Wednesday 30 November 2011

Another Nook...

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Another little nook. Just imagine the size of the knitting needles used to knit that stool. A painting this time, good lighting, stressed wardrobe. Nice wide floor boards too. Do you think they have a satin finish or a matte?

Have a lovely day.




Ciao for now...

 

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Job Done...

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Well, I had my interview. It was a bit curly. A bit lateral.

But

Done

Thank goodness!! I wasn't nervous. One of the interviewers was present by phone. New for me


Oh, look I won't be giving up my day job so to speak. Just supplementing it occasionally with some teaching.

I hope

I'm a bit excited. At the prospect of learning something new. Of the challenge...

A bit scared too

I told them that. And that I was funny.

I hate the post - dissection

Now I wait. 


 Ciao for now...
 

just Simple...

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I like simple. I like sleek and I like no fuss. Hmm, I'm seeing a common theme for me in these last few posts.

Sleek.

Simple.







Ciao for now...



 

Sunday 27 November 2011

Nice Nook...

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Isn't this sweet, simple, organised? I could easily curl up there with my new Florence Broadhurst book that I still haven't even opened yet.

But

I have a wee job interview tomorrow...



Wish me luck...







Ciao for now...





 

Friday 25 November 2011

Organise Me...

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How sleek, how clutter free........how simply divine!

Do you like to be organised?

Me too






Ciao for now...

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Held Hostage...


I was recently held hostage for a while. It was terrible. It involved my new sports bra! I just had to relax and keep breathing. Want to hear about it?

Well. I bought myself some new gym gear because, well, I've been such a good girl that I felt I deserved it really. Nice stuff it is too from a trendy brand so I got a sports bra crop top padded sort of number among other things. That was my mistake you see because I had trouble with it in the store. I was sort of betwixt, somewhere between on and off but I managed to get it off without calling for help.

But

I forgot the power of sweat didn't I?

So

There I was. Hot and sweaty, in my new sports bra crop top number, after a solid work out in the heat. If this sounds faintly erotic, it wasn't. Add that I was in a bit of a rush as I not only have to do the 'get ready' thing with washed hair, make up etc but also have 40 minutes to rouse Master T from bed to the car to be ready for school.

So. As I tried to whip off my new bra crop top thingy which is nice and sweaty, I got stuck half way in and half way off. Breasts squished into halves if not triplets. Not a really attractive picture. And, I hasten to add, not one I could ask my 11 year old to come to my aid with as it was not a sight I wished to imprint on his pre-teen mind and risk watching him shudder with the memory of it all.


I have a bit of a gamy shoulder so after lots of huffing and puffing, groaning and jumping around, I managed somehow to wiggle it over my hips (!) not really sure how that happened.

Now I am a bit scared to try to wear it again unless I line up a rescue team to be handy.

Or maybe, getting the sports bra on and off IS the exercise. Maybe that is the angle they are going for...

Wish me luck next time I have a go. Maybe this could become an official sport. Hey, maybe I could try out for the 2018 Commonwealth Games!

Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Monday 21 November 2011

just Hope...

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The Silver Fox was hoping to squeeze in a quick visit before he is back for good just before Christmas. But, alas, it looks like by the time he arrived he would need to be going again. He is quite gutted though as it will be 2 months since he saw the kiddies. He is having nearly the whole school holidays off with them and I think a little family camping holiday will get us all on track again to be a foursome. He works very hard and will be desperate for that time off to recharge his batteries.

A little part of me still hopes he can swing it as it has been a bit too long between visits. I won't despair though as I know he is having a much harder time than me coping without us. I still have the hum of kids, chores, work, washing etc to fill my days. You might remember that he has turned into a fisherman since he has been away but the beginner's luck seems to have worn off and he has turned into 'Captain Catch None'. Oh dear!

So. A message as above to those that need it. It can be a busy time of year and quite stressful too...





Ciao for now...


 

Sunday 20 November 2011

just Love...

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Spent a nice family day today, sharing the love. The kids are very focused to earn some money so this afternoon saw cars being washed, lunches made for school tomorrow and the outdoor areas being hosed down with a couple of windows and a pool fence cleaned too. Me? Could be sitting back, glass in hand watching the action but the ironing and vacuuming beckoned.

Still.

Jobs done really...




Ciao for now...

 

Saturday 19 November 2011

Family Date?.....


