TGIF.....AND I HAVE NOTHING TO DO!

It's Friday, and seriously, I have nothing planned for the day.
I have to go to the bank... might post a couple of parcels.... but that's about it.


I made a good start on organising my photo files again.... instead of putting everything into 'months' as I had done, Lynise (friend) suggested  events/trips/people etc, and it is a much better idea!  So, I will continue working on that too.


AND I even might get around to checking out some blogs/updates too!
I am kinda scared to open 'Google Reader'!
Goodness knows how many updates I have missed!  


Same shit/different day really!

ABOVE:  I made this Christmas card yesterday... it's going to Stew's MOTHER in the South Island (New Zealand is divided into two main islands, North and South).  Stew and I found his 'Birth Mother' about 20 years ago now, and after an initial flurry of meetings/phone calls etc, contact has all but dried up between him and his 'birth family'.


We were watching a programme on the TV a couple of nights ago called 'Missing Pieces' ... it's about people being re-united with missing family.  Often 'birth' parents... this programme kinda upsets Stew as he has lived through finding his birth family.  It is hard seeing other people going through the same things he did, knowing that sometimes it really doesn't end that great.
Sure, we found his 'birth' family, and met them ... but it has not lead to anything.  Just knowledge, and another empty feeling.


So anyway... I'm sending the Mother a nice Christmas Card and a letter updating her on how our family is doing.  Fingers crossed we hear back from her.
Stew has a full sister and a half brother and sister on his birth mother's side... who we have met.
Also, he has 3 brothers and a sister from his birth father's side... who we have met but they did not know who Stew was (their half brother)... that was hard.  But, his birth mother did not want them to know who Stew was.


Now I bitterly regret not telling them as it might have lead to a good relationship, as with hindsight we sure in hell don't have any sort of relationship with his birth mother's side of the family.
ONWARD...


I found something to do.  Grocery shopping, which was the pitts as per usual.
By the time I had it all in the house I was dripping with sweat!  Ikkkk.


Sushi for lunch... going to sit down and enjoy it.
Got lots of housework done this afternoon... and spent a lot of time cleaning up after Coco.  She is driving me nuts, bringing into the house all sorts of vegetation to chew up all over the place.
AND YES, she does have lots of chew toys!


Dinner was lovely, I made a pasta, cabonara and cheese krasky's dish.  Hopefully there is enough for lunch tomorrow!

HEAD HUNTING....

Looks like I will have to put the dog 'fence' up...

Ya know... I did not find the head.... I'm thinking SHE ate it.  Grrrrrr.  


I sent Lacy her Xmas present ... and she didn't wait to open it.... so here's a photo she took of herself wearing her shirt:

ABOVE:  Lacy wearing her 'Brylee and Griffin' shirt.  I'm glad she likes it.


TODAY:  Griffin's last visit this year to his Speld Teacher.   He will miss her.  I know he really loves going there... he doesn't feel like an idiot with her.  He gets a bit of teasing at school due to his inability to write, which is very sad as he is certainly NOT unintelligent at all. 
While he's there, I'm going to chill and read me Kindle.  


ONWARD...


Clearly I forgot to update since this morning!
I can report NOTHING has happened since this morning.  I took the kid to his lesson, came home, had lunch and fell asleep!
That is all.
FOR NOW.

ABOVE:  Stew just sent me an email... do we want this dog?  WHAT?  It's an 18 month old boy Maltese, the owners are trying to rehome him and Stew thought I might want him!  NO.  When I get another dog it will be a Bichon/Shih Tzu boy, and we will get a puppy.... not a mature dog.  Shit, imagine how Teddy would take it if I brought another adult boy into the house!  It would be war!
Silly Stew thinking such a thing.
Off to look at Puppies on Trade Me now!  NOT that I'm ready to get another dog just yet.  But I do want a 'boy' dog who can do the business with Coco!  Just not a Maltese.


ANON:  I thought so too, but when we were inspected by the City Council for the 'Responsible Owner' registration discount we were informed that we could have more as we were deemed 'extremely responsible owners' and 'breeders' who could have more than 2 dogs due to our section, it's layout, the size of the dogs, and our history of no complaints at all.  
So, yes we will be getting a 'functioning' boy dog eventually.


