heard of anyone wearing inappropriate shorts. It really doesn't seem fair on the guys - almost discriminatory.
I'm currently trying to convince the guys in my team to wear skirts/kilts to work...
19 November, 2007
more musical leanings?
A few posts back I asked a question about what age is good to start learning a musical instrument, in case Chickie is ever interested. Now I'm thinking perhaps I should look into some sort of musical type program - even if he hasn't actually directly expressed a wish to learn an instrument. Something that's fun with some sort of musical theme, if you know what I mean (I have no idea what's actually available).
Now most of the time Chickie will tell me not to sing - because I can't. I freely admit it - and still do it! He's 'allowed' me to sing along with the radio in my car, because well, it's my car and I'm going to do it anyway. He sings along too actually.
The only other time I'm 'allowed' to sing is when I put him to bed. He even asks me to sing him a song or two. Last night he started giving me musical direction...
He's watched the video clips of some of the songs I sing and was telling me that I need to sing lower at one point. Later he was saying I was doing it wrong because I wasn't starting softly and getting louder (lets forget the fact that I try to sing softly because I want him to get sleepy!). There were lots more 'suggestions' from him, but to be honest, I was concentrating more on just remembering the lyrics!
He's obviously got a better 'ear', than I have, for music.
Now most of the time Chickie will tell me not to sing - because I can't. I freely admit it - and still do it! He's 'allowed' me to sing along with the radio in my car, because well, it's my car and I'm going to do it anyway. He sings along too actually.
The only other time I'm 'allowed' to sing is when I put him to bed. He even asks me to sing him a song or two. Last night he started giving me musical direction...
He's watched the video clips of some of the songs I sing and was telling me that I need to sing lower at one point. Later he was saying I was doing it wrong because I wasn't starting softly and getting louder (lets forget the fact that I try to sing softly because I want him to get sleepy!). There were lots more 'suggestions' from him, but to be honest, I was concentrating more on just remembering the lyrics!
He's obviously got a better 'ear', than I have, for music.
14 November, 2007
Today is world diabetes day
From the World Diabetes Day website:
Today, more than 240 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Within 20 years, this number is expected to grow to 380 million.
This is a huge number and a lot of people with type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. When I was diagnosed with type 2, I had no obvious symptoms. The only indicators I had were a family history and having gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with Chickie. I had to have insulin shots while pregnant and apparently this meant I had a 50% risk of getting type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Due to this my doctor sent me off for a yearly test and that's how it was picked up.
If you'd like more information about diabetes or want to see if you're at risk, try this page.
If you think you're at risk, I would strongly encourage you to see your doctor and get tested. The earlier you find it, the better.
13 November, 2007
fostering an interest in music
I don't know if I've mentioned this in the past, but when listening to the radio in the car, Chickie has to know the name of the song, who's singing and who wrote the song. Woe betide me if I don't know the answer...
I've taken to making stuff up, on occasion (hey, it's been quite a while since I worked in radio - I don't know every song out there any more!).
His latest thing is to ask what's making the music, so I've been trying to identify which instrument is playing at the time in the song. Luckily it's fairly easy with one of his favourites at the moment - Into the Night by Santana and Chad Kroeger.
So my question is, for anyone musical out there, if he expresses an interest in learning a musical instrument at any stage in the future, what age would you recommend to start? I don't want to push it all but if he ever does express an interest I'd like to start him at an age that encourages him rather than discourages because it's too much at that age - if you know what I mean.
I've taken to making stuff up, on occasion (hey, it's been quite a while since I worked in radio - I don't know every song out there any more!).
His latest thing is to ask what's making the music, so I've been trying to identify which instrument is playing at the time in the song. Luckily it's fairly easy with one of his favourites at the moment - Into the Night by Santana and Chad Kroeger.
So my question is, for anyone musical out there, if he expresses an interest in learning a musical instrument at any stage in the future, what age would you recommend to start? I don't want to push it all but if he ever does express an interest I'd like to start him at an age that encourages him rather than discourages because it's too much at that age - if you know what I mean.
11 November, 2007
back again
Hi everyone, break's over. So now you'll be subjected to all my trivial thoughts again... Did you miss me? (no, don't answer that - I'd rather keep my little illusion, that you did, intact hehe)
Haven't been doing much over the last month. The usual stuff at work, Chickie's doing great at school and I've been playing a fair bit of World of Warcraft (good to lose yourself in, when you don't want to think too hard ;) and I've made some very good friends there).
I'm totally hanging out for December though. I will have a whole month off. I can not wait!
My mum and dad will be visiting for a fair chunk of it, and then the rest of my family (3 sisters and their families) is coming over for Christmas. I haven't seen some of them in years and some have never visited us here. I can't wait.
J and I are also trying to organise a quick trip to Melbourne to see Spamalot. I just love Monty Python and I've heard this is really good. Will be a bit of a rush but I hope we can organise it for when I'm on my holidays.
Now I plan on visiting everyone's blogs soon, but I'm going to just mark everything in my bloglines as read. It's just overflowing. So if I miss anything important, I'll apologise right now. Congratulations, commiserations, good luck etc for anything I miss. I hope you've all been well.
Oh and I don't know if I mentioned this but I'm really looking forward to my holidays in December...
Haven't been doing much over the last month. The usual stuff at work, Chickie's doing great at school and I've been playing a fair bit of World of Warcraft (good to lose yourself in, when you don't want to think too hard ;) and I've made some very good friends there).
I'm totally hanging out for December though. I will have a whole month off. I can not wait!
My mum and dad will be visiting for a fair chunk of it, and then the rest of my family (3 sisters and their families) is coming over for Christmas. I haven't seen some of them in years and some have never visited us here. I can't wait.
J and I are also trying to organise a quick trip to Melbourne to see Spamalot. I just love Monty Python and I've heard this is really good. Will be a bit of a rush but I hope we can organise it for when I'm on my holidays.
Now I plan on visiting everyone's blogs soon, but I'm going to just mark everything in my bloglines as read. It's just overflowing. So if I miss anything important, I'll apologise right now. Congratulations, commiserations, good luck etc for anything I miss. I hope you've all been well.
Oh and I don't know if I mentioned this
15 October, 2007
Thanks and a short break
Thank you to everyone, for your kind comments after G's death.
The funeral was typical G, complete with Toni Basil's 'Mickey' and Robbie Williams' 'Let me entertain you' played at times. It was still sad though, hearing about other people's stories about her.
With all this, I'm feeling like I need a short break from blogging. I'm just not in the mood at the moment. I will be back soon though, I'm sure! Be well, and I'll come visit your blogs again soon.
The funeral was typical G, complete with Toni Basil's 'Mickey' and Robbie Williams' 'Let me entertain you' played at times. It was still sad though, hearing about other people's stories about her.
With all this, I'm feeling like I need a short break from blogging. I'm just not in the mood at the moment. I will be back soon though, I'm sure! Be well, and I'll come visit your blogs again soon.
05 October, 2007
02 October, 2007
Down
Pardon me, but this will be a bit of a gloomy, rambling and probably self-indulgent post.
If you've read my blog recently, you may know that a friend (G) is currently in palliative care and has only weeks to live. I've visited her a couple of times and the last time I saw her, she seemed brighter but drifted in and out of sleep several times during the half hour visit.
I came away from the last visit in two minds. On one side it was good to see her brighter. She'd been able to have a 'bath' of sorts and the staff wheeled her bed outside since it was such a lovely day. Such small things, but they can bring joy.
