Jess the Librarian

A day at the fair...

2009-01-31T12:22:00.000+11:00

TG and I went out for breakfast today. Not only was it yummy but there was a small street fair on about which I had forgotten. SO, of course, we had a wander...

We both had a great time - the weather was lovely, just warm enough with a cool coastal breeze, and despite it being small there was a lot to do. After picking up a free (advertising) showbag we sauntered among the few stalls until TG spied a jumping castle... Which was very good value (as Paddington would say...) as she was allowed to stay on it as long as she liked. Not sure they realised just how long that could be...

After that there was more stalls, a fire engine, a truck, a police bike and face painting however Princess Mermaid (formerly known as TG) thinks that the best thing was hugging the CFA koala...

xx J.

Hiatus

2009-01-15T14:09:00.000+11:00

I've been away.

Doing lots of interesting thigs.

But now I'm back.

Will share more with you all later, but here is a pic of TG taken about a week ago.

It's interesting that even now (at 4 3/4) she still likes to sit in a basket... :)

xx J.

Finished!!!

2008-11-18T19:24:00.004+11:00

And here is the finished product! I am pretty happy with it - it fits really well and is comfortable. I even wore it to a wedding on the weekend even though it didn't really go with the dress I wore... (Click here for pictures of the happy event...)

I have now started on some mystery socks from Sock Knitters Anonymous on Ravelry. Membership is still by invitiation but you can put yourself ont he waiting list. BUt be warned, it is addictive!!! And may involve inspiring you to buy much stash. Although we all know that sock yarn doesn't really count as stash.... :p

xx J.

Knitting update

2008-10-15T15:24:00.002+11:00

Hello!!!

It suddenly occured to me that perhaps I should give you an update on my current project...

I am knitting Shetland Shorty by Gudrun Johston from Knitty in Morello Mash by Colinette. So lovely to knit with (and a Certain Person thinks I am so in love I am going to run away with it. Lucky he hasn't met my corner rounder yet... :p )

Will post a progress pic soon.

xx J.

FLYFEST!!!

2008-10-10T09:01:00.000+11:00

I went to Warrnambool and I met... (from left to right)... (me) Anji, Trudi and Christina!!!!

Anji and I have met up before but I have never met with Trudi and CJ in real life, but as we said, it seems like we already know each other so well! Adn what a great afternoon we had. Let's hope we can have many more!

xx J.

Dorothy Concert

2008-10-04T14:51:00.002+10:00

Well, guess who was a very excited little chicky on Thursday??? I have never had such a well behaved (albeit recovering form conjunctivitis and with a runny nose) little girl... lol

Enjoy,

xx J.

Theological quiz

2008-09-14T16:05:00.001+10:00

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Emergent/Postmodern

79%

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

79%

Classical Liberal

57%

Neo orthodox

54%

Reformed Evangelical

39%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

39%

Modern Liberal

36%

Roman Catholic

32%

Fundamentalist

18%

End of an Era

2008-08-30T19:04:00.003+10:00

Today marks the end of an era. After almost 30 years, Lynn Johnston, creator and writer of For Better or For Worse has finally put down her pencil. I have been following the Patterson's many and varied stories for ten years now and have loved every moment of them. Poignant, funny, insightful and always relevant, Johnston has created a family whose daily life has become an important part of my own. I will miss following their lives further but am very much looking forward to reading the strip again from the beginning - especially those first 20 years!! :) Thanks Lynn for telling such great stories in your own inimitable style.

xx J.

Epiphany

2008-08-26T21:36:00.002+10:00

I am going to let you all in on a little secret...

...I dislike Geelong...

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not personal... I am sure there are nice people in Geelong (in fact I know quite a few) and there is Anaconda and Spotlight and bead shops... but as a way of getting from A to B, efficient it is not.

However, on a recent trip through I realised it has one major advantage over all the other towns on the Princes Highway...

...it has the cheapest petrol.

And not just by a piddly few cents either - it is at least ten cents per litre cheaper and in some cases FIFTEEN!!

So, thank you Geelong. I have filled my tank for the first time in weeks.

xx J.

Lost....

2008-08-20T21:08:00.002+10:00

....in my own library....

yes, shock and indeed horror....

We have weeded about 25% of our collection and MOVED ALL THE BOOKS...

I don't know where anything is!!! Thankfully I know my DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification) and I can find things if I look properly. WEll, that's the theory, anyway... :P

The upside of all this is, of course, that we now have more space for things like, well, library users and computers... I least I am told that is an upside...I would prefer more books myself....lol

xx J.

Hmmmmmm....

2008-08-06T21:46:00.000+10:00

Ok, I thought mice were supposed to be clever...

I came home from my nice five days away from my workplace (but I WAS working, honest!) to a subtle smell and being not quite sure where it came from...

I took me a while to find it...

And it is well and truly STUCK... I am going to have to leave it there for a day or two or else break it in half.

And the blasted cat doesn't even LOOK at it when he comes in the door...

xx J.

Stuff by us...

2008-07-30T22:28:00.002+10:00

Here is my first layout for at least twelve months - maybe more (I think anyway). And of course one by TG too. Both done for the Scrapbook Divas July CC.

Enjoy!

xx J.

Party, party, party!

2008-06-21T20:50:00.003+10:00

TG and I went to a 5th birthday party today. It was a cold cold day but so much fun! Even after too much chocolate. Highlights included Pass the Parcel, a Fairies cake and face painting. She waited so long and was so patient - the party was half over before she finally got it painted. But apparently it was worth it! Hope you all enjoy it as much as she did!

xx J.

New project

2008-06-16T21:28:00.003+10:00

Yes, yes, I know.... I haven't blogged for AGES! Well, that's what happens when one has a visit from TD&H... :p

Have you all missed me???

Anyone?????

Oh, just one of you - thanks Mum... :p

Apart from our visitor, I have also been busy studying Auslan (Australian Sign Language) at TAFE. It's fun - but time-consuming! Plus all the normal everyday Mummy and household tasks...

I have found some time to knit however. Here is a photo of my latest project. I am halfway through so will post a progress pic soon...

xx J.

Lucky shot...

2008-05-17T17:38:00.002+10:00

It's been really cold recently. I have no idea why this rose is still blooming, but I was lucky enough to wake up earlier in the week and see this beautiful frosted bloom. I was also lucky enough to catch it at just the right time and in just the right light.

Well worth getting my slippers wet... :)

God's Creation is truly wonderful...

xx J.

Socks!!!! Stash!!!! Silly!!!!

2008-05-07T11:21:00.006+10:00

Yes! I have finally finished my first pair of socks. And very comfy they are too...

I also received some new stash!! Such gorgeous colours!! The first four skeins are from The Knittery (Moonlight, Warm Pinks, Vineyard and Merlot) and the fifth is Lilac Ranco Solid from Araucania (bought at The Wool Shack). I bought some new knit picks needles too. So expect to see more socks in the near(ish) future!

And finally, a couple of photos of TG being silly...

Enjoy!!

xx J.

Good Weekend

2008-04-27T18:51:00.003+10:00

TG and I have had a good weekend... (and it's about time!!!)

We put her new birthday doona cover on TG's bed...

Tested out some faerie wings...

Had fun at a 4th birthday party....

And enjoyed a wonderful (and fun) visit from TD&H... as you can see the tower goes "all the way to the roof!" Oh the benefits to being tall.... :p

xx J.

Sock!!!

2008-04-19T22:08:00.004+10:00

I know, I know... I have left you alone for a whole week!!!

Bad Blogger!.... :)

Thought I would drop in with a couple of photos of my completed sock... The second one is about 5 cm in...

Enjoy!

xx J.

