you just have to take a step back from everything.
Why? Numerous reasons. Too many people, too much information, too little time, too much angst, too many dishonest people, too many false personas, too many 'watchers', too many things going on, too little ability to deal with all of the above, too many memories, too many lies from people that you don't expect to lie, too much to see, too much of everything, and far too little honesty, integrity and humanity, from those who wax lyrical about having those very things as well.
Hypocrisy at its finest.
Or perhaps it may be that you have just had enough of this technological age and wish to reconnect with people as was done in the "good ole days".
I think that's it. And a fair modicum of the former.
So that's me.
I'll be off now.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
For some reason
I have been unable to access my own blog of late. I have absolutely no idea why. I am thinking that perhaps it is the bloggy watcher trying to prevent me from posting some drivel in which nobody would be interested anyway.
Today I had a day off. As in a day "off". I work four days a week. The fifth day is supposed to be my day off. The kids are in daycare five days a week and I am supposed to use that day to catch up on everything - strip the beds, get the floors mopped, catch up on washing, mow the lawns if necessary, do the shopping, all that lovely stuff. However, for the last eternity my day off has involved a visit to either a doctor's office or a hospital. For one or more of the mini folks.
Today it did not. Today was a true me day. And in true fashion, after dropping the kids off at daycare the first thing I did was mow the lawn. But now the lawn is mowed and looks a lot better. Then I spent the next 2 hours recovering from mowing the lawn, with the aid of a coffee and a coke. And a steak. Just because.
And then I went for a coffee with a friend, which was wonderful, and the time just flew and before I knew it I had been having coffee for 2 1/2 hours, so then had to flee to get to the grocery store, which I did, then picked up my beautiful babies.
And the weekend is shaping up pretty well too - have a friend and her mini chicklet visiting from Perth on Saturday, and on Sunday it is my birthday and we are going to the magical brunch!!!!!!!! Sensational.
And on that note I should probably work out what to wear tomorrow.
I am hoping that everyone out there in the blogosphere is content. I am content. I love my babies and my babies love me. And with some other little happenings things are going from strength to strength.
That is all.
Today I had a day off. As in a day "off". I work four days a week. The fifth day is supposed to be my day off. The kids are in daycare five days a week and I am supposed to use that day to catch up on everything - strip the beds, get the floors mopped, catch up on washing, mow the lawns if necessary, do the shopping, all that lovely stuff. However, for the last eternity my day off has involved a visit to either a doctor's office or a hospital. For one or more of the mini folks.
Today it did not. Today was a true me day. And in true fashion, after dropping the kids off at daycare the first thing I did was mow the lawn. But now the lawn is mowed and looks a lot better. Then I spent the next 2 hours recovering from mowing the lawn, with the aid of a coffee and a coke. And a steak. Just because.
And then I went for a coffee with a friend, which was wonderful, and the time just flew and before I knew it I had been having coffee for 2 1/2 hours, so then had to flee to get to the grocery store, which I did, then picked up my beautiful babies.
And the weekend is shaping up pretty well too - have a friend and her mini chicklet visiting from Perth on Saturday, and on Sunday it is my birthday and we are going to the magical brunch!!!!!!!! Sensational.
And on that note I should probably work out what to wear tomorrow.
I am hoping that everyone out there in the blogosphere is content. I am content. I love my babies and my babies love me. And with some other little happenings things are going from strength to strength.
That is all.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
I am not a baker
and nor do I ever wish to BE a baker.
I made a Lightning McQueen cake today.
I burnt it. But that's ok because it was getting iced.
I put too much colouring in the icing and it split. But that's ok, it still kinda looked red. Ish.
So I tried to ice it. The squirty little star things didn't work because it was too runny. So I used the knife to spread it out. Then realised that I had no idea what I was doing.
But it is done. And looks like a car, thanks mostly to the shape of the tin.
The other traffic light things are done, and there are some other foodie doovas I will make up tomorrow, and we're cooking with gas.
A few lessons for the day.
1. Crayola coloured bubbles - good in theory. Bad in practice.
2. If a child falls off a seat, do not assume that they will have learned not to sit that way again.
3. No does not always mean no. If you ask your child, before entering the supermarket, if they need to go to the toilet and they say "no" do not believe them. Under any circumstance. If you do, you will find yourself not even past the deli with a child telling you they need to go to the toilet.
4. Aldi checkout chick rocks. She saw the kids arcing up and gave them lollies. I don't care. They calmed down. Thank you Aldi checkout chick.
5. If you are not a confident baker, do not bake a Lightning McQueen cake.
6. No matter how much it can annoy you that your children stay up after they have gone to bed, there is absolutely no hope for you if your 2 year old starts singing "everybody needs a thneed".
That is all.
I made a Lightning McQueen cake today.
I burnt it. But that's ok because it was getting iced.
I put too much colouring in the icing and it split. But that's ok, it still kinda looked red. Ish.
So I tried to ice it. The squirty little star things didn't work because it was too runny. So I used the knife to spread it out. Then realised that I had no idea what I was doing.
But it is done. And looks like a car, thanks mostly to the shape of the tin.
The other traffic light things are done, and there are some other foodie doovas I will make up tomorrow, and we're cooking with gas.
A few lessons for the day.
1. Crayola coloured bubbles - good in theory. Bad in practice.
2. If a child falls off a seat, do not assume that they will have learned not to sit that way again.
3. No does not always mean no. If you ask your child, before entering the supermarket, if they need to go to the toilet and they say "no" do not believe them. Under any circumstance. If you do, you will find yourself not even past the deli with a child telling you they need to go to the toilet.
4. Aldi checkout chick rocks. She saw the kids arcing up and gave them lollies. I don't care. They calmed down. Thank you Aldi checkout chick.
5. If you are not a confident baker, do not bake a Lightning McQueen cake.
6. No matter how much it can annoy you that your children stay up after they have gone to bed, there is absolutely no hope for you if your 2 year old starts singing "everybody needs a thneed".
That is all.
When will I learn?
Apparently it hasn't happened yet. The learning bit I mean.
I still find it astounding that a simple "yes" is so difficult for some people to say, particularly when it is in response to an email, with photos, and the question is simply could you please confirm if you received the email.
And so I will quite obviously now go back to the plan of the last few months and simply refrain from sending anything. Because to be quite honest, I have no idea if it gets there anyway. It is sad because it is not I who will suffer as a result of that.
On a different note I am making traffic light jelly today in preparation for Angus's Cars party tomorrow. We already have traffic light cookies, and little teddy bears riding in milky bars. As for the main cake, well, that is yet to be done, but I am anticipating it will look little to nothing like the "picture" they kindly include with the tin of how it "should" look.
I guess I should keep trucking along with this birthday business.
Toodles for now.
I still find it astounding that a simple "yes" is so difficult for some people to say, particularly when it is in response to an email, with photos, and the question is simply could you please confirm if you received the email.
And so I will quite obviously now go back to the plan of the last few months and simply refrain from sending anything. Because to be quite honest, I have no idea if it gets there anyway. It is sad because it is not I who will suffer as a result of that.
On a different note I am making traffic light jelly today in preparation for Angus's Cars party tomorrow. We already have traffic light cookies, and little teddy bears riding in milky bars. As for the main cake, well, that is yet to be done, but I am anticipating it will look little to nothing like the "picture" they kindly include with the tin of how it "should" look.
I guess I should keep trucking along with this birthday business.
Toodles for now.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
My baby is 2.
My little man Angus turned 2 today. I can hardly believe it. It was surely only yesterday he was a baby. Surely.
It has been a big day overall. This morning Tabitha got her plaster off, not before screaming the roof off the hospital mind you. But it is done, the plaster is gone, although Tabitha assures me that "it is still broken". It will be stiff and sore for a few weeks and she will need to get used to using it again, but I'm ecstatic the plaster is gone. No more sponge baths!
I took the mini ones to Maccas for dinner (their request). They had their little happy meal, then proceeded to run around the play area madly having an absolute wow of a time. We then headed home, opened some presents, played with those for a while, then had some cake (Angus even blew out the candles without much help clever lad), then more playing, then everyone into bed.
Since that time I have been dutifully getting things ready for Angus's Cars party on Sunday. For those of you who haven't caught up with it yet I have what is referred to as an "essential tremor". It means I shake. Not as much as someone with Parkinson's disease, but it is a visible and noticeable shake nonetheless. Let me tell you, it makes sticking smarties on to milky way bars incredibly precarious. And almost laughable at times. But 2 hours later and I'm done!
So there remains very little to be done for the party. Except the cake. The Cars shaped cake. Oh yes. That. Complete with "icing" guide. Something tells me he will be getting a Cars shaped cake with "Cars" written on it, rather than the elaborate form of artwork the tin tells me I should be attempting. As it is, I am not much of a baker so who knows what it will taste like anyway! I have some mini teeny cupcakes as well - well, I will have by then - so if all fails with the cake, kids always love cupcakes.
And just for something different I'm tired. I'm wondering how long I can truck along like this, doing it all alone with only the odd smattering of help every month or so. My guess is indefinitely. Why? Because there really is just no other option. That's why.
It was so lovely to receive so many wishes for a happy birthday for Angus from so many family and friends. A little disappointing not to receive the same from others, however I can't change others and how they feel, nor do I wish to. For the impressions people have been given, whilst in many cases false, are their own, and I would have as much hope of "changing" what people think as the sun does of catching the moon. So I just continue on with my life, knowing that it is inevitable that the truth will show itself.
