Good morning, How are you? It's nice to see your face......

Well!

What a sleeping beauty I am! With no Prince Charming to wake me up (2 tried, but neither were very successful), I slept in this morning until 10.37am!!!

My, oh my.... I should be simply the most beautiful creature.

Alas.......

Oh well.

xoxoxoxoxo

It's a hazy shade of winter..........

Good Morning Bloggers!

It's a misty, damp, grey morning here in Walnut Grove. A good day to indoors watching "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers", which is exaxctly how I'm spending my day today. As I suspected, I was only allowed to work on Monday, and told only to come back when I am better. The doc in Muswellbrook sent me home with antiobiotics, which may or may not work, but with 5 days off, which should help. So under sufferance, I am home. I will return to work on Sunday evening. Mind you, I slept away most of yesterday, so there must be something in what the doc advised.

There is so much that I could be doing, but I'm not going to do it. Just some washing, minor cleaning/primping of the hovel that is home, and I'm going to try and get started on my TAFE essays that are due on August 4. Rest is the order of the next few days, because I REALLY want to go to work on Sunday. Mind you, I may have had my fill after 6 straight days of it.

And I'm really bored with my hair and the ugly, dirty-grey/brown re-growth at the roots. Foils are only good at hiding impending old age for so long, so I bought a temporary "Castings" colour called "Terracotta" to put into it. I bet it won't look anywhere near as good as it does on the pack. It never does, does it?

I find it incredible that Orlando Bloom looks so hot as a blond elf. But as all around him become grimy and sweaty-looking, he remains clean and neat. But still hot. He doesn't impress me as himself, though, just Legolas. And Aragorn: dirty, grimy, stringy-haired Aragorn? Mmmmmmmmm... Definitely appealing. Frodo tends to annoy me as the movie series progresses. I think my favourite character is Samwise Gamgee. He is honourable, faithful, honest: a true friend. And brave to the end. A bit like a labrador or boxer dog. By the way, this is a compliment to Sam. We all need a Sam or two in our lives. Maybe not all encased in one individual, somebody or bodies who can support and encourage us. His positive spirit and sense of fun seem to brighten even the darkest moments within the films. And those mischevious hobbits, Merry and Pippin, keep the story interesting too. And poor, poor Smegol. A tortured soul to be sure. And Gandalf the Grey becomes Gandalf the White, his wavy grey locks giving way to straight white. Even his trusty steed, Shadowfax, lightens his colour! The goodies are always in white aren't they, which is why I find in a bit of a conundrum that the evil wizard. Saruman, wears white.... He should never have ascended before our brave and true Gandalf..... There's a favourite line in our house: "You have my axe... (AHHHXXE)"......... And how about those dwarf women with their beards? I reckon I could pass for one in a few years..... And there's David Wenham as Faramir. My goodness, that man's a chameleon.

I am thankful that , as a result of an online application and resultant interview, GG has been offerred a job at Broadmeadow Maccas. Not her dream job, and one that she has steadfastly avoided since she commenced work at 15, but one that may help her to find her feet and pay her some money whilst she sorts herself out. It's not out of her comfort zone, that's for sure. Maybe she'll stop walking in that shrinking circle..... And develop enough confidence to step outside the little world that she has created for herself enough to see the person that others see, and want to be with, rather than the poor imitation that she thinks that she is.

And the biggest new of the week; WE HAVE 2 NEW TOILETS IN THE HOUSE...... AND THEY FLUSH!!!!! YEE-HAH!!!!! The plumber only dug a hole in the water main (which he installed) and nearly drowned himself, and cut through the phone line out the front when he was digging the trench for the stormwater out to the front. At least it was an old one, we found out today..... Poor old Baz had a shocker!

Anyhoo, I've bored you long enough. Have a good day!

I'm here with all of my people.......

At least, I was until GG caught the train home this evening.

Back in lovely Walnut Grove, as Lisa calls it. For 7 weeks until the next block of TAFE. We've been told by the head teacher to be afraid; very afraid. OK, I'll wait until then. I've too much to do to worry about it right now.

The lurgy that kept me home from Clinical Placement on Wednesday degenerated into me having had virtually no voice by Thursday night. I can absolutely assure you that it is a concrete fact that participating in Karaoke at the Town Hall Hotel on a Thursday night when one has had a virus will result in this. Everyone thought that I was joking on Friday morning until I continued to I croak my way through the day. The boys at home here think it's a hoot, and keep making me laugh as my voice is so far down in my boots.

What isn't good, is that I'm supposed to start at Scone Hospital tomorrow. I get short of breath very easily, can't be heard and constantly have to repeat myself, and am running rather low on the energy front. And I have the most pathetic, useless cough that is constantly challenging my bladder................ I will go to work, and see what they think. If I'm lucky, I might get the sympathy vote.

For something different, I have attempted to paint Beloved's grandparent's old sideboard in milk paint this weekend. It looks good so far, but it's certainly different stuff to work with: rather labour intensive, and will then need to be sealed (about 3-5 coats..yikes!) as it's going to be used as our bathroom vanity cupboard. We've had a new laminate top made that looks like granite, and it will have 2 sinks in it. The bathroom is all finished except for this and the lights, mirrors and towel rails and stuff, and I'm really happy with the result. Very swish!

