Thursday was weigh-in day for me, my first. And after 10 days of being disciplined and making sure that I've exercised for at least 30mins at least every other day, I've lost 1.5kgs.
Good.
But then the Gods ( Goddesses would never be so mean) began to conspire against me.
Some wonderful friends called in for an overnight visit as they diverted their road trip to come and see us. Food and alcohol that weren't supposed to be on the menu suddenly were. But it was so good to see Ross and Julie; it's been ages since we've spent any time together. Ross was Beloved's best workmate when we lived in Tamworth. Consequently, a lot of re-visiting good times was done. Even more when the alcohol kicked in. Not for me; for Beloved and Ross. I was being Good.
And then today, after Beloved and I attended the local Australia Day Ceremony, I went to the movies with friends to see "27 Dresses". I found this movie to be a real hoot in places, and very bittersweet in others. And then lunch at a hotel afterwards. I chose a mini scotch fillet steak and a mini salad, and passed on the chips, and it was yummy. All for the grand sum of $9.50!! It was important that I spend time with these friends today, as my friend Jo is moving up to Mackay soon. It is very unlikely that I will ever get up there to see her. Jo was the first friend that I made when I moved to Muswellbrook. We met at the local library whilst trying to entertain our children in a new town during the January holidays. The friendship that was forged between GG and Jo's elder daughter has endured over the last 10 years. Even though our lives have moved in different directions over the years, there is a depth to our friendship that links us. Neither of us are letter-writers or good for reliable phone conversations.............. I hope that Jo develops a fondness for the computer, so that we can keep in touch. Damn... I miss her already..........
I haven't exercised for a couple of days, either. This afternoon, it was impossible. I'd bought some fuel for Beloved, and the container was in the back of the car, and by the time I drove it and myself home (about 50mins), I was feeling decidedly off, and ended up sleeping as I just couldn't keep my eyes open.
Never mind, at least I didn't have much appetite either... that's good, right? And tomorrow is another day.
I hope you had a Happy Australia Day!!!!!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful; beautiful boy.
Heath Ledger.
A beautiful boy indeed.
I fell in love with Heath back in 1997, when he played the young warrior, Conor, in"Roar", at the age of 19. He put the phoar into "Roar". But there was so much more to Heathcliff than just his lovely presence on the screen.
There is so much we don't know about this young man. A private & shy person; a multi-layered individual indeed. A local boy done good, he started at 13 in "Home and Away", and chose the most amazing and diverse roles to play. He's even played Bob Dylan............
His final role as "The Joker" in the newest "Batman" saga may have been a little surreal; "The Darkest Night"..................
It it so very sad that he died alone, found by his housekeeper.
Like most in this situation, his star will burn agonisingly brighter in his death.
I am sad for his family and friends.
This beautiful boy will be missed.
A beautiful boy indeed.
I fell in love with Heath back in 1997, when he played the young warrior, Conor, in"Roar", at the age of 19. He put the phoar into "Roar". But there was so much more to Heathcliff than just his lovely presence on the screen.
There is so much we don't know about this young man. A private & shy person; a multi-layered individual indeed. A local boy done good, he started at 13 in "Home and Away", and chose the most amazing and diverse roles to play. He's even played Bob Dylan............
His final role as "The Joker" in the newest "Batman" saga may have been a little surreal; "The Darkest Night"..................
It it so very sad that he died alone, found by his housekeeper.
Like most in this situation, his star will burn agonisingly brighter in his death.
I am sad for his family and friends.
This beautiful boy will be missed.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Champion of the World..................
G'Day Bloggers.
It is raining and bee-yoo-tiful in the land of the Blogmuggle. It's great weather for hunkering down in a comfy chair, reading a book or watching the TV. Which is how I spent my day so far. I've been going through old magazines, which are usually of the "Home Beautiful", "Burke's Backyard", "Australian Country Style" or any home and decor magazine that I've had in my "library", and sorting out the articles and pictures of decor ideas that I like. Maybe one day they'll even be put into use. There is quite a collection of these, believe me. And it's quite a time waster.