Miss T has a boyfriend and wanted to go on a date. To the movies to see the new Twilight film. Ahhh, this is where the issues began. You see I wanted to see the movie too but I didn't just want to hang around waiting for Miss T. So, I took Miss T by the hand, looked her straight in the eye and said that I was coming too. Look, I offered to sit far away from them but would also bring Master T. Then her boyfriend said his Mum wanted to come too. And his brother! I joked and said that his Mum and I could sit together and chat. Miss T was freaking out a bit. As you would really.

And so it was. Miss T's first date. Sitting in a row was Boyfriend, Miss T, Master T and The Brother. One row in front and to the side the lovely Mum and me.

Interesting first date I'm sure.


Ciao for now......


Just Martha

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Wednesday 16 November 2011

just Observtions...

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My internet is ridiculously slow again and the kiddies don't believe I have paid the bill. I can't even go in to check my usage because I don't have that much time to hang around really. Busy week and I am a bit weary already despite it only being Wednesday. I haven't got too much to report that won't take h-o-u-r-s to upload so here are a few observation from my week thus far:

  • I saw a fellow buying sushi from a petrol station at about 8pm at night. I found myself wondering how he would end up ie ? food poisoning. Maybe he is a rule breaker but in my books that would be o-l-d sushi and thus not to be chanced. I feel it is in the same category as buying a prawn sandwich at the corner store. I mean who would be so desperate as to risk that?

  • Don't you just love predictive text? I received an invite to a dinner with a 'mortician' theme. Just as I was thinking 'hmmmm, now what could I even begin to cook for that', I received another text pointing out is was a 'Moroccan' theme. Hmmm, bit easier I think.


  • Look, I know I am probably alone here but I think chicken flavouring on chips is down right creepy. Think about it and you might agree too

  • I have bought the most amazing shoes (as above) but guess what? Now I need a new dress to go with them! Any suggestions? They won't go with my black and white number I bought here

  •  I don't give a hoot about Kim Kardashian. Or any of them. Now you know.

  • My most favourite meal in the whole world at the moment is steak with l-o-a-d-s of freshly ground pepper, melted cheese and a nice salad on the side. I've thought long and hard about this and this is the ultimate winner for me.

  • Only one more night until Kevin McLeod presents a new Grand Designs. Yay!! Best get all the chores done tonight

  • I have been a wild woman and have been to the gym 6 times a week!!!! Not sure what is happening to me. Maybe after 2 years of 'challenges', those endorphins are finally giving me a hankering for exercise. Hope it lasts!!!

Okay gorgeous people, have a nice rest of the week. I will try to resolve my 'issues' and start writing some meaningful posts again. 




     Ciao for now...


     

    Monday 14 November 2011

    Witchery Me....



    Hmm. Went to a Witchery shop on Saturday while Master T was doing stuff with Scouts for McHappy Day.

    I walked out with 6 tops!


    How did that happen?





    Ciao for now......


    Just Martha

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    Saturday 12 November 2011

    Somebody That I Used To Know...



    I know many people that are absolutely potty about this song.

    Me included

    Enjoy......





    Ciao for now...

    Milkshake Avalanche...

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    People are really beginning to notice that the Silver Fox has been away for a very long time

    "How do you cope?" they say

    "Well", I say, "The shine is definitely coming off the whole thing but the kids are great and very helpful and more independent so I think it is a bit easier"

    Just then my phone rang. I was out having a coffee after my 1 1/2 hour "Saturday Morning Challenge" and had been doing 1 armed-push-ups, deep water running and something equally dreadful with buckets full of water.

    "Mum" (it was Master T. Not a good sign as he is my anxious child so something must be up)

    "Yes" I said

    "My sister was using the blender...." (Oh oh, an image of strawberry milkshake on the ceiling was coming to mind)

    "...and it sort of leaked everywhere and she isn't cleaning it up and she has jumped in the pool..."

    I could hear hysterical laughter in the background. I like to think it was a reaction to how much trouble she thought she would be in but tend to think that she just thought is was r-e-a-l-l-y funny as I think she was using her leg to stop the avalanche of milk...

    I knew what had happened. The blender was dismantled for cleaning and someone.....  forgot to put the s-e-a-l back in as part of the reconstruction. I know. I have done it too

    Master T was asking about the mop and what to do. Bless him. His sister was still in the pool laughing

    I got off the phone and everyone was laughing. At me. Oh well.


