Third Day of School

Forgot about photos on the first day back.
Mark is now is in Year 3. Looks like his teacher might be Mrs Millar, not sure what that means, but Mark likes the idea. Here are some photos of the kid in his uniform and new school bag.

More stuff that makes me happy!

To contrast from my post from a couple of days ago... I shall prove I'm not about to *crack* it.
So, in no particular order here is the stuff.

There is a photo of bread rolls in my freezer (yes that makes me happy) that means I do not have to make lunches for about 2 weeks, and I know that Jamie and Mark are having a good lunch.

MAIL - Elsie Flannagan calls it happy mail. There is a calling card from the post man - most likely from my wonderful company Scrapanalia. And the parcel is for my mum. ITS HER BIRTHDAY TODAY. Sorry didn't post it on time, but its becoming my signature. Must work on changing that. Love you mum and Happy Birthday.
Mark's room all tidy. I signed him up for the House Fairy. I know that he is 8 and shouldn't believe in fairies, but if he keeps his room clean when the House Fairy comes to visit and sprinkles her fairy dust, she either leaves a surprise or doesn't - depending on the state of the room. Any parents out there, start them off at about 4 years old. It'll be worth it.


This is the car carrier that I'm making Mark. I have about 40 pockets sewn on so far, about another 50 to go. The (what should be) first photo is of the entire thing, then a close up of a pocket and then with some of the stars from the movie Cars - you may see Lighting McQueen, Sally, Doc Hudson and I can't remember the other cars name.

HE'S BACK.

Ahhhh isn't that nice. A gorgeous little boy with great big cuddles.

Poor chap had a huge stack on his bike today - about 2.5km away from home and needed to walk it back. I'm sure he'll sleep well tonight. Luckily he only grazed his knee and probably bruised his ego.

Exhaustion and the return of the kid.

*** WARNING *** Super-long post ahead, not for the faint hearted.

I couldn't get the car holder made in time. I'll keep it a secret from him and make it when I have time over the next few weeks.

• The humidity of Newcastle is getting to me.

• The fact that work is still not airconditioned is getting to me.

• Missing the *love of my life* is getting to me.

• Unfittness is getting to me.

• Possibly ovulating is getting to me.

• Wanting to get pregnant is getting to me.

• My drugs are getting to me.

I re-read the top of my banner. The trials of being an RLS sufferer. Restless Leg Syndrome - doesn't that sound inocuous..... if only it was. I'm suffering BAD people. I'm heavily medicated with Gabapentin. So medicated that I only can have 1/2 a glass of wine now and it feels like having 2 or 3 (you were right Jo). I'm meant to take it three times a day - my doctor doesn't want me on a high dose when I'm pregnant (which I'm not yet people) so I've slightly reduced it to 2 in the morning 1 at midday and 2 at night. This program is not working on a variety of fronts.... life is not normal at the moment. The KID is missing, school hasn't started and I still feel like I'm in holiday mode. So I forget to take them, am not taking at regular intervals. Which now means


I'm not sleeping again.


Seem to be surviving (not living) on about 3-4 hours per night. Can't get to sleep until 12.30 or later. Only sleep VERY lightly. Dream constantly. Wake up at 4am when Jamie's alarm goes off for about 1hour cos he keeps putting it onto snooze. Jamie seems to be sleeping on my side of the bed which means I have about 1 1/2 inches for myself. Its too hot to sleep. I don't want to take any more clonazepams (a long acting type of valium) because of wanting to get pregnant, and I seem to have broken that necessary addiction. So that is why i'm sitting at my computer at 4.30am typing my thoughts for the blogging world to see. What do I do? My legs seem to be aching, not so bad for jumpiness, but the not sleeping part is starting to (in Jamie's words) piss me off. That is why they call RLS a sleep disorder, that is why I'm on gabapentin which is a neuropathic pain receptor blocker which works on my brain and not my legs. But what do I do?

1. Start taking my meds at the time I should take them.
2. Do this for one week religiously and see if there is an improvement.
3. Actually TRY to get fit.
   

BUT maybe when the *love of my life* comes home in the morning. That is Mark, my darling little boy who has been visiting his wonderful grandparents for the past 3.5 weeks. Saying it that way doesn't sound that long, but when your kid is only 8 years old, he should be with his mother, the mother needs the kid. Yes its a wonderful thing that Margie & Frank and Rosemary & Brian can have the boy for a period of time on their own. It means that they can form a real relationship with him even though we live in another state. But after this length of time I'm aching for him. The feel of his hands, the feel of his skin, the feel of his little lips giving me a kiss. He's a real mummas-boy and I like it that way. The sound of his voice and the annoying little things that he does... he's meant to do them for me and Jamie. I really love that my and Jamie's parents have him for this time.. that he can experience LIFE. But I just miss him that is all.

Another story.... Jamie went fishing yesterday with his mate Tim and Tim's dad, Joe. Jamie caught a small gummy shark that he released and Joe caught a snapper - about 2kg (I think). Joe didn't want the snapper. Tim didn't want the snapper. WE GOT THE SNAPPER. Jamie gutted and de-scaled the fish, chopped his head off and chopped the tail off, but otherwise left him intact. To cook him I put some olive oil in a big glass baking dish, added some onions and garlic, dried basil and oregano (makes me want to grow that herb garden again) and some salt & pepper. Put some of it inside of him and cooked him up for about 30 minutes in the oven. IT WAS DIVINE. That was our Saturday lunch.

We also went to the Foreshore at Queens Warf - the plan was to go for coffee - too hot for coffee so we sat on the grass and watch people and boats pass while having a Coke! That is our type of going out.

The house is PERFECT. Mark will not know the house he is walking into tomorrow. The lounge room is gleaming, the kitchen is completely FLYLADYed, my sink is gleaming. Marko's room is gleaming.

To my mother and mother-in-law, you will be so proud of me. Saturday I put 5 loads of washing through the machine - have hung out 4 so far - have bought in and FOLDED and PUT AWAY 3. All this as well as the trip to Queens Warf and working a full 8 hour shift at work. I'm shocked - don't quite understand how that happened.

But as I said before - I think I'm ovulating - what does that actually mean. It means I turn into a bit of a b**ch towards Jamie and it seems that I clean a bit and that we need to get to work on getting me pregnant.

