Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.......

Well....... Maybe not. It's a cold, windy and rainy Christmas morning and ..... Merry Christmas Bloggers! This was my favourite Christmas song when I was a child, and still is; Early on one Christmas Day, a Joey Kanga-roo, Was far from home and lost in a great big zoo. Mummy, where's my mummy, they've taken her a-way, We'll help you find your mummy son, hop on the sleigh. Chorus: Six white boomers, snow white boomers, Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun. Six white boomers, snow white boomers, .. On his Aus-tra-lian run. Verse: Up beside the bag of toys, little Joey hopped , But they had'nt gone far when Santa stopped. Un-harnessed all the reindeer and Joey wondered why, Then he heard a far off booming in the sky. Chorus: Six white boomers ... Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat, Took his fur-lined boots off to cool his feet. Into one popped Joey, feeling quite OK, While those old man kangaroos kept pulling on the sleigh. Chorus: Six white boomers ... Joey said to Santa, Santa, what about the toys, Aren't you giving some to these girls and boys. They've all got their presents son, we were here last night, This trip is an extra trip, Joey's special flight. Chorus: Six white boomers ... Soon the sleigh was flashing past, right over Marble Bar, Slow down there, cried Santa, it can't be far. Come up on my lap son, and have a look around, There she is, that's mummy, bounding up and down. Chorus: Six white boomers ... Well that's the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had, Curled up in mother's pouch all snug and glad. The last they saw was Santa headed northward from the sun, The only year the boomers worked a double run. Chorus: Six white boomers ... You've gotta love Rolf Harris! Have a wonderful day everyone!

[

Deck the bus with Christmas Decals... falalalala lalalalala

Morning has broken. And it's quiet ... except for the hum of the computer and a tractor mowing a field somewhere nearby. And the birds.

And it's cool.

Delightful.

The boys have trundled off to catch the bus. It's their second last day of school for the year, and luckily for me, they're quite happy to still be going. A lot of kids have already decided that they don't need to go anymore. But at least I can be reasonably sure that they're not off annoying harried and over-Xmas shopkeepers somewhere.

A quick review of my week;

The shopping trip to Westfield at Kotara netted GG some lovely pants, and the promise by mother to buy her the same blouse as the one that she liked, but in a more suitable size at Charlestown on Friday (stupid, stupid mother...) Then yummy dinner at Raj's on the Corner.... It was worth all the traveling just for that.

Saw the Rheumy-doc on Friday; a lovely bloke. We chatted quite a while so that he earned his $300 consult fee. Exercise, physio and Tony Ferguson would all be good. And a bone density scan, more blood and urine tests (are there ever enough of these???). I tell you, we're in the wrong business.. if we ran a pathology diagnostic company, then we'd be sitting pretty.....

And I think that the BMI, as a tool for assessing healthy weight , is the most & limiting thing ever invented....... according to this little chart, I'm on the verge of being obese, but I need only need to lose 10kilos.....

If only I was 6 inches taller.... *sigh*

Then I took Nan and unwell niece shopping at Waratah. It was a Xmas sortee..... and a successful one at that. Then home to Belmont for Nanandniece, and I braved Charlestown Hellmouth.... *hahahaha*... I drove straight into a carspace....... *maniacal hahahahahah*........

Bought the aforementioned blouse for GG (crisp & white, as requested). And a calendar from the Lucky (but tired & over it) Ho. And other things that I can't remember....... "so, this is Christmas....."

Then home, via "The Bakers Cottage" at East Maitland to buy some pies for tea, and yummy breadrolls.

Saturday and Sunday were nice and quiet at home. We had dinner at the local pub on Sunday night with friends who have lived in the caravan park across the road for the past year. They had originally called in for "a couple of days" on the first leg of their "Trekkin' Oz" adventure... such is the charm of our little town... Ahem.

Monday ; usual workday.

Tuesday; the client's Christmas lunch at the Day Centre. One of the top restaurant's in Muswellbrook, Phillipes's, caters for this event every year, free of charge, for the centre. And the food is always beautiful. And their cakes and gateaus are to die for.........

Tuesday night, the community health team went to Phillipe's Restaurant, as my manager, the head of Occupational Therapy, is leaving to move to Gosford, after 14 years with the team. She will be sorely missed...... lots of tears, fond memories, & smiles.

We didn't open the Day Centre on Wednesday. Instead, we had "Night Centre on the Bus". Starting at 6.30pm, we picked the clients up from their homes, and took them to McDonalds for dinner, then drove all over town looking at Christmas lights and singing Christmas songs. There was lots of laughter, to be sure. And a busload of somewhat subdued pensioners by 11pm.... The utterances of "Merry Christmas; Safe New Year" became quieter and quieter as each person exited the bus....I arrived home at 12.20am......... zzzzzzzzzz

So it will be a quiet day at work today, with no clients, and the awful job of packing up the Christmas decorations, as we will be closed from Friday until January 14. We've got to de-decorate, and Christmas hasn't even arrived yet!!!!! But there is light in the day in the shape of birthday cakes for my workmates, Sue and Megan.... from the aforementioned Phillipe's ... mmmmmmmmm

And then tomorrow, it's off to East Maitland Bowling Club with the Social Health Group for Christmas Lunch. Tomorrow night, I'll be dining with my workmates from Denman Hospital for Christmas. at one of the local hotel restaurants....

What was that about Tony Ferguson? ...... "Oh yeah.... Me and Mr Ferguson...We'll have a thing going on......"

I'm going to look like an oompaloompa by the time New Year rolls around.....

Oh, and GG's Apprenticeship interview went well. They said that they'd contact her soon... whatever that means. I'll let you know as soon as we know.

You know what?

I need to post more often than once a week........

But right now, it's shower and work for me.

There's a caramel gateau that's waiting for me.......

"Oh yeah......."

Love,
from the very Christmassed Blogmuggle xoxoxo

Some days are diamonds, some days are pearls......

It's Wednesday.

Hump Day. If there is such a thing. My days and weekends seem to be equally busy.

Last weekend passed in a blur, as usual. Pop's birthday tea was a good old baked dinner, cooked by Nan, which was quite a surprise. Nan really doesn't cook all that much these days, and when the family descends upon her and Pop, we usually eat takeaway, so it was with great delight that we tucked into roast lamb and baked veges. As is typical with Nan, she never cooks by halves. It's almost as if she is making up for the times that she doesn't cook; she will bake 6 different types of biscuits or three cakes instead of the normal number of 1 or 2. The table will be loaded with whatever she cooks. This time, it was roast lamb AND roast beef (which we were too full to even carve) and an enormous baking pan full of veges.