CBCA awards

2008-04-11T15:59:00.003+10:00

Well, it's that time of year again when I go crazy trying to read all the books on the Childrens' Book Council of Australia awards shortlist in order to disagree with the judges when the winner is announced on the 15th of August. The Older readers list is as follows:

French, Jackie. Pharaoh: the boy who conquered the Nile
Hartnett, Sonya. The Ghost's Child
Heffernan, John. Marty's shadow
McDonald, Meme. Love like water
Metzenthen, David. Black Water
Norrington, Leonie. Leaving Barrumbi

For once I have not actually read ANY of the shortlisted books so that is interesting in itself. Normally I have read at least two on the older readers list and sometimes more.

So I am starting with Pharaoh: the boy who conquered the Nile by Jackie French (yes, that is the same woman who used to be on Burke's Backyard!) and so far it is ok. Nothing earth-shattering though.

I am quite miffed that Joel and Cat set the story straight is not on the list - but at least it has been made a notable.

Anyway, in other news...

I am still not 100% - am awaiting results to see where we go from here. I am hoping that it is jsut the minor infection they think it is rather than something chronic.
TG has had her 4th birthday - time has just FLOWN! Photos here.
School has started again - it has only been a week and reality has already hit us like a Mac Truck! Only 11 weeks to go!!! :)

xx J.

Home again!

2008-04-06T20:13:00.002+10:00

Well, here I am after 2 weeks of travelling. And am so very tired. :)

Aren't you supposed to relax and recharge on holiday??

It wasn't helped by getting sick with some sort of bug in the middle of it all (and still having it now!). But I still had a good time away and I will put up some pics sometime soon (just as soon as I can find the connection from my new camera!!!)

Work tomorrow (if I am well enough!) Wish me luck!!

xx J.

HOLIDAYS!!!

2008-03-26T13:23:00.003+11:00

Yes, it's that time of year again... :P

And what have I been doing you may ask???

Ok Ok, since you ask so nicely, here is a little taste of it so far...

cleaning house
packing
watching Stargate
knitting sock(s)
backing up photos
travelling
eating chocolate
drinking (too much) coffee
shopping
spending time with friends
unpacking
reading Calvin and Hobbes
reading Unshelved
reading Yarn
more knitting
listening to very welcome rain

And today we are off again - this time to Melbourne for hopefully more of the same!

xx J.

Where does the Sun sleep??

2008-03-19T00:03:00.003+11:00

That is the question Miss Almost Four asked me on the way home tonight. Where do such questions come from?????? And how easy and tempting is it to give the "lies to kiddies" answer of "just over there in the ocean" or whatever the standard answer is.

Thank goodness for Charlie and Lola and their globe is all I can say - was slightly easier to explain that way...

Itchy feet

2008-03-16T21:55:00.003+11:00

No, I'm not moving!

I finally succumbed and flea bombed the house this morning. Vacuuming every couple of days just wasn't picking up the little buggers. So I have used nasty chemicals. Let's hope it works.

Of course, now they are having their last hurrah on my feet... itchy itchy itchy!!! And out comes the stingose!

xx J.

Book Review - Chocolat by Joanne Harris

2008-03-12T18:56:00.003+11:00

I don't know why it has taken me so long to get around to reading this book! I love the film and I have actually borrowed the book at least 3 times and never even opened it. Until this time. When I couldn't put it down.

And I loved it.

Joanne Harris skillfully paints wonderful characters and invokes magical imagery with simple words. The village setting really could be in any time - it is only the outside world that dates the novel. Harris draws from myth and legend as well as shrewd observation to give us not just a beautiful and satisfying story but also a mystical version of a moral tale. It's a great read, but don't expect it to bear much resemblance to the film - or should that read the other way around??

Chocolat reads as a modern day fairytale - but with the dark bits left in - and is well worth a read.

Labour Day

2008-03-10T20:29:00.007+11:00

Only 6 working days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a very short but also very busy term and I shall be glad to see the back of it. And today was a lovely break spent with friends doing as little as possible... :)

On another note, my parents have gone back from whence they came. (or at least are on the way - I just had the phone call to say so!) My house is much tidier and, unsurprisingly, I am somewhat calmer... :)

As my house has been tidied on several occasions and by three different people I am still in the process of finding things that have been put in odd places. Unfortunately, some of those things were put away by yours truly. *sigh*

Tonight I have finally found my camera and so, for your viewing pleasure, I am putting up a few photos that I meant to put up a while ago...

TG's new slippers of which she is very proud. And yes, they really are that pink...

My new knitting basket that I bought from the RSPCA shop. I am still looking for a zip up knitting bag to take projects away with me but I do love this basket. It fits all the wool for this multicolour cardigan I am knitting for TG and looks good to boot.

And, finally, I have gone back to a bit of stitching this weekend. Here is two thirds of Barnabee's Quest. It's still an enjoyable stitch and I might even finish this one!!!

Grey invaders...

2008-03-04T22:58:00.002+11:00

My parents have arrived for their semi-annual visit. It is nice to have them here and I managed to get most if the place cleared in time. And my wonderful cleaning fairy did a superb job in finishing off the rest! So my house feels most restful.

And TG is quite happy to have an additional audience for her incessant chatter... lol

Back to the naturopath tomorrow for a follow up - a bit later than we were supposed to go but hopefully we can work around that! And then some shopping! Maybe we can visit Bunnings... since we will have both Granddad and TG with us I expect we may end up there at some stage... just to soak in the atmosphere if nothing else...

xx J.

Tired

2008-02-29T21:54:00.003+11:00

Oh. So. Tired.

:)

And so very glad that I now have nice comfortable flat shoes to wear to work instead of those horrible boots I was wearing before. They may look good but my feet didn't like them much! Of course, now everyone has suddenly grown an inch and a half... it may not sound like much but it's noticeable when you're only 5'4"...

Bring on the weekend!!!!!!!!!

xx J.

Happy dancing

2008-02-28T22:51:00.002+11:00

I got my refund today! Should be able to pay off the CC and change it to a Debit one. Wooohooo!!!

Very busy at work - fully booked most of this week. Still, only one day to go!

The house is still looking like a non-incendiary bomb has hit it (can you have one of those???) so I fear this weekend will be busy too.

Well, at least the washing is out and I have clean dishes (and benches) for breakfast so perhaps I should be thankful for small mercies!

xx J.

Think Pink!

2008-02-27T15:43:00.002+11:00

Attention all stitchers! Check out this great prize on the Stitch Pink Blog!

xx J.

Tuesday

2008-02-26T20:10:00.003+11:00

I think that Tuesday night is now officially "nothing AT ALL on telly night". No more NCIS, Numb3ers, Monarchy or even Dancing with the Stars! (Yes, I realise for some of you that last one may be scraping the bottom of the barrel, but I like it. Blame my mother - she started it!)

What will I do now???

More Stargate??? Hire a DVD?? Read??

Or, shock horror, do some housework??????????

Maybe I'll just go to bed early... :p

xx J.

On my own two feet

2008-02-24T22:43:00.003+11:00

Well, I am feeling much better today - I think a combination of rest, full meals and time has really helped. And thanks to those people who have emailed, MSNed me and left comments to let me know you were thinking of me. I appreciated it very much.

One added bonus to being ill was that I would miss the swimming sports. It wasn't deliberate - just excellent timing. But, alas, it was not to be. For, on Friday, it rained. And was cold. And windy. So the sports have been moved to tomorrow. When it will also be cold, wet and windy. I wonder how many times we can cancel the thing????

Anyway, we shall see what happens... wish us luck!

xx J.

TG is HOME!

2008-02-23T22:58:00.002+11:00

Yes, at long last the intrepid traveller has come home. Big cuddles and kisses all round...

...then...

"I want to watch something Mummy"
"We're watching the car race"
"But I want to watch my show"

I suppose I wasn't all that interested in the Clipsal 500 after all...

And I probably really don't want to know how many times I have seen the Wiggles Movie.

Although considering I know all the songs and can quote most of it, I'd say it was a fair few times.

Oh well. As long as it's not The Fairies I suppose I'll still at least have some brain cells!!! (Those of you who have little girls will know exactly what I mean there... :) )

xx J.