Then the down side of things... G obviously doesn't have a lot of energy. It was hard seeing her drift in and out of sleep in such a short time. The conversation faltered as she drifted off to sleep and the other visitors (her nephew and his family) and I fell silent. We looked at each other with the sort of half smile you make when you're trying to be cheerful for someone else. Then a few minutes later G would resume the conversation - obviously unaware she'd drifted off.
Then today I received an email from a friend - K (who is more like a second daughter) and she said that when she'd talked to the nurses today, she was told that G wasn't doing too well. K said she'd let me know if it was anything serious and I haven't heard from her, so no news is good news at this stage, I guess.
The fact that G has weeks to live is so strange to me. She's always been so strong, even when she wasn't physically strong. It's like everything's on hold, and we're just waiting. I can't imagine how it must feel for G herself, or her family.
I'm not really that familiar with death either. I've been to a total of 3 funerals in my life - my grandmother about 10 years ago, a work-mate's father's funeral last year and my friend B's earlier this year. I've had other (usually elderly) relatives die but I've not been around before anyone actually died. It's all so... weird. I know this is all very self-indulgent - it must be ten million times harder for G's family. I feel almost guilty for feeling upset that G is going to die soon (god, that's hard to say).
Hey, if you got this far... thanks for reading my ramble. I like that blogging gives me a way to just get some of this out.
If you've read my blog recently, you may know that a friend (G) is currently in palliative care and has only weeks to live. I've visited her a couple of times and the last time I saw her, she seemed brighter but drifted in and out of sleep several times during the half hour visit.
I came away from the last visit in two minds. On one side it was good to see her brighter. She'd been able to have a 'bath' of sorts and the staff wheeled her bed outside since it was such a lovely day. Such small things, but they can bring joy.
Then the down side of things... G obviously doesn't have a lot of energy. It was hard seeing her drift in and out of sleep in such a short time. The conversation faltered as she drifted off to sleep and the other visitors (her nephew and his family) and I fell silent. We looked at each other with the sort of half smile you make when you're trying to be cheerful for someone else. Then a few minutes later G would resume the conversation - obviously unaware she'd drifted off.
Then today I received an email from a friend - K (who is more like a second daughter) and she said that when she'd talked to the nurses today, she was told that G wasn't doing too well. K said she'd let me know if it was anything serious and I haven't heard from her, so no news is good news at this stage, I guess.
The fact that G has weeks to live is so strange to me. She's always been so strong, even when she wasn't physically strong. It's like everything's on hold, and we're just waiting. I can't imagine how it must feel for G herself, or her family.
I'm not really that familiar with death either. I've been to a total of 3 funerals in my life - my grandmother about 10 years ago, a work-mate's father's funeral last year and my friend B's earlier this year. I've had other (usually elderly) relatives die but I've not been around before anyone actually died. It's all so... weird. I know this is all very self-indulgent - it must be ten million times harder for G's family. I feel almost guilty for feeling upset that G is going to die soon (god, that's hard to say).
Hey, if you got this far... thanks for reading my ramble. I like that blogging gives me a way to just get some of this out.
30 September, 2007
But muuuuuuuum...
The complaint from Chickie:
"Why do you make me do everything?"
The heinous crime:
I told him to get up and get his own drink bottle, when he was thirsty.
The kicker?
He was about a metre away from the drink bottle (it was a chair over from him in the lounge room), whereas I was 2 rooms away.
I'm such a mean mother...
"Why do you make me do everything?"
The heinous crime:
I told him to get up and get his own drink bottle, when he was thirsty.
The kicker?
He was about a metre away from the drink bottle (it was a chair over from him in the lounge room), whereas I was 2 rooms away.
I'm such a mean mother...
27 September, 2007
ups and downs
You know, there's no way I'd be able to be bulimic. You'd be able to tell straight off with me.
I currently have splotches all around my mouth and eyes because I've been ill last night and today. I suppose it's broken blood vessels in my face, and it doesn't look very attractive. Not that I particularly care how I look right now. Heck I'm still in my pj's (and have been all day). Right now, all I care about is whether my stomach could keep down a little bit of chicken soup. I did manage to have some vegemite toast at lunch time so perhaps it will be ok.
Of course the annoying thing is that we may have to cancel a bbq with our friends. You see, we'd organised to have friends come over a couple of weeks ago. They had to cancel since their baby had conjunctivitis (which they didn't want to share - phew!), so we organised for them to come over last Friday. Again they had to cancel as one of them had a nasty case of tonsilitis. So, it was arranged for them to come over tomorrow. Now I'm hoping I'll be over this stomach bug, but given how queasy I still feel... I have my doubts. Oh well, we'll wait and see.
--
Chickie had a great time at his sports day yesterday. He even got a ribbon for third in the 5 year old boys race. He's so proud of it.
They had all sorts of cute stuff like the dressup race (yep, putting on clothes, bag, necklaces etc), the egg and spoon race, the water race and the sack race. I had to work, but J took the day off and Chickie's grandmother and grandfather dropped in for a bit too. So there were lots of photos for me to see.
I currently have splotches all around my mouth and eyes because I've been ill last night and today. I suppose it's broken blood vessels in my face, and it doesn't look very attractive. Not that I particularly care how I look right now. Heck I'm still in my pj's (and have been all day). Right now, all I care about is whether my stomach could keep down a little bit of chicken soup. I did manage to have some vegemite toast at lunch time so perhaps it will be ok.
Of course the annoying thing is that we may have to cancel a bbq with our friends. You see, we'd organised to have friends come over a couple of weeks ago. They had to cancel since their baby had conjunctivitis (which they didn't want to share - phew!), so we organised for them to come over last Friday. Again they had to cancel as one of them had a nasty case of tonsilitis. So, it was arranged for them to come over tomorrow. Now I'm hoping I'll be over this stomach bug, but given how queasy I still feel... I have my doubts. Oh well, we'll wait and see.
--
Chickie had a great time at his sports day yesterday. He even got a ribbon for third in the 5 year old boys race. He's so proud of it.
They had all sorts of cute stuff like the dressup race (yep, putting on clothes, bag, necklaces etc), the egg and spoon race, the water race and the sack race. I had to work, but J took the day off and Chickie's grandmother and grandfather dropped in for a bit too. So there were lots of photos for me to see.
25 September, 2007
call centres
Have you ever worked in a call centre? I'm sure most people have called one, but have you ever wondered what it's like on the other side? Have a read of this. Now our company is pretty good. We're paid well and while there are times where it's exhausting and stressful, I don't believe we've ever had things go to this extreme.
That said, though the story might be exaggerated (aren't most stories in the media exaggerated?), I can totally see it being true - because the same basics seem to apply all over. I've also heard similar stories from people who have worked in call centres for other companies.
It can be a tough job sometimes, especially when it gets busy. We're flat out at the moment and our team is getting offered as much overtime as we want. It's leading to burn out though. There are quite a few in our team feeling like they can't take much more. I must admit I broke down today, though I think it was a combination of the workload and stress - as well as the shock of my friend G having only weeks to live. It's so embarrassing crying in your cubicle.
On a more upbeat note, Chickie has a sports day at school tomorrow and he's so excited about it. He's in the yellow team, so please send all yellow vibes this way tomorrow!
Also, it's the last week of the school term, this week, and his class is having a little party on the last day. We have to bring a plate of something to share. Half the class has been asked to bring something savoury and the other half sweet. We have to bring savoury, but I'm suffering brain fade and can't think of a thing. Any suggestions?
