Sleeeep

Im having trouble with the no milk part of the Doctors orders. I have a tiny bit of milk in my coffee, not enough to make a difference I would think but only time will tell.
Did nothing much today, Brett took down the bunk Futon on Sarahs room and we will sell it on Ebay. Moved one of the beds from the other room into their for sarah and then the other girls will swap rooms over the next few days. Nic and Renee will go back to having bunks so will have a lot more room.
Easter bunny has shopped ahead of schedule which is good for a change.

Relaxing day at home. Nipped out to the Post Office and that is about all. Slept for a few hours too. Still feel like S^%T.
My turn to take Sarah to Basketball and Ex will come by to fetch Nic for soccer around 6pm. Hopefully he is dropping her back at 7.30.
Had a brief chat in the car to Bec as she again asked when she is getting her new camera. Reminded her that both she and Sarah currently get money each month in the form of Mobile phone credit and if they wanted anything else they need to step up with their chores. Bec has 3 nights of kitchen duty and Sarah has one night plus bathroom duty. I also said that kitchen duty does not just mean load the dishwasher. Everything else gets left and I end up having to wash up anyway so what is the point in the girls being there in the kitchen. I will reinforce it to the girls on the weekend.
I have promised to take Nic and Renee to see the Hannah Montana 3D movie this weekend. It is only on for 7 days and only at either Broadway or Penrith!!
I emailed my TAFE contact just now and he rang back. He told me that the fee I would pay to start now is $445 for Semester 1 or the $890 for the whole year. The course is apparantly do able in one year. I told him I would be paying the Semester Fee next week. As I have already got the passwords he said I can go onto the site now and get started if I want. Woohoo!!!!! If I felt better, Id do a cartwheel!!

What else is there....?

I had my appointment this morning. I felt ill when I got there. Nerves were a big part of it I know. Anyway I explained that I was there for the Pap but I had other icky issues and she really didnt think I should have the test as any other ailments would interfere with the accuracy. Once she said this I burst into tears. Pretty daft thing to do really. She took my temp and apparantly I have a fever. I also have a Gastro bug type thing starting with 'M' and she was quite surprised I was still going to work. Also talked about the dizzy/fainting feeling Ive been having again and I reminded her that one of her previous suggestions was Panic attacks. I described what happened last Friday and then again at work Monday and she said that its not usual for a Panic attack to happen because you are worried about something. They tend to build up and just happen out of the blue. (That is my understanding of what she said.) She has lent me a book about Panic Attacks and wants me to have a read and see if it relates at all to what happens to me. Some cosy Easter reading lol. Anyway, regarding the Gastro - I have to cut out Milk and Dairy, Red meat, Raw Vegies and Fruit!. Ummm.......which leaves me with.....?
I rang work and told them what is going on and that I was not going to work tomorrow. No problems there of course. I did get told that we have been asked to help out on yet another job for the other department. In particular, me. Also was asked if I could work extra hours. Shaz explained to other Boss that I could only work school hours but could probably work extra days. I told her that I could definately use the extra money lol. I had already decided on the extra days when we got the extra jobs the other day. I really really hope when it comes to reviews in June/July that they acknowledge how much help we have been. Last years pay increase was pitiful and left us with a bad taste in our mouths.
We have a new guy in the office (transfer from other office) who is proving quite entertaining from a 'you've got to be kidding' point of view. I have never met such a Male Chauvanist. He was quite surprised apparantly when we were asked to do the extra work yesterday, as if we were only capable of answering the phone and making coffee. He is by no means rude to us, he just truly believes what he is saying. He is in his late 20's and was born here in Oz but his parents are from OS. Different beliefs I guess. So far, quite entertaining.

Does anyone have Supernanny's phone number?

Not so bad today at work. Still feel quite yucky so looking forward to Dr appointment on Wednesday.
Spoke with Chez this afternoon to get an update on 'Luuuuke'. Much to everyones shock she has developed gestational Diabetes. She has 9 weeks to go. She has a check up on Wednesday to sort things out. She has not lost or put on any wait the whole pregnancy.
Sarah cooked dinner tonight. Chicken stirfry that she made at school. She did a good job except got a bit carried away with the Chillie and we were all gasping for water between mouthfulls. She did see the funny side thank goodness.
Might do Menu Plan Monday on Tuesday.
Brett had a text earlier tonight from his oldest daughter J. She wants to know if she can come stay with us from March 31 till the end of the school hols. Very strange. I know her mum/stepdad are taking the family to Adelaide in a week or so. Maybe she just doesn't want to go. Dontcha love it when teenagers rebel!!!! Hoping she will enlighten us in the next few days. We have already worked out between us how to make it work so all we need to do now is tell J yes! Still curious as to what is going on!

Weekend - March 15/16

Not a lot going on. Bit of housework. Went up to motherinlaws for lunch on Sunday. Yummy Chicken Caeser Salad. Brett worked on her computer for a while. Sandy arrived after driving back from Brisbane. She has been away in Brunei for about 8 weeks.

Absolutely the worst day Ive had at this job! The other departments filing is back logged and no one knows where missing files would be. There is no in/out systems for files so they could be anywhere in our office or the Parra office. Grrrrrrrrrrrr. I had Nic with me so left around lunch time. (thankgoodness!) I plan to have a few words with my boss next week as I really want it laid out in front of me exactly what my job is. Do we still have a Junior? I had a bash at some of our filing and didn't realise how far behind that was as well. Grrrrrrrrrrr.
Brett took Sarah to the Basketball as I was feeling crap and didnt think I could drive into the City. As I was taking the girls to ex I started feeling dizzy and hot and clammy which hasn't happend much since last year. I have an appointment with my Doc for Wednesday for 'that' test so I will end up with a list of ailments at this rate. Brett and Sarah had fun, pity the Kings lost though. B took some good photos including the dancing girls..surprise surprise lol.

Yumm

More of the same as yesterday at work. Ive already decided I need to work tomorrow as well. Brett asked if we got a pay increase as well as the new jobs, I said well yes in a way cause now I need to work more than 3 days a week to catch up on the back log hehe.
We had a farewell lunch today at the Regatta Kitchen and Bar. I had Chicken Caesar Salad. Yummo!! Actually didnt have to rush off as I normally would have to leave work around 2.20pm. I remembered Brett was going to work from home this afternoon so rang him and he was able to pick up the kids. I got home around 4pm..woohoo!
I managed to get tickets to tomorrow nights Sydney Kings game. Not great seats but not horrible either. The first ones the system offered me were behind one of the baskets so I knocked them back and tried again. $20 each, not bad. Should be a fantastic atmosphere.
Bec and Nic are at Soccer. I dropped Nic off then got petrol ($1.46/litre) then came back for Bec. We planned that Brett would then go pick up Nic, get hot chips for dinner (No, not on the menu plan I know!) and I would fetch Bec (further away) and we'd meet back here eventually for dinner. What is actually happening - We got to soccer and Bec realised she had forgotten her boots!!! I came back here to fetch them, we changed the plan and Brett took them back to her then will fetch Nic then get chips* and I will get Bec etc etc etc. I just went out to move my car for Brett to get out in the other one and just sat there looking blankly out the window...Brett called over to me and I just looked at him and said 'What on earth am I doing?'
I am both tired and confused**.
*When I got home, Brett and Nic weren't there with the chips. Apparantly soccer training goes till 7.30pm starting tonight and of course they didn't tell anyone!!! Brett had to hang around for 30 minutes..
**Bec told me that from next week her soccer will only be Tuesdays, altho 6.30 to 8pm. Once the season starts (first weekend of April) Nics training will only be on Thursdays 6 to 7.30pm so only one soccer girl per night! PHEW!!

Filing

Spent my work day learning the filing system for the other department where I work. Now that our receptionist is going to our other Branch, our team of 3 have split her jobs. We already answer the phone when she can't so that is no biggy! Plus a new computer program that keeps track of that other departments files. My head is spinning!
The Sydney Kings managed to draw the final series 2 all so now there is one last Final on Friday night here in Sydney. Guess who is already begging for tickets??? Im sure it will sell quickly but Ill see what I can do. She will need to be happy with the cheap seats though!

