HMMMMMM....AND HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY CHRISTINA!

My niece sent me these the other day:

ABOVE: if I wasn't such a NICE person, I could say that to quite a few people I have met and/or know!

ABOVE: and yep, I say that to myself most days I am trying to squeeze into me bra....

ABOVE: well... I just LIKED this one too! Can't think who I'd say it to!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY Christina (my niece in Australia), I hope you have a bloody neat day! There is a card on it's way! You just had to know that eh? lol

Today: yep, just another normal day here. No plans. Might go out to the shops.... or the library... just loved that book I read the other day by Tess Gerritsen, hoping to find more at the local library. I will have time to read it as I'm not sewing eh? Grrrrrrr.
ONWARD...

ABOVE: I am still moving the furniture! Just can't get it right. Drives me batty.
Coco has been locked out... I am totally over her going straight into the lounge and squatting and doing a huge piddle on me carpet! It's like... she KNOWS where she should go by now! Grrrrrrr....

Yes, I'm crabby today... I just rang the sewing machine shop to find out what was happening. I was told the 'Boss Man' knew what the problem was with my machine and can fix it.... so sounds like they are NOT going to replace it. I give up! Hands in the air... meanwhile... I HAVE NO MACHINE. Really, what can I do? I keep asking them to replace it? They won't!

I've been out... I went to Citizen's Advice to ask what I can do about the Sewing Machine people not replacing that shit machine. I have to write them a letter detailing all the problems I've had with it, how often it's been back... yadda, yadda, and give them a time frame to replace or refund before I take the next step.

So that is what I have done... AGAIN I might add! Let's wait and see what happens now eh?

ABOVE: I agree Debbie! So here is the latest furniture shuffle! I know we have too much furniture in this room, but I refuse to sell off any more of my furniture! I NEED IT!

It's now lunchtime ... finding some food RIGHT NOW....

Had lunch, just bathed Coco... cos she smelt all 'doggy'.... and YES, I know she's a dog... but she doesn't have to smell like a wet one! Ikkk. It was a battle I might add.... and as for brushing her afterwards... FORGET it! She was having none of it! I have put her in the laundry to repent her sins for now. I need a rest!

End of Day: roast chicken for dinner... was yum too. Going to have a quiet evening I hope. Don't need ANYTHING else to happen to make me cross... I am cross enough THANK YOU VERY MUCH. (tell you why tomorrow, and yes, there is another reason besides the s/machine!) nite nite.

TEDDY ON A DIET...

As you all know... we have two dogs... Teddy and Coco.

Coco is 3 months old and needs more food than Teddy... but their food bowl is in the laundry where Teddy can get Coco's food all the time too.

He is getting far too heavy.... how do I stop him eating the puppy's food? Yet still have the food out and available for Coco???
I think the answer is to have food for Coco in a different place from Teddy's?
Like.... put Teddy's food in the laundry in the morning... and shut the door so Coco can't eat it and feed her in the kitchen?
I will do that today and see how it goes.

The other thing I am obviously going to do today is drive over to Howick with that bloody sewing machine and see what they make of it. Hopefully they can fix it there and then.... or give me a loaner? I think something is wrong with the computer inside it... it goes backwards all on it's own!

I hope this does not turn into another saga/drama/never-ending-story! I could NOT stand that.

ONWARD.... and if you hear on the News that some random woman has been arrested for throwing her sewing machine through a shop's window in Howick...IT'S ME! Hmmm... better put me makeup on just in case eh? (wouldn't want a MUG SHOT of me not looking me best!) ha ha ha!

Update on Teddy's injury: it's certainly looking a bit better, and he's back to running around and playing with Coco, so he must be feeling better! Thank goodness!

I am happy to report that the machine is at the shop.... I didn't throw it through the window... BUT I did tell the lady that I wanted her to tell 'The Boss Man' that I want a NEW MACHINE.. cos I don't want this to become a never-ending-story AGAIN. I wait now to see what his come-back will be.

After that I felt like I needed me man's company, so we had lunch together at Sylvia Park and now.. I'm home and going to do the housework. Yaaaaa...let's all get excited about that eh?

End of Day: I got lots done this afternoon around the house... even moved some furniture! I kinda have a fetish about moving furniture! Sadly the size of this house seriously LIMITS my choices. *sigh*

Got some good news first thing this morning too... but I can't yak about it yet.... just wanted to record it here for posterity. nite nite.

I COULD SCREAM HOLY BLUE MURDER...

WHY, OH WHY.... does my bloody sewing machine always have to crap out on me on a Saturday night???? Eh? I tell ya, it was going so good too... until about 9.30 last night... then for NO BLOODY REASON it spat the dummy and decided to stop working properly.

I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to make is sew properly again... to no avail. Now I am like super duper pissed off. I was 'in the groove' and sewing so happily too.

If I can't get it going right today I will have to take it back to the shop for repair AGAIN. Grrrrrrrrr.... I could scream.... or smash the bloody thing. .... gawd it would give me so much SATISFACTION to take a sledge hammer to it I tell ya!

On that note... I'm off to do some housework, then try it again .... but I can't see why it would be any different this morning. pfffft.

ABOVE: a wee video of the machine at work ... NOT! Stupid thing. Going to just do housework now instead of sew. It's a yuk day outside too... wet, wet, wet.

