Woah, its been a while!

Very neglectful of me, but life has just gotten away from me since going back to work!

But as usual, Chantelle at FatMumSlim has given me some inspiration with her Point and Shoot.... plus I also had a pretty exciting weekend!

2 gigs down, 6 more to go.   The beginning of the end.... :(

Had a great weekend up in the Goldie and Brisvegas.  Didn't hurt that Riverfire was on at the same time, so we got fireworks to boot!  Not to mention F1-11 dump and burns.  Quite the evening in Brisbane, but it made for a very slow and tiring wait for a taxi that night!

I also got some new 'ink'.  I finally replicated the daughter tattoo so now Emily has one the same as Lucy on my inner ankle, plus just to add to the whole powderfinger experience, I got some lyrics on my back.

Haven't shown hubby this one yet....

Back to work

I started back at work today after Mat Leave.

I actually got a bit teary this morning feeding Em.  She is still so little (8 months)  But as Daryl said, the credit card bill is so big.

And so it is, I am back.  It wasnt too bad, I enjoy being back around adults, but I still miss the girls.  :(

Luckily my parents are looking after them, since I couldn't get care for Em, and they are taking Lucy to and from school for me.  Love my parents, they are effin awesome.

We'll see how I feel by the end of the week.  I am full time for 3 weeks (as a favour, read: sucker), and then back part time.  I will be hanging out for that.

mini break

On Thursday, the girls and I headed down to the coast (Narooma) for the night.  My parents were down there with my brother and his family while Rob and Bec did some work, and mum and dad were babysitting the boys for the week. 

We went to Mogo Zoo, which was nice.  The kids loved it, especially feeding the animals.

Even though we only went away overnight, it felt like a week!  Mind you, it wasn't very restful really, having 4 kids on the go is hard work!  I also came home to find a mess in the kitchen that Daryl hadn't bothered cleaning up, which made me in a very bad mood!!!!!! 

This weekend was more gym-ing!  I did 2 classes on Saturday, but didn't go to one today.  I would like to do a couple tomorrow, but we'll see how it goes with Daryl coming home on time!  So far I have lost 3.7 kgs, so it must be doing something!  I also feel much better too.  I am also very pleased with the way I am making better choices with food.  examples.

• Instead of greasy fish and chips when we went to the coast, I had grilled fish
• Lucy went to a party today.  Instead of gorging on the party food, I had a couple of lolly bananas (love those!) and 1 cocktail frank
• My dad asked me if I wanted a ice cream, I said no

For me, these are HUGE achievements.  Massive.  I never had any self control in the past.  Never.

Oh, and in other news, the quilt is finished!!!! 

All I see in it are the mistakes, but as Daryl says, no one else will notice (well, except my quilting sensai!) but I'm pretty pleased with it overall. 

So Point and Shooters, what have you been up to?

10 questions

Inspired by TheRealSydney, here are 10 questions... 

1. What is your favourite word?  Sass.  It can be used in so many contexts.  verb, noun, adjective. 
2. What is your least favourite word? Panties.  ugh. 
3. What turns you on? a nice clean husband just out of the shower.
4. What turns you off? morning breath
5. What sounds do you love? high heels on a wood floor at myer in Melbourne.  but they dont have the wood floors any more.
6. What sounds do you hate? nails on a chalkboard, squealing children on mass.
7. What is your favourite curse word? Fuck is good.  at times I do enjoy the odd c word.  has to be used very sparingly.  not many people like it!
8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? i honestly don't know what else I would do.... perhaps a rock star!!!!
9. What profession would you not like to do? anything that requires getting dirty.
10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Beers in the fridge, come on in.

owwwwwww. ow ow ow ow

I joined the gym last Thursday.  Since then I have done a mixture of classes, and they have been relatively "easy", as in I haven't died.  Mind you, I have been going to Fitmums since the beginning of the year, so my fitness is not as bad as it was, and not as bad as a complete new person at the gym (which there were a few)

Tonight, however, was different.  Tonight I did Body Combat, which is a combination of martial arts and aerobics, but on steroids.  I managed to pant my way through the class, (although I left when they started doing something called a komodo dragon, there is not a hope in hell that I can even describe it to you, let alone be able to do it) but now I am on the couch, with a heat pack on my screaming knees and I am rooted.

Did I mention that I also did boxing this morning at fitmums? 

Fear my fitness!!!!!

ow. 

EMILY NEEDS YOU!

Isn't she just too cute for words?  Well, I am biased I guess.  However, you can help vote Em to be the cutest baby in a beanie!!