Nic's zone carnival was on today @ Blacktown pool. She had 2 swims, 50 Freestyle plus the relay. I was gobsmacked because she actually outdid Bec and Sarah in swimming. All the girls have made it to Zone each year no problem but have never placed in heats or anything at Zone and the journey ends. Nics journey has ended for this season but not before she stormed to the front in her 50m free heat and won! I nearly cried lol. She was in the first (slowest) of 3 heats and didn't make it to the final which surprised me. One of our teachers was officiating and so I asked him to check for me how far off she was. Apparently she was 5 seconds slower than position 8 (slowest finalist) in the Final. Those other 2 heats were fast lol. She swam 47.55 seconds which is her fastest by about 3 seconds. I enjoy swimming carnivals even cheering on the other kids from the school and watching Nic and her friends swim. She had about 5 of her buddies there today so it was good fun. Renee has still got NO interest in swimming. I'm heartbroken *snif* *snif*.

I received the TAFE paperwork today in the mail. I will be studying Certificate IV in Information Technology (Website Design) just as soon as I find the $$. I don't quite understand the fee structure for TAFE. This will either cost me $890 or $445. I will ring the IT guy again tomorrow I think.

Menu Plan Monday

No new recipes this week. Im way to tired to be that clever!

Monday - Chicken Rissoles and mash
Tuesday - Cajun Chicken
Wednesday - Homemade Hamburgers
Thursday - Chicken Pastries
Friday - Crab and corn cakes
Saturday - Lasagne
Sunday - Garlic Roast Chicken (made by hubby)
More great recipe ideas can be found here at laura's.

Had a belated birthday bbq today. Matt and family came which was surprise. He took away with him the rest of our Slides from days gone by. He is getting them all put on Disc so we can each have a copy and do what we want with them. Looking forward to seeing all our child hood pics (hope they aren't all too embarassing) There are some good ones of mum and dad in their younger years. My girls have only ever seen older ones of dad so can't wait to show them younger pics.
Sorted out this weeks menu, and went shopping. Nic now has soccer training 2 nights a week to add to the mix so should be a busy week! Ill put the menu up later!

Wen to a Housewarming/Birthday party out near Kurrajong. Gorgeous area. Party was good fun. Friend of Brett has a humungous property. I would LOVE to just sit on his back lawn and gaze at the backyard/bush. Reminds me of growing up in the Blue Mountains. We could never afford a place like that but its nice to dream. He had a band called Monkey Wrench play, they do Foo Fighters stuff amongst a lot of others...very good too!
Maz was at home looking after the kids for us plus also with our 2 nephews. She certainly had her hands full and we had the night off!!

Mandy, Sean and Kelly

I took Bec and Sarah to see Kelly Clarkson last night. I found out a couple of days ago that one of the support acts had changed and I would have to sit through Mandy Moore!! I hate to admit it but she was actually pretty good. To me she sounds a bit like Alanis Morriset. Bec didn't agree with me lol. Sean Kingston was LOUD!!! thump thump thump sean kingston sean kingston thump thump 'what up G?' When SK hit the stage, Becs face lit up she was so excited to see him. Kelly Clarkson was Great! She chatted and sang, fluffed her words, tripped over the mike stand...all good, and as she said, proof she was doing it live! She has so many hit songs, you don't realise until she sings them all in the same set. I think she sang for about an hour and a half. She has a very strong voice. I would definately go and see her again, no problem.
Ive managed to catch Bretts cold and haven't been to work since Tuesday so this months pay packet will be down. Woke up with the added bonus of a sore throat. I sware I wasn't screaming at the concert last night!! Maybe Im too old to go to a concert and be human the next day!!

Ta Da!!

Picked up Nics glasses this afternoon. The Optometrist was amused with Nic as she put them on and was sooo excited when she looked across the road and could read a sign!! Over 4 lanes of traffic. She was absolutely amazed at the difference. Believe it or not I'm only $50 out of pocket (thanks to private health insurance) and soon I will be only $25 out of pocket when ex pays for half lol. It does help that Ive been going to the same Eye guy since I was about 19.
I'm hoping this will be a boost to her confidence as she was pretty down the other day with the pressure of her School work. I'm sure the fact that she can't see clearly wouldn't have been helping.




Menu Plan Monday - I'm disappointed not to be doing this for this week but money problems at the beginning of the Month shot it down in flames. Can't plan food when you don't know when or if the money will turn up. Im still cooking meals and not resorting to takeaway so Im happy. The expected monthly payment arrived today, 4 days late, but the Centrelink money is still in hiding! Grrrr!!

I let Bec drive to Soccer training tonight, one suburb over. She definitely needs to brake a bit further back when approaching a Red light!! I found myself at least twice trying to brake from the passenger side - it doesn't work!! hehehe. One interesting thing though - she headed out to the car with her soccer boots in her hand and I said you will have to put shoes on before you drive. Well then she said she drove on Sunday from her Soccer game back to dads without shoes!!!!! When I picked her up I told her I had double checked and its against the law the drive without shoes even when you are no longer on P's. I told her not to break any laws while she was on her L's. I sware sometimes my ex husband leaves me speechless!!!

41!

Breakfast meeting for work, then a choice of Chocolate Mud Cake, Caramal Mud Cake or Coffee cake for morning tea. Our receptionist couldn't decide which cake was suitable for my birthday so she bought some of each. A few phone calls with many people singing Birthday greetings down the phone. Good fun! Bec was the only one up when I left before 7am and she had bought me a card plus some Toblerone and Ferrero Rocher.
Had to postpone the Optometrist visit till tomorrow as even though Nics glasses are ready, I didn't have any money to pay for them. Grrrrr! Had a nap instead lol!!
Maz came over for dinner and bought me some chocolate (are you sensing a theme?) and also replenished my Kahlua supply!! Woohoo!!
All in all, it was good Birthday!

Birthday Eve

Most of the morning was spent with Renee saying 'are they here yet?'

Brett has been working since early this morning and is also very soon going to cough up a lung Im sure. Coming down with the flu but still had to work. At least he can do it from home.

Chez & Co arrived early afternoon complete with Birthday cake and candles. She thinks of everything!!! White Mud Cake!! Hmmmm....guess she knows me pretty well. Brett stopped long enough for everyone to sing Happy Birthday to moi.

Chez recognised the course at TAFE Im interested in and said there was actually a 4th one which she was sure was more to do with Web Design and sure enough there was. I had only looked at the OTEN site as I wanted to do it from home but on the general site. It is available at a TAFE near me via 'Flexible Delivery - This attendance allows for learning and assessment in a variety of modes. This may include on campus, off campus, distance learning, online learning and combinations of any of these' so I will be calling them this week so investigate. Maybe I can get started in Semester 2 (more likely to have the money then to pay!!)

Whilst we were looking through the TAFE site my favourite God Son pointed to the 'Over 45' label in Menu and said 'Aren't you guys lucky you don't have to look there yet'!!

Hmmmm ....did I say Favourite????

Don't forget Oh Godson, Your mum is not the only one who has embarassing photos of you!!!

Fairly quiet day. Mainly housework. The Menu plan for this week didn't quite work. Still made all the meals except tonight we had fish and chips.

Ive now got 2 choices in my head for TAFE/UNI courses to do. I need to make up my mind soon. The Uni course is only 1 unit and doesn't seem to be connected to a Bachelor of something. Although it can be included in a Bachelor of General studies. The TAFE courses are Information Technology ones. Basically I want to do Websites. The making of, design of etc etc. I taught myself HTML long ago and want to expand on that. I also want to know how to get the sites up on the web etc. The Uni Unit covers all that but is not connected to anything else and the TAFE courses briefly touch on that once I get to the 3rd level. The TAFE one can be paid for in 2 instalments but the Uni one can be deferred like a HECS debt although its called something else.
Both can be done at home. TAFE through OTEN and the Uni one is Open University.

