The Saga of the Commodore

Bizarre things happen in my family. Saturday afternoon Jamie had been to his friends house and was driving home over the Stockton Bridge. The sound changed a bit and then whoosh.. no more back window. That isn't normal, windows don't just fly out do they??? Now we have a good reason why out boot/trunk was always filling up with water - the windscreen wasn't in properly. On that drive we also got a super chip in the front windscreen.
The Commodore now needs

• Front and back windscreens
• 2-4 new tyres
• The gas system installed
• Back seat recovered.
• Automatic locks repaired
• Paint job fixed.

No problem

A good read.

If you are looking for an uplifting and incredibly sad blog to read. The faith that Tammy has is incredible. All I can say is thank goodness I don't live in America... after reading this blog and then watching Sicko... how can a government do this to people.

I just finished reading Li Cunxin's book Mao's Last Dancer. It was totally amazing. I loved it all, the poverty of his childhood, the regimental-ness of his adolescence, his bravery and his love of... ballet. In a million years I'd never imagine I would want to see a ballet, but after reading Li's book, I really do, but probably won't :)

I am supposed to read Emma by Jane Austen next, but it really does not appeal. So I might skip that one.

Maybe I'm nesting.

I feel somewhat organised.

Last night I did all of the dishes and the kitchen looked wonderful.

I asked Jamie to collect Mark from school, its on his way home, and I have to make an arc. I just wanted to come straight home.

Jamie called me and asked for some Chocolate Royale biscuits and some coke. Like the good missus I am, I obliged. What you would like for dinner? I don't care.

So I bought a cooked chook. Arrived home, the boys are watching The Matrix (VERY LOUDLY) on the telly. I assembled a salad, cooked some pototoes (Mark would prefer to have noodles than potato, I cooked some noodles).
Served dinner. Cleared the table. Washed dishes. Fed the dogs. Folded the washing.

The boys are still watching The Matrix (VERY LOUDLY).

I must be coming down with the flu.

WTF??

Another football story.

We take two kids to football twice a week. Once for training and to the games. There is a little 8 year old called Ricky and his 11 year old brother Jake. Jake is a lovely boy, Ricky well he's a little bit feral. Nice enough though.
We drive the kids cos #1 the car doesn't work. #2 Dad got "done" for drink driving and lost his license.
My WTF comments are such.
The mum doesn't come out of the house to say thank you, they don't ring to make sure its ok we collect them, its now just expected. Mum or dad don't thank us after we drop them off or make sure the kids behaved themselves. They show ZERO interest. Very annoying.

The last two weeks the boys have not had breakfast. We collect them about 8am and drop them home about midday. They are playing a very physical game of AFL. Last weekend I felt sorry for them and got them a packet of chips - good nourishing food. When I thought about it, why is it my responsibility to buy them a snack, they should eat before they come, they should have a snack with them or money to buy one with. So I said no this week. Poor little Ricky was starving. But they are not my kids. At the end of the morning the canteen had too much food and was giving it away. So my point to the parents wasn't as good as I would have liked it to be.

When we dropped them off I went into the house, introduced myself, said the boys had a great game, which was true. I then mentioned that it would be a great idea to make sure the boys had breakfast before they came or had a snack...
"That's their own fault, they should get up earlier and have something to eat"
Again, not a thank you.
Do I make some vegemite sandwiches to prevent the annoying "I'm starving, have you got any money?"

OH DEAR... these poor boys have not got much hope in life when the parents care so much.

Cross Country

Back in the good old days when I was at school, I used to fake asthma on the cross country running days so I wouldn't have to run. I hated it that much. Mark loves sprinting, he's not a fan of long distances,or so I thought.

On the Saturday afternoon Mark rolled his ankle. We went ice skating on Saturday night. He tried to get out of AFL on Sunday morning saying his ankle hurt - he ended up playing in two games. Monday morning, he said "I need to stay home as my ankle hurts, it will be so boring not being able to run in the cross country".

Anyway. I collected him from OOSH and he had a funny look on his face.
"I did terrible in the cross country, last, after all of the boys and even all of the girls"
Oh well I thought, you do have a sore ankle.
HUGE SMILE "As if, I came first".

MY BABY CAME FIRST, in a 4km run. The assistant teacher suggested he run at a steady jog rather than sprint, so as not to wear out. And it worked.

He's off to the Zone Cross Country Run on Friday. I'll report in how he went.

Football Family

We spend so long at football each week. This morning we set the alarm at 6.30am went to collect 3 other kids whose parents do not drive. Then drove off to Medowie for a 9am start.

The under 10 team (Mark plays on this team) played ok. They were completely thrashed, but that is ok. Only one kid cracked a 'nana about it. It was one of his first games. Not entirely sure of the score, but I think we only got about 7 points.

Next was the Under 12's and there was a parent barney. The coach, Ricky, is only 17 and he drives me NUTS. He is so over the top, loud and opinionated.... but the kids seem to love him and are desperate to please him. Well, it is a rule that all the kids wear mouth guards - that makes sense - well kids being kids - forget their mouthguards. Mark was one and another boy forgot his. The dad of the other kid (from now on referred to as Dad A) said its ok Kid A can just play without his mouthguard, and he wouldn't sue the club if anything happened to Kid A. Ricky said "I'm the coach, and am here for the kids, and no kid is playing without a mouthguard". Red rag to a bull, Dad A cracked the sads, and blew up at Ricky. Not entirely without reason. But made it EXTREMELY uncomfortable for all involved. Jason (Club President) and Jamie (Coach of U10s) were trying to smooth out the problems.... OH DEAR. Not sure if that was understandable, but trying not to be libelous. I'm on Dad A's side!!

