I AM A GODDESS

I'm sure!
Today I go for my second ever Mammogram... OH YAaaaa.

The last time I went was hysterical... I came out of the room where I'd been squished flat.... at the same time as another lady .. who was REALLY OLD... came out of her room and said "OOOO, I havn't had so much fun in YEARS!".... it totally cracked me up! Then she toddled back to her husband in the waiting room.. I swear she had a spring in her step! *smiles*

So, I'm not really looking forward to it.. not because of what it could show.. just the discomfort involved!

Apart from that... not much else on the horizon!

Totally exhausted.... emotional shit .... drags you down eh?

I am not having a good day. I am so over some stuff... some days I really love blogging, and other days (like today) I don't. It is a weird little world.... one that can trip you up sometimes... like leaving comments in support of a blogger, and unwittingly hurting someone else at the same time. I just don't like that. Pffffffft.

GOING PRIVATE END OF THE WEEKEND.... get your invite request in.

I'm feeling very nervous.. and I have to keep running to the loo... could my day get any BETTER?

YEP, so now I'm a Goddess with SQUISHED BOOBS. And it wasnt' that bad.... or horrid. Now I have a stress headache and I can't lie down or I'll go to sleep! CRAP CRAP CRAP.

ANOTHER DAY DAWNS....

GOOD MORNING! Another good sleep I've had... yes indeed. I've woken up feeling FANTASTIC. Yaaaaa.

It will be interesting to see how tired I get today... if those pretty little pills knock me out again in the middle of the day? I hope not.

I'm feeling GREAT... top of the world. Made some decisons overnight about a few things.... one is a BIGGIE which I will start work on real soon. Need to sort out some family stuff.... to look after the future so to speak.

But for right now.. I'm gunna go outside and muck around in the garden... get some more vege plants in... do a bit of weeding... hope it doesn't rain!

OMG... I just thought of the perfect solution to a problem .... this blog is going to go private! That way I can protect my personal stuff from people I DON'T WANT reading or knowing anything about me!

SO... in about a week... it will be private... giving YOU who I like time to get permission to read it! So, send me a comment or email so I can add you to the list before this goes private..I will NEED your EMAIL address to add you to the list! There can only be 100 readers on a private blog.... so I will probably set up a second DIET COKE ROCKS blog so I can add everyone! They will be identical.... so don't worry!

IF you have permission to read PEPSI, you will not need to ask me for an invite to read Diet Coke Rocks, as Pepsi is going to be DIET COKE ROCKS 2... it will be exactly the same as this one!

"PICK ME..PICK ME" is not going to cut it this time sorry. I need to KNOW you... you need to prove you are who you say you are... I am not letting total random strangers read my blog anymore. This way I protect my blog from UNWANTED readers. OK.

PHEW! It has taken me almost all morning to set up PEPSI as 'Diet Coke Rocks 2' ... so that I have room to keep all my faithful readers/commentors! I hope you get in touch with me real soon so I can add you to the list of readers....

End of Day: I'm exhausted from all the to'ing and fro'ing from one blog to the other... but it will be worth it to keep my blog.. even if it is private!

Got dinner sorted.. steak and salad for grown-ups, cherrios and baked beans for the kids! nite nite.

ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz...........

HELLO!

I slept in.

I slept well! Dem pretty blue pills worked. AWESOME.

I did still wake up a few times, but went back to sleep really quickly... so I shall take some more of them... they work!

Now... today.

The weather is kinda crappy... overcast with showers by the look of it. Perfect weather for shopping I believe! I am still finishing up the Christmas shopping, just have a few more things to get for the little grandkids... so I might do that today.

And I might just get some more lettuce plants ... you can never have too much lettuce in summer eh?
ONWARD....

Hmmmmmm... I did some shopping... then came home and promptly fell asleep again! Hmmmmm... not good! I have just woken up and feel like shit! All fuzzy in the head... maybe those pills are evil afterall?

I hope that doesn't happen again.. I've been asleep for over 4 hours!!!! The day has turned out nicer this afternoon... it's even sunny....

Feeling better now! Read a few dozen blogs.. put some chicken in the oven for dinner... got out the Christmas lights.. took one look at the mass of tangled wires and put them away again! I hate tangles... Stew can sort it out for me later!

That's about it for me day ... totally wasted it really! AND it's the first of December! Far out, where has this year GONE??

End of Day: OMG our chicken dinner was yum! I cooked crumbed chicken pieces in an Oriental Plum Sauce.. baked it slowly ... added a side salad... *drool*! Stew is outside playing ball with the kids before bed... and I'm watching the news. All good. nite nite.

GOTTA LOVE MONDAYS...

Well.... I WILL then... but it will be DIET COKE!
Sorry to all you out there who are heading off to work... unless ya love your job!

My three are off back to school and work ... yaaaaa... peace will reign again.

And... I'm going to make an appointment to see me Dr... for some TWEEKING of my HRT pills... I am so over hot flushes. I will also look into natural remedies too...

I shall also ring the Sewing Machine shop lady to see what's the hap's with the Needle Threader replacement.... like... where is it?

I'm going to kill some weeds with roundup today too... and sew... and do some housework... so a busy day hopefully, cos being busy means not being BORED... and not being bored means NOT EATING crap.

Been out and about... picked up some supplies for the bag making... not much else.

It's an ikky day, windy and showers. .... so no gardening happening today. After the kids get home from school we are off to the doctors... me for the HRT crap, and Griffin needs some worts zapped again... darn things just won't go. That's it for now....

Kids warts are dealt to... Griffin cried... he has warts on one finger all the way around the nail... it hurt! As for me... I can't take any more HRT pills... I'm on the maximum now and as I have blood clot risks... that's it. So, he's given me (GET THIS)... sedatives! To make me sleep! Don't know how I feel about taking sedatives?

Is it safe.... I dunno. OMG! I just looked at them... they are a really pretty blue COLOUR! Anything that pretty can't be bad for you surely? lol

End of Day: looking forward to bedtime! Hoping like hell the pill works and I SLEEP! nite nite.

GRUMPY....

PMT and MENOPAUSE are the pits.

RENA: who we don't see enough of. There was more to this post about her.. but I thought better of it. I HATE having dark hair.. and will try and get it back to this (above)... which I did love.The ONE thing in my control to change... but just can't seem to. I want to.... DESPERATELY....
See... I'm in a bit of a downer mood.... and it's only the start of the day! It can only get better... RIGHT?

I am finally out of bed... 9.55am. Blogging in bed hurts your butt after a while.. not comfy at all. pffffft. Stew is watching the rugby.. seems our boys are winning right now... so he's happy.
It's a cloudy, windy day... and not that warm. No plans for the day... might just be an 'around home' day.

I cheered myself up by doing some sewing:

Isn't this one going to be just DARLING!



I think it's just so cute! It's not finished of course...
Stew has suggested we get out and about... so we are going out for lunch.. maybe we will visit his sister out at Bethell's Beach too... will just wait and see.