Im going to pick Chez's brain tomorrow as she has both done Uni and teaches at TAFE

*sigh*

Value

Had a Real Estate guy pop in today to do a informal Valuation. He reckons if we did nothing to out place and tried to sell we might get $440K. If we did the cosmetic stuff it needs like tiling in both bathrooms and general paint and clean up he said around $470K. Brett isn't keen to move but I quite like knowing the value is heading in the upward direction.

New Years Eve

I booked works Gold Coast unit again. This time we will be going from Dec 27th to Jan 3rd. Should just be 3 of us as the older girls will be with their dad. I think we mentioned it back in January about wanting to get it for NYE and Bec said she is already planning to be in Sydney with her friends for New Years Eve. Wonder how she will be financing that??
We've decided not to go out for my Birthday on Monday night and instead have a BBQ next weekend on the 9th. Cheaper option!
Chez has said she will be popping in this coming weekend so that will be nice. 12 weeks to go so she should have quite a 'bump' on her now!!

Falling Down

Whilst this is a song by Duran Duran it is also what I did around midnight last night. I went back downstairs to hang out some shirts of Becs but I didnt turn on the light as I went down the stairs, there was a couple of things on the stairs and I managed to trip and slide to the bottom. Thankfully my butt is well padded!! Didn't work today as in a bit of pain down my right side, I have a lovely bruise but otherwise Im ok. Thankgoodness our stair case goes around a bend, it would have been scary sliding down the whole lot, only slipped about 8 stairs. Im so annoyed with myself - TURN ON THE LIGHT STUPID!!

Kris emailed me this afternoon - WE HAVE DURAN DURAN TICKETS!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!

Tuesday

Can't think of a witty title so Tuesday it is. Realised today I had to be in 3 places at once on Thursday night so Ive delegated. Bec will get a lift home from Soccer training, Sarah will need a lift to and from Basketball and I will take Bec to Soccer training and then stay home with the younget 2. Brett is working late and then going to the launch of something computer related at the Ent Cent in Sydney. Bec has 3 short Soccer games this Sunday also so we need to get her registered before then. Although they are only friendly games she still needs to be registered to be convered by the Insurance.
The Menu plan is changing a tad as there was Savoury mince left over so tomorrow night I will just make the Pastries with the mince instead of the usual chicken. Thursday night will be Pad Thai and so on.

Genetics

It was only a matter of time before one of my girls started squinting, bumping into things or falling over. Well maybe just squinting! Bad Genetics have now shown themselves in Nicola who today had her eyes tested yet again and THIS time my theory has been proven correct and she will have glasses by the end of the week. She is soooo excited. January 2007 her eyes tested as long sighted but now she is short sighted. Even when reading the letters she was squinting, just to prove it to the Optometrist! I will share a picture once we have them home. Cost of $200, we should get some of that back from our Health Fund so not as stressed as I could have been. A couple of others in her class have Specs so she is not worried in the least. Sarah said they may actually make her look intelligent. Sisterly love...gotta love it!!

Menu Plan Monday

This weeks new recipe is not until Saturday, the first day of Autumn down under. Sounds yummy!

Monday - Sausages and potato bake (already eaten)
Tuesday - Savoury Mince
Wednesday - Pad Thai

Tursday - Lasagne

Friday - Crab cakes (altho no teenagers will be home to freak out like last time)

Saturday - Chicken balls with couscous salad

Sunday - Roast Chicken (hopefully made by husband)

More great recipe ideas can be found here at laura's.

Weekend

Laid back weekend. A lot of sleeping in (mainly by me) a bit of food shopping and thats it. Was quite hot this weekend so Brett did a bit of the lawn but not till later in the evening. Bec did some night driving on Saturday night which she said was scary! Also on Sunday afternoon Brett had her backing up our driveway, those in the know will realise just what a job this is.

I managed to chop my finger with the knife on Saturday night and it is still hurting.

Brett told me that by pouring pepper onto the wound the blood would stop flowing. Has anyone else heard this???? It worked but boy DID IT STING!!! He said I was lucky he didn't use salt. So, does he know what he is talking about or did he just want to hear his wife scream in agony??

GUESS WHAT??

Im going to see these guys next month!!

WOOHOO!!!!!

One of those days

There is no post for yesterday cause 24 hours later I have no idea what I/we did and its all just a blur. Bec had soccer training and Sarahs team lost their Basketball match. Ummmm..thats about it.

I left home the second time this morning at 8.10 and didnt get back till 5.20. No wonder I fell asleep around 6. Took Bec to School, came back for other 3 girls, dropped off 2 to be taken to school by friend, picked up another 2 teenagers (..cause I don't have enough of my own..) and took the 3 girls to the Zone swimming. Then drove on to do the Vegie shop (for the last time..Im dropping out of the co-op) then once that was all divided up I went back to the pool. Because I still hadn't had enough of swimming pools, after school I took Nic to a different pool for her Zone swim training. Sarah didnt do to badly at Zone. She was 5th overall in Breast stroke, they came 3rd in the 15 yrs relay and she came about 9th overall in freestyle which she wasn't expecting to have to do anyway (girl who qualified has been off sick all week). I love going to the carnivals and cheering on the girls, their friends and just the school in general. Not sure how they went but a lot of the other High Schools go right up to Year 12 and therefore have more swimmers but we only got to Year 10. Had a good chinwag with one her friends mums who I always run into at either Swim Carnivals or Presentation days. Very friendly lady. Her girls are fantastic swimmers too. Much more dedicated than my lot.
It was such a hot day which I didnt really notice until sitting at the pool while Nic did her training. Talked to a few of the parents while sitting in the shade. Nic has some nice friends and it was nice to chat with the mums.
Renee went to a friends house after school and when I went to pick up Nic at school I had to have a quick word with the mother. Her daughter and Renee have been friends since Preschool but the friend is much more boisterous than Renee. Renee wanted to join the choir this year (like last year) but the friend told her not to. Apparantly Renee was also going to join the Junior dance group on Thursday but again, the friend told her not to. Renee didnt actually tell me about the dancing but told Sarah. So anyway I did hesitate to say anything but after the bullying episodes with Sarah when she was in Primary School I wanted to nip it in the bud in case it escalated. I know they are only 6 but our family has been bitten before so to speak. Anyway, the mum was horrified and thanked me for mentioning it. She knows what her daughter is like and was sure that it was because she wanted to play with Renee and also didn't want to give up her lunch times, and I totally agree that is what it probably was. So anyway..by the time I picker Renee up the mum had spoken to the girls about it and they are now both joining choir and Renee will probably join the dancing. Phew! Glad it ended well. Renee and her friend idolise each other and were thrilled to be in the same class again this year. Somehow we need to teach Renee to stand up for herself a bit more and the other mum said her daughter needs to know she has to let her friends do other things and they will more likely 'come back' to her and no one loses.
This enrichment class of Nic's is certainly testing the kids. She has TWO assignments!!! Yes, she is already stressing about them!

Chicken

Bl&^dy chicken still hadn't defrosted totally but enough that I could cut it up into schnitzel sized pieces. I REALLY need a microwave. We have managed so long without one since the ant invasion and I only missed it for telling the time but with all the cooking Im doing now we realy need the reheat or defrost option!

Busy afternoon with basketball and dancing etc.

...and in other news, Renee announced that she is the vice SRC member for her class. Which means she only needs to go to meetings if the class member is away from school or as she said 'if he just wants to play at lunchtime I will go the meeting' Should be interesting.Bec said she thinks she has training tomorrow night. Last year she had 2 nights a week training so I wouldn't be surprised. I still haven't registered her yet and this club seems a bit unorganised compared to Nic's but at least they have decided to play the girls in a local comp this year rather than having to travel to the other side of Sydney every Sunday. Guarantee her games and Nics will clash. Guarantee. Nic has put her name down on the list to play soccer at school for rep sport. She is a bit obsessed. Soccer and Carlton in AFL.