That said, though the story might be exaggerated (aren't most stories in the media exaggerated?), I can totally see it being true - because the same basics seem to apply all over. I've also heard similar stories from people who have worked in call centres for other companies.
It can be a tough job sometimes, especially when it gets busy. We're flat out at the moment and our team is getting offered as much overtime as we want. It's leading to burn out though. There are quite a few in our team feeling like they can't take much more. I must admit I broke down today, though I think it was a combination of the workload and stress - as well as the shock of my friend G having only weeks to live. It's so embarrassing crying in your cubicle.
On a more upbeat note, Chickie has a sports day at school tomorrow and he's so excited about it. He's in the yellow team, so please send all yellow vibes this way tomorrow!
Also, it's the last week of the school term, this week, and his class is having a little party on the last day. We have to bring a plate of something to share. Half the class has been asked to bring something savoury and the other half sweet. We have to bring savoury, but I'm suffering brain fade and can't think of a thing. Any suggestions?
24 September, 2007
Sad
I went to visit a friend (G) in hospital tonight. She fought breast cancer a few years back and thought she'd won. Then earlier this year they discovered she had a tumour in her brain that was inoperable. She had chemo again and was on the verge of coming back to work (just an hour a week to ease her into things), when things went downhill suddenly last Friday.
So now she's in palliative care and they're saying it's a matter of weeks. She won't be going home again.
G is one of the receptionists at work and she is one of the most lovely and loving people you could ever meet. Our building has hundreds of people working there and it's going to be hard when she does pass away. She's so loved in our company that the head of the division flew over to visit her.
I'm just torn up about this. I'm trying not to cry in front of Chickie but seeing G tonight was a shock.
So now she's in palliative care and they're saying it's a matter of weeks. She won't be going home again.
G is one of the receptionists at work and she is one of the most lovely and loving people you could ever meet. Our building has hundreds of people working there and it's going to be hard when she does pass away. She's so loved in our company that the head of the division flew over to visit her.
I'm just torn up about this. I'm trying not to cry in front of Chickie but seeing G tonight was a shock.
19 September, 2007
back to everyday life
My 4 days off was nice - but it's back to the everyday again now. Work's as busy as usual and I'm looking forward to my usual weekend off this week - though that's going to be busy too!
Friday we have some friends coming around for a bbq. On Saturday night J's work is putting on a 10 pin bowling evening (their social club tries quite hard to organise fun stuff for the staff and their families). Good thing I've already seen the season finale of Doctor Who, otherwise I'd be going nowhere! Then Sunday after work, we're going around to a friend's place to celebrate his birthday.
Chickie's going well at school. He's been the 'Star of the Day' again and received more little certificates (latest was for 'getting along with others'). He's so proud of them, but also a bit jealous of one boy, who apparently has 'one hundred fifty million nine'* certificates.
His class went on an excursion to the zoo yesterday. Chickie was so excited - and so exhausted at the end of the day. He's been telling me all about endangered animals and also about how his best friend didn't get to see a turkey. I'm guessing his friend must have been really disappointed since Chickie's mentioned it several times since the excursion!
I was waiting at the school for the bus (it was running a little late) and overheard one of the other teachers talking about Chickie's teacher (L) and how she thought that L was crazy for taking the kids on an excursion. She was saying there was no way she'd put herself through it and that L would learn once she'd been in the job a few years. I don't know... taking a bunch of 5 year olds to the zoo wouldn't be something I'd want to do either, but I'm kind of glad L is relatively new to the job and had the enthusiasm to organise it. Chickie had a great time.
*direct quote from Chickie.
Friday we have some friends coming around for a bbq. On Saturday night J's work is putting on a 10 pin bowling evening (their social club tries quite hard to organise fun stuff for the staff and their families). Good thing I've already seen the season finale of Doctor Who, otherwise I'd be going nowhere! Then Sunday after work, we're going around to a friend's place to celebrate his birthday.
Chickie's going well at school. He's been the 'Star of the Day' again and received more little certificates (latest was for 'getting along with others'). He's so proud of them, but also a bit jealous of one boy, who apparently has 'one hundred fifty million nine'* certificates.
His class went on an excursion to the zoo yesterday. Chickie was so excited - and so exhausted at the end of the day. He's been telling me all about endangered animals and also about how his best friend didn't get to see a turkey. I'm guessing his friend must have been really disappointed since Chickie's mentioned it several times since the excursion!
I was waiting at the school for the bus (it was running a little late) and overheard one of the other teachers talking about Chickie's teacher (L) and how she thought that L was crazy for taking the kids on an excursion. She was saying there was no way she'd put herself through it and that L would learn once she'd been in the job a few years. I don't know... taking a bunch of 5 year olds to the zoo wouldn't be something I'd want to do either, but I'm kind of glad L is relatively new to the job and had the enthusiasm to organise it. Chickie had a great time.
*direct quote from Chickie.
13 September, 2007
feeling relaxed
Day two of my 4 day weekend and I'm feeling a little tired. Well, playing World of Warcraft til 3am will do that I guess - even if I didn't have to get up at any particular time (I got up at 9 anyway since I was awake). Killing virtual monsters is quite therapeutic!
I'm feeling quite relaxed, knowing I don't have to go into work. Guess the stress was getting to me. Even my blood sugar levels are lower on waking. The last 3 or 4 weeks they seem to be in the high 7's in the mornings (it's meant to be around 5.5), no matter what I did the night before - hard workout, snack before bed, no snack before bed, lowering the carb levels at dinner. Yet yesterday and today - 5.6 and 5.7. I need to win a lottery and become independently wealthy. For my health, don'tcha know...
Hmmm... what to do now... perhaps a nice relaxing bubble bath? I figure I've earned it since I've just done a workout on the exercise bike.
Oh and I'd just like to say that Nori Wasabi flavoured peanuts are delish and very addictive (not to mention quite hot!). Very good when you have the munchies but don't want to go overboard - I can't really have very many at a time.
I'm feeling quite relaxed, knowing I don't have to go into work. Guess the stress was getting to me. Even my blood sugar levels are lower on waking. The last 3 or 4 weeks they seem to be in the high 7's in the mornings (it's meant to be around 5.5), no matter what I did the night before - hard workout, snack before bed, no snack before bed, lowering the carb levels at dinner. Yet yesterday and today - 5.6 and 5.7. I need to win a lottery and become independently wealthy. For my health, don'tcha know...
Hmmm... what to do now... perhaps a nice relaxing bubble bath? I figure I've earned it since I've just done a workout on the exercise bike.
Oh and I'd just like to say that Nori Wasabi flavoured peanuts are delish and very addictive (not to mention quite hot!). Very good when you have the munchies but don't want to go overboard - I can't really have very many at a time.
11 September, 2007
A long weekend!!
Yay! 4 days off. I'm looking forward to doing very little the next few days. Think of me sleeping in, if you're getting up to work over the next few days. [grin]
We took Chickie to see Ratatouille today. It was pretty good and I loved the Pixar short film at the beginning. All three of us laughed a lot at that.
I still don't have a new mobile phone yet. Work still hasn't posted the new phone deals for the month - and we're nearly halfway through the month! I've decided I should get something with navigation/maps etc, a decent camera (2 or 3 megapixel will do) and something that's not too big. Some of the ones I've looked at are quite big in size and probably have more features than I really need (well want actually, all I really need is something for calls and text). Of course, if I decide not to bother waiting and just go buy something - odds are that it will be the next to go on special.
