First sentence from first post of each month meme thing.....

(thanks Wenchilada!)

January - The bowl says it all - I haz come for you!

February - Foot update....Yes, it's been a while, yes there are lots of things to update, no I'm not going to do it now :-)

March - Only two weeks until Festival.....Quite literally! We leave for Festival 2 weeks from tomorrow!

April - Meh.....Supposed to be doing shorthand (4 assignments to go) but I am just SOOOOOO over it at the moment.

May - Another Friday is here - looking forward to another busy weekend.

June - 16th Wedding Anniversary today....And I had burgandy carnations delivered to work with a lovely note and a tiger teddy bear.

July - My MRI is scheduled for Monday morning at 8am - then I have to wait until the 11th August to see the specialist *sigh*.

August - 5 more sleeps to go......and the 'tavern' is ready!

September - Recovering......from pneumonia - at least that what we think it is. (And it was!)

October - Two hours and 55 minutes until I am on leave for a week. Yay! But who's counting???

November - On a short lunch break and did not have anything specific to do so thought I would put a quick update here.

December - Yes, I am still alive although this summer cold/flu thing is getting very annoying!

Post Christmas update

Had a lovely week off work and enjoyed the week of Christmas - got spoilt rotten, lots of yummy food, water fights and family games of cricket. Went for strolls around the block, played with the dogs, cats and chickens and generally had a relaxing time! It was a bugger having to come into work today! I have 1/2 a day tomorrow too and then not back until next Monday. Then I work for two weeks and have another two weeks off! Yippee!

Played some WoW, did some sewing and got our bookings/payment sorted for Border War. K & P are now coming too so got their accommodation organised! Really starting to look forward to going! Still need to work on the Stock Clerk site *sigh*. Might try and get some of that done later in the week or in the two weeks I am off at the end of January.

Hope everyone is safe and having a happy silly season!

Happy Birthday!!!!

to Wolfstanus who is 14 today!

Happy Birthday to my brother whose birthday it is today too!


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Proud mum......

All three boys got great school reports - the most important thing is they have been doing their best. Congratulations boys, well done! We are very proud of you all!

Highlights:
Gryffen got a 'P' on all his areas which means 'personal best'. The only area he is really struggling is spelling but he has a goal to improve on that next year.....

Wolfstanus achieved two 'A's (Outstanding Achievement) - a first for him. He also came first in Science and second in War History (the two As). The area he needs to work on is less talking in class!

Conrad got sound achievement across the board and some really great comments from his teachers! Considering some of the challenges he has had it is a real tribute to him!

What more could I ask for? As long as they are doing their best I am happy! It is so hard to believe that Conrad will be going into Year 10, Wolfstanus into Year 9 and Gryffen into Year 5!

Aussie centric meme

Thanks Wenchilada!

1. Heard a kookaburra in person (yep)
2. Slept under the stars (yep)
3. Seen a koala (yep)
4. Visited Melbourne (no but would like too)
5. Watched a summer thunderstorm (from my front verandah regularly)
6. Worn a pair of thongs (yep)
7. Been to Uluru (Ayer's Rock). (no but would like too)
8. Visited Cape York (nope)
9. Held a snake (yep)
10. Sang along with Khe San (yep)
11. Drank VB (out of desperation)
12. Visited Sydney (yep)
13. Have seen a shark (yep)
14. Have used Aussie slang naturally in a conversation (yep)
15. Had an actual conversation with an indigenous Australian (aboriginal). (yep)
16. Eaten hot chips from the bag at the beach (yep)
17. Walked/climbed over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (nope)
18. Used an outside dunny, and checked under the seat before sitting down (yep)
19. Seen Chloe in Young & Jackson's (nope)
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus (nope)
21. Been to Sydney's Mardi Gras (nope)
22. Have gone bush-bashing (regularly)
23. Taken a sickie (yep)
24. Been to see a game of Aussie Rules football (nope)
25. Have seen wild camels (nope)
26. Gone skinny dipping (yep)
27. Had a Tim Tam Slam (huh?)
28. Ridden in a tram in Melbourne (nope)
29. Been at an ANZAC day Dawn Service. (yep)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (yep)
31. Held a wombat (nope but seen plenty)
32. Been on a roadtrip of 800km or more (yep)
33. Seen the Great Australian Bight in person (nope)
34. Had a really bad sunburn (yep)
35. Visited an aboriginal community (nope)
36. Seen a redback spider (yep)
37. Have watched Paul Hogan (yep)
38. Seen Blue Poles in person (nope)
39. Wandered barefoot in the bush/outback (yep - I live in what is considered to be the bush)
40. Eaten Vegemite (yep)
41. Thrown a boomerang (yep)
42. Seen the Kimberleys (nope)
43. Given a hitch-hiker a lift (yep and considering I was in Wellington NSW it was dumb - I had to literally throw the guy out and he was a friend of a friend!)
44. Been to Perth (yep)
45. Have tried Lemon, Lime and Bitters (yep)
46. Tried playing a didgeridoo (nope)
47. Seen dinosaur footprints (yep)
48. Eaten Tim Tams (yep)
49. Been to Darwin (nope)
50. Touched a kangaroo (yep)
51. Visted the Great Barrier Reef (nope)
52. Listened to Kevin Bloody Wilson (unfortunately, yes thanks to my brother!)
53. Killed a Cane Toad (yep)
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre (yep - although they are all gone now)
55. Have read and own books by Australian authors (yep)
56. Visited Adelaide (nope)
57. Know the true story behind 'Eternity' (nope)
58. Been camping (all the time)
59. Visited Brisbane (nope)
60. Been in an outback pub (yep)
61. Know what the term "Waltzing Matilda" actually means (yep)
62. Gone whale watching (yep - from the verandah of a home we rented for a holiday at Narooma - was awesome! Drinking coffee and watching the whales swim past).
63. Listened to Slim Dusty (my father in law is a huge fan so yes!)
64. Own five or more Australian movies or TV series (yep - would need to double check with a count though)
65. Sang along to Down Under (yep)
66. Have stopped specifically to look at an historic marker by the side of the road (yep).
67. Eaten a 4'n'20 pie (but Village Hot Bake Dubbo are better!)
68. Surfed at Bondi (body surfed, yes!)
69. Watched the cricket on Boxing Day (yep - on TV with my dad when I was younger)
70. Visited Hobart (no but would love too)
71. Eaten kangaroo (nope)
72. Seen a quokka (yep but only on TV)
73. Visited Canberra (lots - our favourite place to visit)
74. Visited rainforests (yep)
75. Used a Victa lawnmower (yep)
76. Travelled on a tram in Adelaide (nope)
78. Used a Hills hoist (yep)
79. Visited the Olgas Kata-Tjuta (nope)
80. Used native Australian plants in cooking (nope)
81. Visited the snow (yep)
82. Chosen a side in Holden VS Ford (Go FORD!)
83. Visited the desert (nope)
84. Been water skiing (yes but only as a spectator in the boat)
85. Read The Phantom (nope)
86. Visited Parliament House (yep)
87. Gone spotlighting or pig-shooting (nope - I'm one of those people that doesn't like killing things)
88. Crossed the Nullarbor (only flew over - want to drive it one day)
89. Avoided swimming in areas because of crocodiles (yep - although my husband and my father went fishing with them once 'cause they didn't see the sign!!!)
90. Listened to AC/DC (CDs are in my car and they get listened to regularly).
91. Called someone a dag (yep)
92. Voted in a Federal Election (yep)
93. Have been swimming and stayed between the flags (yep)
94. Had a possum in your roof (yep - and one caught in our BBQ)
95. Visited the outback (I live there according to some!)
96. Travelled over corrugated roads (yep - the road into our driveway is corrugated as are many of the dirt roads we travel on ;-) We always manage to find at least one on holidays due to my navigation skills! LOL).
97. Hit a kangaroo while driving (yep)
98. Been well outside any mobile phone coverage (yep)
99. Seen an emu (yep).
100. Have woken to the smell of bushfires (many times, sadly)

Fishing expedition gone wrong

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*Blink*

and the time has gone where? I cannot believe we are in the second week of December! I'm having some time off over Christmas and at the end of January so really looking forward to that - it will be nice to spend some time with family. I also hope to get the Stock Clerk stuff sorted (online store that is). I need to get the details back off Sorle as I lost mine with the hard drive crash *sigh*.