Enrichment

I had to apologise to Nic for doubting her abilities. She told me she was in a class made up of top year 4 and 5 from last year and I thought she was mistaken. Even when a couple of her good friends weren't in the class I still had doubts. I went to the info night at the school and sure enough, they have created a special enrichment year 5/6 composite class...and she is in it. Lots of testing and previous results and such is how they chose the kids. The teacher is one that both Bec and Sarah had along the way and Im quite pleased with the whole thing. I guess Nic has just been carrying on her merry way getting to the same place that Sarah and Bec were but without us noticing. This year is Basic Skills for Year 5 so Im looking forward to seeing how she performs. Not until August though.

Had to swap the meal plan around as the chicken didn't defrost. Had the Spaghetti and Tuna instead. Sarah of course reheated some Spag Bol from last night. I had a boiled egg last night. While I was cooking the mince I just went off the whole idea of eating it. Brett was amused that I would cook the family a meal and not eat it myself...highly suspiscious he reckons. They all said it was yummy so its not as if I cooked them a bad meal!!!

Menu Plan Monday

Busy week
Monday - Spaghetti Bolognaise
Tuesday - FEC Chicken
Wednesday - Tuna Spaghetti. My feet don't touch the ground on Wednesday after school and this meal is perfect as it takes about 3 minutes prep.
Thursday - Sausages and Potato Bake
Friday - Tarragon Chicken Meatloaf
My meals seem to be the same each week and look quite boring....I really need to have something new each week. Last weeks crab cakes were yummy. Check out Fridays Blog Entry for my teenage daughters reaction. More great meal ideas over at Laura's!!

Imagine your teenage daughter going for a quick practise drive with your husband, just around the streets in your suburb. 15 minutes later you hear both police sirens and ambulance sirens. VERY disconcerting. Obviously, it wasn't my guys but still......

7up

Fairly quiet day again. Lovely. Did some stock taking, not my favourite thing. Why oh why did I decide to sell Eyelets hehe. Brett downloaded a 30 day trial upgrade for the website so I get to play a little earlier as I was going to get the upgrade later next month. It has a bulk stock loader, I assume its a bit like turbo lister. Can't wait to use it.

...and 7up? Its an English program that started filming a group of kids from different backgrounds back in 1964 and every 7 years they go back and catch up with the kids. I first saw it back in my 'old life' and saw a few weeks ago that it is now being shown on the BIO channel on foxtel. Over time some of them have dropped out and then are back again so I assume each 7 years they are still approached. Tonights episode they are 42. I found it fascinating!!

Still struggling to work out my Menu for the week.

Weekend 1

Got loads of housework done. Very exciting. Im happy cause this means I can do the ebay/shop stuff without feeling guilty. Bec had her dinner with friends tonight and it went well. They saw the movie but were in the front row at the cinema so all seem to have sore necks. Not as many went to the movie so not as expensive as I thought it would be.
Brett cooked Roast Chicken for dinner. Very tasty! (Brett AND the chicken yes!)

Mammogram anyone?

During my net surfing today I came across this ladies description of what it was like to have a Mammogram - complete with pictures!! ABSOLUTELY HYSTERICAL and as I know from first hand experience (last September and November) its very accurate description. Enjoy!!

In other news......Nic has made it to the Zone swim carnival. I have no idea how. I told her I was surprised as she hadn't had the most succesful swim carnival this year but she just looked puzzled...so I said Congratulations instead. Sarah swims again next Friday and Nic swims again on March 11.

Didn't do much today. Fell asleep on the couch but as my feet were cold it was a very uncomfortable nap. Bec's school hours today were 8am to 11am...never like that in my day. I made Crab Cakes for dinner. I don't like Seafood. They were yummy. I served them up to Bec who said nothing. After she had eaten one I asked if she like them, she said too much corn, then I asked her if she knew what she was eating. A look of panic on her face, then I said Crab. She started gagging. I told her they were crab cakes. She told me she HATES Seafood and didn't eat any more. She looked like she was going to throw up. It was very funny!

Tomorrow she is having dinner with 16 of her closest friends in part 2 of the Birthday celebrations. They are going to Hogsbreath for dinner. I had booked for 16 people and then she said it was 17 so I had to ring back and I told the girl on the phone that Math was not my daughters strong point. Anyway after that they are all off to the movies to see Jumper. Only about 14 of them are going to the movies which is good cause that is the bit we are paying for.

Obviously the husband of a crafty lady!

Valentines Day

Not a busy day at all. Had morning tea with Annie and checked out her stock. Ill have to go shopping over there around the end of March (when I next have some $$)
The girls loved their cakes for recess and Brett and I had one each last night before I hid them till I made the lunches this morning.
Sarah has made it to the Zone swimming. The carnival is next Friday and once again I will miss it due to the Vegie shop. Twice in a month I do the shop and not again until around July and I miss out on 2 swim carnivals...grrrrrr!
Another day at home by myself tomorrow...woohoo...need to do some housework so I can do some ebaying/shop updates on the weekend...woo..hoo?
Payday tomorrow but AGAIN Bretts work stuffed up his pay and didnt process the 'rise' bit of payrise. Not the first time either. When I got back from Basketball this evening (they won again!) he said 'do you want the bad news, or the bad news?'
Managed to get dads old camera loaded with film...it was quite amusing to watch Bec trying to figure out loading a camera with film. Not something she had ever done. It got stuck and the camera wouldn't wind on but Brett fixed it when he got home so Bec can have another play with it tomorrow. No flash at this stage so only daytime shots for the moment.

I no longer like Wednesdays

OMGoodness! Im exhausted. Pick up from School, take 1 back for dancing, go pick up 1 from basketball, take her friend home then go home, pick up one from dancing, take 2 to ex's house...drivingdrivingdriving...Then I had to cook dinner!!!

This will be my life EVERY DARN WEDNESDAY!! Its not even as if this is just a seasonal thing. Dancing and Basketball is all year round. These kids better look after us in our old age!! I may start making my list of demands now!

Nic did end up coming to work as she was all sniffly and had a sore throat. I thought she'd be home tomorrow but they are doing some filming for their Friday assembly item and she had planned all alone to be at school tomorrow. Im staying home tomorrow and Friday so I can find the furniture under the mess that is my life. Im having morning tea here which Im really looking forward to! Sourcing new products is always funs....and she makes a great coffee!

Just finished making recess for the girls tomorrow. Happy Valentines Day!!

Quiet

Quite day. No soccer training after all as the grounds are closed due to all the bad weather we have been having.
Hoping Nic can hold out another day before needing time off school with her cold. I need to work at least 3 days this week otherwise payday will be very sad indeed.

Food

Soccer season has begun with the commencement of Bec's training this Tuesday night. I don't think games begin until after Easter (seems a bit far away so Ill check) but the schedule hots up as they all start training. Its hard to work out dinner plans at this time of year, altho this is only my second Winter season with all 4 girls in a sport.
Mondays are free (waaahey!) Tuesday is Soccer training, Wednesday is Basketball training and Dance class, Thursday is Soccer training x 2, Basketball game x 1. See, I have to be in 3 places at once because OF COURSE the 2 soccer players play for different clubs!!!

Anyway, here we go for this week! New recipe is on Friday. I have NEVER cooked seafood before except fish. Im not a seafood eater except fish. The things I do for my husband.

Monday - Tuna Spaghetti (now obviously eaten)
Tuesday - Cajun chicken. Very successful the other week.
Wednesday - Sausages/Chops and Potato bake
Thursday - Chicken parcels. What a romantic Valentines meal (maybe I should make them heart shaped)
Friday - Crab and corn cakes topped with guacamole. plus mashed potato. Im not sure if its actually Avocado season down here so it may end up having some kind of salsa instead of guacamole
Saturday - Roast Chicken and all the trimmings.
Sunday - No idea.

Had a call from my brother who said 'Im at the cemetary with Margaret (his motherinlaw) she has a funeral to go to, where's dad? Yes, dad has been gone for 18 years this September and my brother had yet to visit. He pinpointed his location in the cemetary and after 15 minutes I managed to direct him to where our dad is buried.

