Weekend...

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Miss T has already flown out the door for an early game of soccer. She is getting a lift there and back as I have  to take Master T to gymnastics and the time period and the distance means role conflict to the max. This is his second week and after last week he was stiff as a board. His starts at a more civilized 10am so a leisurely breakfast for us with the washing, cleaning, tidying thrown in.

After that we are driving 1 1/2 hours to drop off the tax to the accountants house. Not bad service for a Saturday afternoon! I thought it might be easier to hand deliver that copy zillions of bits of paper or to put the original in the mail. Some things aren't worth the chance are they?

Next week I have conned coerced the SF to come home for an extra long weekend as I am going to Sydney for a conference but I was going to have to farm my babies out nearly 2 1/2 days to friends and was stressing about that greatly. Not that things would go badly but that is kind of a long time to have extra children I think in the usual busy working week.

When in Sydney I am skipping the conference dinner and catching up with my sister and her gorgeous family. They are picking me up from the hotel and whisking me off for a dinner with them all. How heavenly. We haven't caught up in person all year. Can't wait now I know my family will be fine.

What about your weekend? Care to pop over for Sunday breakfast? I'm making a cooked breakfast and can set an extra place... or two...?

 Ciao for now... 

A Hairy Situation...

I think Donald may know a thing or two about hair issues!!!

Sometimes, you would rather that I didn't cook you dinner. The Tweenies tell me that all the time. I have this awful habit. Sound spooky? Well. You see. It seems that I........ drop hairy like ALL the time. And sometimes, upon occasion,  it may possible, unintentionally, sneak-ily even get in the Tweenies food. Look, I'm not proud but I try my very best to avoid 'shedding'. I don't play with my hair in the kitchen... ( Heavens no. This was a big one in my family growing up and punishable too). I tie my hair up. I try really hard.

But I was reminded last night at dinner that my efforts were all in vain. Master T found a hair in his dinner. Gross! He gave me such a hard time. Until it turned out that it was his hair. Phew! This time...

Seriously, sometimes I think I am going to go bald! I wake up with a 'hair pillow'. I know hair falls out after stress, after having a baby etc but I'm not sure I fall into these categories. I live in fear that one will get in my Mum's food and then I will really be in for it!!! Time doesn't change these things you know. Maybe a fetching hairnet is in order?...

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Dare To Be Different...

Miss T is growing pretty fast. My friends who haven't seen us for a while get quite a shock as she is tall (170cm) and has size 9 1/2 feet. I remember as a kid adults saying to me "my, haven't you grown" and thinking to myself "der" as they hadn't seen me for year and what do they expect. (How I love looking back on my scathing self). I realize now as an adult that is is quite a shock to see this little child now on the brink of adulthood. And, it sort of remind you how quickly time is going and how much older you are.

Miss T is quite a bit taller and more developed than her friends and feels different. Whilst they may get away with teeny sizes in clothes, her height alone means we shop in the adult section. My challenge is to help her embrace her differences. Not something she is keen to do. She feels quite sad at times, not just about her height but about everything.

Miss T has always viewed the world a bit left of centre and I am hoping this sense of self will help her flourish into the teenager she wants to be. There are many challenges facing youth of today that perhaps I did not have as a teenager. All in all I am enjoying who she is. And I am learning to listen and not offer advice as she doesn't really want it, just someone to talk to. We are both surviving this teenage business. So far...

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Girlfriend Trouble...

Master T has a girlfriend. In fact, he always has a girlfriend. I'm not sure at the age of 11 if it really means much but there you have it. I don't mean to downplay the importance of it but it seems that they don't hang out at lunch or weekends, or on school holidays. They do talk but not sure if it really anything to worry about. Yet. If you know what I mean. His little friend is lovely. Remember they won 3rd place in the dancing competition together.? Awww...

