tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280687682024-03-07T16:19:58.672+11:00Rath's RamblingsThis is a place for me to post my ramblings. For those that know me, they will be giggling, as I do tend to ramble on! You never know what may turn up here...........Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-88742721987941632192011-12-01T12:57:00.003+11:002011-12-01T13:09:36.795+11:00Umm, another 6 months has gone by...I tried to log in and post but couldn't remember my password :P Just goes to show you shouldn't leave it 6 months to post! LOL<br /><br />Hmm, what has happened in the last 6 months:<br />* Number 3 son and I have continued riding lessons and now go twice a week - absolutely love it and we plan on getting our own horses (hopefully next year)<br />* I turned 40<br />* I completed a Statement of Attainment in Farm Planning (TAFE) which was really enjoyable<br />* The brand new chook house is completed and brilliant<br />* We got more chickens - Aracaunas, Dorkings and a couple of bantam Wyandottes<br />* I learned how to treat scaly leg mite (reminder to self - need to 'dip' the chickens again this weekend)<br />* Dogs and cats are doing well - just love them to pieces<br />* Number 2 son is now in Year 12 (OMG)<br />* Number 1 son is settling in to being an adult but still has to learn some things the hard way ;-)<br />* Parents are awesome and don't know what I would do without them!<br />* Had ups and downs, just like everyone else - is balanced though<br />* Love my job and appreciate the support of my boss and workmates<br />* Had to miss a couple of family birthdays due to illness and stuff - disappointing<br />* Stewarded Radburne War V - was great<br />* Stewarded November Crown - OMG - stressful, frustrating and very rewarding! LOL I think it will be a while before I consider doing anything like that again ;-)<br />* Was not planning on going to Festival next year but now having second thoughts :P Will decide by end of February.<br />* Not much left of SCA local group - still a few of us die hards around and a certain Noble Gnome who keeps the merriment and joy of the SCA alive :-)<br />* Number 3 son can authorise as banner bearer in February 2012 and husband wants me to get in armour too :P<br />* Going to have a very quiet Christmas again this year - just us and my parents I think. Will still be nice. Having a New Year's Eve party but don't think we will get any takers - still going to send out invites tho :P<br />* Despite the odd frustration that still crops up, have decided I am very content with my life :-)<br /><br />Break over - back to work :-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-81567314116970526342011-06-23T16:23:00.001+10:002011-06-23T16:24:52.721+10:00Reflective MoodI read an article yesterday in the UK Horse and Rider magazine that I could really relate too regarding riding and nervousness around horses. As I was driving home, I was in a reflective mood so I switched the radio off and just let my thoughts flow (concentrating on my driving of course!) on the way home and further into the evening. Part of this has also come about because I have taken up riding again after many years with my youngest son who is thirteen. I thought it might be beneficial for me to reflect on where I have been and where I want to go with this. Sometimes by reflecting on the past and laying it bare, we can put it behind us and move on. For me, writing helps me do this.<br /><br />So, starting from the beginning I guess. <br /><br />My first experience with a real, live horse came at Wiseman’s Ferry near Sydney when I was aged 12. We were there with the family for my dad’s annual work picnic with National Panasonic. They had horses for hire there and mum and dad caved in to my pleading and hired a lead pony for me to have a ride. The reins were long and held by my dad and I was on a jockey pad type saddle with no stirrups (and in a tracksuit). Dad led me back to the picnic area and all was going well. Mum came to take a photo and I convinced dad to let the reins drop so that the photo would look good. The next thing I know the horse has spun around and bolted back to the coral (a good distance away). I managed to stay on until it went down a table drain to cross the dirt road – I vaguely remember hearing the thud as I hit the ground and then waking up feeling a bit numb and spitting several teeth out. The horse was almost back to the coral by this stage so I guess I was knocked out for at least ten to thirty seconds (I have no idea). I had a concussion, went into shock, cracked my elbow, broke all my bottom teeth and my balance has been pretty shot since. I spent a week in bed before I could even walk on my own again due to the balance issue/concussion. And that was my introduction to riding.<br /><br />It took about 18 months before I got on a horse again (and I daresay it would have been very difficult for my parents to let me too) – we went for a trail ride at a different riding centre. Non eventful, just plodded and it was scary but okay.<br /><br />I then went for a ride with my brother at a different riding centre – he is three years younger than me and turned out to be an absolute natural with no fear! We worked there weekends for a little pocket money and the ability to ride all day. They were nice people and meant well but looking back, not confidence building for me. The style of riding suited my brother – his horse knew two speeds; flat out and stop. Probably why he ended up riding track work, training race horses and playing Polocrosse! I was always a little nervy and walk/trot was and is my comfort zone. This one day they put me on a horse called ‘Honey’ and she was anything but ;-) She would get stubborn and not want to ride past the coral so I would have to get on and ride her out and back in – she would go so far and then spin really fast and of course I fell off (several times). Their motto was if you fall off enough, you will learn not to do it. Hmmmm. Towards the end I just did not feel like riding anymore and I started going less and less. I remember being so frustrated that I could not get this horse to do what I wanted that I was on the verge of tears many a time. <br /><br />The first time I tried to canter, I was on a horse called Tiny and we were out in the back blocks rounding up cattle as all the livestock was being moved. (The place they were leasing had been sold.) They brought the wrong bridle so when I cantered up the hill; the bit fell completely out of the horse’s mouth! Thankfully Tiny was a quiet horse and just stopped! Very nerve wracking though for me! I did not attempt to canter again ;-)<br /><br />I also remember clearly one day I had been reading some riding books and they explained the dismount as removing both feet from the stirrups and sliding down the horse’s left side. I did this one day at the riding centre and got yelled at for my efforts being told I would have my butt kicked if I did that again. I was told I should always use the stirrup to dismount. This did not make sense to me because you ran the risk of being caught and dragged if the horse got spooked or took off. I did as I was told however.