I want to talk about getting this baby (not the nitty gritty reader, that would make it porn!), but how do you talk about it without letting people know the second the "stick turns blue". I don't want the world to know the second I'm pregnant, I want people to know at the 12 week mark like you are supposed to. But going from a normal couple, to ones "trying to have a baby" puts lots of unnecessary images into people's minds and I can't help but talk. Then people are asking ALL OF THE TIME. Did you have sex last night? How many times have you had sex? I don't really want to talk about my sex life at work. But I want to talk about the topic that is dearest to my heart at the moment. Gee that is a tough one. I guess I'll just play it by ear, whatever happens will happen.

Anyway I think I will end this long and deep-inside-the-inner-psyche-of-Christy post by telling you who means a lot to me. The people I love are my immediate family - Jamie and Mark. They make my world worth living. Mum, Dad, Jo, Mark and Sheena, I adore you all, you are the people who keep me sane to deal with those who make my world worth living. My in-law family of Marg, Frank, Connie and Paul, they are just marvellous and I love them so much.

Thank you to those who made it to the end of this dramatic post - I'm off to bed - again.

xx Christy xx

Sewing.

Well today will be filled with little pins and thread and annoying little pockets. All for a good cause - Mark's car display hanger. I will take a photo when its done - that will be today. It will.

Fun!

Don't tell Jamie I put this photo on here ok. It'll be out secret. Oh those of you with dirty minds, Jamie just came home from cricket, he was all sweaty so had a shower, he only put on some shorts.
He is trying to get sound to work on a computer he is working on - hence the rediculous headphones. Never the less, a very good photo of us!! I'm loving the look of my lips.

For some very strange reason I'm loving taking self portraits at the moment.. I seem to go to far up and look weird or have a shocking double chin.. but I'm working on my technique.

2007 - Part Two

I forgot to finish this post.. oops.

• We went back up the farm for another week. It was good, went shopping in Shepparton with Margie and Mark. Found the most wonderful scrapbook shop called Circle of Friends. It was beautiful, very well laid out and I loved it.
• Visited one of Jamie's old school friends Danny, his wife Melinda and their 2.5 kids. We saw them last just after they got married. Nice to see Jamie with someone from his childhood, they still got along good and Mel and I did as well. Mark, of couse, had a ball with their kids and their toys.
• Had a BBQ with the extended family.
• Then we left for the drive back to Newcastle. We stopped at friends from Ansett days - Drew and Kelly - for the night to break up the trip. They had a brand new puppy only about 10 weeks old, and it was so cute. Annoyed the heck out of Charlie because of its puppy antics, wanting to play and jump. Our dogs were very well behaved. Had a nice dinner, very hot in Wagga Wagga, so Kelly and I retreated to her bedroom where the airconditioner was on!! The boys played on the computer I think! I went to bed in Kelly's son's bed - he was visiting his dad. Don't know where Jamie slept.
• Left once again the following morning, and we got home about 1pm. Jamie went to play cricket, I did some grocery shopping.

Well blog readers aren't you glad I caught you up on my very exciting life.

Dag Central

Yes that is me. My little sister forced me into changing the name of my blog (more of a comment, but I've taken it as a request) so not its me and the battle against the computer.... I spend too much time on here. I love emails and email chat. That is little conversations that take all day cos you only email one line at a time. My days off are taken up by talking to Connie or another friend by means of "Hi Connie.. how's work?" Ten minutes later "Good Christy... and you?" Well there is a bit more detail but its far too exciting to mention on here. So its a battle against emails, a battle against blog surfing, a battle against stopping myself from going to Blue Bazaar. I really need to get a life, get some work done around the house, get some scrapping done, Jo from work's wedding album is coming along nicely but I'm still trying to complete the Everyday Moments Competition from the For Keeps magazine. I've done one page today and I stuck two photos down, put one embellishment of a circle chipboard thingie and well its kinda finished, I don't know what else to do???? I'm so stuck these days. My LOs are so simple and I don't like them. I need to have more faith in myself. Jamie thinks I'm a great scrapbooker with good ideas (or he may be fobbing me off) and that I need to trust myself more. Maybe what needs to happen is going back to the 12x12 size. I think that suits me better. Well thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Tennis and other things.

Hi,
Its 5.40am and I'm up. I think my medication is causing dreams - at least they have stopped being nightmares.
We stayed up to 11.30pm last night watching the tennis, thought Lleyton had lost (like all the other suckers) but after dropping the first two sets, he won the next 3. All done on a 35 degree night. Those boys were dripping with sweat. Our commentary was funny I thought - we were expecting him to pull out an injury if he got close to losing. Maybe Bec Hewitt had him over a barrell and he had to be home by 10.30 to feed Mia! But she was in the crowd and in the heat - Bec not Mia. Anyway I don't really like tennis but for the past 4 years have gotten really caught up with the Aussie Open.

I watched the Red Carpet Special for the Golden Globes. Who did I like?

• Well... Ellen Pompeii from Grey's didn't look so deer like, liked the dress.
  
• Beyonce looked absolutely amazing - there was a lot a double sided tape happening with that dress and her dark skin is so gorgeous.
  
• Bradegelina was a bit weird to actually see them - Brad spoke she looked like she had a pole stuck up her butt!
  
• Donald Trump had another woman with a pole, supposedly his wife she looked my age but plastic.

Oooh I've got my bitchy typing hands on this morning. Anyway Jamie doesn't like it when I channel surf, so didn't get to watch too much of the GG's, just as well. It is trash.

Had two days back at work, well at the clinic. All has gone really well, I can still put the NGs down (just as well as its the most important part of my job). I'm on morning shift today and tomorrow, which should be good. No idea who I'm working with - it will be apart of my surprise. Its nice to home of an evening.

Something that makes me happier!!!

Jamie is mopping and scrubbing the floor!

Things that make me happy.

I was reading Elsie Flannagan's blog (which I happen to do quite a bit - she's so gorgeous) and she put out the *challenge* to show the world what makes you happy. I didn't think of it as a challenge, and reading it again, she didn't call it a challege, but what the hey. It was great to go around my house and and look for stuff that makes me happy. Looking at the memory card on my camera and I realise that Mark makes me happy. There were 13 photos of him taken in 2 days - I know to some scrapbookers that is chicken feed, but I'm not the photographer I want to be yet.