While I have been ill...

2008-02-22T21:52:00.002+11:00

...I have:

watched almost TWO seasons of Stargate SG1
watched Oprah - more than once :o
slept in
read for more than 5 minutes without interruption
taken useless medication
tried not to think about work :)

TG comes home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xx J.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

2008-02-20T15:39:00.004+11:00

I have been remiss in blogging recently. Here I am to explain my absence...

On Sunday I woke up at 5 am feeling like this...

And it wasn't just a little bit - the room was SPINNING....

A LOT.

People who have known me since before this blog began will know that this is not the first time this has happened...

Although, according to my GP, this time it is a virus and he is "not too worried". Well, bully for him... :) I suppose I should have more faith in the medical profession. I have had all the necessary tests done and should have some more idea tomorrow.

Anyway, the room stopped spinning sometime overnight Sunday night - and now I feel like one of these...

Let's hope I can put one foot safely in front of the other soon.... lol

And driving myself around would be nice.

Luckily TG's wonderful grandparents (all of them!) came to the rescue and she is currently sojourning with Grandma J and having a great time by all accounts! :) She even got to go to Bunnings, which is, of course, the epitome of all shopping expeditions and everything a little girl dreams of... :)

I wonder if she will want to come home???

xx J.

Debt Free!!!!!!!!

2008-02-14T22:18:00.002+11:00

Well, sort of... except for the CC and the mortgage of course...

I went to the accountant today to get my tax done (yes, I *do* know that I'm a bit late) and it seems that this will be the year that I finally pay off my HECS debt! Wooohoooo!!!!!!

And I might even get a refund as well.

My Goodness... How unusual....

xx J.

Sorry...

2008-02-13T22:44:00.003+11:00

"I asked Nanna Fejo what she would have me say today about her story. She thought for a few moments then said that what I should say today was that all mothers are important. And she added: ‘Families—keeping them together is very important. It’s a good thing that you are surrounded by love and that love is passed down the generations. That’s what gives you happiness.’ "

As quoted by Kevin Rudd in his speech today.

TG got lots of hugs today...

xx J.

PS. Have uploaded some photos. Click here for the getting ready photos, and here for the wedding ones. Enjoy!

Wedding photos

2008-02-10T22:15:00.000+11:00

Just a few to keep you all going. It was a great day and I will blog about it gradually during the week. Enjoy!

xx J.

Polished!

2008-02-08T13:24:00.000+11:00

Well, the big day is almost upon us... I have pink nails (fingers AND toes) and have very little time before I am put to work... Such is life... *sigh*

BTB is going slightly? nuts and we are all off to Lavender Farm Very Soon. I am hoping that once we get there she will RELAX - but I am not holding out much hope! Wish us luck!

xx J.

Notes from today

2008-02-07T21:22:00.000+11:00

Primary school still feels like more fun than Secondary school
Choosing a Beanie Kid for someone else is tricky
Melbourne really does have all four seasons in one day
No matter how hungry you are - you still feel stuffed full after one dish at the Pancake Parlour
There are far too many Beanie Kids
Small children do not like being woken up - even by Grandma
Late night shopping is eerie but much more satisfying then shopping during the day
Small children seem to actually like McDonald's
Smiggle stationery is expensive but really, really nice
It is difficult to find ladies black cushion foot socks in a size 8-11 (or in any colour for that matter)
It is possible to park at a busy shopping centre without hitting another car - I did it twice today... :)
High heels are not good for flat feet
Not all Beanie Kids are cute
Life is much more fun when you have friends to share it with :)

xx J.

Hen's night - a (mostly) photo essay...

2008-02-04T21:14:00.001+11:00

We all started off at the Bride-To-Be's house. Well, most of us... one person's husband had jumped into the surf earlier with his (electronic) car keys in his pocket so it took her a while to get to us...

And then off we went to the Empress for a great dinner. BTB seemed to enjoy herself...

And some people turned up with some interesting items for the 'marriage survival kit'. Not only were there the traditional pink fluffy handcuffs and massage oil, but also panadol (to avoid those pesky headaches...) and THESE knickers... :O

Then, after the obligatory bright pink sparkly veil and flashing sash were donned (with the also usual protestation from BTB!) we headed off to Bimbos for more drinks and chocolate pizza! YUM!

I couldn't fit everyone in the photo so here's the person that got cut off... :)

And here is BTB looking daggers at me - good shot I thought.... :P

Chief Bridesmaid brought out the dare cards and much hilarity ensued. We hardly did any of them of course - but they *were* funny. BTB was dared to slap a bloke on the bottom and say "looking good there!".

The bouncer was quite appreciative.

After this we headed off to the Night Cat - noisy but FUN! Except for the sleazy bloke that kept trying to pick up BTB. There's always one... *sigh* But we did get rid of him eventually.

Then it was off to sit outside, have a drink and catch our breath while BTB and another of the girls did a dare each. The bloke enjoyed his nice friendly hug - and yes, that's ALL.

We split up and some headed off to more clubbing, some to home, and the rest of us went to a hotel for the night. What a great idea! Way to go Second Bridesmaid!

A shot of the morning after. Apparently this is what the BTB felt like as well...

And I couldn't resist an arty architecture shot - SORRY! - what do you all expect?? After all, we were on the tenth floor...

We had a great night and I think I even got more sleep than I usually get.

But I am still so very very tired. But, must get energetic as it all starts again on Friday for The Wedding :O

Wish us luck!

xx J.

Quite possibly asleep...

2008-02-03T22:20:00.000+11:00

We are safely home.

TG is asleep (I may also be... :) )

Hen's night was fun and the Bride To Be had a hangover this morning so all was as it should be...

I will give a more full report tomorrow.... but here are a few pics to whet your appetite... :P

xx J.

Friday

2008-02-01T23:50:00.000+11:00

The first week of work is OVER! Woohooo! I always hate the first week because it always takes me a little while to get into the swing of things.

Oh, and getting up early too, of course...

It is only one week until the Big Day! Yes, The Wedding of the Year (and possibly the century!) is happening next Saturday. So that means that the Hen's night is being held tomorrow night. I cannot reveal too much - but there will be some small slight revenge.... :P But only slight - We are all ten years older than MY hen's night... and perhaps a tiny bit more sensible... :)

This means of course that I have to stay up past ten pm and have a good time... Can I do it??? Will it be possible for me to drink a glass of wine and stay awake??? Will I remember to wear sensible (but stylish!) shoes so I don't complain about my feet??? Will I just get over it???? LOL

All will be revealed in the next episode.... same bat time same bat channel.... stay tuned!

xx J.

It's late....

2008-01-29T23:51:00.000+11:00

...and I am tired...

I have been knitting and watching Pride and Prejudice (the 1995 BBC version that started Darcymania as well as re-popularised Jane Austen) and am somewhat surprised (and slightly unnerved) that I can actually pay attention to my knitting (only 4 mistakes tonight! lol) and not have to look at the screen to know exactly what is going on.

Do you think that perhaps I have seen it a few too many times???

Work was busy and there were no students. Perfect :)

They will be back tomorrow. But I won't! It's my day off!! What a great way to start the week!

I had better go to bed so that I can enjoy it as mucha s possible...

Goodnight!

xx J.

Work

2008-01-28T22:03:00.000+11:00

Yes, it's that four-letter word again...

Tomorrow it's back to alarms, routines and actually paying attention to said alarms and routines.

So, today, I did those few little things that I could no longer put off until another day...

planted the poor pot-bound hydrangea that's been sitting by the back door all January (kris kringle present from work)
folded a mountain of washing
cleaned up the kitchen COMPLETELY
decluttered half the dining table
vacuumed the carpets (actually I HAVE done this a few times these holidays - just not last week...)

I still need to mop the floors and mow (again *sigh*. Does it never end???) but apparently doing puzzles with small child is more important...lol

I have done lunches though - so there's one bit of routine I am following already.