<br /><br />Once the riding centre moved to a new place (I was about 15 by now) I was riding Smokey this day and they decided I needed to canter – so they got me to ‘kick the horse up’ and canter. Problem was the horse had quite a choppy canter, I had no idea what I was doing and with me bouncing obviously upset the horse – he bucked me off and I hurt my back and hip. Not a pleasant experience. Not long after this I started part time work and the riding centre closed so my horse riding finished for a little bit. I then saved up and bought my first horse………<br /><br />Princess was a flea bitten grey and because I was so nervous I brought my brother to ride her for me – ‘Do you think I can ride her?’ I said to him. ‘I can’t see why not’ was his reply. It was an interesting experience taking Princess home in the hired float – every time we pulled up at a set of lights or a turn off, she would start walking in the float which would make the car bounce! We got her to our leased paddock about a ten minute drive from where we lived. I let her settle before attempting to ride her. Princess had lovely manners on the ground and I was never concerned however when I got on her, all she seemed to want to do was take off. She was very toey and I had no idea what I was doing wrong (a lot of it probably had to do with nerves in hindsight). I decided to get ‘proper’ lessons to help me ride better. I went to a school in Mulgoa near Penrith for a group lesson and explained to the instructor my situation and nervousness etc. The first lesson was okay but the second one they gave me a crop and put me on a horse that pigrooted for the whole lesson! I decided I would not go back as they obviously were not the right ones to teach me. I persisted with Princess for some time longer as she was a lovely horse. I left school and got a full time job and then cars and boys came into the picture. I decided I was not doing Princess any justice so I sold her to a friend of my brother’s. I heard later on that Princess was doing well at shows so I know I did the right thing.<br /><br />About 18 months after this I had a yearning to get another horse and was thinking about it. The people that we met through the riding school where we helped out knew someone that was selling an Anglo Arab that had been to the Sydney Royal Show and they thought she would be perfect for me! I went and took a look and had a ride but to be honest, I did not feel a connection with her. I did however let people talk me in to buying her. Again she was a lovely horse however it became very clear very quickly that because she was well trained and I had no idea what I was doing, the signals I was giving her were confusing her. I had no desire to wreck such a lovely horse so I sold her to a show home.<br /><br />We left Penrith and moved west of the Blue Mountains to the Orange/Wellington area. There was so much other stuff going on that dreams of horses faded. When we moved further west to Nyngan and Dubbo for me, I met my husband who is not a horse lover :-) Marriage happened and then three kids so no horses.<br /><br />When my youngest was about 6 months old, I had lessons once a fortnight with a wonderful local dressage instructor on a schoolmaster horse of hers – I really enjoyed it for a couple of months however having three young boys under 5 and with finances the way they were, I needed to put my dreams of riding on the back burner again.<br /><br />Now my sons are 18, 16 and 13. I have had some health issues recently and other stuff going on so decided it was time for me to do something for me. My youngest has also been keen to ride for a long time (after having a couple of brief rides a number of years ago) so we decided we would get lessons together at the local riding centre.<br /><br />So six weeks ago I rang the local centre and was told the only opening they had was at 3pm on Saturday. I had heard nothing but praise for Gary and his horses so I was looking forward to the adventure.<br /><br />Saturday came about and we excitedly drove out (although my mum had to drive as I was very dizzy – only time I wasn’t was when I was riding). I completed the paperwork and had noted on there that I was nervous. Gary talked to me about my experiences and put me on a wonderful horse called Calibre. He is the cuddliest teddy bear of a horse and absolutely perfect for someone like me! The first two lessons we had were ½ hour private lessons so Gary could assess us and since then we have had 3 x 1 hour group lessons (myself, my son and another young girl aged 10 who started riding the same weekend we did). I rode Calibre the first two lessons, Mister the next one, Buffy after that and then back to Mister last week. I even managed a small canter when we were out in the field. The difference this time was that it was explained to me what to do and I was put on a horse with an easy canter. <br /><br />I panicked and held my breath at first, Mister’s ears went back to me and Gary in a calm voice said, ‘just relax’. I did, and remembered to breath, I rode the canter and Mister put his ears forward and relaxed too. We then went back to a trot and continued the rest of our ride in a walk/trot and talked. By the time I got back, the enormity of what I had accomplished in such a short time with Gary’s help hit me and I felt on cloud nine. We will work more and more on the canter over the coming weeks. The thing I love about our lessons is that we do half in the arena (stretches, exercises and technique) and the remainder is a trail ride out in the paddocks.<br /><br />My son is doing really well too and picking things up very quickly – it is a great time we have together doing something we both love. The goal is one day to have horses of our own – possibly in twelve months time as we need to fix the paddock up first with fencing and a shelter etc. Our lessons will continue regardless as they are so worthwhile!<br /><br />I can’t wait for this Saturday!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-39860237492666292722011-04-28T11:10:00.003+10:002011-04-28T11:13:07.860+10:00Rowany Festival was awesome!Just on a five minute coffee break - Festival was awesome, lots of memories, lots of laughs and photos to upload! I have been too tired of an evening to post anything and too engrossed in the mini series 'Pillars of the Earth'.