My baby - My Reflection!
For these traits I apologise:
- Your shyness and quietness at school
- Your obsession with some things
- Your fiery attitude (although it comes in handy sometimes, you need to learn how to control it)
These I do not apologise for:
- Your love of reading
- Your honest indignation at unfair wrongs
- Your brilliant intelligence (although I probably can't claim full credit there)
- Your obsession with some things
- Your sense of humour
I love you and am very proud of you. I am honoured to be your mum.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Happy 13th Birthday Pup
Where have the years gone? It feels like only yesterday I was waking Dad up to tell him that it was time to pop off to the hospital. I'd already been awake for a couple of hours, stupidly thinking that the first few labour pains were easy to deal with. I'd phoned the hospital and they suggested we pay them a visit. Dad was more interested in a cup of coffee but I packed our bag and we left. A few hours later and there you were.
This time last year, I was stressing about you starting high school but you have sailed through with style. I honestly don't know why I was worried but I think a part of it was that I was not ready to let you go. I'm still not but that's my problem, not yours.
You are an amazing individual, with an enormous amount of creativity, talent and imagination. It is my privilege and pleasure to watch you grow into the intelligent and sensitive man you are becoming.
I am so proud of you and I love you my Babe.
This time last year, I was stressing about you starting high school but you have sailed through with style. I honestly don't know why I was worried but I think a part of it was that I was not ready to let you go. I'm still not but that's my problem, not yours.
You are an amazing individual, with an enormous amount of creativity, talent and imagination. It is my privilege and pleasure to watch you grow into the intelligent and sensitive man you are becoming.
I am so proud of you and I love you my Babe.
Saturday, 10 October 2009
19 Years – A Tribute
On this day, 19 years ago, I had one of those life-changing experiences. You know – one where your whole world changes.
19 years ago, it was a Wednesday and a public holiday in South Africa. We spent the day with Elaine and her family and for that I am extremely grateful. We got the ‘phone call' from the hospital around 8-ish at night to tell us my mom had died.
I was 16, my sister 12 and my brother 10. For as long as I can remember, she had been in and out of hospital fairly often. I’m still not really sure why but that was our life and we dealt with it.
The days, weeks and months following that were some of the hardest for me. The pain eased a little over the years but it became massively worse when I found out I was pregnant with Pup. Maybe it was ‘just hormones’ but I really did pick up the phone (a few times) to call her. (Someone suggested I phone my mum-in-law instead, mainly because I actually knew that number.)
I often wonder where my life path would have taken me if she had not died. And sometimes that scares me more than anything. Would I still have had a wonderful husband, three lovely boys and live in Australia? Would I actually be the person I am now? I guess I’ll never know.
I do know that I’ve been very blessed to have some incredibly strong and influential women in my life – my Mom, Norma, Elaine and Yvonne.
19 years ago, it was a Wednesday and a public holiday in South Africa. We spent the day with Elaine and her family and for that I am extremely grateful. We got the ‘phone call' from the hospital around 8-ish at night to tell us my mom had died.
I was 16, my sister 12 and my brother 10. For as long as I can remember, she had been in and out of hospital fairly often. I’m still not really sure why but that was our life and we dealt with it.
The days, weeks and months following that were some of the hardest for me. The pain eased a little over the years but it became massively worse when I found out I was pregnant with Pup. Maybe it was ‘just hormones’ but I really did pick up the phone (a few times) to call her. (Someone suggested I phone my mum-in-law instead, mainly because I actually knew that number.)
I often wonder where my life path would have taken me if she had not died. And sometimes that scares me more than anything. Would I still have had a wonderful husband, three lovely boys and live in Australia? Would I actually be the person I am now? I guess I’ll never know.
I do know that I’ve been very blessed to have some incredibly strong and influential women in my life – my Mom, Norma, Elaine and Yvonne.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
School Holidays
Little Miss M (the girl who lives over the back of our fence) has gone from peeking through the fence to actually hopping it. It’s true that she does have my permission when her parents give theirs – but does it have to be every day? Any who…
Nana had been in Adelaide for a few days and Pops was ‘strongly encouraged’ to ‘pop’ down and share the first weekend of the school holidays with us. He wisely agreed and hopped in his Ute for the normally 3-hour drive. Someone forgot to tell the Ute that trip was supposed to only take 3 hours but Pops, Shayla and the Ute did make it here safe and sound. A bit hot, tired and shaken from all the bouncing but safe and sound nonetheless.
Naturally, Little Miss M hopped the fence on the Friday afternoon after school to play with the boys. She was back again on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, Pops and Dad decided to play footy with the boys – and you guessed it - she wanted to join in! She hopped over the fence and the game was on! The rules changed from my boys ‘normal’ game of footy – stand and kick the ball to the other side of the fence – to one that was full of action and actually running around. When the ball was kicked over the fence, and the guilty culprit went to reclaim it, a water break was called.
Pops and Dad wanted to desperately drop out of the game but both foolishly refused to let the kids know that they were exhausted. The ball came back and the game almost continued. This time though, the delay was because the kids were fighting over which adult was on which team. Little Miss M decided she wanted the ‘Old Codger’ (Pops) on her team. I mentioned to Pops later that it was better than saying she DIDN’T want the ‘Old Codger’ on her team, and I think that made him feel a bit better.
Pops went back home on Monday, but I reckon he enjoyed his weekend with us.
Last Thursday, Nana came back from Adelaide, and as Nana sometimes does, had bought some lollies. I think it’s the first time she’s met Little Miss M, plus Pup’s friend, Little Mr C, was here for the day. Nana took it all in her stride and still had lollies galore!!! Admittedly, Nana would not have handed out lollies if she did not have enough for all kiddies on the premises.
I’m glad Nana’s back because I’ve missed her. Plus she took the 3 boys back to “Far Far Away”. We’ll be off to get them back tomorrow – Can’t wait but I’m trying to enjoy the peace before the storm…
Nana had been in Adelaide for a few days and Pops was ‘strongly encouraged’ to ‘pop’ down and share the first weekend of the school holidays with us. He wisely agreed and hopped in his Ute for the normally 3-hour drive. Someone forgot to tell the Ute that trip was supposed to only take 3 hours but Pops, Shayla and the Ute did make it here safe and sound. A bit hot, tired and shaken from all the bouncing but safe and sound nonetheless.
Naturally, Little Miss M hopped the fence on the Friday afternoon after school to play with the boys. She was back again on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, Pops and Dad decided to play footy with the boys – and you guessed it - she wanted to join in! She hopped over the fence and the game was on! The rules changed from my boys ‘normal’ game of footy – stand and kick the ball to the other side of the fence – to one that was full of action and actually running around. When the ball was kicked over the fence, and the guilty culprit went to reclaim it, a water break was called.
Pops and Dad wanted to desperately drop out of the game but both foolishly refused to let the kids know that they were exhausted. The ball came back and the game almost continued. This time though, the delay was because the kids were fighting over which adult was on which team. Little Miss M decided she wanted the ‘Old Codger’ (Pops) on her team. I mentioned to Pops later that it was better than saying she DIDN’T want the ‘Old Codger’ on her team, and I think that made him feel a bit better.
Pops went back home on Monday, but I reckon he enjoyed his weekend with us.
Last Thursday, Nana came back from Adelaide, and as Nana sometimes does, had bought some lollies. I think it’s the first time she’s met Little Miss M, plus Pup’s friend, Little Mr C, was here for the day. Nana took it all in her stride and still had lollies galore!!! Admittedly, Nana would not have handed out lollies if she did not have enough for all kiddies on the premises.
I’m glad Nana’s back because I’ve missed her. Plus she took the 3 boys back to “Far Far Away”. We’ll be off to get them back tomorrow – Can’t wait but I’m trying to enjoy the peace before the storm…
Friday, 7 August 2009
Time Flies
Wow! It has been absolutely ages since I last wrote anything! Quite a few things have happened … Foal turned 7, the silkworm eggs from last year have hatched, and I’m looking for a job.
The most important one was Foal’s birthday! I’m not sure which bit is more surprising – the fact that he survived until the age of 7, or the fact that I survived him turning 7 and didn't get locked away somewhere. Don’t misunderstand me because he really is a lovely boy. At least he is when things are going his way. When they don’t… well, let’s just leave it at the end of the world sounds like a lovely experience.
He was horribly spoiled on the actual day. Our tradition is Dad and I buy the presents (more on this bit in a moment), I wrap the presents and then I have to hide them around our home. I’m the one responsible for this last bit because when the boys were MUCH younger, they’d wake us up in the middle of the night wanting to open their pressies. Alright, I might be exaggerating that bit because it was more like 5 am. I am not a morning person so when I had the brilliant idea of hiding their pressies around the place, I figured it would buy me enough time to make my coffee. Cruel, I know but it worked – until they decided to search for stuff and then wake me up! And that’s only when they wanted to know if they’d found them all. I guess it’s a type of payback… Now every year they request the “Treasure Hunt” as it’s now called.
Buying of the presents is always interesting. Because all three boys tend to be very specific about what they want, they write detailed lists for us. They even indicate which ones are the more desirable. I know – very considerate of them.
Foal is no exception to this rule and the majority of objects on his list were Transformers. Actually, that’s all he had on his list with absolutely no room for negotiation. Personally, I blame the movie. How dare they bring out “Transformers 2” just before his birthday!
Anyway, Dad, the list, and I popped into the toyshop. Dad immediately picked up a huge (and obscenely expensive) Bumblebee. I told him that it’s the wrong one. He disagreed and the first discussion (read - argument) began. I’m sure it amused the staff but we finally ended up with “Fine! You can take it but you DO NOT get to choose anything else!” (Obviously that last comment was mine). I chose two other Transformers from his list, a stencil set, a slinky and a really cool bug robot for him.
The next morning our tradition began as usual. The other part of the tradition is that on school days, they can choose one present to open before school and the rest must wait. Because Dad starts work long before I’m even thinking about crawling out of bed, this rule has been amended. Now they can open one present with me, and then another when he gets home from work. I think that’s more than fair.
Foal’s first choice was the really brilliant stencil set and that’s probably because he couldn’t figure out what was inside. Due to the packaging of certain toys he’d already worked out that he had at least two transformers – he just didn’t need to know which ones yet.
His second choice was the present Dad had picked for him. Unfortunately, by the time Dad got home, he’d figured out what was inside. The stupid thing makes noises and all but told him its name.
Foal then declared that this was the worst day ever. First he got the stupid stencil thing and that wasn’t even on his list. And then he got the wrong size Transformer!
Lucky for him, he had school to go to! That cheered him right up! Ungrateful little creature!
Anyway, Dad and I recovered and while he was at school, I actually made him a cake. At the time I wondered whether he’d appreciate it but I did it anyway.
After school his day (and attitude) had improved. He finally decided that he had had a great birthday and the cake was the best ever! By the time he was in bed I put his initial cranky ungratefulness down to over-excitement and anticipation.
And a final message for Foal – If you should actually live long enough to read this, this whole post has been firmly tongue-in-cheek. This last bit is true.
I am extremely proud of you.
I admire your spirit, confidence and conviction.
Know and remember always that
I love you.