Wolfstanus' birthday next week (and my brother's - they share a birthday) - he will be 14. Boy how time flies! Conrad will be off to the senior campus next year too (he turns 16 next May) and my baby Gryffen will be 11 in February. It so amazes me! I still feel the same as I did at 20 but my kids are growing up fast! (Mind you I have more aches and pains than I did at 20!)

Got Kristy to colour my hair for me again on the weekend - it's darker than I was expecting but I really like it. It is cherry red again although in some light it almost looks purple ;-) I then have the bleached fringe and also around the neckline.

I am missing my work party on Friday night as T's is the same night and we are going to his. Looking forward to it!

Didn't do target archery on Saturday as it was too hot and extremely windy. The tavern/xmas feast went ahead even though it was just T, me, Conrad, Gryffen, Johanna, Arabella and Aminah. It was a nice but quiet evening. It still feels a little sureal that Aminah won't be around for the next couple of years - she has been part of my life for over 5 years now and it will be strange not to see her at events. Of course that doesn't mean we won't be 'talking' - looking forward to hearing about Aminah's adventures ;-)

Got most of the Christmas shopping done - just a few last ones for the boys and they need to go shopping with their father for me. I also need to change my mum's gift as my aunt bought her the same thing! Bugger! At least I have a few weeks and dad has given me an idea ;-)

Anyhow, better get back to work! I have had my coffee break now!

Yes I am still alive

although this summer cold/flu thing is getting very annoying! I don't feel sick, just tired. All this sinus and sore throat gets old very quick! I've started to cough again too but thankfully not too much! I am determined not to let it beat me!

This Saturday is target archery and our potluck tavern for Christmas - it will be the last event for the year. It will also be the last time we see Aminah for a couple of years - I think it will be quite emotional - I know it will be from my point of view anyway.

Christmas is creeping up and we have started decorating the office - they are running a competition for best decorated 'pod'. I'm just enjoying things starting to look festive! I still have so much shopping to do it's not funny - will try and get some more done this week. I think I need to plan better next year and shop through the year - all our bills fall just before Christmas so tyring to do all the pressie shopping just before doesn't work too well ;-)

Need to put the Christmas tree etc up this Sunday - that could be interesting with Rex! I have visions of him climbing to the top and knocking the whole thing down! I am sure he will manage to get a few baubles off the tree and chase them through the house. I was blaming the boys for leaving lego through the house and it turned out to be the cat!

The tattoo is going well - no scabbing and just a little flaking (like sunburn). No redness, no swelling, no sign of infection and the colour is still really good. My work colleagues that have seen it love it too. I can't wait to get the next one but I'm just going to have to be patient *sigh*.

Anyhow, back to work..........

Got me a gargoyle.......

and I loves him, yes I does!

Got this done after work tonight by Duane at Outta Limits Tattoo Dubbo - he did an awesome job. To be honest, the photo does not really do it justice. Terry came with me which was great too - it took about an hour to do. Can't say it was particularly painful, didn't grimace or go 'ouch' once. I could feel it more over the bony bits but not really bad. The only thing that did surprise me though was I got really woozy about ten minutes in - it wasn't because of the pain, apparently it was the endorphins kicking in and it is quite common. Cannot say breaking out in a sweat, getting light headed and feeling a little nauseus was pleasant, but it soon passed. We stopped for about five minutes, Duane went and had a smoke, I drank some water and from then on everything was smooth sailing. It was exactly what I wanted and I am so happy with it! I will be going back next year to get another tattoo on the other shoulder - it will be a dragon head with three flowers (not sure on the type yet) and either the three boys names or their initials - will see what we come up with!

Tink, tink, tink, tink............

is the sound coming from the shed this week. This is the beginnings of T's new helm - still a long way to go. He saw a picture on the internet and said he wanted 'that helm' and so he has begun to make it...........pretty darn clever if you ask me! (And yes, he did make his own chain mail on the back - more patience than me I can tell you!!!)

Things are looking up.......

Had the meeting with the school and the new school last week - went well. They are looking at a few options and we go to the senior campus next Friday to discuss further, this time with Conrad present. Starting to feel a little more hopeful......

I need to rant........

but I won't do too much here, I have some friends that are teachers and I know not all are tarred with the same brush. But OMG do some of them need a good dose of responsibility and common sense!!! I fear that days like today are only going to become more frequent as the year comes to an end and one of my sons goes to a new school next year (don't even get me started on my dealings with the new school to date). It has become a case of 'not my problem' with the school - the current school don't want to do anything because he is 'moving on' due to the stupid setup in this town (Year 7 - 9 at junior campus and year 10 - 12 at senior campus, which is a whole other rant) and the new school don't want to know because he is not a current student. Man!!!! The stupidity of it all is if both schools did just a few minor things differently EVERYONE would have a much easier time of it. My son, the other students, teachers etc. Aargh!!! I am dreading next year - I hope my bad feelings are misguided but some how I doubt it......... The school dropped my son off at his dad's work (get this) thirty minutes before school finished, didn't tell his brother so no message got to his nan who was picking him up. I hadn't been told anything so my poor mum rings me in a panic 'cause she and his brother can't find him, can't get onto T and the youngest one is ready to be picked up from school on the other side of town! Long story short, the boy was found, mum met me at the school where I was waiting with the youngest one and I got absolutely drenched including shoes - back at work now still fuming. The stupid thing is my son is supposed to have a space he can go to when things get overwhelming for him - why wasn't he taken there for THIRTY MINUTES! They sent my son home because the student causing the problems parents wouldn't come and pick him up! Deal with it!!! Why should my son get sent home?
Oh, and to add to the list, I am supposed to have a meeting tomorrow with the new school and a teacher from the current school, which I was told about at lunch time today, but we don't have a time yet, I'll let you know this afternoon! No, they still haven't contacted me and school finished an hour ago. I am so frustrated with the bl*&^y school system it is not funny! They expect me to just up and leave work whenever they ring, well hey buddy, I cannot do that! In an emergency, yeah fine, but not for something we have been talking about for THREE TERMS NOW and you could have organised with much more warning!

And on that note I think I will stop 'cause I feel my blood boiling again..........if only I could get on WoW now........

Border War XI looks awesome......

just checked out their web page at http://www.freewebs.com/scabordescros, can't wait to go! Sooooo many things to organise before then! Boffer Boats will be something the boys want to do so looks like I will have to get wet too ;-) Hmmm - get one (or two)built and test it on our dam! LOl

Lots of arrows to fix before then, and blunts, and armour, and garb and........

I need to get motivated and organised! T and P have been armouring in the shed so I guess I should leave WoW alone and do something constructive! LOL (Not that I got to play much on the weekend, too much to do!)

BTW, Death Knights are awesome on Wrath of the Lich King - good fun! The boys enjoyed it too ;-)

WoW Wrath of the Lich King released

and I have my copy ;-) Will be loading it tonight when I get home from work - the kidlets can't wait either! Woot!

Ah, the temptation........

to enrol in more study! But I will be good, and wait.......

I have been checking out uni subjects - I certainly don't have the time to enrol in a degree but there is a thing called non-award subjects. They can be used towards a degree later on but you can study one subject at a time. There are things like:
* Diploma in Languages
* Greek Heroes and Heroines: From Achilles to Zorba
* Egyptian Archeology: An Introduction
* Myth in the Ancient World
* Ancient Egyptian Religion
* Antiquity's Heirs: Barbarian Europe, Byzantium and Isalm
* Ancient Latin

Then there are some subjects at UNE (waiting to hear if they do non-award subject too like Macquarie University - couldn't help myself):
* Medieval History
* The Age of the Vikings
* An Age of Uncertainty: Later Plantagenet England

And I had to stop searching as I was starting to drool and come up with wild schemes on how I could come up with $1200 per subject!

I am thinking maybe for 2010 I might be able to start with a subject and work my way through my list! LOL It would have been so much easier to do my HSC and go onto Uni from there but I had no idea at the time what I wanted to do - I was bored at school and needed to find my way. Do I regret it? No. Would it have been easier? Yes. I cannot regret the experiences that have made me who I am today - sure things annoy me at times but for the most part, I am completely content. I know who I am, what I want and I am enjoying my life and my family. I would not trade my husband or my children for anything in this world - I like my bed of roses, thorns and all!!