DAMN our tv is not working, its completely scrambled. Our oven broke yesterday. Petrol is very very expensive.

Planning a Holiday.

Jamie and I are planning a trip to HAWAII... how cool is that?

• We both need to get new passports - very sad - they have been gathering dust.
• Book time off work.
• Book flights.
• Book accommodation.
• Work out my feelings about leaving Mark behind. We'll go to Queensland once the baby we are going to have is a toddler, ok feelings are fixed.
• Get Dad up to babysit / get kid to school.
• The SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE.
  

A girl I worked with and a Facebook friend from long long ago have both been to Hawaii and are in the process of giving me some good tips. Tanya stayed at Aqua Wave said it was good there, so will definitely check that one out. Rhys hasn't giving me options of accommodation yet, but he will if I ask him.
Must go to a travel agent to get a good deal. Whatever you do, don't tell Jamie this, but I don't completely trust the internet and tv for that matter. I always thought Jetstar would be the cheapest. Well I just looked up Harvey World Travel and .... Qantas is very cheap - and they give you food!!! OH my goodness. I'm in shock.
I credit the pictures to this site.

Enthusiasm

I have just done a little bit of blog surfing. Here, here and here.
How do people keep up their enthusiasm?

Scrapbookers for example, there are names in the industry that have been around for AGES. They are prolific scrapbookers. Chefs such as Gordon Ramsay *yum* how can he keep up his enthusiasm, I can't cook for three people without losing interest.

Well I'm thinkin' deep tonight.

I WANT SOME ENTHUSIASM.

I was going to upload a whole bunch of photos.. but our computer is a piece of crap.
Who could imagine being practically married to a computer nerd and our computers are rubbish.
I guess its the way it goes. Mechanics cars are crap. Builders have broken houses.
Very annoying actually.
I want to paint the doors in the computer room. The rest of the room is a light aqua (nicer than it sounds) not sure what I want to paint the doors though. I would like chalkboard paint, but Jamie is against that (boohoo). Maybe just stick with white. Can't go wrong with white. It'd be nice to surprise Mark and mum with the doors painted.
Mark is having a fabulous time with his grandparents.
Mum & Dad have spent up big in the last couple of weeks. They got a caravan and a 4wd. Not at all sure if this is what the car and the van look like, but hey its a picture. Mark adores them both.
Feeling a bit sleepy now, so I won't tell the very cool story that goes with the Suzuki Grand Vitara. By the way its the car I wanted, not a totally square Nissan Patrol - a very unsexy car.

*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.

Arrrggghhhh

Finally I decided to help out my guys. I cooked tea. Well I put the ingredients in the crock pot and it cooked itself.

I got home from work at 10.30 and there it was still in the crockpot, still cooking.

They didn't realise that it was there.

So what did they eat? A chocolate bar and coke from the servo on the way to cricket.

OH DEAR.

Hospital at home.

This is a scary big spider near Rocket's workshop. Needed a picture again.

Daniel, he's our neighbour from two doors down and is Marko's current best friend. They spend every moment of time together when they are not at any football training. He's a lovely Sudanese boy, so polite.

Anyway today he and Mark were playing out the front and he tripped and fell onto our brick fence injuring his knee. Mark came inside screaming.. he just stood there looking terrified, he thought his bone had come through through skin. It didn't bleed though, just pushed the skin back, like a superficial graze. But on his super black skin his knee looked white like the bone was poking through.

I cleaned him up - not that it needed much cleaning. Jamie got some padding and a bandage from his fishing kit (hmmm must raid work for some supplies for a real first aid kit) and off he hobbled home with a bandage around his knee. Poor kid he was so brave.

Must remember to check out my emergency nursing technique and investigate his knee tomorrow or Wednesday.

Not sure what to title this one!

Thought I'd just say hello again.

Suffering from insomnia again - only 12.30 - but its annoying.

I had some funny stories about Mark but I can't remember them.

Something bizarre that happened yesterday. After work I was SOOO exhausted that I went straight to bed. It was 3.30pm. That is just wrong really. Poor Mark had no idea what was going on. Jamie was watching the footy - his beloved Kangaroos got smashed, despite winning early in the game. After I woke up we decided to go to the beach as Marko wanted a swim, we went to Horseshoe Beach alternatively known as *The Dog Beach* and the puppies had a swim. Charlie loves the ocean, she tears in after the ball and swims out to bring them back. Marky was swimming with them. Skye just barks like as crazy man. My thought is he is protecting Charlie or Mark when they are in the water and wants them to come in. When Charlie swims out, Skye follows him despite his better judgment just to protect her.
Anyway after the swim we went back to the car and Charlie got diarrhoea (arrgggh just like work). Now a dog with the squirts is a really weird thing to see. Anyone have any idea what would cause that???

Ahh the Magic Bullet infomercial. That reminds me of a time Mark and I went to Centrelink - he yelled at the top of his voice "This is my favourite ad" he found a chair and sat and watched it. Well surprise surprise we now own a Magic Bullet and it sits in the cupboard gathering dust. HMMM why do I succumb to infomercials.

Got to try and get some sleep. Hopefully tomorrow I will get some batteries and upload some new photos. Got some great ones from easter.

Bye
PS. Is that better Kathryn??

Happy Easter

Hello and Happy Easter.

Resting comfortably.

Hello and welcome to Tuesday evening.

I've been sleeping so well - its confusing.

Afternoon nap on my days off.

My rubella level is low, so I need a booster shot.

We had a beautiful dinner tonight. Got it from Good Taste Magazine. Pork chop, coleslaw (with apple) and steamed beans. All plates were empty.