Yum.


Nan & I took GG shopping at Bunnings, then GG & I re-hashed her resume, and worked up a cover letter for an apprenticeship that she wanted to apply for. It took some time. These things always take longer than you think. Then Vegeboy & I headed for home at 6.30pm, around & through some of those wonderful storms on Sunday night. The cloud formations and colours were amazing.

GG posted her application, which is for a Jewellery Manufacturing & Repairing Apprenticeship, on Monday morning. At lunch-time on Tuesday, the employment company asked her to attend an Aptitude, Numeracy and Literacy test and Interview. This evening, a very excited GG telephoned to say that she has been asked to attend an interview with the shop manager next Wednesday morning. WOOT! Last week, after reading the "positions Vacant" ad, she took herself off to meet the manager at the shop to find out a bit about the job before she decided to apply. Maybe he won't be so scary at the interview now that she's already met him. We're laughing about it now, but she forgot to introduce herself to him..... Hopefully, she made a good enough impression, and he'll remember her in a favourable way.

All this in two days, and the applications for the job don't actually close until this Friday.

So tomorrow afternoon after work, I am to drive down to Newie so we can shop for some suitable clothes. I was already planning to go, but I hadn't decided whether I would go down on Thursday night or Friday morning, as I have the appointment with the rheumatologist on Friday morning anyway. So Thursday night it is, so I will probably see the Lucky Ho tearing out her hair at the Hell Mouth formerly known as Charlestown Square whilst on the quest for reasonably priced interview clothes (that will secret the dove tattoos on GG's chest, for the interview at least). Hopefully, he'll like the piercings (one on each side) of her nose. It's jewellery, right?

There's been no news on whether I have been successful on the traineeship front. I received a phone call at work almost 2 weeks ago requested a 3rd type of identification, so I provided the woman with my Hunter New England Health ID number, which was a bit cheeky of me since she was enquiring on behalf of Hunter New England Health....... The information package said that all referees would be contacted by December 14, and results would be posted out by December 21. So we're nearly there.


Scorpaboy's sponsor rang HIM the other night to tell him that he wanted to organise an exchange with a couple of Mototrials riders from New Zealand next year. He has a unit that he and SB could stay in, but there's a couple of sticking points;

• He hasn't talked to Beloved and I about it, just SBoy.
• Sboy sits his Higher School Certificate next year, and believe it or not, this IS important.
• We're broke.
• We've going to continue to be broke (more broke than usual, anyway) for at least the next four months, even without taking the addition into consideration......
  

And anyway, money has to be spent on the house next year, not trips around the world for just 1 member of our family. It's not fair that Sboy should have these things just because the has talent on a motorbike. GG would like to travel overseas, and declined an exchange programme as we couldn't afford it. And we can't afford this either. I'm sure that there is something that Vegeboy's heart desires, also. Same for Beloved, same for me. But we are allowed to have un-realised dreams. As a society, we seem to be blindly accepting of the demands of our children, their peers and others, and are commonly made to feel guilty for saying "no" for whatever reason. The kids just expect us to provide, provide, provide........ and we do. If Sboy wants to go to New Zealand, then he's going to have to get himself a job, and save some money for it. He's had a lovely, leisurely life since his "retirement" from IGA/Thriftylink. So now he has become used to me providing him with money for phone credit, gym workouts, food, entertainment etc. I have bought 3 pairs of shoes and new socks for the boys in the last 6 weeks. And they had a new pair each, and socks (6 pairs each.....) before we went to South Australia in October (that's not very long ago....)

I suppose this makes me selfish, but it's not fair on the other kids that Scorpaboy gets so much..... Even if it is a wonderful opportunity.

That's enough grumbling.

Send some good thoughts GG's way next Wednesday morning, please.

Bedtime. I've grumbled my way into exhaustion.

Goodnight.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Motorcycle Mama

There was much excitement in the land of the Blogmuggle yesterday.

It began with a text message; "CODE RED, CODE RED. THE EAGLE HAS LANDED".

This let me know that Scorpaboy's new motorbike had finally arrived. In a large, brown cardboard box. Strapped into the back of the little beige ute.


When it was finally unstrapped, unloaded, undone, and de-bubbled-wrapped, it looked liked this;

TA DA!!!!!

And after all the excitement had died down, we discussed what we were going to do with the cardboard.

***** A light bulb moment on my part; "Let's put it up on the wall behind the bathroom!"******

So. Up on the wall it went, and Beloved put 2 screws in to hold it until I located the drill in the morning to finish fixing it to the wall. Then we decided that the fridge and freezer were too close, and a potential fire risk.

So today, as Beloved and Sboy drove off into the sunrise with the bikes in the trailer for a weekend of mototrials in the Blue Mountains, I re-configured the Muggly-shed to facilitate a safer environment. Which means it got a good cleaning. I've just finished; I started at 6.30am. Multiple loads of washing were done too, then I have to shower and then take Vegeboy and Clover-dog to Nanandpops to celebrate Pop's 71st Birthday!

It looks good anyway.

And last weekend, I decided to put the big Christmas tree up, so there was a minor re-configuration last weekend as well. My lovely big bush has pride of place in between the lounge and sideboard, and there are decorations suspended from the roof. At least there's some bonuses to having no linings...... With only 2 double power points, there's no lights, though. Here's the piccy that Sboys put on his MySpace. Evidently, "tree-shots" are the thing....



Anyway, time to go. Newie awaits!

Have a good one, Everyone!



Cheers, Blogggie ;0)

One Perfect Day............................................

Good Morning Bloggers!

I was just checking my bank accounts, and the Power Credit Union has posted the date;

Monday January 14, 2008.

Did I miss something?????

Am I Rumpelstiltskin???????? Or maybe Sleeping Beauty????

Nah..... (that's a scrabulous word, you know)

The boys have decided that they must have been in a coma, & have just woken up.

VB asked if he could have his Christmas presents, if this was the case. I told that Christmas has already been & gone. SB said he received a new motorbike for Christmas. Poor VB.... nothing for him.

