My Day

0230     Ben cries, realise Ryan is in my bed.  Return Ryan to his bed, get Ben and go back to sleep.

0530     Ryan comes back to my bed.

0630     Ryan says its morning time and wants a sandwich.  Ben wakes up, hears the word sandwich and immediately wants a sandwich.  Make two sangers and plonk them in front of ABC2 while I get ready.

0700     Wake Mark who refuses to wake up.  Dress little boys, make lunches.


0730     Jamie arrives home

0750     Leave for work, drop Mark at school, drop boys at daycare.

0830     Arrive at work, busy busy busy like totally nuts for the whole morning.

1230    Boss leaves for a conference, everything calms down a bit.

1500    Finish work, try on a pair of shorts - look ok.

1600    CT of my back to find out why my back hurts.

1700    Pick up some tshirts in Glenroy for the little boys.  Get massively lost driving home.

1745    Pick up boys.

1810    Arrive home.  Cook tea and discuss days events.

1900    Grocery shopping.

2030    Put boys in bed - stories and songs.

2100    Make granola, meatloaf for tomorrow nights tea and some pumpkin pies

2200    Jamie leaves for work

In between times I'm doing the laundry, tidying up, keeping everything running smoothly and EATING EATING EATING.

2330    Fall into bed and wait for the RLS to start.

Q&A time... because I love doing these.

What was the last song you sang aloud?
The Alphabet Song - like I do everyday

When did you last cry?
I cry regularly when I leave my house in the morning, getting three kids ready and out the door makes me lose it and I cry until I get around the corner.

How are you feeling?
Exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated and annoyed.

If your boyfriend were to say he was breaking up with you, would you let him go or still hold on?
Oh he has to stay.

If you look straight ahead past your computer screen, what do you see?
Our delightful diagonal timber feature wall.

Kissed someone in the past week?
I have kissed the 4 men in my life and both of my parents this week.  Oh and my friend Connie too (she's Italian and I get kissed hello and goodbye each time)

Does anything hurt on your body right now?
Nah, all good.

Ever listened to a song on repeat or does it drive you crazy?
I can do repeat.

Do you want someone to call you right now?
I wish I could talk to my husband.  But he's at work.

Last person you had a deep conversation with?
Mum.

Do you wear glasses? If so, how long have you had to wear them?
Nope. 

Is there something you're not looking forward to?
Really don't feel like working the next two days.  I don't want to clean this house.

Is something wrong right now?
Yes we are renovating and my baby is sick.

Is iTunes currently open on your computer?
We are not an Apple family.  We do however have Spotify and no its not on.

Are you mad at someone?
Fairly constantly mad at my husband.  Frustrated with others.

Do you plan on sleeping in tomorrow?
WHAT?  What even does that mean?

Can you honestly say you listen to all kinds of music?
No.

Last sporting event you watched?
Nah, don't watch sport but do sometimes enjoy listening to it on the radio

What does your best friend call you?
Christy

Would you prefer a thunderstorm or for it to be snowing?
Thunder

Laptop or Desktop?
I hate laptops.

What company is your cellphone provider?
Oooh this is an exciting question - Telstra

What were you doing 4 hours ago?
I was at the doctor with my baby

Where did you go to yesterday?
Work, gym, home

Have you ever fought over the opposite sex?
Nope.  Whoops, not fight but yelled at someone over my ex (there might have been some alcohol involved)

Are you good at math?
I'm not bad at Maths, but have a shit memory.  Also never learned the times tables and have forever regretted that.

What's your favorite holiday?
Our trip to Thailand.

Have you ever gone to a concert?
Yes quite a few.  Going to see Bon Jovi again this year for the uhem 5th or 6th time

What brand of shirt did you wear today?
Susanne Grae

Do you cry a lot?
Yep

Would you rather date or Leonardo DiCaprio or Matt Damon?
Eww, neither.

Do you act more silly or serious?
Probably silly.

Are you good at keeping secrets?
No - dont' tell anyone ok.

Would you rather spend or save your money?
I want to save it, but what I do is spend it.  Our house is at the stage where EVERYTHING needs to be replaced.  Our clothes are at the stage where everything needs to be replaced.  And everyone has to eat.

Do you ever wear hats?
No

How many times have you kissed the last person you kissed?
Daily - or almost daily - my darling husband who I'm mad at.

The person you have feelings for shows up at your house, what do you do?
Oh its you... can you sweep the floor?

Are you currently frustrated with a girl/boy?
Yes.  I'm frustrated infinitely by my eldest son!

Will you talk to the person you like tonight?
I'll probably text him goodnight.