Ah well, I get to have a bit of a lie-in in the morning: I don't have to leave until 7.30am...... Other mornings, I will have to be gone by 5.45am..... IT'S STILL DARK THEN PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

Goodnight all xoxoxo

Gotta feel for my automobile......

G'day.

I'm writing to you from the milky warmth of Nanadpops kitchen. I'm wapping TAFE clinical at placement at Singleton Hospital today. It's the last of 3, and I actually start real nursing at Scone Hospital next Monday. Actually, I've got a virus and feel pretty cruddy. GG shared it with me. A few others from TAFE did too, I think. I was sleeping on and off, but have given it up as a bad joke as the pups keep barking at everything that walks, floats, jogs, flies or flutters by........... At least if I let them in they're quiet some of the time. The little toads are peacefully sleeping in their bed at the moment....... I called into the RSPCA the other day ;0( . It now costs $50 to surrender a dog to them, and they will only accept a dog for re-homing after it is assessed for suitability. Other wise, they euthanase them..... There are some lovely little and not-so-little doggies and moggies there. Once they accept a beastie, it is kept until re-homed. There are chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs... and others that I didn't see, I'll bet.

So I've put on a load of washing, and I'm going to wash and replace Mum's china into the cabinets that I packed away when we replaced the flooring in April. I just haven't had the time to do it since. It sounds really lame, but I've been busy..... TAFE finishes on Friday, until August anyway. PHEW!!! I did my last exam for this block yesterday, and I passed, so no posts for me. 4 girls haven't been so lucky; they have to sit an Anat & Phys exam tomorrow, and it's sudden death for them.... and all be will be good nurses.... Some who passed might not be as good, I think. I wish that they had asked for help..... It will only get harder from here on; a few of us might be looking for tutoring for the next block, I think.

It still seems rather surreal here without Mum. It's ten weeks since she passed away today. 10 weeks. She is in my head, somewhere, all of the time. So I guess in that sense, I haven't really missed her. I talk to her all the time; the dialogue is very one sided these days. I miss her sense of humour, her family chats, the interludes of quiet. Her. I miss her.

But not much that I can do about that. I am moved very easily these days. TV sees me a very soggy muggle, rather often. As does music (not heavy or death metal; it just makes my ears bleed). I'm not sure how Pop will manage when I'm not here for the next 8 weeks. He has steadfastly resisted the urge to cook for himself, and quite happily absorbs the food that I present to him each evening, not complaining about the time or quality of what I give him. I convinced him to put a few McCain meals in the freezer when they were on special a few weeks ago, but they won't last long. I have suggested to my Bro that I will despatch the slow cooker to his place for use every week or 10 days. Pop will quite happily eat out of it for 3 days...

I have also managed to convince Pop that his brand-new-in-1974 Passat station wagon (Wheels "Car of the Year"!) is a little long in the tooth; he's grudgingly replacing it with a 1999 Polo this afternoon. He's grumbling about the work that it needs; I keep telling him that if he would have spent another 7grand, then he could have had a brand new car with 5 years warranty, and no fixing at all..... he's coming up for 72! It's a big step for him, though, even buying this one....... Even if he likes the car, he Won't be happy....... that's Pop. He is insisting that he needs to re-register the Passat, just in case. Actually, he has another very unattractive brown Passat sedan that is registered until January... You just can't convince him that he doesn't need all those cars. Just in case......

I rewarded myself last night for a job well done with an excursion accompanied by GG to the movies to see "The Chronicles Narnia: Prince Caspian". A great film. I really enjoyed it, and watching GG: she was immersed in the action, emotional and literally sitting on the edge of her seat! She's passionate, my girl. And Prince Caspian? Suffice to say that he is very beautiful. mmmm.

Oh well, I'd best do something with the washing. It's getting a little murky around here. Things will never dry. They'll be soggy, like me.

I should find a nice picture of something to put here, just to relieve the tediom of my writing for you, but alas........

See you later!

Make the best of what you've got......

I'm feeling a little flat tonight, so here's a few things to ponder......

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

What is the speed of darkness?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up every two hours?

Are there specially reserved parking spaces for "normal" people at the Special Olympics?

If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?

Do married people live longer than single ones or does it only seem longer?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze
these pink dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"

Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there... I'm gonna eat the next thing that comes outta it's bum."

Why do toasters always have a setting so high that could burn the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their bum when they ask where the bathroom is?

Why does your Obstetrician, Gynaecologist leave the room when you get undressed if they are going to look up there anyway?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs !

If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Stop singing and read on.......

Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

So there you go....

Nite. xoxox

How much is that doggie in the window??????

Well here they are; the ones with the waggly tails.......

Peppi and Gidget; the dynamic duo. They are supposed to be pure-bred chihuahuas...

We've had quite a few chihuahuas over the years.... and these just aren't like the others. They're lovely little dogs, though. They just love a cuddle....... and have very busily just cuddled up together on my jumper on the lounge. Cute. Too cute.