<br /><br />Just quickly though, Wolfstanus and Conrad both received their AoA's!!! Huzzah!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-88345385088550808692011-04-19T13:22:00.003+10:002011-04-19T13:27:56.497+10:00Only 2 more sleeps to go........But who's counting? LOL<br /><br />I have been more motivated today, especially now my wonderful manager has given me approval to have tomorrow as a rec day! Maybe I won't have anymore nightmares now about what goes wrong with pre-packing for Festival! LOL Me stressed, never! :P<br /><br />Tidying up things at work this afternoon and then I have a whole week off - I am so looking forward to the break. I love camping and this Festival looks like it will be an exciting one. I have started lists of things to pack and a list for tomorrow. At least now we should get packed at a reasonable time as I will get the shopping done through the day and not after work ;-)<br /><br />Young Gryffen has been a gem the last few days - he cleaned the house yesterday and has called this afternoon to see what he can do for me. It is so nice to have some help! Wolfstanus of course has spent this week socialising in town - can't say I blame him :P<br /><br />Bought candles, citronella candles, cleaning gear, garbage bags and a big purple umbrella when I went for my walk today. A few more things to cross off the list!<br /><br />Anyhow, back to work - lunch break is over. Better get a move on if I want to get away on time!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-67355074218919512462011-04-18T14:54:00.002+10:002011-04-18T15:01:45.075+10:00Is it possible to be unmotivated and excited at the same time?When it is with regard to two different things I guess it is! I am just having a coffee break at work and realising how unmotivated I am to be here today - I keep thinking about Festival! I really wish I had of taken all of this week off now - oh well, too late! I will just have to wait the three more sleeps! LOL I only have 2 hours left today, then Tuesday and Wednesday before the mad dash begins. Wednesday evening have to do the final grocery shop and then pack the trailer, ready to head off by 8am on Thursday! At least all the meat is bought and in the freezer!<br /><br />I can't remember when I have been so excited about an event - I hope I am not building myself up for disappointment :P We have an awesome camping spot, lots of activities on, good group of us going (including Wolfstanus' girlfriend who is just lovely), I am not on crutches (bonus) and I am going to have a good time if it kills me (or the other half) LOL<br /><br />The only down side is that I will miss my animals for the 5 days we are away - no purring kitty cat on the bed putting me to sleep :-( The dogs, cats and chickens are so much apart of our lives that I really do miss them when we go away (not that we go away that much).<br /><br />Most of my sewing is done - I just need to finish the camica (gathering at the neckline and sleeves). I cannot thank my mum enough for all her help with the mountains of hemming etc she has done for me - I certainly could not have done this much sewing without her help.<br /><br />Anyhow, back to payment vouchers :PKatrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-64148093005473037962011-04-12T16:49:00.002+10:002011-04-12T16:49:54.924+10:00Found it!It had something to do with the format and the back ground picture - sigh of relief! Oh look, nearly time to go home :PKatrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-38992435889529862962011-04-12T16:40:00.002+10:002011-04-12T16:40:23.579+10:00Where have all my posts gone?Hmmm - playing around with templates can be a bad idea! I ended up with a trojan on my computer and now all my posts are gone. *sigh* Will need to figure it out and some stage - too much other stuff to do now though!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-18752500499077451892011-04-10T21:50:00.000+10:002011-04-10T21:50:32.337+10:00Good but busy weekendWell, another weekend has come and gone and we are only 11 sleeps away from heading to Festival! Had a lot of laughs this weekend and good company, plus getting a lot of sewing done means feeling accomplished. I was going to write a good, lengthy post tonight but I am feeling really tired - think I will have an early night instead :-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-19314998990668911502011-04-03T18:29:00.000+10:002011-04-03T18:30:22.652+10:00Festival is only 2 weeks away!Actually, it's about 2.5 weeks away but still scarily close! I am excited but nervous at the same time - it has been 3 years since our last visit, lots has changed but some things are still the same! LOL It will be the 5 of us plus Ranif and Johanna making up the Radburne contingency.<br /><br />Both Conrad and Wolfstanus need to re-authorise and Wolfstanus can now authorise as an Archer, hope they are both successful! T is also thinking about fighting alongside Ranif - is taking his armour anyway. Will depend on mood/how things go if he fights or not. We decided to get the local saddler to make leather gorgets - still waiting on them but we have been promised they will be ready in time!<br /><br />The new armour Terry has made looks awesome - can't wait to see them all kitted up! Gryffen still has ten months to go before he can authorise as a banner bearer so I plan to try and do lots of stuff with him so he doesn't get too bored ;-) Need to make sure I take the camera etc too! I still have some sewing to do but mum is helping so it is more manageable ;-) I haven't been well for about the last month so haven't been doing much - I spent all afternoon tracing patterns and cutting them out, need to get off my feet though for a bit as they are painful again. I don't want to jinx myself but at least this Festival won't be spent on crutches!<br /><br />I think we will be better prepared for Festival this time around but I am still nervous about the whole thing - T is more involved with the SCA now so hopefully should be better. He enjoyed Spring War even though he didn't get to fight so I am more hopeful this time but don't want to get my hopes up too high - less chance of being disappointed then ;-)<br /><br />T has also made a take down double bed (timber) which means no air mattress and no sleeping on the ground! Huzzah! The boys all have bigger tents too now they are older which will fit their stretchers and gear. We also have a common tent for the group so should be better.