Booked for Border War at Bordescros (Albury) which is on 27 February to 1 March 2009. It will be our first time at this particular event - really looking forward to it! Lots to organise before then! I have so much to do the time is just getting away!

Apparently Nickelback have a new album being released here this Saturday - will have to get that one! WoW - Wrath of the Lich King comes out here tomorrow too. I have a pre-ordered copy to pick up tomorrow - woot!

We can all relate to this one........

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Another Tuesday update

Hmmm, Tuesday seems to be the day for updates! On a quick coffee break so thought I would post something here.

Spent all weekend cleaning the boys rooms and having a throw out - words cannot describe the state they were in! Got the new bunk beds in for Gryffen and Wolfstanus that T made - they are awesome. We then decided to paint the room while we were at it! Grey walls and purple (velvet maroon to be precise) feature wall. *IF* they look after their room, I will paint a mural on the feature wall and their built in wardrobe. We then did Conrad's room too - grey walls with a black feature wall. Same deal for him - he should have a new bed by the weekend, T thinks he will have it finished by then. We also painted the hall way. Need to do the main bathroom, loo, laundry and then the dreaded dining room/kitchen. I say dreaded because it has a cathedral ceiling and will be a bugger to paint! It is going grey with the purple feature wall to match the lounge room (there is an arch between the two). I still think the feature wall in our bedroom has the best name for the colour 'Eye of Newt' which is red ;-) It still makes me giggle!

Had to take Rex the Cat to the vet this morning for a check up. We found two lumps towards the back of his belly. We thought they were just fat glands (he loves his food including cheescake and lassagne - we learnt not to leave those on the bench!) but wanted to check and make sure. Turns out they are fat glands and he is a little overweight. Overweight cats tends to mean type 2 diabetes so we want to avoid that. We have to cut his food back (oh the indignity and the meows that will come!!!) and he needs more exercise (he is a house cat - our neighbours like to shoot cats and dogs that go onto their property and as Rex is a very curious and mischievous cat we do not want to take the risk). So, Wolfstanus needs to play lots more games with him and take him for walks on his harness. At the moment, he walks five metres and flops to the ground and says 'that's enough' (Rex that is LOL). Our other two cats have never had a 'fat' problem as they are outside all day (in at night) and supplement their diet with birds, lizards, bugs and mice (which the vet said is a *good* thing for the cats).

For this weekend

*Taking Scooby (one of our dogs) and Sylvester (one of the other cats) to the vet on Saturday for their annual vaccination and check up.
* More painting
* More cleaning/washing
* Re-draw T's device for resubmission (run by Rowany Herald first to make sure I have it right)
* Start making K's and my 'Roman Garb'
* Get back into organising the Stock Clerk online store

Other news

I have posted my final short hand assignment to Sydney yesterday. Woo hoo! So glad that is out of the way - now I just need to practice it so I can use it! LOL

Back to work.........

Tuesday tidings......

On a short lunch break and did not have anything specific to do so thought I would put a quick update here. Work has been good for the most part - I have my 'special envelope' now for the bad days ;-) 'What on earth is that?' I hear you ask good reader......

You see, last month was 'Gratitude Month' so one of the managers here decided it would be nice to do something. An email was sent around and if people would like to participate they just needed to reply and further information was given out. A list was then made of all the people who wished to be involved and was circulated to all those people. We then had to write a note with something positive on it about that person (we could sign our name our do it anonymously - most chose anonimity - yours truly invluded). All the notes went into a box and at the end of the month the organisers put the notes into envelopes and gave them out. The idea is, when you are feeling a bit low or having a crappy day, you can pull out all these positive messages to help lift your spirits. I was surprised by a lot that I got as I do not know most of the people that were involved very well - it was really nice. (It helped yesterday too as it was 'one of those days'.) Most of us got a little teary too (but in a *good* way)! Really good idea!

Weekend was awesome - archery was fun, DVD and pizza night went well and the tourney on Sunday was great! All my family was there including T and the boys, K & P and T's parents even came to watch! Radburne had a nice picnic lunch together and we got to chat about plans for the future. It was really positive.

T has made new bunk beds for Wolfstanus and Gryffen - they are awesome! I will have to take a photo this afternoon so I can show you. The worst part was trying to get into their room - words cannot describe the state it was in! It is still a huge job but we have started the throw out and clean up. I shall just leave it at that ;-)

My lot got into armour Sunday afternoon and had a boffer tourney of sorts - very entertaining! Everyone is so pumped about getting involved now it is great. It has only taken six years LOL! I need to get back into sewing and the list is growing! Will be good though. I need to refocus and get back into planning!

Anyhow, lunch break over so back to work!

Work is quiet.......

and I am avoiding typing up meeting minutes again *sigh*.

I have managed to cross a few things off my to do list for the next few days but the list is still long and there are things I want to add to it. I am only one person though and I am at the point I need to be careful I do not overload myself again!

On a happy note, I actually won first prize in a raffle! Can't remember what it was for *shug*. I usually buy the ticket, lose it and forget about it because I *never* win anything anway! LOL What was the prize you ask? A beautiful set of earrings and necklace from Swish Gallery (local) valued at $170.00. I guess I should take a photo so I can show y'all ;-) It was a lovely surprise out of the blue!

T got home last night, tired but in one piece. Feels weird when he is not home......

Have 126 photos to get printed tomorrow morning (from the wedding and last weekend) which is only a few of the 868 I took for both events! LOL Talk about a happy snapper! I want to get them done before I meet a friend for coffee at 11am - along with the rest of the long list of things to do!

Anyhow, off to the gym shortly.........

Back from the gym.........

and feeling good. I have to limit the rebound work I do at the moment though as the ankle has been playing up since the weekend. Because of the injury, I can't do as much energetic stuff as I would like which means it will take longer to achieve my goals. Oh well, a lesson in patience and persistence. I had planned on going for a 3km walk each evening but due to having so much to do at home and the ankle being uncooperative, I haven't been doing that. *sigh* Slow and steady I guess! LOL

Looking forward to the weekend although it will be another busy one - it will be nice to do a Radburne event again. We haven't got together since Radburne War back at the beginning of August! Only two more get togethers left for the year. Next year will be different too as Aminah is going overseas for two years. She has been offered a teaching position with an international organisation in Vietnam. I am really excited for her as it is an amazing opportunity and one which I think she will embrace with wide open arms, yet I will miss her dearly too! Aminah, if you are reading this, you know I expect you to keep your journal up to date and send me amazing photos don't you? LOL And I promise to keep you up to date with happenings at Radburne.

The other half is off to the other side of Bourke again with work this afternoon. Not sure if he will be back tomorrow night or Friday - will just have to wait and see. Conrad started work experience today, I can't wait to hear how he went! He should be home in about 20 minutes and I will ring him then. Wolfstanus has been ill since Sunday afternoon - mild dose of food poisoning we think from a pie he ate at lunch time Sunday. He seems to be on the improve now so hopefully back to school tomorrow. Poor bugger has had a hard time of it this year with illness!

I am starting to hatch a few minor plans and push a few things gently - will see how that goes. I'm going to try and update my LJ tonight too (if I remember to do it before they have their outage at 8:30pm).

Anyhow, better get back to work!

Glutton for punishment or reinvigorated?

Not sure on the answer to that one......

IKAC this Saturday, along with pizza and DVD night, followed by Tourney on Sunday. Only local household so not too much to organise (except that people are atrocious (sp?) at letting you know what they are doing! LOL).

Next month, target archery and pre christmas potluck tavern feast. Looking at a roman theme for the hotter weather but want to see if people want to 'play' first ;-) Again, local household and not too much to organise so should be okay. I'll be sending out some invites though to people who may want to attend but aren't actively involved at the moment. A few names spring to mind......

Set up activities for next year.....

Follow up some people that have been interested but haven't become involved. Target archery seems to be the key at the moment....

Need to get the Stock Clerk online store complete. Goal - get it done by Christmas!

Looking at attending Polit semi-regularly. Probably every 3 months at this stage. Had a great weekend there - the tourney was great and everyone treated us so well! Their Excellencies were perfect hosts as usual! Spent some time doing touristy things with the family which was great too.

Murmurings from a certain person that he may be interested in going heavy........plans are hatching!