Sorry the photos are blurry.

Have you ever tried to get two energetic and busy pups to sit still for a photo??????
And I had to used GG's camera-phone, as well. You would think that I didn't own a camera. There is only a camera sitting on GG's table that can't be used as she's lost the charging cable (she received the camera as a Christmas gift...) And there's a still camera as well as a dvd/still camera at home.....

Peppi is the rather handsome black-coated boy on the right. He's about the size of a fox terrier. And Gidget is the rather blurry smaller wee-beastie on the left. She's a little bigger than an average chihuahua, but smaller than a smallish jack russell or foxy, with a roughish coat, with black and tan patches.

They are, in theory, siblings, from the same litter.
I think that mum was a bit of a girl around town, if you know what I mean..... There was another girl like Gidget in the litter that hadn't been sold when we bought these two. But she found her new home within minutes of us buying the other two anyway.

Here's Gidget finally sitting still for a millisecond.

If anyone knows someone who could give these guys a nice home, please let me know. They can be separated, but Peppi would find the separation a bit stressful in the beginning. It's nothing that some intense loving wouldn't fix. They've both been de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed and microchipped. Dad loves this pair, but he's beginning to become concerned (me too) as to how he will manage them when I'm not around in a few weeks.

2 weeks, to be precise. There are only 7 more face-to-face days of TAFE left......

2 more exams to go.......

Getting there, folks, getting there.

Last weeks exam went incredibly well. I guessed myself to a very hale and hearty 90% folks!!!! I was gobsmacked! The look on my face must have been priceless, as one of the girls was looking very concerned and asked if I was all right, or was something wrong.........

Let's hope that today's final anat & phys exam went along the same way.......

I had a very enjoyable day working at Singleton Hospital yesterday, and have 2 more clinical days on the next 2 Wednesdays. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and having 2 really good days. I am so lucky; my 2 TAFE-mates and I have been allocated the medical and maternity wards. They're not all that big, and the babies (of which there were 2 yesterday, a boy and a girl) are divine. There is NOTHING on this earth quite as miraculous to me as a baby. I never cease to be amazed/delighted/humbled and rivetted by the whole process......

Mother Nature at her absolute best.

And now, I've got to wash up. Tomorrow is footie at East Maitland, home to Wattle Grove, then Sydney for Scorpaboy to ride on Sunday. And a trip to IKEA for Beloved and I to pick up the lights for the bathroom. Hopefully, they'll be in stock this time. And this will be Beloved's 1st time for the Swedish experience....... probably his last, if I know him as well as I think I do.......

So have a safe and happy weekend all!!!!

Byeeee ;0)

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Oh Crystal ball... please help

HELP PLEASE PEOPLE!!!!!!!

Yesterday, One of the girls at TAFE was trying to describe "these blue stones that come from Mexico" to one of the other girls, and I just happened to have some turquoises in my bag. Or so I thought.

When I went to the zippered pocket of my bag, in the little pouch, in the little purse (both of which were open), instead of finding my 3 lovely blue stones, there was nothing! They were of little value in a monetary sense, but they were a gift from my departed and much-beloved Aunt for my 21st birthday. I had found the pouch and put it in my bag a few weeks ago to show GG, and just hadn't taken it out. There was $1400 in another purse in the same pocket, and it's still there... well it was until I banked it shortly afterwards.

Any ideas? I've been in too many cars and too many places to be sure of where I've lost them....

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

:0(

PS.... sorry about the title xoxoxo

Lions and tigers and bears.. and not seeing the forest for the trees...

Hrumph!

Hormones are raging.

Home from TAFE to snarling exchange with GG (who most likely has her own hormonal issues). Decided she doesn't want to "Do" anything anymore at TAFE. Last week we decided that this was ok. She just wants to move out, work, and live her life.

Pah.

Wouldn't we all????????

She's had a wonderful weekend tripping around the countryside with her friends.
I guess that's 1 out of 3. A request in regard to a job application that SHE was keen on pursuing, and hasn't bothered about, sparked the exchange. Lots of time to spend with friends in the last week, and recovering from said fun. Too busy to due anything of any real importance, it would seem.

She does nothing around the house, including washing up (once or twice a fortnight at most) unless it is nagged out of her. Won't help out by cooking, but will happily cook her self cheesy 2min noodles courtesy of her Pop's fridge and cupboard, an hour before tea time. Doesn't wash up her mess, either. She never puts anything away; you can always see where she's been. Tonight, when I arrived home and commenced cooking tea, I noticed the residual mess from her meal preparation. When challenged (too strong a term, really), about her lack of consideration of other housemates, (ie, me asking why she didn't start some veges for tea since she'd been home for quite a while, rather than just look after herself, she said "fine, I won't eat then". Me, I say, "Well, if you won't contribute to the household, then maybe you shouldn't".. She has lived here with Nanandpop for over a year, rent-free, and has never even lifted a duster or even dreamed about cleaning the bathroom, despite repeated requests on my part. Her bedroom: most likely quarantined by council. She washes her clothes occasionally, and puts them straight into the drier... Hang them on the line? What? That would take effort... She has been continually asked not to smoke in her room, but this has been disregarded as well. A real risk of fire....She always owes Pop money for the utilities. Tonight, I told that she is just a sponge, sucking whatever she can get. I'm over it.
I don't have a problem with her wanting to live "her own life", but with that choice comes responsibility. Such as actually having to pay one's own way, and consider others around you and contributing to the household. She is working 1 or 2 days each week, but is not eligible for benefits as she is a "Full-time"student (that's a joke); I mentioned to her that now that she's not going to TAFE anymore then she can probably register for unemployment benefits but since that entails actually going to Centrelink, which she detests, it's doubtful. And she'll actually have to apply for jobs and attend interviews. And report to Centrelink again.