I just said that I was glad that it was all over and done with.

But.....

I know it is all a dream. "Sunrise" are still talking about the up-coming Christmas festivities.

Oh well, one can only dream.

But what's going on with the Credit Union dates, eh....... doesn't inspire confidence, does it??????

On with the day. Have a good one!

Take a bath (hop in the shower)..................

WE HAVE PROGRESS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

IN THE GARAGE-DWELLING EXISTENCE OF THE BLOGMUGGLE AND FAMILY, THERE IS NOW RUNNING WATER AVAILABLE.

THAT'S RIGHT; THE PLUMBER ARRIVED TODAY, AND AFTER ABOUT 5 HOURS OF WORK, ONE CAN NOW SHOWER, *#HIT, SHAVE & WASH DISHES ........ ALL IN THE COMFORT OF THE GARAGE.....

WOO HOO!!!!!!!

And Beloved hooked up the hot water service (no electrician needed as it plugs into a power point) & re-connected the shower recess that he has constructed out of Mini-rib iron at my request.

Wonderful man.

Of course, there is an irony in this...... due to the recent rains, the Council has introduced Level 3 water restrictions and a "Boil Water" Alert as the water quality is very questionable. But then again, it always is. So now that I've got (brown)running water, I'm not supposed to use it, and even then, I have to boil it first.

Oh well.....

It's all good: I'd better go and give it a run......

Goodnight ;0)

Here She Is....

Nat & Matt

Well, Australia has voted, and the verdict is in..................................

The newest Australian Idol is............................................................................................



NATALIE GAUCI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Well done Natalie!!!!!

I know that I predicted Matt Corby to win; well, I was close. Runners up are grinners too in this competition. I honestly believed that the teeny-girl vote would see him at the winners post.

But I really wanted Natalie to win.

And it's her birthday, too. Happy Birthday, Natalie!!!!!


It looks like I've had a bit of a run on "Australian voting" blogs.... Never fear, they're over......

G'night!

It's Time... Or is it?.........

The following lyrics are the famous campaign song from the 1972 Australian Government Elections, used by the Australian Labour Party, led by the inimitable Gough Whitlam. It was the most famous political slogan in Australian political history; what an amazingly successful campaign it was, ending the reign of the Coalition government after 23years.

It's Time

It’s time for freedom,
It’s time for moving, It’s time to begin,
Yes It’s time It’s time Australia,
It’s time for moving, It’s time for proving,
Yes It’s time

It’s time for all folk,
It’s time for moving, It’s time to give,
Yes It’s time

It’s time for children,
It’s time to show them, Time to look ahead,
Yes It’s time

Time for freedom,
Time for moving, Time to be clear,
Yes It’s time

Time Australia,
Time for moving, It’s time for proving,
Yes It’s time

Time for better,
Come together, It’s time to move,
Yes It’s time

Time to stand up,
Time to shout it, Time, Time, Time,
Yes It’s time

Time to move on,
Time to stand up, time to say ‘yes’,
Yes It’s time

I remember this election campaign clearly, and the song seems to have burned itself into my memory. I remember thinking, with all the clarity of a 10yrold, that there was no way the the old & not-so-attractive William McMahon could ever beat the incredibly charismatic and rivetting Edward Gough Whitlam. And I grew up in a staunchly Liberal-voting household.

Poor Billy Big-Ears wasn't even popular within his own party, and didn't marry until he was 57. And yes girls, this man is a primary contributor of DNA for screen hunk, Julian McMahon. Thanks to Gough's overwhelming presence and anti-Vietnam sentiment, Billy's tenure as prime minister was a short 1yr, 8months & 25days. But he does have the notoriety of being only the third prime minister to have added to his family during his time of residing in "The Lodge"

So, judging by the results of yesterday's elections, Australia has decided that it "Must be Time" again.

I hope that they're right.

Listen.... Do you want to know a secret????

Do you promise not to tell?

Ssssshhhhhhhhhhh.........

My manager told me today that she been received a phone call from the Trainee Enrolled Nurse Co-ordinators... and that she was sad that she had to tell what an asset that I was.


She said that it sounded very promising. It is reasonably common knowledge that references are only checked if you're in the final line-up for a job in the Health Sector.......


I hope so.


I'm all a-quiver on the inside.....


But keep it to yourself will you please?????????

Ta.

But now I'd best be off. I've some rather reluctant men to make-up. Except for the fella that's 50+yrs; he's glad for anything that will make him look younger and more attractive.....


Cheers ;0)

________________________________________________

Riders on a Storm.....

It is storming here in Walnut Grove at the moment. Rattling thunder, rapturous lightening, divine rain.

And the smell is .........

Amazing.

I love it. It takes me back to the last day of school when I was 5, almost 6. It was our party day, and I was wearing the beautiful pale pink, rose-printed party dress that my mother had made me. My best dress. She made all my dresses. For some reason, I was walking home alone, and a drenching summer storm happened on the way. I was sopping, shoeless, and deleriously tripping through the rivulets in the sandstone roadsides....... and not in the least bit scared.


For the second time today, I have re-visited this time. Smells. So Important.


Life here is more than good at the moment.

My knees are in a sorry state that will probably only be resolved by major intervention.... such as replacement. So no more singing and dancing for me. For now anyway. We (K)need to preserve the joint and strengthen it, lose weight, take drugs such as glucosamine and anti-inflammatories, partake in physio and exercise to maintain mobility and flexibility. As Lisa says, BOSH. And I have an appointment with a rheumatologist next month. So thank you to Tunde, my gorgeous massage/beauty/nail technician who told me almost 2 years ago that there was something very not right with my knees when the doc said they were really ok.... And Daria, my Bowen therapist, also expressed concern.

Hmmm... I can't wait to see what the Rheumy-doc makes of my hips.... and elbow... and a couple of my fingers.... and ankles.... and toes......

He'll see big dollar signs, that's for sure.


We've spent so much money in the quest of health this year that we've cracked the Medicare safety net..... we now get back 85% of all of our claims. I think we'll have all our "Jobs" done before the end of the year......

My new job is great. I love it, too. The people are so much fun. And we get the job done. And well.