ABOVE: 'Fat Belly Jones' lol.... he really MUST lose some weight! He's got a huge barrel of a belly on him and he weighs 7 kilos! For his breed he should be around 4.5 kilos!

ABOVE: I think his wound is getting a bit better? It's not raw and weeping now... just looks IKKKKKKK still. And kinda smells.... gross I know!

Were you eating lunch? lol

I am struggling to stay awake today.... it's hard when you are just lazing around doing diddly-squat!

End of Day: a loooooong, wet, fairly boring day. I think tomorrow will be busier somehow. nite nite.

HEART BLOCKS....

ABOVE: Last night I lined Teddy's cone with a bandage to hopefully keep the wound from sticking to the plastic... as it was not helping it at all... and I think causing it to weep even more. If he is not showing any signs of healing by monday he is going back to the Vet's.

Today: well hopefully I am getting a sleep in! I have forward posted this so I can! What else? Hmmmm.... I want to sew more of the Heart Blocks I have been fixated on lately.. I'm working on about 4-5 small quilts at the moment, all with heart blocks! Stew is going out later to check out a car for Lacy too.

We will no doubt head out to a mall for lunch, and a browse around. Griffin and Brylee EXPECT IT, particularly Griffin... he has caught the 'shopping bug' from me! Ahhhh... a kid after me own heart he is.

ONWARD!... Well... we have been out and about. Had lunch at Sylvia Park, then popped over to Manukau for dog food... didn't feel like doing much else so we came home for a quiet afternoon in.

I am going to start sewing more of my heart blocks now... while Stew no doubt watches sport on the telly. Talk about a quiet day.

ABOVE: Can you see that thing in the pillows?

ABOVE: It was Teddy, hiding in the vain hope we wouldn't see him and lock him in the laundry today when we went out! Awwwww, poor boy.

ABOVE: where I have been all afternoon! Sewing while watching "You've Got Mail" then "Phone Booth"... what fun!

End of Day: Stew dished up leftovers for dinner... I didn't have to do anything. Yaaaa, got to love the weekends when Stew does dinner. nite nite.

CONE HEAD...AGAIN.

Yep, we are NOT happy .... when Teddy came home from the groomers on Wednesday, Stew was holding him and felt something under his chin, on the neck... we looked and saw that he had been grazed quite badly on his neck, by the clippers presumably?

As Teddy is a 'scratchy' dog I hoped like hell he would leave it alone to heal.... but he didn't. Yesterday afternoon I could see him scratching it... and checked. He has made a huge mess of his neck... so I have had to put the cone back on him. Knowing what he's like... the cone will be on for weeks. DAMMIT.

I also rang the Dog Groomers to let them know what had happened, what THEY had done... and to let them know that I was rather upset .... wonder if I will hear from them? Time will tell eh?

One thing is for sure, he ain't going back there. *sigh*

I got a phone call at 7.30 this morning from the manager of the Grooming place... she's so sorry and wants to refund our money.... and could I let her see Teddy, to see the damage? Fine... she is going to feel REALLY BAD when she sees just how bad he is!

He is so miserable he wouldn't even come out of his bed this morning... we had to carry him out! He won't move! It must hurt like hell.

I am supposed to be going to the Hospice Shop this morning too... but I am going to the Vet's at 8.45... I think Teddy will need antibiotics now to clear up the oozing infection he has already. Poor boy.

Today has gone well... I got an appointment for Teddy at the Vet's for 8.45am... he is now on antibiotics and special cream for the wound. After the vets I took him to the Groomers so they could see the damage and she was nice and paid the $88 vet bill.

Then I went to 'work' at the Hospice Shop, which was really busy and I loved it! I bought a few things (DOH!)... which I will show ya later... for now I'm starving and want me lunch.

ABOVE: My purchases today.. a little cane tray for Brylee to use in her room $3, a material pouch holder thingee $2, an almost new lifejacket $3 and a ski suit for Brylee $4... so in all I spent a whopping $12! Didn't I do well!

!!!!!WARNING !!!!!!...... next two photos are gruesome... don't be eating your lunch or dinner while looking!

ABOVE: In case you thought I was exaggerating about Ted's neck!

ABOVE: My poor boy... it makes me want to cry seeing him so bad.

ABOVE: I wanted to wash it first... but she just had to try it on! Cute eh?

End of Day: and I am knackered! It's been a busy day... and TGIF! I can sleep in tomorrow.... YAAaaaaa. Teddy's neck is looking even worse now... the vet said to leave his cone off so it could heal better.... CRAP! Teddy scratched himself AGAIN... and made it worse. Cone is back on. nite nite.

TAXI AGAIN...

ABOVE: in this photo Coco looks as big as Teddy! She isn't really... it's just that Ted has just been groomed and is behind her... he is easily 3 kilos heavier... poor boy... steroids are making him too heavy and I really must put him on a DIET. *sigh*, as if one of us on a perpetual diet isn't enough!

Poor boy... after spending almost 6 hours at the groomers yesterday he was totally KNACKERED. All he wanted to do was sleep. Awwwwww...

Now what's the hap's today? meh.....housework, then pick up Griffin and take him to his SPELD lesson... which means I get to sit in the car for over an hour waiting for him... cos it's too far to come home and then go back later for him. What fun. I hope like hell these lessons do some good.