She just can't wait to "Move out and Be her own person".......... Neither can I. Actually, I thought she did that last year. Except that it's not really all that much fun. Especially when your lifestyle keeps you broke. And you can't get out of your own way to change it.

Growing up sucks. It only gets harder, especially if you do it the hard way.

Anyway, she stomped off to burlesque dancing (in the car that I pay for); she might as well enjoy it while she can "afford" it..........

I hate the way our communication sucks like this, more often than not these days. But I'm tired of repeating myself. And making excuses.

But I know that I'm not alone. And as she says, "at least I'm not doing ice , Mum.....".

And she'd better not either.

Every time I've wanted to publish a post like this one, I've stopped myself out of respect for the feelings of all involved. Tonight, I just decided to..... Actions and consequences.

I'm ready.

And dinner's cooked, so Pop and I will pass a quiet meal together. There's never much to say.

Nite all.

xoxoxoxo

Blinded by the light........

Does anyone realise how AMAZING it is to be able to walk into a room and switch on a light?????

Finally, we can do just that.

It's only been 3 years since we bought this house.... we've had very moody, ambient lighting provided by bedside lamps........

Yessirree.... electricity is GOOD!!!

Thank you Mr Edison, for your electric light bulb.

And Alexander Graham Bell.
And Gugliemo Marconi
And John Logie Baird.

Luv 'em all.

See you all. I'm off to bed. Unfortunately, Beloved is already in residence, so I can't experience the joy of the flick of the switch.......

Oh well. At least he's warmed the bed.

He's good at that.

Goodnight! xoxo

PS; Here's the rest of the song, minus a few repetetive bits; What on earth is it about?????

Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Madman drummers bummers,
Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder, feelin' kinda older,
I tripped the merry-go-round
With this very unpleasin', sneezin' and wheezin,
the calliope crashed to the ground
The calliope crashed to the ground
But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,

Some silicone sister with a manager mister told me I go what it takes
She said "I'll turn you on sonny to something strong,
play the song with the funky break"
And go-cart Mozart was checkin' out the weather chart to see if it was safe outside
And little Early-Pearly came by in his curly-wurly and asked me if I needed a ride
Asked me if I needed a ride
But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light

She got down but she never got tired
She's gonna make it through the night
She's gonna make it through the night
But mama, that's where the fun is
But mama, that's where the fun is
Mama always told me not to look into the eye's of the sun
But mama, that's where the fun is

Some brimstone baritone anticyclone rolling stone preacher from the east
Says, "Dethrone the dictaphone, hit it in it's funny bone,
that's where they expect it least"
And some new-mown chaperone was standin' in the corner,
watching the young girls dance
And some fresh-sown moonstone was messin' with his frozen zone, reminding him of romance
The calliope crashed to the ground
But she was...
Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night
Blinded by the light

Madman drummers bummers, Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder, feelin' kinda older,
I tripped the merry-go-round
With this very unpleasin', sneezin' and wheezin,
the calliope crashed to the ground
Now Scott with a slingshot finially found a tender spot and throws his lover in the sand
And some bloodshot forget-me-not said daddy's within earshot save the buckshot, turn up the band
Some silicone sister with a manager mister told me I go what it takes
She said "I'll turn you on sonny to something strong"

Who would know??? oxoxo

Black Dog..... with tan. Smooth. Very smooth. With big ears . And one with white and tan too... Small and rough coated, with amazing eyebrows..

never fear, the Blogmuggle is here.

Sort of.

TAFE is ok. Today I was nominated as competent in "Infection Control Procedures". OSCA was better than expected last week; I earned a smashing 37 out of 40 (equal 1st place) until another student complained of inconsistencies in the gradings, so all the exams were re-called. 8 students will be affected by the review, and guess what???? I'm one of them.......

*sigh*

oh well..... At least it's done and out of the way. Tomorrow night I have my Senior First Aid exam and Skills assessment.

GOD IT'S HARD TO TYPE WITH TWO PUPPIES WRESTLING NEXT TO YOU (AND ON YOUR LAP AND LAPTOP!!!!!!!)

I have another exam on Friday, and then another couple over the final few weeks.

Yes, that's right..... final few weeks ....... only 3 more after this one......

Damn. Now Gidget wants to sit on my lap. I now have a pup under each forearm, laying down along side me, as close as they can get.

