Doing the rounds

This little list has been doing the rounds, you are supposed to bold what you have done, and italicise what you would like to do... apparently

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo. Does Singstar count?
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption.
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bush walking.
40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating.
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Your turn!

Tagged - Christmas Dinner

I was tagged by Ms Clampett

We don't actually do Christmas dinner, it is usually either breakfast or lunch.

We tend to host the breakfasts, but not this year as it is lunch.

I am not sure what time we will all wake up tomorrow morning, probably around the same time as the birds, presents will be unwrapped as soon as everyone is awake enough.

I'll then descend to the kitchen, where I will prepare breakfast - ham and cheese croissants as requested by Miss Perfect and The Middle Man.

I'll then make a potato salad and a garden salad to take to lunch at MATH's brothers house. There will be 9 adults and 5 children to cater for. Lunch will be fairly simple, with all of the adults supplying either food or beverage.

We'll be home by mid afternoon and will have a lazy rest of the day. If we need dinner, it will be quite simple, omlettes or something.

That will be our day - relatively simple (and I am sure hoping it stays that way ;) )

I don't have many people to tag, Shannon and Emma forgive me if you've already done it.

This is what the holidays are about

Yay, we finally did the christmas tree



Enjoying some time in the pool


I love this photo. Look at The Middle Man's special camera smile.

Obsessed?

Well, not quite, but I can feel the beginnings of an old obsession starting up again. Exercise!

Yippee to me as my exercise mojo has been missing for quite some time, and is quite visible when you see me (specially those that haven't seen me for a while).

As you may recall a few posts back, I mentioned the return to Boxacise. This particular class is still going strong. I've been three times now, and already can notice a big difference in what I am able to achieve. However, those bloody abs are still letting me down. I think they are the first to go when I start losing fitness/gaining weight, and the last to set in when I start gaining fitness/losing weight. Persistence is the key, and I will not give up.

I've also started the Couch to 5k running plan. One week down, and at least 8 to go. I've had to change my schedule around a bit this week so that I don't have to run on Christmas morning (even though we will probably be up and have finished unwrapping presents by the time I'd normally don my shoes - 5.30am).

MATH is on holidays this week, and we've been shamed into a bit of gardening by our neighbours. The wife of the elderly couple made a comment to MATH today that it would be lovely if we could get rid of the weeds beside the driveway. Yup, we both totally agree, but I'll be honest here and say that I've been watching them grow and grow and spread, and every time I think about doing something about it, just get completely overwhelmed by it all.

So, that is going to be our exciting build up to christmas day. At least the weather has cooled off a bit.

Sparkling clean

There is nothing like the threat of visitors to get me off my butt, and the house sparkling.

Today I have cleaned the house from top to bottom, as well as outside. Most of this has been done by yours truly as MATH has 6 stitches above his left eyebrow, and every time he did something he felt as though they were going to pop open. Now, having never had stitches before, I am left wondering if this is true, or is it just a cunning plan to get out of work?

We are looking forward to seeing my big brother, his wife and two kids. Even though they live only a 20-25 minute drive from us, I don't think we have seen them since February this year. Life gets full on when you have kids, their kids are older than ours (13 and 11), and their weekends are taken up with ferrying them around to various sports. They definitely take after my and my brother's side of the family with their sporting prowess ;)

I'll talk more about MATH's stitches in another post. Suffice it to say that there is a reason that I am not too keen on work Christmas parties. gggrrrrr.

Christmas spirit?

Who has taken mine? Seriously...

OK, you don't need to own up, just leave it at my front door, OK, just make sure you ring the doorbell too, otherwise it will probably be left out there for another few days.

Get the picture? I can't find any enthusiasm for christmas at all. I have christmas decorations galore to install, but really have a case of the "can't be bothereds".

Miss Perfect finishes school today. Next year she will be a know-it-all Grade Two person, rather than a know-it-all Grade One person. She brought home her school report yesterday, and it was pretty damn perfect too. She makes us so proud. It's not really the grades that she was given (but still impressive), more the fact that she got an A for conduct and was described as a wonderful young lady, well liked by her peers and teachers alike.