Well, things have changed. She rings him in the evening. Look she is very polite on the phone. She identifies herself and has chat. I really like that.  I like good manners. So this little cute-y rings every night and Master T is getting a bit nervous every time the phone rings. His aunt rang late the other night and he let out a big "phew" when it wasn't his beloved. He spoke to her today and said to stop ringing him, that is was "a bit creepy" . Hmmm, doesn't sound like the sort of boyfriend I would want my beautiful daughter to have. What to do? How does a Mummy teach respect to her young son or is that a Daddy job to do?

He is now talking about breaking up with her as he "feels it is over". What the? I wasn't really sure it had begun! I thought I would have a few years before he caused me any angst!

So, oh wise Bloggers. What to do? I'm tempted to ban girlfriends all together just to save them the heartbreak. But. Maybe I will just sit him down and talk about.... the meaning of life... or something. Wish me luck. I kinda liked this one. Is this how it is going to be I wonder? I fall in love with the girlfriends and then he dumps them?

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Chores....

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We had a family meeting on Sunday evening about chore, jobs, pocket money and the like. It was a sort of 'what cheeses me off' session sans Darryl. It would appear Master T thinks Miss T is not doing her homework but instead playing on the computer. I had to refer back to the agenda of the meeting (and perhaps there was a little sour grapes in there that he is hardware challenged).

So the main message is that they want to earn money and I want chores done. I did say that one they are getting older I didn't need to remind them of their chores but the usual 'what am I your mother?' line couldn't really be used because I am their Mother. So the final outcome was a system by which we review chores and pocket money on a Sunday evening, write everything down on the calendar including who is owed what and who has money taken off for not doing chores etc... All in agreement say 'I'. 3 hands and 3 'I's and so it was. (The biggest problem is that I forget to whom I owe money or if it was indeed paid so this calendar system will suit me just fine).

So, a hint I can pass on is to include the chores that you either hate doing (taking out the rubbish) or things that really irk you. For me it was stuff like hanging towels, closing drawers, hanging up clothes... Yep, included in the chores and money taken off if not done. Usually works pretty well as we have had this system before. Now, if I can remember the money side -should work even better!!!

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Time To Grow Up I Suppose...

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Master T rearranged his bedroom last night which started when he needed a powerpoint for his lamp. I think he has inherited my genes as moving furniture is one of my passions. He did a pretty good job and I will post pics later. The problem is that now he wants to sleep in his room. Not much wrong with that except I really like someone to sleep with me. His sister thinks it is 'gross' so graciously declined my offer of flannelette sheets and pillows galore. Not Master T. He l-o-v-e-s snuggling in with me. Even if he is 11! Not any more. His bedroom is too inviting.

So, it is time for me to grow up. Time to be an adult. Time to spend the night with just little old me. I'm not sure why I find it difficult to be alone. It is not that I fear burglars or the dark or such. I think it is just that I am not really used to it what with being married for 21 years! I have survived for 2 nights now so I think it will be...

Okay...

Ciao for now


Just Martha

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Simple Weekend...

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We have soccer at 8.30am both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Master T is starting gymnastics at a new club after being out since he broke his wrist last year. Then. I AM finishing my course. So. A simple weekend for us all. No friends, no entertaining. Just them pottering around and me being tough with myself to finally finish. It is just putting everything together now but that can take a while.

Sound boring? Well, sometimes boring is nice I think. You? What are you up to? I like to like vicariously through others so do tell of any excitement you are planning or enjoying.

Have a great one dear Bloggers. It is quite windy here but nothing like the pouring rain  happening down south. Good luck all and may the sun soon shine...

Ciao for now...


 

Wouldn't You Rather?....

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This is what I want to do. Doesn't it look lovely? Full of Spring and calmness and joy. All from a meek and mild cuppa - those are the feelings this lovely picture inspires in me. However. I'm not. I am doing our T-A-X. Yuck. Look, I know we have to pay taxes, that is not the problem for me. It is the elusive receipts and bank statements that do my head in and try as I might to be organised..... I'm not.