HIPPYGAL:  I was told by the Council man that I could have another dog,  not a problem at all.  But I will double check that just to be sure.


End of Day:  well, after considering it for about an hour... I decided NOW is not the time to be even thinking about getting a new puppy!  Madness....Christmas coming up and all the associated expense ... so nope.  No new boy puppy right now.
nite nite.

I CREATED A SPACE....

Yesterday I got the bright idea to move the double fridge/freezer from the garage to the kitchen/family room.   I was so tired of traipsing up and down the stairs every time I wanted something out of the bigger fridge.  


So, I moved the PC into Steve's room (that took all afternoon) and made a space for the fridge/freezer:

ABOVE:  Then all the guys had to do was empty and bring it up!  No mean feat, that thing weighs a lot!

ABOVE:  YES, Steve is a fool.  But we love him, so he gets away with it. lol

ABOVE: I'm told the ONLY thing to go on this shelf is beer.  We. will. see.

ABOVE: Taaa daaa... all done.  And that makes me very happy.  Over summer we have so much more fresh salad veges, and the smaller fridge/freezer in the kitchen was just not big enough for everything.  Now it's all in the one room, so handy.


TODAY:  I'm off to Hospice shop. I'm told it's been a very busy week so far, which is neat.  I hope it's busy today... I love being busy.


ONWARD...


Well... work was indeed busy today!  AND I found some more treasure:

ABOVE:  see, lots!   I think I am collecting jugs!  I can't resist the cute little glass ones!  And when they are only a couple of dollars each, I just have to buy them!


NOW I just have to find somewhere to put them.  *frowns*


Time to relax for a little while, have some lunch and watch some mindless tv programme that has been taped..


End of Day:  we had pork chops, salad and a spud for dinner.  I have been dishing up way, way less than I usually do lately, and it feels so good to know I'm not helping kill the family by over feeding them!  lol
I have decided Stew and I will start with Weight Watchers TOGETHER after the New Year.  It's madness to expect anyone to 'diet' right now!  But, I am watching our portions.  Steve (son) has even said he wants to lose a bit of weight as he has put on about 20 kilos since moving home!
Whoops, my fault.  A mother just wants to feed her kids eh?
Right, off to do some more mindless TV watching.  
nite nite.

PILLS...MUST GET MORE PILLS, I RAN OUT!

There was an interesting item on a TV news programme the other night... about how there are far too many people on 'happy pills' in this country.


AND how quite a few people have committed suicide ... with some medical professionals believing it was down to them being on anti depressants!


What shocked me was the stats on how many people were on them... and get this:  there were 12 kids in New Zealand YOUNGER than 6 on anti depressants!  WTF?  That is so sad, and my god, what are these kids going to turn out like as adults if they are on anti depressants that young?


I'm on anti depressants... for two reasons.  I suffer from bouts of depression (usually 'situational' depression) and one of the side effects of them is that they help me sleep through hot flushes at night.  


I don't tell people usually, as there is a stigma surrounding depression.   Like it's not a 'real' sickness, and some people think if you are depressed you are 'weak', 'pathetic' etc.


My mother does not know I am on them... as she is one of those people who look down on depression, like there is something wrong with your character if you suffer from it.  Makes me so mad.


So, I ain't telling her.  NEVER.  


Now that I've got that off me ample chest... I have to go out today to get me prescription... ran out of me pills.  And if I don't take them even for a couple of days the hot flushes get 10 times worse.... and OMG they are just the pitts.


I swear to God, I'm coming back as a bloke!    Stuff going through puberty, child bearing, 'girly problems' and menopause again.  Guys have all the fun and none of the pain.  

Coming back as a man?   Yeah, maybe NOT!  lol


Sorry... I had no other photo to share yet today!  
ONWARD...


JACKIE:  you know, it hadn't occurred to me (like a twit) that kids could be put on them for 'other' reasons!  Thanks for putting me right on that score.  I had been genuinely shocked by the  knowledge that little kids were on them!   