We took Chickie to see Ratatouille today. It was pretty good and I loved the Pixar short film at the beginning. All three of us laughed a lot at that.
I still don't have a new mobile phone yet. Work still hasn't posted the new phone deals for the month - and we're nearly halfway through the month! I've decided I should get something with navigation/maps etc, a decent camera (2 or 3 megapixel will do) and something that's not too big. Some of the ones I've looked at are quite big in size and probably have more features than I really need (well want actually, all I really need is something for calls and text). Of course, if I decide not to bother waiting and just go buy something - odds are that it will be the next to go on special.
05 September, 2007
A better day today
because it's J's birthday! It's not been a real exciting day for him though. He took today off work but still had to go to TAFE this afternoon (he's studying computer programming). At least he had a relaxing morning. Hopefully we can do something special this weekend.
Chickie's not feeling so great though. Looks like he's got a cold, poor thing. I thought it might be allergies at first, since I've also had a bit of light hayfever lately, but no, I think it's a cold. He looked quite wrung out today.
As for me... I've organised to have a 4 day weekend next week. I'm feeling the stress a bit at work so decided I needed a bit of down time. I can't wait!
Chickie's not feeling so great though. Looks like he's got a cold, poor thing. I thought it might be allergies at first, since I've also had a bit of light hayfever lately, but no, I think it's a cold. He looked quite wrung out today.
As for me... I've organised to have a 4 day weekend next week. I'm feeling the stress a bit at work so decided I needed a bit of down time. I can't wait!
04 September, 2007
I'm in a bad mood
A Very Bad Mood, in fact.
I start work at 6.30am. I am so not a morning person. Getting up at 5.30am is a struggle for me. I do this so I can ensure I'm there to pick Chickie up from school in the afternoons (J takes him to school in the mornings). I will be putting in for after school care - when it becomes available because I'm finding it hard to get up this early (not to mention work is letting me start at 6.30 as a favour - it costs them, since I get paid at a higher rate if I start early).
So, why can't Chickie cooperate and not wake me up 15 minutes before my alarm is supposed to go off? I cannot stand being woken just before my alarm goes off. He wouldn't go back to sleep either, so I'm grumpy from being woken early and he's whiny because he's up too early. Heaven only knows what he'll be like after a full day of school. He's so tired afterwards, even when he has had enough sleep!
Of course, then I come into work (after cursing all the idiot drivers in front of me, on the way in) and the first calls I have are people whining or looking for an easy way out of the call they're on. I hope neither was psychic, since all I was thinking was 'Stop whining, because I don't care, just go do your job properly!'
It's going to be a long day...
I start work at 6.30am. I am so not a morning person. Getting up at 5.30am is a struggle for me. I do this so I can ensure I'm there to pick Chickie up from school in the afternoons (J takes him to school in the mornings). I will be putting in for after school care - when it becomes available because I'm finding it hard to get up this early (not to mention work is letting me start at 6.30 as a favour - it costs them, since I get paid at a higher rate if I start early).
So, why can't Chickie cooperate and not wake me up 15 minutes before my alarm is supposed to go off? I cannot stand being woken just before my alarm goes off. He wouldn't go back to sleep either, so I'm grumpy from being woken early and he's whiny because he's up too early. Heaven only knows what he'll be like after a full day of school. He's so tired afterwards, even when he has had enough sleep!
Of course, then I come into work (after cursing all the idiot drivers in front of me, on the way in) and the first calls I have are people whining or looking for an easy way out of the call they're on. I hope neither was psychic, since all I was thinking was 'Stop whining, because I don't care, just go do your job properly!'
It's going to be a long day...
31 August, 2007
The research continues
I'm still no closer to deciding on a new mobile phone. I do have a bit of an excuse though. One of the guys at work recommended I wait until next week as work will have a new lot of handsets on special. If I get it through work, I can get it cheaper (the perks of working for a telco!) - not to mention the staff plans are pretty good.
The down side is that there's a limited range on offer. So I'll wait and see. My supervisor used to work in the mobile department and he recommends either a Sony Ericsson or a Samsung. He doesn't think much of the other brands.
I did go have a look at a few handsets today and I've been asking friends what they have and what they like. A couple of my friends think I should get the Nokia 6110 Navigator. Apparently my knack for getting lost easily is well known!
Hmm... perhaps that's not a bad idea ;)
The down side is that there's a limited range on offer. So I'll wait and see. My supervisor used to work in the mobile department and he recommends either a Sony Ericsson or a Samsung. He doesn't think much of the other brands.
I did go have a look at a few handsets today and I've been asking friends what they have and what they like. A couple of my friends think I should get the Nokia 6110 Navigator. Apparently my knack for getting lost easily is well known!
Hmm... perhaps that's not a bad idea ;)
28 August, 2007
lunar eclipse
Are you in a spot where you can see it? If so, go outside - right now! It's so cool.
If not - take a look here.
--
Edited to add...
Check out my friend Ian's pic, of the eclipse, at splendor-solis.
If not - take a look here.
--
Edited to add...
Check out my friend Ian's pic, of the eclipse, at splendor-solis.
27 August, 2007
Doin' research
So people, I need your opinions...
I'm looking into buying a new mobile phone. My current one is almost 3 years old now and it's starting to do weird things on me. The latest stunt it's pulling is disconnecting me in the middle of calls and then flashing on and off for a few minutes. It seems to be ok if I turn it off for a while but it's happening more and more now, so I'm looking around.
I don't really need anything too fancy - calls, text, alarm function, a camera and bluetooth are the only 'must haves' (and most of those are standard these days anyway).
So tell me about your current phone or a phone you covet. What do you like about it, what do you hate? What will you never buy ever again? Feel free to rave about various features you use all the time. There's probably lots I could use but have never just bothered with!
Oh and Americans... please don't talk to me about the iphone - I'd love one of those but they won't be available, here in Australia, for quite some time yet... /pout
I'm looking into buying a new mobile phone. My current one is almost 3 years old now and it's starting to do weird things on me. The latest stunt it's pulling is disconnecting me in the middle of calls and then flashing on and off for a few minutes. It seems to be ok if I turn it off for a while but it's happening more and more now, so I'm looking around.
I don't really need anything too fancy - calls, text, alarm function, a camera and bluetooth are the only 'must haves' (and most of those are standard these days anyway).
So tell me about your current phone or a phone you covet. What do you like about it, what do you hate? What will you never buy ever again? Feel free to rave about various features you use all the time. There's probably lots I could use but have never just bothered with!
Oh and Americans... please don't talk to me about the iphone - I'd love one of those but they won't be available, here in Australia, for quite some time yet... /pout
25 August, 2007
A day at the museum
And nothing came to life. Life is never like the movies , is it...
It was pretty cool though. Our local museum has a giant squid in an old elevator shaft, so you can see it from all 4 levels. There's even a perspex floor at the top to look down on it. For some reason though, no one wanted to stand on it!
J took Chickie to the museum months ago while I was at a friend's funeral and Chickie's been dying to go back ever since. So yesterday I suggested we go this weekend. Turned out to be good timing too, since they were having a science day thing there too - lots of extra displays and stuff to look at. We fluked that one quite nicely.
One giggle of the day... at one point, I sat on a handy chair to re-tie my shoelaces, then looked up at the wall to see a sign labelled 'Antiquities' just over me. I banned J from taking a picture hehe.