At least I will be comfy.. and I'll take a book... and Diet Coke and me lunch... I suppose it's not that bad!

ONWARD.... Just sent the kids to school 10 minutes early... it was either that or throttle Brylee! I swear to god, out of all the kids I have raised she has the biggest mouth on her! She NEVER shuts up! She just goes on and on and on and on... and 90% of the time she is talking utter crap, or just saying something to annoy Griffin... or giving him information that is WRONG... gawd I wish I could gag her sometimes. So, today I sent her out the door (and Griffin) early! I just can't stand it some days.

I may be sleeping much much better these days, but I'm still waking up grumpy! Isn't Stew lucky he gets to leave BEFORE I rear my grumpy head!

YIKES! Looks like Griffin will be going to his SPELD lesson twice in a week... IF I can find another $50 a week... which will mean I am paying $100 a week! *sigh*... looks like this tart is NOT going to be doing much shopping in the future. BUT, if it means Griffin will learn to read and write and do maths.. I DON'T CARE. He comes first... his whole life is ahead of him... I want him to feel good about himself, and 'fit' in with normal people... not be illiterate.

He is being teased at school again too.. so I am going to organise another IEP to address that, and to get them to co-ordinate with the SPELD Teacher on a way forward with his learning.

It was actually really nice sitting in the car out in the countryside ... reading a magazine and listening to the birds this morning. It's such a lovely day today.... very warm out there too!

ABOVE: Coco is sleeping in a basket at my feet... Teddy is not a happy boy and wants nothing to do with her today. More about him tomorrow... I am not happy either.

Had a shitty phone conversation (all of about three words) with my Mother today.... now I'm feeling really down.

End of Day: started out good, ended so-so. I can see how easy it would be for me to slip backwards into depression SO EASILY. Dammit. What the hell is wrong with me that I can't take anything stressful anymore without throwing a tizz??? nite nite.

DOWN AND OUT.

WHOOPS... ANYONE FOR A BURNT PIE?

So... here we have the burnt pies from last night! Don't they just look so delectable???? They were totally burnt on the bottom and half raw on the top! *ha ha ha* I am NEVER going to try cooking something NEW for dinner guests again without trying it out on US first! It was obviously the wrong sort of pastry for the pie maker!

Today... I'm taking Teddy to the groomers... the poor bugger is looking really ratty... Coco is constantly playing with him, pulling on his ears and making them all knotty... I bet the groomer will have a really hard time getting all the knots out... and that is after I have been combing him every other day too!

While he's at the groomers I am going to have a look around car yards on Great South Road... our daughter Lacy is coming down again in about 10 days to get a car... so we are doing the 'preliminary' look around for her.

ONWARD... I dropped Teddy at the groomers at 9am, they said come back at 12pm to get him.... so I go back at 12... I can see Teddy running around with about 4 other dogs behind the counter...

And I am looking at him thinking... Just WHAT have you actually done to my dog?? Cos, to me.. he looked exactly the same as he did 3 hours ago! Well... the lady comes over and says "Oh, so sorry, but we are running a bit behind, can you come back later on this afternoon? I am like...

I don't exactly have much choice do I... So I leave again and drive back home, where I am now...

You all CAN picture it eh? I think I was really nice.. like.. I didn't even say 'FUCK IT ALL' when I left! Pat me on the back would ya??

Righty-ho... picked up Brylee and took her to the orthodontist.. left her there and went down to Takanini and picked up Teddy... who I must admit looks lovely.. AND they didn't charge as much as the mobile groomer did... funny that... cos the mobile groomer was from the same place. I asked what it would normally cost to have the moblie groomer come to my home, she said "THE SAME AS BRINGING TEDDY HERE"... Me thinks the mobile groomer lady was adding a bit 'on the top' to the fees. She ain't there any more... wonder why?

Have now picked up Brylee and will be going in shortly to get Griffin from school... I am feeling a bit like a Taxi today!

End of Day: I made an awesome quiche for dinner... lots of eggs, bacon, cheese, onion etc. nite nite.

NOT MUCH ON TODAY....

ABOVE: darling Coco in the washing basket... so cute. She is just the most lovely wee dog.

I'm sick of being home ... I'm going out. Not sure where, or to do what... but OUT!

While I'm out... here's a 'funny' I got via email yesterday:

GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN:

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa - half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe -well-developed and open to trade, especially for something of real value.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain - very hot, relaxed, and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece & gently aging, but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain, with a glorious and all-conquering past..

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel - has been through war, doesn't make the same mistakes twice, and takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada - cool, self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet - wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages.... an adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN:

Between 1 and 80, a man is like Iran - ruled by nuts. THE END.

ONWARD...

Been out, did some banking... got a few extra groceries as we have dinner guests tonight (Aunty and Uncle up the road)... not much else! Had a good look around a Scrapbook shop in Mt Wellington... but nothing caught my eye and screamed "BUY ME!"... so I am now home contemplating doing the vacuming. Oh yaaaaaa....

Vacuming a Wash Floors a Dinner in oven a Dust and Polish a

Relax for a little while ... *sigh*. There was a good reason why I invited guests over for dinner! It made me do the floors if nothing else! As it has been raining A LOT lately, Teddy and Coco have been traipsing in and out with grubby paws and leaving me floors dirty... I have been meaning to mop the floors for days... now it's done!