<br /><br />So what is on the list for the next two weeks:<br />* Make cotehardie for T<br />* Make cloak for T<br />* Make cloak for me<br />* Make chemise for me (extra one)<br />* New shirt for Conrad and Wolfstanus (mum is doing those for me)<br />* Finish T's banner (if I get a chance)<br />* Pre-cooking for Festival (things that can be frozen such as soups/stews etc)<br /><br />Not too bad, will keep me out of mischief anyway! Really looking forward to catching up with people! Looking forward to seeing who wins Autumn Crown too as they will be Royalty for November Crown which Radburne is hosting!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-77932874243158936202011-01-21T15:05:00.003+11:002011-01-21T15:13:00.449+11:00Yay for Friday!Well, this week went quick! <br /><br />Went and saw Tangled at the movies on Wednesday evening - awesome, funny movie - we all loved it! Gotta love Maximus and Pascall ;-)<br /><br />Caught up at work ready for hand over on Monday, hand over for the RLDO job Tuesday. Enrolment at TAFE Thursday, then training Friday :-)<br /><br />I have taken all my photos down and packed my little box ready to move desks next week :-)<br /><br />What's on this weekend:<br />* Beading project - thinking about entering a piece of Tudor jewellery for A & S comp at Festival. Plus I want to make some more spiffy stuff for me :-)<br />* Need to sew some more of my new Renaissance gown<br />* Want to start my new scribal assignment<br />* Need to do research for illumination for Book of Ceremonies title page<br />* Terry has the bob cat so will spend most of the weekend playing in the dirt :-)<br />* Preparation for the building of the new fort and new tavern<br />* And of course the usual house work and getting things ready for the boys for school/TAFE<br />* Movies Sunday afternoon to see Yogi Bear<br />* Clean out the chook pen<br />* Bath the dogs<br />* Spend some time training Shakespeare :-)<br /><br />I love my life :-) (No, this is not sarcasm - I *really* do love my life!)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-61375019824294978172011-01-18T21:33:00.001+11:002011-01-18T21:35:02.212+11:00Productive dayWell today was productive - went to work a bit earlier and got a whole lot of filing and stuff done. On target for handover next Monday and to start my new job on Tuesday - oh boy! Exciting and scary at the same time :-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-38320942491373260732011-01-17T19:59:00.003+11:002011-01-17T20:11:08.597+11:00Good start to the yearIt looks like this year is going to be the year of lots of things happening - apart from all the special birthdays and SCA events, work wise things are moving along too! I have been offered to act in the Regional Learning and Development Officer position for 3 months whilst it is recruited too. I have never applied for it before as I don't have a tertiary qualification, you need to have a minimum of Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. I have decided to enroll in said course at TAFE at the end of the month - they are running it part time here on a Wednesday evening. If things work out, I may even apply for this job permanently as it is an area I have always been interested in. Exciting times ahead - the boys are on a warning that they will be expected to do what they need to do without me yelling at them all the time. Could be a long road :-) LOL<br /><br />Went to Penrith on the weekend - had a lovely time on the Nepean Belle Saturday evening for a dinner cruise for my friend's 40th birthday. It was great catching up with everyone, and despite the awful humidity and heat, we all had a great time. I also got to go to '2 bead or not 2 bead' and bought some lovely things there. Many projects to do!<br /><br />I also got good news with my latest Scribes assignment - it has made the grade and the AoA will be given to the person intended. I still have a long way to go but it is good to know I am getting there. I also need to start designing the illumination for the title page of the Lochac Book of Ceremonies we are making for November Crown.<br /><br />We are heading off to Festival this year - really excited about it. Lots of sewing and preparation to do. Can't wait to catch up with lots of lovely people and attend some classes etc.<br /><br />The animals are all going well including my border collie Shakespeare (who I got last year.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk3RMWUzvC4I2yG4LQEPL41AvQqXjLZELpq1eDJWLGlYbJriatUzJ6sjq3qszP8oC6bHSrtNJ6MjnMyVn3j8iFBx7Ukwy1fzbSYyQq0w_s-4mBOJcgGhJb0mFrKKILjodBakc/s1600/DSCF6020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk3RMWUzvC4I2yG4LQEPL41AvQqXjLZELpq1eDJWLGlYbJriatUzJ6sjq3qszP8oC6bHSrtNJ6MjnMyVn3j8iFBx7Ukwy1fzbSYyQq0w_s-4mBOJcgGhJb0mFrKKILjodBakc/s200/DSCF6020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563079378959994898" /></a>Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-70591686999976613212011-01-13T14:30:00.002+11:002011-01-13T14:36:50.486+11:00Poor neglected blog......Yes, it has been months since I have written anything. Christmas and New Year has been and gone, had a couple of relaxing weeks home with the kids playing computer games, Guitar Hero, did some SCA stuff, veged out etc :-)<br /><br />Back at work this week - work is very busy but good :-) I like that it is not a chore to go to work :-)<br /><br />Dubbo had floods prior to Christmas which meant lots of road closures and lots longer to get to and from work. It was inconvenient for us for a few weeks but no other major concern.<br /><br />Lots of stuff happening this year - lots of milestone birthdays including eldest boy of doom's 18th and my 40th. I have nick named 2011 as the party year! LOL Also have extended Radburne War for an extra day and I am running November Crown this year. We are going to Festival (huzzah) for the first time since 2008 and we will be camping ;-) Will also be going to Spring War again this year. Really looking forward to increased activities and lots of catching up with people.<br /><br />Oh well, 5 minute break over and time to get back to payment vouchers. I really should try and write here more often. Maybe I should set myself a task of an entry a day, even if it is only one line! Hmmmmmm.........Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-14087932243715930922010-10-28T12:48:00.003+11:002010-10-28T12:59:17.144+11:00Where are we heading?I have a quick question however it does not have a quick or simple answer...........<br /><br />If you were in a situation as a 17 year old where your best friend was being pummelled by another 17 year old, would you try and pull that person off your best friend or would you wait for the authorities to intervene (who are at least ten minutes away)?