Does anybody want a 7 month old, vaccinated, desexed, microchipped chihuahua cross terrier pup? There are 2 here that could do with a busy household........ seriously. These puppies are way too busy for my dad. They drive him mad. But he loves them. I keep telling him that he needs an adult dog, but it's just all too hard. And Mum bought them.

Anyway, I am all out of puff for tonight. I need to study. Anat and Phys I can do; bullshite theorists I have to work on........

Why do I feel like I want it to be Friday....... when it's only Tuesday??????????????

I can't even think of a title for my blog.

There's no music in there tonight. Thinking, thinking..... Yeah..... that will do.

It's right on up there at the top.

Love and hugs. You can't have too much of either.

And I think I might as well sign up for the non-practicing lesbian club..........

Shiny happy people......

Hi guys!!!

Well, natural brilliance has come to the rescue at TAFE. My first Anat & Phys exam netted me 89%... WOOT! It gives me a nice window of comfort for the next one... (cue evil laughter) muhahaha....

And then in a communications role play last Wednesday I earned 75%... thanks goodness for Mr Harris, an new amputee who was concerned about his star greyhound, "Blue Steel", racing at Dapto last Saturday because his wife, Sylvie, was too busy to train him....... well, we were told that Mr Harris had pain after his leg amputation; the rest was my invention.......

I've handed in my "Legal Studies" essay early today (it wasn't due in until Friday) as there is a major Interview/Role Play scenario assessment tomorrow, termed 'OSCA' (Objective Structured Clinical Assessment)... very scary..... Then next Tuesday, there is another role play assessment on Risk Assessment, plus an assignment on OH&S. The following Friday there is an exam on Nursing Practice....... Before the end of the month I have a day of clinical placement at Singleton Hospital, followed by another Anat & Phys exam the next day. I've got 4 nights of Senior First Aid as well over the next 2 weeks as well. More exams and assessments follow on over the last few weeks...... Phew!

I guess I'd better get off here and get on with my revision. I'm not really all that confident about OSCA.......

One more thing; My friend, Katrina, is having a lumpectomy & her axillary lymph glands removed tomorrow morning about 9 o'clock, so all any healing thoughts you can send her way would be appreciated. And check your breasts, my friends. Please.

And I think I've finally worked what Mothers' Day is all about now that Mum is gone......

Ok.... It's head down, bum up for me for now.

Love to you all, Bloggie :0)

A Kiss Is Not A Contract

I love these song lyrics...they just tickle my weird ol' fancy......

A kiss is not a contract
But it's very nice
Mmmmm, very nice
Just because you've been exploring my
mouth
Doesn't mean you get to take an
expedition further south
No.
A kiss is not a contract,
But it's very nice,
It's very, very nice,
Just because we've been playing tonsil
hockey
Doesn't mean you get to score the goal
that's in my jockey
Just because I'm in a two man
novelty band
Doesn't mean it's all about
poontang.
I can't go around loving everyone
I just wouldn't get anything done
You can take me out to dinner that
might be quite nice
you could buy me a burrito and some beans
and rice
but that won't get you into pants
paradise
They call it a fly because it takes
you up to heaven oh oh
A kiss is not a contract but it's very
nice. It’s very very nice.
I'm only one man, baby, pretty baby
We're only two men, ladies
Babies. Pretty babies.

Thanks to Flight of the Choncords for this very enlightening prose.......

It's a lovely day today....

Good Morning Bloggers.

Sunday morning in Blogmuggle land is quiet. Beloved & SB have gone a-biking in Sydney, GG is in Mussie after a night of "visiting" with dear friends, and VB is still snoring quietly in his room with another sonorous friend.

Nice. I'm sitting in my mum's dressing gown, the fire is still warm from last night, and Clare Bowditch is playing on the stereo. I've enjoyed my cup of tea and toast with vegemite.

Yep, nice. But it can't go on for much longer.

I have to walk down the street to buy washing powder and fire up the washing machine, as the baskets overfloweth. Beloved has been doing his best. The shed looks ok (it's all relative, you know), the boys and he aren't starving, and all appointments have been met so far. So, they CAN survive without me. But I don't think that it's a state that they can maintain for a very long time. It's do-able at the moment because there is an end-date..... June 13 to be exact. For this block of TAFE anyway.

Poor Beloved's been very busy on the house front this week too. He has 3 weeks more of long service leave, then it's back to work (for a rest, methinks). I don't think that enough is going to be done to allow him to relax back into work, and things are going to drag on...... We should have been having a painting frenzy this weekend, but the gyprock setter, who was supposed to be here on Monday hasn't turned up, and so nothing more that relates to the walls/ceilings can be done. The wet-area waterproofing guy is booked in for tomorrow and I don't know how he's supposed to do his job either. And if he doesn't get his bit done, then the council can't inspect it, the tiler can't tile, and the plumber can't plumb. And that's only the wet areas.......

Mind you, there's plenty of other things to do. A couple of doors needs painting or oiling, the old sideboard that was Beloved's grandparents' needs to be sanded, sealed and milk-painted so it can be transformed into a vanity cupboard, and I need to spray-frost 2 fanlights that are being transformed into a window.