The other occurrence of the day has been that Beloved and I have watched a tape of the movie, "The Hurricane", which is the story of American boxer, Rubin "The Hurricane" Carter. Any movie with Denzel Washington starring is always worth a look, but this is a true story, which makes it all the more emotional to me. I just don't get racism or bigotry; why some people think that they're better at a cellular level. Because, we're all constructed from the same stuff on a physiological level, so why oh why are some superior? Or think that they are with such an unshakeable belief that others lives can be forfeited to support their beliefs. Regardless of the consequences.
Thanks heavens for the actions of others that help secure justice and freedom for Rubin Carter. But it was a long time coming.
Here's the lyrics form the song that Bob Dylan penned in support of Rubin Carter. It's a classic song, and the music supports the emotions that the lyrics produce. It's a mammoth 8 minutes & 31 seconds long, but it could be longer, it wouldn't matter; I love it.
Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall.
She sees the bartender in a pool of blood,
Cries out, "My God, they killed them all!"
Here comes the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Three bodies lyin' there does Patty see
And another man named Bello, movin' around mysteriously.
"I didn't do it," he says, and he throws up his hands
"I was only robbin' the register, I hope you understand.
I saw them leavin'," he says, and he stops
"One of us had better call up the cops."
And so Patty calls the cops
And they arrive on the scene with their red lights flashin'
In the hot New Jersey night.
Meanwhile, far away in another part of town
Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin' around.
Number one contender for the middleweight crown
Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down
When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road
Just like the time before and the time before that.
In Paterson that's just the way things go.
If you're black you might as well not show up on the street
'Less you wanna draw the heat.
Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops.
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowlin' around
He said, "I saw two men runnin' out, they looked like middleweights
They jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates."
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head.
Cop said, "Wait a minute, boys, this one's not dead"
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him that he could identify the guilty men.
Four in the mornin' and they haul Rubin in,
Take him to the hospital and they bring him upstairs.
The wounded man looks up through his one dyin' eye
Says, "Wha'd you bring him in here for? He ain't the guy!"
Yes, here's the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Four months later, the ghettos are in flame,
Rubin's in South America, fightin' for his name
While Arthur Dexter Bradley's still in the robbery game
And the cops are puttin' the screws to him, lookin' for somebody to blame.
"Remember that murder that happened in a bar?"
"Remember you said you saw the getaway car?"
"You think you'd like to play ball with the law?"
"Think it might-a been that fighter that you saw runnin' that night?"
"Don't forget that you are white."
Arthur Dexter Bradley said, "I'm really not sure."
Cops said, "A poor boy like you could use a break
We got you for the motel job and we're talkin' to your friend Bello
Now you don't wanta have to go back to jail, be a nice fellow.
You'll be doin' society a favor.
That sonofabitch is brave and gettin' braver.
We want to put his ass in stir
We want to pin this triple murder on him
He ain't no Gentleman Jim."
Rubin could take a man out with just one punch
But he never did like to talk about it all that much.
It's my work, he'd say, and I do it for pay
And when it's over I'd just as soon go on my way
Up to some paradise
Where the trout streams flow and the air is nice
And ride a horse along a trail.
But then they took him to the jailhouse
Where they try to turn a man into a mouse.
All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance.
The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums
To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum
And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger.
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger.
And though they could not produce the gun,
The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed
And the all-white jury agreed.
Rubin Carter was falsely tried.
The crime was murder "one," guess who testified?
Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride.
How can the life of such a man
Be in the palm of some fool's hand?
To see him obviously framed
Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
Where justice is a game.
Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell.
Yes, that's the story of the Hurricane,
But it won't be over till they clear his name
And give him back the time he's done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
What else has been happening in my world?
Well, we went to Sydney as planned and it was fun. We spent time on Friday sorting out some house stuff, including planning a kitchen with the guys from "Romos" at Rutherford. The price has come in ok, but I might tweak it a little more yet. Any ideas of better flatpack kitchen suppliers, Bloggers? Beloved, Vegeboy and GG came home on Friday night. Scorpaboy & I stayed in Newie. SB had planned to spent time with friends and riding his bike.