End of Day: first time in YEARS... I stuffed up me dinner! Well ... not the dinner exactly... it was the dessert! I burnt me fruit pies... really well too! GUTTED by it ... felt dreadful serving up burnt pies and custard to our guests! Weird thing, they still ate them... I think they were just being nice. THANKS. nite nite.

I'M READING!

After many months I have finally picked up a book and started reading again!

I had almost forgotten how engrossing a good book can be! I bought two books from the Hospice Shop the other day... and last night I started reading 'Keeping The Dead' by TESS GERRITSEN... ooooh it's so interesting! I can hardly put it down.

Sadly this means that I have read bugger all blogs either! Hopefully I shall finish it today so I can get back to the blogs I love to read! lol

AND I really want to make a few more cards, and finish a sewing project or two... so many things to do... how can I get bored !

ONWARD...

Haven't got to reading more of that book so far this morning.. been making soup...
You ever been CONSTIPATED? I have/am... so this soup should get things 'going' again!


ABOVE: cos I just KNOW some bugger is gunna ask me what I put in me soup:

200 grams Split Green Peas

200 grams Pearl Barley

2 leeks, three onions, 2 big carrots grated up, 1/4 of a cauliflower, 250 grams frozen corn kernels, 425 gram tin of Mushrooms, 400 gram tin of tomatoes, 500 grams bacon, garlic salt to taste, and 1 Tblsp chicken stock. (you can add any other veges to it too... I just used what I had on hand)

Chuck it all into a crock pot or big pot and cook.

ABOVE: my new whizz bang grater... lovely thing!

And now... back to reading a few blogs and then... me book!

For the past 2 and a half hours I have been reading blogs and commenting on 99% of them! I feel good about that. Time to get some lunch and read my book... I deserve it!

I FINISHED THE BOOK... it was an awesome read! If you like mystery/murder novels... read it!

My soup is ready too... we are all having some for dinner... it's a meal in itself!

End of Day: OMG that soup is yum! I added some garlic butter right at the end... DROOOOOL! I am happy today... very happy. nite nite.

*****PEPSI UPDATED*****

DUCKS

DUCKS IN HEAVEN !!!





Three women die together in an accident
And go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says,
'We only have one rule here in heaven:
Don't step on the ducks!' So they enter heaven, and sure enough,
There are ducks all over the place.
It is almost impossible not to step on a duck,
And although they try their best to avoid them,
The first woman accidentally steps on one. Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw.
St. Peter chains them together and says,
'Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to
Spend eternity chained to this ugly man!'
The next day,
The second woman steps accidentally on a duck
And along comes St. Peter,
Who doesn't miss a thing.
With him is another extremely ugly man.
He chains them together
With the same admonishment as for the first woman. The third woman has observed all this and,
Not wanting to be chained
For all eternity to an ugly man, is very,
VERY careful where she steps. She manages to go months
Without stepping on any ducks,
But
One day St.Peter comes up to her
With the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on
.... Very tall, long eyelashes, muscular.


St. Peter chains them together without saying a word. The happy woman says,
'I wonder what I did to deserve being
Chained to you for all of eternity?' The guy says,
'I don't know about you,
But I stepped on a Duck.



so... I am at a loss to post anything today. It's going to be a quiet day at home... probably do some sewing or card making... back later!
When I got up this morning it was a lovely day! I was so surprised... but an hour later... it's changed dramatically... now it's pouring with rain and freezing! Pffffft. We have to do the grocery shopping today... got no fruit, fresh veges etc.... just have to wait till Stew gets outta bed, it's his turn for a lie in! *smiles*
Yaaa... finally got the grocery shopping done. It's such a shitty job... but a necessary one unfortunately. I went with an empty tummy... BAD MOVE! Ended up buying quite a few things I shouldn't have... choccy biscuits, chips, dips.. YIKES!
ABOVE: even the dogs got a treat! I don't think Teddy knows what to do with it! He never gets treats due to his allergies.. but I couldn't give Coco a treat and not Teddy eh?
End of Day: well a long day, spent mostly indoors doing bugger all! Hope tomorrow is a bit more interesting. nite nite.

HO HUM DAY

Another weekend rolls around... and as per usual (lately) we don't have any plans for the day.
It will all depend on the weather really... and lately it's been CRAP. Wet, wet, wet.

I might persuade Stew to go over to the North Shore ... I'd love to have a really good browse through the Scrapbook Shop over there, then we could go to the Albany Mall for lunch. We haven't been over there for a while afterall.

So, that's about all for now... update later....

ONWARD....

Well! WE have been out and about all day... did indeed visit the Scrapbook Shop... where I bought a few bits and bobs, found a new Stamp shop in Milford and got two more stamps too. Had lunch at Albany Mall.. which was nice as per.
I have decided that I HATE malls when it's the weekend... s0 many people! It drives us nuts when you are constantly getting cut off, forced to duck and dodge people all the time... grrrrrr.

The new pill I am taking is making me tired all the time... when we got home I fell asleep on the couch... hope I can sleep tonight.

I don't have a photo for today.. there was nothing worth taking a pic of... it's a miserable, wet, overcast day... heading into the evening now.