I stayed up until 11.30 pm last night looking seeking, finding, calling... get the picture? See, I'm very dedicated you know. Also, the actual names on the credit card seem to bear no resemblance to the actual product purchased at the place I thought I purchased it. So, how am I supposed to match everything up?

I know that you are all agreeing with me. Trying to be organised and still spending hours organising everything is a job not for the feint of heart. I do have a history you know. Of keeping things in safe places. Too safe it appears. Commiserate with me here and here  (and here too. I expect I should be embarrassed by now. I'm not you know) if you wish. 

But. The feeling of relief when this is done will be sheer bliss. When 2010-2011 is safely tucked away in a nice archive folder, clearly labelled. When everything is photocopied then sent off to the accountant under the safety of registered mail. When the copies of said information sent to the accountant are kept in a nice safe place lest anything go astray...... 

RIGHT. Bear witness dear Bloggers. The copies are going to be kept in the 2010-2011 folder. Got that? You just might need to tell me one day so I am trusting you to remember....


 Ciao for now...

 

just Organize me...

I just love organization: wardrobes, chests of drawers, colour coding. Yum! Being organized keeps me sane. One less thing to think about. Do you know what I mean. Having things organized helps me to think and to concentrate better. It can be little things Like hanging all the socks together on the washing line or even having my wardrobe colour-coded. I might have a 'touch' of OCD but heck, I don't mind it keeps me sane. Being tidy can also be beautiful as these pics show:

































Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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That's The Spirit...

We loved the first series of Spirited. Now Spirited 2 is starting and we get to see the gorgeous Claudia Karvan and Matt King again in the quirky series. It is a little different but one of those shows that you wished would never end. I don't watch much regular weekly TV but for this I will have the cushions plumped, the cup of tea at hand and settle down to watch it. Don't ring me because I won't answer either. Honestly, it is very addictive. The first Series is our in DVD. Can I suggested you have a peek?

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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PS: For those a bit confused I did post a similar story last week from my ipad but the picture disappeared so I thought I would try again...

Google You....

Have you ever Googled yourself, your family name, your family members? The Silver Fox had a muck around when he was home and was extremely horrified at the information available at his fingertips including some personal information like current phone numbers. Did you know that I was working at the school disco canteen from 6.30-7.30 two years ago? Yep. Page 1. There is even a photo of the SF at work, with his phone number.

Where is it going to stop? I am sure it would be pretty easy these days to commit identity theft. Heck, all the information is there. There was even school information about the children. Hmmm, not happy about all this really. Makes me more paranoid really.

What do you think? Why don't you give it a go and see what you can learn about yourself... Let's hope it is all good...

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Unfair...

Master T is being a bit in fair to me I think. As I will explain I hope you will agree. You see, sometimes I want to watch a movie or TV and we have Austar. This is the problem you see because to change the TV over I have a choice of 4 remote controls. It has been carefully explained to me over and over again, apparently. "Input this and output that... Remote 2 and 3. Don't use remote 1....". I mean really, how am I supposed to know these things? How am I supposed to remember this when I don't know what input I started on? I just want to watch a da*# movie!!

Master T told me, with an exasperated sigh, that he was only going to teach me once more. Maybe me yelling "help" from my position on the couch when I need a Teeny/ Tweenie to intervene gets on his nerves. I think he thinks I am a bit simple as this comes so naturally to him. Heck, I walked in one day and he had the screen split in two and was watching 2 different channels at the same time. What the? What hope have I got to compete with this level of techno-understanding?

I continue to ask for help and use the old "I'm your Mother" sort of argument for now. I also need to call for help when threading a needle. I mean r-e-a-l-l-y, what next? Do they really need to mock me?

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Here We Go Again...

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Okay, back to reality and the three of us again. For now. (This image has nothing to do with this post. I just thought the cushions were quite lovely.) School goes back today and life resumes to our normal. A bit of smoke here and some mirrors there. We had a lovely weekend with the Silver Fox' family. We seem to get closer as get older and the time spent together is more meaningful. We dropped SF off at the airport and then drove the 1 1/2 hours home again. Back to our reality.