I will be back later with my Menu Monday contribution.

Enrichment

Well apparantly I underestimated Nicola's abilities and she IS in the smarty pants class this year. The composite class of year 5 and 6's is a special enrichment class which takes the top from last years year 4 & 5's. Im so used to the high achieving Sarah that I was totally blown away by Nicola. I even apologised to her for doubting her when she originally told me!! The info night at the school was very interesting.

Bec had her first soccer training of the year tonight. Seemed to go well, Im sure she is fitter this time than when she first trained last season. Nic is all registered but haven't heard when training is yet.

Chez called to tell me L has made the zone swimming her first year into competing at school level...woohoo!! Pity we don't live closer and could go and watch each others kids lol

Driver

Not a lot going on. Went to the Library to return the boring books I borrowed 3 weeks ago. Actually it was 4 weeks ago as the Librarian kindly informed me with a shocked look on her face that my books were due back on February 1st! O M G !!! My books were a week late!!! Then I had the nerve to ask if I could reborrow 2 of them as Nic and I hadn't finished reading them. I borrowed 4 books last time and only 1 of them was any good and I borrowed it by mistake in the first place. Non fiction book called 'Irish' I thought I should get a little background info on the Irish ancestors. Turns out it was more a history of the Irish in Scotland lol. Still quite interesting. I read it when Im in the smallest room in the house if you know what I mean. Told you there wasn't a lot going on!!

Actually, Brett took Bec out for her first drive. They were gone 2 hours!! She went quite well apparantly. She enjoyed it and Brett has no grey hairs nor the sudden need for alcohol so all is good.

We need these for the office

Be afraid....

Bec passed her Learners Test this afternoon. She now has to drive 120 hours in all kinds of conditions before she can sit her driving test. The 120 hours needs to be done in the next 3 years I believe. She can do them sooner but she can't do the driving exam before 12 months from today. Does that make sense?

....in other news.....Sarah came home from swim carnival and in a very dissapointed voice announced she had come second in the Breast stroke and now would be forced to compete at whatever the next carnival was! (I believe its Zone) She was only swimming today because all her friends were and did last year (when she didn't) I guess she forgot how good she could be. Imagine if she had trained!

Swimming

Spent today at Nic's swimming carnival. She didn't do as well as she normally would. Not sure what the problem was. The girls don't do much training and have always just been talented with the swimming. We have previously been to the pool leading up to carnivals for some practise but thats all. We didnt really get a chance to do that this year. She is quite happy within herself though and doesn't seem at all concerned she won't go on to Zone this year. It got quite warm here today but then just as the carnival was ending, the clouds started darkening and then late afternoon we had yet another storm.

Took Sarah shopping as she needs a swimsuit for tomorrow. Deciding at the last minute to compete, then realising she only had a bikini.

Sarahs team one at Basketball again, second week in a row...woohoo!!

For those with teenagers....

Home

Stayed home. It was quite warm early on but we had yet another massive storm starting around 6pm. We have had no damage from the last 3 storms and Im sure we are gonna be hit eventually. Touch wood it won't get us but it keeps hitting neighbouring suburbs so its not far.
I slept most of the morning then cleaned up the kitchen as my family kindly saved the mess for me after my time away. Sweet aren't they.
Renee went to her first dance class. She did 45 mins of Jazz and then 45 minutes of Ballet. She really needs to pick one as I can't see how we can afford both. Might have to try as she keeps changing her mind as to which was more fun.
Still raining outside and tomorrow Nics swim carnival..grrrrr. Guess Ill be standing under an umbrella with a stopwatch. I haven't helped out for the last few years so figured it was about time. Nic said the only thing they will stop the carnival going ahead is if there is lightening. There was plenty of that tonight, not sure what is predicted tomorrow so I will check.
Should be a fun day!!!

Feb 4-5 What a Waste

Got kids off to school Monday and left Brett a list on what to do when etc with the kids. Got picked up around 12 and headed off to Terrigal for the annual staff conference. Absolutely shocking weather on the drive, also shitty weather at Terrigal. The beach up there is so beautiful usually but not really when its torrential rain. No after dinner walk on the beach this time.
We had lunch at the life saving club, our group of 5 plus a couple of others were the only ones on time. Why people can't time keep properly I will never understand. We then had to move on to a sports centre and play games. Team building I believe its called.
The 'waste of time' part of the conference for me was waking up this morning feeling like death! Quite nauseas straight away which I thought was cause I only had about 5 hours sleep but after breakfast I was feeling dizzy and very ill. I went back to our room and missed the first session of the business end of the conference and called Brett who came and picked me up. He actually drove over and hour each way to come and pick me up. He's a keeper lol. Anyway, while I did have a few drinks with dinner and afterwards Im positive that was not the cause of my being sick. I was struggling to get through dinner as it was. Anyway, its Tuesday night, Im still feeling icky and Im not sure if Im going to work tomorrow, Ill decide in the morning.

Did the same as yesterday

a big fat NUFFIN
Well, did some food shopping. Had garlic bread and diet coke for dinner. That kind of day.
The weather is shite and I think we may soon need to build an ark.
.....In other news....Bec is sitting her Learners exam at 1.30pm on Friday. Cross your fingers she passes as its $35 each attempt!

Nuffin!

Did pretty much nothing today. Warmish outside, so we did nothing inside. Makes sense to me.
Sarah stayed overnight as she was still in a bit of pain from her fall at basketball which I didn't mention previously. Dropped her at her dads after buying yet more exercise books which I, in a moment of weakness/not paying attentioness offered to cover for her. She left me directions to the Winnie the Pooh contact up on her desk. If I run out apparantly I can use the purple contact also up on her desk.
Am back to trying to decided whether or not to do a TAFE course this year. I have this dilemna with myself every few years. There are a few I would like to do which are all computer related. Also a couple of Uni courses too but if I go ahead I will start with the TAFE ones (OTEN which means I can do them from home) and then these act as credits for Uni. Im just worried that if I start this I will just be proving to everyone how stupid I am. Not a lot of self confidence. The ones Im interested in are not too expensive and can be paid in 2 instalments. Also can be done in my own time.

*sigh* Not sure what to do.

Sweet 16

Bec is 16 today!!! Woohoo. Now apparantly she can apply for her learners permit. Thats all she talks about!! She will probably do the test sometime next week.
She loved her pressies, I had to wake Nic and Renee up as Bec had to leave at 7.40. My brother who has not managed to remember any of my girls birthdays for YEARS rang at 8.10 to speak with her, had to tell him that she starts school at 8! Told him that he did however get browny points for ringing! He said he would send her a text message, which he did and Bec was impressed.



Picked up a Chocolate Mud Cake on the way home and we sang happy birthday when the girls were all home from school.
Nic and Renee have finally got their proper classes. Renee is happy to really be Year 1. Im not familiar with Renees teacher but both Bec and Sarah had the teacher Nic has this year and Im quite happy with that.
Nic has her swim carnival next Thursday and Sarah's is next Friday. Sarah is actually swimming this year so Im keen to get there but I have to do the Vegie Co-op shop but hopefully Ill have time to see her swim.
Girls are with their dad this weekend so hopefully we can have a very quiet weekend. Brett is going to pick up his mums exercise bike so maybe we can start doing a bit of exercise.
I need to do a bit of menu planning this weekend and sort out what everyone will be eating while Im away at Conference.