The Middle Man finished Kindy yesterday and is already in holiday mode with a nice big sleep-in this morning. He is looking forward to school next year. Miss Perfect is looking forward to showing him around, and more particular, looking forward to showing him the workings of tuckshop. *sighs*

Right, that concludes my post, but whoever it is with my spirit, I will not name you if you come forth and hand it over :)

Back in the game

Well, I am feeling all empowered again. After 12 months at a particular gym that did not offer Boxacise, I have dumped them and gone back to my old gym.

Tonight I did my first boxing class in 18 months and it felt great. Granted I am about 100% less fit than I was last time I did it. I was pleased to make the hour. My shoulders will not be thanking me tomorrow though.

It is good to be back, full of enthusiasm again and rearing to go.

Watch this space.

Synchronised diaries needed

I hate December. So much to do. Everyone wants a piece of me/us (but really, who can blame them? ;) )

Tonight MATH and I have discovered two clashes in social invitations/arrangements in the next two weeks. We haven't even discussed the two weeks after that.

We really need some techy gadget where we can both input social engagements and they will synchronise somehow. I am sure this technology is out there, but it hasn't hit our household yet.

Suggestions anyone?

Aaaggghhh, all this build up for one stupid day.

Christmas Concert

All these christmas things around at the moment are making me have flashbacks of earlier times.
Here is a memory I have from my Grade 1 christmas concert (the same age as Miss Perfect now).

We had been carefully selected for our parts, I was performing on the xylophone, and had been practicing for weeks, even being allowed to bring the xylophone home to practice perform in front of the family. I was so happy, and could do it with my eyes closed, and even managed to stay in time with the other kids playing different instruments. I was positioned next to my 6 year old love of my life on stage. We were all very excited when the big day came, and were to perform in front of parents, grandparents (though, sadly not mine), siblings and friends.

Finally, performance time. Hooray! We all filed into the classrooms that had been set up and took our places. I looked out, saw all the faces, managed to pick out my family and froze (well, what were you expecting?). When I eventually got over my stage fright, I couldn't figure out where we were up to, so, literally, just started thrashing on the xylophone, making an horrendous noise, but just being so pissed off at myself for not being able to remember, that I couldn't stop. I remember the teacher coming and getting me, and literally dragging me off stage while I screamed and hollered.

Exit stage left.

You know what this particular memory has made me realise? that I have always been particularly hard on myself, no wonder it is so damn hard to change.

What break?

We went away last Thursday for 3 nights. It was a lovely break, but a distant memory now. I think we all needed it, and we had a fabulous time taking it in turns to laze in the hammock.

The squids had a great time too, even had their first fishing adventure (which lasted all of about 2 minutes 13 seconds before The Middle Man and Miss Perfect said they were bored). I got some nice photos anyway.

On the last day, MATH and The Middle Man went on their own for a piscatorial adventure. This once lasted a lot longer than the first, but no fish, so we had to buy fish and chips.

The day we got back, there was a massive storm that has devastated part of Brisbane. Luckily it wasn't too bad here, but only 15 minutes from here has been declared a disaster zone. My old bosses live in that area and I am wondering if they are OK. I could ring I guess...

Last night saw another massive storm with lots of wind and bucket loads of rain. No damage here, but I didn't sleep much as I am paranoid that a tree is going to fall on the house.

My employment endeavours continue to frustrate me. I am starting to wonder what is wrong with me. It is really hard, I've never in my life had this much difficulty gaining employment. I'd be lying if I said I was OK, it is really starting to affect my confidence.

I know you've been eager to see these...