We went to St Lukes Mall.. another of my favourite malls... had a very nice lunch, then popped into Manukau to get Griffin's hair cut.. now home and blobbing out in front of the telly till dinner.
I WAS going to bake a mince and bacon pie... but Stew got out Sweet Short Pastry by mistake, so now we are having fruit pie for dinner! LOL... who cares, it's food, the kids will love it ... and the mince and bacon mix can be for tomorrow night instead. Not a problem.

End of Day: in all.. a nice day. Not so grumpy now. This is good. nite nite.

THIS IS FUNNY...

I nicked this off Mark.. it totally tickled me fancy:

I have never ever decorated the exterior of my home.. so it struck a cord with me! And No KD... I have no intention of doing my house up like that!

Today: well a sleep in would be nice.. but won't happen. Griffin ALWAYS wakes up between 6 and 6.30 am... the bloody shit. I can't wait till he's a lazy teenager who sleeps all day.. I really can't!

We are gunna go over to the North Shore... have lunch at Albany Mall and then go pick up a Nerf Tag Gun Set for Sharon in Taupo, who won it on Trademe... SO...if you are in Albany Mall at lunchtime.. look for me! And say "HI"! *sigh*.... I would love to meet more bloggers up here...

ONWARD.... home now.

Had a nice lunch, picked up thing for Sharon, came home and went to sleep for nearly 3 hours! So tired. The hot flushes are back at night.. and keeping me awake ... they are so horrid. So much for HRT... pffffffft.

Not much else going on right now, his Nibs is mowing the lawns... kids are watching telly, and I'm right here ...TYPING. JOY.

Might do some more sewing tonight..... not much else to do!

I might not have a uterus anymore.. but I still get PMT ! I'm as shitty and crabby as HELL... feel like ripping someone's head off and shoving it up their bum! Honestly... if anyone annoys me right now..LOOK OUT. AND I have a damn zit on me chin which is SORE.... *sniff*

End of Day: watching tv, not killed anyone yet...feeling a bit NICER... nite nite.

DID YOU REALLY THINK I WOULDN'T?

I must show you what I made last night! A card and a little thingee you put a chocolate or similar in....that's the green one!

I am rather chuffed with the card.. it's so cute... .and it's got glitter on it.. BLING!
Our little group... there were 8 of us .. a nice number.. good company too. Quite a few of us want to go to a workshop to learn more! FUN!

Now, as for today... *sigh*....sewing I reckon. And if it's sunny... some sunbathing.

AND I keep saying weeding.. but it's not going to happen.. I PROCRASTINATE ...something shocking. Maybe I can supervise the kids doing some? Like .. point out the weeds and make them do it? I could PAY them! What an excellent idea~! (slave labour rates!)

I have been sewing... the machine is going really well... but the treader is not working.. I'm waiting for them to fix it.

PATIENTLY.

I've almost finished the next bag.. just have to sew on the button and the inner seam where I turned the lining in/out.

I emailed the Transport Company about that bloody bus yesterday not arriving on time... and us missing it... and they have already gotten back to me! They are 'following it up with the driver'... like that's going to help now? At least they are doing something. It caused me a lot of grief yesterday.. and that counts for something.

Another bag done and dusted:

It's been (still is) a really lovely hot, sunny day.. I did a bit of sunbathing earlier on.. BLISS.

Dinner tonight: my favourite... roast chicken, mashed potatoes with CHEESE, peas, brussell sprouts, mixed veges and GRAVY... CAN'T WAIT.

End of Day: dinner was delicious! Watched Master Chef Australia, The Final.. it was great... had a couple of drinks... chilled out.. nice evening. nite nite.

I HAVE NOTHING, NOTHING AT ALL.

I have nothing to put on me blog today!

Stew suggested I talk about my weight.. well it's the same now as it was a whole year ago. I suck.

Stew suggested I go for a walk... not gunna happen! It's hot. I hate getting too hot when out walking.

I might do some sewing.

I might do some sunbathing.

I might even do some weeding.

I might do some exercise....OR NOT.

So... I'll go for now... and do SOMETHING. Pfffffffft.

EEeee gads.. I've been watching TV! IN the morning no less!!! AND that's all!

I might just start getting ready for tonight soon... I'm going to a 'Girls Night' at Stew's work.... he's looking after the kids!

Yeah!

The kids and I are taking a bus to the train station this afternoon, then the train into town.. where I will give Stew the kids and go to the 'girls night'... then Stew can pick me up later. Yaaa, this means I can have a drink or 3! nice one.

It's supposed to be a 'Stamping' party.. scrapbooking shit I think. I don't really care WHAT it is... it's an OUTING... with other WOMEN.. and that is gunna be great! Much as I love Stew .. I do like talking to other adults too! And that does not happen much right now...

I am soooo going to re-join the patchwork groups next year.. once the school holidays are over. I miss them... and the ladies.

I'm off to have a shower, wash and straighten the mop (hair)... and spend an hour or so deciding what to wear! *sigh*

The kids and I walked up the hill and down the road to catch the bus... it was due at 4.18.. it hadn't turned up by 4.30 so we started walking home... and not 5 minutes later the bloody bus drove by! FUCK BUGGER AND DAMN... now we have missed the bus, and the connecting train.

I am super pissed off.. and not even sure I want to go to the party now. I'm all hot and bothered... and CRABBY.

I went.. in the car.. it took over an hour in rush hour traffic, a trip that usually takes me about 20 minutes. Pffffffffft. It was nice.. I bought a stamp or two. It is NOT going to become an obsession.. I promise you... you will not have to look at cards and such-like every day! YOU LUCKY BUGGERS.

End of Day: so, I couldn't have a drink... and I havn't had me dinner yet either.. so that's what I shall do now I think.. feed me face and have a drink! nite nite.

AHHHH I'M A CLEVER TART!

I loved the heart shaped buttons I bought recently at a craft fair... and wanted more... so I made my own. They worked out costing me $1.16 each to make... compared to $4-5 each at the fair. SCORE. I made the green ones a bit thin... live and learn. I've not used this Sculpting/bake-it in the oven stuff before.

AND I know you are all just dying to see the finished Christmas Tree! So... there it is! No Cross or Angel on the top either! I went for a big bow! TOTALLY CHOICE. I'm really proud of my tree.

Today... well I shall try to do some of that weeding... and some sewing too.... and the spare bedroom needs tidying up AGAIN.. it is the 'dumping ground' in this house. *sigh*

ONWARD...

I went to Weight Watchers this morning... had a big gain. That's all I have to say about that. EXCEPT... at least I went?

End of Day: it's been a nice afternoon.. I sunbathed, then the kids and I visited my aunt.. pleasant evening too... time to sign off. nite nite.

MORE.. and NO IT WON'T FALL DOWN STEW!

... UP CLOSE... I asked a 'professional' Christmas Tree Decorator in the States (thanks Teresa) for suggestions for our tree... and she said "When you think it's finished, add 50 more things!".... so I will then!
Stew thinks it's going to fall down due to the weight soon.. but I don't think so... it's a really robust tree.