When I worked in a Decile 1 school in Hamilton years ago I was also shocked to the core to see over 60 children line up at lunch time for their Ritalin pill!   That school had a roll of 280 predominantly maori and pacific island children who came from very low socio economic backgrounds.      


I also worked at a Decile 10 school... that school had a roll of 680+ predominantly european and asian children, and 3 children were on ADHD medication. 
Thought provoking?


Steve was taking the kids to school for me this morning, and as he went out to the car Coco escaped. AND TOOK OFF....
It took Steve a while to catch her... I was frantically getting dressed to go and help him when he finally came back with the little shit in his arms.

ABOVE:  in the submissive pose ... I smacked her with a rolled up newspaper.. I did!   She knew she was in trouble.  


My biggest concern this morning was that she didn't have her collar/tag on... I took it off last night as she needs a new, bigger collar.  I must get one today and put it on her.  If your dog is found without it's registration tag on it costs you a hell of a lot to get ya dog back from the pound!  


Back to the anit depressants:  Jackie was right, the programme I saw was very one sided, and did not elaborate on why that many adults, teenagers and pre-teens were on that medication.  Certainly was a bit biased and got a lot of people concerned, including me.


I only talked about it here as I too am on them... but for depression/hot flushes.  I have had them in the past for depression, and found going off them 'cold turkey' worked for me without any bad side effects.  I was lucky I think.


Just back from shopping.  Got quite a few Christmas Presents sorted today.


Got some really good comments re: anti depressants!  I was worried I'd get home and find I had opened a can of worms, and have lots of negative comments.  So relieved it didn't happen.  Thanks!


I went mad this afternoon.... and will show you what I got up to tomorrow.  


End of Day:  it's been a busy afternoon/evening... got a good job done.  
nite nite.

IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS!

Stew did a very good job of putting up our Christmas tree yesterday:

ABOVE:  Stew putting the star on the top... and it's done!

ABOVE: our lovely Christmas tree area.  

ABOVE:  I'm thrilled at how I could 'tart up' our new mirror too.  Doesn't it look gorgeous?

I am almost finished with the Christmas shopping too.... OH and I must post a few parcels too.  Whoops, almost forgot that.  Drat, I hope the one to Australia gets there in time.

Today:  housework, it's the norm after a weekend.   I hope it stops raining so I can get the washing out.

I also want to do some sewing... I keep trying to get back to those freakin placemats... but other things keep intruding on me sewing time.  

ONWARD...


I just did a good 'job'.... tidying up my Photos in me computer!  Anyone else find they end up with dozens of folders and it becomes impossible to find anything?  LOL... I sure do.  So now all my folders have been condensed into MONTHS.... it's so much easier!  


Off to hang out the washing... hope it isn't a waste of time.
Then I'm popping out to post Christmas parcels.


Thank goodness I only had to post three parcels!  Sure isn't cheap nowdays. 
I've spent the afternoon doing a few jobs around the house, no sewing.   It's very hot in the garage today and I went down there with very good intentions, then turned around and came back up to the lounge.


It's actually turned into a really lovely day!  Just a gentle breeze stirring the heat around.  The kids are home, and even they are inside as it's so muggy outside.


AND OMG I got out a pork roast for dinner!  Derrrr... it's going to make it even hotter in the house.  Oh well, it's out and defrosted now, so I have no choice but to cook it.


In my infinite wisdom I decided NOW was the time to clean out the fridge.  I'm boiling... dripping with sweat.  Such a good look.  NOT.


ANON:  I'm sure Stew would thank you for that comment. lol

LYNDA (who I affectionately refer to as WEBBY): I put the Xmas tree in a playpen of course!  Or up on a table.  
With the dogs this year, they seem to be ignoring it, which is great.... so far!  If they have a go at it I shall put the dog fence up so they can't get into the lounge.


DARLING:  if you read this before leaving work like you usually do... we need potatoes! ta ever so muchly...

SUNDAY DRIVE ANYONE?

We don't have any plans for today.
Steve wants to go to Goat Island, but the water is still a bit cold so I said nope.


But I'm sure we will end up going out somewhere!


