Thursday, October 22, 2009

I have been really slack with my blogging, but I can never resist these questionnaires.

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair.
2. What colour is your favourite hoodie?
I bought a silver Sportscraft jacket earlier this year. I was looking for a jacket for my mum to take overseas with her, and instead found something for myself.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
For sure, it was my eldest son. I give him a kiss everyday.

4. Do you plan outfits every day?
Depends what my plans are but generally no. It is whatever fits, is clean and ironed.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Tired and a little tense, my 2 year is very whingy and won't go to bed.

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
My pj's.

7. The last dream you remember having?
I don't get enough sleep to dream!

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Saleslady at Myers, had to go and pick up my new vacuum cleaner nozzle.

9. What are you craving right now?
Sleep and a bit of quiet time.

10. Do you floss?
No.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Bacon. My mum always made a really nice cabbage dish that had bacon in it.

12. Are you emotional?
Yes, often.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Not that I can remember.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
If its in a cone I like it, otherwise I just shovel it in.

15. Do you like your hair?
No, it never co-operates.

16. Do you like yourself?
Not really.

17. Would you go out to eat with George Bush?
Sure, if he asked and he was paying.

18. What are you listening to right now?
The tv and the dishwasher.

19. Are your parents strict?
My father was when I was living at home.

20. Would you go sky diving?

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
No.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
No. Can think of a few that I'd like to run into though.

23. Do you rent movies often?
Never

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
No.

25. How many countries have you visited?
Sadly only 2.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
No.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes, most recently in Sydney to go to shopping and to the football. My fav. train trip was from Doncaster in the UK to Edinburgh in Scotland. I would love to do that trip again.

28. Brown or white eggs?
Either.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes although I often lose it.

30. Do you use chap stick?
Not often enough, usually when my lips have wind burn.

31. Do you own a gun?
No.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
No.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
My kids (who are all currently asleep).

34. Are you too forgiving?
Possibly

35. Ever been in love?
Yes.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
No idea.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes.

38. Last time you cried?
Most days, although not today.

39. What was the last question you asked?
I asked my daughter to get into bed and stay in bed?

40. Favorite time of the year?
Christmas.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Sometimes.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Is that a movie?

44. Ever walked into a wall?
Frequently

45. Favorite color?
Blue.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
No.

47. Is your hair curly?
Its wild.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
I just bought the New Moon soundtrack today.

49. Do looks matter?
Yes.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Depends on the circumstances.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
No.

52. Do you like your life right now?
There are a few things I would like to be different.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Have never had a TV in my bedroom.
No.
54. Can you handle the truth?
Sometimes it hurts.

55. Do you have good vision?
No.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
I could probably think of 3 I dislike a little.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Usually daily, although not for long because its too hard with small children. I ring my mother every day.

58. The last person you held hands with?
My daughter.

59. What are you wearing?
Pj's and a dressing gown.

60.What is your favorite animal?
German Shepherds. I am also quite fond of our chickens.

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
Mackay.

62. Can you hula hoop?
Haven't in a while.

63. Do you have a job?
Not one that pays well.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
My eldest son 2 t-shirts and 2 pairs of shorts.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Waiting Waiting Waiting

Yes, I know I am hopeless when it comes to blogging. I think about it all the time and have loads of posts that go through my head....I just need that technology where it goes straight from my head onto my blog. Although in times of stress can you imagine what those blog posts would read.....there would be too many expletives.
School holidays have started and I have a terrible head cold and am feeling very unlucky about that.
It is my goal to try and make the holidays enjoyable for the kids and not the usual me running around like a lunatic trying to get my house in order and keep on top of things. I wish I was more of a relaxed kind of person.
Currently something that is occupying my mind a lot is the new chapter of Jamie and Claire Fraser's adventures, An Echo in the Bone. It has now been released and I just can't wait for my copy to arrive on my doorstep.
Although then the trick will be to find time to read it, I can't afford to be up until 3am reading it like I was the last time, my sleep deprivation is bad enough as it is.
So for now I will just keep stalking my postman and am sure will be doing cartwheels when it finally arrives.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Thinking About Blogging

You know I often think about blogging in my daily life.  Every day I look at the blogs that I subscribe to and really enjoy going through them and seeing what is going on in other people's lives.  Mostly I subscribe to scrapbooking blogs.  There is one I love looking at because she makes gorgeous cards.  
I think about things I can write on my blog, things that may be of interest to others.  However, by the time I finally get to sit and night, I either can't really remember what it was I was thinking of posting, or I can't think of something interesting.
Terrible I know.
My day to day life just seems so busy.  Not with anything of particular interest.  The usual, getting the kids ready for school, cleaning, tidying, washing, ironing, preparing meals, and then tidying etc all over again.
I constantly think of the things I would like to do when I get time...I just never seem to get the time.
I have enjoyed reading in recent times.  I particularly loved the Twilight sage, so much so that I actually read the books twice.
Then I read the Charlaine Harris series about Sookie Stackhouse which I enjoyed.  I am enjoying even more the tv series based on the books, True Blood.  At bed time I sometimes take my Macbook to bed and watch an episode.  
I have just started a series of Nora Roberts books, they are set in Ireland, I haven't read too much but so far I am enjoying them.
I have quite a stockpile of books ready to read.  I love to read.  I really enjoy reading Alaine and Sheree's blogs with their fabulous book reviews.  A few of my purchases have been based on their recommendations.
I have some knitting that I have started that is taking way too long.  If I had audio books I would be able to listen and knit at the same time.  They are expensive though and my husband has strong views about pirating illegal copies of things like that.
The only other thing I do in my spare time is play on my Macbook, I love it and still am very excited by the fact that I have my very own.  I can put it on the kitchen bench when I am cooking dinner, and sometimes it is the only way I have to communicate with my friends.  There is no time to pick up the phone for a leisurely chat.  Usually when I attempt this it sends off some kind of radar to my kids and they will instantly be at my feet with all sorts of requests and noise.
I keep a handwritten journal beside my bed and I can't think of the last time I took the time to write something.
So whilst I have good intentions of keeping an updated blog, it seems to fall behind.
I will try and be more committed and spend time each week trying to put into words what is going on in our life.