Saturday, I took NanandPop puppy shopping, and finally arrived home at 3 in the afternoon with 2 new chihuahua puppies. Nan is the proud owner of a lovely white little girl with black spots & ears, with some tan spots, that she has named Gidget. Pop has a new little black guy, who has markings similar to a rottweiler (but much, much, much smaller), that he has named Pepe. Not a problem for him, but this is the 3rd Pepe that they've owned, including the one that was buried less than 2 weeks ago. Did I mention that Dad has some qualities that indicate that he is in the early stages of dementia? At least he won't forget the pup's name........ They are lovely and busy puppies. As one would expect. I went home shortly after that.
Sunday was a nice, quiet day at home. Then Sunday night I drove back to NanandPops as I had a 2 day computer course for work. Boring, and not all that helpful for me, but I did get to take SB & my brother to see "American Gangster" on the Monday night. I enjoyed it. But it's so hard to work out what makes people tick, isn't it? I liked the characters and I thought that Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington were great in these roles.
Tuesday, Beloved, VB and a friend caught a (very) early morning train down to spend the day at Lambton Pool, and so were all a little crispy-fried when they picked me up in the afternoon. After a trip to NanandPops to pick up SB's things, and later on the way home, SB himself, it was back to "Walnut Grove" as Lovely Lisa calls it.
The rest of the week has just been as per usual. Blog reading, scrabulous, work, shopping, house and family stuff. Beloved has finished removing the rear of the house, so we're ready to go as soon as the bank says "MUSH"......
I can't wait.
But for now, I'll just listen to the falling rain, listen to it fall. (And with every drop of rain, I can hear you call...)
Yep, there is a song for every occasion. Thanks Jose.
It is raining and bee-yoo-tiful in the land of the Blogmuggle. It's great weather for hunkering down in a comfy chair, reading a book or watching the TV. Which is how I spent my day so far. I've been going through old magazines, which are usually of the "Home Beautiful", "Burke's Backyard", "Australian Country Style" or any home and decor magazine that I've had in my "library", and sorting out the articles and pictures of decor ideas that I like. Maybe one day they'll even be put into use. There is quite a collection of these, believe me. And it's quite a time waster.
The other occurrence of the day has been that Beloved and I have watched a tape of the movie, "The Hurricane", which is the story of American boxer, Rubin "The Hurricane" Carter. Any movie with Denzel Washington starring is always worth a look, but this is a true story, which makes it all the more emotional to me. I just don't get racism or bigotry; why some people think that they're better at a cellular level. Because, we're all constructed from the same stuff on a physiological level, so why oh why are some superior? Or think that they are with such an unshakeable belief that others lives can be forfeited to support their beliefs. Regardless of the consequences.
Thanks heavens for the actions of others that help secure justice and freedom for Rubin Carter. But it was a long time coming.
Here's the lyrics form the song that Bob Dylan penned in support of Rubin Carter. It's a classic song, and the music supports the emotions that the lyrics produce. It's a mammoth 8 minutes & 31 seconds long, but it could be longer, it wouldn't matter; I love it.
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall.
She sees the bartender in a pool of blood,
Cries out, "My God, they killed them all!"
Here comes the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Three bodies lyin' there does Patty see
And another man named Bello, movin' around mysteriously.
"I didn't do it," he says, and he throws up his hands
"I was only robbin' the register, I hope you understand.
I saw them leavin'," he says, and he stops
"One of us had better call up the cops."
And so Patty calls the cops
And they arrive on the scene with their red lights flashin'
In the hot New Jersey night.
Meanwhile, far away in another part of town
Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin' around.
Number one contender for the middleweight crown
Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down
When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road
Just like the time before and the time before that.
In Paterson that's just the way things go.
If you're black you might as well not show up on the street
'Less you wanna draw the heat.
Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops.
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowlin' around
He said, "I saw two men runnin' out, they looked like middleweights
They jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates."