But I do miss a lot of the people in the old job. And they miss me too. It's so sad to leave behind residents and their families that I have spent so much time building up a relationship with. Actually, I'm going in for 2 hours on Saturday to spent time working on a "Life Story" scrapbook with the one of the resident's mums. Jay is 35 and tetraplegic after a brain injury 5 years ago. His mum is a wonderful person. I have promised her that we will finish this book that we started together. There are certainly worse ways to spend a Saturday morning.

The smell of the greasepaint has lulled me back to work with Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society (MATS) again. But not on stage this time. I am helping the afore-mentioned gorgeous Tunde with the make-up for the show "I Think I've Heard That Song Before" that is on this Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. And then again on the same nights next week.

It's 2 years since there's been a show. Last time we did a stage-show based on "The Blues Brothers". Fun, Fun, Fun. And months of hard work. I don't know if I've mentioned this before. I was a singing, dancing (& stripping) nun; the ugliest & randiest redneck bar-maid that you wouldn't want to run into on a dark night at "Ben's (Bob's) Country Bunker"; & a very frumpy old bag who was the operator in a sex-call phone-centre in "Ed's Love Exchange"........ A character actor, that's for sure. I've got a good head for radio, you know......

Oh .... Bosh ..... I just tried to load some piccies for you to see, but blogger couldn't do it because they aren't JPEG or GIF. or something like that...... maybe I can work it out later. Or not. I'm am extremely computer challenged, you know.

Anyway, here's one from our holiday. It's the Australian Mototrials Championships presentation night. These are all of the "Kids". The future of Mototrials in Australia is in safe hands.......


Nuh. That won't work either. Blogger must be busy enjoying this storm too.

Anyway.

Later dudes.

Yep, too much television.

Yeah mon. Keep it real......

Did I mention that I watch too much tv?

See y'all.......

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

__________________________________________________________________

Put your hands together, all together, for the world's greatest mum......

It's official.

I Am The World's Greatest Mum!

Because I travelled to Sydney last Friday and took Vegeboy to see The WWE World Wrestling Championship at the Acer Arena.

Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Mr Kennedy, Snitskey, William Regal, Umanga, Randy Orton et al.......

Vegeboy said that he had the best night of his life!

Yes.


I am The World's Greatest Mum.


As were all of the other Great Mums that were there!


WORD!!!!


My visit to the orthopedic surgeon on Friday revealed that I have ostoearthritis in both knees.

Good.

Lose 10kilos, get some orthotics for my shoes, pay multiple visits to the physiotherapist (the private sports-physio; not the free hospital physio.....) do way more exercise and take high dosed of ($120 per bottle) glucosamine tablets and I should be right.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Oh, and have an MRI on the dodgy left knee and back to the surgeon tomorrow.....

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

More travelling.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I had the EN interview yesterday. It went well, but I won't know if it went well enough until December. So it's life as normal until then.

I have worked 2 days this week....... then I will again on Friday. But I will work all of next week.

Oh my... How will I survive it?????????????????

Anyway, I've got to finish cooking tea, then drive down to Nanandpop's as I have to be in Cardiff at 7am for the MRI.

See you all later.

Love, Bloggie.

<3

One fine day there was a woof and a purr........

Pet Diaries…..

DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!


CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They
dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or
some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations
perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my
strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I
had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending
comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.

Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed
in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear
the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to
the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to
my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to
be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got
to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I
am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged
protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now...

Snort.... giggle...... thanks to my cousin Jenni for sending me this........

Are You Still Having Fun?........

Hi Bloggers,

Well, it's been a while since my last post. This one will only be short.


It's been a week of firsts.


One of our gorgeous old residents passed away this week, and the nurses were asked by the family to to write a eulogy, so the girls asked me to write it and then deliver it on their behalf. I've never done this before. I helped Beloved write one for one of his work-mates, and stood with him when it was delivered, but this one was just me, alone on the altar, addressing the gathering. What a nerve-wracking, but pleasurable job. It was worth it for the comfort that it provided for the mourners, especially, Jess' daughter, Gillian.

It was to be my last day at work on Thursday, with a fresh start in the new job on Monday. But with the onset of an outbreak of gastroenteritis, the folk at the hospital decided to give this to me as their parting gift. I thought that my nausea was just my nervous response to the whole eulogy-thing. I told them it was the first and worst gift of this kind. My first Notifiable Disease.

It was also the first time I've ever vomited out of my nose. Gross. Especially the bits of vegetables that I had eaten in my salad roll for lunch a couple of hours earlier. Mega gross. Actually, I haven't vomited since 2004.

Enough of that. I'm on the mend. I can't start my new job until I'm symptom-free for 48hrs, which, so far, is Tuesday. Great. My first day at work is a sick day.

Anyway, that's enough of that stuff. On the upside, I've watched a few episodes of "Angel", achieved a flatter stomach with no exercise or purchase of expensive exercise equipment on my part (this just translates as my bulges are less bulgy..), and our grocery bill for this week will be somewhat reduced. And I've caught up on a lot of lost sleep.

I'm about to retire to my recliner..... but before I go, I have an interview for the Enrolled Nurse Traineeship on the 13th...... 3rd time lucky everyone's telling me.

See you all later.

Drink lots of water. Heaven's knows, I am.

Cheers,

Bloggie xoxoxoxox

Sweet dreams are made of this;

Who am I to disagree???

Sometimes I wonder about the weird way that my mind works.

Sometimes, I am, you know...... odd.

This morning on Sunrise, they were discussing a new nasal spray that is being utilised to help people cope with their fears/phobias.
It contains various chemicals, including oxytocin, which is released by a woman during labour, and lactation. Interestingly, it is also released during orgasm.

Now, this is where my mind gets away on it's own.

Instead of thinking;
"My that's marvelous. What a boon to those who need it!", my mind instead travels along the lines of;
"Wow. Who were those people, who at the point of orgasm had the foresight to suggest to any medical staff present; "PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PERFORM A VENPUNCTURE ....OOHH, .. OOH ... NOW ..... DO IT! DO IT TO ME.. NOW!!.. OH BABY!!!......"?"

Yeah.

My Mind.

Sick.

But then again, what about the willing volunteers? Are both sampled? All in the name of science..... What amazing venipuncturists;
"Now, nice and still for me... flex it a bit... just a little prick......"!!

Oh Yeah.... weird, that's me.

Sorry folks.

I'd better not post a picture.........


See y'all later

:)

__________________________________________________

It's a Long Way There........

Good Evening Bloggers!