Friday, June 5, 2009

A bit of R and R.

Well they say things happen in threes, and that is certainly the way our day has panned out.
1.  Flat battery in the car this morning;
2.  My eldest son pulling a boy out of a pool who couldn't get his head above the water;  and 
3.  Geoff got bitten by a possum.
I am sure in any given day you can think of 3 unlucky things that have happened.  Usually when something bad happens, I will always try and think of 2 other things.
So our day started with packing up all our gear in the car to travel up to Fraser Island for the long weekend.  It is now something we seem to do every year with Geoff's work partners and their families.  Usually we go in April but this year it was postponed until June.
Got the car all packed up, which takes quite an effort, and the car wouldn't start.  Just made a ridiculous clicking noise.  A brief moment of panic, and then I rang my baby bro who came over, suggested it was the battery, gave us a jump start and we were off.  We went into Maroochydore and purchased a new battery for the car.  As it still has its original battery we thought that was wise.  Nothing worse than getting stuck on a sand island with a dead battery.
The trip up was cruisy.  Not game to stop the car.   We were a little nervous on the barge because we had to turn the car off, but thankfully when we got over to the island the car started fine.
We unpacked and headed straight to the pool, the kids were very keen to get a swim in before it got too late.
They were having a great time.
I noticed a little boy swimming next to Joseph who seemed to be in trouble.  It was quite surreal really, it took a brief moment to realise that the poor boy couldn't get his mouth above the water and was really struggling to get his head above the water but was sinking further and further under the water.
I shouted out to my son who pulled the boy up from under the water and bought him over to me at the side of the pool.
The little fella was so limp and I couldn't get him to sit up, and as he was breathing he was making this awful gurgling sound.  Another mother had noticed from the other side of the pool and came over to give us some assistance.  He was not her son but she seemed to know who he was.  Must have belonged to some kind of group.
She was calling out to someone to come over, and a male came over, she told him to get his mother because he really wasn't good.
The mother and someone came and picked him up and went back over to their group where they had happily been enjoying a few drinks.
Not even a word of thanks.
I hope they went and got him checked out because if he didn't clear the water out of his lungs he could be in real trouble.
But what else could we do, we explained what had happened.  She was probably really embarrassed by the fact that she was not properly watching her son.
It was a reality check for me, that drowning really is very silent.  There were children, and some adults too, all around him and none of them noticed his struggle.
Back to the our room for baths and dinner.  The kids are so excited to be here.
We had pizzas and lasagne for dinner.
The kids have gone to bed late but fingers crossed they will sleep well.
I am about to get a nice hot shower and tuck myself into bed.
It would be nice if the children had a sleep in tomorrow, but I am sure they will be up early with the excitement.
I have told them they can start the day with a swim.  Such a treat when we no longer have a pool at home.
I didn't take the camera to the pool with me because Geoff didn't come with me, but the sunset was just amazing, so I am hoping there is something similar tomorrow.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

The End to a Busy Weekend

Well I finally have my feet up with a cup of tea and my treasured Macbook.  I have surfed around my usual sites that I check up on daily.  I am looking forward to the MTV Awards tomorrow night so that I can get a glimpse of the new trailer for New Moon.  I have just noticed that my New Moon widget does not seem to be counting down any more.
We have had a really busy weekend which is not the usual for us.  Certainly we are not often busy going out, just busy at home with the usual ritual.
We had the sleep over on Friday night which was a huge success.  I was so pleased as to how well behaved all the kids were.
I can feel that I have missed out on my dose of Daisys though.  Its my own personal therapy.
Saturday morning Geoff took the boys to rugby, and E because she loves going out.
T stayed home with me and we had a cruisy morning.  He watched a bit of tv and stayed in his pjs and I tidied and did some washing.
I went and got my hair cut and coloured.  I am trying a new style because it was so long I could get it cut with less layers.  I have had a similar style many years ago and I really just wanted a change.
Thank god all those greys are now hidden.  I was starting to look quite hideous.
I had briefly thought about giving up on the colouring, but after seeing myself in recent weeks I am certainly not ready to go grey just yet.
The boys then went to a friend's house to have a play.
Geoff and I just had our 2 y/o daughter for a couple of hours, but not really enough time to do anything.
We picked the boys up and then dropped them at my Mum's because she said she would have them for a sleep over.  Geoff and I went to the movies to see "Angels and Demons" which we both enjoyed.  Geoff really enjoyed the book.
With Ron Howard, Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor teaming up it really couldn't fail.
It always re-ignites my interest in learning about religious history.
Just need more hours in the day to fit in more reading.
Geoff and I came home and watched a bit of tv and just enjoyed the peace and quiet.  We would have gone out for dinner, but as friends were taking us to lunch today, we decided not to.
Heather and Merv took us out to the Boat Shed for a lovely Sunday lunch today.  They wanted to thank Geoff for some legal assistance he gave them, which was really nice of them.
Merv's sister Barbara is visiting from Victoria so she came with us, and very kindy offered to drive us all home.
The food was amazing.  I would give it five stars.  For entree I had crumbed whiting with a lime aoili with a strawberry salad.  Main I had eye fillet with potato rosti, fried onion rings, broccolini and a bernaise sauce.  It was perfect.
I then had an orange meringue dessert with pineapple.
There was plenty of wine consumed but I didn't feel too tipsy.  Just very very full.
Mum brought all the kids home and our peace was shattered.  
The kids are all tired from their big weekend, so they were in bed out to it quite early.
Geoff is off to Brisbane in the morning, so he will leave early and I am sure it will be a busy start to the day.
Once again my week is full of all sorts of things.  I crave a week with nothing to do and nowhere to go.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Another First