Now back to work!

The weather is a fickle thing

It has turned very cool again today! Forecasting a top of 19. Then the forecast for next week is high 30s! No wonder we are struggling to climatise to the season. We are getting four seasons in a week at the moment! I have to admit I prefer the 19 to the 35 degrees! (Yes I know I am living in the wrong place for cooler weather, such is life.)

Got the paperwork for Conrad's work experience - it will go back tomorrow. They are hoping for him to meet the employer next Tuesday and start work experience ASAP after that. I think it will be really good for him. Without going into any detail, things are a bit unsteady at school and we need to look at other alternatives if things don't work out at the Senior Campus next year. We need to work with Conrad to find out the best thing for him. It may mean continuing at school, a school based apprenticeship or TAFE or maybe something we haven't thought of yet. I think the next 6 months are going to be about planning his future and helping him to understand the importance of the choices he is making. Can't say life is dull!

Two more sleeps until a weekend away..........

Life is interesting at the moment

in good and bad ways. Families are an interesting dimension to life - that is all I am going to say here. Had some great stuff happen with family over the last week, had some hurtful stuff happen. Such is life. Had a fairly ordinary day yesterday (things had gotten on top of me) but got it all sorted last night. Feeling much more positive today.

Had to pick Conrad up from school at lunch time - kids can be such *&^%$#! He is getting picked on mercilessly again *sigh*. Even the ladies in the office feel sorry for him and can't understand why they just won't leave him alone. He has calmed down now, we had lunch together and he is at home watching a movie. On a positive note, it looks like the school has finally managed to organise work experience for him (this has only been ongoing for 12 months). The problem naturally is employers do not want to give him a go because he is a little different to the majority of kids - this then means his file goes in the too hard basket. (Yes I know he is not the only kid in the school, but he has the same rights as they do.) 'House of Ironbark' in Dubbo (who make the most amazing furniture) are giving him a go. We are all so excited! Conrad has a real talent for woodwork and enjoys it so this will be a positive thing for him I think. The careers advisor at the school has done really well to pull this rabbit out of the hat! It looks like being one to two mornings a week possibly for the rest of term which is fantastic! We just need to jump through the paperwork hoops and it will be a goer. Hopefully in the next week or two..........this could be such a good opportunity for him. He is really looking forward to it too.

Off to Canberra this weekend - going the the Polit Baronial Tourney on Saturday and probably to the zoo on Sunday (and whatever else we can squeeze in).

The first weekend in November is the Tourney of the Yellow Rose so I need to get that organised. Will just be the household I think (will be good to get together again - it has been ages).

I finally got my second last assignment sent off yesterday - only one more to go! Yippee!!

I have also made some personal decisions about some stuff I want to do for me. Some people probably aren't going to like those decicisions or understand them - quite frankly it is just too bad. They are not earth shattering, major or likely to change anyone's lives. It is totally personal and for personal effect only. My immediate family (i.e. my husband and my children) are aware of these things and are supportive and understanding - that is what matters the most to me. Yes, I know I am being cryptic, but I do not want to say anymore just yet. When people see some if it, they will probably go 'is that all!' but that is okay - it's a 'me' thing. One of the things I discussed with my immediate family last night was that we get so caught up with doing so many things and with so many different people we are forgetting to have time to ourselves. The weekend to Canberra is a family thing for us, and we will be making family weekends at least once a month where dare I say it? Visitors will not be welcome! LOL Even if it just means hanging out on the couch watching DVDs or working in the garden. We haven't been getting enough 'us' time and you can tell. Today is a new day and time for new plans! LOL

The wedding was awesome.........

and the couple are now happily married. The day went off really well and I survived playing photographer! I took 577 photos in all - some just need deleting (about 20), some need a touch up and for the most part, they are good. The main thing is Kristy and Pete love them. There was much happiness and a few tears (no I did not shed any tears - I was too busy! LOL). It was an awesome afternoon and evening. Conrad did a fantastic job of videoing everything and we watched it last night. Had to watch ours of course afterwards (the signing of the register and the reception is all we have) but the tape is nearly had it. (It was nearly 17 years ago after all). Kristy was our flowergirl - it was funny watching that after seeing her get married on Saturday but nice at the same time. The boys of course looked very handsome! I'll update my LJ tonight and facebook too.

Two hours and 55 minutes until.......

I am on leave for a week. Yay! But who's counting???

Just discovered I cannot post to my live journal from work - oh well, you get that.

Just a quick post whilst I am having some lunch.

I am proud of myself - I have consistently gone to the gym 3 days a week for the last week. I feel so much better for it too. I plan to keep going!

Only 8 days to go to my niece's wedding.......

Only 3 weeks to go and we go to Canberra for the weekend.....

Only 11 weeks and 6 days until Christmas - okay, I really didn't need to think about that one!

Had lovely lunch with Miss Aminah yesterday - have fun at Spring War lovey!!! Looking forward to all the goss when you get back. *sigh* Wish we were going too.......

I am feeling good about.........

having a nice BBQ dinner with family for my niece's birthday - was a lovely afternoon and evening.
Have to giggle that my other niece's twin 4 year old boys call Uncle Terry 'Poppy' because he looks so much like his brother. Doesn't worry Terry in the least. We don't see Terry's brother apart from if we happen to run into them up the street - sad really. We only met the boys a couple of months ago after not seeing my niece for about 5.5 years. Really glad she is back around again - we missed her. One of the boys wanted to take 'poppy' home - very sweet. (My niece is a single mum.)

Was a little sad and reflective that due to a whole lot of reasons the family is pretty much split now and we don't have the get togethers for special occassions that we used to have. Our nephew was in Dubbo from Wagga but didn't have time to see us (or come and see his sister for her birthday) despite only staying ten minutes away from where we live. He will be back for his sisters wedding in a fortnight so we will see him then. Unfortunately that's just the way things seem to be now.

I find it such a shame that families staying together seems to be an exception rather than a rule - perhaps that is why socially things seem to be such a mess. I am glad that we are an exception in this case! My parents have been married 40 years, Terry's parents are approaching 50 years and we are approaching 17 years. My brother has been married ten years although they have been together 17 years too. Not a bad record ;-) I know there are a whole heap of reasons that people don't stay together and some very good ones - I certainly wouldn't judge anybody - you never now what their situation is! I just find it sad that so many people seem to get divorced nowadays and there are so many split families - it seems to be the norm now rather than the minority. It makes me sad.......

Onto happier things! One more week of work and I get a week off - then the big wedding! I have managed to get my dress almost done this weekend - would have been done except for the hemming if I had not stuffed one of the sleeves up! LOL At least I had enough material to cut another one out. I'll finish it next weekend!

We got the list of 'wanted' photos for the wedding done tonight so that is making me feel a little more at ease ;-) Will take some test shots at the site next weekend in preparation for the big day!

Off to bed now.........

I feel like Grumpy Smurf..........

I hate spring.....
I hate the hot weather.....
I hate hayfever........
I hate sneezing.....
I hate eyes that won't stop itching and stinging....
I hate wanting to scratch my eyes out........
I hate itchy throats.....
I hate my itchy mouth including the roof and corners of my mouth.......
I hate itchy skin and rashes.....
I hate hayfever tablets that don't work.......
I hate sinus sprays that don't work.....
I hate eye drops that don't work.....
I hate that I will have to have an injection again this year for hayfever....
I hate that cats and dogs need to shed their winter coats and the hair irrates me....
I hate that I will have to go to the doctor AGAIN!......

That is all for now.

Yay for Friday!

I was experimenting with my camera - this photo has not been 'touched up' at all. It is Rex the cat with Sylvester in the background.

Another week has flown past, it seems to be gaining momentum! We have been back in our newly refurbished office for a week and we are all settling in. One more week to go and I get a week off (holidays) to spend with the kids. Then Krsity and Pete's wedding, then a weekend at home and then off to Polit for a tourney! Booked our accommodation today so we are well on the way for preparation. Now I have a deadline, I might actually get some garb finished! I also want to look at our other stuff too and make sure we have plenty of covers etc for mundane items. We have been trying to get to Polit for an event for at least 2 years but for many and varied reasons have not been able to do so. At least it looks like things might change! I'm starting to get really excited about it.

I have been to the gym this week again (3 days) and I am really enjoying it - it feels good to do something for me for a change. I am feeling better for it too!