The most important one was Foal’s birthday! I’m not sure which bit is more surprising – the fact that he survived until the age of 7, or the fact that I survived him turning 7 and didn't get locked away somewhere. Don’t misunderstand me because he really is a lovely boy. At least he is when things are going his way. When they don’t… well, let’s just leave it at the end of the world sounds like a lovely experience.
He was horribly spoiled on the actual day. Our tradition is Dad and I buy the presents (more on this bit in a moment), I wrap the presents and then I have to hide them around our home. I’m the one responsible for this last bit because when the boys were MUCH younger, they’d wake us up in the middle of the night wanting to open their pressies. Alright, I might be exaggerating that bit because it was more like 5 am. I am not a morning person so when I had the brilliant idea of hiding their pressies around the place, I figured it would buy me enough time to make my coffee. Cruel, I know but it worked – until they decided to search for stuff and then wake me up! And that’s only when they wanted to know if they’d found them all. I guess it’s a type of payback… Now every year they request the “Treasure Hunt” as it’s now called.
Buying of the presents is always interesting. Because all three boys tend to be very specific about what they want, they write detailed lists for us. They even indicate which ones are the more desirable. I know – very considerate of them.
Foal is no exception to this rule and the majority of objects on his list were Transformers. Actually, that’s all he had on his list with absolutely no room for negotiation. Personally, I blame the movie. How dare they bring out “Transformers 2” just before his birthday!
Anyway, Dad, the list, and I popped into the toyshop. Dad immediately picked up a huge (and obscenely expensive) Bumblebee. I told him that it’s the wrong one. He disagreed and the first discussion (read - argument) began. I’m sure it amused the staff but we finally ended up with “Fine! You can take it but you DO NOT get to choose anything else!” (Obviously that last comment was mine). I chose two other Transformers from his list, a stencil set, a slinky and a really cool bug robot for him.
The next morning our tradition began as usual. The other part of the tradition is that on school days, they can choose one present to open before school and the rest must wait. Because Dad starts work long before I’m even thinking about crawling out of bed, this rule has been amended. Now they can open one present with me, and then another when he gets home from work. I think that’s more than fair.
Foal’s first choice was the really brilliant stencil set and that’s probably because he couldn’t figure out what was inside. Due to the packaging of certain toys he’d already worked out that he had at least two transformers – he just didn’t need to know which ones yet.
His second choice was the present Dad had picked for him. Unfortunately, by the time Dad got home, he’d figured out what was inside. The stupid thing makes noises and all but told him its name.
Foal then declared that this was the worst day ever. First he got the stupid stencil thing and that wasn’t even on his list. And then he got the wrong size Transformer!
Lucky for him, he had school to go to! That cheered him right up! Ungrateful little creature!
Anyway, Dad and I recovered and while he was at school, I actually made him a cake. At the time I wondered whether he’d appreciate it but I did it anyway.
After school his day (and attitude) had improved. He finally decided that he had had a great birthday and the cake was the best ever! By the time he was in bed I put his initial cranky ungratefulness down to over-excitement and anticipation.
And a final message for Foal – If you should actually live long enough to read this, this whole post has been firmly tongue-in-cheek. This last bit is true.
I am extremely proud of you.
I admire your spirit, confidence and conviction.
Know and remember always that
I love you.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Pets and Phobia
When Foal was about 2 years old, Dad came up with a brilliant idea. The boys needed a pet.
The first problem was (and still is) that we rent and it can be really tricky to find rental properties that allow pets. Children – yes, but pets – no. Go figure…
The second problem was what sort of pet should we get. I’m more a cat person and Dad is more a dog person. I don’t like birds in cages and I do not want a hand-reared bird wandering all over the house leaving a mess behind it. We had already tried the fish tank experience and that can get really expensive when the stupid things keep eating the plant life. What’s even worse is that they die easily. If you so much as look at them funny, they roll over and play dead - except they do it for real.
Dad decided we should get some mice. Never mind the fact that we had just recently spent a few dollars on mouse traps to remove the ones that had wandered in on a cold night and decided to stay. As Pup says, Anywho…
I agreed to have a look at the rodents and we popped into a pet shop. I became rapidly bored at looking at all the ‘mouse accessories’. Who knew they needed so much stuff? I could hear puppies barking and kittens mewing and thought it might be a good experience for Foal to see them. And so I maneuvered him, and his stroller, towards the sounds.
Then, I looked up and spotted a giant rock python behind glass. That was when I ran screaming from the pet store. Leaving Foal abandoned in his stroller to fend for himself.
Dad followed fairly quickly. At least he had the hindsight to rescue the child. He was extremely embarrassed by my ‘display’ and asked if I’d heard the shop attendant yelling, “It’s not real!”
My main question then, was if the “Rock Python” was not real, why was it behind glass?
The only funny thing about that whole incident, was that it truly was a “Rock Python”.
The first problem was (and still is) that we rent and it can be really tricky to find rental properties that allow pets. Children – yes, but pets – no. Go figure…
The second problem was what sort of pet should we get. I’m more a cat person and Dad is more a dog person. I don’t like birds in cages and I do not want a hand-reared bird wandering all over the house leaving a mess behind it. We had already tried the fish tank experience and that can get really expensive when the stupid things keep eating the plant life. What’s even worse is that they die easily. If you so much as look at them funny, they roll over and play dead - except they do it for real.
Dad decided we should get some mice. Never mind the fact that we had just recently spent a few dollars on mouse traps to remove the ones that had wandered in on a cold night and decided to stay. As Pup says, Anywho…
I agreed to have a look at the rodents and we popped into a pet shop. I became rapidly bored at looking at all the ‘mouse accessories’. Who knew they needed so much stuff? I could hear puppies barking and kittens mewing and thought it might be a good experience for Foal to see them. And so I maneuvered him, and his stroller, towards the sounds.
Then, I looked up and spotted a giant rock python behind glass. That was when I ran screaming from the pet store. Leaving Foal abandoned in his stroller to fend for himself.
Dad followed fairly quickly. At least he had the hindsight to rescue the child. He was extremely embarrassed by my ‘display’ and asked if I’d heard the shop attendant yelling, “It’s not real!”
My main question then, was if the “Rock Python” was not real, why was it behind glass?
The only funny thing about that whole incident, was that it truly was a “Rock Python”.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Introductions and Meetings
A few Friday afternoons ago I could hear a young girl calling for Pup. Absolutely convinced I was hearing things I hopped up to investigate. Especially since no other male in the home heard this. But no, my ears were not messing around with me, there was definitely a young girl, friend close behind, standing at the bottom of our driveway calling for Pup.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, depending on your perspective) I recognized the girl calling for Pup. It was GA’s next-door neighbour’s daughter, Little Miss K. To give her some credit, she actually blushed when she saw me but she didn’t miss a beat.
Little Miss K: Hi Carolyn. Can Pup come out to play?
Me: No, sorry sweetheart, not today. He’s been a bit sick. (I might just add that I have never seen that boy get out of his PJ's so fast but I won't)
Before you start on me being 'all overprotective and all'- he had NOT been at school for the last 2 days and I didn't think it was right that he should be running around the park with anyone!
After seeing her disappointment, I told her that he should be right by Saturday. No flies on this girl because she’s then asked if Cub was free. I said yes and the three of them wandered off to the park.
Her mate was Little Miss M and it turns out that she shares our back fence. She has a stupid Doberman and she reckons that, “Hey, we can jump the fence at anytime!”
Just to catch everyone up:
- Pup is in Year 8 at school
- Little Miss M is in Year 7
- Little Miss K is in Year 5
- Cub is in Year 5
Quite obviously, Little Miss M knew all along that we shared the back fence but she was very surprised when I asked about her dog by it’s name. I then told the girls that it’s not a good idea to just hop the fence because sometimes Nana, Pops and their dog, Shayla, are here. (Shayla will simply not let just anyone 'hop the fence')
Since that Friday afternoon, the girls have since:
- Asked to hop the fence to play a game of cricket with the boys (permission given),
- Taken all three of my boys to the park a few times. (Foal is brilliant as a chaperone because he’s more than happy to tell – perfect age!)
The last time the girls turned up at our front door, they got the chance to actually meet Shayla. That is if you consider an introduction behind a fly screen door with two adults (Pops and I) close by.
It's not that us adults were paranoid, mind you. Shayla loves kids but I have no idea of how she might feel about another female stealing Pup (her absolute favourite) away from her. Pops wanted to take Shayla for a walk down to the park but we agreed that that would be called spying on his grandsons.
Anyhow, after their introduction, Little Miss K admitted that she was very relieved that they didn’t climb the fence...
I do think that interesting days lie ahead.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately, depending on your perspective) I recognized the girl calling for Pup. It was GA’s next-door neighbour’s daughter, Little Miss K. To give her some credit, she actually blushed when she saw me but she didn’t miss a beat.
Little Miss K: Hi Carolyn. Can Pup come out to play?
Me: No, sorry sweetheart, not today. He’s been a bit sick. (I might just add that I have never seen that boy get out of his PJ's so fast but I won't)
Before you start on me being 'all overprotective and all'- he had NOT been at school for the last 2 days and I didn't think it was right that he should be running around the park with anyone!
After seeing her disappointment, I told her that he should be right by Saturday. No flies on this girl because she’s then asked if Cub was free. I said yes and the three of them wandered off to the park.
Her mate was Little Miss M and it turns out that she shares our back fence. She has a stupid Doberman and she reckons that, “Hey, we can jump the fence at anytime!”
Just to catch everyone up:
- Pup is in Year 8 at school
- Little Miss M is in Year 7
- Little Miss K is in Year 5
- Cub is in Year 5
Quite obviously, Little Miss M knew all along that we shared the back fence but she was very surprised when I asked about her dog by it’s name. I then told the girls that it’s not a good idea to just hop the fence because sometimes Nana, Pops and their dog, Shayla, are here. (Shayla will simply not let just anyone 'hop the fence')
Since that Friday afternoon, the girls have since:
- Asked to hop the fence to play a game of cricket with the boys (permission given),
- Taken all three of my boys to the park a few times. (Foal is brilliant as a chaperone because he’s more than happy to tell – perfect age!)
The last time the girls turned up at our front door, they got the chance to actually meet Shayla. That is if you consider an introduction behind a fly screen door with two adults (Pops and I) close by.
It's not that us adults were paranoid, mind you. Shayla loves kids but I have no idea of how she might feel about another female stealing Pup (her absolute favourite) away from her. Pops wanted to take Shayla for a walk down to the park but we agreed that that would be called spying on his grandsons.
Anyhow, after their introduction, Little Miss K admitted that she was very relieved that they didn’t climb the fence...
I do think that interesting days lie ahead.
Friday, 22 May 2009
Toothfairy Sagas
Foal has lost his first top tooth.
Literally.
He has absolutely no idea where it is. One minute it was right there, in his mouth where it belonged. Admittedly, it was very loose but all of a sudden – Poof – it was gone.
We searched everywhere (his leftover breakfast cereal, his bed and bedroom floor and I reckon he swallowed it) but it still hadn’t turned up by bedtime. So we (he) wrote a note to the Toothfairy explaining what had happened and said we were sorry. He’s then decided that the letter needed to go in an envelope and that the envelope must be stuck onto the front of the microwave oven’s door.