     Ciao for now...



     

    Friday 11 November 2011

    just Shocking Really...

    Now a sort of 'disco' number...

    Okay okay, you would think I could safely action another 'boy job' after all I have tackled since the Silver Fox has been slaving his guts out a mere 17 hours drive from us. I have emptied the pool thus saving the house from flooding. (Well, I was ankle deep in water which was lapping at the back door- don't tell him that bit). I have diagnosed a sickly car, found a mechanic and hey presto fixed! I saved us from "The Great Flood". I have taken out the garbage each week. On time and remembering the correct bin.... loads of stuff, important stuff... boy stuff.

    So. I needed to change a light bulb. In the kitchen. Over the island. (Just setting the scene)

    "Ha" I said, to no one in particular. I had made the Silver Fox buy a few last time he went to Bunnings so I had some spares in stock. He has this infuriating habit of going out especially to get a light bulb and only coming home with one, the replacement. So this time I m-a-d-e him lash out and buy 3.

    I digress

    I found said stock which was put in a safe place but I was fortunate enough to remember their exact location without too much trouble (on top of the fridge).

    Unscrewed the old bulb. Screwed in the new bulb...

    When.... snap, crackle, pop!! Bang!!! Sparks everywhere. Fuse blown. Plunged into darkness!!

    I confidently made my way to the fuse box (we are intimate), flicked the fuse, lights on...

    Made my way back to the kitchen where 2 (!) bulbs were blown and the other 2 were flicking in a sort of disco/fluro type of arrangement. Hmmm, never seen that before. Bit scared to change the other two lights really at this stage...

    Spoke to the Silver Fox the next day after I realised that a little 'rest' overnight had made little difference to the situation.

    Silence

    "Did you turn the power off before you changed the bulb?"


    "No, not really" I said. "Didn't think it would make a difference" I said.

    Silence

    "Apparently it does" he said. "You could have been killed" he said

    "Oh?" I said. "I thought that was what that circuit breaker was for" I said

    "Lucky" he said




     Ciao for now...

     

    Thursday 10 November 2011

    Spring Delight...

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    Doesn't this look gorgeous. Look at that tea cup.! A different take on the edgy pink and green theme.

    I like it. Plus Waterford crystal glasses. And set outside too.

    Be nice to have an invite don't you think?

    Me too


    Ciao for now...




     

    Tuesday 8 November 2011

    Young Love...


    Miss T was asked out today by a boy. His name has cropped up in conversation for a while so I was kind of aware something was happening. She sought out a magazine to show me how his eyes were the colour of the sky "like this". Lots of smiles, and sighs.... And silences

    Sweet. I am excited for her.

    But. The Silver Fox is away so do I need to screen this lad like he might? I'm not sure. He finds all this growing up business quite difficult to watch and be a part of. I know why. He used to be a teenage boy once upon a time. That's what I think that he thinks... He knows what he got up to!

    Do I insist on meeting him, give him the "look",the "evil eye"? Or do I be supportive and nice and offer to drive them to the movies. Or do I invite him over for dinner or ask to meet his parents?.... Or is it just a simple date and I should relax? I wouldn't let her go out with a girlfriend one on one if I hadn't at least met her.

    Geez Louise! Where is that text book?

    Maybe I should invite him over for a hang out.

    Yep. That sounds modern and acceptable and easy

    Doesn't it?


    Ciao for now......


    Just Martha

    Posted via IPad


    Addit: I spoke with Miss T about the plan of attack. You know what she said> She said ...
    "kill me now"!

    Grew-Some...



    I've been very clever and grown some orchids, yet again. Bit of water here, neglect there and ...whalla! ... more flowers than ever!
    This pewter teapot is from my Great Aunty Ena!




    I have also managed to keep this Agapathus alive too and it is starting to flower. Awww..... too gorg!

     Ciao for now...

     

    Monday 7 November 2011

    Bewitching Hour...