And another week goes by.........

It's been a while again - things just get busy and I get lazy about updating here. So, a few dot points:
* Moved back into our refurbished office today - it is lovely and fresh and new and I have a window view. Some things still need finishing off and I am going to have to re-file everything due to new storage but that will be a long term thing.
* Went to Hog's Breath tonight for dinner - was yummy! (So was the mudslide!)
* Hayfever with itchy eyes has set in - time to change eye drops as the ones I have aren't doing particularly well.
* Had the injection into my ankle - it has reduced the swelling heaps and some of the pain.
* Joined the gym - I have been doing a weight and rebound circuit three times a week - this is my second week. I'm really enjoying it and feeling good for it!
* Mum and Dad got back from New Zealand last night - they had a great few weeks away but are glad to be home.
* Started my dress to wear to the wedding in 3 weeks - it's coming along.
* Need to learn some more photography skills!
* Two more assignments to go and I finish my short hand course. Can I write short hand fluently - NO! Do I need to practice lots more - YES!
* Had my hard drive die - that sux! - got a new one and reloading everything again. I lost some stuff (including my address book) but thankfully had backed up a lot of the important things like photos and book work!
Looking forward too:
* Kristy and Pete's wedding
* Picking up target archery again
* Seeing mum and dad's photos and video from New Zealand
* Finishing my short hand course
* Autumn

Recovering.........

from pneumonia - at least that what we think it is. The blood test I had last Friday points to that and I need to have a follow up one this Friday. Been off work since last Wednesday and will not be going back until next Monday. Will have run out of sick leave so need to take some of my holiday leave so I get paid! The boys are finally back at school this week and recovering which is great.

Mum and Dad are travelling the south island of New Zealand for a few weeks so I'm looking after their dogs and garden too. Things are going okay. World of Warcraft online is a welcome distraction when I am feeling crappy. I wasn't too bad yesterday afternoon but I think I overdid things a little on account of feeling better and today I has been feeling crappy again. The doctor did warn me that if it is the particlar strain they think it is it is one that hangs around for quite a while. Yay me! I also get the injection into my ankle tomorrow - not looking forward to it but hopeful I will get some relief from the swelling and pain that I have had since January.

Washed the fabric for the dress I need to make for K & Ps wedding. Hopefully I will be up to cutting it out this weekend. The photo doesn't show the colours the best but you get the idea.....with my newly dyed red hair and blonde fringe I should scrub up okay! LOL

Update.......

Had some interesting discussions with the car yard today - the bottom line is they admitted they were mostly to blame and had done several things badly. As it turns out, once everything was explained properly, we aren't as bad off as we thought we were (luckily for us) and the car yard are working with us to make sure we are happy with the outcome. We will be finalising things tomorrow.
They have changed one of their practices - they were not issuing a 24 hour cool off period for linked credit on commercial vehicles - turns out I was right and they are supposed too. I think some good things have come out of a bad situation for both sides so I have at least found a silver lining ;-)
On other exciting news (for me anyway) I put my engagement ring into the jewellers to be remade. My current one (which is 17 years old) is very fragile and I keep losing the stones out if it! (Expensive and upsetting!) So I am having it remade as the same band as my wedding ring, in the same style as my engagement ring and re-using the stones. This means that the original will still exist to some degree (totally sentimental of course) which I am really happy about. It will take up to 4 weeks to get back so I'm really excited (and will be counting down the days)! I had to put another ring on that finger as it felt too weird without it (they needed my wedding ring too to make sure the engagement one fits it properly.) T has his wedding ring back too now after we had to get it reshaped - he got it caught on a pipe about 6 months ago which bent it completely out of shape! We just never got around to getting it fixed. We were at dinner the other night and he said how much he missed having it on his finger and he was always looking for it - so we remembered to get it done yesterday. Don't you just love the ones that look hard on the outside but are all squishy in the middle? LOL

Buyer beware.......

especially of finance people at car yards! Really long story short, we are seeking advice from the Department of Fair Trading. We thought we were getting a personal loan over 5 years for x amount of dollars and would own a vehicle at the end. My other half (bless him) was too trusting and trusted what he was told and signed on the dotted line (the THIRD page of a contract) without all the details of the agreement being shown to him. He was given no loan documents and to date we still do not have a copy of what he signed. Unsigned documents arrived today (nearly 3 weeks after the purchase) from the finance company and several phone calls/visits to the car yard. And OMG we went WTF!!!! We ended up with 59 repayments of x (as originally told) with a residual of $10K to be paid at the end as a final payment (which we were not told). There is no way in hell we would have bought that car if we had full knowledge. Lesson - no matter how trusting or how well someone comes across, never, ever, ever trust them when it comes to finance. THEY WILL SCREW YOU!!! Other half has had heated discussion with finance person - he is supposed to be talking to powers that be and ringing back tomorrow. Honest mistake he says - LIKE HELL!!! He didn't request any proof of exising debts, income etc. The loan application has incorrect details and we received no payout figure from the old loan (which I am chasing up). It is the biggest balls up I have ever seen! I suspect the figures have been fudged and I am hoping to prove it. I should hear back from Fair Trading in the next 7 days too. I am so angry at the moment with this Dealership I cannot put it into words! I really feel sorry for the other half too - he feels so bad about it all. I'm not angry with him in the least - he was severely taken advantage of!

The bruise 24 hours later.......

Ouchie!

Kristy got in armour..........

and Terry and Pete shot at her. The main thing was to see if she could handle the armour and the arrow fire before getting her kitted out. She isn't sure if she still wants to do it - the armour doesn't bother her but she does bruise very easily!

Phew - another assignment done!

Seven down, two to go! I will be soooooo glad when I finish this shorthand course! When I'm done, I'll need to go back and practice it all again as most of it has leaked out (I need to do daily practice to get it to sink in and become automatic). My main goal at the moment is just to finish!
Gryffen has gone to a friend's tonight for a sleep over - it is so quiet without him!

Being sick sux............

Okay, just a quick update:
* The boys and I got sick - boys with tonsillitis and the flu, me with a URTI. All on the mend but have been sick for over a week. It sux!
* I have an appointment finally to get the injection into my ankle - it will happen on the 11 September (only 4.5 weeks after the referral).
* Terry's parents have moved into town now so it's 15km to see them instead of 85km (unfortunately they have come down with the dreaded lurgy too)
* Kristy and Pete got the lurgy
* No, you do not want to be visiting all of us at the moment! LOL
* High School wants us to do a demo at their Medieval Day on 18 September - considering it but we'll see.
* Went to Hog's Breath for dinner last night = yummo and over eating! (The apple crumble with caramel sauce, whipped cream and ice cream was fantabulous!)
* Looks like RWII made a good profit - I need to get the report done this weekend and sent to Rowany.
* Caught up with my brother, sister in law and niece last week (and three of their horses). They were here for Polocrosse and spent a couple of days. We don't get to see them very much so it was great to catch up with them. My niece (who will be 15 next month) has made the NSW State Team and will be competing in the Nationals at Perth in October. She is so amazing!
* Gryffen has renewed interest and nagging to get a horse/riding lessons. We cannot afford the horse thing so he is on a mission for riding lessons. We have a calendar on the fridge and if he completes all his chores and homework without being nagged to do it (or arguing about it)for a month he will be allowed to have riding lessons. He also needs to spend his pocket money on it and I will put in the rest. I'm actually thinking about getting lessons with him (I haven't ridden for about ten years).
* Wolfstanus wants to join the local theatre so same deal with him as with Gryffen.
* Conrad isn't sure what he wants to do.
* So many things I need/want to do and not enough time - isn't that always the way? Such is life.
Anyhow, better get something done now!

RWII was awesome!!!!

I am absolutely exhausted from a huge weekend, but it was bloody great! I think everyone had a good time, people were well fed and Terry and Peter authorised as lights and had fun in the war on Saturday! I'm glad they got to enjoy the benefits of all their hard work - well done lads! The photo is of Terry (nick named 'Bumblebee'), Conrad (as banner bearer) and Peter. I'll be uploading the photos to the Radburne Photobucket account shortly (the link is off the Radburne page).
I am so brain dead at the moment a full account of the weekend will have to wait ;-)

On other news, it turns out I need to get a steroid injection into my ankle under local anesthetic and MRI to help reduce the irritation and inflammation in my ankle. What joy! I need to ring up tomorrow and make an appointment............