And so, that’s exactly what we did. Maybe Foal thought the Toothfairy was going to rip out another of his teeth and get a "two for the price of one" deal. I’m a bit unsure of the details behind his reasoning but I’m learning that sometimes it’s best not to ask. (Read the previous post)
Funnily enough, something similar happened to Pup when he lost his first top tooth. He rinsed his mouth out and it went down the sink. He then tried to hide the fact that he had this massive gap in his mouth from me. It took me all of 2 seconds for me to notice. He was so amazed at my powers of observation (I’m not really sure what that says about me) but at least he readily admitted to what had happened. I got Dad to undo the pipes under the sink and check to see if it was still there but unfortunately it was gone. That’s when our notes to the Toothfairy started.
Ever since then, Pup has been quite content to leave the tissue-wrapped tooth on his bedside table. Even now he is more than happy to remind me that the Toothfairy forgot again (Growing up with the benefits of childhood?)
Cub, on the other hand, was absolutely determined that not one single tooth disappeared without his knowledge. He also decided that the Toothfairy must have a challenge. (Does he not want the money?)
His rules are simple:
- It must not be on the bedside table. (Pup’s thing, obviously he can’t copy that, he's an original)
- It must not be in a slipper by the door (Like I used to do, you know, in the old days, before dinosaurs)
- It must not be in any other room of the home. (Foal’s thing, but he wasn’t really old enough to start it)
- It must be inside the center of the pillowcase, on the other side of the pillow (because he doesn’t want to lie on something uncomfortable)
And finally, just a quick note to the Toothfairy
---------------------------------------------------
Dear Toothfairy,
I know you can get a bit busy especially after sugar filled holidays, but you do seem to forget sometimes.
I’m not complaining but mum says you could be running late because of bad weather, or my tooth fell out after you left for work and now I’m not on today's list.
I am sure you don’t want to start a playground war so I’ve been wondering:
- What is the going rate for teeth these days?
- Does it change depending on which tooth falls out?
- Is there a bonus incentive for really clean teeth or bravery when a dead tooth has to be pulled out?
- Is there an age limit?
Thank you for a job well done,
From
Me
PS We are still not sure if you are a boy or girl, so don't be upset if we get it wrong
Literally.
He has absolutely no idea where it is. One minute it was right there, in his mouth where it belonged. Admittedly, it was very loose but all of a sudden – Poof – it was gone.
We searched everywhere (his leftover breakfast cereal, his bed and bedroom floor and I reckon he swallowed it) but it still hadn’t turned up by bedtime. So we (he) wrote a note to the Toothfairy explaining what had happened and said we were sorry. He’s then decided that the letter needed to go in an envelope and that the envelope must be stuck onto the front of the microwave oven’s door.
And so, that’s exactly what we did. Maybe Foal thought the Toothfairy was going to rip out another of his teeth and get a "two for the price of one" deal. I’m a bit unsure of the details behind his reasoning but I’m learning that sometimes it’s best not to ask. (Read the previous post)
Funnily enough, something similar happened to Pup when he lost his first top tooth. He rinsed his mouth out and it went down the sink. He then tried to hide the fact that he had this massive gap in his mouth from me. It took me all of 2 seconds for me to notice. He was so amazed at my powers of observation (I’m not really sure what that says about me) but at least he readily admitted to what had happened. I got Dad to undo the pipes under the sink and check to see if it was still there but unfortunately it was gone. That’s when our notes to the Toothfairy started.
Ever since then, Pup has been quite content to leave the tissue-wrapped tooth on his bedside table. Even now he is more than happy to remind me that the Toothfairy forgot again (Growing up with the benefits of childhood?)
Cub, on the other hand, was absolutely determined that not one single tooth disappeared without his knowledge. He also decided that the Toothfairy must have a challenge. (Does he not want the money?)
His rules are simple:
- It must not be on the bedside table. (Pup’s thing, obviously he can’t copy that, he's an original)
- It must not be in a slipper by the door (Like I used to do, you know, in the old days, before dinosaurs)
- It must not be in any other room of the home. (Foal’s thing, but he wasn’t really old enough to start it)
- It must be inside the center of the pillowcase, on the other side of the pillow (because he doesn’t want to lie on something uncomfortable)
And finally, just a quick note to the Toothfairy
---------------------------------------------------
Dear Toothfairy,
I know you can get a bit busy especially after sugar filled holidays, but you do seem to forget sometimes.
I’m not complaining but mum says you could be running late because of bad weather, or my tooth fell out after you left for work and now I’m not on today's list.
I am sure you don’t want to start a playground war so I’ve been wondering:
- What is the going rate for teeth these days?
- Does it change depending on which tooth falls out?
- Is there a bonus incentive for really clean teeth or bravery when a dead tooth has to be pulled out?
- Is there an age limit?
Thank you for a job well done,
From
Me
PS We are still not sure if you are a boy or girl, so don't be upset if we get it wrong
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Mother's Day
I’m fairly intelligent so I’ve noticed that absolutely every single person has a mum. I know – major news flash! Not about my intelligence (mainly because the jury tends to disappear on that question) but the mum bit… Admittedly, some mums are absolutely brilliant and some mums should simply not exist! Who am I to pass sentence? Until recently, I thought I was a fairly decent sort of mum. This was the chat where I found out the truth.
The scene: Cub in the bath with me washing his hair and the conversation was as follows:
Cub: Do you ever feel bad about some things?
Me: Yes, sometimes… (Thinking, “We’re sharing a moment”)
Cub: Like what?
Me: Oh… like sometimes I don’t think I’m a good mum.
Cub: Yes! Me too!
(There was a bit of a pause so I could rinse the shampoo out. Actually, I was trying to digest this bit of information. I was also trying to figure out whether he had figured out that he was in an extremely vulnerable position – you know with him in the bath and all. Anyhow, after deciding that I would rather not go to prison, I chose another tactic)
Me: Do you think you are always a good son?
Cub: Yes! Always!
In one respect, he is honest. At their primary school, the P&C provide stalls for every occasion, for example: Mothers Day/Fathers Day/Christmas… When it comes to buying a present for Mother’s Day, he is a good son. Actually, they all are. Normally.
Each year I’ve given them a $5 note. Each. Yes, I’m the first to admit that I want something fantastic.
Over the years, with the $5 note I have given each of them, I have ended up with 2 coffee cups, a candle in a watering can, and numerous necklaces and bracelets made for a 1 year old.
Seriously.
My wrist is 14 cm all round (I know I just checked) and the bracelets cut off all the blood flow to my fingers. I can’t measure my neck because I don’t like things around it. Maybe I could sell them to the mafia…
I’m not allowed to burn the ‘candle-in-the-watering-can’ (Foal’s present, “In case it runs out”) But I’m supposed to wear the strangling things?
The coffee cups were the best ever yet! I almost had a complete set but the P&C no longer get their supplies from the same place.
Each year, the boys have ended up with the change from the $5 note.
This year, with Pup being in high school and all, where they obviously don’t do the stall or make cards in class, conned Dad into taking him to the shop.
Because I still want something fantastic, I gave my blessing and off they went.
To Toy World.
I can hardly wait for morning.
To all the Mums out there:
May all your necklace and bracelets be too small and you can experience my joy.
Especially if you actually get the brand new advertised washing machine/iron/or my personal favourite – a real chainsaw! We all need one of those!
Thanks to all the mums out there! We wouldn’t be here without you. (Told you I was a genius)
The scene: Cub in the bath with me washing his hair and the conversation was as follows:
Cub: Do you ever feel bad about some things?
Me: Yes, sometimes… (Thinking, “We’re sharing a moment”)
Cub: Like what?
Me: Oh… like sometimes I don’t think I’m a good mum.
Cub: Yes! Me too!
(There was a bit of a pause so I could rinse the shampoo out. Actually, I was trying to digest this bit of information. I was also trying to figure out whether he had figured out that he was in an extremely vulnerable position – you know with him in the bath and all. Anyhow, after deciding that I would rather not go to prison, I chose another tactic)
Me: Do you think you are always a good son?
Cub: Yes! Always!
In one respect, he is honest. At their primary school, the P&C provide stalls for every occasion, for example: Mothers Day/Fathers Day/Christmas… When it comes to buying a present for Mother’s Day, he is a good son. Actually, they all are. Normally.
Each year I’ve given them a $5 note. Each. Yes, I’m the first to admit that I want something fantastic.
Over the years, with the $5 note I have given each of them, I have ended up with 2 coffee cups, a candle in a watering can, and numerous necklaces and bracelets made for a 1 year old.
Seriously.
My wrist is 14 cm all round (I know I just checked) and the bracelets cut off all the blood flow to my fingers. I can’t measure my neck because I don’t like things around it. Maybe I could sell them to the mafia…
I’m not allowed to burn the ‘candle-in-the-watering-can’ (Foal’s present, “In case it runs out”) But I’m supposed to wear the strangling things?
The coffee cups were the best ever yet! I almost had a complete set but the P&C no longer get their supplies from the same place.
Each year, the boys have ended up with the change from the $5 note.
This year, with Pup being in high school and all, where they obviously don’t do the stall or make cards in class, conned Dad into taking him to the shop.
Because I still want something fantastic, I gave my blessing and off they went.
To Toy World.
I can hardly wait for morning.
To all the Mums out there:
May all your necklace and bracelets be too small and you can experience my joy.
Especially if you actually get the brand new advertised washing machine/iron/or my personal favourite – a real chainsaw! We all need one of those!
Thanks to all the mums out there! We wouldn’t be here without you. (Told you I was a genius)
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Conversations
The best one I had this week:
On Friday, I heard footsteps across the grass, and up the driveway to our front door. Even though Dad was closer to the front door, I hopped up from the computer to investigate.
It was NDN (Next-Door-Neighbour – Remember the 75-year-old-bloke who caught me tiptoeing barefoot and unshowered across his lawn to return his mail?) Actually, Dad didn’t even hear the footsteps across the grass and up the path and was extremely surprised at my anticipation of the door knock.
After we’ve exchanged greetings, NDN said, “Sorry to bother you! How much do you know about computers?”
I’ve replied with, “A fair bit. Why?” (Always curious)
NDN mumbled a whole bunch of stuff, that to be quite honest I didn’t quite get but there was something about an hourglass that has been sitting on his screen, and won’t go away OR let him do anything else.
I agreed to take a look – but only AFTER I’ve put my shoes on.
After explaining to Dad where I was going, why, and to rescue me if it took more than an hour, I walked next door. I left my shoes at the front door and NDN's shown me his computer. I noticed that almost half his computer icons are in Chinese! No wonder he has a problem! But how the bloody hell am I supposed to work with that?
I had a look and it appeared that his web browser had frozen. That’s when it occurred to me that he might actually have been downloading something I didn’t really want to know about.
I ended up shutting down his browser – very entertaining when the messages pop up in Chinese and NDN insisted on talking about other stuff. I felt like I was being rude by moving through the whole process but I did manage to reopen his browser to almost the page he was on last… He was actually researching ‘Properties’, not anything naughty. Thank goodness!