So lets start

1. Sheena smiling is so amazing and makes everyone very happy.
2. My new pink scrapbooking chair. I love it.
3. My big plasma tv - very happy to have this when watching Grey's Anatomy, Prison Break, CSI
4. The frivoulous - Coke Zero YUMMMM
5. This frangipangi that is in MY front yard!!! I can't believe that I could have something as beautiful as that in my space. There was an even more beautiful pink one yesterday, but there was no batteries in my camera.
6. The blue Commodore - its finally almost finished. Think it will as finished as it will ever be and I'm really happy with the way it looks.
7. Dad in a daggy floppy hat.
8. Jamie driving me across the country. Means holidays and sitting next to the man I love.
9. Mum (what else can I say - sorry about the photo mum!)
10. Mark with one of our dogs. He looks so happy.

Oh and I need to tell you that I hate BLOGGER. I spent ages looking at the preview and placing all of my comments next to the photos, because it showed me in preview that it would place the photos single file one below the next. But noooo they are two to a line. But I forgot this is a happy post. So thank you Blogger that I am able to share some things that make me happy with the people out there in blog land.

Tuesday morning.

Starting out good... made Jamie's lunch for him to take in his new lunchbox - I hope the boys don't tease him.
Weight is stable, not going down like I'd like it to.
Our guest room looks like a guest room (except for the motorbike farings that are resting on the bed) again and I love it - no laundry to set foot in that room ever again!!!
I got myself a new pink chair for my scrap room and some pink plastic buckets for storage, and I actually scrapped last night, did 3 pages of my commissioned work, its REALLY hard to scrap other people's photos much harder than I had imagined. But they look lovely so far *according to me*.
Mine and Jamie's clothes are all sorted, I have a large bag for the Salvos and an even bigger one for the bin, my beloved green towel has finally bitten the dust :(
Today I am working on the kitchen.
Today I should be having lunch with the fabulous Kathryn which I am very excited about.

Thinking

Jamie took me out to dinner last night (it was a bit forced, but we enjoyed ourselves, which we haven't done at a restaurant for a LONG time). We didn't go somewhere fancy like Rockpool, 15 or even Scratchleys. We took ourselves off to LoneStar. Daggy, just a little bit, but we are dags and that is what suits us. We chatted about our future, what our plans are - didn't get very far - and what I want!!! Always putting my 2 cents in. We had a fabulous dinner, I had pork ribs and steak combo and it was divine. Jamie had a chicken and steak combo and could have done without the chicken. The funny part was I ordered a beer and Jamie ordered a coke, the waitress said "Is Pepsi ok?" jamie replied "I'll have a beer too". That man of mine does not like Pepsi.

I think last year wore us down. My work was very hard, Jamie put in very long hours at his work, computer and scrap businesses going nowhere. Mark was "in our face" can we do this, can we go there. But we were too tired. This wonderful holiday down to our parents was exactly what we needed. A BREAK. Mark had stuff to do, we had people to talk to, jobs to do but not in a bad way. I feel we have a new outlook on life (I know I have). Mark is getting older, he's 8.5 years old now. He is a kid with his own feelings and wants, he is not as maleable as he once was, but with his age comes usefulness. He is interested in grown up things, he is able to have a proper conversation, we can't talk about "stuff" in front of him anymore and hope he doesn't understand, kids these days UNDERSTAND everything. The whole point of this tirade is I'm putting 110% into my family this year. They are what is important, I want to give my family the best part of me, not the left overs from work.

Just for fun

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
Bought a couch for myself (and Jamie & Mark)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No I didn't keep them and they are the same this year. (the usual - lose weight, scrap more keep the house cleaner)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
JOCELYN.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Unless this question is work related which is often, but no one I actually knew or cared about has died.
5.What countries did you visit?
Australia
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A baby and organistiaon.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
6th Jan - Sheena
23rd March - Connie & Paul's wedding.
17th September - always the best day of the year!!!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Perservering with my RLS and finding the right medication
9. What was your biggest failure?
Disorganisation and getting fat, and turning into a gossip
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
RLS and BAD drug reaction.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Couch
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mark, when he finally GOT IT and found the good boy inside.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Jamie and Rocket when they get together makes me sick.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food, cars, boat, scrapbooking and crappy little toys for the kid
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Scrapbooking - talking about it, thinking about it, planning it.... doing it well not so much
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Dunno.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, fatter and richer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Walking, spending good time with Mark and Jamie.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Ineffective tidying up - I seem to do it all the time.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
All together (its over now boohoo)
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy and Prison Break
22. What was the best book you read?
Expecting Adam (but I read that this year)
23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Wolf Mother - I want Mark's hair to go like that eventually. I think their songs are kinda cool too
24. What did you want and get?
A scrap business that I need to cultivate
25. What did you want and not get?
A Mazda 3
26. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Tea at home with my boys for my 33rd
27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Hunter New England Health Uniform.... what are normal clothes????
28. What kept you sane?
Talking to Mum on the phone.
29. What political issue stirred you the most?
IR and how John Howard can possibly be still in power and that half of the country do not agree with me.
30. Who was the best new person you met?
Kathryn and Melissa from work, they are gorgeous and wonderful women who I hope to be a part of my life for some time to come. Friendly and caring. Love them heaps.

2007 - part one.

Yes I know everyone seems to be calling this post the "2007" but how odd is it. I still remember when we went from 1999 to 2000, I remember everything about that night like it was yesterday. Jocelyn might not be so clear on it, she was a little drunk at the time. I was supposed to meet Jamie that night at it be our official "getting together" night... that was the plan in my head anyway, but he got SUPER drunk and had passed out by 9pm... Piker.

Anyway I hear you ask, what;s been going on? Let me take you back in time = to another year in fact.