<br /><br />But there is more.........you are at school<br /><br />And yet more - as you are trying to protect your friend, the attacker turns on you and punches you in the ribs and across the bridge of the nose. Would you retaliate or would you wait for the authorities to intervene?<br /><br />The interesting result of this is under NSW Schools policy, any act of violence (including what I would class as self defence) warrants instant (long) suspension from school.<br /><br />The 'protector' has been bullied for their 12 years at school. Both the attacker and the 'protector' are injured.<br /><br />This is a really basic scenario - there are other contributing items but I think these are the important ones.<br /><br />On the whole as a society, we tend to take the attitude of 'it's not my problem' or 'its not my business' when we see someone in trouble and so many people walk by and do nothing on so many levels. Given the above example, seriously, what are we teaching our kids?<br /><br />My opinion (and I don't expect everyone will agree) is that yes, on a school policy level the 'wrong' thing was done, as a human being assisting another human being, I see no fault in protecting your mate or yourself. Start the fight though, that's a whole different matter and one I will never condone.Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-27942262654943543232010-09-14T11:50:00.000+10:002010-09-14T11:52:33.469+10:00How time flies when you are having fun...It’s been ages since I’ve written here – too many other things to do and besides that, my rambling’s probably aren’t of any interest to anyone but me anyway :-) That’s okay though, I really only write to get things sorted out in my head anyway and I am certainly not going to put anything on here that I don’t want the whole world to know! LOL<br /><br />I have returned to my substantive position at work after acting in other jobs for 18 months – it feels like I haven’t been away or that it was a lifetime ago. I’m settling back into routines and just finding my way around everything again. I have a rather large ‘to do’ list of files that need archiving or just sorting out. There are a lot of changes happening within the department so I think it will be interesting times ahead. It’s not so bad being back in an administrative role – I always seem to end up there for some reason, at work or in the SCA :-)<br /><br />Speaking of the SCA, lots has been happening there too. We held Radburne War IV which was a huge success despite the panic the week before – the weather was atrocious prior but we had gorgeous weather on the weekend! (Thank goodness!) It will be forever known as the ‘bog wars’ though – the mud claimed 5 cars and a couple of fighters ;-) It was exhausting but well worth the effort – I only took one day off work this year (as I had just returned to my job) which I think made things a little more tiring. Will do things differently next year. We made a decent profit which has helped the group buy some things we really needed – such as two 6m x 3m white gazebos with enclosed sides – very handy all our events are outdoors!<br /><br />We are off to Spring War on the long weekend – this will be our first visit so really looking forward to it. More than half the household is going so should be fun – plus it helps we know more people now which makes things less scary! LOL Just have sewing to do, but what else is new? LOL I got one shirt almost done (bar the hand sewing) last night, another one to do tonight, need to finish the hemming on Terry’s Cotehardie and Hose, need to make a banner for Terry and a tabard to go over his armour, I need a new chemise and I would like to make another dress plus I still haven’t finished my Italian one! I need to finish the sleeves on Wolfstanus’ doublet and possibly make him another one although that may be a little ambitious with less than 3 weeks to go! No, nothing has changed ;-)<br /><br />Our next event is our annual Tourney of the Yellow Rose on the 6th November – this tends to be a low key event attended just by the group however wayfarers are welcome! We will be doing archery in the morning, sausage ina bun for lunch, tourney late afternoon and potluck feast in the evening.<br /><br />Next year will be a party year – lots of milestone family birthdays to celebrate including Conrad’s 18th and my 40th! Any excuse for a party :-)<br /><br />Anyhow, best get some work done – break is over……Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-35697963931568919672010-06-04T13:23:00.003+10:002010-06-04T14:13:19.637+10:00ReflectionsOne thing about being home sick and not feeling like doing much or being able to do much for that matter means lots of time to think and reflect.......I had an interesting conversation with my dad over coffee this morning and it has got the old rusty clogs turning and started me thinking. One of the main themes in our conversation was the need to start doing things differently. Life is a constant change and evolution and sometimes the new way is not necessarily the better way.<br /><br />We watched the first episode of 'Victorian Farm' on BBC Challenge on Austar the other night and it was really interesting. What was also very interesting was Gryffen's reaction to it - 'Oh mum, I would love to go and do that.' I do think he would really enjoy the hands on experience :-)<br /><br />Whilst I am sitting here drinking my honeyed milk and eating peanut butter and honey sandwiches, my mind is running in all sorts of directions and I have been reflecting on where I have been in the last 20 years or so and where I am heading. I will be 40 next year which could be considered the half way point of my life all going well. I am not depressed by this nor do I feel like I am getting over the hill - I am looking forward to the celebration that I have made it this far :-) It is just a new stage in my life - Conrad is 17 now and we are teaching him how to drive, Wolfstanus will be 16 at the end of the year and is doing his School Certificate, Gryffen will be 13 in February and heads to high school next year. It is a new phase and time to shift a gear.