Mmmm, I am really enjoying this cake so much

Even though I am three, my manners haven't miraculously changed overnight

Mesmerised by the rocket ship

It's not fair, I wanted a rocket ship too

Miss Perfect looking oh so perfect

Continues to be mesmerised

Now I am three

Mr Stubborn is officially three today. This morning we celebrated with the final crap in a nappy (he always manages to squeeze it into his night time nappy before I get to it). We made a deal this morning though that if he no longer craps in his nappy, I won't sing to him anymore. I am sure he had no understanding of what he was agreeing to though.

Well, we are officially caked out here. I think three lots of baking in three days is quite enough. I was pretty good today though and didn't eat any. My waist line thanks me ;)

Present wise he scored pretty well. Lots of new toys, and not much of that boring stuff, like clothes. He is really into the imaginative play now, so I bought some new things to aid that, he also got a really cool spinning top, like this but better as his actually hums. I was so envious when I was younger of my friends that had one of these, but now there is one to play with whenever I want :)
He unwrapped this this morning and was soooo happy with it. It has definitely been the favourite gift to date. That is until he received this:

Obviously not my child shown here, our model is much cuter :p (no offence young model) . It has lights and all sorts of wacky sounds that are rather cool. It is currently next to Mr Stubborn as he sleeps.

Well, three years down! It has been such a blur. It honestly feels like yesterday when I held him in my arms for the first time, and marvelled at his green hair (which wasn't really green, it was blonde, just covered in icky meconium).

Happy birthday littlest dude, thank you for choosing us to be your family.
xxx

Will try and update this post tomorrow with some proper birthday pics, I think I got some good uns.

Party Time

We had Mr Stubborn's 3rd birthday party this morning. I was clever enough to hold it at a park, so minimal clearing up. Uh-huh, I'm all brains.

This year he really seemed to "get it", and the delight on his face when he saw his cake was lovely to see (see pic below, very amateur).

Overall, he was thoroughly spoilt, and peeps were far more generous than they should have been. Thank you for spoiling our littlest man anyway.

The real birthday is not until Tuesday. I am looking forward to it, but know it will be bitter-sweet. I know that another baby really isn't right for us. Heck, I am in the light at the end of the tunnel - nappy free here except for night time. I don't want to be woken at various intervals during the night because someone needs feeding/changing/company. But, oh my, how I would love to have my own personal newborn about NOW to smell their delicious scent, to know that someone is totally dependant on me, to know that we have another person to grow. On the other hand, I just love the fact that my 3 have grown in to reasonable young people. They are happy, considerate (mostly), and full of love. I love that we have helped with that, and that we are helping shape the young adults that they will become.

Thank you Blackmores

Well, I've got to say it, I am hugely impressed with the Womens D-Stress formula that Blackmores produce. I have been taking it for three days, and already have noticed a massive improvement with my overall well-being. Things that would normally cause me to practically have a coronary are now minor issues.

The only side-effect has been bright yellow wee, I can cope with that.

Give it a try and see what you think, I'm converted :)

Lego Land

Miss Perfect had a trip to the Lego Education Centre today. I put my name down to be a parent helper, and was a bit miffed when I missed out. By all accounts she had a great time. They watched a video first, then got set two projects where she made two different sorts of cars. The final part was making a Lego movie. How cool!

Of course I made the mistake of telling The Middle Man where she had gone, so we spent a lot of today playing with our own lego. Actually, I made things and the boys destroyed them. We had fun.

I love Lego nearly as much as I am going to love my Playstation.

Please excuse the picture quality - this is from my phone

Is this wrong of me?

I have put away a Playstation 2 for the kids for christmas.

OK, well, it's really for me.

I can't wait, am so bloody excited that I want to unpack it now and have a play. I can't wait to pay back our neighbours for all those parties they've had where they all end up playing Singstar late into the night and early into the morning.

Well, guess what feckers? I can't sing! And the speakers will be pointing at your windows. I think my favourite time to play will be 7am on a Sunday. I will just have to decide between 80's or 90's pop hits, which shall it be?

Stay tuned! or not...