Did I take a vacation? It doesn't feel like it now.........

You'd better get yourself some refreshments......

We left home at a little after 7pm after SB's job interview at Big W. (there's no word on this yet. He was told they would let him know in 3 weeks, and it's now 2 weeks...). We had a bite to eat at Dubbo, and arrived in the "Ace Caravan Park" in West Wyalong a little after 1am. Into the sleeping bags we slid, and out of them we (regretfully) slid at 6am on the same day and set off towards South Australia. Breakfast of meat pies and sausage rolls (urrrghhh) whilst waiting for the service station to open up at Rankin Springs.

And then the Hay Plains....... Beloved drove through miles and miles of dry nothing...... saw some emus, though. And some more dry miles.......... As Paul Kelly sings;

"I press my face against the glass,
And watch the white lines rushing past".

We fuelled up at Balranald, then I drove across the New South Wales Border to Mildura (fish and chips for a late lunch; 2pm). I continued to drive through the north-west corner of Victoria, then into South Australia... I drove through 3 states!

And for the last 70k's I watched the fuel gauge drop.. and drop.... and drop as Beloved snored beside me. We should have made it quite comfortably to Renmark, but there was a fierce headwind, so I slowed down to conserve fuel. We were 15ks from Renmark, and the gauge told me I had 5ks left in the tank. I have never been so relieved to see a petrol station at the Victoria/South Australian border station. I did get a bit edgy at the length of time it took the border attendants to check the cars for fruit and veges.
Evidently I needn't have worried as there was almost 4ls of fuel left.... ahem...... in a 65l tank.....

We all became really very bored at this point; we were very close..... and yet so far. We gained 30mins in our travels across the country, arriving in Nooriootpa just before dark. And some delightful people cancelled their cabin, which became ours for the week! No tent needed!

Hot and sunny, Saturday and Sunday was the South Australian Mototrials Championships at Tungkillo, a pretty place about 45 minutes up in the hills. ScorpaBoy was the only entrant in the Youth Division, so we suggested that he compete against the B-Grade adult riders, as he had to ride the same lines through the sections as they did anyway. They said it wouldn't be fair for him to compete against the more experienced adults, so he would just ride in his own age group. So, of course, Jack Kavanagh became the South Australian Youth Mototrials Champion for 2007. But we laughed when we saw the pointscore; he would have won the B-grade ... by over 100 points! Yes, it wouldn't have been fair.......

Monday, we travelled down to Adelaide for a look-see. And it's lovely. A lovely, overgrown town, similar to Newcastle, but probably not as big. And cleaner. I had a hankering to see the ocean, so I drove us westward until we found a lovely little town called Semaphore, where it was too windy to actually walk along the beach...... And then all the way around following the water until I had to head back inland and northward back to Nooriootpa.

Tuesday was a practice day for those competing in the Masters Games, and those who were volunteering to score.... SB and Beloved, of course were amongst them, as volunteers. Vegeboy and I spent a quiet day in the van park washing, mending and chatting to people. We met some lovely people on this trip.

Wednesday was the Masters Games Competition, and the weather was cold and horribly windy! I made the executive decision to sneak away for a while and sample the local cuisine (ie coffee and cake).

Thursday, there was a ride school that was being taught by a young English fellow, Ben Hemingway. SB enjoyed this enormously, and gained some new skills to work on. VB and I travelled 45mins to Gawler and saw "Rattatouille" in the local cinema. There was a big barbeque organised by a few of us in the park for those that were involved in the mototrials, as more and more people had arrived throughout the week. Lots of food, drink and laughter enabled everyone to get together outside the competition arena and get to know each other before the serious competition of the Aussie Championships on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday was another quiet day in the park as bikes were maintained and "houses" set to rights...

Saturday saw the most incredibly tense group of motocyclists that you could ever meet on a cool, crisp and windy day! Everybody must have had an over-sized breakfast serve of Nervous Tension all round!

But what a venue... Menglers Hill, Tanunda! Scenery to die for......

Too many people scored too many points on this nervous day......... the less points, the better your score. SB was in 2nd place. His nemesis, Craig, was a lovely guy, much more experienced than Jack, and more able to handle the pressure. And he is almost 21, with tattoos and a hairy back. He is a man, who likes to drink, and smoke, and drill in the Western Australian mines..... And, bless him, he calls me "Mum"....... SB still rode well, though.

I slept in the car, as our cabin had been previously booked, and I figured that this would be the quietest possible place. The boys slept in a cabin with SB's sponsor, Paul, and team-mate, Kristie. My sleep had been a little all-over the place during the week; I am finding that as I get older, noise ( of any kind) is not conducive to sleep.... the car was quiet, and peaceful. It's a good thing that I'm short.... the back seat was comfy.... zzzzzzzzz

Sunday, the weather decided to play nice. And everybody was much more relaxed. And consequently, improved their riding. The pointscores at the end of the day reflected this.

SB didn't win, but he came a very creditable 2nd to Craig. 3rd place was quite a lot of points behind. He's keen for next year, though. But there will be a few juniors that will come up and give him a run for his money.

And hey; being the Number 2 Youth Rider in Australia is something to be proud of!!

The presentation night was fun... but long......

The best part of this entire week of mototrials was the time SB spent with other young riders. They became pretty tight through the week, but the distance between Lewis, Alex, Rhyce & Craig from Western Australia, Scott from Victoria, Jake from New Zealand, Lachlan from Queensland, Brooke from Griffith, Sam from Canberra, Jason from Sydney, Krisitie from Oberon, Kyle from Newcastle and Jack from Denman will never seem as large again. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring!

On Monday, we began the return journey. An over-night stay in a Motel in Hay( OMG; THOSE PLAINS!!!!! I think that there's about 4.4 thousand hectares), and dinner in a real restaurant! Talk about blowing the budget! We arrived home about 6.15 on Tuesday night. And back to the usual.........

I handed in my notice at work yesterday... but the manager is actually filling in at another hospital until next Thursday.....

I have to drive to Maitland tomorrow night to pick up the lovely Clover from GG... I can't wait to see her. Nanandpop have been spoiling her rotten. And she's been GG's bunk-mate......

Is your butt numb yet???? De-hydrated??? Low sugar levels????

Time to go..... and @*#* blogger won't let me post pictures.... sorry about all the text....