Jamie won at Indoor Cricket.

Back to work tomorrow arvo.

A Victim

Sunday at 11.30am Mark and his friend from two doors down Daniel decided that they wanted a hamburger for lunch. They asked if they could scooter up to the fish and chip shop and buy it themselves. They travel all over together, so going up the street to the chippie shop wasn't a big deal. On their way home near the pipeline (those familiar with my house understand the significance of the *pipeline* its the local hangout), a group of boys, about 8 of them on bikes all around 10-12 years old started to circle Mark and Daniel saying they were gonna bash them up.
My boys replied that "no they weren't" and I think Daniel said "Why would I fight you pussy's" (not too helpful Daniel). The gang also made a cutthroat signal. There were more words about wanting to fight and the boys ran home, Mark to our place and Dan to his place.

Mark came inside and said he had a lovely hamburger and.... "Mum, can you come here please??" This is the bane of my life, he always wants me to come to him, but I reckon he should come to me if he wants to say something, but I digress.
When I finally relented, he told me the whole story.

We went to Jamie and told him... in Jamie's usual style he said "What did you do Mark? The kids wouldn't want to fight you if you did nothing" Sometimes Jamie is so naive, there are generally bad people in the world, people who succumb to the gang mentality.

I worried about him, went to work, talked to my friend Brad who has two kids of a similar age to Mark, just to gauge his opinion of him as a parent and a man.

This morning I talked to mum (again) and she suggested I call the school, the police and talk to Daniel's mum as well. Two out of three ain't bad. Mrs Skillen was very helpful and she talked to Mark today in a discreet way.

The police station, I must admit, was fun. The police women were so beautiful I really felt like I was in an episode of "The Bill". I was invited into an interview room and she took my statement. Mark now has his name on the NSW police computer as a Victim of Crime. My little baby not yet 10.

When I collected Mark today from OOSH, he said to me "Mum, you remember what happened yesterday, it was actually VERY serious, Mrs Skillen talked to me and said it was really serious". She talked to the boy who goes to his school who was part of the gang and Mark thought that Jarrod had confessed to Mrs Skillen (as if). He wasn't mad at me for calling the school or the police.

Well all in all, it was an interesting day. The boys went for a scooter ride this arvo, and didn't run into any trouble.

If you got to the end of this post - I congratulate you.

Survived it.

Don't you hate it when work consumes you?
That has been my week.

When I started as a nurse about 5 years ago now, I considered my pay good compared with other jobs I had worked. I knew in comparison to other jobs its pretty well paid. I know that compared to admin jobs, the pay is crap. But I'm not too interested in sitting at a computer doing goodness knows what. I'm happy to be in a job that people understand (to a point) and respect.
Now I'm a little bit further in my career. I'm considered a *senior staff* member and as I'm not a kid, I have that in age as well. I am now responsible for teaching junior or newer staff, I think I'm doing a pretty good job. But now I'm thinking that nurses are just not paid enough. It really takes over your life when work gets tough.

Oh well not really sure where this is going. Maybe I want more pay. Maybe I need to quit again (no I've never quit this job). Nah I'll just calm down a bit.

What the????

I have someone from Morocco looking at my blog?

Changes.

I'm being better about my exercise. The Biggest Loser is rubbing off.
I've lost about 4kg from my heaviest, so I'm pretty happy about that. Speaking of TBL, I'm sick of the advertising. I thought there was going to be a big fight tonight between Shannan and John, but it wasn't that at all... they just beat everything up and its quite annoying.

My ultrasound was "interesting", don't think I'm happy to share the bizarre details here, but those that see me have heard the story. Its pretty funny if you ask me.

Marko conned me - he gets tummy aches in the morning. If I have the day off.. and I've had a bad night, well what the bother. He was a delight at home. Not sure the reason behind the tummy aches. I inquired and he isn't bullied, he doesn't bully, he doesn't get yelled at, he doesn't get in trouble, he has enough friends and other than getting graphic, I can't think of any reasons. Oh and he enjoys the work.

Jamie is catching up on sleep. Three nights in a row he has fallen asleep on the couch. Last night was at 9.30pm. Tonight - get this - he fell asleep on the couch at 5.30, he missed his cricket game, his captain called to ask where he was and he slept through the phone ringing (and he doesn't do that!!) he woke up when he snored at one point (taking after my dad, snorting himself awake), woke up when I poked him in the tummy. He didn't even have dinner. Went from the couch to bed and is still snoring!

Me - well I'm all over the shop. I'm totally scared to go to bed. Had a full on panic attack in the middle of the night Sunday night and it scare the shit out of me. Jamie *again* slept through it, so he wasn't helpful. So in reality I'm in need of sleep but am scared to go to bed. How stupid that that.

I really need to take some photos, or have some photos taken - any takers?

I need to plan something FUN... any suggestions???

AND I think the mouse is back, or I'm so tired I'm hallucinating.

Just when you think you've got it figured out.

I thought my legs were good - and they were. Now I'm going down the road of self medicating - doesn't work. Now I'm sleepy and jumpy.

OOSH is complicated. I'll share more later.

The kid is gorgeous. Love him to pieces.

Sunday Evening

I'm freaking out watching *Underbelly*
Please stop reading if you live in Victoria, banned due to legal restrictions.
Pretty yucky what happens in the underworld.

A tidy house.

Can you believe it?
My house is tidy. Took a long time yesterday. The lawn has been mowed and it looks good (I wish he'd use the catcher though). We don't look like a rental anymore.

Took the boat out for a little spin yesterday which was nice.