One moment I wasn't sure what to say was when I came out of the ladies. Chickie ran up to me excitedly and dragged me over to see something. He pointed to a boy with two artificial legs (not the real looking sort) and said "Look mum, robot legs!! Cool!!". I just said "yeah! Oooh look over here, a skeleton!". I hope the boy didn't hear us. Chickie wasn't mean about it (quite the opposite) but I daresay when you're in that position, you're probably sick of comments at all.
Then on the way back to the car, we checked out one of the bigger book shops and I ended up buying lots of books for myself. I feel a bit guilty since they were all for me - and I could have bought way more, quite easily!
Oh and thanks to everyone who voted for my friend. She didn't win (in fact I think she probably came last unfortunately) but at least she won $1000 and she's our state winner. Plus as J says "that's better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick" (that saying always makes me laugh). I was personally hoping that the QLD entrant would win, if my friend didn't. The other two looked too tarty in my opinion.
It was pretty cool though. Our local museum has a giant squid in an old elevator shaft, so you can see it from all 4 levels. There's even a perspex floor at the top to look down on it. For some reason though, no one wanted to stand on it!
J took Chickie to the museum months ago while I was at a friend's funeral and Chickie's been dying to go back ever since. So yesterday I suggested we go this weekend. Turned out to be good timing too, since they were having a science day thing there too - lots of extra displays and stuff to look at. We fluked that one quite nicely.
One giggle of the day... at one point, I sat on a handy chair to re-tie my shoelaces, then looked up at the wall to see a sign labelled 'Antiquities' just over me. I banned J from taking a picture hehe.
One moment I wasn't sure what to say was when I came out of the ladies. Chickie ran up to me excitedly and dragged me over to see something. He pointed to a boy with two artificial legs (not the real looking sort) and said "Look mum, robot legs!! Cool!!". I just said "yeah! Oooh look over here, a skeleton!". I hope the boy didn't hear us. Chickie wasn't mean about it (quite the opposite) but I daresay when you're in that position, you're probably sick of comments at all.
Then on the way back to the car, we checked out one of the bigger book shops and I ended up buying lots of books for myself. I feel a bit guilty since they were all for me - and I could have bought way more, quite easily!
Oh and thanks to everyone who voted for my friend. She didn't win (in fact I think she probably came last unfortunately) but at least she won $1000 and she's our state winner. Plus as J says "that's better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick" (that saying always makes me laugh). I was personally hoping that the QLD entrant would win, if my friend didn't. The other two looked too tarty in my opinion.
20 August, 2007
Huh??
I got yelled at when I went through McDonald's drive thru yesterday. I was picking up a few orders for the guys at work, as well as my lunch, so it took a bit of time for them to hand me my order (probably didn't help that they had some trainees on). There were two cars behind me and one woman started yelling 'hurry up red car!'
Err ok, like got I've any control over how fast they work...
Not to mention it was 11am on a Sunday, so I wouldn't exactly call it rush hour.
Now, if you feel you can spare a vote for my friend in the Triple M Hot Mama's competition - please go visit their website here. From the front page, click on the 'View the hot mum galleries' link, then click on the picture to go to the finalist voting page. My friend is number 4 - Tricia. She's the underdog at the moment, so any votes you can spare would be greatly welcomed! She has a chance at $5000 - decided by a web vote.
I won't link directly to the gallery because it auto-detects my state and I don't want to mess up the link for others. I don't know if that means you won't be able to vote if you're outside Australia, but if someone would like to try and let me know, I'd appreciate it.
Oh and feel free to spread the word, the more votes, the merrier!
Err ok, like got I've any control over how fast they work...
Not to mention it was 11am on a Sunday, so I wouldn't exactly call it rush hour.
Now, if you feel you can spare a vote for my friend in the Triple M Hot Mama's competition - please go visit their website here. From the front page, click on the 'View the hot mum galleries' link, then click on the picture to go to the finalist voting page. My friend is number 4 - Tricia. She's the underdog at the moment, so any votes you can spare would be greatly welcomed! She has a chance at $5000 - decided by a web vote.
I won't link directly to the gallery because it auto-detects my state and I don't want to mess up the link for others. I don't know if that means you won't be able to vote if you're outside Australia, but if someone would like to try and let me know, I'd appreciate it.
Oh and feel free to spread the word, the more votes, the merrier!
14 August, 2007
Cool!
Do you happen to listen to Triple M (if you're an aussie) in the afternoons? If so, you might have heard a friend on the show. One of my mum's group friends has been voted our state's 'hottest mama' in a radio competition. She was over the moon when she called me - particularly since the prize was $1000. She did say she's kinda glad that her hubby entered her now!
Next week she'll be running against the winners of the other states for a chance at $5000. It'll be a website vote, so if I find out the link I'll post it, in case you can spare a vote.
Funnily enough, I talked to my sister (in a different state) tonight and she said she heard my friend's chat and thought that she seemed to be the only one who didn't sound 'up herself' and was planning on voting for her - even before she found out we were friends!
Next week she'll be running against the winners of the other states for a chance at $5000. It'll be a website vote, so if I find out the link I'll post it, in case you can spare a vote.
Funnily enough, I talked to my sister (in a different state) tonight and she said she heard my friend's chat and thought that she seemed to be the only one who didn't sound 'up herself' and was planning on voting for her - even before she found out we were friends!
13 August, 2007
12 August, 2007
hodge podge post
So I've been a little scarce lately. Things are very busy at work so I come home mentally wiped out. Found a good little diversion though. Anyway, here's a hodge podge post of what I've been up to lately.
A friend asked us to download some patches for World of Warcraft, since he was throttled and couldn't grab them himself, and gave us his guest account to play with. It lasts for 10 days so J and I have been having fun killing monsters etc. It's a good way to work out some frustrations of the working day (particularly when you get to deal with some very nutty customers - must post about some of the more bizarre customers one of these days).
J fixed the curtain. Just in time for when a friend brought her kids around to play with Chickie. It appears that school might be giving him more confidence. When he's played with these friends in the past, he's been kind of quiet - more a follower, than a leader. This time he was downright bossy!
Oh he's received another certificate at school - this time for organisation. The last was for persistence - these are two skills I wouldn't have thought were his strengths so perhaps they're trying to encourage things in those areas?? I'm all for it though :)
We went to a quiz night on Friday night. It was to raise money for the netball club that J's mum coaches for. We usually do ok (usually 2nd or 3rd) but this year we came equal last. We were down in numbers a bit though since we had half the numbers of the other tables (due to illness). It was fun though - we were feeding Chickie wrong answers and having him say them out loud. He thought it was hilarious! We won a couple of cool prizes in the raffles though - including a remote control car for Chickie.
Saturday, J and I went and saw an Indian movie - Chak De! India - loved the scene in the McDonalds. The rest of the crowd in the cinema were quite amusing. They were cheering and clapping at various parts.
Well, spose I'd better get off to bed. Another busy day at work tomorrow. Night all...
A friend asked us to download some patches for World of Warcraft, since he was throttled and couldn't grab them himself, and gave us his guest account to play with. It lasts for 10 days so J and I have been having fun killing monsters etc. It's a good way to work out some frustrations of the working day (particularly when you get to deal with some very nutty customers - must post about some of the more bizarre customers one of these days).