End of Day: and Stew is in 7th Heaven... the rugby has started again... he's been fixated on the TV all night. The All Blacks won against Ireland : 66 / 28. So he's a happy man. Yaaaaa. Am I thrilled the rugby is back on? *sigh* I suppose if it makes me man happy... I'm happy too. Can you just SEE the smile on me dial? lol

nite nite.

ANOTHER BUSY DAY AHEAD...

Today will go something like this:

- Get up, dressed, feed kids, make lunches, do some housework
- Kids to school
- Me to Dr's at 9am
- Help at Hospice Shop until 2pm
- Home in time for kids after school
- Take Brylee to Orthodontist appointment
- Prepare dinner

Now, doesn't that all sound like fun?

At least I won't get bored! And now that we have Coco, Teddy won't be lonely all day without me.
ABOVE: a happy picture of the two of them on the couch.. no idea why Coco was on the footstool... I'd put it up there so I could clean the floor.

ONWARD.... I HAD FUN! I worked non stop. it's a busy wee shop and I loved it. The ladies there are lovely too... even the 'Battle-axe Joy' !

Joy is probably in her 70's or even 80's and is rather crabby! But everyone loves her... I am going to do 'on call' until they find a permanent day (s) for me. Yaaaaa.

ABOVE: Well.. it IS a shop eh? I had to buy SOMETHING! So I did! Jam, books, slippers and a top.

End of Day: and I am so tired ! LOL... not used to standing on me feet for nearly 5 hours! But I'm happy... it was a neat day. Stew is out getting takeaways for dinner... and I will end the day with a wee tipple of me Totara Cafe I do believe! *smiles* nite nite.

GARDENING....NOT!

The following is a short video of Coco's latest 'fad':

Today I am busy! First off I have to pick Griffin up at morning tea time and take him to his first ever SPELD lesson... then take him back to school.

After dropping him at school I have to whizz across town to meet with the Occupational Therapists for a 'debrief' of the Jumping Jacks programme.

All going well I will be home just before the kids get home from school!

No time for anything else today... so ...

ONWARD.... Finally home! I'm losing my marbles... the meeting with the Occupational Therapists isn't for another two weeks... I arrived at their office.... asked to be told which room the meeting was is... to be told I was two weeks early! Far out... went shopping instead!

Griffin's first meeting with the SPELD teacher went very well.. he didn't want to leave! She is very impressed with him... sure he has a few 'challenges' in relation to his learning, but she thinks he's delightful! AND so well mannered! Lucky she doesn't live with him then eh? lol

He is the first child she has met who has Dysgraphia AND Dyslexia... so she's got her work cut out for her she reckons! *smiles*

So... I'm now home after spending almost the whole day out and about... I bought some more pretty papers, a star punch and another embossing folder for the Cuttlebug while out... might now just take a break and chill until the kids get home from school.

The Parent/Teacher interviews went EXACTLY as I expected... Brylee is doing well, Griffin is doing AS WELL AS CAN BE EXPECTED. Pfffffffft.

End of Day: I've cooked a lovely all-in-one meat stew for the family tonight. Stew's sister Khady called in this afternoon, so we nattered away 90 to the dozen for a good two hours.... shame she had to go before Stew got home. Looking forward to a relaxing evening making a few more cards... nite nite.

27 YEARS AGO...

I was staying with my Mum and Dad, with my 3 little girls.... out in the country...waiting for my 4th Baby to arrive.

Labour started at about 7.30am... as my 3rd baby had arrived in 39 minutes we decided to head off to the hospital right away! 25 minutes later we were at the hospital... the doctor came and checked me and said :
"I will just do my rounds, I'll be back in an hour"....
LIKE HELL... I lasted about 5 more minutes and then out popped my 4th Baby... my first son!

No one could have been more surprised than me! My whole pregnancy I hardly showed, such a small bump.. and he was 7 pounds, 11 ounces! He was gorgeous.... poor kid didn't get to wear his nappy much in those first few days! I kept whipping it off to make sure the 'nether regions' hadn't changed! LOL

Ahhhh memories eh? Some things you never forget.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSSELL..... 27 Today.

Funny... I have given birth to 6 kids, and every birth was a bit different! The stories I could tell! Cut by a doctor's watch, cord around neck, delivery in prep room with no midwife, shoulder dystocia with 10.12 pound baby , and the last one? Virtually NO PAIN at all! THANK GOD I don't ever have to do it again is all I can say!

Today... well as it's Hump Day.... I'm gunna go shopping! I don't need anything either! But I'm sick of my own company....

ONWARD... Brrrrr.. we had our first frost this morning! I'm finally COLD!

The kids are coming home early from school today as this afternoon it's Parent/Teacher interviews. I am seeing both the kids teachers mid afternoon. I don't expect any startling revelations from either of them... sometimes I wonder why we even bother going... you hear the same stuff every time.

- Brylee isn't doing her homework.
- Griffin is doing as well as can be expected.

Yep.... same shit, different day.

ABOVE: Well after walking the length and breadth of Sylvia Park Mall... I ended up getting a warm duvet cover for Griffin's bed. It's so good shopping right now.. everyone is having sales (AGAIN).... got this for half price!

Was going to do the grocery shopping too, but decided to flag it until Stew could help me on the weekend. I loath grocery shopping!