It is what it is.

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

Weekend... Again

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Well, today is a wet one here. Soccer was cancelled. Didn't really fancy standing in the rain. We are off to visit the Silver Fox's family and then will drop him at the airport tomorrow. The time has gone pretty quickly but it was heavenly having him home. He has left me with a freezer full of meals. God bless him. Our little emotional petrol tanks have been filled and we are planning his next visit. He is the most relaxed I have ever seen him. Ever. Usually he gets up around 4 am. Not this time. Sleeping until 7 even. Quite a record for him.

So have a lovely weekend everyone. We are a little sad but it is what it is.

Ciao for now... 
 

Thank you J.K...

When Miss T was younger she came back from a relative's home telling me "God says Harry Potter is evil and the angels are sad I watch him"."Oh really" I said, and made a phone call to said relative to "have a word or two" (aka wipe the floor). I know that H.P. polarizes opinions in the world but my issue with my relative was that they needed to speak with me directly and not my five year old child who was then confused that two important people in her life were giving conflicting information. And hey, even a five year old will take notice if God gets cross.

I have watched Harry Potter since the beginning. My relative believe witchcraft is evil and therefore neither the books should be read nor the movies watched at all ever. In fact, I think she even spoke in hushed tones. To me, the books have nothing really to do with witchcraft. They have everything to do with feeling like you don't belong only to find out you have a place in the world after all. They also represent that love conquers all, friendships are important and above all, good will triumph. The magic side is not the focus for me.

I have seen the new movie, with one of my best-ies. (I always see the movies first to check out if they are suitable for my children - my excuse to see it twice). We sat glued to our seat, knowing it was the end yet enjoying the ride for what it was. So I say thank you to JK Rowling. Thanking her for her imagination, for her drive, her vision and her perseverance when many told her she wasn't good enough. Pretty good life lessons really I think.


Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Daily Ramblings...

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I like that dark background in the bookcase. Sort of defines it doesn't it? Sorry I haven't been around for a little while. I have been trying to post from the IPad with a few issues. I can post but it would seem the photos don't appear. Never mind - practice I suppose.

The Silver Fox's time is going in quickly. Tonight we are out to dinner at our local restaurant. It has a French theme tonight. We will leave the Ts at home and have a 'date'. Can't wait so we can chat and plan and smooch. Well, it is a French might after all!!

Off to see SF's relatives for the weekend then he flies north again. He has sorted a few bills while he has been home and we now save over $1000 on our home insurance with more inclusions. He comes in very handy.

The kids have adored having him home, establishing their relationships some more. Dads are so very important and have a different way of interacting really, don't they? He has taken them fishing a few times and they now sit and watch fishing shows with lots of talk about 'jigging' and 'dragging' (or was that trawling?) ... One thing is for sure, it makes them happy.

Life is very good at the moment. Silver Fox is coming back monthly by hook or by crook or one of the kiddies will go up for the weekend. Maybe I will too, but I like us to have 'dates' with our children as it makes them feel very special and important.

Have a gorgeous day all...

 Ciao for now...

 

Quite Shocking...

 Geez Louise!!! This weather. I am one walking piece of static electricity!! The combination of wind, cold and the ever-present-but-unfriendly nylon has turned me into a science experiment. I have learnt (or is it learned?) the hard way to 'ground' myself before attempting to kiss my beloveds. Or else the results are literally quite 'shocking'.

Not a complaint. Just an observation really. We are having a family day and are off rock climbing, then a picnic and then a stroll...





 Ciao for now...


 

Passions...

Random House Plans

Okay all, let's have a little think about this title. What are your passions? Think hard. They don't need to be particularly big or small or all-consuming-take-over-your-life sort of passions. Again a post to get you to think about you and what makes 'you' tick. Sounds deep for a Monday doesn't it?