TODAY: hmmmm... not sure really. Not a lot to do around here at the moment... though there is some (nah .. lot's) of weeding that needs doing. I hate weeding, but then so does Stew... so maybe I will do a bit? Miracles have be known to happen....

ABOVE: Next bag on the go...quite a shitty shape, curving in at the top.. might not do THAT again!

WHICH BUTTON?????? Round or Square????????

I just can't make up me mind on this one!

ONWARD.... Oh how sad! It's raining... I can't WEED... so.......I will go SHOPPING instead! ha ha ha...

Well.. apart from one lonely soul (FROGGY!).. The whole lot of you are saying go with the ROUND button! So I will then!

I went shopping, met up with me darling man for lunch... and now after being out and about for 4 hours.. it's time to relax for a mo! Phew, shopping is like a workout I'm sure.

ABOVE: in these bags... the 50 extra tree decorations we NEEDED... and I saw some really cute Firemen selling their 2010 Calendars in the mall... and Stew bought one for me....

BECAUSE I really do need a calendar don't I??? Ha ha ha!

I've just put the latest decorations on my tree.. and I think it's finished! I am knackered from doing it... I have NEVER covered a tree like this before...I will show ya tomorrow!

End of Day: well I've done sweet fanny all this evening! I watched Coronation Street, now I'm watching Packed to the Rafters, which I love too... and I'm doing nothing more. I am being a lazy tart eh? lol

NO sewing today at all! wow. nite nite.

SIZE... AND SLEEP

So, like my bags... I was told my tree needed to have something to show it's size.. will Amanda do? LOL It's sitting on top of a coffee table... out of Teddy's reach! He would LOVE to eat some of them decorations, I'm sure.


THEY WERE lovely company... until they fell asleep! Seems they 'hosted' a party on Saturday night... poor dears! *snort*

I am frightfully pleased it's Monday again... the kids were really BOTHERSOME this weekend. Some days I am just OVER kids.
So, I'll do my housework in peace, and be thankful school is COMPULSORY !
ONWARD....

I went to town, I bought Griffin's MAIN present, didn't want to leave it too late or there would probably be none available closer to Xmas! As for Brylee's MAIN present.. I have no idea what to get her! Girls her age are diabolical to buy for! She has enough Barbies and such like... and she's too young to appreciate clothes yet.. *sigh*... have to give it more thought.
Lunch time now, and I'm finally going to sit down and have something to eat and relax for a mo...



Another bag done and dusted!

Griffin is starting to get crabby about having to go for extra tuition... TOO BAD SUNSHINE, you are going! I took him this afternoon, with him grizzling and bitching... but I refuse to have an illiterate kid if I can help it.

End of Day: a great day today... I got lots done... I like that. nite nite.

KAYAK.... TREE... AND WORRY

I bought more Christmas Decorations yesterday... and put 'em on the tree.. but I'm NOT done yet! I'm loving my tree! Need some big bows and more ribbons.... You fulla's are gunna get SICK of seeing my tree!!!
And.... STAR OR ANGEL for the top??????


Also yesterday 'Santa' picked up the kayak.. here's the guys from R & R Sport putting it on ROXY... such HELPFUL Dudes! Shame we can't use it until Christmas Day! I want so much to give it a go right now while the weather is so nice.

Today Amanda and Andrew are visiting us.. which is neat cos we don't see enough of our Family ... even though we are closer in distance. *sniff* When we first moved up here we saw them ALL THE TIME! Now the novelty seems to have worn off.. or we are BORING old FARTS .... never!

Worry: last night I pricked my finger, so asked Stew to test me with his Diabetes kit... I was FINE... then Griffin picked a scab on his leg... and he bled, so Stew tested him too..... 12.8! WAY, WAY too high! So today we are going to be testing him before breakfast, after lunch and after dinner... to see if he's 'normal' again. Last night he DID have ice cream.... but then again, so did I. I am a bit worried about him.. ... he is always thirsty... is overweight... bla bla bla. I might be worrying about NOTHING.... but we won't know without tesing him today. He is gunna HATE being pricked! lol

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, this is your temporary new captain speaking. Chris is having some computer malfunctions at present, so I (Steve aka Child No. 5) shall be keeping you up to date as to what is happening untill the problems are resolved.

Well from what mum has told me, Griffin got pricked this morning, and he is fine. The exact result I am not sure of, but untill mum is back you people will settle for knowing he is fine :) The only other exciting bit of news so far today is that mum rung me at 10am to ask computer advise, now this is not unusual for her to ring me with computer problems, but she could have atleast waited till a bit later, im a 22 year old man, i was seriously hungover haha. Well other than that I have nothing else to report as of yet, but undoubtibly you will be hearing from me again soon, until then........enjoy your day :)

I HAVE A NEW HERO! Andrew and Amanda arrived, and Andrew fixed me computer!

Thank you 'Child No# 5' for your update ! Love you VERY MUCH... and sorry for waking you up! *snigger*

Now.. I have had the most DREADFUL morning! Imagine not being able to access your computer/blog/emails.... It was driving me NUTS. I was pacing up and down... even sitting my feet were twitching! I am ADDICTED to my computer.

So, I'm all sorted now... back to normal transmissions. Will be testing Griffin's blood again two hours after his lunch. Last's night's reading was probably inaccurate given it was after eating ice cream?

ONWARD.... I have visitors..

End of Day: we've had a lovely visit from Amanda and Andrew... I've got the most GORGEOUS photo of the two of them... but will show it tomorrow... this post is quite long enough! Off to do a wee bit of housework now... nite nite.

NEW BAG... AND it's the WEEKEND! Yaaaaa.

Edit: there... a 1.5 ltr bottle of Diet Coke (what else!) to show a comparable size to me bag.

ABOVE: The first of three bags on the 'go'... and like all the others I have made.. I LOVE IT! This time the 'round shape' with a flap has come out right... It's not finished yet of course, but you get the gist.

Today I need to go down to Manukau Spotlight to get a few more bits and bobs for the latest bags so I can get on with finishing them...

What else? Sheesh... the 'usual' I suppose... lunch out.. some housework. ... some lazing around the house, some sewing... just the usual saturday!

Blogger is being a total arse today... I can't choose my font or size of print... so it's not what I want... too small! Hard for us 'oldies' to see eh? Pffffft.

ONWARD.....

JAXX: most of my bags are 'handbag' sized.... the one above is .... I will remember in future to show them in a way that shows their actual size. And NO, you are not thick!

It's been a busy day! Out and about for most of it...lunch at a mall, checking things out for Christmas... then I went into the city to pick up the Kayak ... Stew is taking it out to a friend's farm for storage until Christmas Day... it was quite a mission to find somewhere to 'hide' it! All good now though.

Nothing else to report right now.. it's a beautiful day here... almost feels like SUMMER! ......Woo hooooo.

End of Day: at 8.30 I told Stew I was just going to 'pop' down to me sewing machine and do a little thing or two, YEAH RIGHT! 3 hours later... I came back up and everyone was either in bed or heading there.... whooops! Time to wrap up the day... nite nite.

IT'S BEEN A FAST WEEK!

Is it really Friday?

I can't believe how fast this week has gone for me. No idea where it went.