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head.
Cop said, "Wait a minute, boys, this one's not dead"
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him that he could identify the guilty men.
Four in the mornin' and they haul Rubin in,
Take him to the hospital and they bring him upstairs.
The wounded man looks up through his one dyin' eye
Says, "Wha'd you bring him in here for? He ain't the guy!"
Yes, here's the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Four months later, the ghettos are in flame,
Rubin's in South America, fightin' for his name
While Arthur Dexter Bradley's still in the robbery game
And the cops are puttin' the screws to him, lookin' for somebody to blame.
"Remember that murder that happened in a bar?"
"Remember you said you saw the getaway car?"
"You think you'd like to play ball with the law?"
"Think it might-a been that fighter that you saw runnin' that night?"
"Don't forget that you are white."
Arthur Dexter Bradley said, "I'm really not sure."
Cops said, "A poor boy like you could use a break
We got you for the motel job and we're talkin' to your friend Bello
Now you don't wanta have to go back to jail, be a nice fellow.
You'll be doin' society a favor.
That sonofabitch is brave and gettin' braver.
We want to put his ass in stir
We want to pin this triple murder on him
He ain't no Gentleman Jim."
Rubin could take a man out with just one punch
But he never did like to talk about it all that much.
It's my work, he'd say, and I do it for pay
And when it's over I'd just as soon go on my way
Up to some paradise
Where the trout streams flow and the air is nice
And ride a horse along a trail.
But then they took him to the jailhouse
Where they try to turn a man into a mouse.
All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance.
The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums
To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum
And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger.
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger.
And though they could not produce the gun,
The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed
And the all-white jury agreed.
Rubin Carter was falsely tried.
The crime was murder "one," guess who testified?
Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride.
How can the life of such a man
Be in the palm of some fool's hand?
To see him obviously framed
Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
Where justice is a game.
Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell.
Yes, that's the story of the Hurricane,
But it won't be over till they clear his name
And give him back the time he's done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
What else has been happening in my world?
Well, we went to Sydney as planned and it was fun. We spent time on Friday sorting out some house stuff, including planning a kitchen with the guys from "Romos" at Rutherford. The price has come in ok, but I might tweak it a little more yet. Any ideas of better flatpack kitchen suppliers, Bloggers? Beloved, Vegeboy and GG came home on Friday night. Scorpaboy & I stayed in Newie. SB had planned to spent time with friends and riding his bike.
Saturday, I took NanandPop puppy shopping, and finally arrived home at 3 in the afternoon with 2 new chihuahua puppies. Nan is the proud owner of a lovely white little girl with black spots & ears, with some tan spots, that she has named Gidget. Pop has a new little black guy, who has markings similar to a rottweiler (but much, much, much smaller), that he has named Pepe. Not a problem for him, but this is the 3rd Pepe that they've owned, including the one that was buried less than 2 weeks ago. Did I mention that Dad has some qualities that indicate that he is in the early stages of dementia? At least he won't forget the pup's name........ They are lovely and busy puppies. As one would expect. I went home shortly after that.
Sunday was a nice, quiet day at home. Then Sunday night I drove back to NanandPops as I had a 2 day computer course for work. Boring, and not all that helpful for me, but I did get to take SB & my brother to see "American Gangster" on the Monday night. I enjoyed it. But it's so hard to work out what makes people tick, isn't it? I liked the characters and I thought that Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington were great in these roles.
Tuesday, Beloved, VB and a friend caught a (very) early morning train down to spend the day at Lambton Pool, and so were all a little crispy-fried when they picked me up in the afternoon. After a trip to NanandPops to pick up SB's things, and later on the way home, SB himself, it was back to "Walnut Grove" as Lovely Lisa calls it.
The rest of the week has just been as per usual. Blog reading, scrabulous, work, shopping, house and family stuff. Beloved has finished removing the rear of the house, so we're ready to go as soon as the bank says "MUSH"......
I can't wait.