• Thursday 21st December - I started to pack, I had already had a list to go by, but not a single thing packed. So pack I did, I was planning on vacuuming the whole house and having it gorgeous for my return also, but stuffed up on that one. Picked Mark up early from school, it was the last day. Heard from his teacher Mr Dabboussey that he had improved 100% and why did she not think of the sticker system earlier???? It was lovely to hear. We left out house at 2pm and DROVE. Back of the car full of stuff, back seat had a gorgously excited 8 year old boy and on either side of him was a dog - yes we took our dogs. Then we drove and drove and arrived at Jamie's parents farm in Nathalia at 1am!!! It was a bloody long car trip. Flying is a much better option.
• Friday - lazy day. Snoozed, explored the farm, cooked and Jamie played with his parents phone (look for a recurring theme). Connie arrived in the afternoon and it was wonderful to see her again.
• Saturday was more cooking, more eating, cooking, eating, eating and did I mention eating?
• Sunday (Christmas eve) my parents and Jo's family arrived at the farm. It was marvellous to see them all again. Sheena doing so well. I'm really pleased how Christmas went this year. It was the first when we could all be together. Its a real shame that Paul (Connie's husband) chooses not to have it with us, but this way suits them. Jocelyn's Mark has no family in Australia other than those he has married into, so its really Jamie and I who do the family shuffle, we (I mean I) decided that maybe we could all combine for a bigger event. Marg and Frank are dairy farmers who don't leave their farms cos of the cows. I think it really worked out well.
• Christmas Day was really good. Mark was overwhelmed with Lego and Magnetix, we got him a cricket set and some Derwent pencils and he got a bag of goodies for snacks. I got some cushions for my new couch, gift vouchers to DFO (a super surprise from Jamie), a photo display box from Jo and some wine glasses. All the food was very yummy. We visited Leigh's grave to say Merry Christmas to him, still is sad not having him around, but its only been 2 years so its not surprising that its still sad, I can't imagine what it would be like for Marg and Frank.
• Went to Mum and Dad's for a week - shopping, scrapbook shop looking, picnics, talking, cooking, eating, eating. For some reason Jamie and I had a massive fight and didn't really speak for about 5 days (all fixed now).
• Went out for coffee and cake with Jess and Ange, very nice to meet them and can't wait for the retreat.

I'm on holiday!

Last day of work today until the 15th of January.

Very excited about going home for Christmas.

ROAD TRIP.

Christmas 10 years ago.

This is a cool thread going on Blue Bazaar....

1996:
23 years old
Living with my sister in a rented house probably at Box Hill at that stage
Newly single - had broken up with my high school sweetheart -finally
Worked in a microbiology lab
Bought my dream car - a Mazda 121 green bubble.
Christmas was probably spent at Mum & Dad's with the Malizia's from next door
Then we would have gone to Eildon for a holiday if I wasn't working.

2006:
Living with Jamie and Mark in Newie
Have our own home in another state to where both our parents come from.
Now I'm a nurse
Had to sell the bubble car
Now drive a 4WD or the Blue Machine (Commodore).
This year we are going on our ROADTRIP - packing up the 4WD with the kid and 2 dogs and heading to Nathalia! Should be good.

Anyone who knows me - fill me in if I have forgotten stuff - PLEASE

Weekend Catchup

No photos.

• Finished all of the Christmas shopping (except for Uncle Mark) therefore not all of it.

• We got a new watering system to replace our "we don't water our garden" system. Groovy pop up sprinklers with a timer and a rain guage so that it won't water when its been raining. Jamie is very chuffed with himself about the whole thing.

• Cooked a really healthy dinner last night, roast chicken, roast taties and some FRESH vegies, my tastebuds didn't quite understand what was going on as I have only cooked frozen veg for so long.

• Scrubbed (on my hands and knees) the bathroom floor and am attempting to tidy the scrap room.

• I have been commissioned to do a scrap book for a friend. Its a first for me. I've been given a stack of polaroids and need to CREATE something with it. She does not want journalling, just nice patterned paper and good structure (Hmmm I think I can do that)

Starting Again.

No I'm not starting a new blog....
I'm starting FLYLADY again. Hopeless, why do I get myself in this housework dilemma. My house becomes so chaotic and messy that the only result is more mess! I would like a cleaner, but wanting a baby comes into play a bit there as well.... better save for the future so I can have a decent amount of maternity leave, and do the cleaning myself. YUCK.
The entrance hall and lounge room are BEAUTIFUL (especiallly when Jamie comes home and fixes the computer corner of the lounge room - but I'm looking beyond that at the moment)

Oh another trend in the blogging world is asking - WHO READS THIS??
If you read my blog on a regular or semiregular basis can you please - pretty please - leave me a comment, I'd love to know who you are - or worse still who you aren't! What is no one reads it other than mum????

Shopping.

I'm copying the Write Girl and showing you my shopping experience. Got Mark a couple of new tshirts, which suit his personality. I think they are very cool, the first one says "DON'T BLAME ME - blame my parents" and the second one is "DON'T GET CAUGHT". He feels quite spiffy in them, it was a good day even thought is was a pain in the a** for a lot of the time. He always wants "just one thing and then I'll be happy" I get the one thing, and then its one more thing and then another. Today I ended up saying to him, ok get absolutely anything you want in the shop, whatever will make you happy. He ended up realising what I was talking about and didn't ask for anything (another big TICK for reverse psychology) .

Jamie played cricket and lost :(

There was then supposed to be a big bash - sausages and beer - for all of the Tech College teams. Only Jamie's team and about 2 others turned up. A big fizzer.

I should be shot.

I have let myself down as a mother and as a scrapbooker.

Mark had a celebration day at school, lots of awards and songs and speeches.

I ask you - where was my camera? At home, on the coffee table. Can I take nice pics of the ceremony when its at home. :( Alas no photos of the big event - long and boring and it was only an hour long. Man it was boring, the music wouldn't play on time and it was much too loud so couldn't hear the littlies sing. The bigger kids have louder voices and their songs were quite good. I'll remember next year!

Havin' a ball.

I'm currently on Day Three of Kim Archer's Christmas Classes. Its a 5 day online class of ideas and nice "stuff".
She has got me sewing, which is just wrong. Make a gorgeous little felt book. Half made a layout. BUT my printer is only doing green tinged stuff at the moment, so I can't print out any photos to go along with it, which I'm a bit upset about.
Today is altering a chest of drawers. I know Mark will NEED one, I'm making one for myself for all of my vast amounts of jewellery- not!

Work is going really good.
Sleep is going very good.
Mark is behaving.
Jamie's wound is better.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Tree is up.

House is a bit neater.

Made my chocolate hedgehog.

Christmas parties are starting.

I love it.