Do you have a reason to smile right now?
i sure do :)

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Oooh this is hard.  Everything would be easier if I hadn't met the frenchman, but then I wouldn't have my frustrating eldest son.  So probably best not to go back in time.

Where were you at 9am this morning?
At work being exasperated by a care plan.

Everything happens for a reason?
Oh I guess so

Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?
Holy crap, I've texted... mum, Raihanah, Sylvia, Kellie, Stephanie, Jamie, Jocelyn, Connie and Elysha.  Thank goodness I have a high volume plan.

Do you prefer being single or taken?
I'm a married woman to a man I adore and who drives me nuts.

Are you too forgiving?
Yeah.

What was the last song you listened to?
Umm.... on purpose was You can call me al by Paul Simon.

What's irritating you right now?
The fact that I haven't gone to bed yet, and that I have another week of working 6 out of the 7 days.

What are you stressed out about?
Rosters, working too much, messy house, sick children, unfinished projects, procrastination, weight loss (or lack thereof)

In the past week have you smiled?
Yes.  My children do make me smile.  I also enjoy my patients (sometimes)

Most memorable thing that happened to you this winter?
I can;t think of a thing.

Do you think you're wasting your time on the person you like?
No.

Do you believe ex's can be friends?
No. 

What is more important, happiness or trust?
Trust brings happiness.

Do you have strong feelings for last person you texted?
That was my sister.. so I do love her.

How many kids do you wanna have?
I'm very happy with my three.

Do you think people talk about you?
Oh yes they do.

Do you think two people can last forever?
Why not.

If you could move out of the house right now, would you?
I really like this house, but I'd prefer it to be renovated and a professional cleaner in once a week.

Has someone put their arm around you in the past five days?
Marko.

Is there anything pink within 5 feet of you?
My phone cover.

11 Questions

1. What's your favorite place to shop? 
Absolutely 100% not a shopper.  I do love grocery shopping and am totally digging my La Manna supermarket in Essendon. 
For clothes, well I just suck at shopping, but do manage to get some ok items at Suzanne Grey.  I really want to check out Zara in the next week or so.  See if that is possible.  Might go into town early tomorrow before work.
  
2. What 5 people (dead or alive) would be at your dream dinner party? 
Not a fan of a question like this.  They'd have to be chatters as I'm not so good at keeping conversations going.

3. Who's your biggest style icon?
I'd love to dress like Elsie Larson.  Well not really, she does it a bit too weird for me.  But would like her confidence.  I really want to wear dresses.

4.Favorite band / musician? 
Yawn, music, sorry just isn't my thing.  I love LMFAO for the fun of their music.  I'm a bit of a fan of Pitbull, I think he's damned sexy, but completely and utterly gross at the same time.

5. Who's your favorite actor or actress? 
I always like Drew Barrymore. 

6.The coolest person that you've ever met? 
Penni Perrin Koster.  I totally have a girl crush on her.
 
7. What's your dream job? 
Job, don't really care.  Something that makes a lot of money, or better still, something totally worthwhile that I don't get paid for.

8. Your favorite snack food?
  Peanut butter and creamed honey sandwiches.  I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and tea (oh and morning/afternoon tea too)

9. What's something you wish more people knew about you? 
Everyone already knows too much about me.  I'm an oversharer.

10. One of your silliest moments?
I  love dancing with my boys, and the days I can get Jamie and Mark to join in too are just the best.

11. Your greatest accomplishment?
The three boys that are my sons.  OBVIOUS. 

30 Day Music Challenge

This is a challenge set down by *someone* on Facebook. I've been enjoying other people's music picks, so decided to do it myself. I have found it quite challenging, due to my crappy memory. So have decided to put some effort into it tonight and come up with the lot - that'll make it easier when I'm in Melbourne on my holiday!


day 01 - your favorite song
Lola by The Kinks This is my standard answer to all "what is your favourite song" questions, but truth be told, ever since I made it my ringtone for about a year... well it doesn't hold the same appeal.


day 02 - your least favorite song
TNT by AC/DC - I don't necessarily hate this particular song, but the way its played at my house. Jamie and Mark play it very loud, and often several times over. I feel they think its a boy song, so as boys they must like it. Which stands to reason that I'm a girl, so I must dislike it.


day 03 - a song that makes you happy
The Circle of Life from The Lion King. This reminds me of Mark's toddlerhood. We saw this in imax, stage show and it makes me all goosey.


day 04 - a song that makes you sad
Ironic by Alanis Morrissette. This one (again) doesn't make me sad per se, but is my "go to" some when feeling sad. Yes its pathetic and obvious, but it was played over and over when I broke up with "the first boyfriend" hahaha, so glad we didn't get married like we had planned.