In the meantime, I give you a few photos from yesterday:

ABOVE:  Steve was outside with the kids yesterday afternoon and he came in and said 'come and look where Coco is, take a photo!"  So I went out and there she was, bold as brass on top of the outdoor table!  No doubt she jumped from chair to table.... when I got out there her ears dropped and she looked ever so guilty!  lol

ABOVE:  Steve about to kiss Coco.... after grossing Amanda out by saying Coco had just finished licking her butt!  The look on Amanda's face is priceless!  (notice the ironing in the background?  Clearly not a top priority for me,  lol )

ABOVE:  Emily can stand up on her own now... so she spent a lot of time trying to scrag the dogs.  I didn't let her, it would not have been fair on the dogs, and I also didn't want to risk one of them nipping her if she hurt them.  Both dogs are really good, they just try to keep away from her.

ABOVE:  nothing is safe any more.  *sigh*   That's the tooth fairy box she's trying to reach.  Griffin has lost 2 or 3 molars lately, so it's spent more time there than in the cabinet.  The tooth fairy is going broke paying for all the teeth!


Right, until we do something interesting and I can yak about it... I'll bugger off.


ONWARD...


Ikkk, it's a right pissy day. Wet wet wet.  So I made an executive decision to stay home today!
Rather novel idea for this house, but it's been nice so far.
Steve, B & G and I had a game of 'Trouble' which was lots of fun, and I said "How about Apple Pie for lunch?"..... which was met with a resounding YES.


So, pie is in the oven and we await lunch!


It may be raining, but it's still very warm... just shockingly HUMID now.  Just the sort of weather I hate!  But, I can jump in the spa to cool off.


Almost 6pm and the day has cooled off considerably, which is very pleasant.
Stew got our Christmas Tree and decorations down form the loft and put it up this afternoon.  I helped a wee bit, but mostly he did it.  I was determined that I wasn't doing it this year!


End of Day:  a bit early, but hey, I doubt much else is going to happen today.  Just dinner, some TV watching then bed.
nite nite.

AHHH, THE WEEKEND AT LAST

Expecting our usual weekend ahead.... off shopping/lunch out/chores around the house.


Steve is working, and he's not going to Hamilton this weekend... which is nice.  We get to spend some time with him.  And he's so good with Emily.... and she really loves him too.

ABOVE:  so cute!  She's trying to scrag him.

ABOVE: a semi decent shot of the hair after me latest colour.  It's pretty much how I want it .... a good deal of blonde and some brown peeping through.  


I was horrified by a couple of the photos taken of me back... my weight is certainly showing now!  I wish it inspired me to do better with the diet.... I just don't know what will?


Oh well... I can just keep plodding on and hope at some point the motivation really kicks in.


I'm hoping Stew will come with me next Tuesday to Weight Watchers.... we couldn't go last week as he was out till late at a Managers meeting/dinner.


ONWARD...
So, I got a sleep in this morning!  Stew got up and fed Emily, looked after her and put her back to bed just as I emerged from me slumber!
What a treat!


AND he's done all the little jobs on his 'list' too!
Wow, what a great start to the weekend.


We expect Miss Emily to wake up shortly... Oh hold on... she is up!  Now we can go out to lunch... hmmmm... wonder where?


Sylvia Park, lunch was nice. The crowds were not.  Returned Griffin's Birthday helicopter for the 2nd time since he got it... not impressed at all.
While walking though the mall we came acroos two ladies giving away Granny Smith Apples... promoting QCard (like a credit card)... though what apples had to do with it is beyond me!  Anyway, we were given an apple each... by both ladies.... and on our way back to the car we were given more!  So:

ABOVE: Enough free apples to make another pie!     Not bad considering getting anything for FREE nowdays is pretty rare.

ABOVE:  cooling off in the spa pool before her afternoon nap.  She wasn't too happy in the water to begin with, but add some wooden play blocks and she was happy again.


End of Day:  I made butter chicken for dinner... which was nice. Amanda turned up to take Emily home, so Stew can look forward to a sleep in tomorrow!
lol
I thought about making the apple pie... but it was so hot tonight I decided not to.  Much to a few people's disappointment.
Oh well... they could have offered to help with peeling and cutting up the apples if they really wanted pie eh?
There is always tomorrow night.
nite nite.