Last night I worked on our tree:

Not sure if I'm liking it yet (that big thing in the middle just doesn't look right)... I'm going to put HEAPS more decorations on it over the next week or so!

TODAY: AHHHHhhh... sewing? Housework.... for sure (oh yaaaa). Usual stuff.

LATER...In order to put off doing any housework.. I put more stuff on the tree... and that big thing got moved to the back of the tree!

This is going to be our prettiest tree yet. I just love the blue!

MRS C: The Star on top will come LAST!

Errrrr... better go buy one at some stage.

Been sewing... working on three bags simultaneously... and the machine is being good! It's lovely and sunny outside too.. I should be working on me tan... but *sigh* I just wanna SEW!

DAMN! Have to stop sewing, ran outta bobbin cotton AND I have no more of the magnetic dome thingee's for the bags. Pfffft. Will get them tomorrow I suppose.

Kids are home so I suppose I could play with them.. Ker Plunk awaits!

SPARKLINGMERLOT: Yes you can breath again! My machine is behaving itself!

End of Day: no sewing tonight! Gunna chill out with the Man! nite nite.

NICE ONE

I bought a new Christmas tree yesterday. Our last tree was just too big for either of our rooms.... so I got this 5ft one. It's perfect. And that red surround.. is a bathmat I already had! SCORE.

I can't wait to decorate it... is it too soon to put it up?????? Well stupid question really... it IS up! Just not going to decorate it yet. Will wait till December to do that.

I'm in a great mood. I resolved a HUGE issue with family.... a massive weight has been taken off my mind. I am sure there will be other hickups in me life, but that one was a BIGGIE.

Today: gunna sew! *doing the happy dance*....

Finally tried out my sewing machine last night... and there is a teeny tiny problem with the needle threader not working. I rang the Boss Lady last night (she gave me her home number!)... to let her know and she's going to ring me today. She thinks it's come out of alignment due to being bumped in transit or something. I'm not getting me tits in a knot over this.. as it could happen to anyone...RIGHT????

I decided not to wait... I started putting stuff on me tree..! I have NEVER enjoyed decorating the tree before... so this is a novel feeling! I am going to drag it out over several days... putting a little bit on as I go...

So.. today's addition: Blue feathers and white feathers. I bought the feathers from the $2 Shop a month or so ago. PRETTY.

Off to sew now!

The sewing.. has been going well.... except for one major jam up.. which I THINK was caused by the cotton I was using (a metallic)... and the Boss Lady rang me and has ordered a new needle threader part and will BRING IT OUT TO MY HOUSE TO FIT IT when it comes in!!!! OMG! Totally shocked by that... but pleased to, as she must realise just how close they are to having the machine THROWN THROUGH THEIR SHOP WINDOW! (as if I would do anything so stupid!, but it's tempting)

End of Day: got quite a bit of sewing done today... just the one jam up... so that's good. Have had visitors all evening (family) so really havn't done anything else! Time to relax and get ready for bed. nite nite.

I'M EXCITED... AND HOPEFUL....PFFFFFT.

Today: IT'S HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRIFFIN... he's 8 today.

Hopefully I will get my sewing machine back today too... so that's exciting! I have several things I want to get on with. I'm going to make some Christmas decorations for our tree .... and of course some more bags.

Hopefully I will have a good day, cos lately they haven't been that great. Families eh?

Sometimes I feel like I'm juggling balls up in the air all the time, trying to keep on top of what is happening with all my kids. And sometimes it is just too much! I have been dealing with a certain issue with a few of my kids lately and it has really wrung me out!

AND it has stuffed up my diet BIG TIME... I have been stress eating something shocking.... and have been rewarded with a big fat gain for me troubles. I blame my kids of course! It wasn't me stuffing my face! Pffffffft.... as if. *sigh*

Just have to keep trying to get on top of it eh? Now, I must show you my little stingray! Stew bought him for me in Paihia:

Isn't he lovely! Made from copper...

and cos I can, here's a photo of Teddy and his 'girlfriend':

SO SO cute.

Yaaaa!!! I just got a phone call from the Sewing Machine shop.. the BIG BOSS MAN just dropped my machine back personally... and I can go and get it. Apparently he's replaced a whole shit load of it's innards... AND left a gift for me too! Bloody hell...... things are looking up!

OFF TO GET IT NOW.... fingers crossed.... it goes well!

So.. I picked up the machine.

What do you call a 'GIFT' that you don't even need or want? Cos that's what it is. A thingee for the sewing machine that I do not need or want. Pfffft... I said "Thank You" anyway, cos I'm NICE LIKE THAT. I think it was just something that does not sell and they thought "Cool, give it to her"... not impressed really. Oh well.. here's hoping the machine goes FAN-FRICKEN-TASTICALLY... will give it a burl later on today.

I decided today that Griffin could 'make' his own Birthday Cake! So here is the process:

Put everything in front of the kid... and leave him to it.

Yep, he quite liked this part!

Such CONCENTRATION.....

PROUD AS PUNCH... and he was right pleased with his cake!

End of Day: a good day ... once the kids are in bed I shall finally get to try out the sewing machine. What FUN. nite nite.

MORE PHOTOS and HOPEFULLY A QUIET DAY?

ABOVE: Brylee and Griffin getting all the sand off themselves after their swim. Brylee was given a wetsuit from Tim's mother, so of course we had to then go and buy one for Griffin... or forever after listen to him MOANING about not having one! It was great for Brylee because she did not get too cold... and actually stayed in the water and played with Griffin for the first time ever.

While were having our lunch at Tutukaka, Stew amazingly spotted my Dad's last boat, which my Mum sold when my Dad died in 2000! It is now a diving/charter boat out of Tutukaka! I couldn't take my eyes off it... it brought back some lovely memories for me.

ABOVE: MERC CAT, my dad bought this boat when it was an old fishing boat and had it done up and put those two huge Mercury motors on the back.... this boat can move! It's a Catamaran, got two hulls... very stable in heavy seas.... my Dad loved catamarans. I miss fishing and boating.

ABOVE: So, this boat tickled me fancy! How many people would call their boat that eh?
ABOVE: the kids with Tutukaka marina in the background. It is a gorgeous area.

ABOVE and BELOW: the view looking back at Tutukaka... and forward towards Whangarei.
I hope we can go up again one day ... without dogs and kids... for a really good look around!

Today... I'm hoping my sewing machine comes back! I will ring them at around 9.45 to see. Maybe they will ring me? Yeah, and pigs can fly. (sarcasm? MUCH)

I went out to Sylvia Park Mall to buy birthday presents for Griffin (his b/day is tomorrow)... and now I'm home again. No phone call from the sewing machine shop so at 12.30 I rang them... seems they don't know what's happening... and are going to call the 'boss' to find out. Pffffft.

GRRRRR... the shop lady did not ring me back... so I RANG HER at 4pm... I am not getting my machine back today. Maybe tomorrow. I could scream. What is wrong with them? A simple phone call would have been nice instead of making me bloody angry all over again. God help them if that machine is not going 1000% PERFECTLY when I get it back..!