I've been tagged, my virginity has been taken, thanks Ren :)

1. Where is your cell phone? On my bedside table, charging.
2. Where is your significant other? Out on a bike ride, finally doing it again :)
3. Your hair colour? Brunette with a few wisps of GREY!
4. Your mother? Is in a bit of pain at the moment with a herniated disc in her back, which she got from coughing!
5. Your father? Is probably sick of caring for the invalid. But at this very moment will be out playing golf.
6. Your favorite thing? Silence, and the smell of the children after having their hair washed.
7. Your dream last night? I don't remember.
8. Your dream/goal? My goal is to be debt free in the next 10 years. My dream is for everyone to be the best they can be, and to be happy with their life and choices.
9. The room you're in? My office, very messy.
10. Your hobby? Reading, and sleeping, can sleeping be classified as a hobby? I also enjoy, yes enjoy going to the gym.
11. Your fear? Having to organise a funeral for someone close to me.
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Back in the workforce, helping us to get closer to that goal mentioned above.
13. Where were you last night? At home, watching some god-awful kids movie, then watching a bit of Brad Pitt in a movie, no idea what it was about or what it was called.
14. What you’re not? Perfect, or even close. Not very tolerant of bad behaviour either.
15. One of your wish list items? A new camera and iPod dock thingy.
16. Where you grew up? Adelaide until I was 15, then Brisbane where I've stayed.
17. The last thing you did? Got everybody's breakfast and then cleaned the mess up. I feel like a waitress most days.
18. What are you wearing? My pyjamas
19. Your TV? Is turned off, I'm not a huge fan, but it will get turned on when the significant other half gets home, for sure.
20. Your pet? A cat, Murphy.
21. Your computer? Is bloody fantastic. I'd be lost without it, how would I entertain myself?
22. Your mood? Is chillaxed. A new word that I learnt yesterday.
23. Missing someone? Always
24. Your car? Is something that gets us from A to B.
25. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes and underwear (don't forget, I am in my pyjamas)
26. Favorite store? I don't know.
27. Your summer? Will be spent swimming and BBQing.
28. Love someone? Yes, I love lots of people.
29. Your favorite color? Red at the moment.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Yesterday, the children pinned me down on the floor and tickled me so much it made tears come. It was so much fun and I didn't realise I was still so ticklish.
31. Last time you cried? Last week, a few issues are slowly being sorted, but still have the tendency to make me sad.

So, my turn to tag, I don't know 5 people that haven't already been tagged, so can do just one, your turn Emma.

My life is a game show

Seriously, I am starting to think that it is. Why else would the children have to throw so many challenges at me before 8am. I think that the game is to see how far I can be pushed before I crack. This morning, they won :( . But, you know what I learnt? They can and do feel guilt when they see their mummy in tears. I'll keep that one up my sleeve.

There will be no special cereals in this house ever again. Weet-Bix and Porridge it is, so suck that one up you little monsters.

Phew, I feel better now.

Send out a search party

I am in the midst of trying to do my tax. Why do I always leave it until the last minute (or even make myself a new deadline).

Anyway, I am slowly getting buried under a mountain of paper work, please, if you don't hear from me for the next week, send out a search party.

Thanks.

Don't call me...

Dear Client

I know that we are friends, but honestly, do you really think it is appropriate to call someone at 2.30pm on a Sunday afternoon to discuss work? Just because you are working, doesn't mean I have to.

Honestly, grow some common sense woman.

Oh, and after 5pm, please don't call here as chances are I won't be able to hear a word you are saying due to screaming children, I don't like to leave them in the bath to drown each other like you do with yours. If I do hear you, I will completely forget what you have told me. It is normal practice to email any changes/corrections that you would like done, that way it is in writing and can not be misinterpreted. I have told you this, perhaps you've forgotten because I didn't email it?

I don't mind invoicing you though, and if you keep this up, I will have to start charging you double time on the weekends using my favourite code: id10t

Kind regards,
One pissed off supplier

Nearly the end of the week

Well, one day to go.