TG is asleep in her bed rather than mine - so there's another... lol

And I am about to head off to bed - only 15 minutes late :O - wonder how long that will last.... lol

BTW - just a short note - DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT watch Top Gear and attempt to knit a complicated (or even uncomplicated) lace pattern correctly at the same time. I do not think it is possible. It certainly wasn't tonight.... but I fudged it and it looks alright. And Top Gear was very very funny :) So all is well...

xx J.

It's over...

2008-01-27T23:16:00.000+11:00

Well, the tennis is now over - and WHAT a finish! Some great new players coming up...

Yes, I will shut up about the tennis now. You know, I'm not really as obsessed as I sound... :)

I managed to get another repeat of the pattern done on my stole - I will take a photo in sunlight tomorrow and post it.

So now I am back to watching Stargate - I am up to season 3. I had forgotten I missed most of the first few seasons of it. Although I will probably go slow on them as I can't knit this pattern and watch at the same time - not without making zillions of mistakes anyway! Might have to listen to music instead.

After Top Gear of course - it's still my first love... lol

xx J.

What the...????

2008-01-25T22:43:00.000+11:00

Roger is out of the Australian Open. :O

Oh no.

Who am I going to barrack for now?????

Will TG learn to say GO JO or GO NOVAK???

We shall just have to wait and see...

In other news...

I have been knitting again... I am hoping to get this stole finished in time for my sister's wedding. I think I might be on the losing side with that one too. But I will persevere...

The pattern is by Carrie Griffin and is called Alice's Cheshire Cat Stole. Bear in mind that it is, of course, unblocked - and you will (hopefully) see a lot more of the pattern soon. Yarn is "Moonlight" 2pl merino mohair from The Knittery. ( A good place for lovely yarn and needles...)

I also picked up one of these great magnetic doodads - just LOVE it!

TG is much better today - still has a temp on and off but is talking so can't be all that bad...lol... We went out for breakfast and she told me everything that was happening outside in the street (including the colours of the cars going past). Very Loudly. Thank goodness she is cute is all I can say...

Oh. My. Goodness.

2008-01-24T21:58:00.000+11:00

It may have become evident to some of you that I enjoy watching the odd spot of tennis...

I think it just went up a notch... Tsonga def. Nadal in straight sets???? Has that happened before????

What a great match.

And it ended nicely just before 10pm so I can even go to bed on time!!!!

I had better get used to that though - work starts again on Tuesday... yes, that horrible 4-letter word rears its ugly head... :) I have already been in twice to get a few things done - I even tidied my desk today! But I categorically refuse to go near the place again until I absolutely have to.... :p

I seem to be getting better thank goodness. Tg, however, seems to have picked something up. Mind you she is a resilient little thing. One moment she was fast asleep on the floor (after a temp spike and some Panadol) and the next she was eagerly tucking into my chips :O Just shows that chips have magical properties. I always knew they were special...

xx J.

Now I've seen everything!!! :)

2008-01-22T22:32:00.000+11:00

Happy Birthday!

2008-01-20T22:53:00.000+11:00

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear sister..........
Happy Birthday to you!

Happy 30th birthday sis - hope you had a great day!

xx J & TG.

Tennis

2008-01-19T21:47:00.000+11:00

Well, twice in one day!! you will all be sick of me...

Have just finished watching the marathon 5-setter between Roger Federer and Janko Tipsarevic. It was an AMAZING match. There were moments it was so close that I couldn't even look! It went for 4 hours and 27 minutes so they were playing from 5 pm and finished at 9.30 (ish). Now the 7.30 pm night matches are on. It's going to be a loooooong night at Rod Laver Arena....

Roger eventually won (but kudos to the other guy - it could have gone either way) so all is now right with the world... :) TG was allowed to stay up a little and watch with me. I taught her how to say "Go, Roger!" and she even said it a few times off her own bat. What a quick learner... :)

Still coughing and spluttering, but slightly better...

...but had better head off to bed before I get worse...

note to self...

2008-01-19T09:17:00.000+11:00

When one has cough one should go to bed early. One should under no circumstances go out to dinner and talk and then stay up until midnight when one comes home.

Especially if one has responsibility for small child.

Small child will wake one up at 7.30 demanding cuddles and breakfast.... :P

Cough

2008-01-17T21:57:00.001+11:00

*splutter*

*splutter*

*cough* *cough*

...your regular programming will be returning shortly...

BIG RIG!

2008-01-16T18:06:00.000+11:00

We have an oil rig in our port. It's attached to the breakwater which means lots of fishermen have had to go elsewhere. Mind you, it has been reported that htey are catching bigger fish so I don't think everyone is complaining! It will be here for the next month or so at least while they refurbish the galley and quarters and do safety checks.

And it is HUGE. This photo doesn't really do the size justice so you'll just have to take my word for it.

We went yesterday to have a nother look at it and so I could take some photos. It is well within sight of most of the town (which gives you another idea of how big it is!) including the playground. So, of course, TG had some fun too.

xx J.

mowing....

2008-01-15T09:21:00.000+11:00

I would just like to point out that I HATE MOWING. I love a nice garden but since I am not very good at it I very rarely have a nice one myself. I can even kill mint. Although the climbing geranium is proving a bit more of a challenge.

So, when a friend arrived with petrol and a trimmer I knew what I had to do... I had to get out there and MOW. Cause I sure was NOT going to weed.... lol. So I mowed the whole garden. All my friend did was cut down trees... sheesh... lol (And what a good friend she is too!)

While it does not look as good as a professional job (the trimmer decided not to start) it's still an amazing improvement on what it was. And we even found a rose. Hopefully it might even survive. I might have to learn how to prune...

And the crowning glory?? When TG came home she said "Oh, the man has come to do the mowing!!!" It took a while to convince her that it was actually her mother... Just goes to prove to you all that mowing really isn't my thing.

xx J.

Changes

2008-01-14T11:38:00.000+11:00

Regular readers to my blog may have noticed a slight change today.... Yes, I have gone away from the more usual PINK!

A certain acquaintance (yes, you know who you are, Cameron!) refuses to read my blog with the excuse that the pink makes his eyes bleed (or his brain, I can't remember which!)

So, in the interests of gaining another blog reader... maybe - he does have a mind of his own after all, as his wife and children can attest! - I have altered my template.

And a change is as good as a holiday....

xx J.

A day at home...

2008-01-12T20:12:00.000+11:00

And my child wonders why I wouldn't go out today....

You too can do Manly things....

2008-01-11T22:07:00.000+11:00

I fixed my kitchen tap.

Yes, me.

It has been leaking for ages and when the plumber came to fix my blocked kitchen exit pipe just before Christmas (it was a looooong job and will be expensive. I am NOT looking forward to that particular invoice!) he told me how to fix it. So today I went to the local plumbing suppliers, bought a tap/outlet/whatever, took the old one off and then put the new one on. (Yes, I did remember to use Teflon tape!) And it doesn't leak.

Woohoo!!!!!

So, to celebrate, I went off to a friend's place this evening to use my new-found plumbing skills to fix some leaking poly pipe. By replacing it.

Unfortunately, all the enthusiasm in the world does not make up for a rusted and obsolete too-small connection. *SIGH*

Thankfully we were able to patch (mostly) the old poly pipe and get it all back together without getting too wet. And with it only coming off twice....

BTW, I ran into an old student while I was at the plumbing shop. He said "Hello Miss". LOL. I don't think I have seen him for at least 3 years. So very funny when they go back into student mode...

Busy day

2008-01-10T22:31:00.000+11:00

Took TG to the naturopath today. A long trip in the car on a hot day (not to mention a lot of money) to be told that "there is most likely an imbalance of bacteria in the bowel. Give her these supplements and take her off dairy..."

Hmmmmm..........

Oh well, it may just work...

Let's hope so anyway.