J fixed the curtain. Just in time for when a friend brought her kids around to play with Chickie. It appears that school might be giving him more confidence. When he's played with these friends in the past, he's been kind of quiet - more a follower, than a leader. This time he was downright bossy!
Oh he's received another certificate at school - this time for organisation. The last was for persistence - these are two skills I wouldn't have thought were his strengths so perhaps they're trying to encourage things in those areas?? I'm all for it though :)
We went to a quiz night on Friday night. It was to raise money for the netball club that J's mum coaches for. We usually do ok (usually 2nd or 3rd) but this year we came equal last. We were down in numbers a bit though since we had half the numbers of the other tables (due to illness). It was fun though - we were feeding Chickie wrong answers and having him say them out loud. He thought it was hilarious! We won a couple of cool prizes in the raffles though - including a remote control car for Chickie.
Saturday, J and I went and saw an Indian movie - Chak De! India - loved the scene in the McDonalds. The rest of the crowd in the cinema were quite amusing. They were cheering and clapping at various parts.
Well, spose I'd better get off to bed. Another busy day at work tomorrow. Night all...
05 August, 2007
Grrr..
We only have half a curtain hanging in our lounge room tonight...
In our lounge room we have a rocker recliner chair. Chickie has a very bad habit of jumping on it and into it. He gets told off and put in time out for doing it. Still he keeps doing it. He's started losing privileges lately.
So tonight, he was doing it again. This time he did it when the chair was pushed up against the curtain, so basically pulled on the curtain and pulled the screw out of the wall and down came half the curtain rod and curtain.
Not happy Jan...
I feel so exposed. Even though we have canvas awnings covering the front verandah, so we're not completely visible from the front yard, it just feels wrong.
In our lounge room we have a rocker recliner chair. Chickie has a very bad habit of jumping on it and into it. He gets told off and put in time out for doing it. Still he keeps doing it. He's started losing privileges lately.
So tonight, he was doing it again. This time he did it when the chair was pushed up against the curtain, so basically pulled on the curtain and pulled the screw out of the wall and down came half the curtain rod and curtain.
Not happy Jan...
I feel so exposed. Even though we have canvas awnings covering the front verandah, so we're not completely visible from the front yard, it just feels wrong.
03 August, 2007
Time and place, people, time and place!
No sleep in today unfortunately, as J had to go on a trip to Brisbane for a meeting. I got to get up and take Chickie to school.
As we're getting out of the car just outside the school, we can hear two people having an absolute screaming match across the road. A man and a woman, several cars apart, yelling at each other about their kids - so presumably a former husband and wife. Thing is, the poor kids were right there, looking absolutely miserable. Chickie was a bit scared by the yelling as it was, so I just got him into school quickly, after reassuring him it was just an argument. He hasn't really experienced that much though, J and I don't really argue much.
Then after I'd dropped him off I was walking behind a lady who called out to a friend who was across the road and she commented that she was off to visit a shopping centre nearby. As a joke, the lady across the road called back "Don't do that, you'll get stabbed" (there was someone stabbed to the hands the other day when someone tried to steal her bag, at that shopping centre). Now this was right in front of the school - with kids still going in. For pete's sake people, 5 year olds do not need to hear that - even as a joke! Gah!
After that, I went and caught the Simpson's movie - gave me a laugh. If you haven't seen it, stay for the credits.
If you've visited House & Baby lately, you see she's doing a Flashback Friday. I've been feeling in the flashback mood today, only not with photos. I've been surfing YouTube for 80's music, so if you want to check out some of the songs I liked in the 80's, go visit my other blog Visual Parallax.
As we're getting out of the car just outside the school, we can hear two people having an absolute screaming match across the road. A man and a woman, several cars apart, yelling at each other about their kids - so presumably a former husband and wife. Thing is, the poor kids were right there, looking absolutely miserable. Chickie was a bit scared by the yelling as it was, so I just got him into school quickly, after reassuring him it was just an argument. He hasn't really experienced that much though, J and I don't really argue much.
Then after I'd dropped him off I was walking behind a lady who called out to a friend who was across the road and she commented that she was off to visit a shopping centre nearby. As a joke, the lady across the road called back "Don't do that, you'll get stabbed" (there was someone stabbed to the hands the other day when someone tried to steal her bag, at that shopping centre). Now this was right in front of the school - with kids still going in. For pete's sake people, 5 year olds do not need to hear that - even as a joke! Gah!
After that, I went and caught the Simpson's movie - gave me a laugh. If you haven't seen it, stay for the credits.
If you've visited House & Baby lately, you see she's doing a Flashback Friday. I've been feeling in the flashback mood today, only not with photos. I've been surfing YouTube for 80's music, so if you want to check out some of the songs I liked in the 80's, go visit my other blog Visual Parallax.
02 August, 2007
Is there something I'm missing here?
Ok, for those of you who are women and exercise, perhaps you can explain something to me...
What is the point of those 'shelf bras' in work out shirts?
Are you supposed to wear a bra with them or are you supposed to use the shelf bra only? I would have thought that a shelf bra wouldn't be enough support during exercise, even for the under endowed. But then, wouldn't you get too hot and sweaty having that extra layer in that area, if you're wearing a bra as well?? Or am I the only one who 'glows'* copiously in that area?
So what's the point of them - can anyone enlighten me?
* My mum always said 'horses sweat, men perspire and women glow'.
What is the point of those 'shelf bras' in work out shirts?
Are you supposed to wear a bra with them or are you supposed to use the shelf bra only? I would have thought that a shelf bra wouldn't be enough support during exercise, even for the under endowed. But then, wouldn't you get too hot and sweaty having that extra layer in that area, if you're wearing a bra as well?? Or am I the only one who 'glows'* copiously in that area?
So what's the point of them - can anyone enlighten me?
* My mum always said 'horses sweat, men perspire and women glow'.
28 July, 2007
Of wizards, buses and stars.
Well, I've had a week off work (back to the daily grind tomorrow) and I must admit I haven't done a lot with it. I've mostly been reading the new Harry Potter book (loved it and now have plans to read the lot again from the beginning) to fill in time between dropping off and picking up Chickie from school.
I did schedule a few appointments this week too. A doctor's appointment for my regular HbA1c (I have a lovely bruise in the crook of my right elbow) and a cut and colour for my hair (looks nice, thanks for asking), not to mention going to see the latest Harry Potter movie. Still I don't feel like I accomplished much this week. It was pretty relaxing though.
On my way to the hair dressers the other day, I saw something for the first time - a two bus collision. Well, I didn't see the actual collision but but the police were there putting up traffic cones and the buses were still there. One had a smashed in front left corner and the other had the side of the bus smashed in. I've heard of plenty of cars try their luck at intersections, and t-bone other cars but I've never heard of buses doing it. Perhaps the drivers were playing chicken?
Chickie's loved the first week of school. On Thursday he was the star of the day and was the leader for their fitness class. He was so proud to show me his name in the big star on the board.
I didn't need to worry about what to feed him. He's mostly been eating ham sandwiches and his fruit (usually bananas) and usually finishes his Vita-weat crackers at home. He's still as hungry as a horse at home but it sounds like he's too busy to eat at school. I'm just glad he's enjoying it.
I did schedule a few appointments this week too. A doctor's appointment for my regular HbA1c (I have a lovely bruise in the crook of my right elbow) and a cut and colour for my hair (looks nice, thanks for asking), not to mention going to see the latest Harry Potter movie. Still I don't feel like I accomplished much this week. It was pretty relaxing though.
