One, two, skip a few and back into it again!
1. It's cold and snowing in parts of the northern hemisphere; whereas it should be cold here and it's not!
2. I'm not a big fan of cooked whole tomatoes.
3. My favorite health and beauty product is sleep.
4. If I had a decent bicycle and knees that would co-operate, I would go out for a nice long ride.
5. Well, first of all life isn't fair and second of all, neither am I! (as said to my children regularly).
6. Ex-boyfriends, ex-workmates and current friends; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was very, very confusing because they were all in the wrong places!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to quiet time, tomorrow my plans include housework, as usual, and Sunday, I want to scrap or at least get the washing put away!
Friday, 29 May 2009
Welcome to our new Country Estate ..
.. otherwise known as 'How's the serenity?' (Which movie is that from .. anyone?)
Despite the current economic downturn, we have decided to mortgage ourselves to the hilt (NOT!) to be able to purchase this 'massive' property with many, many features. So many features, in fact, I had to label the photographs just so you wouldn't get confused.
Now for those of you who are not familiar with the metric measurement system, 1 hectare or 10,000 sqm, is roughly equal to 2.5 acres. Therefore class, 1.4492 hectares is roughly equal to 3.6 acres. Thus endeth the maths lesson for today because now my head hurts!
I realise that many of you would not think that this is 'massive' , but considering that it is 14.5 times the size of our suburban block and roughly 25-30 times the size of current blocks for sale, I feel it is massive enough for a country retreat/doghouse for Peter/place to bury the children when they misbehave.
Seriously though, it is a great compromise between moving to the country and staying here. I get to live here and holiday there and Peter has some red dirt he can call his own. When you also consider that Peter was looking at blocks in excess of 150 acres, while I was looking at downsizing the one we have in Perth, this compromise is looking even better.
It's only 2.5 hours drive from home on good roads .. no off-roading required .. and is a dry block with no swampy bits. We will be building a 'shack' on it with all the mod cons .. running water, plumbing, some form of electricity .. and will probably use it every second time Pete is home. (That part is still under negotiation .. lol!)
We took the dog with us when we went up to look at the block last weekend and he was as happy as a pig in mud .. of which there wasn't any .. mud, that is .. luckily for Pete. This is him fast asleep on the backseat of the car on the way home ...
Tres elegant, puppy! Wonder if he's dreaming about all those rabbits he could smell?
Monday, 25 May 2009
Withdrawals ...
I've had no internet since Friday of last week and boy, have I missed it!
The problem is that when it rains in my street, one of the telephone line access pits somewhere along the street fills up with water and causes havoc because some of the wires' insulation has worn away. In fine weather we have no problems, obviously! The first big rain of the season and we lose phone and internet.
This time the phone was only out for about an hour (it's wire must be closer to the top of the pit so as the water drains, it dries out) but the internet was out for three whole days! It was like someone chopped off my right arm and beat me about the head with it! I never realised how much it made me feel more connected to the world outside my own four walls and how much I rely on it to do simple things like checking bank balances and paying bills. It's hard to imagine how we did things before computers, email and internet and the kids can't believe we survived and prospered back in the days of BC (Before Computers!)
In the grand scheme of things, of course, losing internet for a few days is nothing compared to the problems others have to deal with on a daily basis and that the rain caused total blackouts throughout the suburbs that lasted for three days, but it's a bit ridiculous that in this day and age, they haven't come up with a way to ensure reliable supply of these services.
Could be worse though. A lot worse ... so I'll stop my whingeing now.
The problem is that when it rains in my street, one of the telephone line access pits somewhere along the street fills up with water and causes havoc because some of the wires' insulation has worn away. In fine weather we have no problems, obviously! The first big rain of the season and we lose phone and internet.
This time the phone was only out for about an hour (it's wire must be closer to the top of the pit so as the water drains, it dries out) but the internet was out for three whole days! It was like someone chopped off my right arm and beat me about the head with it! I never realised how much it made me feel more connected to the world outside my own four walls and how much I rely on it to do simple things like checking bank balances and paying bills. It's hard to imagine how we did things before computers, email and internet and the kids can't believe we survived and prospered back in the days of BC (Before Computers!)
In the grand scheme of things, of course, losing internet for a few days is nothing compared to the problems others have to deal with on a daily basis and that the rain caused total blackouts throughout the suburbs that lasted for three days, but it's a bit ridiculous that in this day and age, they haven't come up with a way to ensure reliable supply of these services.
Could be worse though. A lot worse ... so I'll stop my whingeing now.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Case for the prosecution ...
Your Honour,
In the case of Donna Hawkins V Brutus (hereafter known as 'The Toilet Paper Bandit') and 'The Children', I will endeavour to show just cause for re-training 'The Children' to keep the toilet door locked, or at least closed, at all times.
Exhibit A:
A photograph of the accused, 'The Toilet Paper Bandit'.
In the case of Donna Hawkins V Brutus (hereafter known as 'The Toilet Paper Bandit') and 'The Children', I will endeavour to show just cause for re-training 'The Children' to keep the toilet door locked, or at least closed, at all times.