day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone.
Jolene by Dolly Parton. This one is a little stupid and quite topical. My sisters name is Jocelyn Geary and we call her Jo, so Jolene is sort of like Jo. When I asked Jo to come to the Dolly Parton concert, she said only if she sings "Jolene"


day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
Tomorrow by Silverchair. This reminds me of Torquay in 1997. I went to a music festival that changed the course of my life.


day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
Halo Theme Song - this one reminds me of the Boeing Strike that my family was a part of back in 2006. We had a little community all set up and most evenings were spent playing Halo on the linked XBOXs. Of course I didn't play (I can't do video games) but the blokes and the kids sure played it.


day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
You are my sunshine. This is the song I sing to my children. Started off (obviously) with Mark, and felt quite guilty when I sang it to Sheena when she was a baby, felt like I was cheating on Mark. Now I sing it to all three of them and frequently change the words to make it more appropriate for three kids.


day 09 - a song that you can dance to
Telephone by Lady Gaga. For self explanatory reasons... I'm NOT a good dancer.


day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
Yellow by Coldplay. Its just so awful, boring and depressing.


day 11 - a song from your favorite band
No Apology by Bon Jovi. I really really like this new song. Jon is still beautiful, I love his voice, I love their show. I'm a die hard fan!


day 12 - a song from a band you hate
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera - Its a nice song, but I can't stand her plastic-ness. She doesn't look like a real person, I dislike warbly singing, eyes closed and hands out in front. ICKY.


day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
Blow by Ke$ha - she's so trashy, but I LOVE this song, I love the film clip especially that Dawson is in it (not a fan of the unicorns though).


day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. Mainly because I love singing it.


day 15 - a song that describes you
She'll be coming round the mountain. In the version I know, the second verse is "She'll be wearing pink pyjamas when she comes" and I always wear pink pyjamas. I found this one very hard.


day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
Sex is on Fire - Kings of Leon. The radio played it far too much and killed it for me.


day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
Cows with Guns by Dana Lyons. I listen to the ABC! Every so often they play this as a comedy song. I love it!


day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
Party Anthem - LMAFO. Same verse same as the first. I listen to the ABC, they don't play this type of music, need to switch to commercial radio and then I'd be well and truly over it. Everybody's shufflin'


day 19 - a song from your favorite album
You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi. Slippery when Wet was one of my first full band albums that I bought. I can still almost sing along completely.


day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
I don't tend to listen to music when I'm angry. Will keep thinking. I could be typical and chose a song with violent lyrics and one I happen to like. Killing in the Name of by Rage Against the Machine. We listened to this LOUD when Mark was in about year 2 at school and he was horrified, now he likes it too.


day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
So What by Pink. She's just so cool.


day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrissette. Hmm. Need to get some other melancholy music. I never plan to break up again, so need advice on general sad songs not relationship sad.


day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
As I'm already married, we did it in a registry office. No music. BUT should we renew our vows.... Throw Your Arms around me by Hunters and Collectors. Its a bit cliche, but I'm cliche. I adore this song.


day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
Its my life by Bon Jovi. That is what I have as my "about me" on my Facebook wall, "I'm a chronic status updater... sorry to those not interested in my life. Its really not that interesting, but in the words of Jon Bon Jovi... "Its my life" But I don't know the lyrics - but I like the title.


day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
White and Nerdy by Weird Al Yankovic. I think he's just hilarious, very very clever. I like his Amish Paradise song too.


day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
That'd be nada.


day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
Chopsticks. As I can't play music.. isn't that what people start with???

day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
Family Portrait by Pink. I feel guilty (in a way) that I have such a great life. So many people have been hurt and abused by their family, I'm so lucky that my family is awesome.


day 29 - a song from your childhood
Take on Me by A-Ha. I remember this being on the first songs that was "grown up" that I actually liked. Had a crush on Morten as we all did ;)


day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year
Telephone by Lady Gaga - my only repeat!

LIST - a-z.

A

- Available: No.

- Age: 37

- Annoyance: No one helping around the house

- Animal: My dogs, but am NOT an animal lover.

B

- Birthday: 17 September

- Best feeling in the world: Motherhood - is that a feeling though? I do like satisfaction of a job well done.

- Blind or Deaf: Deaf, I think.

- Best weather: 22 deg and a little cloud cover.

- Been in Love: Yep

- Been on stage?: Year 9 play at school, got to hit Reece Brownhill over the head.