Not a good day at all

For some reason today was quite stressful. Getting up early is proving hard but Im determined to keep doing it. I find that Im much more organised in the morning if Im up before the girls. Not that Im doing much productive but its not such a rush. Driving Bec to school is definately getting 'old' She is going to have to agree to walk halfway or use the bus pass we applied for and got. She is the first one to ever have a bus pass!
My boss was making coffee and I asked her if I could have something stronger...she said perhaps 10.15am was a little early. We decided we'd make a list of those that were causing us to crave alcohol. Very therapeutic....and there wasn't even an ex spouse on the list!!
I was getting very frustrated with the Office of Fair Trading and with the head d*&$head at CLM. The case worker was on leave and the bimbo doing her job was doing her best impersonation of a banana. The head d*&$head at CLM was not returning calls. Im finding the whole thing soooooo stressful and I just want to cry. Finally reached d*&$head and he said oh yes we refunded you, I said I assumed the returned money was a result of my issueing a dispute with the bank and he said oh no that was me. Then I said 'are you taking my money next week' and he assures me they won't. I do not trust them at all. I will know by Wednesday if I am rid of them. He then had the nerve to say ' I hope we can do business again further down the track'

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Breathe

It was another stinker of a day and I wanted to take my annual first day of school photos which i did but this time indoors. The girls rolled their eyes but by now should know this is one of the few things that I will insist on.

Sarahs basketball started again tonight and I was just in no way feeling up to driving through the shopping traffic and back again so rang ex and asked if he'd kick off the season as we take it in turns. No probs there thank goodness....BUT THEN as if my day wasn't bad enough...we got a phone call just as we were leaving to take Sarah to her dad to say that the game time had been changed and it was now due to start in under half an hour. Who does stupid things like that???? ....and we live a half hour away from the stadium!! Anyway, there wouldn't have been enough time to take her to ex and then for him to drive to game so I dropped everything and we just left. Bec was asleep as obviously 2 days of Year 11 was too much for her lol so I had to leave Nic sort of in charge but Brett was due home soon. We actually passed him 2 streets away from home. Lucky the team one their game.
Managed to get Bec's presents wrapped for tomorrow.
The scheduled meal went out the window tonight as well. Supposed to be burgers but by the time we got back from Basket ball I wasn't going to start mixing...so Renee had a tuna sandwich, Nic and I had pancakes, Sarah had toast, Bec had fried eggs and Brett grilled himself a cheese sandwich I think.
Bedtime will be soon...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Tomorrow will be better, tomorrow will be better, tomorrow will be better!!

Day 1

School opened today for 3 of my 4. Woohoo! About time! Not that the holidays went to badly of course.

I was out of bed by 5. OMG.45am. Brett offered to give me a wake up call at 7am when he was at work but I thought it was easier just to get up and stare at the television firmly gripping my coffee as I slowly arrived at a new day.

The girls were up early, even Sarah who didn't start today. Bec now starts school at 8am most mornings and has varying finish times depending on the day of the week and if it is Week A or B. Apparently this week is just Induction and next week is Week B. She has 4 or so Photography classes in Week B so she is excited. Nic and Renee were ready to go to School by 8am which for Renee is an absolute miracle. She is still nervous about going up into Year 1 but we keep telling her she can't go back to Kindy again cause she knows it all. Nic told me that she, herself, can't believe she is in Year 5. *sniff* me neither

I went off to work as normal leaving Sarah with a list of chores. I phoned home around 11am and she said she was watching an Entertainment special on Snoop Dog. I asked her if she was bored and she said yes.

It was 'ugly' hot today and this afternoon was still bad. I offered the girls ice creams without Renee having to beg. I still need to take my annual back to school photo as Sarah didn't start today and then tomorrow Bec starts at 8am again and there is no way the other 3 can be ready by 7.30. Bec said it would be too hot to do it after school tomorrow so lets do it next week! I said 'do not interfere with my photo'. She just laughed and I said as it will be hot again tomorrow that I would happily make it an indoor photo. I think I won the argument. Renee was in a bad mood and was even fighting with Sarah which is unusual. I'm sure she was just both hot and tired. Thankfully its only a short week this week and the weekend is nearly here. I'm away at a work conference next Monday and Tuesday so Brett will be home to deal with any 'moods'! I will be on the beach (working hard of course!)

I inherited ended up with my dads camera a while after he died (1990) He used to take fantastic photos with it which I know is due to both him and the camera. My brother gave it a go a few years ago without much success. Brett and I are going to see if we can get it sorted so Bec can use it now that she is studying photography. Its obviously not digital but I'm sure it would be something to use even just to fiddle with lenses and such. I'm going to get some film tomorrow, we think that the batteries I thought it needed are only for the flash so hopefully it will work once loaded, then of course it will need developing the old fashioned way (ie. waiting, waiting, waiting) If we can get it working we will give it to Bec but I won't mention anything to her yet just in case.

Speaking of Bec, I have done her Birthday shopping. She seemed disappointed that I had finished, I guess her reasoning is I still have tomorrow available to shop!

ITS A SCHOOL NIGHT!!!!!!!

.........need I say more!

Your Inner European?

Your Inner European is French!

Smart and sophisticated.You have the best of everything - at least, *you* think so.

Who's" Your Inner European?

Menu Plan Monday

I have decided that once a week I will try a new recipe, whether its something Vegetarian just for me or something for the whole family to try. This weeks newby is tonights Cajun Chicken.

Lunches

School goes back on Wednesday (woooooooooo!!!!) so I would like to try and make something other than Vegemite Sandwiches. This week Im going to prepare Chicken and Corn Wraps. Creamy pasta salad, hawaiian pizza scrolls and Tuna patty rolls and some variations of these depending on which child/adult its for. These four ideas are from the Feb 2008 issue of Super Food ideas which I think I bought in Woolies. Brett has already made the Wraps, Scrolls and pasta salad. The Scrolls were a hit with the kids.

Afternoon Tea - Birthday cake on Friday!!

Dinners

Monday (tonight) Cajun Chicken Pasta which I found here. I will probably follow exactly except Im not doing the pasta bit. Ill explain later (depending on whether I failed or not)

Tuesday - FEC Chicken (Basically home made schnitzel - they all love it) and salad

Wednesday - Mince parcels

Thursday - Burgers & Salad

Friday - Egg and Bacon or 2 minute noodles (Renee)

Saturday and Sunday aren't planned yet and as its just 3 of us, we could end up with beans on toast, quick and easy!!

Nip over to Laura's site for more menu ideas!

Before I forget

During my usual Blog surfing I came across this little Meme (which pretty much means imitate/copy, a game to copy)

Create your own Band and album cover. I found this @ Quack This, so thanks Noname.

1. The first article title on the page is the name of your band.
2. The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together

Post your result in a comment or email as I'd love to see!

If you put it on your own Blog please remember to link back to Flickr with your original cover art picture.




Band Name - Utgard-Loki
Album Title - The failure of years
Cover Art - http://www.flickr.com/photos/41873449@N00/2208410467

Just your average day.

Its hard to know what to put in the title each day. Not every day does something happen that stands out. A few for today could have been - 'Teen slams door' 'Too many Kahlua's' 'School shopping nearly done' 'The things I do for my teenagers....'

I put one of those map things to track visitors to my Blog. I even know who the 2 Aussie visitors are. But look ------> someone in America came to my Blog. Yes, its sad that Im excited. I mean, I know Im fascinating but I realise it will take a while for everyone else to know.

As I mentioned, the school shopping is nearly complete. Just need to get ungrateful teenager Bec a new school bag and other ungrateful teen Sarah 'can I have some more phone credit' some shoes. She didn't come to today's shopping adventure as she went to the movies with her peeps to see Juno. She said it was quite funny. Kmart was 35% off stuff which included the bag for Nic and shoes for Renee. I still need to buy something else for Bec as she will turn 16 on Friday.

Not much else happening, Ive got some auctions underway on eBay to entice the embellishment buyers and the rest of the store is discounted. The Embellishment Castle is in major need of stock updates which may have to wait until next weekend when I'm down to one child.

Which reminds me, aforementioned child Renee came excitedly to us this afternoon as she had created a boy and girl on Sims2 and she had proposed and they were getting married (mary'd in her accent) she was so excited. Her groom to be was called Kyle. I went up to check on her later and by that stage she was shopping for furniture as her and Kyle preferred separate bedrooms...maybe things had gone down hill since the wedding OR maybe, that is the key to a successful marriage!

Australia Day....