Been to school, had interviews with the teachers...now home and thinking ... what shall I cook for dinner? Hmmmmm

End of Day: and I'm looking forward to bedtime for the first time in years! The new pills are working! I slept ALL NIGHT last night... I can't tell you how wonderful that was. nite nite.

IT FEELS LIKE MONDAY... BUT IT'S NOT.

ABOVE: the morning patio... with it's new potted Nikau Palm... I have ALWAYS wanted a nikau palm. My Dad used to point them out to us while we were travelling around... they are so lovely once they grow up a bit! Maybe by the time I'm 80 it will look like a 'proper' palm!

As it was a holiday weekend, there is even more housework to do than normal around here... and as it's been very WET my floors need mopping badly.

So, this morning will be dedicated to freaking housework. Oh and I must pop out to post a card to a blogger friend in Taupo too!

That's all for now... the blasted housework awaits.... *sigh*...

Right, housework is done (well, as much as I'm gunna do!)... been out and posted Card to Blondie in Taupo...

Rang SPELD and have organised a lesson once a week for Griffin @ $50 an hour... told the school... and now the school RTLB teacher is coming to see me about 'it' in 10 minutes! YIKES, hope I haven't pissed them off? I am only doing what I feel is best for our kid... he's getting very little help at the school now, and is NOT progressing AT ALL.

HA! Seems she thought I was mad at HER... and wanted to explain why she hadn't seen Griffin in a few weeks.. shit I didn't even know she wasn't seeing him...(but I'm not surprised) ! I am expecting a phone call from the Deputy Principal now... cos I have gone and got help for Griffin outside the Education Department... after they told me I didn't need to. Just how long do you keep flogging a dead horse (or in this case the School???)

Mrs C.: Yeee gads! NO way are the school paying for the extra lessons! We have to do that!

This ongoing frustration is really getting me down, particularly as I have been trying to get him help for 3 and a half years now... with limited success. I don't know what to do now, expect PAY through the nose for extra lessons.

End of Day: kind of an up and down day.... one good thing I have just realised though... I am not getting so tired in the early afternoon anymore.. which means I am sleeping better at night, which is great! nite nite.. I'm off to have a good night's sleep... there is nothing like it!

LOOKING FOR POT...

NO.... not that sort of pot! Silly people, that stuff gets you in TROUBLE .... I am looking for a nice new pot for the Nikau Palm I bought the other day!
We bought two lovely cylindrical pots ( like above), for the afternoon patio a while ago, and I would love to find something similar for the palm .... So that is today's plan. Go hunting for a pot.

That's about all for now.... I will be back later to show you the pot.. if we find one!

ABOVE: found the perfect pot at only the second place we went to... and we got it for $30 off too, so SCORE! It weighs a tonne... but Stew and I managed to get it around the back and onto the morning patio. Now all we have to do is get some potting mix and plant me Nikau palm in it! NEAT. Should be done soon.

ABOVE: taaa daaa! Nikau palm all potted up... and yep, there is no way it is moving from there.. it's far too heavy for just two of us to move it now!

Almost time to put the dinner on... chicken thighs in a casserole...

Forgot 'End of Day'.... oh well. nite nite.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DARLING

STEW and I have been married 23 years today! And I love him even more now that when we met.... which is saying a lot I can tell ya!

Our plans today: We are all going to lunch together, and then Stew and the kids are going to the movies to watch some kids movie in 3-D about slaying a dragon, and I'm going to watch The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, one of my favourite actresses. Then we will all meet up again to do some shopping....

BACK later... I went to bed last night at 10pm, early for me... and I slept in until 9.45 am!!! Almost 12 hours sleep... I only woke up twice!!! I am thrilled to bits, maybe those pills are working? Or maybe the plonk helped... either way I am feeling well rested today.

It is the MOST miserable day out there, absolutely pouring down with rain and blowing gustily too. Such a shame as it's a holiday weekend. I'm glad our plans are to go to the movies!

Awwww my movie was so lovely! I didn't cry, but I came close a couple of times! Stew didn't really enjoy Taming the Dragon with the kids, but we couldn't send them to a movie on their own yet, Griffin would get up to all sorts of mischief!

It's still a totally miserable day ... so now it's time to just put the feet up and do NOTHING! Bliss....

WOMBAT: nope, we don't 'do' Anniversary presents. Maybe if it was a big one like 30 years we will! And anyway, Stew buys me things all the time! Hell, we just ordered a lounge suite that's costing over $7,000! So I'd say I'm quite spoilt already. Edit: AND NO, I won't be christening it you silly Tart! I have a perfectly COMFY bed for hanky panky!

End of Day: It's been a lovely day, made even nicer by all the lovely comments wishing us a happy Anniversary. Thank you! nite nite.

LONG WEEKEND, NO PLANS

It's Queen's Birthday Weekend, no school/work on Monday.
We have no plans. Been away recently, so going to stay home and do some jobs around the place.

I bought some vege plants and a gorgeous Nikau Palm... so Stew and I will plant them today.

I also have a commissioned card to make for Sharon in Taupo.... A New Zealand Themed one... I shall enjoy doing that.

That's all for now, I will come back later with a photo or two of Stew slaving away in the garden and me watching him! LOL
Someone has to be the 'Supervisor' eh?