Had a Biggest Loser fest with Mark. The weeks worth of TBL that I had taped, watched it all in one hit. I really don't like the Red Team. Rachel... I just don't get. Sheridan giving in to the temptation just does not make sense. Well that my thoughts on TBL, Mark just wished I'd shut up. I'm so glad Michelle doesn't train me... oh that's right, I don't train.

Umm today we are hoping to get the car seals done, but I don't like out chances. I want to get "Singstar" or "Buzz" for the Playstation we got last weekend.

I went on a card making frenzy last weekend, made about 40 cards. If anyone needs any, just let me know. Stuffed if I know what I'll do with 40 cards. Desperately want to make some more. Will attempt to scrapbook. But don't have much inspiration to do that.

Tomorrow is the "Come and Try Day" for the AFL. I really hope it will be good day. Some drills for the kids and a mini-game. I've got to get Jamie organised with some fun activities.

Christy xx

Sorry

Today is a pretty big day in Australia's history. Finally the government has said "sorry" for the stolen generation. I think every single school child watched the speech.

Mark said to me yesterday, "What do you think is important about tomorrow?" and it was the Sorry Day speech. He was very excited to get to school to watch it with his friends. More importantly he was interested in what it meant and why Kevin Rudd had to say sorry = he didn't do it.
I think that is why so many Aussies have a problem with the apology, why should be apologize for something we didn't do, or that was done with the best of intentions at the time. Well it still doesn't make it right. I'm happy that we as a nation have apologised, it was necessary. I might not be coherent in what I'm talking about, but I wanted my tiny two cents worth.

The photo came from the ABC website. I tried to find one of some Aboriginal people, but then decided against it.

Doctors.

Just a quick note...

Tomorrow I'm seeing my Neurologist again - just to get the results of my sleep study, should be interesting. My RLS is quite good at the moment, I think cos I'm sleeping better due to the wonderful invention of sleeping tablets.

I need to see my GP or a chiro about a new pain in my hip/back. I was in agony tonight with it, felt nauseous and taking panadol every 4 hours (or less) didn't help. How on earth do people live with chronic pain? Do I sound like a nurse? No other theory than the worse case scenario. As flippant as that is... our friend Doug passed away from a secondary in his spine that "just happened one day" My horoscope for this year said I would have problems with my feet. But I remember now, I don't believe in horoscopes.

Thursday I'm off to an ultrasound to see why my "girl bits" aren't giving me a baby! Oops I mean why they are not giving US a baby.

Blood test the following week.

Rain, mozzies, boats and work.

Newcastle (for that matter Australia) is raining. But its a hot, muggy rain and its bloody awful. The puddles that persist mean that mozzie's breed and then they bite ME. I'm sure they bite other... but more importantly... they bite me.
BOAT is finally in the water. A huge engine overhaul - lots of foul language and LOTS of driving to Tanilba and back... our little family took it for a spin on Sunday morning. It was really nice, having the salty air in my hair, coolish outside. Mark as going to attempt fishing, but in true *I don't need you to tell me how to do it fashion* he cracked. So now our boat in safely back in our backyard.
Work has been awful. Patient illnesses are getting worse - thankfully they have looked at hte medical situation. So we now two interns (junior docs), one ward based registrar (next level up) and two overseeing senior registrars as well as the 8 consultants. So my thoughts are the patients SHOULD be cared for. Now we just need to get nursing right.
Mayb'e I'll leave. find a job in another hospital.. but end iwh the same shit, but not know anyone. Ok I'll stay in gastro.

===========================

Next bit of news is a bit personal (so stop reading now). As you might be aware Jamie and I are trying to have a baby. SOmewhat unsuccessfully so far. So I'm having an ultrasound of my girlie bits next week, then a blood test, followed by an operation to check for endometriosis.

Doctors, doctors and probably heaps of blood tests.

Tomorrow I am going to a fertility doctor. I'm quite excited and nervous.

I think I'm nervous, got so anxious that I felt nauseas - took a pregnancy test - negative as per usual. But that would have been my luck. Cheaper luck though.

Horseshoe Beach

Our trip to the "Dog Beach." There were about 200 dogs there, we only saw one scuffle - little dogs.
Charlie had a ball with the ball. The photo which looks like just the beach, you can see a dot, that is Charlie. Skye does not *fetch* but he does chase Charlie. Mark got very wet, well actually he swam and he forgot to take a towel, so for the umpteenth time he had to come home in the car in just his undies. I did get a pic of this, but due to decency I have not included this.

Vietnam War Museum

This is from when we went to Phillip Island. Dad and Mark went to the Vietnam War Museum and I let Mark take my camera.
PS. A huge thank you to Jen Hall for the instructions on how to do that. I jealously looked at her blog and wondered "that must be so hard", well she told her blog readers and now I know that it is simple as point and click.

Back to Normal - well almost.

Its lovely having Mark home again. Makes our family complete (as Tom Cruise famously said). The plan was to collect him from the airport and then go and play golf, well it was drizzling most of the day, so golf was off the agenda. We went to the workshop and Jamie worked on the boat engine for ummm about 9 hours. Mark got reacquainted with his dogs, we watched Djokovitch beat Federer in the tennis and then went to bed.

Saturday: Jamie returned to the shed to work on the motor. Mark and I went shopping for school supplies, it appears I was not thorough enough and he needed more. We also got a puzzle, 1000 pieces of a Holden SS Commodore which is REALLY hard.