I'm feeling crabby... and lonely... and where the hell is everyone?

End of Day: just spent the last 6 HOURS 'talking' to one of my daughter's on MSN... sheesh.... knackered now. Going to bed! nite nite.

LYNISE.. you GO girl! Ha ha ha .

MONDAY, AND OUR TRIP NORTH PHOTOS.

ABOVE: Teddy LOVED Lacy's cat! And the cat didn't mind Teddy either! It was really cute.

ABOVE: Lacy modelling a summer dress we bought her in Paihia.

ABOVE: Haruru Falls which are just up the road from where Lacy lives right now.
ABOVE AND BELOW: Tim teaching Griffin how to do 'wheelies' in a wheelchair.. oops, he wasn't too good at it!

ABOVE: Two girls up a tree....

ABOVE: The kids had a whale of a time playing with Tim's spare wheelchair, there were a few arguments over who's turn it was now!

ABOVE: This was a FIRST! Lacy taking the kids out in the car.... she's never had them own her own before! I had no qualms about her taking them either... OK.... they were just going down the road to the shop, but still a momentous moment for me.

ABOVE AND BELOW: playing on the Go Kart... which broke down not long after. Darn, they loved that too.

ABOVE: A big cruise ship in the Bay Of Islands, moored off Paihia. When we went through Paihia on Friday all the tourists were in town.. it was mayhem.

ABOVE: overlooking Waitangi Golf Course... and the Bay of Islands.

ABOVE: hee hee, where we had lunch Friday and Saturday. Can highly recommend it... good food, well priced, gorgeous view from your table of the Bay. Ummm... forgot the photo of the view didn't I? lol

ABOVE: Oh NO I DIDN'T! Here it is! From our table at the Mako Bar!

ABOVE: a short video of the Whangarei Falls.... taken yesterday on our way home. We walked down through the bush to get to the bottom of the falls..... in the rain.... and then had to trudge our way back up again. SHIT I'm unfit I tell ya!

I'm going to post a few more photos tomorrow... that's enough for today!

And as for today:

Kids back to school, the man back to work... and me? HOUSEWORK.... plant some vege plants, catch up on some blogs... MISS ME??? LOL...

**** PEPSI UPDATED ****

My little old neighbour, Myra...had a stroke in the middle of the night and lay on the bathroom floor for about 4 hours until her daughter (lives next door in connecting house) heard her and got an ambulance for her. I am going to see her at the hospital today... apparently it was a fairly mild stroke and she's not too bad. But scary all the same for her. Her daughter is going to get a Medic Alert for her when she gets home so she is never unable to call for help again.

I went on the train to Middlemore Hospital to see Myra. I get there, I have NO IDEA what her surname is! I go to this ward, then that ward... all the time asking if they have a 'Myra, who is 82 years old'... kept being told 'NO'! Then in one ward they DO have an 82 year old lady who came in on Thursday.. turns out her REAL name is MARGARET! Ha ha, it took me an hour to find her.. but I did! Quite pleased about that. She is doing well... not too badly affected by her stoke. May be able to come home towards the end of the week.

So that killed me morning, I've done nothing else yet! My car is a right mess and that is top of my 'TO DO' list.... I have vacumed out my ROXY car... and hung out some washing, put a beef casserole in the oven.. and when the kids get home from school I am dropping Griffin off for his extra tuition lesson, and Brylee at the Orthodontist for her 6 week check-up. It's all GO around here I tell ya!

I am feeling decidedly jaded. And a bit down. Kids .... why do we have them? They don't get any easier as they age I can assure you. And when you have 6 + 2 of them.... *sigh*.

HEADING HOME TODAY...

Today we are heading home from the far North.... Stew wants us to go via Tutakaka... no idea why! It's another beach place on the east coast. And I want to go to Russell on the Car Ferry... so it might be a long trip home!

Will update properly when I get home and can upload some photos... won't THAT be fun!

... and hopefully tomorrow (Monday) I will get a phone call to say my MACHINE FROM HELL is coming back on Tuesday.. and it will be ALL BETTER FOREVER! Won't that be fun for all of us eh? I am totally over telling you all it's playing up!... and bitching about it.
ONWARD.....

5pm.. we just got home. It was a long way to go for technically 1 day with Lacy and Tim... the trip to and back was nice.

We decided to take Teddy with us in the end... but regretted it big time! NEVER taking him again... he restricted where and what we could do.... even though he's only a little dog.

Today at lunch we chose a lovely pizza place at Tutukaka 'cos it had outside tables ... covered by an awning... but the owners asked us to get our dog out of there! Arseholes!

It rained on and off on our way home... but that was OK.
We stopped at Whangarei to look at the falls.... got lost trying to get out of the place!
Never mind... we had a nice time anyway.

End of Day: exhausted. Will do a lovely long photo post tomorrow. And I will update PEPSI TOO.... tomorrow OK? nite nite.

SATURDAY IN THE FAR NORTH

It's a LONG way from Home! edit... it took roughly 4 hours to get here from our home.

Today we are heading back to the Bay of Islands, Paihia to be exact.... I saw lots of really neat shops that I want to investigate further! AND Lacy and Tim have not been there yet either...

Also, hoping to take a ferry over to Russell... depends on the cost! If it's a bit too high priced we will just tiki tour around the area.

It's supposed to be a really nice day weather wise today too.. so here's hoping it is.

ONWARD... So we checked out Kerikeri, then popped over to Paihia again.. did the shops, lay on the beach front, had lunch... opted not to go over on the Ferry to Russell today (weather was a bit 'iffy')... might go on the way home tomorrow.

Lacy and Tim are having a few 'settling' in rough patches... just getting used to being together 24/7... it's a big adjustment for both of them I think. But I'm sure they will sort it out. Well I hope so! It is a gorgeous home they have here, and Tim's parents are very supportive.

We will start heading home tomorrow morning, stopping at a few more places of interest on our way...

Lacy dyed her hair last night... reddish Burgundy... I dyed mine tonight... quite a dark chocolate brown! Never been this dark before.. it's WAY darker than the last time I did it! Hmmmm... feels weird being dark!

So, another day down in our mini break.. and only tomorrow to go. *sigh*....

End of Day: looking forward to a nice evening with Lacy, Tim and Stew... nite nite.

LUCKILY....

I'M NOT SUPERSTITIOUS! It's BLACK FRIDAY here.....

We are heading up north today.... The weather is looking promising for a really nice weekend in The Bay of Islands area. I hope we get to see some of the lovely beaches and bays up there.

Time to pack the car and hit the road!

If I can use the internet up there (I think Lacy and Tim have internet)... I will update when I can.

OFF WE GO!

Yaaa, we got here safely!

Fantastic drive up, we diverted over to Paihia in the Bay of Islands for lunch ... there was a big cruise ship in the bay and lots of tourists mingling around... and a small craft fair in a park... so it was really neat. The weather has been a bit cloudy with some light showers, but on a whole ok.