A friend once told me that as your children are no longer babies and get older you start to miss their "firsts" and start to have more "lasts" like the last time they sleep in the cot, or the last time they wear a nappy etc.  
But then sometimes you will come across another first.
My 8 year old son tonight had another first, the first time he had a friend to sleep over.  Not just any friend, his best friend.
He didn't know anything about it this morning when he went off to school.  I had offered the sleep over to his mother yesterday afternoon when she had quite a lot on her plate and not quite sure how she was going to manage everything she had to do.  I told her to think about it.  She is just like me when it comes to sleep overs and things like that and her son had not been for a sleep over with friends before either.
She rang me this morning and said that if it really was okay, then that would really help her out.
I met the boys at the pool this afternoon and my son was there with his friend, who had his bag all packed.  My son tried very hard to convince me that he didn't need to do his swimming lesson and we could just go straight home.
He was very keen to get his sleep over started.
It's is wonderful when you get to see your kids just jumping out of their skin with excitement.
Not only was my eldest son excited, but all of the kids were thrilled to be having an overnight guest.
They played wii, had pizza for dinner and watched the football.
They went to bed with very little fuss.
I am hoping they all sleep well tonight and don't wake TOO early in the morning, anything after 5am would be good.
So I'd better get myself off to bed so I am ready for the noisy start to the morning.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Daisy Retreat

I thought I had better post about my weekend, before I head off and tuck myself into bed.  I am sitting on the lounge with my feet up enjoying a lovely hot cuppa.  My husband managed to get his Airport Express up and running so that I can sit down this end of the house with my Macbook, true luxury  now.
I have had a wonderful weekend.  I managed to get to the Daisy Chain retreat at a reasonable hour this time, rather than my usual 8 or 9 o'clock night.  Geoff came home at lunch time so that I could load my stuff in his car, and then once the boys had finished their swimming lessons after school I drove to his office and swapped the kids with his car full of goodies.
Sue taught a class on Friday night, which I thought was so much better than having them on the Saturday.  I felt good because I had a completed layout on the first night.
I felt this retreat was the most relaxing one I had been to.  There were a few less ladies than normal so whether that was the difference or whether it was just the combination of ladies that were just really comfortable which each other.
I really treasure my two weekends a year where I have this time to myself with my best of friends.
Barbi truly is a gem for putting on these retreats, it takes up so much of her time and her energy to have them running so smoothly.
I wish that I had had internet connection because there are so many things I need advice from Jenny about.  Hopefully I will have that up and running for next Friday night.
I didn't sleep too well at this retreat, still being awake at 3am.  Lots of noises I felt at the hotel and  just wasn't as comfortable as I normally am.  I didn't get to have my 'nanna nap' on the Saturday afternoon and I felt that made a difference for me on the Sunday.
Getting the opportunity to sit and chat is as valuable to me as the layouts that I complete.
I have folded the washing, Geoff had even managed to do a load for me.  I have ironed the uniforms and made the lunches so I am not feeling as stressed as I normally would be on a Sunday night.  Geoff did keep the house quite tidy so that was a bonus too.
I may even try and go for my walk in the morning.  I really should go and get some fruit and vege, but after the amount of food I have eaten over the weekend I probably should make my walk a priority.
Well I am going to take my weary body and have a nice hot shower and tuck myself in for an early night, even though that still sometimes means reading for an hour or two.....or three or four.  Might start a Sookie book tonight.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Back on the road to recovery

Thankfully today I have felt like I was finally over the dreaded stomach bug that we all had.  the kids seem much better now too, although S had a bit of an incident today from the other end, but hopefully that was a one off.
Last night I cooked a really nice dinner, lamb cutlets and roast veges.  Everyone ate a good meal so that is a good sign too.
Tonight I made a curry that I have made loads of times and the kids all seem to like it.
Its always really hard to make something that they all like.
We have really not done much at all this weekend.  I had washing to get up to date with, and a house that really needed some attention.  Saturday I had no motivation at all and was really still quite tired.
Geoff took S to his rugby game and E went with them.  She always wants to go with her daddy.  So it was myself and the other two boys at home and we stayed in bed until 10 and T was in his pj's until lunch time.
J was still feeling really unwell and happy to just laze around.
I was still feeling quite nauseous.  I should have gone to the chemist really and gotten something to ease that, I don't know why I always suffer through it.
I have a really busy week coming up, lots of tests and things on the go, something almost every day.
I will only really have Friday to get organised for next weekend's retreat at Daisys.  And I really need to be organised so that I am good and not spend too much on supplies.  Spending nothing is really going to be the best plan, but I am sure that won't be the case.
I always get anxious and stressed when I know that I have a lot on.  I have to learn to take things one day at a time.
Geoff will have a busy week this week, he always does but the fact that he was out of action for two days will mean next week is a nightmare for him.
I have ordered a series of books from Fishpond and I am hoping they will arrive early next week.  I have re-read Twilight and am currently re-reading New Moon.  I read New Moon particularly quickly because I was so keen for Edward to return.  So it will be good to read it again and pick up what I may have breezed over.
Although I am getting the same feeling, really wanting to get passed Bella's time with Jacob and back to Edward.
I need to pace myself.
It is good to be enthusiastic about reading.  I always read on recommendation.  I have just tonight received a title of a book I think is right up my alley, set in Scotland which is always a drawcard for me.
Might have to investigate the local bookstore to see if they have it.
Goodnight for now.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Sick Kids

If it's one thing I find very difficult to deal with ... its vomiting children.  It makes me feel just as sick in the stomach as probably they do.
My youngest son started the ball rolling on Sunday, Mother's Day of all days.  It came very out of the blue, he was fine and happily playing when he spewed all over his bedroom floor (thank god I don't have carpet!), but of course it was all over the valances and doona covers...its amazing how far it goes.
Then he vomited in the car, then all over two lounge cushions.  Lots of washing.
Then Monday afternoon my daughter started, all through her bed covers, then after I stripped that to wash it all, all over the bare mattress, more cleaning!.
Then she had a go at two of the other lounge cushions.
See I have been meaning to clean my lounge for months because it is quite feral, now my hand was forced.
Then Wednesday night my 6 y/o started his turn.  He was so funny though, right in the middle of his dinner he hopped up and went to the toilet, but then came back and had a hissy fit when I told him he shouldn't eat the rest of his dinner because it would only come back up.  In the end I gave in and let him eat it because he was so distraught because he said he was so hungry.
I was confident when I went to bed that he would go to the toilet to be sick or use the bucket I gave him.
I should have realised that just isn't my luck this week.
My husband went to check on him before he went to bed and he had been sick all through his bed and was blissfully asleep in the middle of it.
So more washing and showering my son.
Another wake up call at 2am because he was sick in his bed again.
Lucky the washing machine going at 2am didn't wake the other kids.
Well its now Thursday morning and my husband is home, so I know that he is really sick, because it takes a lot for him to not go to work.
I suggested it would be much better if he didn't spread it through his office.  He didn't argue with me so I knew he certainly wasn't feeling up to working.
And now I am feeling the effects.
Trying very hard to keep my mind occupied, but I know its coming.
I still have 3 children home to look after....oh that's right and a husband to, which is the equivalent of having a dozen kids at home.
The clothesline is once again full of washing with rain clouds hovering above.
It is nice to sit at my gorgeous new Macbook for a few minutes and think of something else other than vomit....even though I am blogging about it.
The days can only get better.
I hope this nasty virus bypasses the rest of our family and friends.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Awesome Mother's Day