----------
The whole experience was not as funny as the time that other bloke turned up at our front door with his girlfriend close behind. We were actually on our way out, so I was already at the door. Not that I’m paranoid, actually I can be so don’t tell anyone, but I also keep the fly screen door locked at all times. He walked purposefully up to our doorway and tried to open it! When it didn’t oblige, he looked up and saw me standing there, watching him.
He said, accusingly, “Your door’s locked.”
All I could say was, “Yes, I know.”
Then he’s responded with, “You’re not Lisa!”
I replied with, “Yes, I know!”
Turned out he was at the wrong house – he needed to be at the next one over! As his girlfriend said, “How embarrassment!”
----------
Back to NDN: I forgot to mention his partner and her daughter are Chinese BUT he still caught me unshowered. At least, this time I had my shoes on - from my home to his and then back again…
----------
ANZAC Day – We have candles burning to honour the people who have fought, and continue to fight, for and on our behalf. We’ve also played the song, “We are Australian” twice . (Foal’s request) I've also had to show my citizenship certificate. We all agree that one still looks better than my degree…
----------
On Friday, I heard footsteps across the grass, and up the driveway to our front door. Even though Dad was closer to the front door, I hopped up from the computer to investigate.
It was NDN (Next-Door-Neighbour – Remember the 75-year-old-bloke who caught me tiptoeing barefoot and unshowered across his lawn to return his mail?) Actually, Dad didn’t even hear the footsteps across the grass and up the path and was extremely surprised at my anticipation of the door knock.
After we’ve exchanged greetings, NDN said, “Sorry to bother you! How much do you know about computers?”
I’ve replied with, “A fair bit. Why?” (Always curious)
NDN mumbled a whole bunch of stuff, that to be quite honest I didn’t quite get but there was something about an hourglass that has been sitting on his screen, and won’t go away OR let him do anything else.
I agreed to take a look – but only AFTER I’ve put my shoes on.
After explaining to Dad where I was going, why, and to rescue me if it took more than an hour, I walked next door. I left my shoes at the front door and NDN's shown me his computer. I noticed that almost half his computer icons are in Chinese! No wonder he has a problem! But how the bloody hell am I supposed to work with that?
I had a look and it appeared that his web browser had frozen. That’s when it occurred to me that he might actually have been downloading something I didn’t really want to know about.
I ended up shutting down his browser – very entertaining when the messages pop up in Chinese and NDN insisted on talking about other stuff. I felt like I was being rude by moving through the whole process but I did manage to reopen his browser to almost the page he was on last… He was actually researching ‘Properties’, not anything naughty. Thank goodness!
----------
The whole experience was not as funny as the time that other bloke turned up at our front door with his girlfriend close behind. We were actually on our way out, so I was already at the door. Not that I’m paranoid, actually I can be so don’t tell anyone, but I also keep the fly screen door locked at all times. He walked purposefully up to our doorway and tried to open it! When it didn’t oblige, he looked up and saw me standing there, watching him.
He said, accusingly, “Your door’s locked.”
All I could say was, “Yes, I know.”
Then he’s responded with, “You’re not Lisa!”
I replied with, “Yes, I know!”
Turned out he was at the wrong house – he needed to be at the next one over! As his girlfriend said, “How embarrassment!”
----------
Back to NDN: I forgot to mention his partner and her daughter are Chinese BUT he still caught me unshowered. At least, this time I had my shoes on - from my home to his and then back again…
----------
ANZAC Day – We have candles burning to honour the people who have fought, and continue to fight, for and on our behalf. We’ve also played the song, “We are Australian” twice . (Foal’s request) I've also had to show my citizenship certificate. We all agree that one still looks better than my degree…
----------
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Parent-Teacher Interviews 2009 (Part 3/3)
Pup bought home his first term report from high school. To be honest, I did expect some surprises but not the ones I actually received. Pup was actually equally surprised and initially didn’t want to show me his ‘interim’ report card. His (and mine) main issue was the behaviour bit. I do not have rose-coloured glasses or blinkers on when it comes to my kids. He stands up for himself, but he is respectful and quiet and shy. He does not cause a problem anywhere – except maybe for home! But if he can’t do that here, then where can he? Personally, I’d prefer they tried it all the bad behaviour at home first – but maybe that’s just me… Anyway,
Two teachers requested interviews, so as you do, I decided to meet ALL of them. Actually, I didn’t want any of them to feel left out but I also wanted to make sure that they all knew exactly about which child they were talking about…
Of course, it rained massively on the afternoon of the scheduled interviews,
So of course, I was running late. And so of course, there was no parking, and I had to park in the muddy bit but we did turn up!
I made Pup come with me. It may be cruel but I think that if his teachers have something to say about him, then he should be there to hear it first hand.
Pup’s SOSE teacher really laid into him. I mean that in a good way because she basically tried to explain that he is not in primary school anymore. And “No! His assignment was not up to scratch, here’s a sample of what I want. Try again. You have tonight. Hand it in tomorrow.” (After that, she added that he is well behaved and a pleasure to teach)
Pup’s Science teacher seemed to really take a genuine interest in him and kept telling him to stay on track and not follow the crowd later in their school career.
Pup’s English teacher was a classic! Absolutely totally off the planet! I mean no disrespect to him but he was seriously cuckoo! He called us over and then greeted Pup by another name. We corrected him and he apologized. Then, the Teacher pulled out a sample of work to show me how well Pup was doing. He got a ‘B’. Then we got to point out to him that it was NOT Pup’s work. He’s replied with, “No! Of course not! Here’s Pup’s! Oh look! He’s also got a ‘B!” (In my opinion he had absolutely no idea who HE was, never mind who anyone else was)
And almost finally, we reached the first of the ‘required parent interviews’.
She tried to explain to me Pup’s ‘animation’ and how it was Oh! So! Wrong!
Pup said, “That wasn’t mine.”
She said, “I’ve saved it on my laptop so I can show you. But it’s still charging…”
I’ve replied, “Off you go. We’ll wait.”
She had a major problem showing me Pup’s work on her laptop – something about it not saving properly… By now, I’m thinking SHE didn’t save it properly? (Feel free to insert your own swear words)
Needless to say, she ended up very confused and tried to cover it up with “technical talk”. You know, the bits I shouldn’t understand because, obviously, another female could not possibly understand those details… But there again, I gave her enough clues that showed that I knew what she was talking about and she still didn’t pick them up.
She was still unsuccessful and will hopefully check Pup’s stuff out – That’s all we ask. That's all the polite bits I have to say about her for now....
The final ‘required parent interviews’ had a queue a mile long. So much for making appointments –that one at 17h00! After looking at the other parents still waiting, I ended up calling it quits at 17H25 and made an appointment to talk to him via phone. ) Don’t forget we had to finish the SOSE homework properly.)
As I write this, I am still waiting for Mr P (Maths) to call…
Two teachers requested interviews, so as you do, I decided to meet ALL of them. Actually, I didn’t want any of them to feel left out but I also wanted to make sure that they all knew exactly about which child they were talking about…
Of course, it rained massively on the afternoon of the scheduled interviews,
So of course, I was running late. And so of course, there was no parking, and I had to park in the muddy bit but we did turn up!
I made Pup come with me. It may be cruel but I think that if his teachers have something to say about him, then he should be there to hear it first hand.
Pup’s SOSE teacher really laid into him. I mean that in a good way because she basically tried to explain that he is not in primary school anymore. And “No! His assignment was not up to scratch, here’s a sample of what I want. Try again. You have tonight. Hand it in tomorrow.” (After that, she added that he is well behaved and a pleasure to teach)
Pup’s Science teacher seemed to really take a genuine interest in him and kept telling him to stay on track and not follow the crowd later in their school career.
Pup’s English teacher was a classic! Absolutely totally off the planet! I mean no disrespect to him but he was seriously cuckoo! He called us over and then greeted Pup by another name. We corrected him and he apologized. Then, the Teacher pulled out a sample of work to show me how well Pup was doing. He got a ‘B’. Then we got to point out to him that it was NOT Pup’s work. He’s replied with, “No! Of course not! Here’s Pup’s! Oh look! He’s also got a ‘B!” (In my opinion he had absolutely no idea who HE was, never mind who anyone else was)
And almost finally, we reached the first of the ‘required parent interviews’.
She tried to explain to me Pup’s ‘animation’ and how it was Oh! So! Wrong!
Pup said, “That wasn’t mine.”
She said, “I’ve saved it on my laptop so I can show you. But it’s still charging…”
I’ve replied, “Off you go. We’ll wait.”
She had a major problem showing me Pup’s work on her laptop – something about it not saving properly… By now, I’m thinking SHE didn’t save it properly? (Feel free to insert your own swear words)
Needless to say, she ended up very confused and tried to cover it up with “technical talk”. You know, the bits I shouldn’t understand because, obviously, another female could not possibly understand those details… But there again, I gave her enough clues that showed that I knew what she was talking about and she still didn’t pick them up.
She was still unsuccessful and will hopefully check Pup’s stuff out – That’s all we ask. That's all the polite bits I have to say about her for now....
The final ‘required parent interviews’ had a queue a mile long. So much for making appointments –that one at 17h00! After looking at the other parents still waiting, I ended up calling it quits at 17H25 and made an appointment to talk to him via phone. ) Don’t forget we had to finish the SOSE homework properly.)
As I write this, I am still waiting for Mr P (Maths) to call…
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Parent-Teacher Interviews 2009 (Part 2/3)
I am still waiting for the Parent-Teacher request for Cub. I’m not actually holding my breath on this invite because she taught him last year too and I’m still waiting for that one. However, I have concluded that his teacher does NOT want to meet a parent of every student she teaches.
I base this whole theory on that time I bailed her up in the classroom. It was about a project in the 4th term – only to find out that Cub knew about it 6 weeks earlier and ‘forgot’ to tell me until the night before. I had to apologise profusely and get a reprieve for him.
And then, there was the occasion, when she kindly informed me that I could go and get Cub from the classroom because, “They were just playing games”. Actually that was the last day of the 4th term (just before the Christmas holidays) so for that she is forgiven.
Currently, she allows him to leave the classroom 5 minutes before the bell, because, according to Pup, “She probably knows I’m there”. That’s all good and well, but what if I’m not?
Other than that, she does not like to make eye contact with adults. Not that I blame her – but I do know how to behave in public.
I think she may have decided to pacify me by nominating him for the Principal’s Award. But because this is not about me, she might have actually done something decent by finally acknowledging his existence in her classroom.
Regardless of her reasoning, I am extremely proud of Cub and his certificate. It was even laminated and is currently the main focus on our fridge.
I base this whole theory on that time I bailed her up in the classroom. It was about a project in the 4th term – only to find out that Cub knew about it 6 weeks earlier and ‘forgot’ to tell me until the night before. I had to apologise profusely and get a reprieve for him.
And then, there was the occasion, when she kindly informed me that I could go and get Cub from the classroom because, “They were just playing games”. Actually that was the last day of the 4th term (just before the Christmas holidays) so for that she is forgiven.
Currently, she allows him to leave the classroom 5 minutes before the bell, because, according to Pup, “She probably knows I’m there”. That’s all good and well, but what if I’m not?
Other than that, she does not like to make eye contact with adults. Not that I blame her – but I do know how to behave in public.