Got to Lacy and Tim's about mid afternoon, and we have spent the afternoon just checking out their home and surrounds. They live in a gorgeous house, surrounded by an orchard/citrus nursery. I am envious .. AND they have a pool..... which is not up and running yet, but will be soon. We are coming back after Christmas to spend more time as it is so lovely here.

End of Day: sorry no photos... I forgot me usb cable... derrrr. nite nite.

THEY LOOK AWFUL LIKE THIS!

ABOVE: three more bags ready for the fancy stitching and then 'construction'... they sure don't look much like this!

Today I am concentrating on getting all the washing up to date, our bags packed etc in readiness for tomorrow, when we go away for a three day mini break. I can't wait! I have never been way up north before ... we plan on having as much of a look around as we can fit in. AND of course visit Lacy and Tim. I am thinking we will go back up there for a longer visit in the New Year if this visit goes well.

It's so nice to actually be going to stay with one of our kids... it doesn't happen often! Amanda is the only other kid we can go and stay with as she has the room for us.

So yeah... I better get moving.... ONWARD...

Every morning when I get up ... I go around opening the blinds.. and most days when I am opening the blinds in the lounge I look over the fence to Myra's house and see her doing the same thing in her bedroom... which faces our lounge...

But this morning she hadn't opened them when I was doing ours... so I thought nothing of it.. until about 11 am when I noticed her blinds were still drawn. ALARM BELLS RANG. Myra ALWAYS opens her blinds... so I hot footed it over there and banged on her door... I could hear her dog barking inside, but NO ANSWER. I was really worried and started to head home to ring the police (hell I was worried)... when a neighbour yelled out to me that she had been taken away in an Ambulance early this morning. RELIEF ... then worry again. I hope she is alright, she is 81 years old and such a sweetie. I will ask her daughter tonight how she is.

Now.. I shall go back to getting ready for our trip tomorrow...

I'm feeling incredibly frustrated! I noticed some activity next door.. washing put out... windows opened.. so I went over and knocked on the door... no answer... yet someone is there! I can't knock on the daughter's door cos she has a locked gate, you can't get to her door! It's driving me nuts not knowing what's wrong.. if she's Ok or not. Grrrrrr. I just put a note in the letterbox, it's all I can do really.

Still not got much done towards packing... waiting for some washing to dry before packing the clothes. Just made a huge meatloaf, some for tonight and some to take up there with us. Should be yum.

OH, and I had ice cream for lunch... don't know why! Stupid, really stupid.

End of Day.. and I'm tired and feeling a bit crabby. It's normal, don't worry! I always get a bit wound up trying to get ready to go away, ask Stew! He usually gets it in the ear. Anyway, almost done. nite nite.

I WILL HAVE A BETTER DAY... I WILL.

I am going to cut out some more bags today... round ones and maybe a square one too. There is quite a bit I can do even without the machine I reckon.

I am hoping the sun comes out today too... so I can start working on me tan. AND yeah... I'll keep me top on!

What else? We need more vege plants, so I will go get them too.... and maybe even plant them!

ONWARD....

I went to The Warehouse (yeah I know, I hate the place!)... to buy a foot pump for the airbeds, and some beach footwear for me.

I got the above for me feet... and saw this nightie:

Totally had to buy it... it's so ME! LOL

I also got the vege plants... and now I'm home testing out the foot pump on the airbed. I think that will be my exercise for the day... bloody hell it's taking FOREVER to pump up a single airbed!

IT'S OFFICIAL.... I am a true blonde.... I stood in the lounge pumping away on that foot pump, getting all hot and bothered for about 20 minutes before I realised that nothing was happening! I mean... I could see the air going in the bloody thing... but it wasn't going up.

THEN...

I realised that the plug wasn't in the 'air out' hole! FAR OUT I'M A TWIT. So. WITH THE PLUG IN, it only took a few minutes to pump it up. Off now to laugh at myself.... do join me. I won't mind. REALLY.

I have spent the afternoon cutting up material strips for my bags.. and that's about all!

Yakked to me Mum, who's in Australia... Yakked to me Aunt down the road. Did some talking to myself too. All good.

Cooking dinner now... Spaghetti Bologniese... yum yum.

End of Day: quite a good day really. Got a lot done. Tomorrow is going to be busy too.. getting ready to go away. nite nite.

TIME ON MY HANDS

Just what did I do with myself before I started sewing eh? Now that my sewing machine is away again... I have no idea what I'm going to do today.

I could of course do the housework... naaaaa....

I could go to Botany and check out a shoe shop I saw yesterday that was having a sale....

I could hunt out the wood stain that goes on the garage door and maybe paint it?.... it does need to be done...

I could climb into the attic and get down the airbed for our upcoming trip up North.....

I could do any number of things I suppose!
Lets wait and see what I get up to!

OH and how much did I spend on groceries yesterday? $629. So there. Some of you were fairly close. Some of you must have thought we lived on lettuce leaves with the really low guesses! There may only be 4 people in this house, but let me assure you.... our Griffin eats as much, if not more than me! He is a growing lad. edit: yes that was for a fortnight's groceries, but we will have to buy fresh fruit every few days .. and I bought enough meat to last about 3-4 weeks. Yaaa having a big freezer again!

ONWARD....

All I can think about is food right now... idle hands and all that! It's nice enough outside to go for a walk, but I don't' want to. It's boring... and lonely. *sigh*... feeling crabby about being bored. Pfffft... I'm a pain in me own arse.

I got a phone call from the sewing machine shop lady
... I hadn't taken in the power cord/foot control or accessory box for my machine yesterday and she wanted them... UMMMM... LAST time I took my machine in you said you didn't need them? This time you do??? FUCK. So I got in my GAS GUZZLER car and drove the 70km round trip to drop off those bits. Like they didn't have a power cord or foot control in the shop they could have used? Yeah they had like 10 of them! I'm so over this shit, god help them if that machine plays up again when I get it back... so how do I feel right now?....


FRUSTRATED...

PHILOSOPHICAL... AND...

JUST PLAIN ANNOYED! Ha ha, that was fun. Took me like 30 photos to get those three semi decent ones!

ONWARD... there is some more housework awaiting me...

End of Day: well I got heaps of houswork done... am feeling really good about that. Bonus really. Quiet evening. Ate too much this evening. Crabby with myself about that. Win some, lose some. nite nite.

PINKY... AND FINGERS CROSSED

So... 'PINKY' is finished.. and it rocks! I have yet to make a bag I don't like! Every one is cute in it's own way.

I am now taking a break from sewing for a few days because...

THE MACHNE GOES BACK TODAY for the 7th TIME. And if it EVER... EVER... EVER craps out on me again after it comes back they HAVE TO REPLACE OR REFUND. I have been nice enough about this eh?

Therefore, this morning I am going to Howich to drop off said machine, then I am going to come home and do.... blog reading! I need to catch up on what you buggers have been doing while I've been enjoying my weekend! lol

And after that I might just do some lovely housework. Stew's sister Khady is coming by this evening to pick up the bags I have ready for her Gallery... I hope she likes them!

ONWARD...