Well I was completely blown away and surprised with my Mother's Day today.
After my husband warning me in the day's leading up to Mother's Day that I wouldn't be getting a Macbook as a gift, he blew me out of the water this morning by giving me my very own Macbook.  I was overwhelmed with emotion and so excited.  I was also feeling a little guilty because I know that it is a real stretch for our current financial situation, and really a luxury for me, because it isn't like I need it for work or anything like that, it is purely for my own pleasure.
The kids had also made me some lovely cards, T had painted me a lovely canvas at kindy, it was a painting of a bouncy blue ball.  S had given me a really nice laminated fridge magnet that was a picture of himself, and had a message on the back of all the things he loved about me.
So here I am tucked under my covers in bed, tapping away...no excuse for not blogging more that's for sure.
All I wanted to do today was stay at home and play.  So did Geoff, I can tell he is just as excited by this as I am.  He is wondering if he needs to convince his work partners that he should update his laptop to a Macbook Pro.  He is very savvy on the computer, so I am sure he could make it work.
We went out around midday.  I just had to duck down to the Plaza to change a puzzle I had bought for my brother's girlfriend for her birthday.  
T wasn't fantastic today and had a couple of vomits, not really sure why.  I wasn't sure whether or not to go to Mum's for dinner, she assured me that we should and it would be alright.  Hopefully they don't all wake up with tummy aches this week, otherwise they will be cursing me.
We seem to have some nice family get togethers these days.  I often wish my father was here to join us, but am also reminded that if he was here, we probably wouldn't have them.
S had a party to go to at Aussie World, T was supposed to go too but I wouldn't let him just in case he does have some virus.  It was pretty good.  I went on the dodgems with him a couple of times.
I am going to have a busy day tomorrow, because I didn't get anything done today.  I still have a few things I need to wash that T was sick over.  I need to get some groceries because I have no bread and no fruit.  I want to fit in my walk, plus make some dinner during the day because two of the boys have swimming lessons after school.
I am trying these days to keep my stress levels at a minimum and just take one thing at a time.  I feel I get really stressed when I am worrying about all the things I need to do.
As Mother's Days go, this one tops them I think.
Better log off, because Geoff wants to have a little play with my new toy.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

What a Day!

Well what a day today was.  I am really wishing that I had had a glass of wine this afternoon to settle the nerves.
The day started out well, even though it was a little rushed.  After doing the kindy run I headed back to school to see the boys run in their cross country race.
They both did really really well.  S ran first in the year 1 boys race, and he came third.  I was so happy for him because he was so chuffed with his achievement.
J ran next in the year 3 boys race and came 15th, out of maybe 30 boys, so I was rapt for him.  He doesn't really enjoying running at all so I was really proud of the effort that he made.  He ran a good pace the whole race, and it was a long race and it was very hot.
Obviously it took a bit out of him, because about half an hour after I got home I got a call from the school to go and pick him up because he had a migraine.  He has suffered from headaches before, but I can't remember him having had a migraine.  I have always wondered if any of my boys would suffer from them because both my father and my younger brother suffered from them until their 20's.
I brought him home, gave him some nurofen and a cold face washer and managed to get him to go to sleep.  After a 3 hour sleep he woke up much better.
Prior to having to go and get him, I had an accident in the carpark at school.  I am so annoyed with myself.  Some silly twit had parked their car illegally behind me so it was difficult for me to get out, well I thought it was, who knows if it really was.  But in my attempts to get out I have swiped the nice Silver Mercedes parked beside me.  Thankfully the owner was quite nice about it.  He just sort of said that it was just one of those things that happens.  Even though we have insurance, even paying the excess at the moment is just an expense we didn't need.
So I will be glad when today is over and I can't start again tomorrow.
I have such a busy week this week, today is only Tuesday, and I am exhausted already.  The boys finish school this week and start Easter holidays next week.  I really needed to visit the dentist and get my haircut this week, but I just won't have time.
I am having trouble trying to work out when I can even get my groceries delivered!
Speaking of which I had better not sit at this computer any longer, and go and get a few things organised for tomorrow.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Harmony Day

Today our children recognised Harmony Day.  Orange is the chosen colour for Harmony Day and the kids could buy an orange ribbon.  Last year the children could dress up in orange if they wanted to for a gold coin donation.  The ribbon is a much better idea, because if you don't have anything orange in your wardrobe, you have to go and get something, well you don't have to, but the kids like to join in.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to listen all of the school assembly, because my youngest boy had found a couple of his friends and was pushing the boundaries as to how far he could go, so I kept having to go and tell him to come back and be quiet.  He was terribly behaved, just enough to break my concentration.  My daughter is the one that makes more noise when she squeals with delight.
We missed all of the prayer service and just got back in time for the "Amen".
So I didn't really get much information about what the children had been learning about.  There was some talk of the bush fire and flood victims.  
The children have organised for a garden of rememberance and all of the primary students had decorated their own wooden spoon and would be putting them in the garden.  Each class seemed to have some kind of wrapped gift, but unfortunately I didn't get to hear what that was about or who they were for, so I will have to ask the boys when they get home.
I feel like some days are really hard work for me and I get quite emotional sometimes, particularly the more hours that Geoff works, the more it seems to have an impact on myself, and the children too.
But then you just need to turn your mind to the men, women and  children of this world who are truly suffering.  Bush fires, floods, cancer, mental illness, poverty, disease...and the list could go on and on.
So really I should count my blessings and direct my energy towards people that need it more than I do.  It was pleasing to see Australians support the victims of the bushfires and floods, in a time when families really don't have any spare cash and need every penny they can get to pay their bills and put food on the table.
There really is always someone that is worse off.
Happy Harmony Day!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Another Day Goes By...