I think she may have decided to pacify me by nominating him for the Principal’s Award. But because this is not about me, she might have actually done something decent by finally acknowledging his existence in her classroom.
Regardless of her reasoning, I am extremely proud of Cub and his certificate. It was even laminated and is currently the main focus on our fridge.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Parent-Teacher Interviews 2009 (Part 1/3)
I was cordially invited to Foal’s Year 1 'Parent-Teacher thing' on Tuesday and because I am a good, caring mum I decided to accept. Actually, I accept every single term that I am invited. But that’s beside the point.
I was full of doubts though, especially with Foal. He’s normally a well-behaved student at school, but then again, aren’t they all? It’s only at home they show their monster side!
Last Thursday night, I wanted to pack my bags and leave home. It started at 6:30 in the morning, with “The 3” acting like feral children. It’s happened to us a few times along the Parenthood Path, so you’d think I’d know better by now. But I honestly thought they had outgrown that phase. Thursday ended with “The 3” in bed by 7:30 pm and me still not liking them.
Needless to say, I am still here. One day they will leave home.
Back to Foal’s P/T thing. My doubts were more of how I should behave.
Should I try, desperately, to keep a straight face whilst his (clearly misguided) teacher blatantly lies to my face about the perfect child we have produced? Or should I just laugh insanely until the school finally calls the people who have the power over straight jackets and padded rooms?
I have to admit that I would love the second option – but that would only help me for a few hours. And so, I chose to do the first.
It turns out that he’s always well behaved, obedient, helpful and, believe it or not, actually quite clever. When I asked her if she was sure we were talking about my Foal, she did look at me funny. My thinking was: maybe there is more than one in the class? The answer to that is (sadly for me) no. In fact he's the only one with that name but now his teacher thinks I don’t know my child.
I was full of doubts though, especially with Foal. He’s normally a well-behaved student at school, but then again, aren’t they all? It’s only at home they show their monster side!
Last Thursday night, I wanted to pack my bags and leave home. It started at 6:30 in the morning, with “The 3” acting like feral children. It’s happened to us a few times along the Parenthood Path, so you’d think I’d know better by now. But I honestly thought they had outgrown that phase. Thursday ended with “The 3” in bed by 7:30 pm and me still not liking them.
Needless to say, I am still here. One day they will leave home.
Back to Foal’s P/T thing. My doubts were more of how I should behave.
Should I try, desperately, to keep a straight face whilst his (clearly misguided) teacher blatantly lies to my face about the perfect child we have produced? Or should I just laugh insanely until the school finally calls the people who have the power over straight jackets and padded rooms?
I have to admit that I would love the second option – but that would only help me for a few hours. And so, I chose to do the first.
It turns out that he’s always well behaved, obedient, helpful and, believe it or not, actually quite clever. When I asked her if she was sure we were talking about my Foal, she did look at me funny. My thinking was: maybe there is more than one in the class? The answer to that is (sadly for me) no. In fact he's the only one with that name but now his teacher thinks I don’t know my child.
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Blast From A Past
Wow! What an interesting week! I thought last week’s bit of clean up would unearth some treasures or at least some hidden secrets… But no! I was clearly - Oh so clearly - wrong! All the hidden treasures and secrets are in the shed! And I had to wait until this week for them to surface!
For the uninitiated, the shed is Dad’s domain. You know, where he hides all his stuff… Or, at least, the stuff he thinks is important until the partner suddenly declares, “It’s clean up time!” Suddenly, Dad’s tactics kicked in – Must Hide That. One Last Look At It. And OH! My personal favourite – The Diversion Tactic – Look what I found! (Don't forget to be proud of the discovery)
My old Walkman turned up! Who even remembers the classic cassette tape Walkman? I thought we’d thrown that away years ago but dear Dad claimed it as his. When I challenged him on ownership though, he could not remember when and why he first received it. Not to sound too smug but I did! He also couldn’t remember how to open it but I did…
---Memory Begins --
It was my Christmas present the year my mom died (10 October 1990). We had gone away because a very dear family friend, Elaine, had decided that we should not be left to wallow in misery. And so, she invited us to Irene’s place for the holiday. (Irene was her daughter by marriage – long story and probably not for now)
I woke up on Christmas morning, not really expecting anything from Santa (or Father Christmas as we called him), but I do remember being more concerned about whether he had remembered my younger brother and sister. I have absolutely no idea what Santa gave them but I had my very own Walkman! Complete with a cassette and batteries that lasted about an hour. From what I was told, Elaine bought the Walkman and listened to it on her long drive to Irene’s. That explained the bonus cassette and almost flat batteries. To give her full credit, she HAD bought more batteries and let me keep the cassette tape, as “the beginning to my collection”.
-- Memory Ends--
Dad had used the Walkman on train trips to work and back – which explained the ownership claim – but when it stopped functioning, we bought him a Diskman for a birthday pressie. Now who remembers the Diskman? (It played CD’s instead of cassette tapes) Guess what else Dad found in the shed! The blasted Diskman too! Again – I thought it was long gone!
We decided to test both and, unfortunately, the Walkman still does not work. The Diskman does though, so I guess I’m stuck with that one for another few years.
We let the boys have a go at inserting cassette tapes and CD’s just for the experience and Foal’s response was, “Oh! That’s from the olden days!”
I can’t wait until his kids say that to him about DVD’s, MP3’s and IPODS.
PS Today’s state election (QLD) – Cub was the only one interested enough to come with me to vote. Obviously he can't vote yet but I can. I let him put my Ballot Paper in the box and he was so proud!
For the uninitiated, the shed is Dad’s domain. You know, where he hides all his stuff… Or, at least, the stuff he thinks is important until the partner suddenly declares, “It’s clean up time!” Suddenly, Dad’s tactics kicked in – Must Hide That. One Last Look At It. And OH! My personal favourite – The Diversion Tactic – Look what I found! (Don't forget to be proud of the discovery)
My old Walkman turned up! Who even remembers the classic cassette tape Walkman? I thought we’d thrown that away years ago but dear Dad claimed it as his. When I challenged him on ownership though, he could not remember when and why he first received it. Not to sound too smug but I did! He also couldn’t remember how to open it but I did…
---Memory Begins --
It was my Christmas present the year my mom died (10 October 1990). We had gone away because a very dear family friend, Elaine, had decided that we should not be left to wallow in misery. And so, she invited us to Irene’s place for the holiday. (Irene was her daughter by marriage – long story and probably not for now)
I woke up on Christmas morning, not really expecting anything from Santa (or Father Christmas as we called him), but I do remember being more concerned about whether he had remembered my younger brother and sister. I have absolutely no idea what Santa gave them but I had my very own Walkman! Complete with a cassette and batteries that lasted about an hour. From what I was told, Elaine bought the Walkman and listened to it on her long drive to Irene’s. That explained the bonus cassette and almost flat batteries. To give her full credit, she HAD bought more batteries and let me keep the cassette tape, as “the beginning to my collection”.
-- Memory Ends--
Dad had used the Walkman on train trips to work and back – which explained the ownership claim – but when it stopped functioning, we bought him a Diskman for a birthday pressie. Now who remembers the Diskman? (It played CD’s instead of cassette tapes) Guess what else Dad found in the shed! The blasted Diskman too! Again – I thought it was long gone!
We decided to test both and, unfortunately, the Walkman still does not work. The Diskman does though, so I guess I’m stuck with that one for another few years.
We let the boys have a go at inserting cassette tapes and CD’s just for the experience and Foal’s response was, “Oh! That’s from the olden days!”
I can’t wait until his kids say that to him about DVD’s, MP3’s and IPODS.
PS Today’s state election (QLD) – Cub was the only one interested enough to come with me to vote. Obviously he can't vote yet but I can. I let him put my Ballot Paper in the box and he was so proud!
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Achievements
This past week has been full of achievements. Mostly mine - but achievements nonetheless.
Last weekend, I actually let Pup leave the house without an adult escort. There, I said it and I actually did it! I’m proud of me but, to be perfectly honest, I stressed the whole time he was out of sight. In reality, he was probably only gone for about 40 minutes… You know, usual stuff like riding your bike around the streets…
I never had that. I went to school, came home and had to phone mom at work to let her know we were home. Immediately, and not negotiable. No walking the streets! I lived in a different country with different rules. But those old habits are hard to kill and not instill.
(To prevent confusion, “The Friend” is now Friend C and “Potential Friend” is now Friend J. All clear? No, not really but back to the story…)
The best way of putting it was that I was tricked into letting Friend C sleep over on Saturday night. I won’t go into details because then we’d be here forever, sufficed to say, I was not amused.
Friend J turned up on Saturday afternoon and the three decided that it would be fun to go get Friend C’s bike and then go to Friend J’s street, where apparently it is safer to ride. I felt brave and agreed. Friend C had to phone his mum to find out whether he could come home to pick up his bike! I kid you not – the phone call began with, “Hi Mum, it’s me. Can I come home to pick up my bike?” She finally consented. And then Friend J asked to phone home to find out whether his dad was home from work or not. His conversation started with, “Hey! Is this Mum?” Now, if I had answered the phone and was asked that, I would have replied with, “No, Mum can’t come to the phone right now, she’s left the country.” Perfect opportunity to play with their mind, but maybe that’s just my sick sense of humour. The end result was now they had the “All clear” and they left. This was when I started the stressing.
Fortunately, I have a clear view of most of the street they need to go down from one of our bedroom windows. So have a wild guess where I stood until they were out of sight.
After school on Monday, Friend J hightailed it here in the pouring rain, and Friend C followed shortly after.
On Tuesday, Friend J arrived here and they both left to go to Friend C’s house. Pup was supposed to be home by 5, and just as I was writing a text message to tell him to get his butt back home, I noticed that I had a message. It was from Pup, asking for 5 more minutes. I agreed and then took up the position at the window. I am so proud of him! He came home by himself! He also now knows about my vantage point, because I had to correct him on crossing the road. He’s asked me not to spy on him and I replied with the classic, “I do it because I care”. He was actually relieved though, because he didn’t go the way we normally walk because there were 2 older males walking towards him from that direction and didn’t feel comfortable heading their way. I figured that was fair because I saw them too and was again, proud of his judgment. My baby is growing up!
On Wednesday, Dad and I finally went bed shopping because we desperately needed them. We had compared all the catalogues and websites and we ended up with new beds and mattresses all round. It was really good value too because we spent almost the same amount on each of us.
On Thursday, the first delivery arrived, and we got to play, “Bed Building”. And begin my all time favourite, “Clean Up”.
On Friday, my ‘Unofficial Transcript’ from Uni finally read, “Admitted to Award” and I could register for Graduation. Since then, I’ve amused myself with the thought that I am now a Bachelor. Not too bad, considering I’m an ‘old’ married women with 3 sons.
On Saturday (today) the boys’ mattresses arrived and we got to finish playing “Bed Building”. Pup is still working on his version of “Clean Up” but he has until Monday to sort out the mess in his room. Then it’s my turn… Hee hee hee…
Last weekend, I actually let Pup leave the house without an adult escort. There, I said it and I actually did it! I’m proud of me but, to be perfectly honest, I stressed the whole time he was out of sight. In reality, he was probably only gone for about 40 minutes… You know, usual stuff like riding your bike around the streets…
I never had that. I went to school, came home and had to phone mom at work to let her know we were home. Immediately, and not negotiable. No walking the streets! I lived in a different country with different rules. But those old habits are hard to kill and not instill.