<br /><br />I really feel blessed to be living my life in a place where I am truly happy, with family surrounding me and a good job that I enjoy. Although most of my friends do not live in the same location as me, we still stay in touch and catch up in person whenever we can - it is wonderful to have this option. To date, my life has been an interesting one with its ups and downs just like everyone else - I am thankful for all my experiences, even the bad ones, as without them, I would not be where I am now. My Oma always said there was a path we were meant to travel and no matter whether we took a right turn or a left turn and veered off that path, we would always end up where we were supposed to be. I am a firm believer in this philosophy also and there have been enough 'coincidences' in my life to reinforce this belief. This doesn't mean I will blindly blunder on through life waiting for something to happen! Far from it - the choices we make will determine where we end up, I just think there is something more guiding the choices we make at times.<br /><br />One thing I have learned about myself is that I am a hoarder - not just of things but of information. I spend countless hours researching, buying books, making plans etc but then there never seems to be the time or the motivation to actually use any of this information! I need to get better at this. I run the scenarios through my head, work out what I am going to and then.............nothing. Sometimes it is a lack of confidence in myself to carry through, other times I feel like I am too exhausted to even try. I spend most of my time cooped up in doors on the computer. I am indoors on the computer or the phone for my job, 5 days a week. I then come home to cook/clean etc and then I am back on the computer until I go to bed - checking emails, Facebook, Warcraft, paperwork for the business or SCA......this is not healthy. Is it any wonder given my health issues that I am susceptible to viruses and things? Is it any wonder with the number of antibiotics I have taken in my lifetime, my lack of physical exercise and being outdoors and my genetic make up that I am now paying the price? Have my chickens come home to roost?<br /><br />Step 1 was recognising there is a problem - complete<br />Step 2 - make plans to rectify this issues<br />Step 3 - Carry out said plans<br />Step 4 - review and start the process again<br /><br />So, where to from here? I need to make some changes - I am not super woman (sorry to disappoint you) and I cannot do everything on my own. There needs to be 'me time' and not just giving out my time and energy to every one else. If I don't look after me, who will?<br /><br />The plan:<br />1. Do more cooking! We have fresh produce in the shape of eggs and vegies grown at home, use this resource! Much healthier - ask Gryffen to help. He likes to help cook. Make time on the weekend to do this - book it in!<br />2. Get outside more - yes during the week this is easier said than done. Get up 15 minutes earlier and go check the chickens! Talk to them, check them over, give them food and check water. This is the boys job but it is not happening properly - supervision is the key :-) And it will get me outside!<br />3. Don't eat lunch at my desk unless I have fit in at least 30 minutes away from the computer - go for a walk if it is a nice day! Take a book and go to the lunch room if the weather is foul!<br />4. Limit time on computer at home - no more than 2 hours at a time! (This will be the hard one!) Read a book, do some sewing, get creative!<br />5. On the weekend - get outside when the weather is good! Take the dogs for a walk, get on the ride on lawn mower, clean out the chook pens, do something!<br />6. Treat myself once a week - do something I *want* to do, not something I need/have to do.<br />7. Saturday night - if the kids are home, have a movie night or a games night together. Take it in turns for picking what we do.<br /><br />That's a start in the right direction. There is so much more but if I try and do too much change at once, I will fail. Bite sized chunks and with some determination, I can make the changes. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I need<span style="font-weight:bold;">to make the changes, and only I can do it!</span></span><br /><br />Our whole adult lives we seem to be working harder to make that extra dollar to buy the things we really don't need because we think they will make us happy and then we don't have the time or energy to use them. What a waste! I am just as guilty of this as the next person. I *need* to work so we can live where we do and I can drive the car I drive - but that does come at a cost. Is that cost worth it? At the moment yes, but there is a but. I am walking a fine line at the moment and I do need to stop, take a step back, look at what is happening and make some adjustments. I will be taking a quite substantial pay cut in August when my temporary appointment comes to an end - almost the equivalent of my car payment. Yes, I knew this was going to happen. Things have changed in the financial world - interest rates have gone up, I bought a new car, cost of living has increased. Something has to give and the money has to come from some where. It means re-evaluating what I do. Those cappuccino's every morning - they will need to stop. Buying things on credit - needs to stop. Get more patience and save for it - OMG what a thought ;-) LOL You get the picture though - we have become so consumed in instant gratification and keeping up with the Jones's that as a society we have forgotten what is important. We keep digging ourselves a deeper hole that is getting harder and harder to get out of and yet we ignore the white elephant in the room and blindly continue on our headlong charge into Oblivion. No, I am not a doomsayer nor am I a pessimist. All I am saying is I think we need to do some serious re-evaluation on where we are and where we are heading. I know I am - I want off this crazy merry go round and gain some control back over my life. I want to enjoy the good things like spending time with my family, enjoying the incredible place I live, create instead of consume all the time, enjoy the company of our amazing animals, just live! None of us know when it will be our time to go and I don't think we can take the risk of leaving everything to 'later' because 'later' may never come. Let the people you care about know how much they mean to you, not just in words, spend good quality time with them. Take care of you - be healthy, be happy, be true to yourself and to hell with the rest of the world :-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-12375419751405904902010-06-01T15:57:00.002+10:002010-06-01T16:04:39.606+10:00It's a sick world we live in at timesThis is just a very brief post while I am on a coffee break, I may post more later, I may not. I have a severe chest infection at the moment which is annoying the crap out of me but it is nothing in comparison with the news I just got.