- Believe in Magic: Nope

- Believe in Santa: Nope

C

- Candy: Chocolate

- Color: Pink

- Chocolate/Vanilla: Chocolate

- Chinese/Mexican Food: Mexican

- Cake or pie: Cake

- Cheese: Not a huge fan, but do like a good cheese toastie when the cheese oozes out the side.

D

- Day or Night: Night

- Dancing in the rain: Hmm, don't think so.

E

- Eyes: 2.. haha green.

- Everyone's got: umm....

- Ever failed a class?: No, but did get an E for small business, maybe I should tell Jamie about that, might not let me do the books for his business.

- First thoughts waking up: Has Jamie wagged work today?

- Favorite Food: Chocolate

- Greatest Fear: Mice and bridges

- - Goals: To be a happy SAHM.

- Gum: Love it whilst it still has flavour.

Get along with your parents? Sure do.

H

- Hair Color: brown, with a few grey strands.

- Height: 165cm... shorter than Mark

- Happy: 80% of the time.

- Holiday: I would love one, want to go to America.

- How do you want to die: In my sleep of old age.

I

- Ice Cream: Yes please... oh chocolate

- Instrument: I have zero musical ability.

J

- Jewelry: My wedding and engagement rings, a gold necklace that Jamie got me and my gold bracelet that I have no idea who gave me, but have worn it for all of Ben's life so far... found it on the mantelpiece and haven't taken it off yet.

- Job: Registered Nurse on maternity leave.

K

- Kids: I love this answer, I have three boys.

- Kickboxing or karate: Neither thanks.

- Keep a journal?: This blog and my facebook. But nothing on paper

L

- Love: I love the men in my life: Jamie, Mark, Ryan and Ben. I adore my mum too.

- Letter: M - for Mark, as my eldest he and his name hold a special place in my heart.

- Laughed so hard you cried: Hmm... not sure, but I guess so.

M

- Milk flavor: Chocolate (sensing a pattern)

- Movies: Not a huge fan, I prefer a good hour long tv show in preference to a movie

- Motion sickness?: Nope.

- McD’s or BK: Maccas chick I am.

N

- Number: Who cares... 17

O

- One wish: To have enough money not to have to work and Jamie be happy in what he's doing.

P

- Pepsi/Coke: Coke Zero

- Perfect Pizza: Tony Pepperoni

- Piercings:

Q

- Quail:

R

- Reason to cry:

- Reality T.V.:

- Radio Station:

- Roll your tongue in a circle:

- Ring size:

S

- Song:

- Shoe size

- Salad Dressing:

- Sushi:

- Skinny dipped?:

- Shower?:

- Strawberries/Blueberries:

T

- Tattoos?:

- Time for bed:

- Thunderstorms:

U

- Unpredictable:

V

- Vacation spot(s):

W

- Weakness:

- Which one of your friends acts the most like you:

- Worst feeling:

- Wanted to be a model:

- Worst Weather?:

X

- X-Rays:

Y

-Year it is now:

-Yellow:

Z

- Zoo animal:

READING.

I used to read. I used to always have a book at my bedside that I read for about half an hour (sometimes all night) every day. When I caught the train (OMG that was so long ago) I read on the train. But I stopped reading when I was pregnant with Ryan, not sure why and then when he was 4 months old, I got myself an iPhone! I have not read since. Actually I have read one book, but that is all. I play games on my phone, now I've got a new smart phone with different games, I'm still not reading.

About a week ago, I asked my Facebook community for reading suggestions, and suggest they did.

James Patterson
Kelley Armstrong
Patricia Briggs
Christopher Moore
Matthew Riley
Nelson Demille
Tina Fey
Stephanie Plum
Chelsea Handler
Lee Child
Kathy Reichs
Tess Gerrison
Bill Bryson
Patricia Cornwall
and
Anonymums
Tomorrow when the war began
There's a bear in there
(They don't know the authors of those ones).

I finally remembered that I posted that comment, so am planning on going to the library tomorrow to get me some books.

What's in my bag.

All my favourite blogs are doing this, and as I don't have a single independent thought, I'm doing it too.


As you can plainly see, I don't actually have a handbag. I try, but there isn't much point in carrying two bags, my main bag in the "nappy bag".

• So I carry around changes of clothes for Ryan,
  
• bibs,
• nappies, wipes and nappy sacks for the stinkies.
  
• I also have some discarded wipes (I hope they were for sticky fingers),
• a spoon,
  
• a pen,
  
• a packet of cheese and crackers (Ryan uses the crackers as an implement to get the cheese, he does not eat the crackers),
  
• a packet of Rennie!
• Of course there are some receipts... why do I hold onto receipts.
  