And then there's TAFE. Tomorrow is the 1st anatomy & physiology test, so study needs to be done..... I think I'm going to be winging it with a rather large percentage of my natural brilliance, as my focus has been a little bit absent..... I'm sure it will kick in, won't it? Some of my fellow students have been studying using flashcards.... what the ????????

See, here I am blogging when I should be studying, washing, painting (do you ever have trouble with letters? Painting always comes out as apinting, you as yopu, woman as woamn and have as hvae or something similar) spraying, sanding.

Nope, no discipline.

But

I am glad of my life. I am lucky; fortunate. Please send some healing love to my friend Sharon, who has been fighting the good fight against cancer for a few years now. She is being released from the hospice at the Mater on Wednesday to come home...... there is no miracle cure for all. She remains strong, but there is an air about her, a look that says "love your life"... Something has shifted in her recently..... I haven't spent a great deal of time with her, as she is an incredibly private person, and I didn't wish to intrude into her space & peace that she has so carefully constructed around herself. Her husband is beautiful; her teenagers are simply that. They've been dealing with this all for a few years now, no children should have to. It's bloody difficult enough for adults..... I visited her in hospital last week, and showed her the angel gift pouch that Lisa had given me the morning of Mum's funeral and her reaction was amazing. She rolled it around in her hands, looking at the angel, then lifted it to her face, closed her eyes and sniffed, inhaling the perfume of the flowers, and lost herself in it for a few seconds. "That's beautiful", she said, holding it a little longer, before, handing it back. "Lovely", she said.
But you know, I think that she needs it more than I do now.....

Anyway, as I said, I have no discipline. I just get lost in the writing. And that, Diana, is what is so good about being able to blog.... I suppose other people might even find themselves in the writing.

I've got to go. Life awaits.

Love to you all.

Cyndy xoxox ;0)

No songs about 8...

Jacqui tagged me so..... here are 8 random facts about me.....

1. I love golliwogs..... politically incorrect term that it is, I just lurve the little material guys and gals....
2. I have a collection of Royal Doulton "Old Country Roses China".
3. My husband and my best friend share the same birthday, and we share the same wedding anniversary date, too.
4. I spent 20yrs Scottish Highland Dancing, and taught from the ages of 14 to 25... as well as intermittent times afterwards.
5. I am absolutely hopeless at managing my money.
6. My 1st pet was a black dachshund named "Schnitzie"
7. My favourite hot drink is a chai latte
8. I thought that I was fat when I weighed 58kg.... How sad is that???????

So who to tag??????

Kris from "Chronicles of Kris..."
Toni from "Things are Getting Better"
Jen from "One Day at a Time.."

TAG...... YOU'RE IT!!!!!!!

Halloo Everyone!!

It's so nice to be back. Although I must say, I haven't actually missed blogging, but I HAVE missed reading and putting in my 2 bob's worth on everyone else's blogs.

It's been such a busy week at TAFE that I wouldn't have had the time to spare anyway. Just the anatomy & physiology is enough to do my head in. When I started the first year of nursing at uni when Vegeboy was a baby, we covered the same area over a period of 3 or so weeks that we have covered in 1 or 2 days this week....... And after 8 hours at TAFE, we are then expected to put in around 3hrs of "self-directed learning" as well as review what was done in class and prepare essay topics... PHEW!!!

I'll just keep on pedalling, shall I?????

Things have been quite busy for Beloved at Wattle Grove. The extension is now "locked up" and the lining has commenced on the inside. Together, he and I will gyprock the our bedroom and hallway this weekend. Hopefully, the new bit will be ready to paint next weekend. So if any of you are keen hands with a paint roller or brush, feel free to head on up and work out some of your creative urges. I'll have to get stuck in and buy some paint this week. And choose the colour too. I know that we're going to paint the kitchen walls the same red as Scorpaboy's room, but I have to choose an off-white/cream for the rest of the living area, and there are just soooo many. An I'm a bit concerned that the ceiling paint that we have used in the boys' rooms might be a bit to "yellow" for the living area........

Trivial, isn't it. But it's my nest; I've waited 3 years and put us through the ringer to have the home that I want.... and I want to LOVE it when it's done...... Even though Beloved keeps reminding me with a smirk that HE will have a lovely new kitchen to use.... and he can't cook....... It had better be clean!!!

When I take some up-to-date pics tomorrow, I'll try to post some pics of the progress......

Cheers!

GOOD LUCK TO KRISTY-LEE & KADE TOMORROW!!!!!

So long, it's been good to know you...

Or at least that's how it's going to seem.

I'm off to Nan&Pops this afternoon, and won't be back here at home until next weekend..... and there is no internet there, even though I have been paying for broadband for over 12 months. GG's modem died sometime in January, and despite repeated attempts and requests to telstra, it is still not fixed.

I am awaiting a consultant as we speak........ Crap! I could be here for hours, and I have to take the ferals to see the Crusty Demons soon......