Saturday was also Australia Day (or Invasion Day). Wikipedia states:
On 13 May 1787, a fleet of 11 ships captained by Arthur Phillip, which came to be know as the First Fleet, was sent by the British Admiralty from England to Australia, to established a penal colony at Botany Bay on the coast of New South Wales, explored by Captain James Cook in 1770. The settlement was seen as necessitated by the loss of colonies in North America. Captain Phillip found Botany Bay unsuitable and with two ships proceeded up the coast to Port Jackson, which he declared "the finest harbour in the world". The site decided upon for the first settlement was at a location where there was a potable stream of water, and some level land, unlike much of the steep and rugged foreshore. By 26 January 1788, the fleet was at anchor in Sydney Cove, the male convicts were unshipped and the flag was raised in the name of King George III.
Australia celebrates this with a public holiday and fireworks. Newcastle had its fireworks on the foreshore, which is gorgeous. We thought of going into town by the train to save on trying to find a park and "doing the right thing". There is a station really close to us, I found the timetable on the internet, then I looked up the cost $6.80 per adult and $3.60 for kids. How ridiculous. $17 for a family to go on a 15 minute train trip - granted it is return, but that doesn't make it worthwhile. So we drove and found a really good park, had a snack of donuts and homemade lemonade from a Russian vendor. It was really nice and at about 9pm the fireworks started, they were lovely, but boring at the same time.
There was also a carnival in town - Mark wanted to try all of the sideshows, but we are horrible parents taht said no!

Today - Sunday and for something completely different we went to the workshop so Jamie could work on the motor. I'm playing on the internet and Marko is playing with Emily. Its STINKING hot and I hate hot weather.

We are collectively very sad that Adam Gilchrist decided to retire. More in shock actually, he's amazing and I love watching him play. Can't wait for the tennis tonight. really hoping that Jo-Wilfreid Tsonga will win - its the battle of the silent letter tonight. Tsonga v Djokovitch.

Last kid-free day.

Today is Thursday, the last day of my relaxed holiday. I have almost had one month off.

Kind of weird that... early in the year I asked for 3 weeks off in January, from the 6th-30th so I could have time at home with Mark, Jamie would have him for the first week when he has time off and then I'd have him for the next three. Well I was knocked back in about August, there were already two full-timers have time off. Oh well I thought, back to the drawing board, might have to send him down to the grandies again. Well things got a bit weird at work, had half of the ward closed, and heaps of people were allowed time off, me included. So even though I had been knocked back for holidays I have ended up being away for one month. I've loved it, most of the time haven't even thought about work, except for when one of our long-termers died.

Today I went to Garden City (I'm trying to be more Novocastrian and not call it Kotara), bought some labels for Mark, thought I'd get them straight away, but have to wait about 10 working days for them. Got him some "Back to School" goodies which I hope he'll like, its HotWheels contact, hopefully he doesn't consider himself too old for that, I shall find out tomorrow.

Amazing stories

He has a fertile brain that son of mine! From Mark's school workbook which came home with him at the end of the year.
*** *** ***
Should we get unlimited pocket money.
Interesting title, should kids get UNLIMITED amount of money.
Discussion topic. Some people think we should and some people think we shouldn't.
Argument for. It would be great to get unlimited money. You can buy whatever you want. It would be great.
Argument against. You mum and dad could get poor. You would only spent it on stuff you want. You would just buy junk food.
Summarizing conclusion. I disagree because you mum and dad would get poor and then you would have nothing to buy at all.

*** *** ***

The Christmas Disaster

The night before Christmas Santa, his favourite dog "Scrappy" and Rudolph, Comet, Prancer, Dancer, Blitzen, Cupid, Donner and Dasher were eating their dinner before they left to deliver the presents. When they left the reindeer base, Mrs Claus was yelling out goodbye. The first ten houses went ok, but when he got to the 100th house Rudolph lost his red nose and they couldn't see where they were going. So they crashed and landed on my house's roof. I went out to see what was happenening and when I saw him I screamed out "SANTA'S HERE!" But not in one piece. Then we fixed him up with bandages and sent him on his way back to the North Pole.

*** *** ***

H - Holidays are fun.
O - Oh what a wonderful life
L - Laying in the sun.
I - I'm having fun.
D - Days are now glorious days
A - All go wild.
Y - Yell and scream at the end of school.
S - School is over for two weeks.

*** *** ***

The Best Present Ever!
The best present ever, I think is a remote controlle ute. It has an mp3 player, FM radio, spinners, black with red dark flames, 70cm long, 15cm high, and 20cm wide. I only liked it when I saw it. The thing I liked before was boat lego. The boat lego would be better because it is cheaper than the car. These are the Christmas wish list items I would like this year.

How about the night before Christmas!

I love Christmas!

This is Mark with his Christmas Eve pressie (its a Lantz tradition, not a Storer one. Mark is still pleased he is a Lantz!)

The other tradition is Carol's by Candlelight. Loved the opening song, wish I knew its name. Bom bom bom bom.... don't you wish you could hear me hum, will make it easier to figure out the song I'm trying to figure out.

Next is leaving the snack for Santa! This is a little boy who is TORN - is Santa real or not, to be on the safe side... here is the milk and cookies - and a carrot for Rudolf. PS please excuse the lovely table that the snack is on, yes you are correct, its toilet paper! I really need a nice coffee table!

Next is Mark hiding from the camera.

Next is a super excited me! Sorry about the double chin folks, but its me in all of my glory, unfortunately I actually do have a double chin.


I'll post some pics tomorrow showing off our loot!

Twas the week before Christmas

Thought I'd say HI

This is a painting that Jamie and I got for Christmas from his side of the family.
That is the helicopter that the little man got.
That is also his newly painted room.

Hospital.

Interesting night last night. My sleep study.
Arrived at 7.30pm the girl (never got her name) said "Hello, you will be in room 2, here is the decaffinated coffee and breakfast if you want it. Please change into your pj's"

What now? Are you for real.. so in my jammies at about 8pm. I'm not a fan of being *exposed* in semi public.