On a side note, BBQ rib flavoured chips do not taste like BBQ ribs. I think that is a blatant case of false advertising. In fact I would go so far as to say that ALL meat flavoured chips simply miss the mark. Surely there must be someone who wishes to research this most pressing of issues a little further and get our chips to taste like meat. Surely.
And on that note I shall flee. I seem to be in here a lot less often than I actually intend to be. It is the fault of the interruptednet that I have been somewhat scarce, as it has decided, of its own accord, to disallow me access from various different things at various different times. I guess it is just trying to keep me on my toes. So I tiptoe away and hope this post actually succeeds.......
It has been a big day overall. This morning Tabitha got her plaster off, not before screaming the roof off the hospital mind you. But it is done, the plaster is gone, although Tabitha assures me that "it is still broken". It will be stiff and sore for a few weeks and she will need to get used to using it again, but I'm ecstatic the plaster is gone. No more sponge baths!
I took the mini ones to Maccas for dinner (their request). They had their little happy meal, then proceeded to run around the play area madly having an absolute wow of a time. We then headed home, opened some presents, played with those for a while, then had some cake (Angus even blew out the candles without much help clever lad), then more playing, then everyone into bed.
Since that time I have been dutifully getting things ready for Angus's Cars party on Sunday. For those of you who haven't caught up with it yet I have what is referred to as an "essential tremor". It means I shake. Not as much as someone with Parkinson's disease, but it is a visible and noticeable shake nonetheless. Let me tell you, it makes sticking smarties on to milky way bars incredibly precarious. And almost laughable at times. But 2 hours later and I'm done!
So there remains very little to be done for the party. Except the cake. The Cars shaped cake. Oh yes. That. Complete with "icing" guide. Something tells me he will be getting a Cars shaped cake with "Cars" written on it, rather than the elaborate form of artwork the tin tells me I should be attempting. As it is, I am not much of a baker so who knows what it will taste like anyway! I have some mini teeny cupcakes as well - well, I will have by then - so if all fails with the cake, kids always love cupcakes.
And just for something different I'm tired. I'm wondering how long I can truck along like this, doing it all alone with only the odd smattering of help every month or so. My guess is indefinitely. Why? Because there really is just no other option. That's why.
It was so lovely to receive so many wishes for a happy birthday for Angus from so many family and friends. A little disappointing not to receive the same from others, however I can't change others and how they feel, nor do I wish to. For the impressions people have been given, whilst in many cases false, are their own, and I would have as much hope of "changing" what people think as the sun does of catching the moon. So I just continue on with my life, knowing that it is inevitable that the truth will show itself.
On a side note, BBQ rib flavoured chips do not taste like BBQ ribs. I think that is a blatant case of false advertising. In fact I would go so far as to say that ALL meat flavoured chips simply miss the mark. Surely there must be someone who wishes to research this most pressing of issues a little further and get our chips to taste like meat. Surely.
And on that note I shall flee. I seem to be in here a lot less often than I actually intend to be. It is the fault of the interruptednet that I have been somewhat scarce, as it has decided, of its own accord, to disallow me access from various different things at various different times. I guess it is just trying to keep me on my toes. So I tiptoe away and hope this post actually succeeds.......
Thursday, September 13, 2012
It isn't my fault.
That I haven't blogged since whenever the last one was. For I have tried, unsuccessfully, on many an occasion.
So here I am. Finally.
And what do I have to say? Not a great deal.
Tabitha gets her plaster off on Angus's birthday. She thinks that is pretty special, and Angus doesn't really get the whole thing anyway, although I'm tipping that at his party he will get it just a tad more than previously.
What do I have to say right now? So so much, but so very little. Why? Because some things you just don't talk about. Perhaps to very close friends and family, but not in the big bad blogosphere.
One thing I will say is this - you get one life. Use it wisely.
I had some more profound statements to make but to be honest they flew out the window as soon as the elation of actually being able to get on here sunk in.
One other thing though - kids are only young once. Time waits for no man (or woman for that matter). You may think you are proving a point. You are not. You are missing out. In a huge way. Don't. Because you don't have to.
And if you have something to say to someone, say it. For you know not what tomorrow may bring. And in that regard, remember that if you can't say something nice, tis best to say nothing at all.
So there you go. A blog full of riddles. If you work them out, good on you. If you don't, I truly hope that time favours you and allows you to work them out before it is too late.
And there endeth the lesson.
So here I am. Finally.
And what do I have to say? Not a great deal.
Tabitha gets her plaster off on Angus's birthday. She thinks that is pretty special, and Angus doesn't really get the whole thing anyway, although I'm tipping that at his party he will get it just a tad more than previously.
What do I have to say right now? So so much, but so very little. Why? Because some things you just don't talk about. Perhaps to very close friends and family, but not in the big bad blogosphere.
One thing I will say is this - you get one life. Use it wisely.
I had some more profound statements to make but to be honest they flew out the window as soon as the elation of actually being able to get on here sunk in.
One other thing though - kids are only young once. Time waits for no man (or woman for that matter). You may think you are proving a point. You are not. You are missing out. In a huge way. Don't. Because you don't have to.
And if you have something to say to someone, say it. For you know not what tomorrow may bring. And in that regard, remember that if you can't say something nice, tis best to say nothing at all.
So there you go. A blog full of riddles. If you work them out, good on you. If you don't, I truly hope that time favours you and allows you to work them out before it is too late.
And there endeth the lesson.
Monday, September 3, 2012
It will be worth it.
In the long run.
For now, it is a struggle. Realistically, I would be better off being a stay at home mum. Financially.
But in the long run, I would be better off working. Not just for me, for my family.
I redid my budget tonight. I have the grand total of $12.38 a week leftover after all the necessities are taken care of. That doesn't leave a lot to entertain the kids on a weekend now does it?
So what do I do? Do I succumb and say yes I will go back to being a SAHM and close my eyes to the future to ensure the now is more fullsome?
I can't. Because that would be verging on negligent on my part.
I have the capacity, and in the long run I, and my beautiful babies, will benefit from my working to provide for them.
But my word it is hard. So so hard. I can't even begin to explain what I'm going through.
I do understand why so many single mums don't enter, or re-enter, the workforce. Because realistically, why would you?
For the future. That's why.
And I must remain steadfast in that belief.
It will be ok. For now, we struggle, but down the track, we will be ok. I know we will.
For now, it is a struggle. Realistically, I would be better off being a stay at home mum. Financially.
But in the long run, I would be better off working. Not just for me, for my family.
I redid my budget tonight. I have the grand total of $12.38 a week leftover after all the necessities are taken care of. That doesn't leave a lot to entertain the kids on a weekend now does it?
So what do I do? Do I succumb and say yes I will go back to being a SAHM and close my eyes to the future to ensure the now is more fullsome?
I can't. Because that would be verging on negligent on my part.
I have the capacity, and in the long run I, and my beautiful babies, will benefit from my working to provide for them.
But my word it is hard. So so hard. I can't even begin to explain what I'm going through.
I do understand why so many single mums don't enter, or re-enter, the workforce. Because realistically, why would you?
For the future. That's why.
And I must remain steadfast in that belief.
It will be ok. For now, we struggle, but down the track, we will be ok. I know we will.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Children are amazing.
Tabitha in particular. Why? Well, she fell off the arm of the sofa at daycare on Thursday and sustained a fairly nasty bump on the head. She cried for perhaps 10 minutes and that was that. She was a little clingier than usual that evening but that was really it. As I went to put her pyjamas on I noticed she was hesitant to use her right arm. Hmmm. Not ideal. So put that one in the "alert" basket. When she came into my room in the middle of the night and wanted to sleep in my bed I told her that of course she could. When she told me she couldn't get in, that's when the alarm bells really started ringing.
So the next morning I dropped the others at daycare and proceeded on to the hospital, wherein they gave her some painkillers, watched her walking around (mid scream mind you) and then jiggled her arm around with the conclusion that she had dislocated her elbow.
After half an hour she was bright as a button, moving the arm, and all was good, and it was felt that the jiggling relocated the elbow to its rightful place. I told them that I thought she had fractured it. She was exhibiting the exact same behaviours as she was after breaking her leg. But no, apparently not, because she was moving the arm, using it a little, and was not "put out" by anything. Okay, you're the doctors.
She slept the rest of the afternoon, was groggy in the evening, then crawled back into bed with me that night. Sounds fine yes?
No.
She was not using her arm this morning. At all. And it was swollen. And hot. And mummy's gut instincts should ALWAYS be trusted.
Xray revealed a supracondylar fracture. For us lay folk, that is a fracture in the bone just above the elbow. Tabitha screamed any time anyone even looked at her. And was still happy enough to play in the waiting room while we were waiting for our turn to be seen. I think that is part of the reason why it took over an hour to even get seen, considering there was nobody else in the waiting room at the time. And three others went in ahead of us as they came in.
However, we finally got to see someone. Tabitha screamed (what a shock) and I told him the whole shebang, and also told him that I thought it was broken, and it was hot and swollen and the rest of the story. Xraying her proved challenging. That is putting it mildly. And after it had finished, and the xray technician said "I've seen that before" or words to that effect, my response was "well it's over for you now though isn't it........". I think he understood.