A Day at the Races

The Newcastle Trotting Club put on a day for Firemen and Nurses.

I believe there might have been two firemen and about 90 nurses.

My ward had a table of 12 - we didn't win any money but had a lot of fun.

The photos is of the group of us with the winning horse from "our race" I'm stuck behind the girl in the yellow dress.

The other photo is me (in the black and white) with Karina (in the blue), Lauren (in the yellow) and Amy (in aqua). They are gorgeous girls that is for sure.

Protest

We had a big year last year. Very big. Very big indeed. (ok must stop channeling Richard Hargreaves, the man who writes the Mr Men books).
** The following is my own comment. This is Christy's own blog**
Jamie went on strike for better conditions at work. 35 blokes, the terrific AWU and a very stubborn Boeing. It took 10 months of life on the picket line, disruption no end, no pay (other than gratefully donated money and food), no time away, didn't even get home for Christmas. Earlier this year - February - we thought we had it won. The Federal Court ruled in our favour, the boys agreed to go back to work.... two days later the elation past and the decision was overturned. WE LOST. It was devestating. Only a month or two ago Boeing had the secret ballot that we were asking from DAY ONE about to ask all of its Australian workforce if they wanted a COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT or INDIVIDUALLY NEGOTIATED CONTRACTS. Surprisingly enough the Collective Agreement won with a 96% majority. So all of those workers who stayed inside, the scabs that came down from Amberley they actually agreed with us.

Anyway this all happened a long time ago, why am I bringing it up now. Yesterday was the National Day of Action. Mark and I joined with about 10,000 Novacastrians at Energy Australia Stadium to listen to the Sky Channel Broadcast from the MCG.
The catchcry of the day was 'YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK, WORTH FIGHTING FOR." Followed closely by 'YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK, WORTH VOTING FOR".

Something to think about people.

What I love...

I'm noticing this a lot on my blog trawl everyday. So I'm joining in.

• Christmas. Love the idea, the colours, the feeling, the presents, seeing family, and the birthday of Jesus - all pretty cool.
• "Mark stories" - the rambling ones that make no sense.
• Jamie when he makes a joke and then laughs.
• Reading trashy magazines.
• Looking and touching scrapbook paper... mmmmm.

Oh that reminds me, I went to Jen's house for a Stampin' Up party. Everytime a lovely product was passed around the table there was a collective sigh, like a big chocolate cake had been bought out. Us papercrafters are a strange bunch, lust after paper, talk about products like they are food "a yummy new rubon". Its funny to listen to.

Chuffed mum

Am I allowed to say,

I have a terribly attractive child

Don't you think?????

Sunday Catch up.

The most exciting part of today.... bunk bed!!! Not in the traditional sense, but a high bed with a desk underneath it. Mark is a VERY happy camper. We got it from our friends son Kyle, who was getting a "fancy" new bunk bed. We are cool with hand-me-downs that is for sure. Its a tubular white metal bed which goes with all of his other white stuff.

COUCHES:

Yes we finally got our couches from Harvey Norman - which I would put a link in to, but suggest to people out there in blog land DO NOT EVER BUY ANYTHING FROM HARVEY NORMAN (or Hardly Normal as we'd like to call them). Who doesn't know this story. My apologies to those in my family and those I work with if you already know this one.

In June - our old green couches were looking old and tired, one day I stretched out and RIPPPPP my foot went through the fabric on the arm rest.... not only were they uncomfortable, but now they were torn.

In July - actually it was the 29th of July - first stop Hardly Normal, we sat on every couch in the place under $3000, and the lovely Da Vini couch in Licorice was the best, goodbye to the rest. We made a cusory visit to "Fantastic Furniture" but it was all very hard and just not us! So deposit was paid and the saleslady said somewhere between 2-6 weeks, but warehouse would be in touch.

August - my parents came to visit, sadly no couches - went to Hardly Normal to sit on them to show mum.

September - I wanted these babies for my birthday, called the warehouse, they are coming from Italy, and they need a full container load before they will be sent, maybe another 2 weeks. Connie and Paul's visit for my birthday came and went, sadly no couches.

October - every two weeks we called the warehouse, it will be another 2 weeks they said each time. Still no phone call from them saying "Our apologies but we are waiting for the delivery and we are sorry you have had to wait" But alas no.

November - Yes they will be here in a week. Jamie went to hospital so I was not home for the call to say they had arrived, no they dont' try again the next day or go to your alternative phone number, but shoot off a letter in the mail. NOVEMBER 19th is the day. And really after all that rant - we've got them now, the old ones are gone - given to a needy friend. But Iwon't shop there anymore and I will advise others not to.

Mark took the one of the three seater - that is his toy "Fluffy" in the middle.

Lost entry.

Don't know where it went. I'm certain that I made a new post, but oh well. Its gone.
Tonight I'm a bit stuffed, after telling my mum that I think I'm cured with my restless legs - its back with avengence. Very disappointed. I'm certain its stress related, didn't enjoy my role at work today, felt out of my depth and there was too much pressure to please too many sides. Jamie was in a foul mood with me, had his friend Paul & his youngin' over to play "speakers" together, I don't get the need for speakers and an amplifier. To me our telly is just great, we have a large plasma with a digi set top box, the sound is good, always too loud for me, and he seems to need the biggest, greatest and of course the most expensive one. Luckily we cant' afford it at the moment.
Ok to channel an online friend... think of the positives.
Best part of today - playing in the park with Mark, although he's not little anymore and isn't interested in play equipment, it was great to walk around the park with him, he ran, played the hoodlum and tried to climb a tree. IT was so refreshing.
Worst - the feeling at work, I'm not happy not liking someone, but the feeling gets worse everyday. Anyone have any ideas on how to change your thinking about a really annoying person.
Funniest - More of a "what the??" thing than funny, some stores people came up and told me there was no way they could put away my wards stores as there was too much stuff in the storeroom (what exactly is there job?) so I went in, shifted a couple of things and got everything put away. Did it all in 10 minutes! made me laugh.

I've been spammed.

I thought someone loved me.... there were three replies to my mega long question and answer post.
But it was SPAM. I'm so disappointed.

A Big Catch Up

Oops luckily I'm not doing that blog entry a day thing for real.