Then it was my time to be wired up. Sitting in a chair the technician with a measuring tape - she drew on my scalp to get the right position for the electrodes. Once all of the positions were marked she applied some goop then stuck the electrodes. Then a sticker on the middle of my forehead. Some around my eyes and around the mouth.

Sat in the "lounge" got a decaf coffee. Watched the end of Farmer Wants a Wife. When it was over, everyone asked what do you want to watch everyone said they didn't care, so I suggested the Chaser. I won and ended up being the only one in the lounge, everyone else went to bed. BTW there were 6 of us.

Then I went to my room - which ended up being room 6. I sat in the chair and read for a little bit. Then one of the technicians came in and asked what time I went to bed. She wanted to wire me up (MORE???). So I did go to bed. Got some new electrodes on my chest, two bands around my middle and 4 on my legs. THEN she put oxygen prongs up my nose - they are the MOST uncomfortable things in the world. Most of the people who have sleep studies are there for sleep apnoea. I also needed a oxygen saturation "peg" which they taped to my middle finger, here as I write this I still have a sore finger and a slight pressure spot on it. BOOHOO.

I read for a little bit, then decided to attempt to sleep. Managed it alright actually. Had a couple of bouts of restless legs, but not what I have at home. I do toss and turn - which is quite hard when you have HEAPS of wires hanging off of me. Only dislodged one.

About 4.30 there was a HUGE bang where they are demolishing part of the hospital. The bloke came in at 6am, woke me up, disconnected me and sent me on my way!

That is my story of the sleep study. Thanks for listening.

Stressors.

Hey there family and friends who are not on Facebook.

Just to give a small update...

• Had an appointment with my specialist, it was actually quite wonderful. She suggested I de-stress.

• As some of you who actually read this, housework is a problem. I'm getting a cleaner.

• I have an appointment for a "Sleep Study" next Wednesday. It was weird, they didn't have any appointments available until March next year. BUT they did have a cancellation for next week. So this will be my first overnight stay in hospital since I had Mark. I have to get there at 7.30pm have my pj's, towel, toothbrush etc. Then get wired up! Leads will be put on my head and hopefully on my legs to see what happens. Gee wizz I hope there is a telly! Its the Chaser Decides and I need to watch that. Will be a surreal experience.

• I'm quite excited about the election. I know its daggy, but I want to be involved. I wish I had thought of having an election party, but then we might not be able to channel surf and watch the election coverage. Go Kevin07!
  

Finally scrapbooking again.


This is a pic of me from 2000 (ages ago) I was lying on the floor, some very groovy paper - can't remember the brand but I got it from ScrapNeeds. This one is titled "I need Sleep" How cute is that little owl??





This one is obviously Sheena Geary. Had a lot of fun with rubons in this one.
"All is good when you are nearly 2"









This is the canvas that Mark and I painted when he was home sick. Its really bad, but we are not into Halloween in Australia and its the first time I have every done anything like that before. I'm quite happy with the little ghost saying BOO.








This is the first page I have done for Lauren's sister - its a total scraplift of Charmane Otto.
















This one is using Urban Lily paper, very easy but VERY nice.














This was me messing around last night, don't think I like it, but hey its a page.














School Dance "A Night at the Movies"
This is Mark's class dancing to "Walk like an Egyptian", his is the only face you can see in that picture. Also in the other photos, wow that was an accident, I did a point and click at the group he was dancing with - imagine only getting him to keep in line with the child protection laws. It was a good night, weather was very kind, picnic was good (although it was ham and not a roast chicken as requested). Mark is not destined to be a dancer - I know that now!

Fed Up

Not really sure what else to call this post.
Insomnia is playing a major part of my life at the moment. Here I am at 2.11am not even really feeling that tired, just fed up. I have to be up at 5.45 for work as I'm starting at 7am.
I'm not functioning the way a real person should. What am I to do?
Another trip to the doctor, and for what? More drugs.

Other than that, home is good. Family is happy. I'm totally addicted to Facebook and I'm not really even sure why! Truthfully, I haven't seen most of the school people in over 16 years, our similarities are we sat in a classroom all those years ago and read books, learned maths and did science experiments together. Work friends I see most days anyway! Oh well its an excuse not to do anything else.

A super huge positive - Mark got STUDENT OF THE WEEK I'm one proud mama. Its for good bookwork - but to be honest I think it was his turn. This week is the only week all year that the boy did not bring home a school newsletter, how am I supposed to scrap it.

That would mean I was scrapping, which I am not cos I'm playing on Facebook and talking to Kathryn and Ella on Skype! Hmmm, I need to readjust I think.

Sorry for the ramblings of an overtired 34-year-old. That saying is not only for 2 year olds!!!

Overuse of exclamation marks Christy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another little cool cookie.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Goldie Patrol

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Chocolate Tim Tam

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) C.Lan

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Green Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Dawn Lahr

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 3 letters of your first) Lanchr

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Pink Coke Zero

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Arthur James

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite chocolate bar) LuLu Boost

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Anne Brian

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Bell Boston

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Spring Tulip

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Raspberry Cargoie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Yogurt Elm

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),The Scrapbook Storm Tour


Clever!

Making me laugh.

Who does this best? Its my boy.

Yesterday he had his first cricket training. They got heaps of goodies as its "Milo Have A Go" promotion, and Cricket Australia is sure focusing on kids. He got a tshirt, hat, cricket bat and ball, drink bottle, sweat bands, badge. It was like Christmas for the boy. Anyway that isn't what made me laugh.