• Also my purse and
  
• iPhone
  

Something I must rectify... in my purse there is a photo of Mark when he was in year one at school. He's all teeny with no front teeth. Hmmm.... will put a photo of my three boys in there in the next couple of weeks.

Things I love

1. Dummies - its not very PC, parents that are cool have kids who don't use dummies (I was one with Mark, smugly saying, "he doesn't need a dummy"). Sadly not so for #2. He, and his parents have a total dummy addiction. I think its so cute when Ryan is snoozing and then he cries out... he's lost the dummy and all we need to do is pop it back in and he's back asleep. Totally fallen in love with his "dummy catcher", much cuter than the NUK ones a the supermarket, but totally necessary.

2. Cupcakes - yes still in love with making cupcakes. Made some delicious strawberry ones last week with fresh strawberries. AND I forgot to take a picture of them, sorry. My lovely friend Rebecca bought me a cupcake carrier. It holds 24 cakes in two tiers and is amazing. Her only criteria for giving it to me... that I bake for her sometimes.

3. Quilts - I want to learn to quilt. Need to take a class. I feel I would be good at quilting.

What I'd like to be able to do.

This is seriously a just for fun post... whilst waiting for my sunflowers to grow. Not sure what I'll get to, but I'll number them.

1. Wear high heels. I'm a flats girl, but love the look of heels, but I get the wobbles and its thoroughly embarrassing, so I choose not to be taller.



2. Write a book. Not a great literary feat, but just a book of some description. Maybe I'll do it one day, will have to attempt it first.


3. Be tidy. Well this one is a possibility, not a probability.

4. Be able to sing. I hate the sound of my voice, but really enjoy singing to myself. Even Mark tells me to be quiet when I sing. He will have to get used to it again when Junior arrives.

5. Be able to sew. I'd love to patchwork, make clothes, understand the mechanics of curtain making, knit and crochet. I'd love to be artistic.. but alas just not me.




So there you have, just for fun. Some stuff I'd like to do.

I tagged myself. How sad.

What to do to get our emptying the dishwasher!!

1. Where is your cell phone: On the kitchen bench being a cake timer.

2. Your hair: Its in a really daggy pigtail today.

3. Your mother: Love her dearly. Talk to her several times a day. Is my confidante and most probably my best friend.

4. Your father: Is a strange man, has improved so much with age. He's an avid walker, reader and sport watcher! He is just the most amazing grandfather, so much patience.

5. Your favorite food: As I said in my antenatal classes, my favourite food is sweet, I don't care for savoury.

6. Your dream from last night: That would mean I slept.. which I didn't. I dozed.

7. Your favorite drink: Coke Zero. Of an alcoholic variety, I'm dreaming about Cointreau next month.

8. Your dream/goal: to be a stay at home mum and lead an interesting life.

9. What room are you in: the horendous computer room. Otherwise known at dumping paradise.

10. What is your hobby: Currently baking. I have a pink buttercake in the oven at the moment. Its by far the easiest cake in the world to make. Want the recipe??

2cups sr flour

2cups sugar

250g softened butter/margarine

4tablespoons custard powder

4 eggs

1 cup milk

dash of vanilla

Mix with beaters for 5-10 minutes. Put in a big rectangle cake tin and bake at 180C for one hour.

I added some pink food colouring, just to keep me entertained.

11. What is your fear: Night time, my insomnia is pretty horrendous at the moment, that I'm starting to dread going to bed. Oh and the usual of being assaulted.

12. Where were you last night: On the couch, watching telly and playing farmville.

13. Something you are not: Extroverted.

14. Muffins: yes I have a muffintop. Oh I guess I like muffins.

15. Wish list items: To have baby asap. Not be pregnant anymore. Have two healthy, handsome and nice boys.

16. Where did you grow up: Downtown Templestowe... oh I miss it.

17. Last thing you did: Made cake as mentioned previously. Played Farmville.

18. What are you wearing: Really???? Dorky maternity top, 3/4 pants, no shoes and an apron (I wash my hands too much and need to dry them)

19. Your TV: I love my big screen plasma. Wish our set top box was in the lounge, I really don't like watching telly in bed, I can't get comfortable.

20. Your pets: I have two great dogs, Charlie the lab and Skye the half blind kelpie. We have fish, but I'm doing my best to kill them (oops I mean not to kill them, we had an alkalinity issue in the past week)

21. Your friends: Mainly my family and I have some fab work friends. Must do my best to keep in touch, I have a big issue of not trying.