ONWARD...

ABOVE: I don't know how my snuggly blanket came to be on the floor with two dogs on it... but it did!

ABOVE: Stew has been busy outside, while I have been busy inside making a NZ card... it's taken me HOURS to get done! I spent far too much time fussing with that card me thinks.

Not much else to yabber on about today... it's very overcast and much cooler today... a good reason to stay inside and chill out in front of the telly!

Stew has gone down the road to get me more plonk (Totara Cafe) cos I have run out. Maybe he thinks I need it? I am so tired now... still not sleeping much... but maybe I will tonight? Here's hoping.

End of Day: fingers crossed my new pills start working to help me sleep soon.... I am running on empty... keep falling asleep during the day! Had a couple of drinks tonight... maybe that will help too? nite nite.

A GOOD DEAL... MY ARSE!

When we went into Harvey Norman's on Sunday we were talked into ordering our lounge suite right there and then, as the deal on offer was 15 months interest FREE and 15 months deferred payment... BUT that fantastic deal was due to end that very day. We asked the saleslady if any better deals were about to start and she said not that she knew of... so we signed up right there and then, thinking we had made a good deal.

I went into Harvey Norman's yesterday to buy the pie maker and saw these signs plastered all over the shop:

WHAT THE FUCK!!! Did I ever feel duped. I marched over to the nearest salesperson and explained just how ripped off I felt... and threatened to back out of the sale immediately due to how I was feeling... and ummmm... he re-did the paperwork and now we have our lounge suite at the NEW Fantastic 50 months interest free deal. I feel much better now.

What's on today? Hmmmmm.... the only thing I can think of is this afternoon I have to take my Highlander in for it's WOF and Service... that is gunna take about 3 hours so they are giving me a loaner car to use. Hope it's decent.

Might do some work on a quilt ... the one with all the little heart blocks.. I finally got the lilac sashing material... so there really is no reason not to start putting it together eh?

It is such a beautiful mild winter's day that I decided to try taking BOTH the dogs for a walk... Coco's first venture out on the lead. I thought it would be difficult with two dogs, two leads ... but if I held both leads in one hand they just walked together.. Coco did get tangled up a couple of times, but on a whole it went really well!

I knew Coco would get tired quickly ... so I came up with a plan. I 'altered' one of our Chilly Bags ... chopped a side out.. and came up with a lightweight bag to put Coco in when she got tired. It worked a treat! There is no way I am going to buy one of those 'Paris Hilton' type dog bags! I have seen the price of them for a start... diabolical!

So, Coco grizzled a bit when I first put her in the bag... but after a wee while she was happy as Larry! We didn't go far... I am so unfit right now ... but it was a start. The following is a wee video of when we got home:

And for those who can't view the video:

ABOVE: Coco in the chilly bag!

ABOVE: Griffin eating pie last night.... ROSE: it is a Sunbeam Pie Magic 4... you can also get one that only makes 2 pies. Another Brand, (can't remember the name) also offers one that makes about 9 really small pies. I got ours from Harvey Norman's .. on sale right now too.

The kids just got home from school.. I was mopping the floor .. and Griffin said "I love our house, it's so spotless"... awww what a nice boy! His idea of 'spotless' and mine differ me thinks! You should see his room... pffffft.

Yaaa, my car is good for another year! The loaner car was a lovely little Toyota Corolla... I had to sign my life away to use it! AND it was pointed out to me that I MUST pay for the fuel I used while having it... so when I got home I calculated how much it had cost (using THEIR website) to drive their Toyota Corolla from their premises to my house and back... $0.89cents. So, when I took it back I said "How would you like that, cash or cheque?".... lol. I didn't have to pay ... funny that!

Time to get dinner sorted out I suppose... sick of cooking... might just have takeaways! You reading this Stew? Bring it home would ya?

End of Day: Stew brought home fish 'n' chips... was nice too. Having a quiet evening... nite nite.

MEET BUDDY...OH AND CHRIS D

My friend Chris D has a blog... OK... it doesn't have diddly squat on it yet.... but she is going to England soon and is going to be posting all about her visit there.... and wanted a blog to document her trip. And life. And her dog Buddy! Buddy is gorgeous, don't ya think?
I am going to leave you all her link.... so you can go check out her blog once in a while and see if she has figured out how to post/update/put up photos etc! I would like a loud round of applause (comments on her blog) when she does it! NO pressure to of course, but it would be nice eh? Edit: Poor Buddy is ill ... in hospital with a blockage in his intestines they think. Chris is so worried... so am I. Buddy is a most precious dog.

Today: off to the Dr's at 11... hoping for some sleeping pills (fingers crossed)... then I pick Griffin up to take him to Jumping Jacks. Should be home in time to pick Brylee up after school. So won't be home much today.
At least all my housework is up to date... even the dreaded WASHING!
DIET: going great... on track... might show a little loss this week... all going to plan. It's a good feeling being 'on track' and knowing it's maintainable.... for life.
ABOVE: my tolerance for puppy piddles and poops all over my lounge floor has come to an end. I think I did well tolerating it as long as I did really....so it's back to 'Fort Knox' around here until that little Tart is house trained. She's also been banned from going down to the garage too... I don't want her chewing wires down there!

How does Teddy feel about this?
Typical bloke, doesn't give a shit.