But for now, I'll just listen to the falling rain, listen to it fall. (And with every drop of rain, I can hear you call...)
Yep, there is a song for every occasion. Thanks Jose.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
If a picture paints a thousand words.....
My pictures WILL be posted!!
Read the post preceding this one, and it will make sense. (although there are no guarantees).
Before Beloved worked his magic, ably abetted by Scorpaboy.......
Read the post preceding this one, and it will make sense. (although there are no guarantees).
Before Beloved worked his magic, ably abetted by Scorpaboy.......
Afterwards, the job is almost done. This is Scorpaboy's rear view......
He's standing on what was formerly the bathroom ceiling
And last but not least,
The magnificent Vauxhall Victor 101.............
3 speed column-shift, good tyres, last registered in August 2005.
VICTORY IS MINE BLOGGER!!!!! *maniacal, hysterical laughter*.......
And now that it's nearing 1am, I'm off to bed..........
G'night...... >_< ...... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
House of Cards.....
My Beloved is a magician!
2 days ago, the back of my house looked like this....... (you'll have to imagine a ramshackle skillion addition hanging off the back of the house as blogger won't let me put my picture here... PLURGH!!!!!) .......
Tonight, ....VOILA!!!
(Indulge me here, folks. I had really good intentions..... Blogger even deleted me a number of times before I "undo'd" a few times...)
The back of my house has disappeared!
It has re-emerged as piles of debris all over the yard.
And the local tip is closed until Friday. Problem..... the trailer is full of decaying peach-tree & fly-blown-peaches, and we can't empty it then fill it up...over & over & over & over & over & over & over etc....
And Beloved needs it so we can take the trade-in motorbike to Sydney on Thursday... he will travel a few extra miles tomorrow to empty it, and collect a jackhammer to make a few more piles of debris..... but heavier this time.......
It's been a good few days. My birthday on Friday was good. Uneventful, but good. We bought me a laptop. YAY!!! I'll need it when I'm studying in Newcastle. Eventually, I'll connect it up to the internet so I can blog whenever I want (when we go wireless, that is). But I can't remember my bigpond account password.... and can't be bothered sitting on the phone to PC support for ages.... We emptied out the back of the house before the afore-mentioned demolition, into spaces that we had to make out of other spaces that really weren't spaces at all.
Does anybody want to buy a lovely 1964 Vauxhall 101 Special? We need to sell it to make space. It's not registered at the moment, but will easily pass........
(again, no picture here thanks to Blogger, but it's very neat and tidy, pale green, & runs well)
And I had a lovely day on Monday working split shifts at the local hospital as the rostered-on AIN was unwell. And it was good. Beloved and the builder nutted out the details of the up-coming addition. GG and Scorpaboy have a music festival in Sydney on Thursday night, so SB will have his 1st ever solo train ride to Hamilton to meet GG so that they can go together. The "Boys of Summer" ticket is her Xmas and birthday present to him. There are no sensible and safe trains scheduled for them to come home, so we will drive to Sydney (as already mentioned), have dinner with the bike seller and his wife, pick the kids up, then drive back to Nanandpops to sleep for a while......
As usual..... Phew......
That'll do for now.
I promised that I would blog more whilst I was on holidays.....
See you later ;0)
2 days ago, the back of my house looked like this....... (you'll have to imagine a ramshackle skillion addition hanging off the back of the house as blogger won't let me put my picture here... PLURGH!!!!!) .......
Tonight, ....VOILA!!!
(Indulge me here, folks. I had really good intentions..... Blogger even deleted me a number of times before I "undo'd" a few times...)
The back of my house has disappeared!
It has re-emerged as piles of debris all over the yard.
And the local tip is closed until Friday. Problem..... the trailer is full of decaying peach-tree & fly-blown-peaches, and we can't empty it then fill it up...over & over & over & over & over & over & over etc....
And Beloved needs it so we can take the trade-in motorbike to Sydney on Thursday... he will travel a few extra miles tomorrow to empty it, and collect a jackhammer to make a few more piles of debris..... but heavier this time.......