22. Your life: Quiet. I'm a homebody. Loving being Jamie's wife, Mark's mum and carrying #2 (but want him to come SOON)

23. Your mood: A bit fragile at the moment.

24. Missing someone: My mum. Miss the fellas when they are not around as well.

25. Vehicle: piece of shit Commodore which got egged on Halloween (despite giving lollies to everyone know knocked even if they weren't in costume and it being a North American holiday, not Australian), keyed and screwdrivered in the last week. 4WD which has run out of AC gas and today is 38C according to my computer temperature gauge.

26. Something you’re not wearing: Shoes

27. Your favorite store: Target!

28. Your favorite color:

Pink

29. When’s the last time you laughed:

Mark makes me laugh daily.

30. When’s the last time you cried:

Yesterday... actually this morning about 5am, see I'm fragile at the moment.

31. Your best friend:

Mum.

32. One place you go over and over: School???

33. One person who emails me regularly:

My dad, but his emails are too big and block up my inbox, so I told him to stop.

34. Favorite place to eat:

Home

35. Where do you want to be in 6 years: At home with my then 17year old son (holy shit), my 6 year old son and our other random child that has come along. Jamie is working in our business full time and we're rolling in money! yearly holidays would be lovely.

10 Things I Love

As I have no original ideas...


1. My lovely new iPhone. I'm totally addicted to it, well to be exact, I'm totally addicted to Solitaire. Mark is enjoying downloading free applications which is very fun. Keeps him amused and reduces my battery life BIG time.
2. My growing belly. Totally in love with my pregnant body. I don't have any photos of me yet, but I'm now 23 (or 24) weeks preggers and certainly look it. (That is NOT my stomach, but a picture I found on Google Images)

3. Looking for baby supplies. All I really need is a cot. I want a white one and the decor will be our white wardrobe, and our blue painted chest of drawers, which shall double as the change table to start with.

4. Cloth nappies, I'm pretty certain that I'll use cloth. Still checking in with people I know as to which sort I'll get. I used fold your own cloth ones with Marko and he turned out ok. Our summer is really hot and good drying weather, so I reckon I should just bite the bullet and do it.

5. Facebook. Not necessarily a love, but a true addiction. I really enjoy reading everyone's status update and checking out their photos. Every so often I shall partake in a word game, which I'm REALLY bad at.

6. Food. Not just any food, but really bad food. Current loves are chocolate milkshakes, peanut butter and jam sandwiches and cake. Really need to get into fruit again. I went to the Jesmond Fruit Barn this morning and got some strawberries and apples (along with other stuff), so hopefully I will enjoy them as well.

7. Baking. Mainly cakes and cupcakes, along with the occasional slice. Still not a fan of savoury cooking, possibly because my family is not very supportive of what I cook. Everyone likes cupcakes :)

8. Our growing business. I'm SO happy that MyNetHost is going so well. Jamie has put 300% into this business for the last two years and its going so well at the moment.

9. My new kitchen. This is a labour of love. Anyone who knows me in real life knows what trial this one has been. As I have been bypassed of all renovation genes, its up to poor Jamie to do it all himself. He has built cupboards, redesigned the configuration, regyprocked walls and polished the floor boards. Finally we can see the end, all left to do is actually a huge list but its nearing the finish line. Main jobs include getting the new cupboard doors and finishing off the island bench. Already its beautiful and completely functional, just need those finishing touches. Hmm... to find a photo of our kitchen could be quite problematic, so I'll go with another Google image that looks nothing like our kitchen, but is black and white :)

10. Television. Yes it remains something that I love. I think I have cut down a bit which is a brilliant thing, but really do enjoy *my programs*.

So there you have, I found 10 things that I love and found pictures to match. That is really quite time consuming and I really don't know how Elsie does it every few days. Must trawl the net more frequently for it. I'll do a post next on the blogs I love.

does one require another list of randomness?

Just stealing some ideas from Elsie's blog.
So, here we go......

Q: Where do you go shopping? All your fun clothes and hair accessories?
A: Ok this does not apply to me at all. My main clothes are from Hunter Health, my uniform.

Q: Here's my random question...what is your favorite emotion other than
happiness? :) Very random, huh?
A. Excitement, like the night before Christmas, my birthday or going on holiday. Like when you can't sleep, but that's ok cos you're excited.

Q: hmmm... What is you favorite flavor of ice cream? the moment of
truth ;]
A: I had a Chocolate Mousse Royal tonight from an ice cream shop in Hamilton, it was sublime.