Well I don't really feel like posting anything today, one of those days where I certainly don't feel too excited by anything that occurred.  Am feeling a bit low, I think just because I am really tired.  The kids have been waking me a lot during the night for the last few weeks and I really would love a few good night's sleep.
Yesterday my eldest boy had the day at home because he wasn't feeling well, he had had some bad headaches, and I thought he needed a day at home to rest and get better.
We looked after my niece Shanti for a few hours and that was very exciting.  E was really happy to have Shanti around.  I will post a couple of photos of her.  She is so sweet and is certainly getting bigger.  It had been a few weeks since I had seen her and she is more awake these days.  I was really chuffed that they asked me to look after her, and I would love to be able to help them out if they needed it.
Last night I went to an information evening at Kindergarten.  The speaker didn't hold a lot of interest for me, I thought she had some interesting comments to make, but she wasn't the best speaker that I had heard on the topic of raising children.  It will be interesting to see what some of the other mothers thought of her, I will get their comments next week.  You sometimes come away from those sorts of things thinking that you are the worst mother in the world and your children are going to end up in a psych ward!
I had a bit of running around to do today and didn't get my house in order or the chance to put my feet up.
So I am now off to bed in the hope I wake tomorrow feeling more energised.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Little Champions

I had a really hectic day today.  J and S had their swimming carnival today.  It started at lunch time.  
J swam one race, freestyle and came fourth.  I was really impressed at how straight his stroke was, I was really really happy with how he swam.  He wasn't feeling too well so to get fourth was quite the achievement.  After that he really wasn't well at all and didn't swim in any of his other races, in fact he ended up sleeping in sick bay for the remainder of the carnival.
S swam really really well too.  He came third in his freestyle race.  He complained after that, that he didn't want to swim in any other races, he thought he only had to swim in one.  I ignored that complaint and then he took himself off to his other races without comment.
Not sure where he came in his backstroke but he did well.  Once again I was impressed with his straight stroke.  His last race, the ball race, he came second so he was pretty happy with himself.  He really got into the spirit of cheering on his house mates.
I had lots of running around this afternoon because I had to still drop the other kids I take to golf off.  J didn't go.  It was around 5ish before I even got home, after I went and picked up my two littliest from their Nan's house.
Tomorrow is little E's last swimming lesson at Shaplands.  I am very sad to be discontinuing her lessons, but I need to do what suits our family (and me) best.  The less places I have to run to and from the better.  I think the thing I am saddest about is that she won't get to see the two little girls that she swims with, because she loves her swimming lesson and her friends.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Willow Tree

Here are some photos of my Willow Tree figurines.  I can't exactly pinpoint what it is about the Willow Tree collection, but I think they are beautiful.  The figurines themselves I think are beautiful, but also the message and story that comes along with them.  I have on occasion given them to a few friends as gifts, and I can always find one that I think is appropriate.
The man and woman embracing was the first one that I ever bought, and I actually gave it to Geoff one Christmas.  Seems strange I know, but it is called "Promise".  I think when he opened it he thought it was a little odd that I would give him a figurine.
This represents my family, mother, father and four children.  The mother holding the two children is called "Quietly", which my house is far from quiet.  The boy holding the gold heart is called "Heart of Gold" and I do think that my eldest son truly does have a heart of gold, because he is always thinking of his brothers and his sister and does think of others before he thinks of himself, a quality that I hope he keeps.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Cards

Here are some of the cards I made this Friday night

This paper range is just beautiful.  You can't really see from the photo but it is glittery, really sweet colours.  Its actually an Easter range from Imaginesce called "For Peeps Sake".  I wish I had a better photo.




My Space

I have really enjoyed checking out other scrappers creative work spaces when floating around on various blogs.  Some of them are indeed very impressive.  It has taken me a year to get it under control but I think I have a pretty good space too.  I took a photo of it this morning because it is very tidy at the moment, it has taken me awhile to de-clutter, and it doesn't last long so I thought I had better take the opportunity for a photo whilst I could.
So here it is......

Nothing flash.  Geoff moved offices a couple of years ago now and I took the opportunity to grab the old receptionists desk.  It had been in storage for awhile but came up quite nicely after a clean up.  Geoff only just a week or two ago added the return you can see on.  We were unsure whether it would clog up the doorway too much, but it fits nicely.  And its good because it also comes with three extra drawers which my daughter loves to empty out.  My plan is to put my sewing machine on the return so that it is accessible for me to use for mending ... and for scrapping.  At present it is where I stack up all the kindy stuff I need to do.
You can see my two Chatterbox totes, which I just love.  A friend that came through my house recently commented on my luggage and how nice they looked.  I don't think she realised they were for my scrapping stuff, and that they were just my luggage.
The green drawers I got from crazy clarks and they hide a multitude of things, eg. receipts, scissors, pens, stamps I keep for Mum, some ink pads, buttons, photo cds the kids bring home from school ... all sorts of goodies.  It was always my intention to get some more to go the full length of the desk, but I need some space for other things too.
Now you will notice the West Tigers Premiership signed and framed jersey.  This does not belong to me.  It is one of my husband's prized possessions, I am sure one of the first things he would grab in a fire, and I have the pleasure of looking upon it.  Also there are framed photos of his grandfather's West Tigers club photo that he presented to Geoff a couple of years before he passed away.  Very treasured possessions.  I had them framed for Geoff one year for Valentine's Day.
These are some little teacups a friend gave me for Emma that I think are really cute.  She broke the teapot in the set so she didn't want it anymore.  Its pottery so I haven't given it to Emma to play with ... or the rest would get broken, but I think they are really sweet.  The red flower was one I bought to wear to the Daniel Morcombe ball so I had something red.  Also there the childrens' hand and foot prints that we did when they were each 4 weeks old.
Just a few more of my favourite things, my ipod puppy the kids bought for me a few Christmasses ago, the styrofoam Santa my son made in Prep last year, cross stitch my mother made for me.  Notice the blue and gold, two small glitters I bought from Daisys on Friday night.  I noticed them when I was leaving and I just love the colours.  As well as having a stamp addiction at the moment, I am quite partial to glitter.  Much to Geoff's disgust as it tends to end up in his new car on a Friday night.
Just to prove to you that generally my house is messy and disorganised, this is just a small corner of my bedroom, a rocking chair piled high with mending, stained washing that needs attention, outgrown clothes and all sorts of other things, that one day I will get to.