But before I leave.... just to let you Facebookers know, I'm continuing my hiatus from this very time-consuming bit of computer tom-foolery...... way to addictive for someone with no self-control like me.......

Have a good weekend all.

Stay safe, and happy!!!!

Love,

The epic-posting Blogmuggle xoxoxoxoxoxxo

Holiday.... Celebrate.....

Well Girls;

You all win Scrabble!

I have to resign.

Because I am going on holidays...... snicker, snort, giggle.....

Getting ready to go sucks... I did a quick trip and met GG at Max n Steve's house at Glendore last night. Nice pizza for tea and a haircut. Delivered to dog for her holiday.

Today I have 18 hours worth of things to do.... in 5......

Off to a funeral this morning.

Then back home to continue packing.

SB has his interview at 4. We should leave Denman by 7, with a view to landing in West Wyalong by midnight......

Did I mention that I am going on holiday????????

So enjoy your scrabble, blogging, facebook etc. I will see if I can find an internet cafe... or library. I won't be mototrials-watching everyday....... no way....

So until the 18th, as Jeff Fenech would say.......

"I luv youse all!!"

BYEEEEEEEEEE

PS. It's unofficial.. and very hush-hush... the worst kept secret in Muswellbrook... but I will be changing jobs and working in Muswellbrook in November... YAY!!!

Inexorably Yours ...... (again)....

You know what?


I posted some really interesting stuff on Sunday night.


And Blogger lost it.


Or ate it.


Or whatever...................................


Well...... it wasn't really that interesting......................


I didn't do much on Sunday; I had a bad neck and head. I need some Bowen Therapy, but haven't been able to get an appointment. I'd better get one soon; Pain relief doesn't kick in until I have swallowed 8 paracetamol, or 7 ibuprofen, or 7 or 8 paracetamol/codiene. Then I get wiped out, and my stomach ends up eating itself. I did manage to watch Bruce Willis shoot, drive and generally mongrel his way into beating the baddies with VB in his delightfully darkened room with my trusty hot water bottle for company.

• The big boys went bike riding at Moonbi; by all reports, the bike is going like a bought one, and SB is riding like the potential champion that he is.

• I won my first game of scrabbulous. It was a close and hard-fought tussle with Lisa; 243-247... It could have gone either way right down to last tile. Michelle reckons she's flat out painting...... She still has time to absolutely annihilate me..... she's over 200 points ahead in the current game........

• Clover had her first bath of the season.... and boy, did she need it. But she needs to be clean and fresh for her holiday at nanandpops. They spoil her rotten; she lives inside all the time with them. Calamity was averted this week with the decision to ask a couple of neighbourhood kids to look after the cats while we're away...... I was dreading the thought of lodging them in a cattery....... I've never done that before.....
  

• Australian Idol... I have predicted that Matt will win. But I thought that Carl would be voted (or should that be not voted) off, and I was wrong... Mark was eliminated last night. I was surprised. Everyone is very, very good. Oh, save us from the 16 year olds with their mobile phones!
  

• I can't remember what else I rambled on about..... I've used the same title for this post. I have to shower and get ready for work....
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 2 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!! It's only been 2 years since I had a holiday..................
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• See Y'All later on the blog............ ;0)
  
  
  
  _______________________________________
  
  
  

This Song has No Title..............................

Friday.


The weekend.


And what's planned?


Nothing much.


HOORAY!!!!!!!!!


We have to get the camping gear out and give the tent a run, as neither has been used in a while while. I can't think of anything much worse than 1 week from now, arriving in Nooriootpa in the dead of night, and having to put the tent up in the dark, with no idea of what we're doing, finding that half of the posts are missing , and then the air beds deflating over night because they've perished from lack of use. Dome tents can be a bit of a mixed blessing....
It's a bit of a bugger, as we have to camp for two of the ten nights that we are there........ it's the busiest time of year in the Barossa Valley, evidently. For some reason, people desire to seal their everlasting love with nuptials in this picturesque area. And there is a large religious conference; evidently another group of people wanting to seal some everlasting life in the picturesque wine-growing area. Also, the Masters' Games are on too. Other people who want to make an everlasting deal with their orthopedic surgeon to keep him in fine wine.......

And then there's all the Mototrials contingent as well....... whatever deals they're making...... it's not with their wives to keep them in fine wine forever, that's for sure......

2 weekends of mototrials.... Nirvana for some. And demonstration schools through the week.

A few trips down to Adelaide for me I think. And I'm in need of a good book or two.

Any ideas????? I've read Harry Potter......


But I digress from my weekend plans.

I think I will go into work for a while, as I have some paperwork that I want to do. The hospital is due for accreditation in November, and I need to generate some type of assessment/evaluation tool for my clients. It's always too busy during the weekdays, and I can get more done on weekends. Of course, my boss knows nothing of this. Because I can only produce a slightly above average quantity of work, of a slightly above average quality.

And because I'm only going to become a good team member with guidance, she has asked me to consider swapping my days so that I can facilitate Pink Ribbon Day on October 22......... otherwise, she may have to do it herself. I told her that I would think about it and see what I could organise. Obviously, I'm learning...... how to play the game...... I hate these type of games..... I'm too old and too tired to be bothered.........

I think a couple of in-house movies might be in order as well, now that Dr Who has finished.

Some girlfriends in Newie had asked me to join them for a girls' night in on Saturday night, but I have decided not to go after my impromptu visit to nanandpops last Sunday night. Did I mention this?

I had some words with my daughter last Sunday...........all via a very frustrating sms conversation.....

I wanted her to meet me at Maitland so she could return the suit that I had loaned her, and I wanted to take her to the movies and dinner as well. She said that she was too busy, and that I should pick it up myself..... and that she would slip me some petrol money.......

So, I drove down to Newie, took Nan to the movies, and then drove home. GG apologised, and reviewed her offer, but I told her that I was already on my way.

Things, they are a changing..................


By the way, "Hairspray" is a very entertaining movie. Lots of fun for mummy and I.

Even as a very large (and not all that attractive) woman, John Travolta can certainly dance!!
I love this man. I don't care what his religious beliefs are, or that he's getting on a bit; I think that he is just sex on a stick. Sorry Lisa, but Bill Paxton just doesn't ring my bells. I think he's attractive, but something is missing for me. Maybe if he said "Off my case, toilet face!" or something similar...........