• Tuesday night got ourselves all organised for Mark's School Twilight Picnic Dance Concert. Took a picnic dinner, had a chair, due to inclement weather the whole thing is postponed until next Tuesday. So I shall repack the picnic, repack the chairs, Mark is still praciticing away with his dance moves. Jamie should be able to come this time, his cricket match isn't until 8.15 on Tuesday.
• Wednesday was the start of my therapy. It was really good - Jane was really easy to talk to. She gave me some breathing exercises for when I feel panic coming over me, and so far its worked.
  
• I had a lovely walk through Lambton Park. It was gorgeous - huge Jacaranda trees with the flowers all over the ground, beautiful parkland and a cute little playground for when I have #2
• Work on Wednesday arvo was very nice, I was working with Rebecca (another one I had never met before) and Robynne... so all went smoothly. Everyone was most concerned that I hadn't been at work for a week. Even some of the rellies noticed I had been missing. NOw that one means two things - they've been in hospital FAR too long or I'm very memorable.
• Thursday am I did some gardening, the front garden bed is now weeded and put some nice top soil on it, I'm going to plant some annuals for a dash of colour. Jamie an Mark are going to mow the lawn today.
• Late shift again, all is good again. Then there was no one to do overnight - so I stayed and did the night shift as well.
  
• All went well, didn't have a "nap" overnight as my dad would say. Got home and J&M were still there, so no nap. Jamie couldn't find a cd he was after so no nap. Next episode of Prison Break to watch - no nap. Attempted a nap and got about one hour. Cleaned up, did some washing, made tea our first BBQ of the season. It was YUMMY
  
• Went to bed at 8pm up at 7.15 (thanks Marko) so feel very rested today.
• Got to pack up some scrapping stuff today - my big SHEENA letters which I shall post a photo of a bit later, a mini album for mum, a mini album for dad and an album to share cos I'm going home to see my parents for the day. Leaving here at 6pm tonight and coming home on the 5.45 flight to Sydney then have to catch the train home!!! :(

Talk to you when I get back - or maybe before.

Grey's Anatomy.

There is something about this show. Makes me cry, makes me laugh, freaks me out.
We *acquired* the next episode the first of series 3.... the one from just after Denny dying... oh its broken my heart. Whoever writes this stuff needs the Emmy - pure gold.

My gripe from LOST. All the way through none of the survivors bothered telling each other stuff. Whenever Jack went for one of his adventures he never told anyone why, when Loc asked someone for help he never explained why. Poor Jamie gets an earful every time we watch it - why don't these people communicate?????

New Laylout to share.

I've completely fallen in love with this layout. ITs a total scraplift of a Melissa Nunn layout from an old Scrapbook Creations magazine. But I did change the title and used my imagination.
Very proud of this one.

I'll try and put something in every day. Missed the 2nd of Nov, but I didn't know about it then.
I'm still super sick - up vomiting all night (again) so back to the doc this arvo. I was even too sick to take little Marky to school, so he's home helping me at home.

Boys are coming home.

Yes that is correct, they only left yesterday, and they are now on their way home.
Supposedly the party was good - Drew & Kelly's son Taylor was not there, he had a weekend with his dad, which was a shame for Mark, but he enjoyed himself anyway.

As for me, my new medication is settling down, sleeping very poorly (could have been taht I was on my own), stomach is a little upset, legs are pretty good. My body still feels like its been hit by a truch, but Dr Clarke insists that I'm not allergic - better damn well not be, and that's all I'll say about that.

I wanted to re-arrange Mark's room when he was gone, but the weight of the bed is a bit much for me. So instead I think I'll go to the scrap room and TIDY UP. Here is a before shot!
Later in the day I'll put up my after shot, just to prove I can do it.

Oh once again, mental note to self - return library books.

Something I'll recommend to the Aussies out there, go and buy a pack of Uncle Toby's Plus Museli Flakes not only are they delicious (especially with yogurt and not milk) but they have a promotion at the moment with the BigPond DVD store. You get 20 free DVDs for hire over a 2 months period, they come with a reply paid envelope so when you have finished just pop it in the post!!!!!!!!!!! At the moment we have CARS, OVER THE HEDGE and CURIOUS GEORGE. We've got on the list Little Brittan, Pimp my Ride and some other movies that I can't remember. Its pretty good value, havent't found the catch other than I will want it to continue (duh Christy that is the catch!!)

SICK - BORED - AND IN MY JAMMIES AT 3PM

...and I saw it on someone else's blog and decided to steal it.

Ten FAVORITES

TV show: Grey's Anatomy or Lost or Prison Break or the CSIs
Flower: yellow rose
Alcohol: Sass pink champage (where can I get some!!)
Movie: Love Actually
Color: pink -all shades
Sport: No thanks I'm allergic
Phrase: Yes of course I'd like some chocolate.
Mall: Shoppingtown Doncaster - I wanna go home
Music: still after all these years - Bon Jovi
Food: Anything sweet

Ten FACTS

Height: 165 ish
Hair color: brown with some interesting NATURAL highlights
Hair length: chin length - currently not cutting it!!
Hair style: whatever it feels like doing, I have NO control
Eye color: green
Shoe size: 7
Personality: Quiet, lazy, loving and talkative (to those I know)


Ten LIFE

How's life? We're not quite where we want to be, but we're comfortable.
What's your mood right now? bored and wanting to scrap
What are you doing right now as we speak? wasting time
What are you doing over the weekend? Off work sick, home alone :(
What do you want to do with your life? Be loved and to love. (ie wife and mother)
Where are you right now? Jamie's computer room


Ten LOVE LIFE
Have you ever been in love? Hell YES
Do you believe in love? same answer as above
Have you ever had your heart broken? Yes, but its fixed now
Have you ever broken someone's heart? Unfortunately not.
Have you ever fallen for your best friend? No
Are you planning on getting married? Yes, can you all speak to Jamie!!!
Are you afraid of commitment? Not at all (I think this part is for the singles of the world out there)

Ten RANDOMS

One thing sitting next to you: Computer parts, more computer parts and a bottle of vinegar (don't ask me why the vinegar is there)
Do you like the color purple? Its good for scrapping not for wearing unless you are a goth.
How many cds do you own? Not as many as most - we have about 150
What is your most prized possession? I love my digi camera, will have to save up for a bigger megapixel one in the future and do a class
Who's your closest relative? Mum
If you could go anywhere? Italy - its becoming an obsession