(To prevent confusion, “The Friend” is now Friend C and “Potential Friend” is now Friend J. All clear? No, not really but back to the story…)
The best way of putting it was that I was tricked into letting Friend C sleep over on Saturday night. I won’t go into details because then we’d be here forever, sufficed to say, I was not amused.
Friend J turned up on Saturday afternoon and the three decided that it would be fun to go get Friend C’s bike and then go to Friend J’s street, where apparently it is safer to ride. I felt brave and agreed. Friend C had to phone his mum to find out whether he could come home to pick up his bike! I kid you not – the phone call began with, “Hi Mum, it’s me. Can I come home to pick up my bike?” She finally consented. And then Friend J asked to phone home to find out whether his dad was home from work or not. His conversation started with, “Hey! Is this Mum?” Now, if I had answered the phone and was asked that, I would have replied with, “No, Mum can’t come to the phone right now, she’s left the country.” Perfect opportunity to play with their mind, but maybe that’s just my sick sense of humour. The end result was now they had the “All clear” and they left. This was when I started the stressing.
Fortunately, I have a clear view of most of the street they need to go down from one of our bedroom windows. So have a wild guess where I stood until they were out of sight.
After school on Monday, Friend J hightailed it here in the pouring rain, and Friend C followed shortly after.
On Tuesday, Friend J arrived here and they both left to go to Friend C’s house. Pup was supposed to be home by 5, and just as I was writing a text message to tell him to get his butt back home, I noticed that I had a message. It was from Pup, asking for 5 more minutes. I agreed and then took up the position at the window. I am so proud of him! He came home by himself! He also now knows about my vantage point, because I had to correct him on crossing the road. He’s asked me not to spy on him and I replied with the classic, “I do it because I care”. He was actually relieved though, because he didn’t go the way we normally walk because there were 2 older males walking towards him from that direction and didn’t feel comfortable heading their way. I figured that was fair because I saw them too and was again, proud of his judgment. My baby is growing up!
On Wednesday, Dad and I finally went bed shopping because we desperately needed them. We had compared all the catalogues and websites and we ended up with new beds and mattresses all round. It was really good value too because we spent almost the same amount on each of us.
On Thursday, the first delivery arrived, and we got to play, “Bed Building”. And begin my all time favourite, “Clean Up”.
On Friday, my ‘Unofficial Transcript’ from Uni finally read, “Admitted to Award” and I could register for Graduation. Since then, I’ve amused myself with the thought that I am now a Bachelor. Not too bad, considering I’m an ‘old’ married women with 3 sons.
On Saturday (today) the boys’ mattresses arrived and we got to finish playing “Bed Building”. Pup is still working on his version of “Clean Up” but he has until Monday to sort out the mess in his room. Then it’s my turn… Hee hee hee…
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Learning
How much fun is it learning to read? Actually it would be a lot more fun if Foal didn’t insist on arguing the point with me on each and every word. I am not illiterate and reading is high on my list of hobbies – but when I have to try and prove the word’s existence to a 6 year old, I must admit that I do have my doubts. Surely words haven’t changed that much! I shouldn’t really be surprised though because when we (read His Supposed Know-All) were learning to count, he’d invariably skip the number he knew before. For example: 1, 2, 3. This became 1, 2, 4 and so on. The frustration continues now with words…
Pup seems to have sorted out his ‘friendship issues’ for now. He had a chat with the "friend" and also mentioned some of it to his mum when she picked them up from school. I suggested that bit because that way the “friend” couldn’t weasel out of it and she couldn’t have her rose-coloured blinkers on. It might look as though I was being a coward by leaving him with the problem but I have to learn to let Pup learn how to fight his own battles – mum can’t always go rushing in with tongue blazing, no matter how much I want to. So long as he also learns (and remembers) that we are there for him.
Cub has been floating by and sometimes, I think he may feel a bit neglected because he is the ‘middle child’ and therefore could possibly suffer with “Middle Child Syndrome”. He’s a very smart and active young man. His only issue is that he makes friends and then they move schools. It’s happened to him twice and that has inhibited him socially. He lost the interest in making new friends because, “It hurts too much when they go”. He managed to join a group towards the end of last year but wouldn’t talk much about them – just called them, “My Friends”. This year, he is in the same class as most of them but with an added bonus. He’s also known as the new kid. Fingers crossed that he hangs around for a bit longer than a few months and Cub can learn what it feels like to be and have a friend.
Pup seems to have sorted out his ‘friendship issues’ for now. He had a chat with the "friend" and also mentioned some of it to his mum when she picked them up from school. I suggested that bit because that way the “friend” couldn’t weasel out of it and she couldn’t have her rose-coloured blinkers on. It might look as though I was being a coward by leaving him with the problem but I have to learn to let Pup learn how to fight his own battles – mum can’t always go rushing in with tongue blazing, no matter how much I want to. So long as he also learns (and remembers) that we are there for him.
Cub has been floating by and sometimes, I think he may feel a bit neglected because he is the ‘middle child’ and therefore could possibly suffer with “Middle Child Syndrome”. He’s a very smart and active young man. His only issue is that he makes friends and then they move schools. It’s happened to him twice and that has inhibited him socially. He lost the interest in making new friends because, “It hurts too much when they go”. He managed to join a group towards the end of last year but wouldn’t talk much about them – just called them, “My Friends”. This year, he is in the same class as most of them but with an added bonus. He’s also known as the new kid. Fingers crossed that he hangs around for a bit longer than a few months and Cub can learn what it feels like to be and have a friend.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
The Simple Truth is: That Friends Come and Go
Funny how life can be sometimes. Just when you think you have it figured out, something pops up to remind you just how much you still have to learn. And no matter how hard you try, you simply cannot protect your children from everything.
When Pup was born, I promised him that I would never let anything happen to him. Obviously that isn’t true or even remotely possible because he has his own lessons to learn. The first time I figured that out was when he started primary school. The second time, the lesson was reinforced by that “Finding Nemo” movie. Obviously I am still yet to learn this lesson because it simply has not sunk in.
For reasons of her own, I’ve long suspected that GA has ‘strongly encouraged’ the friendship between the boys. We changed primary schools when they were in Year 2 and she followed.
According to his mum, if he didn’t go to the same high school as Pup, he simply wouldn’t attend.
According to his mum, he is always so desperate to come to our place (including Christmas Day).
According to his mum, he has thoughts that are far beyond his capabilities.
I write this with pure honesty because the boy does have problems with learning, co-ordination and memory. This obviously does not include the stuff he is interested in. But as a mum of 3 boys, I thought that was simply a male trait. Although, I must confess I have the same problem…maybe it’s contagious!
Now the high school era has started and there are more fish in the pond, her son seems to be trying his very best to meet them all. I guess I should be proud that he is actually trying his best at something, but I’m more disappointed with his attitude. The nicest way of putting it is that along the way, he is distancing himself from Pup. The truth is though, that he is not doing it in a ‘nice’ way. I won’t go into details because I will be here forever but suffice to say that Pup is feeling hurt, betrayed and confused. We’ve had few chats, and let him know that we, Nana and Pops are here for him.
The upside is that one of the ‘fish’ live up the road from ‘The Friend’ and has visited there a few times. With GA’s encouragement, they walked to our place, so now the new ‘Potential Friend’ knows where we live. I told Pup to let him know he is welcome to visit here too. He did, and I was really looking forward to today for two reasons. First, I want to tackle ‘The Friend’ on some ‘issues’ – mainly that bullying is not acceptable! I feel I have that right because I have known him for so long, and if his mum doesn’t deal with it either through ignorance or blinkers then I will. And second, I wanted to know whether ‘Potential Friend’ would turn up solo or not.
Final result? ‘Potential Friend’ turned up solo. And stayed all day! Seems very polite, makes eye contact when talking but didn’t want lunch. I have a problem with that because kids (people) need to eat. We have an ‘Open Cupboard’ policy, where you can eat what’s in the fridge or cupboard but when it’s gone – too bad! I did tell him that but he didn’t feel comfortable or ready to check them out until it was almost time for him to go home (he has to be home by 5).
Nana and Pops gave us some frozen mango (I love mango but don’t buy them because they cost too much – I have expensive taste). I defrosted some and offered them around. He declined at first but then admitted he had never tried one. I replied, “Probably because they cost more than they are worth, I don’t buy them. Have a taste” To his credit, he did and now likes mango! (Sorry to his mum who might now have a request for mangoes on the shopping list)
I'm ready to let go of my friendship with GA but is Pup? With love and support he might be...
Take care,
C
PS – I don’t like the word ‘nice’ it is too easy to use and covers far too many other better words.
When Pup was born, I promised him that I would never let anything happen to him. Obviously that isn’t true or even remotely possible because he has his own lessons to learn. The first time I figured that out was when he started primary school. The second time, the lesson was reinforced by that “Finding Nemo” movie. Obviously I am still yet to learn this lesson because it simply has not sunk in.
For reasons of her own, I’ve long suspected that GA has ‘strongly encouraged’ the friendship between the boys. We changed primary schools when they were in Year 2 and she followed.
According to his mum, if he didn’t go to the same high school as Pup, he simply wouldn’t attend.
According to his mum, he is always so desperate to come to our place (including Christmas Day).
According to his mum, he has thoughts that are far beyond his capabilities.
I write this with pure honesty because the boy does have problems with learning, co-ordination and memory. This obviously does not include the stuff he is interested in. But as a mum of 3 boys, I thought that was simply a male trait. Although, I must confess I have the same problem…maybe it’s contagious!
Now the high school era has started and there are more fish in the pond, her son seems to be trying his very best to meet them all. I guess I should be proud that he is actually trying his best at something, but I’m more disappointed with his attitude. The nicest way of putting it is that along the way, he is distancing himself from Pup. The truth is though, that he is not doing it in a ‘nice’ way. I won’t go into details because I will be here forever but suffice to say that Pup is feeling hurt, betrayed and confused. We’ve had few chats, and let him know that we, Nana and Pops are here for him.
The upside is that one of the ‘fish’ live up the road from ‘The Friend’ and has visited there a few times. With GA’s encouragement, they walked to our place, so now the new ‘Potential Friend’ knows where we live. I told Pup to let him know he is welcome to visit here too. He did, and I was really looking forward to today for two reasons. First, I want to tackle ‘The Friend’ on some ‘issues’ – mainly that bullying is not acceptable! I feel I have that right because I have known him for so long, and if his mum doesn’t deal with it either through ignorance or blinkers then I will. And second, I wanted to know whether ‘Potential Friend’ would turn up solo or not.
Final result? ‘Potential Friend’ turned up solo. And stayed all day! Seems very polite, makes eye contact when talking but didn’t want lunch. I have a problem with that because kids (people) need to eat. We have an ‘Open Cupboard’ policy, where you can eat what’s in the fridge or cupboard but when it’s gone – too bad! I did tell him that but he didn’t feel comfortable or ready to check them out until it was almost time for him to go home (he has to be home by 5).