......and how did we celebrate? Ummmm........! The last few years we have gone to Parramatta park at the buttcrack'oday to watch the balloons being blown up and watch them go up up and away with some loonatics balloonists sailing off into the sunrise. I did suggest it, silently hoping that it would not be greeted with too much enthusiasm. Needless to say, we didnt go. We are still pretty tired from our Holiday and then going straight back to work. Good excuse huh! So we did bits and pieces of housework, Brett made some great wraps for lunch which only 1 child would eat. All the more for us. Motherinlaw was here for dinner and we had a pasta dish made by Brett from same magazine as the wraps and I made crumbly burgers. They weren't supposed to crumble.

Tomorrow we have still more back to school shopping to do. 2 need shoes, 2 need bags, one still needs a pencil sharpner and 2 need to figure out how to pay for all this stuff that will need replacing by the end of Term 1 anyhow!

Look at my map - I have a friend in Melbourne!!! Woo...hoo...!
x

Words every mother loves to hear....

Well this one anyway! 'Mum, I love swimming' These words were uttered by Renee who has always sworn she was never going to swim. The older girls were born with fins and gills so it has been quite a shock to have a non swimmer. Renee tried swimming at Wet and Wild up on the Gold Coast after we bought her some floaties and it went quite well. Took her and Nic to the local pool today and while Nic did some laps and played with friends we found there, Renee took to the toddler pool where she could reach the bottom and started dog paddling, doing a bit of breast stroke and also floating on her back. Waaaay more than she has ever done. I didnt tell her what to do, just let her figure it out for herself and that seemed to work. No idea whether she will be as good or competitive as her big sisters but as long as she can eventually swim to the edge of a pool and climb out I will be confident she wont be a drowner!

Nic and Renee had Little A's tonight. Last night for the season as the local Council has given the ground $250K fo refurbishment and the clubs that use the oval weren't about to say no. Soccer sign ups start next weekend so that should take care of winter sport for the 2 youngest.

Johnny fix

Bec and her friends went to the opening day (evening) of the Sweeney Todd starring the heart thob of our house, Johnny Depp. Pretty much all she said was she probably won't be able to eat a meat pie ever again. She also had no idea it was gonna be a musical. So, shall I get the DVD for her for this Christmas???

Many Birthday Kisses

going down to Melbourne today. M and K, happily married, share many kids, many debts loads of sex AND have the same Birthday!!! Hope you guys had a wonderfuly Birthday today! Neither of you look a day over 40!!!

xxxx

Im a Flamingo!

You're a Flamingo!
Pink is your favorite color! Always looking to shock others, you
are absurdly thin and absurdly outlandish in your tastes. People come from all
over to see you, but as long as you've got a swimming pool, you're pretty
satisfied wherever you end up. And boy, do you love shrimp! When you really get
going, you can sound like Forrest Gump talking about shrimp...
Take the Animal Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
(Quote) - You are absurdly thin - (end Quote)

Love it!!!!!

Where have all the pens gone?

I need to write a cheque for the long suffering Orange Juice man. I thought I was using a pen but it was a pencil disguised as a pen! I have found 4 lead pencils in the last 5 minutes, which of course never happens during the school term when someone is trying to do their homework and needs a pencil. Where have they gone? Maybe the Orange Juice man will have one on him in the morning.

Monday Menu Planning

Monday - Spaghetti Bolognaise (just finished eating as its Monday night already!)
Tuesday - FEC Chicken
Wednesday - Chicken & Tarragon Meatloaf & Salad
Thursday - Chicken parcels & Salad (This will again be made by Bec as she is being allowed to go to the Movies to see Sweeney Todd on the day of release even though money is tight! - I can pretty much get her to do anything when Johnny Depp is involved)
Friday - Homemade Pizzas.

Nip over to Laura @ The Organizing Junkie for more great weekly menu ideas.

January 13th - January 19th - GOLD COAST, QLD

Coming soon.....

I remember when I was a kid

and if we were going on a holiday, and we went on a few, that someone else would do the organising and packing. Now Im grown up and the mum, I am 'someone else'.

Everything is packed and ready to go. Snacks for the trip up ready, drinks in the the freezer to whip out in the morning and put in the car. It will be quite hot in Sydney tomorrow, typical we are going North where it has been raining for over a month. We looked at the Foxtel long term forcast. Rain, Rain, Thunderstorm and more rain. I can't quite remember the old saying from an advert for Queensland. Something like - Queensland, Sunny one day, Beautiful the next (you get my drift!)

Oh well, off we go!

What day is it?

On an off during the day I could have sworn it was Saturday, both of us home plus the kids, very confusing.

Went to Medicare and claimed some money back. The lady said if the receipts are too old, they just send them to head office, so you still get your refund just takes a little longer.

I rang the caretaker of the unit we are staying in next week. Arranged for him to leave the key out cause we won't arrive on the Gold Coast until around 10pm. The plan is to leave home around 9am, get to Taree to have lunch. Next stop Coffs harbour and then one more stop for dinner when we are all hungry. The kids have been sorting out the Ipods, organising what to take, as there is a great chance the weather will still be bad, we will take Boardgames, books and DVD's as well but Im hoping they won't get used too much. The girls have worked out the sleeping arrangements themselves and as usual have gone with one older girl and one younger. They seem to know the right combinations.

Tomorrow Im going to have to pack the ebay orders that haven't been paid for cause no doubt they wouldnt be happy to wait an extra week for their stuff even if its taken THEM 2 weeks to pay. We will find an internet cafe nearby hopefully so we can check bank accounts plus do some bill paying. Sadly life goes on even if you are on holidays.

I broke my Meal plan tonight, we had take a way tonight of Chinese. Renee won't eat it so she had Weetabix and then later Vegemite toast. Baaaaaaad mummy!. Ill make sure I cook tomorrow night as we can't really afford the takeaway.

Senior moment

I tried to send a fax yesterday at work. I dialled the number, pressed send - nothing happened. Probably would have helped if Id placed my document in the feeder huh!

Decided I won't work Friday after all. I need to go to Medicare and put some claims in, hopefully I can still get some money back from a GP appointment back in September 06. Worth a try.

The girls need swimmers and such for the Queensland trip but Ive convinced them to wait till we get up there. A workmate has given me some addresses of discount/warehouse type places which we will visit next Monday. Brett and I decided tonight we will got to Movie World and Wet 'n' Wild Water World with our Escape passes. Brett really wanted to go to Dream world as the have that new Wayne Gardner Motor Bike ride! Sadly (not!) it wasn't included in the Escape Pass!

Getting back to working

is really hard after the holiday period! Id like to think its not my age...Im sure its not. Anyway, 4 more days and then Im off for a week! Woooo!

A bit crafty..

I bought a couple of Kaiser Clocks last November at the Penrith craft fair thingy (I think it was November anyhow) Finished this at the end of November. I was going to give it away for a Christmas gift but the recipient has been very receptive on previous craft things so I decided to keep it for myself! I love it. The dragonfly is a Kaiser Flourish and the flowers are MM Blossoms and the featured children are my own!

Unfortunately, the clock doesn't actually work! The 'workings' on neither clock work. Yes, we tried different batteries as well. So at the moment it is just a decorated square piece of wood.

Menu Plannning Monday

I used to do this a fortnight at a time and found it saved loads of money and time to know in advance what we were eating each night. Thought I would give it another crack!

Whilst surfing the internets world of blogs I came accross Im an organizing Junkie and saw she does the planning and is encourageing others. I also thought this way I would at least remember to post something once a week!

Monday Menu planning

Monday - Shepherd pie with peas and baked beans

Tuesday - FEC Chicken Schnitzel with salad (FEC - Flour/Egg/Breadcrumbs)

Wednesday - Sausages, chops and potato bake

Thursday - Chicken parcels (One of my teenagers will do this)

Friday - Homemade Pizza

Saturday - Chicken rissoles and salad

Sunday - Hopefully takeaway of some sort.

We leave for Queensland early on Monday (14th) morning which will be around a 10 hour drive so that is why Sunday night will be takeaway, one less thing to worry about.