Anyway, back out to the tv area (which became our "bed" zone because the kids didn't all fit in the cubicle without tripping over each other, and the doctor came out and told me that yes it was fractured and they were just working out how to set it best. Funny thing is it was 100% not surprising. Because I knew it was fractured.
Doctors are doctors. They do know their stuff. But I don't think they put enough weight upon the 'testimony' for want of a better word, of the mother. I know Tabitha in and out, back to front. If she even sneezes a different way I know. Because I am her mother. Won't harp. Just a bit of a bug bear.
Plastering. Yes. Well. That was going to work wasn't it? But guess what? I am giving myself genius status, because when they brought out the collar and cuff (measuring it up on Lexi because the girls are basically the same size), I told Tabitha that they were giving her a new bracelet and necklace to match the bracelet she got from the hospital yesterday (the other hospital gave her a blue bracelet saying "Great job" on it). She was still as. You could not have believed it. Amazing. Truly amazing.
So then it was done. Mini chick was all set, casted up, and ready to go.
And I do think they appreciated that their dad made an appearance at the hospital too. He was supposed to take them from lunchtime for the afternoon and when things turned awry it seemed logical that he come there as he very rarely sees them.
So the morning was spent as I described, and they have had a wonderful time with their dad celebrating early father's day this afternoon, about which I am truly rapt as I would love him to spend more time with them, and now they are all asleep. And I'm hoping they stay that way until morning.
So when you say "I wonder what next weekend will bring", just remember, it may bring fractures....but it also may bring immense pride as you see your second child exhibit qualities of bravery and strengh that would rival the strongest man.
<3 my babies.
So the next morning I dropped the others at daycare and proceeded on to the hospital, wherein they gave her some painkillers, watched her walking around (mid scream mind you) and then jiggled her arm around with the conclusion that she had dislocated her elbow.
After half an hour she was bright as a button, moving the arm, and all was good, and it was felt that the jiggling relocated the elbow to its rightful place. I told them that I thought she had fractured it. She was exhibiting the exact same behaviours as she was after breaking her leg. But no, apparently not, because she was moving the arm, using it a little, and was not "put out" by anything. Okay, you're the doctors.
She slept the rest of the afternoon, was groggy in the evening, then crawled back into bed with me that night. Sounds fine yes?
No.
She was not using her arm this morning. At all. And it was swollen. And hot. And mummy's gut instincts should ALWAYS be trusted.
Xray revealed a supracondylar fracture. For us lay folk, that is a fracture in the bone just above the elbow. Tabitha screamed any time anyone even looked at her. And was still happy enough to play in the waiting room while we were waiting for our turn to be seen. I think that is part of the reason why it took over an hour to even get seen, considering there was nobody else in the waiting room at the time. And three others went in ahead of us as they came in.
However, we finally got to see someone. Tabitha screamed (what a shock) and I told him the whole shebang, and also told him that I thought it was broken, and it was hot and swollen and the rest of the story. Xraying her proved challenging. That is putting it mildly. And after it had finished, and the xray technician said "I've seen that before" or words to that effect, my response was "well it's over for you now though isn't it........". I think he understood.
Anyway, back out to the tv area (which became our "bed" zone because the kids didn't all fit in the cubicle without tripping over each other, and the doctor came out and told me that yes it was fractured and they were just working out how to set it best. Funny thing is it was 100% not surprising. Because I knew it was fractured.
Doctors are doctors. They do know their stuff. But I don't think they put enough weight upon the 'testimony' for want of a better word, of the mother. I know Tabitha in and out, back to front. If she even sneezes a different way I know. Because I am her mother. Won't harp. Just a bit of a bug bear.
Plastering. Yes. Well. That was going to work wasn't it? But guess what? I am giving myself genius status, because when they brought out the collar and cuff (measuring it up on Lexi because the girls are basically the same size), I told Tabitha that they were giving her a new bracelet and necklace to match the bracelet she got from the hospital yesterday (the other hospital gave her a blue bracelet saying "Great job" on it). She was still as. You could not have believed it. Amazing. Truly amazing.
So then it was done. Mini chick was all set, casted up, and ready to go.
And I do think they appreciated that their dad made an appearance at the hospital too. He was supposed to take them from lunchtime for the afternoon and when things turned awry it seemed logical that he come there as he very rarely sees them.
So the morning was spent as I described, and they have had a wonderful time with their dad celebrating early father's day this afternoon, about which I am truly rapt as I would love him to spend more time with them, and now they are all asleep. And I'm hoping they stay that way until morning.
So when you say "I wonder what next weekend will bring", just remember, it may bring fractures....but it also may bring immense pride as you see your second child exhibit qualities of bravery and strengh that would rival the strongest man.
<3 my babies.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Best. Weekend. Ever.
What an absolutely amazing weekend I have just had with my astounding lil mini folks.
Saturday was our quest to find some nice fabrics for the girls so I can make them each a dress (as they have outgrown all bar one or two). So we toddled off to Highpoint and had a wander around (aimlessly as it would seem) for quite some time before stumbling upon Lincraft, wherein we found some gorgeous fabrics - Lexi got a white fabric with heart pattern in rainbow colours, and Tabitha got a pink fabric with multicoloured butterflies. As we had by that stage been wandering for a good hour or so and the natives were getting restless we headed to the food court for a bite to eat, all sat down at the tables and had a lovely lunch together.
Following that we went for a little drive so the sleepiness could kick in and the minis could have a rest, then back home via the supermarket where we got a huge variety of fruit in order to make a massive fruit salad for dinner (their request). I proceeded to start getting myself ready for an evening out with one of the girls with whom I undertook the grad diploma, and mum came up and watched the kids for the evening.
My friend and I enjoyed a magnificent seafood meal at Crown Casino, followed up by a light drink at one of the bars there, before I headed home, by 11, feeling rejuvenated, and energised by the fact that I could, physically, leave the kids with someone apart from myself and actually leave the house!
Today was brilliant too, aside from the ridiculously early waking, as we headed to the Grand Hyatt for brunch for a dear friend's birthday.
Amazing. The only word for it. And I'm not just talking the food (which, let's face it, is just mindblowing). All three of my babies were so so SO well behaved, as were the other two littlies who attended. My heart was swelling with pride as they showed their manners in full flight, they ate "proper" food before hitting the dessert bar, and left without incident.
We did the obligatory "drive" after lunch so they could all have a kip, during which I found myself internally and externally smiling at just how wonderful they had been, and how enjoyable a day it had been.
Once we got home we played some games, messed around a bit, then we had dinner, which they ate both meat AND vegies, dressed for bed without incident, and all down by 7 (though Tabitha repeated the up down thing a good half dozen times).
And now they are all asleep. And I feel sensational.
What a truly fabulous weekend.
I hope all out there in the big wide world had at least half as good a weekend as we did, because if you did it would have been out of this world.
Saturday was our quest to find some nice fabrics for the girls so I can make them each a dress (as they have outgrown all bar one or two). So we toddled off to Highpoint and had a wander around (aimlessly as it would seem) for quite some time before stumbling upon Lincraft, wherein we found some gorgeous fabrics - Lexi got a white fabric with heart pattern in rainbow colours, and Tabitha got a pink fabric with multicoloured butterflies. As we had by that stage been wandering for a good hour or so and the natives were getting restless we headed to the food court for a bite to eat, all sat down at the tables and had a lovely lunch together.
Following that we went for a little drive so the sleepiness could kick in and the minis could have a rest, then back home via the supermarket where we got a huge variety of fruit in order to make a massive fruit salad for dinner (their request). I proceeded to start getting myself ready for an evening out with one of the girls with whom I undertook the grad diploma, and mum came up and watched the kids for the evening.
My friend and I enjoyed a magnificent seafood meal at Crown Casino, followed up by a light drink at one of the bars there, before I headed home, by 11, feeling rejuvenated, and energised by the fact that I could, physically, leave the kids with someone apart from myself and actually leave the house!
Today was brilliant too, aside from the ridiculously early waking, as we headed to the Grand Hyatt for brunch for a dear friend's birthday.
Amazing. The only word for it. And I'm not just talking the food (which, let's face it, is just mindblowing). All three of my babies were so so SO well behaved, as were the other two littlies who attended. My heart was swelling with pride as they showed their manners in full flight, they ate "proper" food before hitting the dessert bar, and left without incident.
We did the obligatory "drive" after lunch so they could all have a kip, during which I found myself internally and externally smiling at just how wonderful they had been, and how enjoyable a day it had been.
Once we got home we played some games, messed around a bit, then we had dinner, which they ate both meat AND vegies, dressed for bed without incident, and all down by 7 (though Tabitha repeated the up down thing a good half dozen times).
And now they are all asleep. And I feel sensational.
What a truly fabulous weekend.
I hope all out there in the big wide world had at least half as good a weekend as we did, because if you did it would have been out of this world.
Friday, August 24, 2012
First full week
as a lawyer done and dusted :)
It's fair to say I'm happy with my job. So let's not get all over the top. Back to the most important thing in my life - my babies!
They are doing amazingly.
Lexi. Well. What can I say about Lexi? She is truly a little angel. So very helpful, so incredibly polite, and a gorgeous, beautiful, gentle soul. She is incredibly excited about starting "big school" next year. Her speech is gradually improving, but still a long way to go. She still has difficulty hearing, and we have a repeat audiogram in October so hopefully they can work out what's going on, or even better, we will see the difficulties resolve. I know that is wishful thinking, but I'm allowed to do that cos I'm her mum and I want everything to be okay for her. So we shall cross that bridge when we come to it.
