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!
17 August, 2008
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.
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