It's been a good few days. My birthday on Friday was good. Uneventful, but good. We bought me a laptop. YAY!!! I'll need it when I'm studying in Newcastle. Eventually, I'll connect it up to the internet so I can blog whenever I want (when we go wireless, that is). But I can't remember my bigpond account password.... and can't be bothered sitting on the phone to PC support for ages.... We emptied out the back of the house before the afore-mentioned demolition, into spaces that we had to make out of other spaces that really weren't spaces at all.
Does anybody want to buy a lovely 1964 Vauxhall 101 Special? We need to sell it to make space. It's not registered at the moment, but will easily pass........
(again, no picture here thanks to Blogger, but it's very neat and tidy, pale green, & runs well)
And I had a lovely day on Monday working split shifts at the local hospital as the rostered-on AIN was unwell. And it was good. Beloved and the builder nutted out the details of the up-coming addition. GG and Scorpaboy have a music festival in Sydney on Thursday night, so SB will have his 1st ever solo train ride to Hamilton to meet GG so that they can go together. The "Boys of Summer" ticket is her Xmas and birthday present to him. There are no sensible and safe trains scheduled for them to come home, so we will drive to Sydney (as already mentioned), have dinner with the bike seller and his wife, pick the kids up, then drive back to Nanandpops to sleep for a while......
As usual..... Phew......
That'll do for now.
I promised that I would blog more whilst I was on holidays.....
See you later ;0)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Nothing stays the same forever.....
As I told GG the other day, the only thing that you can be sure that will be constant in life, is change. Other than the love of a mother, that is.......... and a father too, I suppose.
As I ponder the things that are in the beginning of the new year, which also heralds the momentous occasion of my 46th birthday tomorrow, I am given pause to think...
Nah. Let's not go there. Instead, a point version of the Blogmuggle existence at this point.
As I ponder the things that are in the beginning of the new year, which also heralds the momentous occasion of my 46th birthday tomorrow, I am given pause to think...
Nah. Let's not go there. Instead, a point version of the Blogmuggle existence at this point.
- Christmas, spent in Newcastle with family. All presents successful and appreciated with just a few exchanges necessary. I was reminded yet again, as I sat on the balcony of an 8th floor apartment in Bolton street overlooking the harbour and up to Nobby's lighthouse, why I love Newcastle so much. And it should all be preserved as it is now.
- Boxing Day at the Mac's has been a family tradition, it was worked out, for 34 years now.... wow. It's always a good day to touch base with family, as funerals seem to be the only other time that this happens. Weddings and birthday celebrations seem to be a bit thin on the ground on our family.
- Home again on 29th, with GG in tow, which resulted in an uncommonly full rear seat in the mighty wagon.
- Clean up at home (very empty and somewhat mournful without the festive treatment), fun visits with friends and visits from family members in transit.
- New Years Eve spent on a friends farm. One beer consumed. Dabbling in fireworks resulted in an increase in the height of Beloved's hairline. No doubt, this is why fireworks were banned from general use........
- Jan 1, return to Newie with GG so she could attend work on Jan 2, then to "Raj's on the Corner" for dinner, followed by a movie; "Atonement". Loved this. There are always consequences to your actions. The filming and scenery were divine, even if it was wartime. And GG almost died with embarrassment when she realised that she'd rushed us in through the closed doors to watch the credits of the previous session. Still, we had our pick of the seats......
- Devastated Nanandpop by facilititating the euthanasia of their beloved old dog, Pepe, by having the unfortunate job of driving Nan and Pepe to the vets for the "Job" to be done while Pop was at work; Nan had decided that it was time to give the old, one-eyed, blind-in-that-one-dog some peace. We found out that he had a raging infection in one ear, and the other had already burst the eardrum.... chronic congestive heart failure, poor kidney function, but extensive use of fluid tablets resulted in the poor wee doggie peeing on whatever he thought might have been suitable... usually inside the house..