PERFECT!

Remember that cane basket I got from the Hospice Shop on Wednesday?
Well... it is coming in handy:

ABOVE:  see?  Now when I'm going out the door I can put all me stuff in one basket!  No more to'ing and fro'ing taking all me bits and bobs out to the car.  I love it!


See that RED lunch box in me basket?  I bought two of them for Amanda and Lacy to take their lunches to school 27 years ago! That one belonged to Lacy, then Mike got it, and now, it's Griffin's!  It has been used every SCHOOL DAY for 27 years!!!  How many plastic boxes do ya know that last that long?  I think it's amazing.


TODAY:  well... I have an hair appointment that I forgot about.  They rang me last night to remind me, just as well cos I thought it was NEXT Friday.  It was good they rang though, cos it gave me a chance to question them about their pricing.


I went to this new salon because the previous salon kept on upping their price, even though they were doing the same thing every time I went.


So... this new salon knew I had concerns about unexpected price increases and said my hair would cost $120, all up.


First time I went it was $140, even though they had quoted me $120?  They explained that by saying it was the toner they had to use.  They hadn't 'factored' that cost in.  Well....OK I suppose, but I was not impressed.
Second time I went it cost $160 !  So I said to the girl last night it better not be $180 today!
She said no, it would be $130.  WTF?


Seems they have the same 'problem' as the last salon.  No set price structure.  No guarantee on cost.


I am sorely tempted to look for another salon.  This sort of shit just rings me bells... makes me so cross.  I don't want to be forever changing salons.  I want one that does a good job and charges fairly and consistently.  Is that too much to ask?


Anyone in Auckland know of such a salon???  Or are they as rare as hen's teeth?  

ABOVE: OK, hens with teeth, that is seriously scary to contemplate!  
ONWARD...


I had nightmares last night about going to the salon today!
I kept thinking they would 'accidentally' singe all me hair off as 'payback' for questioning their prices!  I am afraid, very afraid... ha ha ha!


Hopefully it goes well... and the price is as agreed last night at $130.


TRACY: going over to the North Shore would not trouble me in the least, but I just checked out their prices and they are more expensive than where I'm going right now!  


I just spent half an hour looking at various hair salons and their pricing.  Seems my present salon is fairly average with their prices... That being said ... the price quoted is for a colour ONLY.  I walk out with wet hair, no haircut or nothing!  Seems all salons do that... separate price for everything!  
If I was to go to a salon for a colour, cut and blow dry it would cost upwards of $225!  OMG, talk about daylight robbery.


But, as women are paying that, they can charge that.  *sigh*
I have decided next time to go to a salon that specalises in colouring... at least then I know I am paying through the nose for A GOOD JOB!


ONWARD... enough about hair already!


THREE HOURS LATER: hair is done, can't show you right now as it's still rather wet. The owner of the salon talked to me this morning and apologised for overcharging me last time and gave me a credit at the salon, which I used today.  They are really NICE at this salon so I am now thinking I will stay there!  I know, typical woman, changing her mind every minute!


It's now after 1pm and I'm starving, time to find food...


Found food, had a quiet afternoon, well until Amanda, Andrew and Emily arrived that is.

ABOVE:  look who is here for dinner!  AND she is like us, she LOVES tomato sauce!  
Amanda and Andrew arrived late afternoon and are staying for the evening, then going home again.  I'm going to get Amanda to straighten my hair while she's here... yaaa.


End of Day: now I have dry, straight hair.... and I'm really happy with the colour.  Photo tomorrow.
nite nite.

IF I WAS A PETULANT TWO YEAR OLD....

I would not be blogging today. I would be sulking in the corner, NOT blogging at all.  Cos I am sensitive.  And I don't like feeling angst over my blog.
But... cos I am also BLOODY MINDED... I'm still blogging.


****************************************************
I received a parcel from the USA yesterday!
The sender (Cyndi, private blog) sent it weeks ago and was starting to think it was lost forever.
So I am happy to let her know it arrived at last.