It has been a bit of a tough one though. As keen as Miss Perfect was to get to school on Monday, it didn't last long. By Tuesday morning she was in tears in the back of the car on the way. To the point where I had to get everyone out of the car, and walk her to her classroom. I've not had to do that all year. It happened again yesterday, but after a good mummy-daughter talk last night, we appeared to have got to the bottom of the problem.

The Middle Man and Mr Stubborn have been, how shall i say this?, naughty little shits this week. They are alright when it is just one of them, but get them together and I seem to spend my whole time breaking up fights (a few fists involved on a couple of occasions) or cleaning up after the mess they have made. Last night I had to go for a late night dive in the pool as one of their games during the day was throwing whatever they could get their hands onto in the pool *sighs*. Will this ever end.

Monday and back to school

The day has arrived, so why am I not feeling as jubilant as I thought I would? Oh that's right, because now I have to get out of my PJ's before 10am.

Miss Perfect was out of bed at 6am, and dressed, ready for school by 6.30am. She must be excited, as today she starts her tennis lessons that she has been nagging us about for the past 12 months. I hope she enjoys it.

The Middle Man starts his last term at Kindy today, then it is off to school for him next year. Where has time gone? I still remember what a perfect little baby he was (and is still pretty good), I remember his first steps, clear as day. His first word ("broken"), and the first time he said "I love you mummy". Gosh, I'm getting sentimental now, how am I going to be that first week of February?

Mr Stubborn has the joy of spending more time with me. I have cut back on his daycare days as the freelance work is not as busy as it should be. The whole industry is in a bit of a slump at the moment, and we really hope it picks up, otherwise I'll be stacking shelves at Coles to keep us afloat.

Happy Monday everyone.

Counting down

Counting down the final hours until 9am Monday. Oh lord, the past two days have been hell, pure hell. It seems that the squids have finally got sick of the sight of each other, and given that Miss Perfect and The Middle Man were practically living in each others pockets, I am not surprised. Last night saw an abrupt end to the week and a half long love-in between the two of them, with Miss Perfect booting The Middle Man out of her bedroom for - wait for this - SNORING. Oh, I roared with laughter, anyone that knows MATH and I in real life will see the humour in this.

Anyway, we've kept fairly busy these holidays trying to divert our arch enemy - boredom - from our doors, and I think we have done pretty well.

Mister Stubborn has developed that awful whingeing again, just when I thought it was gone for good. On the upside, he has decided that he can't poo in his nappy, nor his undies, and is happily sitting on the toilet for the event. Hi-hip-hooray for The Stubborn One.

MATH is taking The Middle Man to the Air Force Air Show tomorrow, so it might be a nice quiet day at home for the remaining three of us. We might even get some baking done to freeze for school lunches.

Camera is still broken, and oven still hasn't been cleaned *please mum, don't read this*

Damn you online shopping

I've been bitten by the bug, and, lets just say that Miss Perfect is going to be well decked out in the summer months. More swimsuits than days of the week (but she'll probably use them all), and more pretty summery dresses than I will be able to wash (or should I say that MATH will be able to wash?).

I must say though, that I have saved a lot of money, and that is what counts, huh?

Happy October 1 by the way.

Next month Mister Stubborn turns 3 (eeks!), and then, and only then will I start thinking about that other celebration the following month.

The 27th of what?

The 27th of September.

What the fuck? How did it get to be September already, not only September, but nearly October.

Not only have the past three months disappeared before my very eyes, I have also managed to forget to acknowledge two family members birthdays (and I still haven't got in trouble). I've become very selfish, as I always swore I wouldn't become that person, whose life is way to busy and important to completely forget to acknowledge the birthday of someone I love.

Woe is me.

Anyway, it is the weekend, and you know what that means for me this weekend? Work, work, bloody work. School holidays have a lot to answer for, I can't possibly lock myself in my office with a 6.5 year old, a 4.5 year old and a nearly 3 year old running amok, plus, we've been having way too much fun :) . So MATH gets the joys this weekend, and I get to lock myself away.