- Take Nan to her Aunty Viv's funeral on Thursday, Jan 3. She's the last of the "old generation", passing at the grand age of 84. Transported Aunty Marion and cousin Ally as well, and after the very short service (where Nan fully expected Aunty Viv to sit up in her coffin and mutter "bullshit", after the reading of the 23rd Psalm......), we dropped in on other relatives.... lots of hen-like cackling was heard by passers-by, no doubt. Evidently, our family owned half of Toronto... How come we're so poor???????
- Had a phone call from the Trainee Enrolled Nurse Co-Ordinator; I've been offerred a traineeship at Scone Hospital (45 country minutes from home), commencing with TAFE in Newcastle in April. Of course, I accepted (Unless you can see something better coming up for me Lisa....). So I have a little breathing space for now. Thank goodness....
- The bank has verbally ok'd our new mortgage for the renovations. This is a good thing (I think). The builder is due to start in 2 weeks. Of course, he's not my first choice, but what can you do when THE Master Builder isn't available to travel up to Walnut Grove (haha; haven't heard it called that for a while)
- GG is somewhat excited as Harvey Norman have a vacancy in Muswellbrook, and she's well over working at Golo in Belmont. She's heard nothing from the Jewellery Making Apprenticeship, so she's pressing on with other opportunities. So, she may come home again..... Does anybody have a caravan that we can borrow for a few months till after the renovations are done??? The poor kid doesn't have a room at home until they're done..... if she gets the job, that is.....
- Home for a few days. Family and friends will again drop in in transit. Had plans, but fiscal disabilities will most likely result in the consumption of 2minute noodles and rice until next Wednesday........ Petrol is SOOOOOO expensive at the moment. It jumped 10cents a litre overnight.....
- Anyway, I said that this would be short...... I am on leave until 11th, so maybe I will find time to babble on again.......
Woo Hoo.... It's gone past midnight.......
Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
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: Verse: Up beside the bag of toys, little Joey hopped , Chorus: Six white boomers ... Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat, Chorus: Six white boomers ... Joey said to Santa, Santa, what about the toys, Chorus: Six white boomers ... Soon the sleigh was flashing past, right over Marble Bar, Chorus: Six white boomers ... Well that's the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had, Chorus: Six white boomers ... You've gotta love Rolf Harris! | [ |
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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;
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
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......
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
Saturday, December 08, 2007
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;
And after all the excitement had died down, we discussed what we were going to do with the cardboard.
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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.
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)
Oh well.....
It's all good: I'd better go and give it a run......
Goodnight ;0)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
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!
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 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.
Friday, November 23, 2007
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)
________________________________________________
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)
________________________________________________
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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
__________________________________________________________________
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
__________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Oh, and have an MRI on the dodgy left knee and back to the surgeon tomorrow.....
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
More travelling.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I had the EN interview yesterday. It went well, but I won't know if it went well enough until December. So it's life as normal until then.
I have worked 2 days this week....... then I will again on Friday. But I will work all of next week.
Oh my... How will I survive it?????????????????
Anyway, I've got to finish cooking tea, then drive down to Nanandpop's as I have to be in Cardiff at 7am for the MRI.
See you all later.
Love, Bloggie.
<3
I Am The World's Greatest Mum!
Because I travelled to Sydney last Friday and took Vegeboy to see The WWE World Wrestling Championship at the Acer Arena.
Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Mr Kennedy, Snitskey, William Regal, Umanga, Randy Orton et al.......
Vegeboy said that he had the best night of his life!
Yes.
I am The World's Greatest Mum.
As were all of the other Great Mums that were there!
WORD!!!!
My visit to the orthopedic surgeon on Friday revealed that I have ostoearthritis in both knees.
Good.
Lose 10kilos, get some orthotics for my shoes, pay multiple visits to the physiotherapist (the private sports-physio; not the free hospital physio.....) do way more exercise and take high dosed of ($120 per bottle) glucosamine tablets and I should be right.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Oh, and have an MRI on the dodgy left knee and back to the surgeon tomorrow.....
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
More travelling.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
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........
Saturday, November 03, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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
:)
__________________________________________________
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
:)
__________________________________________________
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