After requesting fellow time-wasters/coffee drinkers the other day, I then realised that Saturday was a busy day at The Cottage..... so I'll find other ways of amusing myself.........

Oh, this is bullshit! I can't spend all this time waiting for Telstra..... I dealt with for them nearly 2hours over 3 phone calls about 10 days ago..........

See y'all later. Have a good weekend!!!!!

hugs and kisses, muggle xoxooxoxoxx

Brown sugar...... (or not)

Oh, By the way....

Is anybody up for coffee on Saturday afternoon? After 2pm?

I have some time to fill while Beloved and Vegeboy are at "Crusty Demons"..........

Fancy forgetting the most important piece of information.......

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Love never dies...............

Well, hello there bloggers.

It's been a very, very fast week since Mum passed away. And there's lots, yet not enough to do to organise a funeral. A myriad of minute details that all have to be addressed for the Funeral Directors to do their job to the best of their ability. Which is ok, except that most of them you really can't be bothered with. And there can be some genteel resistance (raised eyebrows and a quizzical "OK, how/why do we do that?") if you wish to do something a little out of the ordinary. But anyway, Mum's funeral is done. And it was, in my opinion, a Good One. A real celebration of her life. And very much ( I hope) the type of send off that she wanted. It's hard to do that if people don't tell you what it is that they actually want, and most people don't tell anyone what they would like at the end. It is intensely personal. So you have to fly blind, really. But to me, it was important that Mum's funeral was significant and really about her. A unique individual, she was.

A few people (well, lots really) have asked why and how I delivered Mum's eulogy (AKA yoo-goo-gally, for those fans of "Zoolander") at her memorial service. I'll answer "Why" first. Actually, I just couldn't bear the thought of some stranger telling my mother's story, based on a half hour meeting with family members who are too upset to really think about the importance of their answers to generalised questions. And I had decided quite a few weeks ago that I would like to do it; last year after I spoke at old Jess' funeral, actually. It is such an honour and privilege to speak about someone at such an important occassion. You can't underestimate how much it helps the people who are attending to remember the real person that they know and love at such a sad time. It also goes without saying that I loved my mother, and I wanted to protect her memory and make her proud of me. And, my heart and my gut (and maybe my mother) told me that I must.

How? As I said to Lovely Lisa way back when things first started to get away on us with Mum's care, Mum and I had been discussing her potential death for quite some time, so on some level, the idea wasn't quite so scary for me. Too horrid to really consider, but a possibility none-the-less. And after watching my mother suffer for too long, the Monday before she died, I was able to ask my Mother had she had enough of her life, and she nodded. So together we made the decision that we had been discussing for years. Her trust in me is amazing.... And then we had to wait a little while for the "healthcare professionals" to convince others that it was time. Which, thankfully, they did. Then I had two beautiful, peaceful nights alone with my mother; for some reason, my family decided that I would be the one to stay with Mum each night. And I am eternally grateful to them for this, as it allowed to me to share my innermost thoughts with my Mum, and grieve in private, in my own time. A wonderful gift, to be sure. And even though the dialogue was one-sided, it gave me the time and space that I needed to face the task ahead, and deal with the grief of others. As my mother would have, and would expect me to also. She was always the strong one, my mother; the family matriarch; the rock. And now it's my turn. That's not to say that I am finished grieveing for my mother. I will never stop missing her. But rather than turn into the "wailing woman" that my daughter suggested I ought to be (tongue-in-cheek), I am a bit of like a tap that needs a new washer, or re-seating. Self-preservation whilst others are distressed (ie not taking on their emotions) was important to me, and enabled me to provide them with comfort when they needed it. And just writing Mum's story gave me an outlet as well. And on the day of her service? It is amazing how the presence of all those people gave me the strength that I needed. In their face of their loss and the depth of their love, I found strength. As I looked around the room, I could see the teary smiles as people remembered their roles in Mum's life and it helped me enormously to press on. And my family were unfailing in their belief that I was the right person to represent them and Mum. Faith can carry you far, can't it? My mother made me believe that just about anything was possible. I used to bring her home carnations from off the compost heap at school when I was little and we would plant them in the garden together. I was delighted to watch them grow. It wasn't until I was a lot older that I discovered that Mum used to buy carnation plants of the same colour and plant them so as not to disappoint me......
As kitchy as it sounds, I was wrapped up in a big warm glove of love on Monday.......
And I really believe that my Mum was right there with me, encouraging me and giving me strength. I am my Mother's daughter, after all.......
And my kids needed to see that even in the worst possible scenario, good things can happen. As awful as funerals are, the people who are left behind need them. The uplifted feelings afterwards and subsequent relaxation in the people that came to my Uncle and Aunt's home afterwards was a wonderful thing. The house was full of life and laughter. A lot of folk who haven't seen each other for a long time were brought together thanks to Mum, and plans have been made for re-unions. She will be pleased.
And later on that night, as I curled up on the lounge to sleep, my beautiful Mother smiled at me from a photo on the cupboard. And I'm sure her smile was broader than before.........