    Complete with 'stab' wound on stomach


    That time of year has come and gone. When I did a post about this last year I got a r-e-a-l-ly creepy 'stalker' sort of comment that made my skin crawl. This person commented on my security, or lack of apparently, and told me to be careful! Very careful. So I have changed my security and if you do have trouble leaving a comment I am sorry, you need to be a follower, but this person then launched into issues about their upbringing and how awful it was. It wasn't bad enough to inform the police but it fair put the wind up me let me tell you. I think he found my doing a search on the 'H' word so I am careful not to mention it this time.
    Still gorgeous under all that make up

    The T's were out and about with friends doing the trick or treating thing. Made their own costumes and Miss T is an artist with the makeup. Master T was very innovative and came down stairs with his clothes cut up! A quick feed on homemade pizza and the T's and their friends were gone, trawling the neighbourhood. Master T came home with a skateboard and wished it was not a Monday night.



     Ciao for now...


     

    Sunday 6 November 2011

    Glorious Day...

    Please note blue sky and not the 'devil' tree
    It was such a heavenly day today that I dusted off the bikes, filled the tyres and took the 'T's' off for a ride. Miss T had just hopped out of the shower and was so not keen to accompany us so in the end it was Master T and I..... and the modem (just in case a certain T wasn't really going to study for her exams). I was keen NOT to have a flat tyre which is my usual trick and managed to achieve this which was nice

    Such a glorious day. We met the grandparents for lunch and chatted to friends who were also enjoying the day. It is about 8 km to town so nice and healthy for a ride in the fresh air.We saw lots I wanted to share with you but alas my 'riding whilst taking a photo' skills need brushing up and I am forever avoiding having a crash with the uneven terrain.

    There was a sculpture to climb of course

    We ended up seeing a rather large monitor lizard being harassed by a very nervous looking bush turkey who was no doubt fearing for its eggs. We also didn't see any brown snakes which is always a bonus although I do carry a snake bite kit with me. As you do. Well, you never know where I live if you will need it. I have two in fact - 1 in the car.

     Ciao for now...



      



    PS: Anty tips on becoming a Pinterest-er. I am awaiting an invitation but hello??? It has been m-o-n-t-h-s now

    Saturday 5 November 2011

    "Scrumptious" Apparently...

    I made this for dinner - Shepherd's Pie
    I whipped up a little 'something' the other night after a rather late game of touch footy. My children r-a-v-e-d over each mouthful. Had seconds... thirds even.

    What did I cook? What amazing dish did I prepare?

    Good old Shepperd's Pie, Martha-style. Not sure why is was so delicious. I did add some good old HP sauce. My favourite.

    So hooray for basic no fuss, old favourite cooking

    And cheers to being appreciated late on a Friday night too



     Ciao for now...



     

    Friday 4 November 2011

    Like Now...

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    This is the sort of clock I have at my place at the moment. In my place of work and at home. Everyone likes things in an instant but alas my Samantha Stevens (Bewitched) nose lets me down and sometimes there is a wait for what you want.

    Do you think the word 'waiting' is becoming a four-lettered word? It seems like we are becoming 'instant' consumers, that there is no such thing as 'delayed gratification'. Do you agree? If I leave my phone in the car I sometimes have numerous messages from Miss T with a 'where were you' sort of message as she wanted to borrow my nailpolish. I kind of like not being available every single minute but I get lots of flack for my beliefs, even from the Silver Fox!

    I am trying to teach the Teenie/Tweenie to save for things, that they don't necessarily need something ... 'now'. Master T is a bit more disciplined than Miss T - money burns a hole in her pocket every time and then she gets buyer remorse to the max and wants her money back. The first time she got a store credit she was horrified - she wanted the money back!

    Are we all turning into wanting thing 'now'. Credit card, interest-free payment plans... not sure

    What do you think?



    Ciao for now...


     

    Wednesday 2 November 2011

    Life Lessons...

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    Says it all really doesn't it?

    I love the 'no whining' bit. I wonder if that refers to 'wine' or 'whine'?

    I also love the 'do your own thing'. Good message that!

    Enjoy...



    Ciao for now...


     

    Summer...



    I love this time of year. Summer is in the air, Christmas is coming and school holidays are looming. Family will visit, days will be filled with lots of .... Well....... Nothing really! Where I live, the days are hot and long so watermelon comes in very handy to cool down.

    The Silver Fox is coming home in December, after what will be 9 months away. Yay! He has offered to go back again to do a short job for them next year. A s-h-o-r-t job of 5 weeks or so. Sounds just fine.

    I have an interview with the local TAFE, as was my plan so next year could prove interesting couldn't it?

    I need to attend my interview 30 minutes early, to prepare. Any tips for preparing?



    Ciao for now......


    Just Martha

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