What I love about spring

Hippeastrums flowering in my front garden, yipee, warmer weather is here :)
(please excuse the mould on the plant behind. we are still
trying to identify it)

I was told this was a Polygarnum, but my google searches don't identify it as that. It' really pretty anyway and is covered in these flowers. If you can identify it, please let me know.

Thank you

to the blogger whose blog I was reading yesterday. Thank you for referring to The Bloodhound Gang's "song", The Bad Touch. I. Can. Not. Get. It. Out. Of. My. Head. And, to make it worse, I have the uncensored version running around in my head, so I can't even sing it out loud.

Dear reader, please don't forget to let me know if the same happens to you now that I've mentioned the song *insert evil emot here*

BAH to you Blogger (but it has been an interesting read, highly amusing and I wish I could write just like you).

These school holidays are gradually beginning to suck. Am contemplating a trip to the park later.

I must remember the mantra... Boredom is my enemy, boredom is my enemy, boredom is my enemy. Get it?

Why #1

Why is it cold again?

Why do I have work coming out of every orifice when school holidays start?

Why can I not sleep past 5am?

Why won't people pay me?

Why do people drive Ford Territorys?

Ironing is a health hazard

and that is why I don't do it.

On the weekend when I heated up the iron for the first time since I-don't-know-when, I burnt the back of my hand, and that is why, ladies and gentlemen, our iron very rarely sees the light of day. It's a nasty piece of equipment, I curse you inventor of irons.

I would have taken a photo to show you all my nasty little burn, but alas, our camera is kind of, well, broken. The little knobby thing that enables you to change functions has fallen off. I must get it repaired (even though I'd much rather have a shiny new camera).

Loser!

And that is all I have to say on the matter. *hmpf*

Pet Peeves #1

OK, so I am sure there will be more than one of these posts, so am going to number them.

Here is what peeves me today:

• Whingeing
• When too may people try to talk to me at the same time
• When MATH keeps asking me if I have heard about the job, of course he will be the #1 person to find out
• Rather than saying my name, "mummy" you come up and bash me in the waist, just where it is flabby, and it feels like you are just trying to point out to me how podgy I am.

OK, whinging over with for now (it is OK for me to whinge). But there will be much more, be assured of that.

Happy Friday everybody.

Wildlife warriors

Here are some of the pictures that were taken at the birthday party on the weekend. If you don't like snakes, do not proceed.

Up close to a stumpy lizard and a blue tongue

A little bit too close to the python for my liking


The giant python - approximately 2.5 metres long - eeks!


A beautiful owl, I can't remember what sort it is though.

Unfortunately there were no pictures of the wombat :( . He was my favourite.

Immortalised in watercolour and ink

Just wanted to show off a couple of paintings that The Middle Man has done this year. The one on the left is me, and was done for Mother's Day, the one on the right is MATH, done for Father's Day. I love the one of MATH, complete with glasses and stubble - too cute.

Note that we are both armless. I love my big belly button, but most of all, I love seeing the progression of ability in 3 short months.

I touched my fear... again

Took the kids to a birthday party today - titled Wil's Wonderful Wildlife Party. Oh dear, it was the same last year, so I knew what to expect - horrible, revolting reptiles, with the chance to touch them. You may (or may not) know that I have a bit of a fear of snakes. Last year at the same child's birthday party, I actually touched one of the creatures, but am sure that my heart was racing (well, I know it was because I could feel it). Today, I had none of that hammering in my chest, am Icured? The only time I freaked out a little bit, was when i looked up and saw The Middle Man with a python draped around his neck - aaagggghhhhh. Photos will be posted when I receive them.

There were other animals too, some cute, some not! There was a turtle, water dragon, blue tongue lizard, an owl, a freshwater crocodile (that got a bit cranky at one stage because the kids were too noisy), a green tree frog, and my favourite - a wombat! The wombat was surprisingly soft, it felt like I was patting a cat. I'd always imagined they would feel quite coarse.