11.48am, just got home from dropping the machine off and getting the groceries. I tried out Pak N Save in Botany, not a bad shop. GUESS HOW MUCH I SPENT? Come on.... guess!.. it is a fortnight's worth....(and NO BLONDIE, ya won't win a prize!) lol

WHOOPS! I am putting the groceries away and...

Found these... ummmm.. can ya tell we don't eat many potatoes now? Can ya? *smiles*

End of Day: have had a lovely visit from Stew's sister.. and a lovely dinner too. AND she loved the bags for her Gallery.. which was neat. Good boost for my confidence. Time for bed! nite nite.

THE SAGA CONTINUES...

I had a very lenghty, fraught conversation with the 'Boss Lady' from the sewing machine shop on Friday night.. she has asked me to try THIS AND THAT.. and to see if it makes any difference to how the machine runs. I could have screamed... but decided to give her ideas a go... and...

BUGGER ME IF THAT BLOODY MACHINE IN BEHAVING ITSELF! I used it all last night and not one problem.... *shaking head*.

I had to thread it a weird way, and tighten the tension a lot.... to stop the cotton jumping off the take up lever... and it seems to have worked. Now I am wondering if I need to take it in tomorrow? PROCRASTINATION WILL DRIVE ME NUTS!

GRIFFIN: is getting a little bit of help at school right now... and his 'case' is being heard by the RTLB Board on 17th November... but IF he is picked up he won't actually get any help from them till at least next year. So we shall continue taking him to Kip McGrath in the meantime.

ABOVE: the bag I started last night.. not finished, but you get the idea. I made the 'flap' wider.... and I'm going to make the strap different too...

It's FUN. But hard on the back and shoulders working at the sewing desk for hours. Shame you can't charge for your time and effort nowdays! *boo hoo*

Today: NO PLANS yet.. Stew is getting up really early to watch the rugby... and I'm hoping to stay in bed till LATE. Maybe he will bring me a 'wake up' hot chocolate drink in bed??? Ahhhh, I live in hope. Until then, I will read some blogs eh?

Upon getting me butt outta bed (no hot chocolate I might add)... I decided to go to Calico Christmas, which is the BIG Auckland City Quilter's Guild Annual Show.. I havn't been to one before so am GOING. I hope to spend no money... but it might be DIFFICULT.

After that we will do the grocery shopping.. oh YAAAA!

ONWARD...

I am so glad I went .... I got to talk face to face with the Sewing Machine Importer (Richard)... and he wants my machine back tomorrow so he can look it over personally, and fix the problem once and for all. He seemed nice enough. Time will tell.

Did I buy anything? Ahhh.. yep! But not masses of material! I got:

ABOVE: These awesome handmade buttons for bags, that pink one is for the latest bag...

ABOVE: this cute bag pattern... and OMG! I just could NOT resist this:

ABOVE: This wee coin purse LITERALLY HAD MY NAME ON IT! I paid an outrageous price for it... but I could not help myself!!!

It's now mid-afternoon and it's time to chill out for a wee while before we do the freakin grocery shopping.. which I HATE... totally HATE I TELL YA!

End of Day: we went out looking at three Open Homes in our area this afternoon... all big houses, all gorgeous, and all too freaking expensive! I want a bigger house! But I don't think it's gunna happen. *sigh*... just as well I do like this house eh? Going now to finish off the 'Pinky' bag. Just got some hand sewing to finish it off. nite nite.

WEEKEND MADNESS

Once again... it's off to the Doctor's for me... and then Stew... then lunch at a mall... followed by a quick visit to Spotlight to get some 'stiffening' stuff for the next bag...

THEN we are going to check out a local Boarding Kennel for Teddy to stay in next weekend when we go out of town for a few days.

So, it is going to be a busy day.
And I will leave you with this:



ABOVE: I saw this book in Whitcoulls the other day... and all I could think of was "So, is there a 'LOSERS BIBLE' then"? It kinda made me laugh.

Bye for now....

ABOVE: Found this awesome material today in our travels... it's an extra wide batik... *drool*.

Having no end of trouble trying to find some 'stiffening' stuff to put behind my material when making the bags. Damn. What do other's use ? I have ended up having to buy a heavy-ish iron on interfacing. Not quite what I wanted, but it will have to do. I was using a really heavy interfacing that it not available anymore.

Oh well... we are off out again now to check out the Boarding Kennel for Teddy...

And where the hell is everyone? I am getting lonely here. *sniff*

So, the kennel is lovely, out in the country, totally GORGEOUS set up. Teddy liked it, so he is booked in for next Friday. We are going for a three day jaunt up north, staying with Lacy and Tim just out of Kerikeri. We hope to have a wee look around the area. It's just a mini break after all the stressful weeks we have been through.

End of Day: a very successful day ... and now it's time to say : nite nite!

I'M STILL FURIOUS!

There is a BIG show on this weekend, called 'Calico Christmas' where all the big retailers sell fabrics, sewing machines and everything to do with Quilting, Crafts etc... and I am so tempted to go and stand in front of the HUSQVARNA Stall and tell EVERYONE just what sort of service they can expect if they buy one of those machines!ABOVE: Tempting!

But I won't. It's tempting, so tempting, but I don't think that will get me anywhere. DAMMIT. I'm just so furious that the HEAD HONCHO... Richard... has said he won't replace the bloody machine! We will see about that.

Today: housework, and lots of it! Totally sucks that dust balls exist...and freaking washing has to be done... and loos have to be cleaned... *sigh*...... only good thing about being in a foul mood is that it's a good mood to do housework in!

I'M CRABBY ... SUPER CRABBY TODAY!

I am SO happy I thought to take photos too: (shame I didn't take a photo EVERY time it jammed up)

If I ever see that 'error' message again I think I will smash the machine with a sledge hammer!

And on that note... I'm off to sew... and no doubt take more photos!

It is 1.30pm, I've been sewing with no problems so far today.. but as WE ALL KNOW....that is not likely to last. I am set in my resolve to take it back on Monday. I have:

- A three page letter detailing EVERY SINGLE time I have taken it back, how long I was without a machine, how frustrating it has been, how I have been treated,... bla bla bla.

- A copy of the New Zealand Consumers' Guarantee Act, highlighting my rights.

- Copies of photographs of the machine when it has jammed (when I thought to take photos that is!)

I am giving the Owner of the shop/Importer 10 working days to give me a refund or a TOTALLY NEW Machine... or I will be taking legal action. I have not even mentioned 'Fair Go' or similar YET.

Right, I am thoroughly sick to death of this topic.

I am now going to have a bite to eat... I think I'm hungry now.

End of Day: I had ice cream for DINNER. Yep, emotional eating... I own it. nite nite.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ME CHRISTMAS TREE...

My Christmas Tree on the side bar is gone! Pffffft.

Taking me sewing machine back today.

Hope they give me a loaner.

Might go for a walk.

And then again I might not too! I am so fickle when it comes to exercise right now. At least I have a handle on the eating!