Exhibit A:
A photograph of the accused, 'The Toilet Paper Bandit'.
I realise the accused looks like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and he is, in fact, rather cute and fluffy, but appearances can be deceiving.
Exhibit B:
Evidence photograph of the first occurrence of toilet paper thievery and destruction.
This was a new thing and the plaintiff, Donna Hawkins, was sure the accused would soon realise the error of his ways and reform himself into a house-rule-abiding puppy. Unfortunately this was soon followed by attempted clothing theft (Exhibit C)
and topped off with making-himself-comfortable-on-the-furniture (Exhibit D).
Exhibits E & F:
Evidence of one of the most recent occurrences of toilet paper thievery and destruction.
Unfortunately, we do not have photographic evidence of all occurrences of this type of thievery as the memory card on the camera is only so big and the cuteness factor has well and truly worn off for the plaintiff.
I'm sure you will agree with me, Your Honour, when I say that this must be stopped. I propose a severe re-training program for 'The Children' and major discipline for the main offender. We will now cut to the accused awaiting your verdict ...
"Who's a cute little puppy-wuppy then? You are! Is the big bad prosecutor scaring you? Come give the nice judgey a cuddle .."ahem ... Your Honour...
"Where were we? Ah yes.
I hereby recommend that the accused go free to roam his domain, with as much toilet paper as he sees fit to destroy .. I mean play with.
Case Dismissed!"
House guests ..
A friend of mine, Elle, has been living in Bali for the past few months. She and her two sons had residency visas for 12 months but due to the untimely death of their landlord, who had sponsored them, these visas were revoked and they had to come back to Perth to apply for new ones.
They were staying with her sister-in-law, or as we refer to her 'the anally retentive, OCD, delusional lying bitch from hell', but gave that up as a bad joke a couple of days in (the staying with her part; not the name-calling part). As a result they have been staying with me for the last week.
These are the same two boys who stayed with me while both their parents were sorting out the move to Bali back in November last year and I think that all the boys, while happy to see each other after such a long break, are at the end of their respective ropes. My boys are still in school so they get to get out of the house everyday and see the rest of their friends but the guests are getting a bit bored. There have been a few little incidents and one major hissy fit from Alex yesterday which was aimed at me. How dare I interrupt a Yu-Gi-Oh duel to request that he have a shower! Apart from that, which strangely enough was resolved by me giving him a haircut (don't ask!), it's been so easy having them here.
Elle is the best kind of house guest .. the kind that doesn't expect you to entertain them non-stop or to wait on them hand and foot .. and her stories of life in Bali have kept me in stitches for days. I'm trying to talk her into starting her own blog so I can get my fix of her sense of humour and pithy comments more regularly.
Elle and the boys are out at the consulate at the moment trying to sort out the visa snafu so I'd better go and do some housework and washing while they're not here. I may even attempt some scrapping too ...
They were staying with her sister-in-law, or as we refer to her 'the anally retentive, OCD, delusional lying bitch from hell', but gave that up as a bad joke a couple of days in (the staying with her part; not the name-calling part). As a result they have been staying with me for the last week.
These are the same two boys who stayed with me while both their parents were sorting out the move to Bali back in November last year and I think that all the boys, while happy to see each other after such a long break, are at the end of their respective ropes. My boys are still in school so they get to get out of the house everyday and see the rest of their friends but the guests are getting a bit bored. There have been a few little incidents and one major hissy fit from Alex yesterday which was aimed at me. How dare I interrupt a Yu-Gi-Oh duel to request that he have a shower! Apart from that, which strangely enough was resolved by me giving him a haircut (don't ask!), it's been so easy having them here.
Elle is the best kind of house guest .. the kind that doesn't expect you to entertain them non-stop or to wait on them hand and foot .. and her stories of life in Bali have kept me in stitches for days. I'm trying to talk her into starting her own blog so I can get my fix of her sense of humour and pithy comments more regularly.
Elle and the boys are out at the consulate at the moment trying to sort out the visa snafu so I'd better go and do some housework and washing while they're not here. I may even attempt some scrapping too ...
Sunday, 17 May 2009
He loves me .. he loves me not ..
He loves me!!
I don't often get flowers so it's a wonderful surprise especially considering that he would have had to think ahead and organise them before going back up to work. Forethought, planning and consideration .. much sexier than rock-hard abs!!
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Sound familiar?
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
except that in our house, it would be followed by "Muuuum! He's disturbing the air in my personal space!"
I would reply "Leave your brother and his personal space alone!"
Only to hear "He's still doing it! Make him stop!"
To which I would reply something like "Suck it up Princess!" or the ever popular "For heaven's sake you two! Go to your rooms .. NOW!!"
After which I would hear "It's all your fault!" Thwack! Thump! and then the inevitable ending of ....
"Muuuuuummm! He hit me! Now I'm bleeding. Where's the tissues? "
Aaah .. boys. Aren't they wonderful?
No, really.
Are they wonderful?
(Ask me again after I take them shopping for my Mother's Day present.)
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Quick update ..