Tabitha is Tabitha. As per usual. Although she is, slowly, 'maturing' for want of a better word. When she tries, she is fabulous - polite, caring, sharing, empathetic, logical. When she doesn't, well, let's just say that the small child in Bewitched and she share something in common. She is doing brilliantly at "school". Just brilliantly. She has already achieved all the goals needed to attend kinder, and yet she isn't due to go for 18 months. I'm hoping that because the kinder room at daycare is a dual purpose kinder/4 y/o room that they will allow her to be in there for 2 years as she is itching to go. Just itching. And she would thrive on the challenge. Such a smart little cookie. I think that is part of the problem a lot of the time - she is too smart for her own good and gets frustrated at everyone else treating her as though she is younger than her mental age!!!
Angus is sensational. SUCH a lil man. He is just hilarious - loves his shoes, hates wearing jackets, loves having "product" in his hair, runs around like nobody's business, nearly always has a smile on his face. Not too fond of the whole "sharing" thing, but he's at that age. It's funny though, he's my smallest (not by age, but by comparison with when the girls were his age). And yet I'm sure he'll probably end up being the tallest. Poor mum will be left in the shadows as far as the height goes - they will all overtake me!
Me, I am doing well. It is amazing how what you tell yourself can change how you feel, even if nothing effectively changes. To illustrate this, imagine you constantly emailed a radio station to try and win a competition, and they never even so much as emailed back to give confirmation they had received your entry. Again and again you would be disappointed. Change the way you think and act. Stop emailing the radio station. Effectively nothing changes. You are still getting no response, but it isn't painful anymore. Wonderful the power of the mind isn't it?
And so on that note I will just say that I caught up with a friend from school today who I haven't seen for 21 years. It was wonderful to hear news of what he'd been up to since school, and to hear about his new lil man - the joys of parenthood in its true infancy. And so very much more ahead.
And to make things even better, he brought a lovely piece of pancetta as a gift for me. How very very thoughtful. How did he know......... :)
It's fair to say I'm happy with my job. So let's not get all over the top. Back to the most important thing in my life - my babies!
They are doing amazingly.
Lexi. Well. What can I say about Lexi? She is truly a little angel. So very helpful, so incredibly polite, and a gorgeous, beautiful, gentle soul. She is incredibly excited about starting "big school" next year. Her speech is gradually improving, but still a long way to go. She still has difficulty hearing, and we have a repeat audiogram in October so hopefully they can work out what's going on, or even better, we will see the difficulties resolve. I know that is wishful thinking, but I'm allowed to do that cos I'm her mum and I want everything to be okay for her. So we shall cross that bridge when we come to it.
Tabitha is Tabitha. As per usual. Although she is, slowly, 'maturing' for want of a better word. When she tries, she is fabulous - polite, caring, sharing, empathetic, logical. When she doesn't, well, let's just say that the small child in Bewitched and she share something in common. She is doing brilliantly at "school". Just brilliantly. She has already achieved all the goals needed to attend kinder, and yet she isn't due to go for 18 months. I'm hoping that because the kinder room at daycare is a dual purpose kinder/4 y/o room that they will allow her to be in there for 2 years as she is itching to go. Just itching. And she would thrive on the challenge. Such a smart little cookie. I think that is part of the problem a lot of the time - she is too smart for her own good and gets frustrated at everyone else treating her as though she is younger than her mental age!!!
Angus is sensational. SUCH a lil man. He is just hilarious - loves his shoes, hates wearing jackets, loves having "product" in his hair, runs around like nobody's business, nearly always has a smile on his face. Not too fond of the whole "sharing" thing, but he's at that age. It's funny though, he's my smallest (not by age, but by comparison with when the girls were his age). And yet I'm sure he'll probably end up being the tallest. Poor mum will be left in the shadows as far as the height goes - they will all overtake me!
Me, I am doing well. It is amazing how what you tell yourself can change how you feel, even if nothing effectively changes. To illustrate this, imagine you constantly emailed a radio station to try and win a competition, and they never even so much as emailed back to give confirmation they had received your entry. Again and again you would be disappointed. Change the way you think and act. Stop emailing the radio station. Effectively nothing changes. You are still getting no response, but it isn't painful anymore. Wonderful the power of the mind isn't it?
And so on that note I will just say that I caught up with a friend from school today who I haven't seen for 21 years. It was wonderful to hear news of what he'd been up to since school, and to hear about his new lil man - the joys of parenthood in its true infancy. And so very much more ahead.
And to make things even better, he brought a lovely piece of pancetta as a gift for me. How very very thoughtful. How did he know......... :)
Saturday, August 18, 2012
3rd time around
and you would think things would automatically gel.
Apparently not.
I have a nearly 2 year old. He has been very unsettled for the past week, and I have been at a loss as to why. He is still eating and drinking (more than usual in fact) and is not ill, nor is he out of sorts in any other way during the day. But at night....different story.
And it was only tonight that I realised. He is nearly 2. They have teeth named after that age. And as he reached for his ear, the penny dropped with such force that I nearly hit the ground. He's teething. My poor lil man is getting his 2 year old molars. It has been such a long time since teething was an issue in this house that it simply didn't even cross my mind. When the girls were getting their 2 year old molars, there was always another child teething in the background, so it was at the forefront. Not this time.
So at least now I know what I'm dealing with. Doesn't make it any easier, for him or for me, but it does at least give me something to work with, and some way of approaching what's happenining.
So much as today was horrid (long story) at least I have some answers at the end of it in one respect.
And a point of note - if you put the children to bed and see a rocket ship toy in the middle of the floor, move it. For when one of the children stirs and your presence is required, it is inevitable that you will forget the location of said rocket, promptly trip over it and wake everyone up.
This has been a community service announcement.
Apparently not.
I have a nearly 2 year old. He has been very unsettled for the past week, and I have been at a loss as to why. He is still eating and drinking (more than usual in fact) and is not ill, nor is he out of sorts in any other way during the day. But at night....different story.
And it was only tonight that I realised. He is nearly 2. They have teeth named after that age. And as he reached for his ear, the penny dropped with such force that I nearly hit the ground. He's teething. My poor lil man is getting his 2 year old molars. It has been such a long time since teething was an issue in this house that it simply didn't even cross my mind. When the girls were getting their 2 year old molars, there was always another child teething in the background, so it was at the forefront. Not this time.
So at least now I know what I'm dealing with. Doesn't make it any easier, for him or for me, but it does at least give me something to work with, and some way of approaching what's happenining.
So much as today was horrid (long story) at least I have some answers at the end of it in one respect.
And a point of note - if you put the children to bed and see a rocket ship toy in the middle of the floor, move it. For when one of the children stirs and your presence is required, it is inevitable that you will forget the location of said rocket, promptly trip over it and wake everyone up.
This has been a community service announcement.
I don't understand
how some people can put work before family. Consistently.
Work isn't everything. It is a substantial part of life, and a necessary one for most, for without it we wouldn't be able to manage to do things in the "down time". But there needs to be down time to see the benefits of working. Surely. That makes sense doesn't it?
Maybe things will change for these people. Maybe they will realise that life goes on whether they are there or not. Or maybe they won't.
I still believe people can change. They just have to want to is all.
Hopefully the workaholics of the world will realise there truly is more to life than work. After all, it's called life.....not work......
Work isn't everything. It is a substantial part of life, and a necessary one for most, for without it we wouldn't be able to manage to do things in the "down time". But there needs to be down time to see the benefits of working. Surely. That makes sense doesn't it?
Maybe things will change for these people. Maybe they will realise that life goes on whether they are there or not. Or maybe they won't.
I still believe people can change. They just have to want to is all.
Hopefully the workaholics of the world will realise there truly is more to life than work. After all, it's called life.....not work......
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
What a fabulous weekend
Took the minis out for breakfast yesterday with some dear friends, managed to get some things for lil man's birthday party, a brief stop at Aldi yielded a sensational rice cooker for less than $10, and all the kids ate their dinner, vegies included. Add to that an early night for the kids and my getting my head around a few things and the day was great.
Today we headed out to a friends' farm for the day. And my wasn't it lovely. It was wonderful to see my friends again, and see how much their little guy has grown. And watching the kids run around and frolic and play was amazing, and made me realise just how much I miss the country and that we will, eventually, get back there.
Everyone slept the full way home (except me of course) and when we got back home we had an early dinner of beautiful free range eggs (courtesy of my gorgeous friends) and sat down together and watched the Lorax, a truly wonderful feel good "film".
And now, at 6.54pm, all the kidlets are safely tucked up in bed, I have a load of washing on, several more to go, and think I might sit myself down and watch a movie.
I am loving that we are getting out and about so much. The kids thrive on it, as do I. And it is brilliant that now we're back in Victoria we can catch up with so many people who, over the years, drifted away.
I wonder what next weekend will bring.......
Today we headed out to a friends' farm for the day. And my wasn't it lovely. It was wonderful to see my friends again, and see how much their little guy has grown. And watching the kids run around and frolic and play was amazing, and made me realise just how much I miss the country and that we will, eventually, get back there.
Everyone slept the full way home (except me of course) and when we got back home we had an early dinner of beautiful free range eggs (courtesy of my gorgeous friends) and sat down together and watched the Lorax, a truly wonderful feel good "film".