It is so nice to have this lovely organised area for me to be creative and scrap ... all I need now is the time to sit and scrap!!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

My Big Boy is 8!

My day today didn't go as I would have liked.
I had two boys keep me awake last night with illness.  The main problem seemed to be headaches.  Had to keep up the Nurofen and sips of water all night.  So no sleep for me last night.
I had lots of plans for my day today, none of which included having 3 kids in tow, so I had to make new plans.
My first born celebrated his 8th birthday today.  He was very excited when he woke up, and even more excited when he opened his presents and there were some Pokemon cards.  We gave him a nice watch which he said was great, so I was happy about that.  He also got some new clothes, some Ben 10 pyjamas and his Aunty Michelle sent him a Star Wars game and Light Saber for his Wii.
I packed him off to school with 3 tupperware containers of cupcakes, which I am a little nervous about because my containers didn't come home with him.  I didn't pick him up, a good friend kindly offered to take him to his swimming lesson and drop him home afterwards.  That was good timing because Thomas was having a sleep and I certainly was not going to take sick kids to sit by a pool in the rain.
I spent the day playing Nurse and dealing with 3 kids.  It had its many ups and downs.  I made two chocolate cakes, which when I was making them realised I had put in too much caster sugar, but didn't think it would make much of a difference.  But then they didn't come out of the cake tin in one piece.
My son had requested for his birthday cake a Pavlova in the shape of a ghost.  Quite a challenge.  Unfortunately I didn't have enough eggs to make meringue.  I only had two eggs which is why I made the cake.
Then my friend Heather said she would drop off some of those little meringue cases.  
I made some chicken rolls up for dinner.  I flattened some chicken breast and then put some ham, spinach and camembert on top and rolled them up.  I was pretty happy with them.  It all got eaten so everyone else must have been happy with them too.
The meringue shells didn't quite turn out the way I wanted them too.  I topped them with strawberries, a scoop of ice cream and then tried to mound some cream to make them look like little ghosts.  I used two smarties for eyes.  I had to work pretty quickly because the ice cream was melting.  I probably would have been better off without it.  But with what I had the time to work with they were ok.
Both my sick boys have gone to bed ok, so hopefully they get a good night's sleep.
If T is well enough to go to kindy, I am actually on roster.  I am not sure what I would prefer, him to be home sick, or to go to kindy but me to be on roster.   I really am just too tired.
I haven't had a decent night's sleep for 3 weeks.
Which is why I should finish off and take myself off to bed.
There are always so many other things to do.

These are the very ordinary looking meringue ghosts.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Remembering Daniel

I really am not comfortable posting photos of myself, as I am always very critical of myself.  Geoff took this photo of me before we left for the 5th Annual Daniel Morcombe dinner.  
My friend Donna had dropped this dress, and two others, off at the last minute on Friday night.  I am really glad she did, because I felt really comfortable wearing this dress, it is just beautiful.  I love the colour.  I was a little concerned about wearing green to the dinner as it has a red tie theme.  I couldn't remember from previous years what the etiquette was, but I thought the dress code was quite varied.
My stomach sank a little when I walked into the foyer and there was a sea of red and black.  Kept my chin up though and didn't worry about it.
This is the third ball that Geoff and I have been to.  We missed going in 2007 as E was only 2 weeks old and there was no way I felt like squeezing into a frock then and having a night out.  I think we may have missed the first one.
The highlight of the ball for me is The Band of Blue, they are just fantastic.  I suggested to Peter Boyce that they should put together a CD and have it available for sale on the night, I think they would make money out of that.  They are a band made up entirely of Police Officers and they are just brilliant.  Darrell Braithwaite was also part of the entertainment this year, but the Bank of Blue ran rings around him.
Jamie Dunn was the MC again and he is always a laugh.  Our friend Justin Veivers was the auctioneer and did a brilliant job.
Numbers were down this year and I would imagine the fundraising down as well.  With the economy the way it is people just don't have the dollars to give.  The auction items were fantastic.  There was a guitar signed by all members of Pink Floyd, also a violin signed by Andrew Rieu.
For the first time it was at the Caloundra RSL Function room rather than Twin Waters.  I think there was a better atmosphere at Caloundra.  I think the food was better at Twin Waters.
Geoff and I were one of the last to leave, around 1am.  Thank you to Justin and Jodie for giving us a lift home.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation does amazing work, not only in their quest to find the answers to Daniel's disappearance, but the ongoing work they do to education children on safety, providing support for child victims, and so much more.  We watched a short dvd of the work that they are doing and where the money assists their cause.
We watched a short montage as a tribute to Daniel, and it was very  hard not to shed a tear.
Denise by the end of the night was in quite a state and had far too much to drink.  Thankfully for her she had plenty of support around her to guide her in the right direction.  I look at her and wonder how it is she doesn't get herself into that state every day.  I can't imagine the pain and hell she lives every day wondering where her son is and what happened to him.
I pray that one day she gets the closure she needs to start some kind of healing process. 
My children all had a wonderful weekend with their Nan.  They love her to bits.  Two of my boys are not well this evening though with high temps and one already woke to have a vomit.  Not sure what kind of night I am in for tonight, when I really would love to catch up on some sleep.
Our house was very quiet this morning when we woke and it was very nice and relaxing.  I was also really pleased to go to Mum's and hear about their weekend.  I appreciate them more when I have had a little time away, and I hope they feel the same way.
My first born celebrates his 8th birthday tomorrow, I can't believe it.  8 years has passed by in the blink of an eye.
He wants me to make him a pavlova shaped like a ghost.  I have no idea how I am going to pull that one off.  Particularly if I have sick children at home.  We will have to see what the morning brings.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