I had to eat humble pie this morning when Mum showed me a different way to get to the hospital. It's 4 km longer than the way I usually go but only took 15 minutes instead of the usual 25.
Mum is fine but very drowsy. I've spoken to her tonight and she asked that we not visit until tomorrow afternoon because it's too much of an effort to stay awake. I was wondering if she would be upset if I didn't go tonight (homework police are required in full force) so now I don't have to feel guilty. Aren't I terrible?
Jackie shared the news of the addition to her family with me today. Her little one is so gorgeous .. a real little ball of fluff! Milly (or is it Millie?) is so cute it made me want another little puppy .. for about ten minutes then the functioning part of my brain kicked in! One little creature in the house at a time is enough and at the moment I have 4!
The dog has managed to steal another stuffed toy from the boys so I'd better go supervise the chase and subsequent medical treatment of said stuffed toy before the hormonal children start crying again.
I love my life .. I love my life .. I love my life .. (repeat ad infinitum)
Mum is fine but very drowsy. I've spoken to her tonight and she asked that we not visit until tomorrow afternoon because it's too much of an effort to stay awake. I was wondering if she would be upset if I didn't go tonight (homework police are required in full force) so now I don't have to feel guilty. Aren't I terrible?
Jackie shared the news of the addition to her family with me today. Her little one is so gorgeous .. a real little ball of fluff! Milly (or is it Millie?) is so cute it made me want another little puppy .. for about ten minutes then the functioning part of my brain kicked in! One little creature in the house at a time is enough and at the moment I have 4!
The dog has managed to steal another stuffed toy from the boys so I'd better go supervise the chase and subsequent medical treatment of said stuffed toy before the hormonal children start crying again.
I love my life .. I love my life .. I love my life .. (repeat ad infinitum)
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Blah ...
I'm feeling rather blah today. As a result I have achieved almost nothing and am extremely uninspired to change that.
I've had a headache for the last couple of days that has come and gone several times but is currently very much here and my eyeballs are starting to feel like they should be abandoning ship and taking my eardrums for company. (No, it's not swine flu!) No other symptoms apart from total apathy and lethargy, so I should be right as rain once I get some decent sleep.
Mum is going into hospital tomorrow to get her incarcerated hernia sorted out and I'll be taking her in. We have to be there before 7am so I'll be out of bed nice and early to make sure she's there on time. She's going to Murdoch SJOG, which is where she works, and she's used to leaving home at 8:40pm to be there for 8:55pm. She's asked me to pick her up at 6:45am tomorrow but I don't think she realises how much traffic there's going to be at that time of the morning. Oh well, I'll just do as I'm told then I can't get into trouble, right?
And now I have two children in tears ... again! It's like living with a couple of leaky taps!! I think they're both having hormone surges because they're getting upset over the silliest littlest things and are driving me insane in the process. Maybe they're just feeling blah too ..
I've had a headache for the last couple of days that has come and gone several times but is currently very much here and my eyeballs are starting to feel like they should be abandoning ship and taking my eardrums for company. (No, it's not swine flu!) No other symptoms apart from total apathy and lethargy, so I should be right as rain once I get some decent sleep.
Mum is going into hospital tomorrow to get her incarcerated hernia sorted out and I'll be taking her in. We have to be there before 7am so I'll be out of bed nice and early to make sure she's there on time. She's going to Murdoch SJOG, which is where she works, and she's used to leaving home at 8:40pm to be there for 8:55pm. She's asked me to pick her up at 6:45am tomorrow but I don't think she realises how much traffic there's going to be at that time of the morning. Oh well, I'll just do as I'm told then I can't get into trouble, right?
And now I have two children in tears ... again! It's like living with a couple of leaky taps!! I think they're both having hormone surges because they're getting upset over the silliest littlest things and are driving me insane in the process. Maybe they're just feeling blah too ..
Friday, 1 May 2009
Friday fill ins #122
1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is basically the same rule for life: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Oh, and make sure you do your job properly .. the first time!
2. I'm not a big lover of shellfish, especially clams.
3. When I think of carnivals I think of how easy it is, and how much fun it can be, to get caught up in the all the sights and sounds.
4. If I had to pick just one, I'd say that tulips are my favorite spring flower.
5. Things on my desk include an OTT lamp, a Cricut, a pile of new scrapping supplies and a huge mess!
6. Rudeness always makes me wanna do unmentionable things to the perpetrator!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having some quiet time with my husband, tomorrow my plans include food shopping and the usual Saturday housekeeping chores and Sunday, I want to create something!
2. I'm not a big lover of shellfish, especially clams.
3. When I think of carnivals I think of how easy it is, and how much fun it can be, to get caught up in the all the sights and sounds.
4. If I had to pick just one, I'd say that tulips are my favorite spring flower.
5. Things on my desk include an OTT lamp, a Cricut, a pile of new scrapping supplies and a huge mess!
6. Rudeness always makes me wanna do unmentionable things to the perpetrator!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having some quiet time with my husband, tomorrow my plans include food shopping and the usual Saturday housekeeping chores and Sunday, I want to create something!
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