I will be forever thankful to my Beloved for his un-wavering and un-questioning support over the past few months. He has coped well with my absence, with my grief, as well as that of the children and his own. I really haven't been there for any of them lately. And most important of all, he seemed to understand my need for my own space, especially around the time of Mum's death. He was there for me, but quietly, if you know what I mean. I am quite sure that a lot of men end up dis-enabling & dis-empowering women with their urge to protect them at times, even though they seek only to help them.

I thank you all. I'm sure that your thoughts carried me through as well. And Lisa, your gift is now in my handbag, and carried at all times. As is Mum's little Buddah that was always in her handbag. I hope that they don't counteract each other... both are gifts of love....

That's enough for tonight. You can't suffer too much of the inner workings of the Blogmuggle in one sitting. Tomorrow I will blog some pics of the house. The renos are progressing, and all the ridiculous hiccups not withstanding, am loving the way it is looking!

Goodnight *mwa* zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

By Rick Price

By the creek there's a church yard and a tree so tall
She was only forty-seven when she passed away
And though the years go by, still it feels like yesterday
Sitting there by the wood stove
On a cold winter morning
I can see her in her dressing gown
Saying "You'll be late for school"
She had such a gentle way
She'd understood, and with a mother's heart
She loved me like no other could

Now I know that love never dies
I believe it, true hearts never lie
Even though sometimes I cry
I know that love never dies

Midnights and country roads
In the old blue Holden
Saying "Son, if you work hard...
Well you're bound to be a star"
Every show we played from Tamborine to Kerry Town
She was always there
That special face in every crowd

Now I know that love never dies
I believe it, true hearts never lie
Even though sometimes I cry
I know that love never dies

I swear sometimes I feel her
Smiling down on me
How I love that woman
And what she gave to me

So God be her shepherd
And keep her safe and warm
Never let her heart grow weary
Never let her feel alone
And when the angles come to take me
Tell her I won't be afraid
'Cause I know in heaven she waits

For love never dies
I believe it, true hearts never lie
Even though sometimes I cry
I know that love never dies

Even in the quietest moments.

Good morning bloggers.

It has been an interesting few days, too say the least. In amongst the matter of dealing with the matters that surround loosing a loved one, and believe me, there are a lot of them, the everyday things of life just go on. And thank goodness for that.

Yesterday, on the lovely Lisa's birthday, I watched Vegeboy play a great game of football against Western Suburbs, which ended up with two of our boys hospitalised, one with concussion, and the other had been carted off in an ambulance. I'm not sure what had happened to Brandon, but it's a lousy way to finish off a game, which ended up as a draw.

Then I had the most lovely afternoon, spent with family and friends at the wedding of my beautiful God-daughter, Leah, to Chad. Actually, I really should say night, as Beloved and I arrived home and hit bed at about 2am..... Chad and Leah were married on the jetty at Nords Wharf, and the reception was held up the road at their parents' house. The weather was beautiful, and the lake was a beautiful, slightly rippling mirror. The bride was gorgeous in her pale, icy green gown, and the groom glowed when he saw her. The service was simple, elegant and meaningful.

And then the party started. Doug and Janine had devoted their small yard and had a marquee and dance floor erected over the pool area for the occassion. The food.... OMG.... the food!!!! Little tasty bits served in those natty little chinese-takeaway-style boxes...Yummo! Noodles, risotto, tiny filet-mignons, beef and chicken kebabs, thai salads, fresh prawns..... teeny tiny gelatos cones for desert... or a fresh fruit and cheese platter...... and more that I just can't remember. And loads of trusty old alcohol.

I say that these people are my family, but there is no blood that links us. What we have is more than that. And it's more enduring. These people met me as a child, and chose to keep me. And I love them. More than a lot of relatives that I never see, but must be linked to........

Having said that, I have a lot of rellos that I share DNA with that I adore as well. I LOVE my family..... all the ones that matter, anyway.

Anyway, I have to get on with the realities of my life at the moment. They are insistent, and keep pressing against my carefully constructed bubble walls that are keeping them at bay. I have a yoo-goo-gally (that's eulogy for those who haven't seen "Zoolander") to write for my luvverly mum..... If anybody has anything that they would like included, please let me know. Her funeral is tomorrow at Pettigrew's funeral chapel at Belmont at 2pm. All are welcome. So I'd better get on with it... no pressure here...... but then again, some of my best work has come out of a last minute rush.......

Bye-eeee xoxoxoxox

Sadie.....

Hi guys.

Sorry for not being present in blogland lately. Life's been full, as usual. Lot's of time has been spent in Newcastle with my family. Things have not gone well with mum. This afternoon, at about a quarter to two, she passed away. At the moment, my feelings are mixed, to say the least. Most tangible is the feeling of relief that mum is finally free of the dreadful pain of the past few weeks.

I guess that I am numb. Everything is surreal. At her house, it just feels like the same empty place as the last few weeks whilst she has been in hospital.


A busy few days are ahead.

And then I will get on with the business of living without her in my life. Not sure about this one. Actually, it scares the crap out of me.

I guess I'll just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

More later. I'll need to blog, I think.