ABOVE: how gorgeous is that fabric!  And a really lovely patchwork magazine.  I thank you Cyndi for such a lovely unexpected gift.  {{{HUGS}}}


Today, usual Thursday.   I'm taking Griffin to his Speld Lesson out Pukekohe way.  I may, or may not, go into Pukekohe to do some shopping.  It will depend on my mood at the time.


Cos I can be moody.  And crabby. And delighted.   And indignant.  And happy.   And sad.  And petulant.  And chuffed.  And pissed off.  And thrilled.  And defensive.  And ..... all of the above in one day sometimes!
COS I'M A GIRL.  And it's allowed.   


Remember, I am just a normal woman, I do have normal feelings, just like everyone else.  I am NOT PERFECT, and have never said I was.  I make and have made mistakes as a person, as a mother, a wife, and a friend.  But that is life for ya.  We go about our days trying (I hope) to do some good and hurt no one intentionally, and get some enjoyment out of our days here on earth.
And that little rant was aimed at NO ONE at all, I was just venting for myself!  


THAT.  IS.  ALL..... for now.


ONWARD...
I was going to install those tie backs this morning... but it involves getting the drill out and drilling the holes first... and I can't be arsed right now.  So they wait for me....


It's a dreary day here today, overcast and kinda cool... and I'M LOVING IT!  I know, I'm weird.
Just try having hot flushes every half an hour, all day, every day.  Then tell me you love summer!  lol


I am turning the spa pool down some more today... it's at 34 degrees right now and I think something like 27 degrees is going to suit me very well over summer.  It is going to be my 'keep cool' pool.  Yaaaa... it sure beats the kid's paddle pool!
Off shortly to pick up the kid... 


I was just scrolling through Facebook updates and saw this picture... I have to show you cos I like it:

ABOVE: life really should be as simple as that.


OH and before I forget!  Steve has been keeping his room tidy AND making the bed every morning!  I hope he's not coming down with something!  lol


Back home....  did a wee bit of grocery shopping in Pukekohe.  I'm gunna make some meatloaves for tonight's dinner, and lunches next week.    I also found a really cute nightie for Brylee, for Christmas.  It has Betty Boop on it, it's really cute.


Griffin is doing really well according to his Speld teacher... she tested his reading ability today and he came out with a reading age of 10.5, so he is doing well.  I give her much of the  credit for his progress.


The only 'problem' with Griffin's learning is that he does NOT retain the knowledge for long, and it has to be gone over again and again and again before it stays in his memory.  This applies to almost every aspect of his life.


I despair that he will ever be 'safe' in the wider community as he is far too trusting, far to outgoing and friendly, and he has no idea about personal safety.  Even crossing a road safely has still not be committed to memory.  It's a worry.


The meatloaf making has taken me 2 hours!  Most of you will think I'm nuts, but when I make meatloaf I make lots!  Why go to all the bother and time (and mess making) to only end up with one meatloaf?
So, I made my usual amount:

ABOVE:  there ya go, enough meatloaf for at least three dinners and lots of lunches for a while!
AND before you ask:


4 kilos of mince meat
2 kilos of sausage meat
1 kilo of finely cut up bacon
Lg bowl of finely cut up spinach
5 BIG carrots grated up
6 HUGE potatoes grated up
6 HUGE onions finely diced
3 X 400grm cans of tomotoes
1 kilo of fine breadcrumbs
3 Tablespoons Dry Beef Stock
2 teaspoons Dried Basil
2 teaspoons Dried Oregano


Put all of the above into a HUGE bowl, add 14 eggs and mix with your hands until all combined. (I wear those throw away gloves to mix with)  Cover each dish with tin foil.
Bake in oven at around 200 degrees C for about 2 hours ...DEPENDING on how deep the dish is,  and how much you put in the dish.
NOW obviously, if you don't want to make that much you would halve or quarter the quantities eh?


I have three in the oven now, the other two will go in after they are cooked.  Time to put the feet up and relax for a little while.


End of Day:  all my meatloaves came out perfectly.... I didn't burn any!
Watching '24 Hours in A & E' now.... very gory tonight!  Stew and I keep having to close our eyes!  'Tis a bit ikkkky, and we are both whimps.   lol
nite nite.