Ten THIS OR THAT'S

Pepsi or coke? Coke Zero
CD or Radio? 1233 ABC Newcastle
Tommy Boy or Black Sheep? I do not understand this question, must be american
Saturday or Sunday? Saturday
Phone or in person? in person


Ten HAVE YOU EVERS
Have you ever been caught sneaking out? Never snuck out. Did get caught the one time I wagged school by my then neighbours then boyfriend - he just laughed.
Have you ever skinny dipped? Northland NZ beach in winter - kind of stupid actually
Have you ever done something you regret? Hindsight means things were pretty stupid but don't regret them - wouldn't have Mark if I wasn't stupid.
Have you ever bungee jumped? Yes twice it was marvellous
Have you ever been on a house boat? I don't know - not recently anyway
Have you ever finished an entire jaw breaker? I don't think I have ever had a jawbreaker
Have you ever wanted someone so badly it hurt? Yes - I wanted Mark OUT.


Ten ARE YOUS

Are you missing someone right now? Yes - Jamie and Mark are having a boys weekend away
Are you in love with anyone? Yep - Jamie (again, are we seeing a trend here people)
Are you happy? Mostly, wish I lived back in Melbourne, wish I had more kids, wish I didn't have RLS, but mostly happy
Are you talking to anyone right now? just myself
Are you thirsty? yes, anyone got any Coke Zero????
Are you bored? not as much as I was when this whole thing started
Are you German? Born in Germany but not german.
Are you Irish? No, but Uncle Mark is, does that count.
Are your parents still married? Yes they are closing the gap on 35 years soon!!!
Are you crushing on someone? Yes - J still makes my heart race, but he annoys the crap out of me also.

Travelling to Wagga Wagga.

Its now 2pm.. just called my men, they have just passed the turn off to Canberra Another hour or two to go. Jamie sounds a bit annoyed - he's never gone so far on the bike before. I can't talk to Mark, but Jamie said he is ok. This is the photo I took of them just before they left. Those reflective panels sure work well. Can't find the red eye tool in my version of photo shop - sorry Marko. Also there is Mark all decked out in his helmet and back pack. Hopefully they will stay at a place with a pool, so that they can stretch out and relax before heading off ot the party. I know they have eaten a KitKat each - probably stopped at Maccas for lunch, party for tea. A real boys weekend for them.

A Layout to Share

Here is a scrapbook page about my adorable neice Sheena. I'm so enjoying using pink on my pages that it is hard to go back to masculine pages... hint hint Jo, I need more high resolution photos of the girl.
This was a technically difficult LO to do. First of all the title (HOSPITAL) is handcut out of vellum. My first attempt had the letters machine stitched on - but it looked disgusting, so I unpicked it (Mum remember that night when I told you I was unpicking a LO - you thought I was mad). The mounting is on pink cardstock and inked and folded so that I could put some hidden journalling under the photo. The scan of course does not do it justice.

I love...

JAMIE.
This is him just after work. Changed into his civvies and snoozing on the couch.

Jamie starts work at 6am and last weekend he did 1 1/2 days of overtime all starting at 6am. Poor little guy is all tuckered out. He seems to be having a snooze most days now, but that is good, its what he needs.

I love you Jamie xxxx

Evilness

Well I didn't think I was evil... I'm just NICE.
I did a daggy quiz and I'm 38% evil.
Check your evilness here.

Beauty.

An email from my mother!

> To my beautiful daughter with love> > Mum> > http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/home_films_evolution_v2.swf
Well now that is interesting.When I first saw it, I said to myself, hmmm need to do something about those eyebrows!!! Ooops. Did you watch Enough Rope last night, I think Billy Crystal and Andrew Denton have both had botox - foreheads that don't move - its very freaky? There are two women that I know of at work who have had it. Plucking, dieting, magazines that say a star is too fat, followed the next week that they are too thin. Mixed messages and a story to celebrate the fact that Paulini has gone down three dress sizes and to start off I bet she was thinner than me. Its very frustrating to be a modern person. I want to be thinner only cos its unhealthy not because I want to be a size 0.
Stepping off of my pedestal now.

I've noticed that whenever I tell a man that I'm a nurse, there is a glazed look in their eye about the "uniform". Jamie took this amazing "boob shot" of me in my uniform on Sunday and now I know why men get excited about nurses uniforms.... so to all the men out there - enjoy.

Weird!

Yesterday was Sunday.
9.30am Mark calls out that there is a boy at the front door and he can't possibly answer it cos he's in his red patterned PJs. Its the 6yo boy for down the street, Nathan. They go off for a bike ride around our street which is a circle and pretty safe. its so hard to get into that cars other than those living here don't come. But I'll save that one for another post.
They played together on and off all morning, riding bikes, playing cars etc.
12.30 I told Nathan it was time for lunch and to go home, we were taking our dogs for a walk.
5 minutes later he returns saying his dad said he had to stay here, as mum was out!!!!!!!!!! I have not met Nathan's parents and they haven't met me (duh). How do they know we are safe? Anyway he came on our walk. The boys stayed inside for a bit played airport, Jamie was working on the car. I went to work.
Spoke to Jamie on the phone about 6.30pm and he said that he told Nathan to go home at 5pm. Again 5 minutes later he returned, but had a jumper on !!!!
His parents arrived at 5.30 and got him. NOT a word to Jamie to say thanks for feeding/watering/ entertaining his kid ALL DAY. Not a single word. Next weekend, especially if he turns up on our doorstep again, I'll be marching down and demanding to be introduced to those people.
Mark assures me nothing weird is going on, no one has hurt/touched (is being touched playing tips ok?) or done anything like that to him. Phew.

Sunday morning.

Had to great sleepins the last two days. Full of dreams - does not equate to restful sleep but its sleep none the less. I think another side effect is dreams, Doc said they should settle down when my body gets used to the drug.
****Last night I was in Alice Springs at a camp. Had to park my car in the hotel room. Everynight at about 4pm four people from the group had to go to another part of the camp about one hour away and make the dinner. There was a big performance about what we were cooking, but no coordination about who was going. So at 4.30 I realised that no one had left yet, so took off down the road at 110km/hr. Can't tell you much about the other camp. ****
Jamie rolled over then! Otherwise known as I woke up. Wasn't that exciting? Not very exciting, but still had all the drama of driving my car, stress of being late. Stupid dream, especially stupid when its in print.
My other side effect is almost constant dizziness. Even when lying down, its bizarre.
Hopefully this morning we might go look at some kitchen designs or take the dogs for a walk. Not sure as yet.