Because chocolate is hard to give up....lol

After the naturopath we went off shopping! Stamper markers went down very well, as did a new car seat. Yes, TG is now going into a booster seat. We chose a pink one - yes, I know that it will get grubby in about 5 seconds flat, but a) she loved it, b) it will wash and c) the dark one was velour and very UGLY!

I also bought some clothes, some Christmas ornaments some scrapping bits and pieces and the new DVD of TOP GEAR!!!!! Woohooo, I am very much going to enjoy watching Jeremy Clarkson sink his Toyboata over and over again. The look of shock on his face in that challenge is priceless. (If you have no idea what I am talking about check out SBS at 7.30pm on a Monday. Irreverent, funny and fast cars. What else do you need?????)

Have also recently been 'flying' a bit with the Vic FLYladies!!! And I have even been getting things done! To my great surprise I have a tidy lounge and a clear sink and I have even folded some washing! (Shhhh, don't tell my mum!!!! She'll expect me to do it at her place too..... :) )

xx J.

SUFM photos

2008-01-09T18:44:00.000+11:00

As you can see she had a GREAT time!!!! Thanks SUFM!!!

xx J.

random photos

2008-01-07T17:03:00.000+11:00

Just a couple of photos to keep you going... :)

xx J.

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T08:49:00.000+11:00

Well, I know what you are all saying - where HAVE you been???????

Sadly, nowhere much.... but I have been playing on Facebook rather than posting.... :O

But never fear - I am now back with a vengeance!

I have also been invited to Ravelry and have posted a few bits and pieces there. It is a a great site to display knitting and crochet projects (and get inspired to add even more to one's stash!) They are still only accepting additions to the waitlist at the moment but feel free to go check it out!

TG and I have spent a nice quiet (but HOT!) New Year with some friends. We jumped on the back of the ute and headed up to the hills to watch the town fireworks. They were VERY far away but it was still a lot of fun.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a New Year. I look forward to sharing a little bit of my life and librarianness with you this year!

xx J.

What house are you???

2007-09-09T00:31:00.000+10:00

Which Hogwarts house will you be sorted into?

I'm a winner!!!!!

2007-09-05T19:59:00.000+10:00

Thanks to Aussie Pub Calls and Judith Hunt of Legacy Keeper I received this great kit. My apologies for not posting my thanks earlier. Keep your eyes peeled for some layouts using this great kit! Judith has recently closed her store but might have a few bits and pieces left. Check out her site to see what's left!

One point to ponder - does anyone have any ideas what to do with Maya Road Journey tins????

In other news:

TG and I have done some scrapping today - me for the LSS monthly challenge, and TG because, well, she likes to.

I have a cold - all I wanted to do yesterday was sleep so the doctor gave me the rest of the week off. Of course, everyone else at work is sick at the moment so I will have to be extra diligent next week I think. But at least I will get some extra Stargate SG1 watching in. And maybe even some scrapping.

I have been tagged! Vicky (DT member at Scrapbook Divas) has tagged me with a "Nice Matters" award. Thank you so much, Vicky! I tag Marita and Tannia - who both leave such great comments on my blog even though I often forget to leave comments on theirs! (Hope you are getting better Tannia!) Feel free to copy the graphic to your blog and tag someone(s) else! (PS: there are several other lovely people who I would like to tag for the same reason, but They have already been tagged - and once is enough! :) )

There's a bear in there....

2007-08-22T20:36:00.000+10:00

Today we went to a Play School concert. It was short, but excellent. No we know what happens to all those old Play School presenters that we never see on any other shows - they are all off doing concerts in regional areas... Seriously, George and Angela were fantastic and the kids LOVED them. TG even got up and jumped around and was pretty much engaged for the whole 45 minute show. I was so very proud of her. After 12 months of sticking with Mum all the time it is wonderful to see her branching out just a little.

And, as you can see, Big Ted came home with us. As if she doesn't already have enough bears. *Sigh*

Not only did he some home with us, he also went to the post office with us and to Baker's Delight with us and to the bookshop with us, and has pretty much not been separated from TG since he came into her possesion at 11 am this morning. Poor old Jarmie bear is out in the cold... I do hope he comes back into favour soonish - he *is* a lot smaller... :)

Other things that have happened since I last blogged:

I have sorted my scrap stuff (it's still in boxes but at least it's not all mixed up anymore)
I have had so many antibiotics it is surprising that I am not sprouting mushrooms! Still, my tooth is better
I have finished watching Stargate Atlantis season 3. Bring on Season 4! I want it NOW!!!!!!!!
I have caught up with the washing

All good and proper things.

Ooops........

2007-08-13T22:34:00.001+10:00

...I did it again...

I locked my handbag in the house.

Sooooo peeved at myself.

Luckily, the lovely cleaning fairy came to my rescue. It's not everyone who would come across town to let you into your own house... :)

So now I have a sticky note attached to my back door. Emblazoned across it is one simple word. "KEYS".

I thought about writing the whole sentence, "Remember your keys", but then I would feel old - so I didn't.

So, late to work. Then I had to ring the GP about this blasted tooth that hurts to blazes and made an appointment for 11.10 am. Got there at 11.05 am (after picking up some lovely scrapping goodies at the PO) and waited for 45 minutes! Turns out he is taking his wife out for the night for their 35th wedding anniversary. So glad that he isn't a workaholic like he used to be and is taking some time off.

Then, of course, I had to go out to the chemist to get antibotics as the tooth is infected and was much later back to work than I anticipated.

Grrr.

Went to a friend's house for dinner and Top Gear tonight - had an absolute ball. We had a great dinner and home made panacotta for dessert and I felt really special. And of course the Top Gear team were hilarious as usual.

Well, I am not going to be late for work tomorrow as I am not going. I am off to a library meeting at a bookstore where we will talk about books and the CBCA awards.

What bliss.

ARGH!!!!!!!

2007-08-12T21:47:00.000+10:00

Well, after a pianful night (literally!) she eventually went to the loo this morning. PHEW! If course she didn't do it all so after stoppign the rest of it all morning (and a trip to the hospital to make sure it wasn't something more serious!) we finally had a repeat performance when we came home. But she has been very much happier since then so fingers crossed for a good week. It is getting more and more difficult to cope with this issue so I am going to the GP tomorrow to insist on going further. Oh, and to get antibiotics for my blessed tooth. THAT isn't helping matters any.

She didn't have a sleep this afternoon - but watched videos and scrapped instead. Here are the results of her afternoon's work.

Hopefully that means she will sleep until AFTER I have had my shower - now that'd be great!

Busy day

2007-08-11T18:13:00.001+10:00

Well, what a day! I feel like I have been running out of time all day! I suppose it doesn't help if you get caught up chatting on MSN with the 123 girls and then read after you get to bed. So when your 3 year old wakes you up at 6.30 ( I am never sure why she always seems to wake up early on days I can sleep in!) it is very hard to get up and you end up rushign around to get porridge on the inside and be washed on the inside before you need to go out in the howling wind and rain to buy a present for the 1st birthday you had forgotten about until you woke up that morning.

We did make this card though - from a sketch for the Little Scrapbook shop CC - and it was well-received. So I was very happy with that.

TG wouldn't eat anything much at the party and refused to have a sleep this afternoon. Of course she is nopw bombed out on the couch and is very hard to rouse so I think I might be in for a late night. Oh well. Better go get some tea on and see if that wakes her up. The light is still on and the music is blaring so let's see how we go...

scrapping challenges

2007-08-10T17:45:00.000+10:00

Here is my take on the 1,2,3 Challenge for this month! The criteria is:

Green fabric
Something that has been in your stash for over 12 months, and;
sewing

This layout went through so many changes and has so many styles because I just went for broke. TG did some scrapping on Wednesday too but I haven't taken a photo of it yet. Will see how I go tonight.

BTW - make sure you check out the 123 cybercrop tonight! The more the merrier!