But I digress... again......

Anyway, I don't know what else is on for the weekend. I think the boys are going to take the newly schmick motorbike up to Tamworth to work out the kinks on Sunday/Monday.

Maybe I should just blog it after it happens. That's the way it usually works, anyway.

I know that EVERYONE is giving me a resounding hiding in "Scrabulous".

Obviously, I'm only slightly above average at that, too. I think that I need sacking.........

Watch out for the men in blue this weekend; double demerits are a very quick way of losing one's licence whilst topping up the governments coffers...............

And because I can; An Elton John/Bernie Taupin collaboration that I love......... Tune me in to the wild side of life I'm an innocent young child sharp as a knife Take me to the garretts where the artists have died Show me the courtrooms where the judges have lied Let me drink deeply from the water and the wine Light coloured candles in dark dreary mines Look in the mirror and stare at myself And wonder if that's really me on the shelf And each day I learn just a little bit more I don't know why but I do know what for If we're all going somewhere let's get there soon Oh this song's got no title just words and a tune Take me down alleys where the murders are done In a vast high powered rocket to the core of the sun Want to read books in the studies of men Born on the breeze and die on the wind If I was an artist who paints with his eyes I'd study my subject and silently cry Cry for the darkness to come down on me For confusion to carry on turning the wheel Have safe and happy weekend!

Wake up Maggie, I think I've got something to say to you.....

Evening All.

I had my interview to work in The Community Aged Day Centre this morning. Bright and early, I was. And it went well. It certainly could have gone a lot worse. The only sticking point was when the panel could contact my manager for a reference if they needed to. They are aware that I had not informed her of this possible change of department (I'm a scaredy cat), but are aware that my boss is a bit of a hard nut. It was agreed that I would let her know by Friday, and that would be the day that they would phone her if it is necessary. I have no idea what her response will be. As I said before, she and I just haven't gelled over the last 20 months. I told her this afternoon, and her response was very controlled. And cool. But I am pretty sure that she was seething inside.

"If that's what you have to do...." was her response. And we went on to discuss other things.

She has the ability top make me feel terribly inadequate and less than successful at my job. Why do I want to work somewhere else, you ask..........

She gave me the (Unfortunately) necessary written work reference for the Enrolled Nursing Traineeship today, as she promised. Here is an abridged version of her responses to the questions;

• The quality and quantity of my work is.... AVERAGE +

• My major achievement/contributions are;

ORGANISATION OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
ENCOURAGES SOCIAL INTERACTION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND STAFF
ALWAYS WILLING TO ASSIST IF STAFFING ISSUES

• What areas require improvement?........... DISCUSSION OF PROGRAMMING WITH SUPERVISOR

• Attendance?........ GOOD

• Further comments?..... WITH GUIDANCE WILL BECOME GOOD "TEAM" MEMBER

Hmmmmm..........

I don't sound like much of a catch, do I??????????

I think she needs to read my job description. And actually hold the meetings that she keeps on saying that we must have; if she has specific ideas, then she only has to ask/suggest. I will gratefully accept and try to implement all ideas.
And realise that diversional therapy in a high care nursing home is not about the volume of craft works that can be produced....... It's often more about a friendly and timely ear, and hand to hold...... And to know that, more often than not, I am providing nursing care for my lovely residents, rather than playing games with them, as this is the more immediate need. I cover for the nursing staff for usually 3-4 hours of my 6 hour day.... and my breaks are dependent upon whether or not there will be a nurse on the floor.... And I actually spend more time with the families/carers of our residents than any other person at work. These people confide in me and information is passed onto the nursing team if it will improve the level of care and outcome for our residents.

No other Activity Co-Ordinator that I know does this.

And the "Team" member comment........ Phish!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I find this a little insulting....... Her comment in regard to staffing, which is actually quite positive, is in direct opposition to this statement.........


It won't do me any favours with the selection panel, will it????????????

But I have to lodge it. Unless I can get a new manager in the next week.

Oh well.........................................

All will become clear..........

Have a good one!



"Cos I'm movin' in on up; Time to break free"

It's only words....

It's bloody cold up here in Walnut Grove this evening.

I've been inhaling the very heady fumes of petrol all night, since Beloved has emptied out SB's petrol tank in the last couple of hours. He has the bike pulled down into what seems to be a million pieces polishing, buffing and cleaning it. He has part of the engine at a mates place at the moment, trying to re-weld the area that has cracked again. It's the same spot as before the trip to Cowra. Maybe this time it will work. Then it, the frame, and all the nuts and bolts will be re-painted. The Sponsor treated SB to a new sticker kit to make his bike look really schmick; and it certainly will the way that it's going. I would like to post a piccy when it's finished, but the camera is still on the fritz. The only one that can upload at the moment is GG onto her laptop, directly off the memory card. The man's been very busy because I reminded him on Thursday that it's 2 weeks before we leave for South Australia, not 3 weeks.......

And just to make life interesting (as usual), we won't be able to leave in the wee small hours of Thursday morning and have a leisurely 2 day drive over ..oh no......
I put in an on-line application to Big W on SB's behalf... and he has a 2hr interview at 4pm that Thursday...........................................

And I applied for a position in the Community Aged Day Care in Muswellbrook while I was at it, for myself. I have been filling in for them on Mondays for a few weeks now. I have an interview this Wednesday morning..... Beloved has convinced me to apply for the next to rounds of the Enrolled Nurse Traineeships as well. They close on October 12. The application is almost done, but I am waiting for a referree report from my Boss. We don't really gel, she and I, and I haven't told her yet about the Day Care interview, as I think that it may colour her referree report..... She has promised to have it for me by Wednesday or Thursday this week. The daycare manager(Charlie) and her manager (the head Occupational Therapist whom I have known and worked for for over 5yrs as a social support worker 1 day each fortnight) know about my difficulties with The Boss, and that I am applying for a traineeship, but have said that they are not too worried. The manager wants me to work with her, but there's more to the interview than just Charlie and me getting along like a house on fire.......

I have joined in the fun(?), and have devoted way too much time to facebook over the last couple of days. There is certainly a lot of things to do. I really suck at scrabble though; I might have to give this up as a bad joke....... it's really denting my self -confidence......
I am much better at TV trivia...... I guess that it just shows how I mis-spent my youth... still can't workout how to play 2 player games though. There just doesn't seem to be much of a challenge setting a word, then guessing it yourself......