We stopped at Coles on the way home and bought my cheat dinner (Roast Chook) and going back to the car he said to me "Do you remember when I was a little boy and I thought nipples were called NIBBLES". I nearly wet myself on the spot. #1 a nine year reminiscing about when he was young. #2 why does he recall bizarre things all the time. #3 Yes he did think they were called nibbles and it freaked me out each time he said it which was frighteningly often.

I laughed so hard I snorted, he cracked up too... well I guess you had to be there.

:)

Cool

What do you think?

Did I mention??

What a gorgeous bod my little boy has.

We went to the beach with friends of ours on Sunday, they have a son just a year younger than Mark and he is very much a little boy - and I reckon he has a version of ADHD he is so disagreeable, when I see this kid I know we have no problems with Mark. Anyway I noticed Mel looking at Mark then she said "Wow Mark has a nice... ummm" and I said "Body?" yes she agreed, he has a six pack stomach and isn't too skinny or fat.

Just plain gorgeous I reackon

Just gorgeous

Mark and Sheena in the bath together.
Got out Mark's dolphins from when he was a baby and Sheena loves them.
That is me at the side there supervising the kids.

I'm over it.

What is it exactly???

COUGHING.

I have coughed for almost two weeks and the last 5 days have been horrible. Went to the doc on Sunday morning, who took a throat swab (it was karma getting me back for all of those NG tubes I place) and has given me a few days off work. Got the phone numbers of all of my patients from the clinic and canceled them yesterday. Had a super dooper coughing fit yesterday to the point of throwing up... aren't you glad I shared that tidbit of information.

So today, I have been resting.

Mark started back at school and he's all enthusiastic. Wore his new white shirt uniform and he looks gorgeous. Saw the ladies from OOSH and its nice to see them again.

Jamie had an interview for a job in Melbourne, but unfortunately not this time. Still looking for other jobs.

Must head off and rest some more :)

Home and its hot.

Welcome home to Newcastle. Had a lovely holiday with my mummy, daddy, little sister and Sheena the Punk Rocker.

Nice to see Jamie again, and he was slightly domesticated, did some washing, did some cooking, put the dishwasher on! Wonders never cease.

Today, Mark and I went shopping in the morning, got Jamie some new shorts (gee this is an exciting post) because our 4WD got broken into. Both of our cars had windows smashed in less than a month. But one was at home and the other at the boat ramp, so we don't need to move urgently. Mark got some new uniforms. I got some cupcake tins to foster my obsession - shall be cooking tomorrow, tis to hot today.

Mmmmm

Today my current dream was fulfilled.

I was in cupcake heaven. There is a tiny little shop at the Prahran Market called "Crabapple Bakery" and it only sold cupcakes. I had a dainty one called "Strawberry and Vanilla", Mum had a "Lemon Delight" Dad had "Lumberjack Cupcake" which obviously was a lumberjack cake with coconut icing. Mark had a "Halloween Cupcake" with bright purple icing and a jaffa and other lollies on it.

Well worth the trip and not quite as exxy as I was expecting.

Glenrowan

Day #2 of the holiday started off in the motel, we had a continental breakfast in the dining room (again Mark thought he was a king!). Off on the road again.

We stopped in a town called Glenrowan - the heart of Kelly country. As a rule I'm against the idolisation of Ned Kelly. I don't understand Australia's fascination with a cop killer and bush ranger. To be truthful, I didn't pay much attention at school. I don't know the Kelly side of things - why he turned to bushranging etc. But its a continual fascination. Somewhat like my Law & Order shows on tv which raise up murderers to cult level, the media's love of serial killers and Jack the Ripper, its all on a par. Anyway I have digressed.

During Year 3 in school there is a course on Australian history which includes the bushranging time and the king of the bush rangers is Ned Kelly. Glenrowan was where he lived and the shootout was in Glenrowan, the whole town is a celebration of his life and crimes.

We went to one of the museums and saw lots of "ye olde worlde" artefacts.

Here is another montage of photos of our day (quarter of a day) at Glenrowan.

Holiday Day #1

Mark, Mum, Dad and I left Newcastle on Monday morning after the grandfinal weekend!
We drove all day, traffic in Sydney was very good (thankyou for being a public holiday).
Nothing to report on the trip almost at all... very boring actually.
We spent the night in a motel in Albury, it was very nice, Mark loved it so much. He felt like a king.
This is a tiny montage to dinner out in Albury.

New Skills

Jamie showing Mark the correct way to push a mowe

Going out on his own

The look of satisfied concentration.

Yes you saw it here first, Mark is mowing the lawn! My little bloke is growing up and starting to do "man chores".

We had a very productive Saturday, the room is nearly done (do I sound like a broken record?), the vacuuming for the whole house is done. My bathroom is clean.

Tomorrow I'm going to Lollypops with some girls from work. Very excited about that. Need to get some scrapping done as well.

Happy Birthday to Me

I shall commence this post with a portrait I took of me and Mark today. I wanted to do a family portrait, but Jamie wouldn't play. Yes I agree Mark has big feet!

Today - well now its officially yesterday was my birthday. I'm now the glorious age of 34!
Luckily I don't feel that age, but hey what does feeling 34 feel. I'm still younger than my mum was when she had me! Quite amazing that. So fertility wise I'm not yet on the shelf (no you didn't just hear that Mum). I'm only 4 years into my career and its all going well. Two weeks time I'm on holidays, can't wait for that.

My new year to me resolutions...
Take care of myself.
Not *worry* about my legs so much.
Have some fun (starting by going out with the girls on Sunday)
Prevent dementia by exercising for half an hour 3 times a week.
Think about learning a new language - which one???