One of my passions all my life has been to look at building plans: house, workshop, warehouse... anything. Since I took Tech drawing with Mr Guthrie in high school (never you mind what year that was) it has made my heart sing. I was pretty good at drawing once I was able to leave behind the urge to use colour pencils and just focus on the technical side of drawing. This passion didn't lead to much but I like to look and plan and envisage the end result. I did point out to my friend once that her plans for her home actually had no door leading from the laundry to the clothesline outside the, well, 'door'. Maybe it wasn't a 'life saving' moment but it did stop a bit of angst I'm sure.

Annie at A View on Design has a blog showing the house AND the plans. Sheer bliss. Have you visited her yet? Worth a look my friends. She has a wonderful selection of houses for sale from all over Australia. Be warned: you will be there for a while so grab a cuppa.

Have a great Monday folks. I'm off to work...



 Ciao for now...


 

Update...

The Silver Fox reminded me he had also cooked Beef Stroganoff and Thai Chicken Curry with rice. He thought you would like to know. Here is a photo of the peppered steak with cheese and cherry tomatoes

 Ciao for now...
 

Centre Stage...

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I have had a wonderful week. Having the Silver Fox back is lovely on many levels. He is quite a star in more ways than one. He has turned into a chef! Yes he has. This week he had made:

• tacos
• pizza decorated in beautiful patterns
• chorizo salsa
• and my all time favourite peppered steak but this time made with a balsamic cherry tomato and onion side dish!!

Wowee!!! He has always cooked a little but he said since I had been at work all day he wanted me to come home to a nice meal... What the???

One of THE nicest things has been for me, not rushing everyone in the morning. Since he has been home I have been able to just get my own brekky, not nag anyone and zip off to work. How lovely. A little part of me wonders if this is what it is like to be a stereotypical man. Sorry if I am being politically incorrect but I've said it now.

He has taken the kiddies rock-pool-searching, bike riding, fishing, shopping and has been generally hanging out together. It is nice watching them all interact, sitting close and sharing jokes.


And the best thing? We still have a week to go!! This weekend him and the kiddies are off fishing, we have friends to dinner, family to breakfast and then a little indoor rock climbing as a family. Sound good? You bet.


have a wonderful weekend everyone.



Ciao for now...

 

What I Have Learned...

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 It is my 1 year anniversary of blogging today. 1 year since I began this journey. What have I learned (or is it learnt? - I never know)?

I began blogging after following the escapades of the divine A-M as she built her home and also started to visit some of her favourite sites. It was a totally new world to me but one full of inspiration, ideas and beauty. I had been a facebooker for a while but every time I went to write a little post about something, the word count was w-a-y- t-o-o- short and I would have to edit, edit, edit which took the joy out of writing my story.

I then decided to do my own blog and it was as easy as clicking on the 'create blog' button. I was off. I would have re-posted my first post but it was so tragically pathetic that I can't bring myself to see how much direction it didn't have. However I am enjoying to see how much I have evolved since then so it is a kind of baseline measurement really. As my children have grown up a little I kind of felt like I didn't remember what it was like to be me so another part of this journey is to find out what I like, what I dream of, what I have to say....

I named my blog after a family nickname for me and like the way I am sort of incognito, and although you see my children's gorgeous faces at times, I maintain a veil of aliases for us all. Maybe one day I will reveal my true identity although it is not so much for my beautiful readers and fellow bloggers that I insist on using our alter egos, but those with a less honest focus.

I work in health and believe strongly that the women of today need to take better care of themselves to stay strong and to cope with the rigors of everyday life plus the unexpected 'surprises' that have a way of appearing at inopportune times. I believe women need to be much kinder to themselves and to take the time needed to fill up their batteries so they can cope with what life offers. I will always remind you to do this regularly, and without guilt. T-H-A-T is the important bit. I am aware that people can have public smiles and private tears.