Otherwise, spent a pretty lazy Sunday at home. Didn't really find out how hot it got until I went out at 5 to the supermarket and it was still in the mid 30's Im sure. Renee spent most of the day on Sims2 which will no doubt end tomorrow as I had a text message from Bec and she wants to come home from her dads a day early!!

Clarke Christmas

Bretts family came over including his grandma. Bec, Sarah and Nic were with their dad so missed out. Had a good day. Renee played with S & R. Bretts sister is on a tight budget (insert poor uni student) and did a fantastic job framing pictures for everyone. I cried when I opened ours. It had the girls plus her boys plus Bretts older girls. No sarah though as she couldnt find a decent photo of her. Plenty of food left over as usual. Never mind, we will just have to live on Ham for a while!

Robinson Christmas

Spent the day at my Brother M's house over on the other side of Sydney. Takes around an hour and I ALWAYS get lost one street away from his house. I always take a wrong turn that close. Anyway, we took both cars as we don't all fit in one. Had a good time. M and S are great company and the kids all get on great. This year his brother and sister were also there. There are 2 other brothers and 1 other sister, not my siblings, they are M's natural siblings. His sister had her 2 kids there so Bec wasn't the oldest anymore. We had a leisurely lunch, opened presents and ran in and out of the house while it did and didnt rain. We are getting very strange weather at the moment.

Schools out for Summer/Christmas party #3

All 4 girls are done for 2007. We have 2 more family events before Christmas next Tuesday. The older 3 will be with their dad for Christmas eve and then back here sometime on Christmas Day. I think they are back and forward a few times these hols, but ex only lives in next suburb so not a major problem. Plus we are off to Queensland on January 14th...wooooo!

Third Christmas party was my work one, for the staff. Daytime one and spouses/signifcant others not invited. We always do the Kris Kringle thing. This year I got a wedding picture with mine and Robbie Williams face superimposed on the bride and grooms faces. Very funny! Nice food, good Comany, plenty of laughs. Work is now closed until January 7th (1 week longer than usual) but S and I will be going back on Jan 2nd as we can catch up on fiddly things that get left behind with the usual day to day stuff. Plus we need the money!!

Christmas Party #2

This wasn't a Christmas Party as such, it was the clients Christmas Party for the firm I work for. Not compulsary for staff but it would be a good idea if you went (if you know what I mean!)
Wasn't a bad night, good food, chatted with a few clients, watched Santa grope a few people and left around 11pm.

Presentation Day (last one!)

Went to the High School again, this time for the regular presentation day. Sarah received an award for Mandatory Technology. No idea what she learnt, but obviously she did well!! hehe

Year 10 Graduation Ceremony

Year 10 is over and Rebecca successfully passed her School Certificate! Woohoo! Her marks were quite good, especially compared to the trial results she got a month ago. phew

The ceremony was good, they were all called up individually to receive their certificates. Typically I was having a blury photo day so I took a pic later in front of the tree! She is now on hols a week earlier than her sisters.

Year 10 Formal

Hair appointment, makeup appointment then photos all completed by 5.30pm on a school afternoon!!

Bec looked beautiful, even her dad said so. Took her to her friends house and 3 girls drove off to the formal in a Red Monaro (I should be impressed apparantly but a car is a car) Took the Nic and Renee to the High School to see all the kids arriving. Was great fun to see them looking all grown up.

When I picked her up, Bec said it was great fun but over too soon. Sure sign of a good party! One more day to go and she has finished Year 10 and also finished at this High School.

2 Down, 2 to go

Nic and Renee had their presentation days today. Both girls received an award which is kewl.

Photo was taken late this afternoon which is why Renee looks a bit scruffy.

Tomorrow night is Becs Year 10 Formal so it will be a hectic afternoon.

Recovery

I definately don't bounce back from concerts like I used to. Saturday I was exhausted, but still had to go shopping with Bec to get her nails done and also find her some shoes for the Formal. Formal is 3 sleeps away. Sarah brought a note home saying she is getting an award next week so has been a successful year for all 4 girls.

Packing ebay orders tonight, that is the downside of sales lol. Have some auctions on at the moment but will probably not do anymore until after we have been to Queensland in January. By the time the listings end and people get around to paying we will be off on hols.

Managed to find a Baby Alive doll for Renee for Xmas. Also spotted a Digital Photo frame for Bec, a spur of the moment thing. She is proving the most difficult to buy for this year. Nic is easy, anything Veronicas and anything High School Musical.

Dancing Concert

Went down to the Sutherland area to watch step daughters in their end of year concert. J & L did well as usual, they do all sorts including singing, drama and Irish dancing. Renee has now asked to do dancing next year. I think Little Athletics has run its course so we might swap over. Chatted with the girls for a while afterwards, was good to see them again. Brett has said that 2008 is the year to sort out his access, finances willing of course.

Im Awesome

Well, for a couple of hours tonight I was! I took Nicola to see The Veronicas at the Hordern Pavilion. I'm not a huge fan but Nic is and its part of her Christmas gifts so I made the ultimate sacrifice hehe Just her and me which was kewl, Renee wanted to come but she was just way to young. Anyway, we had great seats, it was very loud and I must admit they are pretty good. Took some photos afterwards of Nic in front of the stage, then we queued forever to get her a tshirt and she used some of her own money (still left over from her b'day in September) to buy a poster. The concert finished at 10pm and we left the Hordern at 10.40! We had to go past the back bit of the Hordern and just happened to see one of The Veronicas walking back inside. There was crowd by the fence and we waited with them for a while. Dean Geyer who is apparently from Aussie Idol a few years ago was one of the support acts (we missed him) and he came over to the fence and Nic got his autograph and hopefully a pic (I'm too tired to check the camera now). Then one of The Veronicas came out and Nic got the autograph, and then finally the other Veronica! So Nic saw them in concert, then up close plus got autographs. By the time The Veronicas came out and over to us the crowd had dwindled to about 10-15 so it was easy to get the autographs. They are so tiny lol Back to the car by 11.14pm and home just over an hour later (grr road works) Anyway, at this moment in time in the eyes of Nicola - I am awesome!

Christmas Party #1

Ive actually got 3 'parties' to go to this year. Thats 3 more than any other year!! I went out and bought a new top and pants and after party #3, these items will become work clothes!

A trip on the harbour was the destination for Bretts work party. This is the Harbour Ballroom. Guess who forgot they get seasick!? I went downstairs to the loo when we first boarded and it was soooo hot and stuffy down there, I raced back up to the top deck as quick as I could cause I knew if I stayed downstairs Id never last the night. I went back inside for the meal and just kept going in and out. Gorgeous views, Bretts workmates are pretty kewl and hilariously funny at times. No wonder he likes his job!

We definately have the best harbour in the world!!

Trimming the Tree 07

(Pics from the weekend)

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!





This decoration was made by my
motherinlaw, many years ago.





Finishing Touch!

Woohoo, 2 days in a row

Busy at work. Everyone is winding down their business for the year so of course don't want audits lol


Maz popped in with Sandy for dinner. We'll catch up with Sandy again on Christmas
Eve.


Tomorrow Bec if off into Sydney for lunch with her Food Tech class and Nicola is
going to Windsor for an Art day so needless to say, I can't go to work.

Been a while

I can't seem to stick to the Blog thing. I love reading other peoples and stuff does happen during the day that I would like to remember as my memory is S*&T!

Whats happened since February?

Im now 40 lol. We've had 3 Birthday parties including mine. Bec is already planning her 16th for next February.

The girls are doing great at school. Both N & R are receiving awards at the end of School presentations so that should be kewl. Bec will graduate Year 10 in 2 weeks and then school is done for her. The others have 3 weeks left.

I am taking N to see The Veronicas this Friday as part of her Xmas present. I bought tickets for Bec and S for Kelly Clarkson for Christmas although the concert isnt until March next year.

Chez is pregnant with #3. She is also 40. No way could I do the baby thing again. I have every intention of getting slightly clucky with her bub though.

Three quarters of the Christmas shopping is done, we are seeing Matt and family on December 22nd and then Bretts family will be here on the 24th.

Oh and we are still broke