You know you're in the SCA when........

you stand outside at 10:00pm in the cold night air to shoot blunts at newly armoured archers to test them out ;-) One issue was one of the intrepid archers forgot his 'box' (not the one pictured) and Murphy's Law states that is where you will get hit - and he did! We laughed so hard we cried because he was such a good sport about it - and proved his mettle!

I also got to shoot a blunt at my husband LOL! It landed just above the wrist where the gauntlet and arm meet - will be interesting to see if it bruises. All in all we had a good laugh at how silly we are and how much fun this weekend will be!

Excitement is starting to settle in.....

with only two sleeps to go! Got some last minute bookings so I think we are up to about 52 or 53. There are a good mix of people coming as well as some that haven't been before so it should be great. Really, really looking forward to it, even though the next few days will be extremely busy!
And, SCA songs have a lot to answer for! I have 'Hammer of Thor' stuck in my head whilst I am at work - I just want to break out into song! LOL (It's all Wolfstanus' fault!)

The helm............

3 more sleeps to go

and organising is progressing along nicely. Armour is almost complete (although a new gorget needs to be sorted - the one T had made for himself just doesn't fit right and it got ripped off and launched to the other side of the shed ;-) His helm looks awesome - will try and get a photo of it tonight.

I have K's underdress done and just need to stitch down the facing on the overdress and do the lacing holes. Might do that whilst I am watching telly tonight.

Meat and bread have been ordered for pick up on Friday, as have the loos. I will do the bulk of the shopping on Thursday and just get the 'fresh' stuff Friday morning. The Dragon Hill Taxi has been organised for the picking up of people from the train station (thanks Johanna!) Flags and signage will go up Friday morning and it looks like I will have some helpers on Friday too (T and P might be taking the day off to help with final preparations - thanks guys!)

I figured I could do the lacing holes on my cotehardie (which has been a work in progress since last November!) and Wolfstanus' cotehardie during the day on Saturday. We can then wear them on Sunday.

Firewood has been collected, tables and benches set up and things are looking good. Touch wood, the weather forecast for Friday is the chance of showers and fine for Saturday and Sunday with tops of 15 and 16. (Similar to last year.)

Looking forward to it!!!!!

5 more sleeps to go.........

and the 'tavern' is ready! It's nice and close to the campfire too with views to all the activities. Thanks to Terence (who is the brains and brawn behind it all), Kristy, Pete, Arabella, Guy and Johanna for all their help today. Also to Conrad, Wolfstanus and Gryffen.

8 more sleeps to go......

until RWII. OMG! Things are coming along though - we have 48 confirmed bookings so I'm happy - still about 9 who expressed an interest but haven't booked yet. Bookings close tomorrow but no doubt there could be a few last minute ones like last year ;-)
T has just about completed his armour and Conrad's is done. Arrows have been fletched and just need to have points for targets or blunts for combat fitted. I have finished P's T-Tunic and have K's cotehardie and underdress about 80% done. If I don't get T's tabbard done won't matter - in a way it would be a shame to cover up the detail in the armour!
Need to organise prizes still and fine tune the menu although that won't take too much tweaking.
Conrad and Wolfstanus both have tonsillitis and bronchitis and Gryffen managed to bruise his toes after dropping a 2 litre soft drink bottle (full) on them from a great height with no shoes on! Ouch! X-ray says no fracutures so hopefully just bruising! So I had all three home yesterday along with my dad who has hurt his back - talk about having fun! LOL At least everyone should be right for RWII now! (Note to self - make sure first aid kit stocked up just in case!)
We have a number of new people coming this time that haven't been to one of our events before so that is quite exciting - it should be a great weekend and we are all looking forward to it!

Less than 3 weeks to RWII

and T is madly working on armour. These are shots of the gauntlet and half gauntlet being working on.
It's less than 3 weeks away and happily the bookings are starting to come in. We have 38 confirmed and at least another 12 who should be booking in the next week or so (if rumours are correct LOL).
Helped T make benches and tables (okay, I sanded and lacquered them - he made them). Getting a new bow as an early birthday present - woo hoo!
All in all, really looking forward to it!
Sent off the paperwork today for T's name and device registration and I started a cotehardie for my niece. Still lots to do though!!!

The ankle specialist called me this afternoon.......

Yes, this afternoon, Saturday afternoon........it was very good of him. The news wasn't great however. It appears I have developed osteoarthritis in my ankle, brought on by the fracture. (Doesn't help there is a family history of it too.) I go to see him on the 11 August to discuss it further. Basically there are 3 options for treatment (which will largely depend on my pain levels and ability to walk):
1. Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs (short to mid term relief)
2. Steroid injections into my ankle joint (short term relief)
3. Surgery to fuse the ankle joint (permanent relief but brings its own set of problems such as no movement in my ankle, special shoes etc)

He also said an ankle brace or cam boot may help, wearing boots instead of shoes (which I do now anyway), not walking on uneven ground (yeah right, have you seen where I live?) etc

So, at this point, I will be opting for option 1 plus a thermal ankle strap and physiotherapy exercises. I need to go to my GP this week anyway as I have to get a mole checked on my arm that has gone 'funny' - I'll talk to the GP about anti-inflammatories.

There will come a time when I cannot walk on it and will require surgery to fuse the joint - this is not something to be entered into lightly however. It could take 2 months, 2 years or 20 years - time will tell.

If you want to read more about it, go to http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/osteoarthritis.htm (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) for starters...

Le sigh.......

Hee hee hee hee!

Your result for The World of Warcraft Addiction Test...

More of a habit

You are 48% Addicted!

You seem to enjoy the game, and understand it, but it hasn't yet taken over your life. This is probably a good thing, depending on who you talk to.

Take The World of Warcraft Addiction Test at HelloQuizzy

Couldn't resist...........

Your result for The Camelot Test...

Lancelot

Honourable and passionate. You never back down from a challenge. Your friends are very important to you. You believe in justice and duty far above your own personal security and comfort.

Congratulations! This was the most challenging result to get. You are one of a kind.

Take The Camelot Test at HelloQuizzy

Thanks Finn!

Your result for The hardcore SCA Test...

The Queen's Champion

You scored 53% hardcore SCA!

You are really involved in the SCA. You probably have some really cool garb. You put a lot of work into playing the game and making sure its fun for others too. For a lot of folks an event wouldn't be the same without you. You probably have a tendancy to over do it sometimes. You may need help knowing when to say "No" or when to stop sewing and go to bed.

Take The hardcore SCA Test at HelloQuizzy

Saturday was a good day......

Had fun with Target Archery and the Tavern Feast. The tavern was awesome! We did it as a potluck which meant everyone brought a plate of food - we had way too much food and it was all very yummy! The atmosphere was brilliant - everyone that was there got involved in the conversation, laughing, joking and singing. We had a toast to Oz and Francesca - what we achieved on Saturday night was what Oz was hoping we would do with Taverns. So Oz - it only took 12 months but we finally 'got it' - thank you for getting us on the right path! (We even had two newbies - my niece and her fiance - who had a ball and said they now 'get it' too and will become more involved with the SCA.) We also had a really good discussion about how we were feeling as a household, what we want to do for events and what we want to achieve. So, as a summary (which I will also need to post to the yahoo group - note to self):
* Tourney in the Park - 1st Saturday of the month in the AM (at Ollie Robbins Oval)
* Target Archery - 1st Saturday of the month at Dragon Hill
* When we feel like it - tavern feast (potluck) in the evening after the above
* Armouring and fighter training as people feel like it and get to gether outside 'official' stuff
* We all have different talents and skills - use those more for the group to make a group kit for when we go to events
* Attend events as a household when we can. Aim for one or two events a year outside of Festival. Casual War in November suggested as well as Spring War in October and Polit Baronial Hunt in September. All liked the idea - not the end of the world though if we don't achieve it - lots of things to take into consideration
* Run our events for the local group - we cannot and should not depend on wayfarers. They cannot attend our things for the same reason we do not attend theirs! All wayfarers are welcome though!