All was well though, the squids are currently using their sugar high to torture their father, while I lock myself away.

Am looking forward to tomorrow when we catch up with some friends that we haven't seen in a long time. The kids used to all play really well, and am hoping that hasn't changed :)

Another interview

I got word yesterday that I am required for another interview. The subject line of email: Interview schedule - Porject Officer.

That's funny, am sure I applied for a job as a Project Officer... will go along anyway, maybe they'll employ me to spell check emails before they go out.

The interview is next Tuesday, and apparently I am given a list of questions, given 15 minutes to think about my answers, then basically have to talk about myself for the next 40 minutes. Oi, that'll be fun, we all know how I just love talking about myself - NOT.

School disco tonight. Miss Perfect and The Middle Man are all decked out in their Hawaiian gear, will be sure to take a photo before we leave. MATH will be in charge of Mr Stubborn and his underpants *insert evil laugh here*.

Oh, before I forget, just for the record, I still have not cleaned the oven.

The 1930's housewife test

I found this test in a blog that I happened upon, so thought I really should take it... I failed, but am I surprised? Nope

9 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Poor (Failure) Take the test!

Cut a cable

Finally, a full nights sleep. Heck, I feel almost human (only almost because I've only had one coffee thus far).

A day of poo patrolling is ahead of me. Mister Stubborn ripped his nappy off when he got out of bed and of course we can't put another one on. He seems to have an aversion to pooing in the toilet, so will have to keep an eye out for the tell-tale cutting-a-cable look he gets.

Miss Perfect is at school today, where no doubt they will be discussing the wardrobe for tomorrow night's event - the school disco. We have promised The Middle Man that he can come too, so an interesting night will be had.

Some pics

Here are some recent photos of the squidly-diddlies. I know, I know, they are cute.

Mister Stubborn at a birthday party on the weekend
The Middle Man and Miss Perfect sitting down for pass the parcel

Oh no

Dear Bloggy

I seem to have an affliction. What is going on? Why am I suddenly obsessed with cleaning, to the point of neglecting you? I am so sorry, please forgive me.

Today saw me scrubbing the laundry sink. Next on my list is the oven. Apparently they do need cleaning. That will be my all-time low - cleaning the oven. That is normally something that I forget about until I am pregnant, so am able to make Man About The House (who will from now on be known as MATH - suits don't you think?) do it. As that is never likely to happen again (being pregnant that is), it looks like I have a lifetime ahead of me of cleaning the fecker. When/if we can ever afford to renovate the kitchen, I will insist on a self cleaning one - I wonder if they do actually work.

Well Bloggy, I have groceries to unpack.

And the wait continues

Far out! This is so frustrating.

To take my mind off it, the boys and I did some retail therapy this morning, well, it is Father's Day coming up. We bought the man about the house something that he will love - a make your own Tardis. The kids will also love helping, so we all win (me because I might get some peace while they are doing it ;) )

Bloody cold today, the rain has set it and brought the temperature right down with it, just when I was getting used to Spring, and contemplating the wardrobe switch-around.

On a home front, I seem to have found my cleaning mojo (it has been missing for a very loooooong time). Have actually kept the kitchen clean for 5 days now, and make sure I clean up as I go along, not letting it all build up. It is amazing the difference it has made in my life :D

Just need to get the washing/folding/putting away under control now and the place will be sweet.

The wait is killing me

Crap!

I really, really hate it when you are waiting to hear about a job. Every time the phone rings I nearly jump out of my skin.

As the day gets longer though, I am losing hope.

MIL seems to think that me going back to work full-time is a bad idea. Perhaps I should ask her if she wants to pay our bills. FFS, I can't even afford to get my kids into swimming lessons at the moment which is really stressing me with summer around the corner, and a very inviting pool in the back yard.

They disappeared!

My old blogs that is.

I do admit that I have been neglecting them of late, but does that mean they should run away on me? Talk about unfaithful, they should have known I would be back eventually.

Just goes to show, you can't trust any old blog...