Simpsonised Librarian!

2007-08-05T09:23:00.000+10:00

Perhaps slightly cooler than they might have drawn one - but here she is!

Enjoy!

Some scrapping...

2007-07-28T22:32:00.000+10:00

After 4 weeks I have finally felt a little bit like scrapping and here are the results. The first one is for the local scrap shop $5 challenge - it took ages and is nothing like I started out doing. The next two are for the Scrapbook Divas CC. I think perhaps that all this stress over TG's paed visits and no poos must be getting to me as I really had a bit of a cry while I was looking for quotes for the handprint one. Oh well, I'll live...

And the third one is from my little scrapper. She cottoned on to doodling pretty quickly as you can see. Oh well, it is a slightly less expensive hobby than horseriding I suppose... lol

Getting there

2007-07-26T21:31:00.001+10:00

Well, couldn't get hold of the paed today but I put the tablets in some ice cream - it was still very bitter but she was much better about it. She hasn't gone yet but I am assured it is only a matter of time...lol... They have a special unit for this problem at the Children's so that will be my next port of call I think if this doesn't work.

And thanks for the messages ladies - unfortunately we are well and truly past prune juice.

Almost the weekend!!!!!

What a day!

2007-07-25T21:41:00.000+10:00

Well, I am sure you are all on tenterhooks to see how we got on at the paed....

He was a nice bloke who checked her over (she of course wouldn't even look at him let alone speak to him!) and she is apparently ok. So he put her on a stronger laxative and said to keep her on that until it was all a matter of course and no dramas. Apparently I am doing the right thing food wise and so on.

So we go and buy the tablets at the pharmacy. Everyone says, oh just crush them, they'll be fine. What everyone neglected to tell me is that they are bitter and have a coating that doesn't crush. Grrrrrrrrr. And it turns out that it is an adult medication. How do they go from drops for infants to 3 year olds straight to tablets????????????????? Do these people have no idea?????????

Of course I almost choked her getting the thing down becuase she decided to chew it (as they do - 3yo do not follow simple instructions, well, mine doesn't!) and so of course won't put it in her mouth again. Not even with the promise of Bob the builder and chocolate afterwards.

And she is supposed to have 2 of these a day!!! : O

Wish me luck!

BTW, this is my 100th post - just thought you might like to know....

Winter Day!

2007-07-24T20:54:00.000+10:00

Yes, I know I know, I haven't blogged for a week or so! Here is a photo that I have had up my sleeve since last Wednesday's playgroup from our Winter Day. The kids really loved playing in fake snow and wearing their winter gear. TG loved it cause she doesn't get to wear hers very often. She took to wearing her gumboots in the house for a few days before; she was so very excited about it.

As you can see I finally finished her hat and a couple of items for Jarmie Bear (that don't really fit but that's what you get when you are in a rush and don't plan properly!)

Since then we have had a whirlwind trip to Melbourne for my Dad's 65th birthday - which was unfortunately the same day as the release of HP#7. A a result I am still getting through it as I am too tired to read it jsut before bed. Might get a bit more read tomorrow - who knows? A new Bob the Builder DVD might be a good bribe to sit still perhaps...lol

We are off to the paediatrician tomorrow to see about food, behaviour and related problems. She still won't eat anything fruit or vegie-wise (or much else either) so it is time to DO something about it as it is causing other problems. Also TG has a little rash too so might as well get him to check it while I'm paying him!

Knitting-wise, I am still in the middle of my scarf for KOGO. It is very uninspiring so I am going to cast on for a cardigan this evening and then alternate between the two. I have never made anythign I have to block and sew up before so wish me luck!

Saturday at home...mostly

2007-07-14T22:10:00.000+10:00

Well, today we went out for breakfast because I couldn't be bothered cooking! Mind you, it ended up being 9.30 before we got out the door! After visiting the newsagent, the scrapbook shop and the furniture shop (where I paid for my new sofa bed - chocolate brown and an innerspring mattress) we came home and did 'the backlumin'... I think that's how you spell it...

After that we had lunch and TG even made her sandwich - actually, make that bread with philly cheese spread on it.
I convinced her (enventually) to at least have a lie down on the couch - she slept for a fair while. Can't wait till she isn't grumpy if she doesn't have a sleep! These late sleeps are very annoying!

Did a bit more knitting today - I have finished the swatch for TG's cardigan/jacket. I will post it soon. I think the tension is pretty right so when I am finished the current project I will get a start on it. Of course, she is like me and will need longer sleeves than the pattern calls for...

And finally, here is a photo of being on the phone to Daddy. What a cosmopolitan chick!

Babies!!!

2007-07-13T21:31:00.000+10:00

Well, we had a busy week with a quick trip away to visit some babies. A little girl born 4 weeks prem (4 weeks ago) and a little boy born right on time... TG was a bit underwhelmed by them - I'm not sure she really got the idea... still she's only 3!

We also caught up with relatives. I *think* they enjoyed seeing us too.

And here we are back home tonight enjoying a "sticky bun" and a warm chocolate... :)

Knit-a-holic

2007-07-09T20:22:00.000+10:00

Here are some photos of what I have been knitting. I have done these all in the last couple of weeks...

Here is the beginning of my socks - let's hope I get to wear them next year...lol

And here is the beanie I knitted for KOGO - get involved!!!! I have one beanie and a scarf to do... I am going to start the scarf this week.

And here is the beanie I knitted for TG - not made up as yet. I had to enlarge it as her head is 2 inches bigger than the pattern allows for. And of course I ran out of wool with about 10 rows to go so I had to run out and buy that today. Luckily the wool shop had one left still. I am waiting for another order to come in so that I can do the accompanying poncho. Oh, and the pom-poms - I am not allowed to forget those! :O

And here are a couple of photos of The Girlie herself...

Oh, and a small note to add - my friend Fleurie thinks I am a Torchwood-tragic... but goodness gracious why wouldn't there be a time-space rift running through the middle of Cardiff?? And why wouldn't such a lovely man as Captain Jack be running the fight against all the nasty riff raff coming out of it....???? (yes, i *do* know that the actor is gay - but that doesn't mean he doesn't look good!!! LOL)

:P Bllpppt to you my dear Fleur....lol

I'm sure the glass is half full .... somewhere

2007-07-01T20:06:00.000+10:00

We had a sudden visit to the hospital today when TG woke up with a barky cough and quite distressed. Having heard this MANY times before I rang the hospital straight away and was there in 10 minutes. (TG barking, crying and complaining all the way!) Of course, we got seen by the nurse almost immediately (gotta love crying kids sometimes!) but had to wait almost an hour longer for the doctor. I suppose at least we were able to see a doctor - it would have been another story a year ago! And of course, by the time we saw him, she was so much better. Oh well, that's how it usually goes....

While we were waiting, TG decided she needed to go to the loo. She's been having a bit of a problem recently with overshooting so she was quite careful in her positioning. Unfortunately she needed to sneeze (a HUGE one!) mid-stream and so all her good work was undone. You would be surprised where sneezy wee can end up.... lol

Oh, and where was I, you might ask??? I was holding her dressing gown up "so it wouldn't get wet", and so, you guessed it! - I was right in the firing line.......

TG used to be very good at all this hospital stuff but seems to have lost her mojo where being examined is concerned. we saw a new doctor today who was very patient with her. Lovely man, and very straightforward, (and also happy to examine Jarmie bear first!). Thankfully there was only a slight reddening in one ear and her temp was up but the chest is clear and she seems to be breathing ok. On the way home in the car she said "was it fun to go to the hospital???" I of course assured her that it was and said "the doctor was nice" and she replied "Yes, he was... and he had a brown face"... I was wondering if she had noticed....

So tomorrow it is off to the doctor to check out my ears (which are still full and a bit dizziness-causing) and to check out her croup as well as all the not-going-to-the-loo problems we seem to be having recently. It is all very frustrating. Let's hope he is in a sensible mood and sends me somewhere useful...