I think that facebook has been good for the Marys this week. They can interact and enjoy each others company without having to talk..... And a lot of that has been done this week. Things have certainly slowed down on the blogging front. And if there's a take-home message from this week, it might be that when blogging we should;

• write our post or comment
• sit back and breathe
• re-read what we've written
• breathe
• and think.......
• and do it all again before we press "publish" or "post"
  
  
  So, enjoy what's left of your weekend all!
  
  
  
  
  
  • See you on the 'Book or the Blog!

Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you
Near to me.
Don't ever let me find you down, cause that would
Bring a tear to me.
This world has lost its glory, lets start a brand
New story now, my love.
Right now, there'll be no other time and I can show
You how, my love.

Talk in everlasting words, and dedicate them all to
Me.
And I will give you all my life, I'm here if you
Should call to me.
You think that I don't even mean a single word i
Say.
Its only words, and words are all I have, to take
Your heart away

• 
  

I know it sounds absurd...........................

G'Day All!

After Sunday's pity-party of a post, I think that I need to clear a few things up.

Ahem.

We do have water in the shed. We have town water in the garden taps, and we use this to fill a 25litre drum camping drum with a tap in the bottom, which supplies our water each day for cooking and washing up. You don't drink the town water here in Wattle Grove: no-one does. It's treated bore water, and it tastes disgusting! It's lousy for washing clothes as well. It's a bit of a lottery when you wash white clothes; often it can be brown and turbid. You end up with "beige wash" in no time. And for those who are confused, "Wattle Grove" is the pseudonym concocted by the lovely Lisa. I like to use it because it's much more interesting sounding than "Denman"... and maybe a little more romantic, as well.

Anyway..... the kitchen.
One of the first things we had to do here was pull out the old kitchen, as this room was the one that was the most desired by the termites that were dining at our house.

Yep... that's right... we bought a timber house, complete with non-rent paying occupants.

We fixed them, though...muhwhaahahahaha (that's an evil laugh, in case you didn't notice).

I painted up the old kitchen, which consists of 2 bench cupboards and a sink cupboard, glued floor vinyl over the top of the old laminate top and we put them into the shed. The sink is plumbed into the drainage, so that even if I don't have running water, at least the grotty water drains away. This is preferable to having to empty a bucket from under the sink all time..... I know.

And yes, I do have a stove that a friend gave me, but no, it isn't wired in. I cook on the barbeque (it has a hood and a side burner, (thank heavens friends of ours won a BBQ in a raffle, and sold us their old one quite cheaply), in the microwave, electric frypan and wok. In a very rash move, a few weeks ago, I bought a $39 toaster oven from Golo. It is most cute, and is my favourite household appliance. Grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches were added to our menu again!

And muffins... scones....... mmmmmmmmmmm

We have lights that you can turn on with wall switches in the shed, too.

And 2 double power points to run things from. Ah, the luxury of it all.

Now.... The Bathroom.

We are fortunate that we can still use the old bathroom on the old back verandah of the house. Even if it doesn't have a door, just a curtain.

It has a toilet. You fill it manually with a pair of multigrip pliers, but it does flush. The handbasin has a single tap, but that's ok; it works. The old bath is in pretty good condition. In fact, I'm going to re-surface and re-use the bath in the new bathroom. It has a shower, and you can take a bath, too. Just not a deep one. You see, the hotwater service is very small, about 80litres, I think, and you turn it on at the power point to heat it up. The other thing about the water in this town is that it is very hard, and crusty. We've replaced the pressure release valve on the hot water service twice in the 2 years that we've been here, at $96 each time. I don't think the the hot water unit is worth that much.........

But the side effect of all this is that our water usage is very low; you can't use what you don't have access to, and you won't keep showering in a frosty shower, will you?

I have an automatic washing machine under a lean-to on the back of the house. It is this beast that uses the most water around here. It will be connected up in the carport of the shed when the water is connected. We're just waiting for the plumber. The dryer will be too.

We're waiting for the electrician to come back and finish here. That's why we've no ceiling lights in the house, only power points. Mates Rates. We waited 9 months for the electrician while we were living in the caravans. I complained to Beloved at the time, that we could have paid someone to do the job with the rent that we paid while we were waiting.

Anyway.

We are not uncomfortable here. Just not as luxuriously appointed as others are. And I guess that our kids are becoming resilient. But they've got their electronic games, computer, tv, music... bikes, motorbikes.... sport to play. Places to go. It will be interesting to see the choices that they make as adults.

So it all works. It's just a little more primitive than most people are used to.

And that's the trade-off. There's always a trade-off. Making priorities. Finding the balance is hard.

Granted, motorbikes are not my priority. But they are Beloved's. And he can share this with the boys. They have always been his passion. He has tunnel-vision where they are concerned. He always has. I knew this when I married him. And after 20years, I can't expect to change him.

If I really wanted to, I could have shelled out the money and done all the things that I have wanted to over the years. But I'm a basically(Wiggleword) lazy person, who doesn't like to stress and strain of conflict. I have found that it generally goes nowhere in our relationship.

That's not to say that there haven't been any been any "discussions" over the years... there have been. Numerous times. Not all of them pleasant, either. That was how we ended up in this house. I said that we would be more able to have money for the things that we loved....... so, Beloved picked out a near-new bike each for Vegeboy and himself... Scorpaboy already had his... I made him wait three months before I to signed the personal loan agreement to buy SB's bike though... He could have done this in his own name, but he didn't.... And the rest is history.

At least Beloved knows what his passions are. I don't. And that is his argument. It's a bit of a bully-boy argument, and I know that. But we all have our little self-destructive habits, don't we? And I think that deep-down inside, maybe I like to be a martyr, just a little bit.

There are lots of things that I love about this life, even is motorbikes aren't one of them. Some times I absolutely despise them ..... but I always try to think of things in perspective...... the Big Picture and all......

And I have poisoned my Gorgeous Girl's mind in regard to motorbikes.................... I will laugh at the karma of life if she falls in love with a passionate motorcycle man...... She would hate to re-live my life......

But..... It is odd.... I'm re-living many aspects of my mothers' life.......

Anyway.

I'm off to work.

Have a lovely day.<3>


Acceptable, respectable presentable, vegetable.................