My new to do list:
* Make new garb for Conrad
* Make new garb for Wolfstanus
* Make new garb for Gryffen
* Make garb for Kristy
* Make garb for Pete
* Make bottle covers and other covers (for chairs etc)
* Get Terry's device sorted and copy paperwork for his name (Terence of Radburne)
* Paint shields for RWII
* Finish hand sewing on mine and Wolfstanus' cotehardies (still from Festival)

And that should do for a start!

MRI completed......

and films picked up but no report. I can't be sneaky as the report will be faxed/emailed directly to the specialist in Sydney *sigh*. And I can't get the result until the 11th August! It was very painful getting it done this time and I have to say it was more painful afterwards this time than last time! I'm going to call the specialist on Wednesday and ask 1)if he has received the report and 2) if there is anything I need to be doing/not doing between now and when I see him on the 11 August to avoid further damage. It sux!

And I'm booked in for Monday

My MRI is scheduled for Monday morning at 8am - then I have to wait until the 11th August to see the specialist *sigh*. The joys of living in the country (mind you I still wouldn't trade with my city cousins - I much prefer the landscape here and the space :-)).

Conrad got his school report today - he did really well. He got his first ever 'A' for his favourite subject woodwork - we are so proud of him! He also got 10/10 for his clock (above). The photo does not do it justice - he has done an amazing job!

Wolfstanus got his school report too and did really well. His top subjects were English and Drama. No surpises there!

Gryffen got his school report earlier in the week and also did really well - he has made some great improvements! We are so proud of all three boys!

Ankle update........

Saw the specialist tonight who is very nice and I have heard good things about (I saw him once before about 3 months ago). He agrees that there is something very definately not right with my ankle and it should have been healed by now. It is swollen again. He has ordered another MRI. I will ring Radiology tomorrow to try and organise an appointment. I can't see the specialist again now until the 11th August which is the only down side. At least I have plenty of time to get the MRI done *sigh*. What happens next will depend on what the MRI shows. It will be one of two things:
1. It shows nothing and the ankle is just taking a long time to heal because of the severity of the original injury;
2. It shows the fracture isn't healed or other damage and I will require surgery.

The other thing is some of the sypmtoms I am describing can mean nerve damage - apparently it isn't common with a fracture but it can happen.

So, I don't know any more than I did before I went but at least investigations are happening. I am resigned to the fact that I will have issues with my ankle pretty much for the rest of my life including arthritis. Cest la vie. I am also resigned to the fact that surgery is a possibility however I won't really know until the 11th August - I am not going to jump to any conclusions. Either way, I'm just going to have to be patient. I've waited over 6 months now so what's another 6 weeks?

Nearly Monday again...........

I'm looking forward to going to my course tomorrow - Modern Business Writing - should be interesting. Can't play WoW at the moment - internet speed has been thrashed as we have gone over our 5GB download limit. It sux! (Better than ending up with a bill though!) I can't access half the stuff I want too - oh well, back to normal on Tuesday at least!

I'm going back to the ankle specialist tomorrow. It's been getting worse again over the last few weeks and has been giving me hell all weekend. It's swollen again and extremely painful. I'm back on the Panadeine Forte which I have to say normally knocks me out - this time it isn't and pain wise does not seem to be working that well. I am also concerned about blood circulation - my foot changes colour, goes bright red, itches and gets what I can only describe as hot flushes. I also have some swelling on the outside of my ankle which I didn't have before. The cramps in my foot and up my leg are painful and annoying! I'm going to ask for another MRI too - the other doctor 'assumed' the fracture was healed but no investigations were done. I haven't had a pain free day in six and a half months and the pain is increasing again. This is my body telling me something is not right, so I would be silly to ignore it! My appointment is at 5:45 pm tomorrow. I'll just have to wait and see.........

Helm in progress.........

Armour is coming along - will take photos of the legs etc on the weekend. It was too cold out in the shed tonight!

Hubby is also going to register the name Terence of Radburne and his device. Although at the moment there is a conflict with the device he wants to use so we need to tweak it a bit. The lovely Aminah is assisting us.

Armouring can be a health hazard...........

Just ask my niece K!

Tuesday evening was just a normal evening. I sat down to watch Australia's Next Top Model (my brain dead show for the week) and as soon as I did so the phone rang. I spent the next 40 minutes yacking. Just hung up and went to try and catch the end of the show and Conrad came in asking for the band aids. As I was cleaning out the cut he got from a sheet of steel and putting a band aid on I made the comment 'it is just as well I am not squeamish at the sight of blood!' We had a laugh (for those that know my other half you know why). I just got back to my seat and in comes my niece in tears with her fiance holding her up and T following behind. I said 'What have you done' and P replied 'put a drill through her finger'. Apparently whislt Miss K was drilling the metal the drill bit broke and the drill slipped, putting the drill bit in through the top of her finger nail. She bleeds well - she has thin blood. We cleaned it out, put a gauze pad on it and taped it up, gave her some Panadeine Forte and sat her down. After about ten minutes she decided to go out for a smoke when T asked her when she had her last Tetnus vaccination - she couldn't remember. So P packed her up in the car and took her to the hospital. (I just caught the elimination at the end of my show.) As it turns out, this was very fortunate - apparently the drill had gone completely through her finger (yes broke the skin on the bottom) and taken a small bit of bone off the end of her finger. They put her on an IV for antibiotics and she came home about 1am. Then back to day surgery at 7.30 am for them to put her under so they could remove the nail, clean everything out properly, push the bone back into place, stitch her up, splint the finger and get her arm in a sling. Yep, just a normal day for us! LOL

Yesterday - no further injuries.

Today - no injuries to report, yet!

She is doing fine - her finger is naturally very sore and she has declared she will never go near a power drill again!

Slowly starting to focus again......

Well, SCA stuff has pretty much taken a back burner for me over the last few months. Apart from running Target Archery Practice with IKAC once a month and doing the stock clerk stuff I haven't really been interested in doing anything SCA related. The funny thing is though, now my interest has waned a little, T's has increased! LOL It has more to do with he is finding stuff he is interested in now - which was always the key. It was just a matter of slow and steady, little bits and testing the water etc. The shed sounds like a blacksmiths now - T is making armour (his new helm is looking great), P and K are also making armour. The three of them are hoping to authorise as lights at the War Weekend in August. For me I think it was a case of a bit of burn out as well as having so many other things to do - work has been crazy busy and so has family stuff. There is only one of me after all!

Our good friend Jochen called me yesterday afternoon - it was great to hear from him and I really enjoyed our chat. It actually rekindled in me why I enjoy the SCA in the first place :-) (Thanks Jochen!) Then on top of that, I have had a few bookings for Radburne War II in August so I need to start moving things in that direction. Sorle came up with a good draft timetable for the martial activities which is a great step for planning and having others involved with the organisation process. I must admit I am starting to look forward to it.

We have a potluck feast at Johanna's on the 5 July which should be a nice evening - it will be good to catch up with everyone again.

So, on my SCA to do list:
* Get the online store up and running properly (having some issues at the moment)
* Make a new dress from the painting I had picked out (see my dress diary blog)
* Finish the lacing holes on my yellow cotehardie
* Finish the lacing holes on Wolfstanus' cotehardie
* Make doublets for Conrad
* Make a gambeson for conrad and T
* Find an SCA name for T that he will agree to use (that could be a tought one)
* Paint the shields to go on the gates at the Radburne camp
* Organise an A & S activity timetable for the Radburne War weekend
* Make some T-tunics as loaner garb

Hmm - that should do for the next two weeks :-)

Need a capshun.......

I finally did it!

Cleaned out my walk in wardrobe that is! You can actually walk into it now! LOL It took all day but now it's done. I had a huge throw out and re packed everything. Much better now!

I also have re-done all the Stock Clerk accounts and done a stock take. I found a couple of small errors (one short on one line, and one over on the next - that sort of thing) which I will now fix. Feels good to get those things out of the way!

Got 19 new chickens last weekend at Ballimore auction for a total of 25 now. They are so cute when you go to feed them and they come running up to the gate to meet you :-)

A very sad day...........

I'm a little too upset to write at the moment, our dog Missy (the one that belonged to my youngest) was mauled by a couple of dogs today so badly that we had to put her down. It happened while we were shopping and we found her when we got home, barely alive. I'm just waiting on the Ranger to call me back........although I am still very teary I am also extremely angry. The owners of the dogs were there when it happened I have found out and they left her to die......

Busy weekend........