<br /><br />People we know, let's just call them acquaintances, are in the middle of an awful situation. We always knew there was something untrustworthy about this particular person, but had no idea he was as bad as he is. He has just been arrested for sexually assaulting his step daughters. And to top it off, I also found out at the same time he had tried inappropriate behaviour with my cousin's daughter. I don't know what to feel at the moment - great sadness, extreme anger, disappointment, outrage and an overwhelming urge to cry. And no, it is no one in the SCA, it is mundanely. From what I know, the girls are okay thank the gods, I think it has affected us adults more and in ways I will not be discussing here.Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-11348418999200514682010-05-14T18:32:00.002+10:002010-05-14T18:40:36.426+10:00Having the lurgy suxWell, it has finally caught up with me and the lurgy got its hooks in. I started coming down with it Tuesday and now I am miserable. More time off work that I cannot afford as I am so busy!! Oh well, such is life :-(<br /><br />Got my Warcraft account sorted and I have been super careful since ;-) Lesson learned the hard way! LOL<br /><br />I could write about the Dubbo Show and the lovely Mother's Day I had last Sunday with all the family but I am too brain fried to think straight at the moment.<br /><br />We have Radburne's Annual Feast and Tourney next weekend with our smallest bookings to date - not sure we will even bother next year. Or if we do, might make it a pot luck instead - I think that would work better.<br /><br />Although we have a few die hards coming for Radburne War IV but with the way things are going, I am not expecting a big turn out for that either - will just have to wait and see! I hope we can make Spring War but this year is turning out very unpredictable in a lot of ways so I just can't say!!<br /><br />I am trying to become a Scribe and have a wonderful lady offer to mentor me - I am so excited! Unfortunately I am just too ill at the moment to even do any of that - I can't even be bothered playing Warcraft so I must be sick ;-) LOL<br /><br />Dylan and I were going to walk in the Million Paws walk on Sunday for the RSPCA but may not be able to now I am sick - will see how I am Sunday *sigh*.<br /><br />I'm sure you don't want to read anymore about how miserable I am feeling so will sign off now ;-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-79936909112368980982010-04-23T06:39:00.003+10:002010-04-23T06:53:20.716+10:00DisappointedMy World of Warcraft account has been hacked and is being used to spam other players. I have had my account suspended twice in 48 hours for spamming when I haven't even been on! Account services have been next to useless apart from the quick suspension of my account which has hopefully stopped too much crap. At this stage apart from being extremely frustrating (and has resulted in me not wanting to play) there does not seem to have been too much damage done apart from the spamming. From what I can tell so far, my characters gold and items are intact. I haven't been able to check the guild bank yet so I will reserve judgment until I do.<br /><br />I have all my system up to date, my anti virus is up to date and even after changing the email associated with the account and the password it was still compromised a second time. My anti virus showed up nothing. I installed Windows Defender which picked up nothing and then Spybot Search and Destroy which did pick up a tracker - my guess is this is how they were getting access to my changed email and password. This has now been removed. Initially I think it was installed at a website that looked like the Warcraft account login due to a message I received in game that appeared to come from Blizzard. As I accessed this when I was tired, I wasn't as vigilant as I could have been. I will not make that mistake again. Hackers piss me off no end and so does the fact that you almost need an IT degree to play a favourite game safely on line. It also pisses me off that hackers get paid to do what they do - until it becomes financially un-viable for them to do what they do this kind of behaviour will continue and I believe escalate. I don't think we should have to know exactly how everything has to work inside and out to play something casually however it appears that may be a naive point of view and one that may have no place in our spiraling out of control society (that is another rant for another time).<br /><br />I have tried to contact Blizzard accounts for Warcraft but they are experiencing a high volume of calls at the moment and cannot take my call. I wonder why <sarcasm>?<br /><br />On a positive note relating to my last post, Cleopatra did come home that night and we have had no more escapes to date :-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-55382135322646206742010-04-14T20:09:00.002+10:002010-04-14T20:16:39.931+10:00SurvivingI have survived my two days in Sydney for work and my trip to Forbes today. I am tired now but it was worthwhile. I tested my Powerpoint presentation at my first of many meetings today and all in all I got a lot of positive feedback so feeling good. I also have some ideas now on how to tweak it :-) The group were great and very supportive - thanks!!!<br /><br />I am feeling bad though now - I didn't check to make sure the front door was locked properly. Cleopatra the clever cat can open the door - she let herself, Rex and Candy out. Candy got so frightened she flew back in the front door not long after when we opened it and Rex hid under the caravan (Shadow was trying to round them up - typical Border Collie). Unfortunately Cleopatra is now missing - down the paddock somewhere no doubt chasing bugs or something, Dylan is feeling miserable - we have neighbours that shoot anything that comes on their property so I can understand why he is worried :-( I feel so bad!!!! Hopefully she will come home soon for her dinner and bed - I really hope so! We have locked Shadow up in the pen so when Cleo comes home he cannot chase her. What a mess!!!