Q: In your travels, what is one of or the funniest thing you've ever seen?
A: Not sure if its funny, but being in Dubai back in 2000 and seeing women walking through the airport in full hajib and the sexiest shoes I have ever seen... what is that about? I'm a woman and I was turned on by her feet, didn't need to see her hair.

Q: A random question: where did you fit in in high school?
A: I loved high school, still do. I certainly wasn't a cool kid, a sporty kid or a nerdy kid. I was just plain ordinary I think. Always wore jeans to school, I had the canvas bag with graffiti all over it (gee I was cool). I was remincing the other day with Mark about how we used to sit in the corridor with our legs stretched out... talking. Having chip rolls for lunch and neenish tarts. Ahhh school was great, shame we have to grow up.

Q: What is your favorite Autumn (Fall) tradition or activity that you did as a kid or now?
A: NO idea. I guess kicking leaves.

Q: if you could have a comic-book-style *superpower* what would it be?!
A: Flying, who would want to fly. One day I WILL fly an aeroplane.. Jamie says he's gonna build one (this year, but he says that every year)


Q: If you can choose one (famous) person to take a photo of, who would
that be and why?
A: Who would want me taking pictures??? As an excuse to meet Jon Bon Jovi, I'll take his picture.


Q: Caramel apples or candied apples?
A: I like the idea of caramel apples,but have never tried.

Q: If your going to choose one scrapbooking -brand as your all-time
favorite, and one as your favorite right now, what would it be?
A: I like the classic style of 7 Gypsies and really enjoyed using Basic Grey. But I haven't scrapped in about 2 years now. Quite sad really. It was a hobby that I loved. Hopefully I'll go back to it one day.

Q: What's the one song that you just LOVE to jam to while you're driving in your car? ;)
A: I have to sing FULL VOLUME "Pictures of You" by The Last Goodnight

*** HOW DO I PUT A YOUTUBE VIDEO IN? ***

Q: do you prefer solid undies or patterned undies?
A: Anything pink with a patterned

Q: What is your perfect day?
A: Having fun as a whole family. It doesn't happen terribly often, but when we are all laughing. I don't care if it only lasts for 5 mintues, its a beautiful feeling.

Q: If you were to give birth to twins today- (1 boy & 1 girl) What would
you name them??
A: Hamish and Audrey. But I can't do that, cos it sounds like Hamish and Andy... crap I will have to come up with a new boys name. I have always liked Edward, but can't use that because of Twilight, I really like Harry, but Harry Potter... I think I can live with Harry and Audrey.

Q: What is your life word? The word that defines your life.
A: Unfortunately it seems to be STRESS. I would like it to be INVITING.

Q:This is always a fun one, especially as an ice breaker... What was the
first music concert you attended? 
I would share mine, but it is a
A: I'm so proud of this one. I was 13 and totally loved Bon Jovi. I convinced Mum & Dad to let me go, so I went with Anneliese Freidl and we were chaperoned by Ruth Sandy, who was a music teacher and a member of our church. She thought it would be a good musical experience for her. We were right up the back of the Melbourne Entertainment Centre which in hindsight is quite a small venue and it was marvellous. I am actually picturing it now and it was brilliant. I'm so hoping that they will do another tour to Australia and I can take Mark to see them.

Q: Did you have a career before nursing?
A; Would never call it a career, but I was a Medical Laboratory Technician. I spent my days from when I was 19-23 either sorting urine or preparting poo or vaginal specimens. I became the poo queen, well me and a totally scary witch called Allison, she was so tiny and scary. I would "plate" the specimens onto a culture medium and then look at them under a microscope looking for parasites, yeast or blood. Gee it was a good job. I was moved into the immunology depeartment looking a blood sample for pregnancy screening of rubella, syphillis, arthritis type illnesses and some herpes. None of which is good to talk about over dinner. My family (Dad, Jo and I) owe quite a bit to Melbourne Pathology.

Q: if you could live any day over, and change nothing, what would it be?
A: The romance and excitement of meeting Mark's dad. Despite the outcome for me personally, it was a magical day. Without that day, I would never have had Mark, or gotten to meet Jamie.

Q: do you like hedgehogs and/or gnomes?
A: Freaky creatures both of them. Can't stand gnomes.

Q: What has influenced/inspired you the most in the last month or so?
A: The Biggest Loser. These people have lost 30kg+ in two months, why can't I lose 5kg in 3 months. I'm off track at the moment, I must get back on. I don't like my size and want to have the results of training. Maybe I should do some exercise? I'm so excited this week is MAKE OVER WEEK.

Q: What do you eat for breakfast?
A: This week I'm eating a new All Bran. Its surprisingly YUMMY. I love porridge, eggs, muesli with yogurt, pancakes. I'm a big fan of breakfast.