Nana and Pops gave us some frozen mango (I love mango but don’t buy them because they cost too much – I have expensive taste). I defrosted some and offered them around. He declined at first but then admitted he had never tried one. I replied, “Probably because they cost more than they are worth, I don’t buy them. Have a taste” To his credit, he did and now likes mango! (Sorry to his mum who might now have a request for mangoes on the shopping list)
I'm ready to let go of my friendship with GA but is Pup? With love and support he might be...
Take care,
C
PS – I don’t like the word ‘nice’ it is too easy to use and covers far too many other better words.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
What is it about blogs and their appeal?
Is it because you can read someone else’s thoughts behind the illusion of anonymity, or is it something more?
Maybe it’s an attempt to connect with other people, looking for support or advice from someone in a similar situation. That way, maybe, you don’t feel so alone, isolated or unique…
How many of us know the names of our neighbours and actually know a bit about their life stories?
A few months back, we received a letter in the mail that quite clearly belonged to the ‘new’ next-door neighbour. Being the ‘good neighbour’ that I am, I thought I’d just wander over and pop it in their mailbox… And so I did…
Just a quick background note – I almost never go outside barefoot and without the morning shower. But on this day I did both! I am also pretty much a recluse…
And so! Imagine my surprise, when I was tiptoeing over the grass to the mailbox to suddenly hear from the new neighbour (in his shed), “Where are your shoes?” I was mortified and immediately apologized, explaining I was from next door, and was just returning his mail…
Then he recognized me – And started talking! I was out in the sun, unshowered and barefoot for one hour and twenty minutes! (Anyone who knows me thinks this is funny) But this man was so clearly desperate to talk to someone, that well-mannered girl that I am, I simply had to oblige…
My rescuer in this situation was, of course, my hubby! He came home and was equally stunned to see me standing, barefoot, next door having a chat! He joined in the conversation and I was able to leave and go take that shower! (and put shoes on)
In the light of recent Australian events, my thought now is - 'We teach our children not to talk to strangers but when should they be told it’s OK now?'
Maybe it’s an attempt to connect with other people, looking for support or advice from someone in a similar situation. That way, maybe, you don’t feel so alone, isolated or unique…
How many of us know the names of our neighbours and actually know a bit about their life stories?
A few months back, we received a letter in the mail that quite clearly belonged to the ‘new’ next-door neighbour. Being the ‘good neighbour’ that I am, I thought I’d just wander over and pop it in their mailbox… And so I did…
Just a quick background note – I almost never go outside barefoot and without the morning shower. But on this day I did both! I am also pretty much a recluse…
And so! Imagine my surprise, when I was tiptoeing over the grass to the mailbox to suddenly hear from the new neighbour (in his shed), “Where are your shoes?” I was mortified and immediately apologized, explaining I was from next door, and was just returning his mail…
Then he recognized me – And started talking! I was out in the sun, unshowered and barefoot for one hour and twenty minutes! (Anyone who knows me thinks this is funny) But this man was so clearly desperate to talk to someone, that well-mannered girl that I am, I simply had to oblige…
My rescuer in this situation was, of course, my hubby! He came home and was equally stunned to see me standing, barefoot, next door having a chat! He joined in the conversation and I was able to leave and go take that shower! (and put shoes on)
In the light of recent Australian events, my thought now is - 'We teach our children not to talk to strangers but when should they be told it’s OK now?'
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Another week
In no particular order, the highlights include:
- Zimbabwe has a new Prime Minister
- Australian has experience both massive floods and bushfires
- Bought a mobile phone for eldest son
- Decided on new nicknames for the boys
Let’s work backwards, shall we? Starting with new names for the boys… Their initials sound a little bit clinical and don’t really reflect their personalities, so based on the Chinese calendar, I have decided that on this blog they will now known as:
D. Pup, (Rat – definitely better than Kitten)
J. Cub, (Tiger) and
S. Foal (Horse)
Wish me luck remembering who is who!!!
We finally succumbed to ‘peer pressure’ from ‘Good Authority’ (GA) and bought Pup a mobile phone. That alone was a saga! Do you have the time? Oh all right then…
GA lives up the road from us – seriously 8 minutes walk… Her son and mine happen to be “Best Friends” and have been since Year 1. I have various thoughts about GA but at the end of the day she is still a friend of mine – so please don’t get me wrong when I whinge about her… She seems to think because they are both now in ‘high school’ they need to grow up. And Fast! I have to wonder about the rush though – they are both 12 years old and live in Australia…
Back to the phone…
Buying the phone is the easy bit but have you actually tried to activate it? You can activate said product either via phone (Read: Talking to a really helpful person from another country who has absolutely no idea what you are saying and then wants to argue the point with you) or via Internet. Guess which option I chose! Internet Activation – Easy!
You’d think it was the easy choice but - No! It was almost as painful and tedious as the phone call! Who knew that that the Internet choice would be so difficult! I did not consider myself to be a computer illiterate person before this experience but now I have to confess, I did have a moment of doubt!
OK - Moment of doubt has now gone!
Back to more serious stuff…
The flooding in Northern Queensland and the bushfires in Victoria are both examples of the extremes in this country. It is truly heartbreaking to read and hear of the devastation in both areas. I have no profound words to express the total despair the people involved must feel. Actually, I am not even going to try, except to say that my heart goes out to them and that they are in my thoughts. (It really does make you appreciate what you do have.)
Finally, just a message to the new PM in Zimbabwe. Good luck mate! Please do everything in your power to do the things you said you would. I look forward to reading about your progress in rebuilding the country. I don’t think it will be easy because even though you say President Mugabe “is not the obstacle” you are facing, it is fairly certain that he will do absolutely everything to hinder you. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/14/mugabe-tsvangirai-zimbabwe viewed 14/02/09)
I have no idea on how to do it but I’d suggest starting with the basic necessities – food, water and proper money. A full belly will probably endear you to the majority of the starving… And then, maybe, you will have their support… A bit idealistic, I know but this subject deserves a post all by itself. Obviously, I have more thoughts but this post is getting a bit long, so till then,
Take care,
C
Friday, 6 February 2009
A Bit Of My story (so far)
I have had a very interesting week. Actually, it was a very emotional week where the negatives have so far out weighed the positives. I wrote them down along the way and tried desperately to find the appropriate opposite, simply to balance them out in my mind but as you can see there was no success:
Negative:
Uncertain
Chaos
Nervous
Worried
Tired
Anxious
Stressed
Negative:
Uncertain
Chaos
Nervous
Worried
Tired
Anxious
Stressed
Positive:
Excited
Eager
Happy
Relieved
Anticipation
I may or may have not mentioned that I am almost at the end of the degree and this is (hopefully) my last subject, but I am pretty sure that I have not mentioned that this is a group project. Because I knew this course was a required thing for the degree, I intentionally did a “group project” a couple of semesters ago. The main reason was to see how I (personally) would work in a ‘group environment’. It turned out that I am a team player and we did very well…
So, now I am all set for this two-semester group project in 2008 then! Yeah, right!!! The powers in play had totally different plans for me. Towards the end of 2007, I somehow hurt my neck and suffered massive pain. My personal opinion, now, was that it was initially a pinched nerve and it got worse with muscles tightening but I’m not a doctor and nobody ever asked me my opinion, and of course, hindsight is always beautiful.
I am not a ‘drama queen’ – actually I can be but not when it comes to medical stuff – I distrust/dislike/hate that whole system when it involves me personally. More than happy for them ‘med dudes’ to try their stuff out on my boys but I do have the need to google it first… Thanks to the powers in control that my boys are all healthy!!!
Anyway, I finally ended up with a visit to the doctor (resulting in a needle for pain, a prescription for some seriously ‘nasty’ pain medications and a referral to a Physio). And so, decent patient that I am, agreed to all these requests, although I was highly, ‘disinclined to acquiesce to their request’ (courtesy of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie).
None of that helped until I ended up at a remedial massage therapist. She helped to fix me up more than all the other methods and I owe her a huge debt of gratitude! The pain has gone and most of my mobility has returned. My only loss has been of sensation and numbness down the right hand side of my left hand (forefinger tip for those interested). Makes for interesting typing though… Anyway this is now getting a little bit long so for now, the rest of that saga will have to wait (I fondly call it ‘my head smashing incident’)
Back to this week and pay attention now because this bit is important!
The most recent bit includes me actually scaring myself stupid! Of course, it involves Uni and the fact that there is now only one more Friday to go. For the uninitiated, Uni chooses a Friday for submitting stuff.
Anyway, last night (Thursday) as I was floating along, trying my best to get everything done, not harming any small (or big), annoying children and generally minding my own business cooking dinner when it suddenly hit me! An assignment or something equally important was due on Friday!
This was largely in part to a comment one of my group members made earlier in the week. Talk about a delayed reaction! I had been so sidetracked with why my stupid formula for the ‘required’ timesheet wasn’t working that I completely forgot about our ‘personal’ individual reports that we were supposed to submit separately today!!!
The end result is my stupid individual report is complete and submitted. But thank goodness for little comments that finally resurface when needed… Thanks D – you know who you are!
Take care
C
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Back into Routine!
Well, we have successfully survived the first week back at school! Yay us! We slipped back into our well-practiced morning routine as if it were yesterday and not weeks ago! The only difference was D had a different uniform.
Our plan was to drop J and S off first because we know the school and it would be easier to find their classrooms and drop off them and book packs. We were then going to pop over to the high school and sort out D. Note I said that was our plan but, of course, it didn’t work out that way. We arrived at the primary school to discover that they too had slipped back into their morning routine too! In other words – everyone must wait in the undercover area until the first bell rings at 8:40! The first day back – really!!! I was not amused! I suggested to Dad that he take D to the high school and I would sort out the other two. (Note to self – always have a back up plan!)
While we waited I began to notice that some of the kids (and parents) were arriving in the undercover area, leaving and not returning… Being a curious person, I decided we needed to investigate, so off we trekked again. By now I am carrying both book packs and my fingers are no longer talking to me – except to hint at mutiny!
We arrived at the Year 1 room to discover it was open and the teachers were present! Yay again! Now, it has been a while since I’ve done the Year 1 thing but I did think I was immune to emotions! That sneaky teacher, though, had other plans for us veterans though! Under each child’s nametag was a small bag with a tissue, a teabag and a note that reads,
And that’s when S started to cry! (And no - I hadn’t read that to him.)
Fortunately that first bell rang, so I HAD to leave because I still needed to get J to his classroom… Well, at least, that’s what I told S anyway…
On the way to the Year 5 room, J mentioned that he was feeling a bit nervous. J doesn’t tend to feel nervous, so that was not something I expected to hear from him. Being the good mum I am, I reassured him that he would be fine as he had the same teacher from last year and most of the kids would be the same. We arrived at his room and deposited his book pack (fingers immediately felt better) and we said goodbye. I was good and didn’t embarrass him by giving him a huge hug in front of his class mates – told you I was a good mum!
I left the school grounds, holding my little bag, and waited for Dad to come back. I was so proud of D. Apparently Dad took him to the high school and D told him that he would take it from there – he would sort himself out! And he did!!!