On my way to the hair dressers the other day, I saw something for the first time - a two bus collision. Well, I didn't see the actual collision but but the police were there putting up traffic cones and the buses were still there. One had a smashed in front left corner and the other had the side of the bus smashed in. I've heard of plenty of cars try their luck at intersections, and t-bone other cars but I've never heard of buses doing it. Perhaps the drivers were playing chicken?
Chickie's loved the first week of school. On Thursday he was the star of the day and was the leader for their fitness class. He was so proud to show me his name in the big star on the board.
I didn't need to worry about what to feed him. He's mostly been eating ham sandwiches and his fruit (usually bananas) and usually finishes his Vita-weat crackers at home. He's still as hungry as a horse at home but it sounds like he's too busy to eat at school. I'm just glad he's enjoying it.
24 July, 2007
Day two
And Chickie was excited to go back to school. So, I figure he must have enjoyed himself. He didn't care that we were going yesterday and barely looked in our direction as we were leaving today. Mind you, after asking about his day yesterday, you'd think all he'd done all day was play in the playground and in the sand pit!
He must be making friends though. We went down to the shops afterwards to get a little celebration cake, of his choosing, for starting school (a choc mint mud cake from the Cheesecake Shop - well, a quarter of one really) and a little girl in a similar 'uniform' called out his name and said hello. He didn't know her name, mind you...
So, all in all he's fine. Me on the other hand... well, I still can't believe he's old enough to go to school. Yesterday, J and I came home and I had a tear or two and then J left for work. I tried to settle down to read the new Harry Potter book but just couldn't concentrate on it. So, I haven't got very far yet. I've got the full week off work and I've scheduled something each day (today I saw the new Harry Potter movie - loved it) so hopefully I'll actually finish the book sometime!
I'm glad I'm not working this week. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be much use there, while I'm this scatterbrained!
He must be making friends though. We went down to the shops afterwards to get a little celebration cake, of his choosing, for starting school (a choc mint mud cake from the Cheesecake Shop - well, a quarter of one really) and a little girl in a similar 'uniform' called out his name and said hello. He didn't know her name, mind you...
So, all in all he's fine. Me on the other hand... well, I still can't believe he's old enough to go to school. Yesterday, J and I came home and I had a tear or two and then J left for work. I tried to settle down to read the new Harry Potter book but just couldn't concentrate on it. So, I haven't got very far yet. I've got the full week off work and I've scheduled something each day (today I saw the new Harry Potter movie - loved it) so hopefully I'll actually finish the book sometime!
I'm glad I'm not working this week. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be much use there, while I'm this scatterbrained!
23 July, 2007
All growed up
Well, my sweet little baby is a big school boy now. J and I took him in this morning, found his spot in the classroom, put his water bottle in the basket with the others, his lunch box and hat in his tray, then hung his (now empty) school bag in the cloak room. We left him there happily drawing a picture and talking to the girl who sits next to him.
He was so excited to be all dressed up in his uniform (though I don't think he's going to like wearing the skivvies I got, he kept fiddling with the neck) and wearing his backpack. He barely waved when we left, so I think the visits a few weeks ago were a very good idea.
J and I got sniffly on the way out. You probably won't be surprised to hear I was more 'sniffly' though ;)
I feel at a bit of a loose end now (I have this week off work), but it's probably a good thing I have the new Harry Potter book to distract me until 3pm.
He was so excited to be all dressed up in his uniform (though I don't think he's going to like wearing the skivvies I got, he kept fiddling with the neck) and wearing his backpack. He barely waved when we left, so I think the visits a few weeks ago were a very good idea.
J and I got sniffly on the way out. You probably won't be surprised to hear I was more 'sniffly' though ;)
I feel at a bit of a loose end now (I have this week off work), but it's probably a good thing I have the new Harry Potter book to distract me until 3pm.
22 July, 2007
The countdown is on!
No, not the Harry Potter one - that one's been and gone and J's currently reading the book in the bedroom. The real countdown is that Chickie starts school Monday morning.
How is it possible that he's old enough to go to school now? I know he's ready for it. His teacher at the childcare centre tells me he's completely ready academic wise. They're doing this Letterland thing and he's just soaking it up like a sponge. They've only been doing it a few weeks and he spelt out the word Myer today, while shopping (and technically they're only up to the letter F!). She also says he's very social and will probably find it very easy to make friends.
We've bought clothes for him to wear. The school's dress code is navy, red and white. So far we have lots of navy stuff and a few red things. It was actually really hard to find stuff for him in navy, in his size. There was plenty of grey around but hardly anything in navy. I managed to find two pairs of navy school uniform type pants (one in size 4 which will only fit for a while, and one in size 5) and as a back up, he has two pairs of cord navy pants. This is just not the time to be looking for winter clothing - all the summer stuff is starting to come out!
Anyway, all the new clothes have been washed and hopefully it will be enough to keep him reasonably clothed.
We've been practising opening lunch containers. He's not finding that so easy - some of the new containers we've bought are a bit stiff still. Hopefully they'll loosen up soon and in the mean time we've bought some resealable plastic bags that he finds easier.
His lunch is probably going to be a bit boring to start with. He's decided all he wants on his sandwiches is either vegemite or ham. He likes the idea of Vita-Weat crackers with vegemite and either bananas or apples for fruit.
My sister suggested I don't get into the habit of sending muesli bars, sultanas or fruit rollups (basically any sort of 'sticky' type foods), since one of her boys ended up with 9 fillings in his first year of school. She said the dentist told her it's often because the kids don't always drink enough water to rinse the food from their teeth. Chickie doesn't seem to drink very much at home, to me (he does actually like water though, thank goodness), so I think perhaps I might take that advice and only send those types of things occasionally. Though, once he actually goes and sees what the other kids eat... things could be different.
So, am I ready for this? Um no... he's my little baby! He's too little for school!
How is it possible that he's old enough to go to school now? I know he's ready for it. His teacher at the childcare centre tells me he's completely ready academic wise. They're doing this Letterland thing and he's just soaking it up like a sponge. They've only been doing it a few weeks and he spelt out the word Myer today, while shopping (and technically they're only up to the letter F!). She also says he's very social and will probably find it very easy to make friends.
We've bought clothes for him to wear. The school's dress code is navy, red and white. So far we have lots of navy stuff and a few red things. It was actually really hard to find stuff for him in navy, in his size. There was plenty of grey around but hardly anything in navy. I managed to find two pairs of navy school uniform type pants (one in size 4 which will only fit for a while, and one in size 5) and as a back up, he has two pairs of cord navy pants. This is just not the time to be looking for winter clothing - all the summer stuff is starting to come out!
Anyway, all the new clothes have been washed and hopefully it will be enough to keep him reasonably clothed.
We've been practising opening lunch containers. He's not finding that so easy - some of the new containers we've bought are a bit stiff still. Hopefully they'll loosen up soon and in the mean time we've bought some resealable plastic bags that he finds easier.
His lunch is probably going to be a bit boring to start with. He's decided all he wants on his sandwiches is either vegemite or ham. He likes the idea of Vita-Weat crackers with vegemite and either bananas or apples for fruit.
My sister suggested I don't get into the habit of sending muesli bars, sultanas or fruit rollups (basically any sort of 'sticky' type foods), since one of her boys ended up with 9 fillings in his first year of school. She said the dentist told her it's often because the kids don't always drink enough water to rinse the food from their teeth. Chickie doesn't seem to drink very much at home, to me (he does actually like water though, thank goodness), so I think perhaps I might take that advice and only send those types of things occasionally. Though, once he actually goes and sees what the other kids eat... things could be different.