A little bit of Peace

I spend a lot of time wishing for a little bit of time to myself and a little bit of peace and quiet.
I dropped my four children off to their grandmother's house this morning for a sleep over.  I could hear commotion at 4am this morning, drawers opening and closing and the thud of feet going from one room to another.  T was up and about, bag packed (well two bags actually), dressed and ready to go.  He has packed like he is going for a week.
The kids are really excited.  They don't often get sleep overs at Nanny's house. Its really interesting to see the things that they pack in their bags.
S has packed his clothes so neatly, better than I could pack myself, he has a book, his Pokemon cars, a tub of lego and a toy dinosaur.  I had to remind them to pack their toothbrushes.
T has packed his two Humphries, a blanket, about 7 pairs of undies, 4 shirts, 3 shorts, pj's, a dozen or more books, a scarf, his handball and who knows what else.  I wasn't going to make him unpack it. 
J packed very simply, pj's clothes for tomorrow, 1 pair of undies and his toothbrush, plus his Pokemon cards.
We packed E's bag.
Geoff and I have come home, had some lunch, he is mowing and I am tidying the house and folding the washing.  It feels strange to be able to do this without the constant interuptions.  
Lunch was quite surreal, I got to sit, eat and read the paper.  I even managed a hot cup of tea.  No getting up and down 10 times to re-fill cups or clean up spills.
I am enjoying every second of it, but there is still that little feeling of anxiousness at the separation.  I am always thinking of them and what they are doing, hoping that everything is alright.  As much as this is lovely, I am looking forward to seeing them again in the morning, hopefully after a sleep in and a peaceful breakfast.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Just a Little Verse

I saw this on Two Peas....and liked it.

Happy moments, praise God. 
Difficult moments, seek God. 
Quiet moments, worship God. 
Painful moments, trust God. 
Every moment, thank God

My Life

***20 YEARS AGO (1989)***
1) How old were you? almost 16.
2) Who were you dating? There was a short romance with a lovely fellow named Andrew.
3) Where did you work? Still at High School.  Part-time job in Tuckers Diner at Shell Panorama
4) Where did you live? Moved to Main Road, Maroochydore
5) Where did you hang out? Home, the beach

6) Did you wear contacts and/or glasses? No
7) Who were your best friends? Tamara, Renee
8) How many tattoos did you have? None
9) How many piercings did you have? 1 in each ear
10) What kind of car did you drive? None
11) Had you been to a real party? Just High School parties, which I now realise weren't real parties.
12) Had you had your heart broken? Yes
13) Were you Single/Dating/Taken/Married/Divorced? Pretty much single.
14) Any kids? No

***15 YEARS AGO (1994)***
1) How old were you? 21
2) Who were you dating? Geoff and I were moving from friendship to relationship somewhere in that year
3) Where did you work? Lawyers office in Nambour
4) Where did you live? A unit in Maroochydore
5) Where did you hang out? Fridays at Mooloolaba
6) Did you wear contacts and/or glasses? No
7) Who were your best friends? Renee, Emma, Michele, Geoff
8) How many tattoos did you have? None
9) How many piercings did you have? 1 in each ear.
10) What kind of car did you drive? Blue Ford Laser Hatch
11) Had you been to a real party? Yes
12) Had you had your heart broken? No
13) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divorced? Single
14) Any kids? No


***10 YEARS AGO (1999)***
1) How old were you? 26
2) Who were you dating? Married to Geoff
3) Where did you work? Lawyers office in Nambour
4) Where did you live? Buderim
5) Where did you hang out? At home mostly
6) Did you wear contacts and/or glasses? No
7) Who were your best friends? Geoff, Tracey, Heather, Elizabeth
8) How many tattoos did you have? None
9) How many piercings did you have? 1 in each ear (still)
10) What kind of car did you drive? Toyota Corolla
11) Had you been to a real party? Yes
12) Had you had your heart broken? No
13) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divor ced? married
14) Any kids? No.

***TODAY (2009)***
1) How old are you? 36
2) Who are you dating? Married to Geoff
3) Where do you work? at home
4) Where do you live? Buderim
5) Where do you hang out? Home, Daisy Chain Scrapbooks, Mum's house
6) Did you wear contacts and/or glasses? No
7) Who are your best friends? Jenny, Barbi, Stacey, Nicky, Nicole, Emma, Tracey and Heather
8) How many tattoos did you have? none
9) How many piercings did you have? 1 in each ear
10) What kind of car did you drive? Toyota Prado
11) Had you been to a real party? Do kid's birthday parties count?
12) Had you had your heart broken? Feels like it somedays
13) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divorced? Married
14) Any kids? 3 sons and 1 daughter

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Rollercoaster Ride ....

I was never really a big fan of the rollercoaster ride.  There were many visits to Dreamworld before I summoned up the courage to ride the Thunderbolt.  I was pretty pleased when the ride came to an end.
In 1997 my mother and I went on holiday to the UK.  It was an amazing trip, one I will never forget.  The reason for the holiday was so that my mother could see her family, as it had been nearly 30 years I think since she had last seen them.
On a trip to Blackpool with mum's brother Keith and his family, we went to a fun park.  There was, at the time, the World's largest rollercoaster ride "The Pepsi Max" (strange it is named after my favourite drink, because it certainly wasn't my favourite ride).  My cousin Katherine and her boyfriend pleaded with me to have a go.  I thought 'what the hell' after all I was on the other side of the world, shame to go all that way and not have a go.  Well when it came time to get on, there was room in one car for two, but not three so they ditched me and said they would get the next one.  So there I sat all on my own about to go to hell and back.
I kept my eyes open for the leisurely climb to the top and for a brief moment enjoyed the view of the water, from then on in things are a little vague as my eyes were pretty much shut the whole time and I screamed quite a few obscenities.
I was shaking like a leaf by the time I got off and was walking like I'd had a few.  They take a photo of you on it as you go around, but you have to go and look at it straight away otherwise you miss your chance, you have about 2 minutes I think.  Well it took me that long to get my brain back in gear and never did get to see what I looked like.
The reason I have started on this little tangent...is because I feel like my health is on some kind of rollercoaster.
I went to the Dr to get my blood test results today, and my thyroid levels are ok, my Dr was even considering lowering my dose of medication.  But some of the other levels were high, so now I need to go and see a Rheumatologist.
I have been going back and forth with GP's and Specialists for the last 18 years, and I really would just love to get off that ride.
Its frustrating, exhausting and at times a little bit depressing.
I am 35 years old and sometimes I feel like I'm 65 years old.  Then I think what on earth will I be like when I am 65 years old.
It just sucks sometimes.
I hope that my little girl doesn't inherit the hormone problems I have had to endure.
Enough whinging, you've just got to pick yourself up and keep going.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