Kate: ha ha! My life is no more interesting than yours mate. I get up, feed the kids, send them to school then fluff around the house for the rest of the day! WHAT is so interesting about that eh?
Been to the Dr's.. she gave me another sort of anit-depressant that is supposed to help with hot flushes and help me sleep. WHAT....EVER. If it doesn't work only then will she give me sleeping pills. Got to go back next week to check in with her on me 'progress'. WHAT...EVER.
I finally filled out an application form to volunteer at the Hospice Shop... only I want to help out at the Manurewa Shop, not The Gardens Shop.... Manurewa shop is MUCH busier... and I like to be busy... not bored shitless sitting around doing nothing!
ONWARD... need food before taking Griffin to Occupational Therapy Class.
Been there, done that.. home again. Going to make meat pies for dinner.... bought a little pie maker thingee:


ABOVE: it looks like they will be nice sized, individual pies... and maybe a bit less 'messy' than my big ones! I am dreaming of rhubarb and apple pies.... but my rhubarb plant is not big enough yet darn it all.
End of Day: when have I ever made a 'bad' pie! They were lovely... and so quick compared to making the big pies! We all loved them. nite nite.

STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP...

I read too many blogs! I try to comment on too many blogs.

I am struggling. I want to be a good blogger. But it is getting harder and harder to find time to keep up.

Is this a problem? ... you bet! Cos I love all my blogger friends. I really do.

I am going to try harder to keep up.... and still live my life! LOL

I will be back later on this morning with something RIVETING to impart... and failing that.... just more of me 'normal' drivel!

ABOVE: a cute wee video of Coco yesterday.

Nothing riveting has happened.. darn. Just about to go out and pay some bills....what fun! Drivel... see?

STOP holding your breath! Nothing riveting is going to happen any time soon. Sadly. I did however, manage to do all my little jobs, paid the bills, bought some plants. ... had lunch and... I have also managed to read and comment of quite a few blogs.... so I'm not feeling so guilty now!

I had some lovely bacon and eggs for lunch.. feel full as a bull now. And sleepy. Getting only a couple of hours sleep at night right now... it's hard being MIDDLE AGED and MENOPAUSAL. Sucks big time.

The kids and I went and visited my Aunt this afternoon, she has been away in Aussy for the past month helping care for her granson while her daughter had her second baby boy. All good there. It was lovely to see photos of the new baby... he's adorable! Sometime, just SOMETIMES I wish I could have another two or three... but not very often! lol

Time to get the dinner finished off... lovely beef stew in the crock pot.... just need to add some veges now.

End of Day: I am hoping that tonight will be the last night I have to sweat/freeze/sweat/freeze all night long! I am going to the dr tomorrow to try and talk them into giving me sleeping pills so I can sleep through the hot flushes... cross your fingers for me. nite nite.

WEIGHT ISSUES

I didn't record a weight last Friday.... but if I had I would have said.... BLOODY HELL, what did you do?

Because I stayed the same... which I did not expect.

I have been having carbs again.. DELIBERATELY... why?

Going 'very low carbs' for the last 9 weeks has been great, I lost weight.. but then I plateaued.... so I thought... right, that's not working now so I have to change something. So... I kicked my metabolism into gear again by having carbs for a whole week. And I mean.... lots of carbs! *smiles*.

Not only did I get the metabolism going again, but I stayed the same weight! FREAKING AWESOME.

Whenever I have hit a plateau I have done the same thing... CHANGE something... it always works!

So, yesterday I called a stop to the carb overload again... and am back to low carbs.... here's hoping it brings on a decent loss this Friday!

Now as for today... I have some sewing to do, housework (yeah like always), and I'll just potter around the house me thinks.

ABOVE: the pile of clean washing last night. Does anyone else HATE folding and putting away washing as much as me? I came over all 'good wifey' last night and folded the lot and put it away too! Gawd I am weird.

I have only one load to hang out today, yaaaaa....

ONWARD... I won't be hanging out that washing.. it's been raining all night. Still is. Nasty. Might go to a chemist and find SOMETHING to help with the hot flushes.. I am over getting them every 1/2 and hour all night long! I am not getting any decent sleep nowdays at all. It's making me CRABBY. There have been lots of suggestions over the months about what I can take... so now I am going to get me some stuff!

I thought about asking the Dr for some sleeping pills, but as he knows I'm kinda 'depressed', I doubt he will give me any! Whatever.

Busy morning... Coco has had her last immunisation and had a microchip inserted... that was awful... she yelped heaps! Poor girl.

Then I set up a blog for my friend Chris D... so she can blog when she goes to England in a couple of months. I will give you all a link once she knows she actually HAS a blog! lol

Nearly lunchtime here, time to feed the belly!

WOMBAT: OK... get over here and teach them then. Bring the pink and blue baskets too. ..... tapping fingers on desk... waiting.....

Dinner is cooking (humble mince stew, ground beef stew to you in USA, etc)... Brylee is in bed with a headache, will no doubt vomit soon. Wonderful. Spent ages this afternoon sorting out privacy setting on Facebook... so I feel better about still having an account there.

End of Day: a horrendous afternoon spent on the computer ... non stop ... Facebook is a pain in the butt! How did I get stuck on it for hours today??? nite nite.