Whoops... almost two weeks.

So what's been happening.

• Did the Gastro Conference in Adelaide. That was interesting. Learned quite a bit but not nearly as much as I would have liked. Learned lots to do with Hepatitis C and have seriously decided not to get it.
• Drove in and out of Sydney with the car majorly overheating, but it made it. Our wonderful Commodore is such a "work in progress". Not finished polishing yet, cruise control doesn't yet work, not all of the power windows work, both front seatbelt snaps fall to the ground and the spoiler isnt on yet. But its fully painted, drives, stops, airconditioner works and has two power windows.
• Went back to work, got caught up in Motility again. It really doesn't pay to close a clinic.
• Legs have been playing up a treat - looked at a forum called WeMove (Worldwide Education and Awareness of Movement Disorders) and it looks like I may have an augmentation of my RLS - possibly due to my meds. So back to the doctor I shall trot. the lack of sleep is killing me. I was talking to mum the other day and told her its lucky I have Mark and Jamie who need me, cause ending it seems like a good idea (no need to call the mental health team, I won't do anything, but could understand why people do it - when there is no cure for something so debilitating.. what is the point??) But in saying that, the last two nights I have had a good nights sleep and a daytime nap. Time to seriously consider reducing my hours at work, I don't think I am physically able to keep up with full time.
• Appeared in an ad today for Aaron Beasley, the Labor candidate for Port Stevens. I was there as a token nurse and jamie was a former colleage telling the electorate that Aaron is a "real person" and not just a pollie. It was SO embarassing, trying to get my very short line out in a fresh and serious way "Aaron Beasely is working to get more doctors and nurses into our local hospitals" I don't even live in Port Stevens. Oh well.
• Marky is home and started back at school. he doesn't particularly like it and he's being very cheeky - in a "you shut up mum" followed by "that wasn't rude, I was being funny" getting a bit sick of it actually. Need to settle him down, will remind him about being rude and then let him know that if he is rude he'll be on a tv or xbox ban!!!

Sorry about the long post. Had a bit to get off my chest.

Sunday Morning.

Been a lazy couple of days.

• Watched some DVDs including Flying High - Jamie hadn't seen it - he laughed quite a bit.
• Snoozed between phone calls.... freaky Saturday arvo, Rod, Dave, Connie, Jamie and Jo all called about 15 minutes apart - so much for my beauty sleep.
• Got a new cable for the intercom on the motorbike, all the way down in sunny, beautiful Swansea.
• Up the Tanilba Bay to deliver some fishing stuff.
• Good chat on the radio at 4am about Kath & Kim and Seachange, so had to stay awake listening to that.
• Jamie has gone fishing this morning out to Broughton Island (maybe).
• After I finish here, I'm gonna go and scrap. Finish off the layout about Sheena in hospital which has taken about 3 goes so far. I'm happy with it, but want to put on some hidden journalling, and have just got an idea - its not that photo, but one of her crying that I'm using for the page. Even though she's crying she is still adorable - just don't ask the same question of Jocelyn.

Desperately need a class in Photoshop.

This is another pic of me I took when I was playing around. More wrinkles this time (should use moisturiser everyday Christy!!). Then I wanted to play around is photoshop. First pic is using greyscale. Then torn. Pretty cool huh?

Scrappin' good time.

Some new scrap pages for the For Keeps Everyday Moments Competition. The first one is called {@ Home}. Its inspired by Cheryl Radloff uses Sassafrass Lass Papers and has heaps of STUFF on it. The second one is called WIRES and is pretty self explanatory - we have lots of cords is our house, anyone whose been here has seen that BLUE CABLE drives me nuts cos I trip over it all the time.

Me - Today

This is a photo I took of myself today! Took a few goes but I'm pretty happy with the results. No double chin!! Eyes are open. Hair is a bit crazy but what can you do! Christy at 33 years of age.... but I only look 25!

Caffeine

I forgot to give it up. Had some extra Coke Zero at home, so I'm gonna drink all of them first, then I'm giving it up. Promise.

Wasting some time.

Howdy family and friends....
Just waiting to go to work.
Tried to nap this morning, but then my dad rang.
Telstra came and fixed our internet - I wasn't aware that we had a problem. But now we don't so that is good.
Watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and now am totally of the opinion that Jamie needs some gay styling.
Got to go to work.

Hugs and kisses to young Sheena the sweet little chicken who does not deserve these horrible health aliments that she has. My amazing sister and amazing mother are doing a fantastic job caring for the delightful little girl. I wish I could give her a huge hug and kiss.

Restless Legs.

Those dumb legs of mine are still playing up so badly that I'm becoming quite unstable.
Didn't get to sleep until 3am last night.
Up at 6am for work... very very very tired.
Extra meds tonight, hopefully it will help me sleep.
On arvo shift tomorrow with the wonderful Kathryn - it certainly makes work much more pleasant.
No more complaining....

Tomorrow I'm giving up caffeine - now that should be interesting as I'm totally addicted to Coke Zero. Hmmmm..... how will I give up caffeine, but should help with the leg issues that I have.

Having some fun.

Jamie and I are having a great time as just a couple!

Jamie is laughing more this week than he has for ages. He is so happy with himself - he made a set of rudder pedals for the flight simulator game on the computer he plays. They are big and clunky but he's so impressed with himself.

Went to indoor cricket tonight - the team LOST big time.
I had a good read of my book - "Three Bedrooms in Chelsea" by Liz Ireland. Strange book, not nearly as much sex as I was expecting. But actually quite funny.
Home in time for CSI and The Closer.

School holidays.

I'm missing my little guy. He flew down to Victoria on Saturday for the school holidays. He is having a marvellous time down at the farm with grandparents. He's helping with the cows, off to Shepparton with Frank to sell some calves. He's a real farm boy. The house is so weird without him. Its a necessary evil in our house, being so far away from family and both working full time. Its the only way the grandies get to see the man.