A Night at the Footy

A usual Saturday, a way too early start after a way too late Friday night out.  Geoff off to golf, so the kids and I have a very casual Saturday at home.  T didn't even get out of his pyjamas until lunch time.  The kids was a bit of tv, fossick around outside for a bit, I did four loads of washing, a bit of tidying.  My aim was to make my kitchen spotless, which takes a bit of time.
When Geoff got home we decided to head out to get a couple of things we needed.  J needed a golf glove,  some new footy boots and some head gear.  Both boys needed mouth guards.  We headed off to A-Mart.  We got the boots and the glove.  Still not sure on the type of head gear and they had a woeful range of mouth guards.  When we first started rugby my health insurance would pay for one mouth guard per year, so I will ring them on Monday and investigate whether the boys can get proper ones through the dentist.  I will ask around at school about the head gear.
When I went to pay for the boots and glove, the store's eftpos wasn't working.  I said to the guy I would go down to Kawana shops and get some cash and be back.
Whilst in the store we did see a Fire and Safety ute drive over down the road followed by a Police car with its lights and sirens on, but didn't hear any more commotion than that.
The traffic was a little heavy on Nicklin Way, but that's pretty usual.  As we approached the shops, at the main traffic light intersection a four wheel drive and a motorcycle had collided and sadly the motorcyclist had been killed.  The firetruck was shielding off the cyclist and their bike and they were covered with tarps.
My heart just sank to think of that poor soul underneath that tarp and the news that awaited their family.  I felt for the person that was driving the Landcruiser, as surely that has now changed their life forever, regardless of whether or not it was their fault.
I would say we were then stuck in traffic for nearly an hour by the time we got to the shop and then had to get back past the accident to A-Mart to collect our things.
Tonight I am thankfully all of my children are sleeping peacefully in their beds, and my husband snoring his head off.
Geoff and I went to the football tonight, as his firm was one of the sponsors for the local Sea Eagles team.  Early game was Balmain Tigers vs. the local Eagles team, which held interest for Geoff.  The Broncos vs. Storm match held no real interest as neither are a favourite team of mine.
But it was nice to be out, eat nice food.  Next year I would like to take the boys because I think they would really enjoy it.  I would be all for a new stadium being built, as I would love to take my boys to regular footy games, but don't enjoy the experience of heading to Suncorp Stadium.  I was not impressed by the port-a-loo set up tonight, but it wasn't too bad.  Would have been better if they were designated boys/girls as boys with a few beers tend to miss!
I've had a nice hot shower and am off to bed.

Feelings

As I have been trying to get my usual household chores done around the house this morning, and to motivate my children to go outside and be active, I have been thinking a lot about feelings.
What triggers certain feelings within us.
I heard something a while back which I really believed was true.  Music is an important thing for us to have in our lives.  Not only is music enjoyable to listen to, dance to, get a little bit funky to!  But it also brings back feelings and emotions within us.  It can take you back to a time when you heard it, and bring back memories as to what you were doing and how you were feeling.
I grew up with music practically every day of my life.  We had a television when I was little, but it was a real treat I think to be able to watch tv, I never remember it controlling our time.
But my mother always had music on.  I have very fond memories of my mother playing, very loudly, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, and one of her very favs Gerry and the Pacemakers, whilst vaccuming.  I remember being told not to run in the house at Raymond Terrace because the needle on the record player would jump because the house had timber floors.
Christmas time is a favourite time of year for my mother, not only for the family celebrations, because she can blast her favourite Christmas tunes out loudly.
There is one song that I don't know the name of, and I would love to find out so I could put it on my ipod because it was one my mother played all the time, and I heard it once on the radio and it made me feel so good just to hear it.
Likewise songs can bring a sadness.  I picked a song to play at my Dad's funeral when the picture images were being shown, a beautiful version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow".  We also played Creadance Clearwater Revivals song "the Rain".  Sometimes when they songs come on my ipod I just have to skip passed them, because its just not the feeling I need at that time.  Other times it makes me think of times with my father, and these days I try and make sure that I remember the good times more than the bad.
Places I believe can have the same effect as music.
I haven't had a very good week this week, lots of tears flowing.  Extremely sleep deprived as I have had late nights, and many night time interuptions from three of my children.  That is not a good recipe for a happy mother.
Finally Friday comes around and I really didn't feel like loading my car with craft gear and heading into Nambour and trying to make my brain function and be creative.  But I did load my car and head into Daisy Chain, with the thought that I would just go and chat with my friends and have a bit of 'time out'.  I thought to myself that I really didn't want to drag my unhappy state of mind going to see my friends, and put my burdens onto them.
I walked through the doors, and it was as though I had left all of those stresses and worries at home.  I didn't bring them with me.  I felt such a relief and felt so much happier in myself.
And for the first time in a long time, I started a layout, without having to look through numerous books and copy someone else's creativity.
I had thrown in my case at the last minute, a piece of cardstock that I had purchased many years ago at a retreat, and had not looked at it since.  I felt like I didn't have to work hard at all to create a lovely layout of my little girl.  It just needs a couple of finishing touches and I will post it on my blog.
I don't know what I would do without my friends at Daisys.  They are my carrot dangling in front of my eyes, urging me to get through the week, because by Friday the week will be over and I will get some "me" time.
So off with the tv and on with the stereo.  Blast that music and creative some good feelings.

Monday, February 23, 2009

100 Things

Have seen this on friends' blogs and thought it was cool.  I have highlighted out of 100 things how many on the list I could tick off.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain 
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. 
Been transported in an ambulance (with my son and my mother, they were ill, not me)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55.
Been in a movie (albeit a home movie Geoff produced)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. 
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (but promptly spat it out)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (a toe)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had Chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

37 .... think I need to live a little more.