Q: So, do you have plans to come out with any idea/inspiration books?
A: Why what a strange question. I'd love to write a book, I reckon I could do a murder mystery. But it I were ever to actually write a book, it would be a conversational one with some recipes. Maybe I should start wriitng now..

Q: What is your favorite type of food.
sushi???
A: Meat and salad. CHOCOLATE. I'd love to like healthy stuff, but I don't.

Q: Early Bird or Night Owl???
A: Well it is 1.34am, so I guess night owl, comes from chronic insomnia and restless leg syndrome.

Q: Which T.V. show are you looking forward to the most this week?
A: The Biggest Loser! Underbelly, Packed to the Rafters and All Saints (loving the re-runs that i missed when I wasn't into medical dramas)

Q: What is your guiltiest pleasure?
A: Nutella off the spoon. Heaven.

Q: Do you go looking for funky colored walls as backdrops for your photos?
A: Must go to Kotara and take soem funky photos. Maybe we'd look good. Hmmm maybe not.

Q: name 3 random things you've bought from a store recently
A: Today I stopped at K-mart. Bought a small suitcase, warm parka for Mark and tissues. All for his school camp to Canberra that starts tomorrow.


Q: What is your favorite cupcake flavor?!?!?! :D :D
A: Plain vanilla, but can't wait for my new kitchen so I can cook up a storm and make HEAPS of cupcakes.

Q: Where do you get your photos developed??
A: Not for ages, but Hardly Normal gave good photos and BigW was totally shit.

Q: What's in your handbag? 

A: Tonnes of receipts (I never throw them out), lots of pens, my phone, wallet, prescriptions, handcreams, my ipod *I hope* keys, coins, safety goggles, work ID. So much shit and I can never find my keys.

Q: coffee or tea???
A: Coffee, but when I'm sick I'd love a cuppa tea.

Q: what is your favorite fast food?
A: McDonald's. I know, I know.

Q: What's making you the happiest right now?
A: Mark's new attitude. Talking to my mum. Jamie laughing. My tidy house. Planning our skiing trip. Improving our home.

Q: If you were given the choice tomorrow to live anywhere in the world for one month your only requirement is to learn the art of that culture where would it be?
A: Italy, by art can that mean the cuisine? I'd love to have the enthusiasm to cook italian from scratch

Q: Where is the one place that you feel most inspired?
A: Ikea or Bunnings.

Q: What television show was your favorite when you were a little kid?
Like about 5 or 6 years old.
A: Maybe The Brady Bunch. To be truthful, I don't know.

Q: Is your life exciting, fun, adventurous? Tell us a little bit about your day to day life that
we don't see!
A: SO boring. I watch far too much TV for a human being to actually admit to. Is there a club for addicts? Facebook. Making tea. Thinking about food and whether I should have another glass of water. Some days I fit shift work in as well. Doing these night shifts totally fuck me over. Oh well, such is the life of a nurse.

*Sigh*

I feel icky. As I said to Ella last night, "I feel like shit, a nondescript shit, but shit all the same"
Snoozed most of the afternoon. Did my grocery shop - thank goodness for a really good pay (yipee)
The rent for Feb has finally been paid, found it in our bank as I was writing out the "Notice to Vacate" form. Oh well. I can start again on the 18th, as if he'll pay this month without force.

The boys are off to footy practice, its been a very wet week.

I'm watching Le Journal on SBS and its talking about rising cost of food and petrol world wide. In some asian countries RICE is becoming a luxury as it has doubled in price in the past two months.

I'm getting rid of Mark on Saturday, I'm gonna miss that kid. he's such a delight. He;s off to Nan and Pop's place, he is so excited about his holiday.


* * * ******************** * * * ****************** * * *


Its our 8th anniversary this weekend. How amazing is that? So much has happened in those 8 years.
Jamie has changed jobs about 5 times (Ansett, bizarre little jobs, Forstaff, Boeing, BAE)
I have changed career.
We moved interstate.
Mark started school.
We bought two houses
We now own two cars, a motorbike and a boat.
Jamie is the Football Coach
I'm the treasurer at OOSH
We have two dogs and two fish (after the big fish kill off 3 weeks ago when we had 6)

Ok that is enough. The plan for this year is a holiday (YIPEE) and a pregnancy. Maybe we can kill two birds with one stone and then we can have Brooklyn like Posh and Becks, and hopefully we can call our baby "Puket", "Bali" or "Gold Coast"
And then hopefully we will get married too, 8 years of thinking is surely enough.