Right, that's it for now... I'll be back later I suppose! Eeeee, I might even get to read/comment on a few blogs today! LOL

I talked to the lady at the sewing machine shop this morning, she persuaded me to keep the machine and sew like mad for the next couple of days and really give it another chance. So I am. I must feel in my mind that I have given it every opportunity I suppose. And the thing is, the stupid thing is sewing beautifully TODAY.

It is a totally crap day today too, raining non stop and cool. So perfect to be sitting on me bum sewing. Though, I have been jumping on the exercycle on the hour for 10 minutes, just to get a break and some exercise! Works for me.

I started another bag today.. it's pretty much the same colours as the last one, but with green sides/strap...

I just rang the shop to let them know I was bringing the machine back...to be told not to bring it in till Monday, as they can't pick it up for repair till Tuesday anyway... AND the lady in the shop said that she had spoken to the MAN who imports them and he has said he will NOT replace or refund it as he is sure that he can fix it... even if it means stripping this, that, and the other thing right out of it and replacing those parts! LIKE HELL I said to her! I am not going to put up with this crap anymore... I want a brand new replacement or my money back! AS if I am going to let this drag on for another 5 friggin months!

Tomorrow I am going to ring the right Government Department to find out my legal rights... so I know exactly what to say to that prick when I finally talk to him. FUCK I'M MAD NOW.

End of Day: Tonight's dinner is :

Steak and Cheese to be precise.. and it smells devine. I'm not having any... don't want the pastry. Will have some veges or similar later. nite nite.

IN A QUANDARY

That blasted sewing machine behaved last night. Now I don't know what to do. Take it back or keep it and and see how it goes for a few more days. Pfffffft.

ABOVE: So... here is what stage I got to last night on this bag. It's certainly a bright, vibrant bag! I love it. In fact I love most of them... derrrr!

Steve leaves this morning for Hamilton, all he has to do is 'report' in then he can go again! Mad. His trial is looking like being in April next year. Such a long time to wait and have it hanging over his head.

Today? Gunna sew. And go to Weight Watchers. Hoping for a small loss. Or large.. I will take either!

I LOST: 1.8 kgs this week. AWESOME. (well in fact I'm bloody STOKED about that, cos if ever there was a week when I was going to 'eat my emotions', this was it! And I didn't.)

Now I'm going to do some more sewing and see how we go.

ABOVE: The 'Bright Bag' finished. LOVE IT.

Can a sewing machine has a 'split personality'? Cos I swear that machine is out to totally piss me off! It sewed beautifully this afternoon, only jammed up once! Pffffft. Still taking it back... but will do it tomorrow. I'm scared they will take it back and make me wait ages for a new one... and NOT give me a loaner in the meantime! I will be lost if they do that!

But then, I won't know till I do it eh? Should not expect trouble...

Steve is safely back in Palmerston North.. Amanda has her boys.. all is good in my little SOAP OPERA... for now.

End of Day: spend the evening fighting the urge to throw up! Must have been the kebab I had for lunch. Nasty. Off to bed now, hopefully I'll feel better in the morning. nite nite.

NOT HOLDING MY BREATH

Today Amanda goes to court to try and get her boys back.... I don't have any idea if any resolution will happen today or not. But I will keep my fingers crossed anyway. She did NOTHING wrong.. and her ex-husband has used a situation to take the boys away from her. Now it's her chance to put that right. I hope the judge sees the injustice of it all and does the right thing.

Steve is due here sometime today too.... he has requested Roast Pork for dinner... so that's in hand.

I will do some sewing today to keep my mind off things. Maybe it will work?

OH! I'm supposed to be getting my sewing machine back today too! Let's see if they ring me eh?

Apart from all THAT... it is just a normal day ! YEAH RIGHT.
And I'm hoping it will be nice and sunny... I'm wanting to start work on me tan! Summer is coming....
ONWARD...

IT'S RAINING. AND COLD. *sniff*...and now it's cloudy, some sun shine and it's warm. Stoooopid weather.

I just picked up my machine... off to sew now...

ABOVE: The next bag, ready for the fancy stitching to happen... much brighter than the last few eh? I used batik materials, they are just so gorgeous!

Amanda... text'd me... there has been Strike Action at the Court.. so her hearing is delayed.. may not even happen today afterall.

The sewing machine is behaving so far... the shop said the repairman had found some 'burrs' on something? And he fixed it. WE WILL SEE eh? *smiles*

Steve is due here in the next couple of hours.... and there will be no TANNING today.. it's cloudy and cold again. pffffft.

YES! YES! YES! Amanda got her boys back. And so she should! There is going to be another hearing on her custody issues in the future as the courts were very backed up and could not address a lot of her issues in relation to her ex-husband's controlling and violent ways.

Steve arrived safely.

My machine PLAYED UP... and is going back for the last time tomorrow.

Stew came home early... which is nice.

End of Day: a good one and a bad one, a stressful one... and I'm having a drink. So there. nite nite.

MONDAY... MONDAY...

Tis another week... with quite a few things on this week.

Stew and I have an appointment with the School this morning to discuss Griffin's lack of progress.

Amanda goes to court tomorrow to try and get her boys back.
Steve goes to court on wednesday to 'check in', then he can go again till his hearing next year.

So it's going to be stressful... a real test of my coping strategies.

TODAY:
- Kids to school
- Appointment at school
- Stew to work
- Me?

Housework.
Sewing.
Get some exercise.
Kip McGrath for Griffin this afternoon.

And that's it for now.
Back later...

EEEEwwwww... we saw a huge cockroach in the kitchen... And Teddy grabbed it... OUR SAVIOUR! .... but then he ate it... and if I was entertaining the idea of having breakfast...it has now gone. My stomach is totally in revolt at the thought of food after that. lol

I am sitting here (after our meeting at school) hoping it wasn't

It was like a re-run of the meeting we had with the school WAY BACK in October 2008... where they told us ALL THEY WERE DOING.. and we listened, believed them and left them to it. ONLY this time we are not going to do that.

I left feeling annoyed as hell... and vowing to be on their case every other day until we see some results. They know he has to be tested for 'this that and the other thing' so BLOODY WELL DO IT!

In all it was a 'good' meeting I suppose... but I hate having to confront anyone and get all hot and bothered. HATE IT.

My first impulse on getting home was ... eat something. But... I have managed to hold off that impulse for 2 hours now, so I am feeling proud about that.

Now all I have to do is have a good, solid, healthy lunch and STOP at that. So much easier said than done, but I am determined that this weeek, even though it is going to be stressful for days, is not going to be be a disaster that shows up on the scales.

HOUSEWIFE Tip of the Day:

Tea towels DO NOT make good splatter guards. THAT. IS. ALL.

Just home from picking Griffin up from Kip McGrath.. going well there.. no progress yet, but it's early days.

Got a phone call from school.. they are 'working' on getting him assessed ... but nothing will happen till next year OBVIOUSLY! Yeah we have heard that before.

Round and round... and round again.

Dinner is in the oven (lamb chops cooked in mint sauce)... expect Stew home in an hour or so. Tomorrow looms...

End of Day: Productive.... hopefully. Frustrating....much. I am happy though that I did not react by stuffing my face. I AM going for a walk this evening... while it's nice and cool. nite nite.