So, am I ready for this? Um no... he's my little baby! He's too little for school!
17 July, 2007
A photo of me
I was sorting out some pics of Chickie's bowling party for my family and found a pic of me when I visited Japan. I was there 20 years ago now but it seems like only a few years back. Meggie's mention of creating a kimono outfit for a doll reminded me of the trip.
It was a fun 2 weeks, not to mention a great experience. My oldest nephew will be there this Christmas and I'm sure he'll have a great time too.
I got to experience quite a bit while there - Tokyo Disneyland, a Japanese wedding, karaoke in a karaoke bar, trying a kimono, visiting Mt Fuji, Tokyo trains and the Bullet Train, visiting a movie lot/theme park and visiting many many lovely shrines and gardens. I stayed with penfriends and their families and would love to go back again one day.
I've got heaps more photos of the trip and I really should get around to scanning them. When I do, I'll have to post some of the pics of the gardens. They really are stunning.
It really doesn't feel like it was 20 years ago...
It was a fun 2 weeks, not to mention a great experience. My oldest nephew will be there this Christmas and I'm sure he'll have a great time too.
I got to experience quite a bit while there - Tokyo Disneyland, a Japanese wedding, karaoke in a karaoke bar, trying a kimono, visiting Mt Fuji, Tokyo trains and the Bullet Train, visiting a movie lot/theme park and visiting many many lovely shrines and gardens. I stayed with penfriends and their families and would love to go back again one day.
I've got heaps more photos of the trip and I really should get around to scanning them. When I do, I'll have to post some of the pics of the gardens. They really are stunning.
It really doesn't feel like it was 20 years ago...
12 July, 2007
How did I keep from giggling?
My float - when it comes to business speak, I feel your pain!
Today we had a presentation from some of our directors and project managers to keep us up to date on what's happening with the company (I work in a call centre for a telecommunications company). I seriously had to bite my tongue when I heard phrases such as 'drilling down', 'deep-diving' and 'disseminating the granularity'. Though I can't recall if disseminating was the word they actually used (it started with d, I know that much). By that stage I was too busy concentrating on keeping a straight face...
Has anyone got a clue what granularity has to do with working in customer service???
Today we had a presentation from some of our directors and project managers to keep us up to date on what's happening with the company (I work in a call centre for a telecommunications company). I seriously had to bite my tongue when I heard phrases such as 'drilling down', 'deep-diving' and 'disseminating the granularity'. Though I can't recall if disseminating was the word they actually used (it started with d, I know that much). By that stage I was too busy concentrating on keeping a straight face...
Has anyone got a clue what granularity has to do with working in customer service???
10 July, 2007
Future occupation for Chickie #2
Con artiste!
When I picked Chickie up from child care today, I had a quick chat with his teacher - she was asking me if Chickie was born overseas. She said he has convinced the kids in his room that he was born in Asia. The teachers weren't sure about it since they thought he was born at the hospital 10 mins up the road (yes, that is where he was born), but they were unsure enough to check with me.
Apparently he was very convincing...
--
Now, I have a request from the parents of any school aged children.
Chickie starts school in just over a week and a half(!) and I'm looking for some ideas. What do you put in your child's lunchboxes? Any tips you can pass on about stuff I should avoid?
Also, how do you label your child's school clothes? How many uniforms/outfits do you find necessary for the school week? Chickie's school has a dress code rather than a uniform so he can wear anything in navy, red or white, so long as there are no patterns or logos. Of course, I'm finding nearly nothing in those colours at the moment (though I'm not looking too hard for anything white - not for Chickie!). Navy trackpants seem to be the only things I can find without patterns/stripes or a logo. I have found a very nice navy jacket/anorak (which he wore to childcare yesterday and promptly got very dirty - I was not amused!).
When I picked Chickie up from child care today, I had a quick chat with his teacher - she was asking me if Chickie was born overseas. She said he has convinced the kids in his room that he was born in Asia. The teachers weren't sure about it since they thought he was born at the hospital 10 mins up the road (yes, that is where he was born), but they were unsure enough to check with me.
Apparently he was very convincing...
--
Now, I have a request from the parents of any school aged children.
Chickie starts school in just over a week and a half(!) and I'm looking for some ideas. What do you put in your child's lunchboxes? Any tips you can pass on about stuff I should avoid?
Also, how do you label your child's school clothes? How many uniforms/outfits do you find necessary for the school week? Chickie's school has a dress code rather than a uniform so he can wear anything in navy, red or white, so long as there are no patterns or logos. Of course, I'm finding nearly nothing in those colours at the moment (though I'm not looking too hard for anything white - not for Chickie!). Navy trackpants seem to be the only things I can find without patterns/stripes or a logo. I have found a very nice navy jacket/anorak (which he wore to childcare yesterday and promptly got very dirty - I was not amused!).
07 July, 2007
Simpsons avatar
06 July, 2007
I'm an idiot
Ok, I think I've used that title before...
So anyway, we trooped up to Chickie's school this morning for his final orientation visit... and... it was yesterday! We've branded ourselves as hopeless parents before he even starts school officially.
The teacher was still happy to have him stay until after recess so he's there right now, but jeez, I'm such an idiot! It had the correct date on the letter from the school but both J and I didn't see it properly - we both thought they were all Friday visits. Oh well... guess they won't expect too much of us now. Only way is up, and all that.
/shakes head.
I guess this also means I won't find out what was said last week. The curiosity is going to kill me!
Edited to add:
We've just picked him up and the teacher said she nearly made the same mistake as us. She was expecting the kids today and if it wasn't for a comment from the principal earlier this week that they were coming Thursday, she wouldn't have been ready! Phew!
She said Chickie will probably do really well at school. His colouring in is really good (apparently he's excellent at keeping inside the lines) and his writing is also very good. He's already making friends (one of the other kids has 'taken him under his wing') and as we were leaving several of the other kids called out to say goodbye to him. He said he had a good time, so it bodes well for July 23rd (his first proper day of school!).
The teacher did mention, in passing, that last week wasn't the best but didn't elaborate so I've no idea what actually happened. Oh well.
So anyway, we trooped up to Chickie's school this morning for his final orientation visit... and... it was yesterday! We've branded ourselves as hopeless parents before he even starts school officially.
The teacher was still happy to have him stay until after recess so he's there right now, but jeez, I'm such an idiot! It had the correct date on the letter from the school but both J and I didn't see it properly - we both thought they were all Friday visits. Oh well... guess they won't expect too much of us now. Only way is up, and all that.
/shakes head.
I guess this also means I won't find out what was said last week. The curiosity is going to kill me!
Edited to add:
We've just picked him up and the teacher said she nearly made the same mistake as us. She was expecting the kids today and if it wasn't for a comment from the principal earlier this week that they were coming Thursday, she wouldn't have been ready! Phew!
She said Chickie will probably do really well at school. His colouring in is really good (apparently he's excellent at keeping inside the lines) and his writing is also very good. He's already making friends (one of the other kids has 'taken him under his wing') and as we were leaving several of the other kids called out to say goodbye to him. He said he had a good time, so it bodes well for July 23rd (his first proper day of school!).
The teacher did mention, in passing, that last week wasn't the best but didn't elaborate so I've no idea what actually happened. Oh well.
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