And now, at 6.54pm, all the kidlets are safely tucked up in bed, I have a load of washing on, several more to go, and think I might sit myself down and watch a movie.
I am loving that we are getting out and about so much. The kids thrive on it, as do I. And it is brilliant that now we're back in Victoria we can catch up with so many people who, over the years, drifted away.
I wonder what next weekend will bring.......
Saturday, August 11, 2012
3 days
until I am a lawyer.
It has been a very long road.
And it hasn't been easy, in so many ways. And in so many ways it still isn't.
There is an undertone of sadness, in that the person with whom I thought I would be sharing and celebrating this occasion now chooses to ignore 99% of the communication I attempt with him.
But life does go on. There is simply no other option. It has to. And the kids still continue to be their wonderful selves, and I adore them with every iota of my being, and will continue to do everything possible for them to ensure they have everything they need, and feel as loved as they truly are. They are my world. My everything.
So all in all, I am feeling very proud of myself for getting to this point.
What will change? In the grand scheme of things, very little.
But still, it is an achievement of which I am very proud.
I am also incredibly proud of Tabitha for eating all her vegies tonight.
You never stop being a parent.
I don't anyway.
It has been a very long road.
And it hasn't been easy, in so many ways. And in so many ways it still isn't.
There is an undertone of sadness, in that the person with whom I thought I would be sharing and celebrating this occasion now chooses to ignore 99% of the communication I attempt with him.
But life does go on. There is simply no other option. It has to. And the kids still continue to be their wonderful selves, and I adore them with every iota of my being, and will continue to do everything possible for them to ensure they have everything they need, and feel as loved as they truly are. They are my world. My everything.
So all in all, I am feeling very proud of myself for getting to this point.
What will change? In the grand scheme of things, very little.
But still, it is an achievement of which I am very proud.
I am also incredibly proud of Tabitha for eating all her vegies tonight.
You never stop being a parent.
I don't anyway.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Following on
from yesterday, I hurt in places I didn't even know I had.
There are muscles twinging most likely because of the fact that they have never really been used. I have random bruises in places bruises should not be. My shoulders are the density of stone. I could use a massage. From someone with incredibly strong hands. Because seriously, the knots I have could win scout badges.
That aside, as we were reversing out of the driveway Lexi said "wow that's amazing". And I said "what?" And she said "the lawn, it looks wonderful". And there you go.
Love my babies.
Great day today too, but tale for another day. It hurts to type.
There are muscles twinging most likely because of the fact that they have never really been used. I have random bruises in places bruises should not be. My shoulders are the density of stone. I could use a massage. From someone with incredibly strong hands. Because seriously, the knots I have could win scout badges.
That aside, as we were reversing out of the driveway Lexi said "wow that's amazing". And I said "what?" And she said "the lawn, it looks wonderful". And there you go.
Love my babies.
Great day today too, but tale for another day. It hurts to type.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Guess what I did today?
I bought a lawnmower. My lawn has been untouched for approximately 5 months, and as you can imagine it was looking fairly ordinary. In fact at the back it was around a metre high with weeds in parts...
Anyway, I actually did it. I bought the mower, got it home, got it all set up, got the petrol and oil, put them all in the right bits, read as much of the manual as I could understand, then set to yanking the chain to start it. After about 30 tries I felt defeat waving over me. So I went and had a coffee. I regrouped. And I messaged a few friends to try and work out why it wasn't starting.
Is the throttle in the right place? Um, what is the right place? Is it the rabbit or the turtle?
Is the fuel on? On? What do you mean "on"? I put petrol in the thing, isn't that enough? Hmm. Apparently not.
Well I kept on pulling at the string thing and nothing happened. So I opted to get down to its level and see what it was doing. It was then that I saw there was a cord thingy unattached. As it turns out this was something called a "spark plug" and apparently fairly important in the starting, and continuing operation, of a lawnmower. And what do you know? It literally roared into life!!!
And so an hour or two later, I had mowed the median strip, the front yard, the back yard and the side yard. And that was less time that it had taken me to get the thing running in the first place.
But I did it. And now I have lawn again. I will of course have to mow several more times in order to get it to the level of "good" but for now "good enough" is indeed good enough.
And I am so proud of myself for doing it. By myself (albeit with the help of some very handy advice from friends, in the purchasing department, and subsequent operation).
Tick another thing in the list of things I never thought I would be able to do. Done.
Anyway, I actually did it. I bought the mower, got it home, got it all set up, got the petrol and oil, put them all in the right bits, read as much of the manual as I could understand, then set to yanking the chain to start it. After about 30 tries I felt defeat waving over me. So I went and had a coffee. I regrouped. And I messaged a few friends to try and work out why it wasn't starting.
Is the throttle in the right place? Um, what is the right place? Is it the rabbit or the turtle?
Is the fuel on? On? What do you mean "on"? I put petrol in the thing, isn't that enough? Hmm. Apparently not.
Well I kept on pulling at the string thing and nothing happened. So I opted to get down to its level and see what it was doing. It was then that I saw there was a cord thingy unattached. As it turns out this was something called a "spark plug" and apparently fairly important in the starting, and continuing operation, of a lawnmower. And what do you know? It literally roared into life!!!
And so an hour or two later, I had mowed the median strip, the front yard, the back yard and the side yard. And that was less time that it had taken me to get the thing running in the first place.
But I did it. And now I have lawn again. I will of course have to mow several more times in order to get it to the level of "good" but for now "good enough" is indeed good enough.
And I am so proud of myself for doing it. By myself (albeit with the help of some very handy advice from friends, in the purchasing department, and subsequent operation).
Tick another thing in the list of things I never thought I would be able to do. Done.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Busy busy
That is my life. Busy busy busy.
Still, it's never dull.
Work has been flat out all week, and has been sensational. I absolutely LOVE what I am doing, which makes going to work a true pleasure, although granted sometimes it is difficult if the night preceding has been particularly wakeful. Which is often. Coffee, red bull and coke get me through. All good.
My kids are all getting christened on Sunday. I had originally intended they would be christened far earlier, but for various reasons it didn't come about. So Sunday is the day. Tabitha didn't have a white dress. Lexi did. Angus has a white shirt. So on Monday I made Tabitha a white dress. I had an old deb dress or some sort of white floofy dress, I took it apart at the seams, then reconstructed it. And I must say I've done a cracker job! Yay me!!! Tabitha did scream when I put it on her but, well, she'll get over that......
And I got my first "thank you" gift from a client today. Some wine. I'm absolutely chuffed. And yesterday I got a call from a senior barrister thanking me for the work I had done. Truly, I am just amazed. Not only do I love what I'm doing, but I get thanks for it. Now who could possibly have a better job?
Still, it's never dull.
Work has been flat out all week, and has been sensational. I absolutely LOVE what I am doing, which makes going to work a true pleasure, although granted sometimes it is difficult if the night preceding has been particularly wakeful. Which is often. Coffee, red bull and coke get me through. All good.
My kids are all getting christened on Sunday. I had originally intended they would be christened far earlier, but for various reasons it didn't come about. So Sunday is the day. Tabitha didn't have a white dress. Lexi did. Angus has a white shirt. So on Monday I made Tabitha a white dress. I had an old deb dress or some sort of white floofy dress, I took it apart at the seams, then reconstructed it. And I must say I've done a cracker job! Yay me!!! Tabitha did scream when I put it on her but, well, she'll get over that......
And I got my first "thank you" gift from a client today. Some wine. I'm absolutely chuffed. And yesterday I got a call from a senior barrister thanking me for the work I had done. Truly, I am just amazed. Not only do I love what I'm doing, but I get thanks for it. Now who could possibly have a better job?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
I haven't forgotten
that I'm blogging again. I have however had an horrifically busy week at work, so by the time the minis are asleep (which is later than usual these days for some reason) I'm just about ready to imitate the behaviour of a vegetable and lay like broccoli on the sofa until I can drag myself into bed. And if I'm feeling particularly motivated I will iron something for work. This week I opted for the "this looks ok enough to wear without ironing" tack.
And there's another job for tomorrow.
Isn't it funny how there is always something to do? I hear people say they are bored. I am rarely bored. Sometimes I'm tired with what I have to do, but never bored. Boredom insinuates that you have nothing to do. I have plenty. I just truly can't be naffed sometimes cos I'm so tired. But I think that's fairly normal in my situation.
So I'm having a glass of red, some chicken twisties for dinner (yes, I know, bad bad bad), and might just slotheningly drape myself onto the sofa and watch some drivel for a while until one or more of the kidlets does the obligatory 10pm wakeup, then flop into bed for some much needed zeds.
Hopefully the weekend will recharge me. I'm sure it will. It has to. If not, well, I'll just have one extra coffee.....that should do it.....
And there's another job for tomorrow.
Isn't it funny how there is always something to do? I hear people say they are bored. I am rarely bored. Sometimes I'm tired with what I have to do, but never bored. Boredom insinuates that you have nothing to do. I have plenty. I just truly can't be naffed sometimes cos I'm so tired. But I think that's fairly normal in my situation.
So I'm having a glass of red, some chicken twisties for dinner (yes, I know, bad bad bad), and might just slotheningly drape myself onto the sofa and watch some drivel for a while until one or more of the kidlets does the obligatory 10pm wakeup, then flop into bed for some much needed zeds.
Hopefully the weekend will recharge me. I'm sure it will. It has to. If not, well, I'll just have one extra coffee.....that should do it.....