The Good, the Bad and the Very Very Annoying.

Good.

Sunny day.
Shortland Festival Day
Gardening.
Hanging out as a family.
Laughing with Mark.
Jamie has made me a customised banner

Bad.

The boat engine won't start.
The house is still a mess.
I think I'm sunburned.

The Very Very Annoying.

The computer room isn't painted yet - but almost.
The banner is a little bit short.

Ooops

I can't believe what I did today.

I left the iron on

Luckily the house is still standing, luckily all the insurances are paid. Luckily I found it now and not in the morning.
I ironed my work shirt at 6.30am and found it still on at 6.15pm. There was a heat emanating from the ironing board.

Challenging

Read this today and think its great!

Genetic Counselling:

"I'm very sorry, I have the results of the genetic tests and they have confirmed our suspicions that your foetus is what we call...Normal.
Some people prefer the terms "Ordinarily Challenged" or "Normal Syndrome". The syndrome can be easily identified by a complete lack of any interesting genetic characteristics. I know this will come as a shock to you, buy you should be aware of what this is likely to mean.

If your foetus manages to survive the rest of the pregnancy and the birth, which is becoming more common these days, he or she will face some daunting challenges. Children who suffer from normalcy are prone to heatlh and psychological problems. It is almost certain that the growing child will suffer a seemingly endless stream of viruses. They will frequently damge themselves, and sometimes others, from their excessive energy.

Their relentless demands will put a strain on your existing family and, of course, your relationship with your partner will suffer, and possibly end in a painful and acrimonious separation. Any children you already have, even if they also suffer from normalcy, will be jealous of the newcomer and all their extra attention. Many siblings are liable to be psychologically scarred by the new arrival.

I need hardly mention the financial consequences, although disastrous, they will be nothing compared to the emotional turmoil your life will suffer.

After a while, you may be lucky and find they can be kind and loving young children. They may find some temporary happiness in things such as music, dancing, food or playing with toys.
But if they survive early childhood, a Normal child is almost certain to grow into a Normal adolescent. Your years of sacrifice will be thrown back in your face as they become disobedient, wild and reckless. Unable to find happiness and contentment, they will treat you with contempt until they manage to leave home. Even then the suffering will continue as they will often return to try and extract money. They will blame you for their own faults and leave you bitter and twisted.

They may well become criminals, over a quarter of Normals will have trouble with the law, many will spend time in jail. Many will have problems with alcohol or drug abuse. Normal marriages are often unhappy and short and over half end in divorce.

Even if they become successful this is likely to be because of the often observed tendency of Normals towards excessive greed. The chances of them sharing their success with you are remote and they will tend to see you as an embarrassment.

Finally, Normal people are likely to die before their time. 23% will die of cancer, 33% of heart disease. Hundreds every year in this country alone are so distressed by their condition that they take their own life. I'm sorry to say that many will have had a lonely, painful and pointless existence.

I am afraid that Normal Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects every cell of the body, and so is impossible to cure."

By Anon. (In the printed version there's a warning at the top to say that this is intended to make a serious point in an interesting way and is not meant to offend anyone, except possibly a few doctors).

I'm doing a lot of blog surfing these days. Thanks for letting me into your lives people.

Saturday evening.

Mark is having a sleep over at Billy's house. Billy rang this arvo and said "Hello, is that Mark's mum? Can I please talk to Mark?"
Next thing the phone was handed to me, and Mark said, "This needs to be a mum to mum conversation!!" OH DEAR.

I double checked the boys would go to bed, and made the boy have a shower and off to Billy's he went. Very excited he was too.




A leg update.

AWFUL. Dr Singh has changed my meds, so now I'm on Sinemet and tapering off the rohypnol. Not happy Jan. What does this mean? I'm not sleeping, terribly cranky and the worst is.... the pain, ache, itch and annoyance of restless leg syndrome is back with 24 hour vengeance. I have a reflex test on Monday afternoon, so that should be interesting.

Pictures

Starting the undercoat. This was the wall where the plaster (Gyprock) was replaced and had to be smoothed so it doesn't look like four pieces stuck together.


More undercoating.


The half finished kennel. Just needs the roof, inside walls, insulation and air conditioning installed. They like it in the rain that is for sure.


Charlie is not very impressed!!



Cleaning off the dirt.



Skye looking for a way out


Our hydrobath. Makes washing dogs a pleasure... Sort of in the background you can tell I've got a pigtail, my tiger stripes are only barely noticable too.

Monday Musing.

• I hate passwords - you can't use the same one for everything, but you need to have a few, so trying to remember what one for which program is quite tiresome.

• Its really raining here

• I'm on Facebook. If its a fad, I'm there!

• Only 14 days to my birthday.
  

Some News.

No not pregnant yet!

Its only 17 days until I turn 34.

Yes I still get excited about my birthday, is that a crime.

Father's Day this Sunday, we got Jamie a new computer room chair, similar to the old one but without his *ass groove*.

Obsessions of the Lantz/Storer Family.

Jamie:

• Talking on the phone to Rocket - like every day
• Talking on the phone to his father - like every day
• Obsessing about his computer business MyNetHost
• Playing Battlefield
  
• Drinking tea or coke.

Christy:

• Tetris on Mark's game boy - my best score is 71,205 - bloody brilliant
• TV
• Blue Bazaar
• Blogs - my new favourite is Parkers
• Talking on the phone to my mum - like every day

Mark:

• Watching the Simpsons
• Playing the front yard with his "posse"
• Riding his bike
• Trying to weedle his way out of doing what he is supposed to do
• Asking for STUFF
• Looking at cool car photos on the internet
• Thinking about Christmas presents.