I have a wonderful life and have shared stories of my family and my loves. I am very lucky and I know it. I am a glass-half-full sort of girl and love people in my life for who they are. I like to give from the heart too. I am totally besotted with the Silver Fox and my children too. If you hadn't noticed by now.

The blogging world has given my much more that I have shared. To visit your beautiful sites and be inspired by your projects, re-furbs, cooking, decorating, loves, passions and family focus has given me new purpose to my life with a spring in my step. I teeter on the edge of anxiety at times but attribute to coping as much to the blogging world as to myself and my loved ones. 

The support I have received from followers and your thoughts is mind blowing. To think I can ramble on and  others understand me and listen tot me is so very appreciated. I have 'met' some pretty amazing, honest women and this environment seems to be so supportive and caring. Maybe it isn't always the way but so far so good..

So dear Bloggers and friends, I appreciate this world I am part of and will continue to do posts and visit your lovely blogs, appreciate your comments and hope that you continue to be out there as I continue my journey to 'me'. I am amazed that 1 year has passed by so quickly!!

Ciao for now...



 

Tea Light Delight...

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 This is what I am sending you. A little bit of rainbow.

Hope you like it...

 Ciao for now...
 

Deep and Meaningfuls...

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Well, just to let you know Miss T's queen sized bed has come in very handy - for D & Ms (Deep and meaningful...). ( Sonia - you were right!!) She came and woke me at 4 am this morning and told me she had... 'something to tell me' and it was 'very terrible'. My heart sort of skips a beat with conversations like this. We have has them before. I d-r-e-a-d them really but am very much aware that we still have the type of relationship where she feels comfortable talking with me. I hope it lasts. I try to appear calm but can feel myself talking a deep breath and squaring my shoulders. Getting ready to face whatever it is together and to not lose my mind with anger or fear.

She had been on her computer and come across some , hmmm, shall we say.. un-savoury pictures. It was a popular site used for pictures and one I have used myself very often but had not seen this aspect.  It would appear she had a 'bit of a look' and was then woken in the wee hours with a nightmare and couldn't sleep. Sometimes I feel quite relieved that it isn't worse. So, we had a chat. I was able to snuggle in bedside her and spend some time talking and listening.

I talked about her independence, that she is spending more time away from our direct observation. We talked about that 'feeling' in her stomach about right or wrong and listening to herself. We discussed the easy availability of pornography and how it makes men superficial and women/girls doubt their inner beauty and base love on appearance and the opinion of others. I talked about the life I envisaged for her with a great job and love and happiness.

I told her the seedy side of life was everywhere but it was her choice if she had anything to do with it and we would do our best to protect her but she needed to think about the decisions she makes. And that we wished more for her from life than having this seedy side as her normal.  I also explained that she didn't have to be perfect but would need to learn from any mistakes she made. And while I only wish her to be perfect, I don't want to plant any seeds of disapproval or shame and to her not talking about things. She snuggled down to sleep and I went to my bed where I lay awake for quite a long time.

Then...

I banned her from computers for 5 days.

She agreed it was fair. She seemed relieved in a way




Ciao for now...
 

Weekend...

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Busy weekend ahead dear Bloggers. It is so lovely being a 'whole' again. School holidays now. Master T slept in until 7.45 which is a darn miracle. Truly it is. Extended family down so no doubt a catch up involving food is in order. Friend's birthday drinks, a bit of a sleep in, a bike ride. The kiddies want to go and look at rock pools so we will squeeze that in as well. 

We might invite some friends over for breakfast on Sunday because I l-o-v-e cooking a nice B-I-G breakfast. Nice relaxing way for a catch up I think. It is nearly my first anniversary of blogging! (6/7/11) It has come around so quickly. Must prepare a special post for that day...

Enough about me. What will you do? 



 Ciao for now...

 

IPad Challenge...

Looky at what I got!! The SF sourced it for me yesterday. Now, if I can only keep the minions away from it for at least 24 hours.... That's the challenge...





 Ciao for now...