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-2776881889605164382010-04-10T21:12:00.001+10:002010-04-10T21:20:33.986+10:00Easter and other sundry stuffHad a lovely weekend camping with the family at Easter - the weather was perfect, the fish were biting, I finished 3 books in 2 days, lots of good food - what more can you ask for? LOL<br /><br />I have had this week off work - vegged out, played Warcraft (when my internet connection was working), made some jewelery (some as gifts), got some not so good news about a good friend who is in hospital (wishing you a speedy recovery!), did Target Archery this afternoon and talked lots of SCA stuff, got the house mostly cleaned, did washing - you know, the usual boring stuff ;-)<br /><br />This week I am off to Sydney Monday and Tuesday for work, then Forbes on Wednesday. The following Monday I am in Bathurst, then back to Sydney on the Wednesday and Orange on the Friday. The 29th and 30th I am in Canberra - next month I have trips to Orange, Sydney, Young and maybe even Broken Hill. Nothing quite like traveling across the state ;-) I may as well enjoy it whilst I can - my position finishes at the end of July when B returns from maternity leave. I will then go back to my substantive position as PA which I will have been away from for 18 months! I will probably have to relearn everything! LOL<br /><br />I need to follow up with a couple of people and see if they are coming to the feast next month - it will be a smallish affair again this year but that's okay - we will still have fun ;-) Really looking forward to RWIV - complete with Viking wedding :-) I need to start planning and timetabling - I want to be more organised this year. I know laugh away - me organised? Yeah right ;-)<br /><br />Anyhoo, off to do some browsing methinks :-)Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-17267263631159292012010-03-30T21:19:00.002+11:002010-03-30T21:31:56.095+11:00Tuesday eveningPlayed WoW for a bit but the lag got too bad. Work is crazy busy and I now have a date - I will be acting in the IMRC role until the 26 July 2010 when the substantive returns from maternity leave. I will then do a week hand over with her and back to my normal job. <br /><br />I worked out today it will be 18 months that I have been out of my substantive position when I go back! I'm in two minds about going back - my boss is awesome and I love working with her so that will be great, on the other hand, in a way I feel like I have 'moved on' so mixed emotions about that. You never know what opportunity may be around the corner (such as for project work) so I will keep my eyes and ears open ;-) Of course then there is the money too which will drop when I go back ;-) (But I knew that when I took this on so it is not a surprise.)<br /><br />Had a bit of a 'meh' afternoon yesterday but it is all sorted again.<br /><br />Festival is on this weekend but we won't be going - just too far and too costly. I think that first camping experience a few years ago at Glenworth Valley has scarred us a bit too ;-) Instead, we will be camping with family on a property on the river just the other side of Warren - we haven't been for ages so really looking forward to it! I will miss catching up with people at Festival, market day, watching the fighting etc but at the same time I won't miss the rain, the humidity, the mozzies and leeches, the loos and the lack of campfire and shower. At least where we are going we will have a 'loo with a view' and 'a shower with a view'. All temporary stuff but T has it made really well :-) Looking forward to his cooking on the campfire too and sitting around the fire gazing at the stars. So much family time to look forward too! I hope to catch up on some reading and calligraphy ;-)<br /><br />Only two more sleeps to go! Candy will miss us and probably won't talk to us for days when we get back ;-) I must admit I will miss that brat ball of fluff! When the alarm goes off of a morning she uses both T and I as a trampoline until we get up!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-45672149953023006392010-03-25T21:42:00.000+11:002010-03-25T21:43:39.454+11:00Disco duck is homeand got a prize for best 'air guitar' for his impersonation of Angus Young doing AC/DCs Highway to Hell (complete with long hair and baseball cap). LOLKatrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-15389530690126167472010-03-25T20:23:00.001+11:002010-03-25T20:30:11.758+11:00ThursdayA fairly uneventful day today - got 2 new claims' paperwork sorted today and attended a PAB training session. Caught up on emails etc. Went grocery shopping, bought all the Star Trek movies, T's birthday present had come in (phew!), need to go pick Gryffen up from the school disco shortly and Manfred advised all the stock clerk books arrived safely (huzzah)!<br /><br />It looks like we will be camping from the 1st April to the 5th April out on the river at Warren - thank goodness mum and dad will be here to house sit and look after all the animals! Poor Candy will be lost and probably won't talk to us when we get back, at least for a day anyway! She will have to sleep with the other cats instead of us - shock horror! LOL<br /><br />Wolfstanus is going to a Metal Concert tomorrow night so will have to straighten his hair before he goes! LOL He has got me listening to Drowning Pool, Ramstein, Bullet for my Valentine and Disturbed - some if it is pretty good! Cradle of Filth isn't one of my favourites though ;-) I actually really like 'Upside Down' by Drowning Pool, had it blaring on the way home tonight! LOL<br /><br />Anyhow, better go get my disco duck!Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28068768.post-57526840096167120772010-03-24T19:37:00.003+11:002010-03-24T19:49:35.415+11:00Life is interestingSo much for writing more often here - I think I just need to get back into the habit instead of just going to Facebook and then playing WoW ;-)<br /><br />On the SCA side of things, I have finally sent the books off to the new Stock Clerk - after 4 years it was time to hand it over to someone else. I have finally completed the paperwork to make a small change to my device - removing the Ermoinois. This will make drawing it a lot easier! I need to help Danieru and Johanna with getting their devices conflict checked. I have lots of sewing to do but just can't seem to get motivated at the moment. Part of the problem is I have so much I want to do I don't know where to start!<br /><br />It's T's birthday on Saturday so having the family over for a BBQ. Then Easter we are off camping at Warren for the weekend - I have the first week of the holidays off and then off to Sydney for two days and then Forbes for a day. Can't say I'm bored! LOL<br /><br />We have the Radburne Feast coming up in May - at this stage it looks like just the usual local crowd - that's okay though. In August we have Radburne War IV complete with Viking wedding - really looking forward to that!<br /><br />I have Conrad's 18th to organise next year along with my 40th - the year after that is Wolfstanus' 18th and our 20th Wedding Anniversary. For our anniversary I want to organise a hand fasting to renew our vows - I have an idea of what I want to do but have lots of research and planning to do before hand. I also want to make T a cotton voile shirt to wear with black work embroidery.Katrijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15137345371147329586noreply@blogger.com0