On a lighter note, TG and her cousin have been scrapping today. There has been a cybercrop on at Scrapbook Divas and they did the kids challenge. Sadly I have not felt like scrapping this weekend and so I have nothing but half a beanie to show for myself... but more about that later in the week.

Here he is!!

2007-06-26T17:18:00.000+10:00

It's a boy!

2007-06-26T14:10:00.000+10:00

SIL gave birth in the very early hours of this morning (almost yesterday in fact!) to a healthy baby boy.

8lb 2oz
50.5 cm

I will update with photos when I have them.

New socks

2007-06-25T21:13:00.000+10:00

Here is a picture of current BQ progress - not much to report this week but it is still getting there...

And here are my new socks!! After a week of freezing toes I went out and bought some! Mind you, I think I should have gone to Safeway instead of Target - there was very little there. And I don't think it was because they had run out either... I wish country stores were better stocked!

Anyway, these socks have some wool and angora in them and I am looking forward to wearing my new luxury item!!

And here is the reason why I have not been stitching so much - I have been trying to teach myself to knit! (Well, start agian anywya - my Nanna did teach me!) I have decided that I want to knit myself a pair of socks - I just have to wait for the needles now as the local place didn't have them in stock. I think that knitting socks is just one of those things that you need to say that you have done then you never need to do again... rather like roasting a chicken with all the trimmings...and smocking. Mind you - I may like knitting socks, and if I continue to be unable to find a cardigan I like I may have to bite the bullet and knit one of those too.

Oh, just a note - SIL is in labour so will let you all know if I am an aunt or an uncle in the near future... :)

Snippets

2007-06-24T21:11:00.000+10:00

Discussion while getting ready for bed...

TG: They [pyjamas] are a bit short, aren't they?
Mum : yes, we might need to buy you some more
TG: yes, we might need to go to the shop... to Target and buy some more...we will go to Target to buy me pyjamas...

What the???

And how did she know????

As I type, it is 2.2 degrees C outside - no wonder the cat is tying himself in knots to get in front of the heater!

Oh, and here is a picture of what I served up for dinner tonight. It was very yummy.

And here is a picture of the child that refused it...

I just love this jumper - it may not go with her Dorothy top but it is lovely and warm!

The Creative Process...

2007-06-23T19:13:00.000+10:00

Here are a few photos of the Girlie's afternoon scrapping. We very nearly had ALL the stickers we bought this morning on her LO but luckily I conviced her to save some for next time.

The Girle says..."uuttejuttttttuufnnnnjjjffffffffffffffffffk" which I think means "we had fun..."

Of course, it might not mean anything at all.

Buttons!!!

2007-06-21T20:23:00.000+10:00

Here are some photos I took tonight of TG doing her own buttons. She wanted to do it all herself tonight and I must admit she did a great job!

There are also a couple of extra photos - one of both of us that I took and one of my NEW STASH!!! Can't wait to do those bookmarks.... :)

A day at home

2007-06-20T22:05:00.000+10:00

It is still very wet and windy and cold (so the rain is freezing AND horizontal!) so today we stayed at home. Mostly.

We had some friends come over to play this morning (and the Mummy of said friends) while I went off for my "lady's check up". The Girlie had a lovely time even though my friends had some difficulty with my DVD player. Oh well... they don't always have to watch TV! They had fun anyway.

We did briefly go to the shops to get groceries and TG had a great time counting the vegies - now she just has to learn to eat them! She was pretty good for a grocery shop - I think that all this holding in her number 2s and also climbing in to bed with me at odd hours of the night (and proceeding to chatter all about the day's activities! *sigh*) might be tiring her out a bit. I am loathe to put her back to bed as it seems obvious she needs a bit of extra security at the moment. Thankfully it is not every night.

We also went to meet the emergency day carer this afternoon and TG behaved herself impeccably. She remembered the kids she met (and especially the cat!) and knows that she will be going there on Friday (and that Mummy will be coming back after work! LOL) and seems okay about it. Let's hoe that she is okay about it on Friday morning.

She didn't eat her tea tonight but at least she didn't make a big thing of it. Although now that that is not a big thing any more she is having a good go at making bedtime difficult. Luckily she is so tired that she drifts off very quickly.

I have a tidy lounge room and both the washing up and the folding are up to date - so I am going to bed a happy woman.... LOL

Still cold...

2007-06-18T22:26:00.000+10:00

In fact - last night I forgot to turn the heater off and I didn't even notice!! Normally it would cut in and out - waking me up - or I would get too hot. But no! So cold it must have been...

The Girlie was sick this morning - poor thing. Who knows why. I thought that perhaps she had caught whatever the other little girl at daycare had last week but, as she was bouncy and happy and not sick again, it would seem not.

I am also thinking that her behaviour generally has been much better the last few days - hopefully that means my new no-nonsense approach is helping. Bedtime is a bit difficult now - I mean when they say they have to go you can't say no, can you? There's nothing I can really tighten in the routine so I am hoping that it will work itself out.

Here is a progress pic of BQ - I was going to put it up last night but I was so very tired after those over-one violets that I went straight to bed. Well, after the very interesting episode of CSI: Miami (in which I finished the next two bands!) and the even more interesting (and perhaps more educational!) documentary on Moorish Spain! (Am I still allowed to call it that? or is that non-PC nowadays. I tend to live in the Middle Ages a bit so if someone could tell me the proper term it would be much appreciated...:) )Of course, it was by then 11 pm - so well and truly past my bedtime.

And it's almost there again now - so more from me tomorrow!

I did it!

2007-06-14T20:46:00.000+10:00

Yes, I ate porridge. And it wasn't too bad with a lot less sugar on it than I normally would use!!!

Went to the chemist today to get some stuff for the Girlie - why do kids always try to strangle you with your scarf when you are talking seriously with someone????

hmmmm.

And why is it that people who have been able to stay home with their children say "You don't have children to put them in daycare"????? As if I don't *know* that!!!!

We had chops and vegies tonight. Well, I did. And they were very yummy. What a pity the girlie missed out on such a nice meal...

Mean Mummy

2007-06-13T20:04:00.000+10:00

Today I have signed up for the Mean Mummy Army - yet again!!!! I spent 1/2 hour on teh phone to the Maternal Child Health Nurse helpline trying to make sense of meal time techniques. ARGH! So, that is it. The Girlie will now eat what I eat - or not at all. There will be no custard afterwards. And no toast during the week. Just porridge. And no cordial after dinner - just water. Hopefully this will not just help her be more healthy - it might also help the other end... :p

Of course, that means that I will have to eat porridge in the morning too - bleugh!! And I might even have to eat some fruit for snacks! Shock, Horror!!!!

I just hope it's worth it.

Some things I learnt today...

2007-06-11T20:39:00.001+10:00

...and possibly already knew...

6.45 am is apparently a perfectly reasonable time to get up and demand cuddles from Mum.
Toast is far more desirable than porridge.
The world stops for Play School.
Chocolate Chip muffins are yummy, especially when served warm with cream.
Warm latte will become cold latte - very quickly.
Slippers are unavailable for purchase on a Public Holiday.
3 year olds like to tip blocks on the floor at every available opportunity.
3 year olds need their own cutting mat.
You can never have too much glue or too many stickers.
Bed does not equal sleep.
No sleep = bad afternoon. But everything still stops for Play School...
Silly toddler + no sleep + sewing box + turned back for 30 seconds = cut beaded scissor fob.
= CORNER TIME!!!!!!!!
3 year olds do not like to pack up the play dough.
3 year olds like bubbles.
Bedtime can be stretched only so far before it gets absurd.
Work may come as a blessed relief.... :)

What kid of bra are you???

2007-06-11T08:38:00.001+10:00

Seems they'll let you blog anything these days...lol

As seen on Stuff with Thing - a fellow stitcher's blog

You Are a Lace Bra!