Sunday, July 15, 2012
You can clean
until your heart is content. And continue cleaning. And the house can be spotless (not that it is, but I try to at least maintain some semblance of order).
But when you go to get your daughter's shoes from the shoerack and there are ants everywhere you being to wonder.
And when you shake all the ants out of the shoe and find a piece of ant-covered nutri grain that answer becomes apparent.
Cleaning can only do so much. Children do the rest.
And that is the lesson for the day.
But when you go to get your daughter's shoes from the shoerack and there are ants everywhere you being to wonder.
And when you shake all the ants out of the shoe and find a piece of ant-covered nutri grain that answer becomes apparent.
Cleaning can only do so much. Children do the rest.
And that is the lesson for the day.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
7 years
of study.
Bachelor of Laws.
Master of Commercial Law.
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (if I pass......).
And I'm done. I did it.
And that'll just about do for now.
Bachelor of Laws.
Master of Commercial Law.
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (if I pass......).
And I'm done. I did it.
And that'll just about do for now.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
5 days
That's how long remains of my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
And then if I pass that, all things going well, on 14 August 2012 I will be admitted to practice in the state of Victoria.
And so will come to fruition over 7 years of study. 7 years of staying up into the wee hours. That's the thing, and hear me out.
I started studying before I had kids. I got pregnant with Lexi when I was part-way through my law degree. And continued on, at a lesser course load. I finished the degree when pregnant with Tabitha.
Throughout this time, I did not sleep a great deal. Tabitha was the classic non-sleeper, and Lexi suffered awful night terrors from 10 months old. So basically my nights were wrecked anyway, and going to sleep just exacerbated this. Well, going to sleep before about midnight anyway. So I used that time to my advantage. I rarely studied while the kids were awake because it wasn't practical. I used that "dead" night time, where I was waiting for "something" to happen to actually achieve something. And I did.
And when I became pregnant with Angus I knew I wasn't going back into the workforce in the immediate future. My degree was finished, but I would be at home with three kids, full-time, being a SAHM. I loved that, don't get me wrong. But I needed something for me.
So I started my Masters degree while pregnant with Angus. I did the same thing - studied at night after the kids had gone to bed and before the night terrors hit, before the bottle scream, after the bottle scream and after the night terror. I was used to very little sleep so to be honest it was not that big a change.
And so I eventually ended up with two degrees.
And now I'm working. And in five days I will have finished the last final qualification needed in order to practise as a solicitor in Victoria.
I feel sick. I feel excited. I feel nervous. I am praying to God that I pass everything and that admission CAN go ahead.
I am wondering. What will happen next?
I feel sure that my career choice has been the right one as I truly love my job. I just hope the next 5 weeks go according to plan and on August 15 I can state, outright, I AM A LAWYER!!!!!!!!!!!
Better get back to studying........
And then if I pass that, all things going well, on 14 August 2012 I will be admitted to practice in the state of Victoria.
And so will come to fruition over 7 years of study. 7 years of staying up into the wee hours. That's the thing, and hear me out.
I started studying before I had kids. I got pregnant with Lexi when I was part-way through my law degree. And continued on, at a lesser course load. I finished the degree when pregnant with Tabitha.
Throughout this time, I did not sleep a great deal. Tabitha was the classic non-sleeper, and Lexi suffered awful night terrors from 10 months old. So basically my nights were wrecked anyway, and going to sleep just exacerbated this. Well, going to sleep before about midnight anyway. So I used that time to my advantage. I rarely studied while the kids were awake because it wasn't practical. I used that "dead" night time, where I was waiting for "something" to happen to actually achieve something. And I did.
And when I became pregnant with Angus I knew I wasn't going back into the workforce in the immediate future. My degree was finished, but I would be at home with three kids, full-time, being a SAHM. I loved that, don't get me wrong. But I needed something for me.
So I started my Masters degree while pregnant with Angus. I did the same thing - studied at night after the kids had gone to bed and before the night terrors hit, before the bottle scream, after the bottle scream and after the night terror. I was used to very little sleep so to be honest it was not that big a change.
And so I eventually ended up with two degrees.
And now I'm working. And in five days I will have finished the last final qualification needed in order to practise as a solicitor in Victoria.
I feel sick. I feel excited. I feel nervous. I am praying to God that I pass everything and that admission CAN go ahead.
I am wondering. What will happen next?
I feel sure that my career choice has been the right one as I truly love my job. I just hope the next 5 weeks go according to plan and on August 15 I can state, outright, I AM A LAWYER!!!!!!!!!!!
Better get back to studying........
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Bacon
is king. I love bacon.
I bought a bacon cooker. A microwave bacon cooker. You put the strips of bacon on it, the fat drips off, and voila. Theoretically.
Well guess what? It was crispy. I nearly died.
And yes, it was good. Not the same as fried good, but still good.
I'm fairly happy. Good purchase. And $2. Bonus.
Other things, well, I shan't speak of those right now as they are just a tad fresh and when things are fresh tis best to let them lie till they settle. For speaking of things as they just occur is like cleaning a room right before a toddler wakes up. Ineffectual, useless, and frustrating.
I need a convection oven.
I bought a bacon cooker. A microwave bacon cooker. You put the strips of bacon on it, the fat drips off, and voila. Theoretically.
Well guess what? It was crispy. I nearly died.
And yes, it was good. Not the same as fried good, but still good.
I'm fairly happy. Good purchase. And $2. Bonus.
Other things, well, I shan't speak of those right now as they are just a tad fresh and when things are fresh tis best to let them lie till they settle. For speaking of things as they just occur is like cleaning a room right before a toddler wakes up. Ineffectual, useless, and frustrating.
I need a convection oven.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
I worked it out.
That song that was stuck in my head. I worked out what it was.
It was a Wiggles song.
Shattered.
It was a Wiggles song.
Shattered.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Do you ever
get a song stuck in your head?
Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that you don't actually know???
Welcome to my world.
Something is stuck in my brain. Some melody is coursing around. And I Have no idea what it is.
Help. Who can help? Nobody.
Agh. Ridiculous.
Do you ever get a song stuck in your head that you don't actually know???
Welcome to my world.
Something is stuck in my brain. Some melody is coursing around. And I Have no idea what it is.
Help. Who can help? Nobody.
Agh. Ridiculous.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
White.
Following Lexi's rainbow party (and no I don't want to talk about it) Tabitha decided she wanted a white party. So I started amassing things instantly for this party as to be honest they are not cheap things to put on, so bit by bit is the best way. Then three weeks later she wanted a rainbow party too. I said, um, but you said you wanted a white party. What say we add a bit of glitter to it? Have a white sparkly party? YEAAAHHHH!!!! So that was it, we were doing a white party with a hint of glitter.
Well it was today. And it went brilliantly. I am so chuffed! Tabitha had a ball, everyone who attended seemed to have a great time, and there was far too much eaten by most concerned, as is often the case at parties.
And I made a great cake if I do say so myself. Well. I didn't really make it. I bought a white choc mud cake from woolies, made some meringues, stuck them on with frosting and sprinkled with edible glitter. That counts doesn't it? Tell me what you think.....
Well it was today. And it went brilliantly. I am so chuffed! Tabitha had a ball, everyone who attended seemed to have a great time, and there was far too much eaten by most concerned, as is often the case at parties.
And I made a great cake if I do say so myself. Well. I didn't really make it. I bought a white choc mud cake from woolies, made some meringues, stuck them on with frosting and sprinkled with edible glitter. That counts doesn't it? Tell me what you think.....
3 today
I can't believe it. I truly can't. Tabitha is 3 today.
3 years have passed since her eventful entrance into the world.
And so much has happened in that time.
3. Already.
I never understood "they grow up so fast" until I had kids of my own. And I'll just make one comment to that....
They grow up so fast.
Much love to you today my little girl. You will always be my cuddly little koala with silver hair :)
3 years have passed since her eventful entrance into the world.
And so much has happened in that time.
3. Already.
I never understood "they grow up so fast" until I had kids of my own. And I'll just make one comment to that....
They grow up so fast.
Much love to you today my little girl. You will always be my cuddly little koala with silver hair :)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
There is far too much
swearing in this world. And far too little consideration.
I take care not to swear in front of my children. Every now and then I let a little one slip, and no doubt it comes back in some random way. Lexi asked if she could watch the bloody Wiggles the other day. And I felt awful, because I had let her down by letting that slip in front of her.
But when people feel the only way in which they can express themselves is by swearing, or interspersing what would otherwise be normal conversation with swearing, then, well, to be honest I just find it sad. And very tempting to give them a dictionary for their next birthday.
The English language has a veritable plethora of words to use. So why ensure that cussing makes its way into each sentence? There is simply no need.
So next time you stub your toe, try focusing on what is happening and not on expletives. Or simply say ow. You never know who might be listening.
I take care not to swear in front of my children. Every now and then I let a little one slip, and no doubt it comes back in some random way. Lexi asked if she could watch the bloody Wiggles the other day. And I felt awful, because I had let her down by letting that slip in front of her.
But when people feel the only way in which they can express themselves is by swearing, or interspersing what would otherwise be normal conversation with swearing, then, well, to be honest I just find it sad. And very tempting to give them a dictionary for their next birthday.
The English language has a veritable plethora of words to use. So why ensure that cussing makes its way into each sentence? There is simply no need.
So next time you stub your toe, try focusing on what is happening and not on expletives. Or simply say ow. You never know who might be listening.