Wow, what a weekend! Had a great night on Friday - dinner was brilliant and we all enjoyed the movie.

Saturday was baking, shopping, target archery and out to Dunedoo for my sister-in-law's birthday (she was up from Sydney).

Sunday I spent nearly all day on the ride on lawn mower starting to clear for the camping weekend. P was on the chainsaw cutting logs for the fort and T was on the bobcat. We were all really dusty and dirty! Had dinner with my mum and dad which was appreciated and watched Indianna Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark before crashing.

Today was spent on the ride on lawn mower and building the fort. Had a shower and feel human again - had hamburgers and chips for dinner. Watching the bull riding now on the Country Music Channel and then Celebrity Apprentice before crashing for the night.

Didn't get my chook washed - haven't had time and it got too cold. Maybe next weekend.......my ankle is swollen and sore again. Off to the specialist on the 30 June........

16th Wedding Anniversary today!

And I had burgandy carnations delivered to work with a lovely note and a tiger teddy bear. Hubby tried to get red carnations but no florist in town had them. Each anniversary he buys me red carnations 'cause that was what I had in my wedding bouquet. All very sweet!

Going to Hog's Breath tonight for dinner and then off to the movies to see the new Indianna Jones movie. The boys are coming with us too. Looking forward to a lovely family evening!

Target Archery tomorrow, then off to Dunedoo. It's my sister in laws birthday. We also have the bob cat hired for the long weekend to get some clearing done etc. I'm even going to have a go! Look out! So, all day Sunday and Monday will be working out in the paddock. I also need to wash Fergie (our Silkie hen) - that could be very interesting! Funniest home videos anyone?

Here is a picture I got of Conrad........

And another week is nearly gone.....

I did get my assignment done last weekend and posted on Monday - what a relief! Only 3 more to go. I have not been practicing as much as I should and therefore I am not that great going off memory, but if I can just get through these last assignments I will be okay. Once that pressure is off I am going to go back to the beginning to refresh the old brain and then practice every day. Yes I will dammit!

Still have the cough and the yucky chest/sinus thing happening. Not too bad though. Kids have bit of the same - Wolfstanus has been off school for the last two days with a really bad throat. Hubby had to go the doctors today too - throat infection. My mum also had to go to the doctors - hurt her back and she can hardly move! Telling my mum to rest though is akin to telling the sun not to shine! Dad and I are just taking the no nonsense approach and she is just going to have to deal with it! She will get grumpy but it's for her own good!

Packing boxes at work - pretty much all my stuff is packed. The removalists arrive tomorrow so it will be a funny day I think. In the temporary office on Monday (for several months whilst they refurbish our current office) - not looking forward to having to unpack again. The worst will be the computers and phones - all the stuff we have now is being moved over the weekend. We are all a little aprehensive whether it will all be working Monday morning. Time will tell - we can always hope for a miracle!

This weekend have some family stuff to do, need to do the usual cleaning etc and I need to get started on my next assignment. I can't complete it until I get my other one back though as I need to re-do anything I have done incorrectly. I can start on it though. At least if I get most of it done, when I get the other one back I can just do the corrections and then send it off! That's the plan anyway!

Next Friday is our 16th wedding anniversary - quite an achievement in this day and age. And yes, it has been a bed of roses, thorns and all! LOL We are going out for dinner with the boys at the usual haunt - Hog's Breath. I have to say I do not regret a minute of it - even the tough times. It's all the experiences that shape you as a person so how can I regret any of that? I have learned so much in the last 17 years - about who I am as a person, how to deal with a whole range of things good and bad, and the importance of family. It's okay that we are all different - I have learned to accept a lot of differences and why people act the way they do sometimes. I won't let myself be a doormat but I do think I sort most things out pretty well. The other joy of my marriage of course is our three wonderful boys - the first one arrived 11 months and 1 week after we got married, just 3 weeks before our first wedding anniversary, the second one 19 months later and the 'baby' 3 years and 2 months after that. I think I'm pretty darn fortunate! Would I trade my life with anyone, including a movie star or royalty? Hell no! I think I have a pretty good life!

Potato Bake is yummy for lunch......

On a short lunch break so thought I would post as it has been a little while. News to date:
* Conrad had a good birthday - Hog's Breath was great as usual!
* I got Gryffen's device paperwork done and sent
* I spent my flex day last Friday sick and all of the week. Still recovering from an URTI and sinusitis. I'm sure everyone will be happy when I stop barking like a seal!
* I'm now a level 58 blood elf hunter on World of Warcraft (man is that game addictive)
* I'm watching what I eat a bit to try and lose some weight - being on crutches for 4 months and idle has not helped my waist line! I've also started using the Ab King Pro which has been an expensive shelf for the last 6 months!
* This weekend I am not going anywhere and I *will* complete my short hand assignment that has been half finished for the last 8 weeks! The time has come to get serious again! Then I only have 3 assisgnment to complete and I will be finished the course. Then it is time for a break!

And back to work............

Happy 15th Birthday Conrad!

That is scary! Hope you have a great day dude and enjoy Hog's Breath tonight!

That is all.

There is nothing quite like....

The sound of chainsaws, the smell of sawdust and petrol whilst enjoying the scenery on a 3000 acre sheep property. We cut wood on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning for my in-laws now the cooler weather is approaching. Conrad and Wolfstanus did a really good job of splitting some of the wood with an axe and burnt off some energy. Poor Gryffen has been sick since Friday with his tummy ‘issues’ and has pretty much been stuck to the lounge. He still isn’t well today and I was starting to get concerned about dehydration. He’s with my mum and dad today and no news is good news. Hopefully he is on the mend now; things were starting to improve late yesterday. (Update: mum just called to say he has had something to eat, he is drinking and seems to be improving – huzzah!)

Had a lovely weekend with both sides of the family – got a surprise visit from our nephew and his family from Wagga. They turned up Saturday and had dinner with all of us before heading off to his father’s place. All in all it was quite a good weekend. I even got to veg out on WoW online for a few hours last night too.

I’ve still got a huge list of things to do which I never seem to get around to doing. I just keep chipping away at it…….one day I might get through it! LOL

The thing on top of today’s list is getting Conrad a birthday present – he is 15 tomorrow! Unbelievable! Time sure gets away in a hurry! Speaking of which, time to get back to it…………

Mood = reflective

Don't you just hate it when you are forced to look at what you are doing and work out what you need to change?

I am so sick of people getting narky on email lists and not stopping to think before they type. I have to take a step back though and remind myself it could just be my interpretation too. Email lists are a bugger that way. Really I should be thanking this person though - he made me stop and think about all the things I am trying to achieve and am I being realistic? I also asked myself *why* I was on that particular list. The light bulb came on and I removed myself from that particular email list - I do not need to be there. It was not something I was particularly interested in - I thought I was serving a purpose by being there - to relay information between members of our group that do not have access to email lists and that particular group. Turns out I was wasting my time and theirs. So to 'Grumpy' - thank you - you just helped me free up some more time and made me realise it really wasn't necessary for me to be doing what I was doing. It also made me stop and think about a whole lot of other SCA stuff and what I need to be doing. (Occassionally I need a good swift kick to bring me back to reality - I like to think I'm superwoman at times but my mum keeps telling me I'm not and I need to slow down.)

I just posted an email to the Radburne group on my view of the world (in Radburne) at the moment and I feel better for it and more focused. I cannot single handedly make things work (although I like to think I can LOL) and I am risking burnout again if I keep it up. Is it worth that? I don't think so.

I think I also need to stop wearing my rose coloured glasses when it comes to the SCA - that way I might reduce the amount of times I am disappointed. Don't get me wrong - there are lots of great things about the SCA and some fantastic people (a number I am priveledged to call friend) but there are also things/people that aren't great. I forget that whilst there are a lot of people that *do* like to help and answer questions and are tolerant, there are also those who aren't. They tend to make you come crashing down to earth in a hurry.

Things I have decided:
* Archery will be my SCA focus
* This edition of the newsletter will be my last one
* Stock Clerk stuff needs my attention and focus
* I am not going to stress about the War Weekend - if we get attendees great, if not we will still have a camping weekend and have a fort we can play in. I am not going to put pressure on myself to have the *best* war weekend - reality is most people don't want too/can't travel to us. So be it.

more cat pictures