All 3 enjoyed their day and were full of news, excitement and homework!!!
Our plan was to drop J and S off first because we know the school and it would be easier to find their classrooms and drop off them and book packs. We were then going to pop over to the high school and sort out D. Note I said that was our plan but, of course, it didn’t work out that way. We arrived at the primary school to discover that they too had slipped back into their morning routine too! In other words – everyone must wait in the undercover area until the first bell rings at 8:40! The first day back – really!!! I was not amused! I suggested to Dad that he take D to the high school and I would sort out the other two. (Note to self – always have a back up plan!)
While we waited I began to notice that some of the kids (and parents) were arriving in the undercover area, leaving and not returning… Being a curious person, I decided we needed to investigate, so off we trekked again. By now I am carrying both book packs and my fingers are no longer talking to me – except to hint at mutiny!
We arrived at the Year 1 room to discover it was open and the teachers were present! Yay again! Now, it has been a while since I’ve done the Year 1 thing but I did think I was immune to emotions! That sneaky teacher, though, had other plans for us veterans though! Under each child’s nametag was a small bag with a tissue, a teabag and a note that reads,
“Thank you for leaving your child in my care
I promise we’ll have lots of fun.
It’s ok to feel sad, or perhaps even glad
Your little one’s started Grade one!
Use the tissue if needed
Enjoy a cuppa or two
Please come back at three, and
I’ll return your loved one to you!”
And that’s when S started to cry! (And no - I hadn’t read that to him.)
Fortunately that first bell rang, so I HAD to leave because I still needed to get J to his classroom… Well, at least, that’s what I told S anyway…
On the way to the Year 5 room, J mentioned that he was feeling a bit nervous. J doesn’t tend to feel nervous, so that was not something I expected to hear from him. Being the good mum I am, I reassured him that he would be fine as he had the same teacher from last year and most of the kids would be the same. We arrived at his room and deposited his book pack (fingers immediately felt better) and we said goodbye. I was good and didn’t embarrass him by giving him a huge hug in front of his class mates – told you I was a good mum!
I left the school grounds, holding my little bag, and waited for Dad to come back. I was so proud of D. Apparently Dad took him to the high school and D told him that he would take it from there – he would sort himself out! And he did!!!
All 3 enjoyed their day and were full of news, excitement and homework!!!
Saturday, 24 January 2009
High School
High School - Like/Love/Detest/Hate???
My blog so I'll start - Generally, I hated high school!!! The classes, the subjects, the social groups and some of the teachers... Don't get me wrong - I went to a brilliant high school - in fact one of the best! (My parents chose well - Thank you)
I hated:
Good luck my babe and remember we are still (and always will be) here for you
My blog so I'll start - Generally, I hated high school!!! The classes, the subjects, the social groups and some of the teachers... Don't get me wrong - I went to a brilliant high school - in fact one of the best! (My parents chose well - Thank you)
I hated:
- Having to sit through 2 sessions of 2 different languages and then a double session of Maths on a Monday. Seriously - who thought that schedule up and THEN thought it was good for my final 3 years in a row?!?! Sadist!!!
- Friday homework, due on Monday! Especially the 2 different languages and Maths.
- The daily stress of nearly missing the bus home and the equally sadistic bus driver who pretended he couldn't see you desperately waving him down (especially on a Friday)
- Phys Ed and the overweight teachers! (I couldn't do a double somersault over a trampoline but I would have paid good money to see them do it!)
- Some of the people I met...
- That weirdo Biology teacher who kept walking out the classroom mid-sentence and then we didn't see him until the next lesson where - he'd do it all again!
- The school bus that broke down regularly (Mondays were the best! Still messed with my schedule though... I used to do 'Language 1' homework on the bus, 'Language 2' during 'Language 1' and Math during 'Language 2'. No surprise that I was exhausted by Morning tea!)
- Some of the Maths I've actually had to use in real life - hard to believe but those Math teachers might not be lying!!!
- Those kids who locked the door on 'Language 2' teacher because she was late (her rule - she used to do it to us all the time)
- That guy who threw an egg at the Math teacher on our last day (And the Math teacher caught it and threw it back!!! Brilliant!)
- The Math teacher for my final year - that's when it all fell into place and finally made sense
- Completing Year 12 (Matric)
- Some of the people I met...
Good luck my babe and remember we are still (and always will be) here for you
Everyone is entitled to an opinion
Here's a few of mine...
I'm glad there is a new US President. Although the whole process was long and drawn out and, to be quite honest, I didn't really understand it all, I am happy with the result. If I was an American, I would have voted for Obama... I just hope he does everything he said he would... And more!!! (No pressure)
I will admit though, that I AM going to miss Mr Bush! He had so much entertainment value, didn't he? The way he mangled the English language was, and still is, always good for a laugh... My personal favourite? "There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."—Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002"
(http://www.slate.com/id/76886/pagenum/all/#p2) I still get tears in my eyes thinking about that one!!!
Someone I won't miss though, if they ever manage to remove him, is Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe. Did you know that there is now a Z$100 trillion note? Purely out of interest, I converted the Zim dollar into Aussie dollars... As of today's date, the SMALLEST amount that actually registered was Z$1,000,000.00 and, believe it or not, is only worth AU$0.05! That's correct folks! 5 Australian cents!!! There's a slight better result for the South African Rand - ZAR0.30
Now taking into account that US dollars are really the only accepted payment in Zimbabwe, it's mind-numbing to see that the same above amount is only worth USD$0.03! Quite obviously the monetary value is not even worth the paper it is printed on!!!
And don't get me started on the rest of the problems in the country!!! Cholera (but no functioning health system), food shortages, dysfunctional schools, crime... the tip of the iceberg but the list goes on. One wonders how people actually survive there...
Really does make you appreciate the little things in life! Safety, security, freedom, education, medical, food choices, technology and telecommunications really do get taken for granted - don't they?!?!
I'm glad there is a new US President. Although the whole process was long and drawn out and, to be quite honest, I didn't really understand it all, I am happy with the result. If I was an American, I would have voted for Obama... I just hope he does everything he said he would... And more!!! (No pressure)
I will admit though, that I AM going to miss Mr Bush! He had so much entertainment value, didn't he? The way he mangled the English language was, and still is, always good for a laugh... My personal favourite? "There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."—Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002"
(http://www.slate.com/id/76886/pagenum/all/#p2) I still get tears in my eyes thinking about that one!!!
Someone I won't miss though, if they ever manage to remove him, is Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe. Did you know that there is now a Z$100 trillion note? Purely out of interest, I converted the Zim dollar into Aussie dollars... As of today's date, the SMALLEST amount that actually registered was Z$1,000,000.00 and, believe it or not, is only worth AU$0.05! That's correct folks! 5 Australian cents!!! There's a slight better result for the South African Rand - ZAR0.30
Now taking into account that US dollars are really the only accepted payment in Zimbabwe, it's mind-numbing to see that the same above amount is only worth USD$0.03! Quite obviously the monetary value is not even worth the paper it is printed on!!!
And don't get me started on the rest of the problems in the country!!! Cholera (but no functioning health system), food shortages, dysfunctional schools, crime... the tip of the iceberg but the list goes on. One wonders how people actually survive there...
Really does make you appreciate the little things in life! Safety, security, freedom, education, medical, food choices, technology and telecommunications really do get taken for granted - don't they?!?!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Blog Beginning
Before we begin - This is an almost exact copy of something I posted a few days earlier somewhere else... Only to find out that where I posted it requires my friends and family to get the required account and then log in... I think that's not fair and it sucks! So now, we are here...
Well! I've had that other space for quite a while now - Nearly two years but who's counting - and I haven't actually done anything with it except to test stuff for Uni... Uni actually should be finished soon - only a few more weeks to go - about a month... If the lecturer actually bothers to mark anything...
This whole blog thing is a bit weird to me to be honest but you never know - it could serve as a moment in history - or at least mine anyway...
Belated welcome to 2009! It should be better than the last few - Don't they say wine gets better with age?!?! Our middle child has also noted that the years are moving quicker. Not bad when you are 10! And there - I thought it was just me?!?!
Our eldest is about to start high school - I have to buy his school uniform on Wednesday! I have it on "Good Authority" that it will cost at least $400.00! What "Good Authority" forgets is where I was born and bred!!! I have absolutely no intention of paying that... Don't get me wrong - I'm not a cheapskate but judging by the 'gold on show on one arm' of the person in question, "Good Authority" does like to show off! On the other hand, maybe cash in hand does pay?!? Doesn't matter I haven't got any anyway!!! All I know is, my boy will dressed and ready to go! At least he's smart, creative and artistic!!!
Our youngest is about to start Year 1 - Poor baby he's only just had a taste of what will be! Our local government in Ozzie decided to catch up with the rest of the country and get rid of pre-school (2 and a half days a week) and bring in Prep (5 days a week). In my opinion, Prep is much better for parents but they didn't ask me!!! Anyway he gets to start first year and the bonus is we already have most of his school stuff!!! Yay us!!!
Likewise our middle one! He already has most of his school clothing! The only things he needs is more socks - if only he could learn to put them on properly and not upside down... It may be a boy-thing I don't know...
Anyway, I would like to take this moment to wish all three of our boys, the very best of our love and support for their individual new beginnings. I would like to also wish everyone who reads this message blessings (or bleatings as I almost typed) for the new year!
Take care
C
Well! I've had that other space for quite a while now - Nearly two years but who's counting - and I haven't actually done anything with it except to test stuff for Uni... Uni actually should be finished soon - only a few more weeks to go - about a month... If the lecturer actually bothers to mark anything...
This whole blog thing is a bit weird to me to be honest but you never know - it could serve as a moment in history - or at least mine anyway...
Belated welcome to 2009! It should be better than the last few - Don't they say wine gets better with age?!?! Our middle child has also noted that the years are moving quicker. Not bad when you are 10! And there - I thought it was just me?!?!
Our eldest is about to start high school - I have to buy his school uniform on Wednesday! I have it on "Good Authority" that it will cost at least $400.00! What "Good Authority" forgets is where I was born and bred!!! I have absolutely no intention of paying that... Don't get me wrong - I'm not a cheapskate but judging by the 'gold on show on one arm' of the person in question, "Good Authority" does like to show off! On the other hand, maybe cash in hand does pay?!? Doesn't matter I haven't got any anyway!!! All I know is, my boy will dressed and ready to go! At least he's smart, creative and artistic!!!
Our youngest is about to start Year 1 - Poor baby he's only just had a taste of what will be! Our local government in Ozzie decided to catch up with the rest of the country and get rid of pre-school (2 and a half days a week) and bring in Prep (5 days a week). In my opinion, Prep is much better for parents but they didn't ask me!!! Anyway he gets to start first year and the bonus is we already have most of his school stuff!!! Yay us!!!
Likewise our middle one! He already has most of his school clothing! The only things he needs is more socks - if only he could learn to put them on properly and not upside down... It may be a boy-thing I don't know...
Anyway, I would like to take this moment to wish all three of our boys, the very best of our love and support for their individual new beginnings. I would like to also wish everyone who reads this message blessings (or bleatings as I almost typed) for the new year!
Take care
C
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