Friday, June 29, 2012
It's hard to believe
that in 12 hours, 3 years ago, I had just had my second incredibly strong contraction whilst waiting for a sizing ultrasound for miss T.
I had gestational diabetes so they had to monitor her growth with repeated ultrasounds, and I was on insulin 4 times a day. And sitting in the waiting room I said to my friend "how funny would it be if I went into labour here". And within minutes I had the first contraction.
So many memories come flooding back. The looks of confusion on the faces of the staff because "this has never happened". The look on my friend's face. The feelings I was experiencing. The terror I felt when, after the first hour, they conducted the sizing scan and told me she was nearly 9 lb.
And so for the following 25.5 hours so much happened, which I won't go into, but when she did eventually arrive she was a lovely 7lb 2oz, not 9lb.
But I'm sure I'll post some mushy stuff on her actual birthday.
It's funny though. I went into labour at 10am on 30 June 2009. Little miss was born at 11.50am on 1 July 2010. An entire (financial) year later. Makes you wonder about twins born a day apart - one at 11.59pm and the other at 12.01am the following day. Well, it makes me wonder anyway.
And I'm feeling sadness that I'll never go through that again. Even though I know my little family unit is complete. But still, there is that feeling. You can't run away from it. It will always be there. It is the eternal mother.
I am conscious of every breath now. Times 4. My own, and my three wonderful babies.
And am blessed to have them in my life.
I had gestational diabetes so they had to monitor her growth with repeated ultrasounds, and I was on insulin 4 times a day. And sitting in the waiting room I said to my friend "how funny would it be if I went into labour here". And within minutes I had the first contraction.
So many memories come flooding back. The looks of confusion on the faces of the staff because "this has never happened". The look on my friend's face. The feelings I was experiencing. The terror I felt when, after the first hour, they conducted the sizing scan and told me she was nearly 9 lb.
And so for the following 25.5 hours so much happened, which I won't go into, but when she did eventually arrive she was a lovely 7lb 2oz, not 9lb.
But I'm sure I'll post some mushy stuff on her actual birthday.
It's funny though. I went into labour at 10am on 30 June 2009. Little miss was born at 11.50am on 1 July 2010. An entire (financial) year later. Makes you wonder about twins born a day apart - one at 11.59pm and the other at 12.01am the following day. Well, it makes me wonder anyway.
And I'm feeling sadness that I'll never go through that again. Even though I know my little family unit is complete. But still, there is that feeling. You can't run away from it. It will always be there. It is the eternal mother.
I am conscious of every breath now. Times 4. My own, and my three wonderful babies.
And am blessed to have them in my life.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Some people
are just born to do what they do. You can see as they are carrying out their work or activities related to their work that they absolutely love it, and are good at it.
I was lucky enough to meet one of those people today. Someone who got his PhD at 27. Amazing. I know. Freakiest thing is he got his PhD in the subject matter that if I were to ever attempt a PhD would be it. And further to my last grammar post, that was appalling.
So I attended a great seminar today, had a chat to the presenter before and after, and work went brilliantly again today.
So work life is great, there is no denying it.
The kids are fab. Well, they have their moments, but overall they are fab.
Just a shame that some other parts of my life are not so fab. But you do what you can do.
Isn't it amazing though the things we tell ourselves to justify our actions? Me for example - I tell myself that it is okay to eat copious amounts of bacon, because in doing so I am actually making my arteries work, which is exercise, so effectively I am making sure they work as best they can. I drink a lot of coffee because caffeine elevates the heart rate, and by elevating the heart rate the heart exercises. Others justify their actions, or even their inaction, in whatever way they do. And whilst it doesn't make sense to anyone externally, it must make sense to them. In some peculiar way.
So you see, there are ways in which we can justify things that, whilst they make perfect sense to us, are completely illogical at the same time.
I think there's something in that for all of us.
Now I want bacon.
I was lucky enough to meet one of those people today. Someone who got his PhD at 27. Amazing. I know. Freakiest thing is he got his PhD in the subject matter that if I were to ever attempt a PhD would be it. And further to my last grammar post, that was appalling.
So I attended a great seminar today, had a chat to the presenter before and after, and work went brilliantly again today.
So work life is great, there is no denying it.
The kids are fab. Well, they have their moments, but overall they are fab.
Just a shame that some other parts of my life are not so fab. But you do what you can do.
Isn't it amazing though the things we tell ourselves to justify our actions? Me for example - I tell myself that it is okay to eat copious amounts of bacon, because in doing so I am actually making my arteries work, which is exercise, so effectively I am making sure they work as best they can. I drink a lot of coffee because caffeine elevates the heart rate, and by elevating the heart rate the heart exercises. Others justify their actions, or even their inaction, in whatever way they do. And whilst it doesn't make sense to anyone externally, it must make sense to them. In some peculiar way.
So you see, there are ways in which we can justify things that, whilst they make perfect sense to us, are completely illogical at the same time.
I think there's something in that for all of us.
Now I want bacon.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Grammar.
Why do so few people place importance on grammar?
Aside from the appalling text speak that plagues facebook and twitter and all manner of everything else, there are the errors in expression that annoy me, so I'm going all out now.
Its and it's. Rule of thumb? If you can replace the "it" with "his" or "her" then there is no apostrophe.
For example: "The dog hurt its paw." "The dog hurt his paw." No apostrophe.
Another example: "It's another story." "He's another story." No brainer. Completely changes the meaning. Apostrophe.
His and he's. His is possessive. "It is HIS toy". He's is a shortening of HE IS. "He's a boy."
There, their and they're. There is a place. "My car is over there." Their demonstrates ownership. "It is their car." They're is a shortening of they are.
"They're going to their car which is parked over there."
Should have or should of. This one irks me no end. Remove the should and see how it sounds. "I should have gone out." "I have gone out." Fine. "I should of gone out." "I of gone out." Wrong.
I could literally go on forever. But I won't.
Just thought I'd play teacher for a bit.
By the way, I had a sensational day at work today. I truly love my job. I am one lucky chickadee.
Aside from the appalling text speak that plagues facebook and twitter and all manner of everything else, there are the errors in expression that annoy me, so I'm going all out now.
Its and it's. Rule of thumb? If you can replace the "it" with "his" or "her" then there is no apostrophe.
For example: "The dog hurt its paw." "The dog hurt his paw." No apostrophe.
Another example: "It's another story." "He's another story." No brainer. Completely changes the meaning. Apostrophe.
His and he's. His is possessive. "It is HIS toy". He's is a shortening of HE IS. "He's a boy."
There, their and they're. There is a place. "My car is over there." Their demonstrates ownership. "It is their car." They're is a shortening of they are.
"They're going to their car which is parked over there."
Should have or should of. This one irks me no end. Remove the should and see how it sounds. "I should have gone out." "I have gone out." Fine. "I should of gone out." "I of gone out." Wrong.
I could literally go on forever. But I won't.
Just thought I'd play teacher for a bit.
By the way, I had a sensational day at work today. I truly love my job. I am one lucky chickadee.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I don't sleep
on the train on the way to work. The trip lasts for 21 minutes, so it is ample time for a catnap. But I have seen too much and heard too much to ever let that happen. I imagine that should I ever allow it, I would be rudely awoken by the inadvertent gutteral snore that would escape my throat as my head fell floppily backwards, jolting me back into reality, realising I was dribbling, whilst finding myself leaning against the random person beside me, who would be, no doubt, playing something on their iphone or listening to 80s music that wasn't even popular back then.
Today I closed my eyes though. I had a microsleep. Actually I had three. I know this because I was awake at one station and found my eyes mysteriously shaking themselves awake and into focus at the announcement of the next. Three times. Funnily enough I didn't have a lot of sleep last night. Just for something different. But it was a tad less than usual. To the point where at 3.45am I was just wishing morning would come so at least then the night would be over. And the kids were all fine. Just randomly stirring more than usual, and I am a light sleeper so that was that really. That and Tabitha ending up in my bed at around 3am. She is however a lot better than Lexi. Lexi kicks. And rolls. And thrashes. And I end up with a knee to the head at random moments throughout the night. That said she is much better since her tonsils and adenoids came out.
I try not to encourage the kids to come into bed with me overnight. In the morning, yep, that's fine, everyone pop in and have a cuddle. But overnight is time I need to sleep. Doesn't always happen, but I like to facilitate the process for if it is going to happen. Which of course it doesn't. Often. I think I'm rambling.
I was sure I had a point when I started this little conversation with myself. Actually that makes me realise something. I think why I don't mind this forum is it means I can have that little conversation here and there and feel as though perhaps I am not just having it with myself. And if you are wondering, yes, all this information would be going through my head, some of it being spoken aloud, with responses, if this forum were not available. I'm ok with that. It's healthy to express oneself.
I had chips and salad for lunch today. There was bacon in the salad. It's ok. I'm not turning vegetarian. Made up for it by having left over pork belly from last night for dinner. Sensational. Absolutely sensational.
Tabitha turns 3 on Sunday. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone? Actually no I won't say that. I know where it has gone. Back. Or forth. Or somewhere. But it has been. And in that time I have an entire brainload full of memories to love and cherish and look back upon. And it is now I realise that our brain is not a finite space. It expands as the lives of our children go on, as it is constantly filling with more of them, every minute of every day. And will do so until that brain ceases to function. The same happens with the heart. For every breath my kids take my heart grows just that teensy little bit more.