Dreamy, romantic, and ultra-feminine
You're a womanly woman who makes guys feel like men
Your perfect guy is strong, determined, and handsome
With a softer side that only you can draw out

What Kind of Bra Are You?

BQ update

2007-06-10T23:25:00.001+10:00

Here are a couple of pics of BQ. I haven't doen much this week - that over-one stitching is a bit of a killer! I've put in a close up so you non-stitchers out there can get the idea of what I mean.

Enjoy!

Chatter...

2007-06-09T23:55:00.000+10:00

Just thought I would pop in and let you all know what I've been up to the last few days.

I have been home sick with this horrible cold virus that keeps coming back so have been reading a fair bit. I have only 1 1/2 books to go and I will have finished all the books on the Older Readers list. This will be a first for me - even though it really should be part of my job! LOL...

Also managed to get 4 episode of Stargate Atlantis season 3 watched - such great sci fi...and the lovely gentlemen actors are starting to dress even better....

I went shopping today with some friends - we went to a scrap shop and I didn't buy anything! So, you see, my stash diet is holding. (It helps that I have a couple of vouchers in reserve that I am going to use this week perhaps... :P) I did, however, buy a copy of Love Struck by Melanie La'Brooy - I now have all three of her books and it looks like I will be laughing all the way through this one too.

Just finished watching Ocean's Eleven (the 2001 "remake" of the 1960's vehicle for Frank Sinatra) It's one of those films that I watch every time it comes on television - even if I already own it on DVD! (For the record, I don't own a copy of Ocean's Eleven - hint hint to any family members out there...). I just love that sort of film that keeps you guessing all the way through (well, keeps me guessing, anyway!) And some of the actors in it help out with that too.... I have always said that Sneakers, while an excellent film, is one that my mother would watch even if all the actors stood still for the duration of the movie... :)

Looking forward to an extra day this weekend - it's always nice to have a relaxing day at home.

Brrrrrr....

2007-06-03T16:21:00.000+10:00

Welcome to winter!!!!!!!

The rain is great - but do we have to have the cold too?????

Well, to brighten up your day, here is a progress pic of Barnabee - I am up to some "over one" stitching so don't expect miracles next week!

I am also expecting a parcel (ordered WELL before my stash diet...lol) of a few long-awaited goodies so that may slow down my progress as well. More on that later this week.

I have managed to get through 3 of the 6 CBCA shortlisted Older Readers titles in the past few weeks, and hopefully I may even get the Younger Readers ones read as well.

And on a final note... how does a person (albeit a small one) fit into an even smaller esky???

LIKE THIS!!!!!!!

More scrapping...

2007-05-31T20:20:00.001+10:00

Here is my layout for the 123 May Challenge. It had to have 3 patterned papers, a transparency and flowers. I had a fair bit of trouble with the rubons but I think they turned out okay.
I am so tired at the moment - something to do with going to bed too late I think! Must make an effort to get tidied up and under the sheets earlier than usual tonight.

Guess what?? I locked my handbag in the house today. There we were, clouds threatening to burst open at any moment as I walked the girlie to daycare. Luckily it is a short walk and I was able to ring work and then my cleaning fairy who has my spare key. Of course it rained as I walked home to meet her - and I discovered that I now have NO shoes that do not let in water. So I can't put it off any longer. I will have to go and spend lots of money - because, of course, the cheap ones NEVER fit...

And I need two pairs.

grrrrr......

Just as well I am on a scrap diet...

A productive weekend

2007-05-27T20:29:00.000+10:00

Great fun was had by all this weekend at the Scrapbook Divas cybercrop! I only got two of the challenges done but am happy with the results. Especially as I was halfway through the title of the first LO and realised I didn't have any blue 's'es left. Grrrrr.

The third LO is the girlie's attempt at the kids challenge. I am not sure she understood the concept but she got to use scissors, glue and stickers so hey, she didn't care! And she even got to put buttons on!

Well, it is back to work tomorrow! Fun Fun Fun... :p Well, gotta pay for the scrap supplies somehow!

Yea, verily, I have scrapped...finally!

2007-05-24T16:13:00.001+10:00

Here is my latest crafty offering. I really enjoyed doing it. It is my entry into the 123 Challenge CC. Hope you all like it!

Here, Puss Puss Puss...

2007-05-21T22:09:00.000+10:00

Tonight I was most surprised to have to call the cat inside. It is still pelting down, windy , and bitterly cold (well, relatively speaking anyway). I called him from the back door and then proceeded to check (again) all the usual spots. The cat was nowhere to be found... until a few minutes later when I was washing up I heard a faint meiow and there he was, in the suitcase. Why, I am not sure. Perhaps he just doesn't want to stay home when we go travelling anymore... :)

I also made some muffins tonight. Chocolate choc chip muffins to be precise. Oh, and with the added healthy bit of zucchini... :o Let's hope the girlie can't tell...

Can you tell it's raining??

2007-05-20T22:28:00.000+10:00

-
This is the cupboard above the fridge. Hopefully they will eat the bait and BEGONE!

Bloody ants.

Another sure-fire way that you can tell it is raining is that the cat has spent far more time inside than out. Also, I have washing on the line... grrr

In other news...

The Girlie has begun pronouncing "i"s as "oy"... they were perfect up until the other day....hmmmm...
I have spent the majority of this evening perfecting a new (for me) Photoshop technique, and I think it was successful. You will have to watch out for the results coming soon to a blog near you!
Yesterday we bought a lunchbox for the Girlie as a result of an earlier conversation. Which began something like this... "Mummy, I don't have a runchbox" ... Now that she has a hideous contraption only a 3 year old could love I am hoping she will not be disappointed to find that it still only contains the same old sandwich and yoghurt...
Robin Hood (on the ABC) is still not very good television. Unfortunately, it is slightly addictive.
Second Life is now becoming less so - thank goodness.
And last but not least, an update pic on Barnabee's Quest. Enjoy!

Simon Says...

2007-05-18T21:55:00.000+10:00

As I was walking back from the canteen with my lunch, a group of senior students were walking back and talking about the class they had just left. They were having a good laugh and let me in on the joke...

Apparently they were winding down the class with a game of "Simon Says". One of the kids said "can I have a go?" and receiving an answer in the affirmative promptly said,

"Simon says, stand up"
"Simon says, pick up your books"
"Simon says, leave"

While this was clever and funny it was also rude and I told them they really should go back and apologise... as they refused to do so I had no choice but to do a report.

Thankfully I was able to do it in private. It is very difficult to write seriously while trying to keep a straight face...

No stitching tonight

2007-05-16T22:10:00.000+10:00

Instead, I have been playing with Second Life -*shock horror* I hear you gasp. No, don't worry - I still have a first life, I just wanted to know what all the fuss was about.

It is very addictive. After tonight's effort (where I completed all the tutorials on "Orientation Island") I am going to have to set a timer! The graphics are a bit clunky - especially for those of us who are spatially challenged - but I am hoping that I will work that out in time to actually get onto the 'mainland'. It's off to "Help Island" sometime later in the week!

Apart from playing on the computer I have made meatballs (enough for 7 meals!) and goen to playgroup and done some washing (not necessarily in that order!) The meatballs were yummy (well, I thought so, the girlie refused to touch them even though she had fun making them) playgroup was fun and I forgot to take the washing in. So lets hope tomorrow is sunny enough to re-dry the towels and then rains as soon as I've taken them in!

Hear ye, Hear ye... :)

2007-05-14T20:35:00.000+10:00

Lime Tart has a new blog! You can check it out here. Not only have they uploaded their newsletter and ideas for their latest kits, they also have a comp running! Leave a comment and link to them to be in the running to win a Gourmet Tart. More details can be found on Top50.

And I know that that will give me fewer chances to win - but hey, that means you might have read my blog, and that's gotta be good... lol

...and if you win... let me know so that I can drool over your new kit in cyberspace...

Good Luck!