And now I'm feeling emotional. Not in a bad way. In an "I love my beautiful babies way".
So thank you. For essentially doing nothing except allowing me to work through my thoughts to get to this point.
And so on that note I shall bid you good night. And wonder if I snored on the train.
Today I closed my eyes though. I had a microsleep. Actually I had three. I know this because I was awake at one station and found my eyes mysteriously shaking themselves awake and into focus at the announcement of the next. Three times. Funnily enough I didn't have a lot of sleep last night. Just for something different. But it was a tad less than usual. To the point where at 3.45am I was just wishing morning would come so at least then the night would be over. And the kids were all fine. Just randomly stirring more than usual, and I am a light sleeper so that was that really. That and Tabitha ending up in my bed at around 3am. She is however a lot better than Lexi. Lexi kicks. And rolls. And thrashes. And I end up with a knee to the head at random moments throughout the night. That said she is much better since her tonsils and adenoids came out.
I try not to encourage the kids to come into bed with me overnight. In the morning, yep, that's fine, everyone pop in and have a cuddle. But overnight is time I need to sleep. Doesn't always happen, but I like to facilitate the process for if it is going to happen. Which of course it doesn't. Often. I think I'm rambling.
I was sure I had a point when I started this little conversation with myself. Actually that makes me realise something. I think why I don't mind this forum is it means I can have that little conversation here and there and feel as though perhaps I am not just having it with myself. And if you are wondering, yes, all this information would be going through my head, some of it being spoken aloud, with responses, if this forum were not available. I'm ok with that. It's healthy to express oneself.
I had chips and salad for lunch today. There was bacon in the salad. It's ok. I'm not turning vegetarian. Made up for it by having left over pork belly from last night for dinner. Sensational. Absolutely sensational.
Tabitha turns 3 on Sunday. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone? Actually no I won't say that. I know where it has gone. Back. Or forth. Or somewhere. But it has been. And in that time I have an entire brainload full of memories to love and cherish and look back upon. And it is now I realise that our brain is not a finite space. It expands as the lives of our children go on, as it is constantly filling with more of them, every minute of every day. And will do so until that brain ceases to function. The same happens with the heart. For every breath my kids take my heart grows just that teensy little bit more.
And now I'm feeling emotional. Not in a bad way. In an "I love my beautiful babies way".
So thank you. For essentially doing nothing except allowing me to work through my thoughts to get to this point.
And so on that note I shall bid you good night. And wonder if I snored on the train.
Monday, June 25, 2012
It's never a good sign
when you are on your way to the first of two doctor's appointments for your daughter and the phone rings to tell you appointment number 2's doctor just called in sick.
The first appointment was still on. Lexi had her 4 year old needles. A little late, but with surgery and subsequent illness this truly was the earliest we could do it.
She was a star. I mean a star. A gleaming, sparkling, amazingly shiny star. She sat on my knee, watched the needle go in, and did not even so much as flinch or utter a tiny peep. And as we were leaving she waved and said "bye!!".
And so because the next appointment was cancelled we went to Donut King, where Lexi had a pink dinosaur with purple sprinkles and I had a lovely long black.
The rest of the day was highly unproductive. By 4pm I realised I hadn't actually done a great deal, so I put on the thinking cap. I decided to pretend someone was coming over in half an hour. You've never seen anything like it. I was like the Tassie Devil cartoon, whizzing and whirring all over the place. And by 4.36pm or thereabouts the house was spotless (well, not really, but it was pretty good).
So I have decided that that will be my new cleaning mantra. Clean as though you are having visitors. Soon. That only just rang to tell you. And don't you hate that?
I did however find the time to make an amazing slow-cooked crispy skinned pork belly. Seriously good. Too good in fact. So good in fact that all of the crackling is gone. Well, it doesn't reheat well, does it? I was really protecting the kids from a bad porcine experience. Taking one for the team. Noble aren't I......
The first appointment was still on. Lexi had her 4 year old needles. A little late, but with surgery and subsequent illness this truly was the earliest we could do it.
She was a star. I mean a star. A gleaming, sparkling, amazingly shiny star. She sat on my knee, watched the needle go in, and did not even so much as flinch or utter a tiny peep. And as we were leaving she waved and said "bye!!".
And so because the next appointment was cancelled we went to Donut King, where Lexi had a pink dinosaur with purple sprinkles and I had a lovely long black.
The rest of the day was highly unproductive. By 4pm I realised I hadn't actually done a great deal, so I put on the thinking cap. I decided to pretend someone was coming over in half an hour. You've never seen anything like it. I was like the Tassie Devil cartoon, whizzing and whirring all over the place. And by 4.36pm or thereabouts the house was spotless (well, not really, but it was pretty good).
So I have decided that that will be my new cleaning mantra. Clean as though you are having visitors. Soon. That only just rang to tell you. And don't you hate that?
I did however find the time to make an amazing slow-cooked crispy skinned pork belly. Seriously good. Too good in fact. So good in fact that all of the crackling is gone. Well, it doesn't reheat well, does it? I was really protecting the kids from a bad porcine experience. Taking one for the team. Noble aren't I......
Sunday, June 24, 2012
I'm baaaaack
Well, after a lengthy absence, I am back.
Why?
Well, I could say I needed an outlet, but that wouldn't be entirely true, because I don't want this to be a vent to the world forum. I think I just kind of missed it.
Things for me have changed. A lot. I won't go into the details, suffice to say that now it is just me and the three.
So we are busy busy. Life is going ahead in leaps and bounds. I have found myself an amazing job, loving the work I am doing and the people with whom I work. I definitely chose the right profession. Well, second time around anyway. Or maybe third... or is that fourth......
The kidlets. Oh. My. So much has happened.
Mini me has had her first surgery. The massive tonsils were removed, along with the adenoids, still some persistent hearing loss, and a few other issues that are being investigated. So we spend most weeks at the doctors, speech therapist, hospital, various other places, and she always has a smile on her face. Such a wonderful little being.
Mini chick. Well. She is nearly 3. And as each day goes by the terrible 2s seem to be dissipating. Cos lordy me they were fully in force. For such a long time. She can be such an angel. However she often just chooses not to be. I think it would have caused me more grief save but for the fact that I see so much of myself in her it isn't funny.
Mini dude. Star. Climber. Trouble. Adorable. Such a lil spunk. Always on the go, talking more and more each day, and just a joy. He still doesn't sleep through, but I can deal with that. I have never had good sleepers. Sad to say he seems to have followed mini me's example in that he also gets night terrors. And he is loud. And they are heartbreaking. But we deal with them.
And so, for now, that is all I shall offer. But I hope that I shall continue on where I once travelled, and blog on a semi-regular basis.
Hopefully there are some people out there to read.
And that, for now, is all.
Why?
Well, I could say I needed an outlet, but that wouldn't be entirely true, because I don't want this to be a vent to the world forum. I think I just kind of missed it.
Things for me have changed. A lot. I won't go into the details, suffice to say that now it is just me and the three.
So we are busy busy. Life is going ahead in leaps and bounds. I have found myself an amazing job, loving the work I am doing and the people with whom I work. I definitely chose the right profession. Well, second time around anyway. Or maybe third... or is that fourth......
The kidlets. Oh. My. So much has happened.
Mini me has had her first surgery. The massive tonsils were removed, along with the adenoids, still some persistent hearing loss, and a few other issues that are being investigated. So we spend most weeks at the doctors, speech therapist, hospital, various other places, and she always has a smile on her face. Such a wonderful little being.
Mini chick. Well. She is nearly 3. And as each day goes by the terrible 2s seem to be dissipating. Cos lordy me they were fully in force. For such a long time. She can be such an angel. However she often just chooses not to be. I think it would have caused me more grief save but for the fact that I see so much of myself in her it isn't funny.
Mini dude. Star. Climber. Trouble. Adorable. Such a lil spunk. Always on the go, talking more and more each day, and just a joy. He still doesn't sleep through, but I can deal with that. I have never had good sleepers. Sad to say he seems to have followed mini me's example in that he also gets night terrors. And he is loud. And they are heartbreaking. But we deal with them.
And so, for now, that is all I shall offer. But I hope that I shall continue on where I once travelled, and blog on a semi-regular basis.
Hopefully there are some people out there to read.
And that, for now, is all.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
And the times....
they are achanging.
I'm now working as a graduate lawyer for a commercial and technology firm in Melbourne, and absolutely LOVING it. Moved closer to the city for work and family reasons, being that I hated traveling so far and not being able to rely upon the public transport system. If things go awry whilst living here, at least I can get a taxi home if need be.
Kids are growing at a rate that is quite unfathomable. Lexi is in kinder, and Tabitha and Angus are also going from strength to strength with their development.
I'm not getting a lot of "spare time" but have missed blogging so think that perhaps I may just have to factor it back into my busy schedule.
Thoughts?
I'm now working as a graduate lawyer for a commercial and technology firm in Melbourne, and absolutely LOVING it. Moved closer to the city for work and family reasons, being that I hated traveling so far and not being able to rely upon the public transport system. If things go awry whilst living here, at least I can get a taxi home if need be.
Kids are growing at a rate that is quite unfathomable. Lexi is in kinder, and Tabitha and Angus are also going from strength to strength with their development.
I'm not getting a lot of "spare time" but have missed blogging so think that perhaps I may just have to factor it back into my busy schedule.
Thoughts?
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