If you go to the Babies in Beanies website, vote for Emily W, and she can go in the running for be Canberra's cutest bub in a beanie.  Our entry fee goes towards the Neonatal Intensive Care Foundation, which helps lots of sick little bubbas.

Here's an out-take from Emily's photo shoot.  It was hilarious.  She did not want to smile in any way shape or form.  Not even with us singing, Lucy running around like a loon, a twirly thing to look at, playing peek a boo, you name it, nothing.  Mum calls the shot on the website the Mona Lisa.  She is smiling on the inside.

Voting ends this Thursday night, you can vote once a day, and if she is in the top 4, she then goes into the final.  There's some pretty damn cute babies in there, so please help Em out!  :))  Hello Point and Shooters!  

bleh!

Feeling bleh today.  I don't know if it's my body revolting against being starved or I am coming down with something, but I dont feel like going to Fitmums (plus Lucy came home from school early yesterday, saying she feels sick) so I just dont feel like going out and having either me or her be sick! 

The food so far has been hit and miss.  I made chickpea rissoles last night and they were all sorts of wrong.  the thai beef salad was ok, but I am not a fan of lebanese cucumbers and it was packed with them.   I have been avoiding the breakfasts, because I don't like oats or baked beans.  Instead I had a Tony Ferguson meal replacement shake and 1 piece of toast with a smear of peanut butter (an allowed snack on the list)  I also have to remember to add an extra 500 calories because I am breastfeeding.  I really haven't been doing that, perhaps that's why I feel meh.

However, good news is today is weigh in day (even though we only started on Sunday) and I have already lost 1.4kgs.  This may have to do with using 2 different scales though (the wii scales and normal bathroom scales that I bought last night) but its encouraging!

I also bought wii fit plus last night, so i'll give that a go later.  I am also going today to see a gym about membership (one that I joined years ago and never went!) I find that on the days I don't go to fitmums I do nothing.  Plus when I go back to work I wont be able to go to fitmums so I need something.


Can you tell I'm serious this time!!!! 

It starts now... again

This time it feels different. 

I am participating in the 12 week body transformation which is developed by Michelle Bridges, trainer from the Biggest Loser.  I also have a friend I have roped into doing it with me.  Downside is she is in Brisbane, but we can talk over the net and in person and egg each other on.

Here is the very unfortunate "before" shot.  Be warned.... its probably NSFL  (not safe for life!!!)  Be kind Point and Shooters!  It said to do it in bra and shorts, so you can see the change more clearly.  Charming.

So here goes.  I figure I can do this for 12 weeks.  Stay tuned.

30 things I heart...

as usual, the wonderful Chantelle over at Fat Mum Slim has been my inspiration!  in no particular order...

<3 my baby girls
<3 my hubby
<3 sewing
<3 diet coke
<3 dunking biscuits in milk
<3 fabric
<3 sleeping in
<3 massages
<3 powderfinger
<3 beer gardens
<3 My family
<3 Seeing live comedy
<3 snuggles under the doona
<3 My iphone
<3 Going on holidays
<3 Brisbane
<3 Shopping
<3 a clean house (never happens!)
<3 shoes
<3 cookies and cream ice cream
<3 spring weather
<3 Veronica Mars
<3 slippers
<3 Dodgy movies
<3 beer
<3 brownies
<3 facebook
<3 watching lucy jean talk to herself
<3 listening to Em talk to herself in bed
<3 Ikea

Just too sad

I have had 2 friends I went to high school with have their children pass away in the last 6 months.  It's just too devastating to even contemplate. 

One is blogging her experiences.  You can read it here.  It's almost therapy for her and she writes so elloquently and with such a passion that only a mother going through this can.  I have known her since year 4 and as much as we are not best friends any more, we remain in touch.

The other one is just recent.  I didnt know him too well, but I know he was completely dedicated to his children.  So much so that he brought them to the last 2 reunions (10 and 20 year).   He is facebooking his daily struggle and it is just heartbreaking.

It is my biggest fear that something happens to my girls.  I also live with the fear that something happens to me and they grow up without me. 

These two experiences have gutted me and I think of them daily.  Go hug your kids.

Birthday Blitz...

This weekend was a birthday bonanza.  Both my nephew Liam and his dad (my brother) have their birthdays the day after each other.

Liam turned 2.  He got a kitchen.  He loves to pretend he is cooking.  A budding Masterchef in the making!  He also got many many many other things... His mother and her side of the family are notorious for going OTT!  He got very spoilt.  I got him some kitchen stuff from Ikea when I was up there a few weeks ago.  I get really despondent buying either of my nephews presents because they get SO MUCH from the other side that whatever we get them gets overlooked most of the time.  We just cant compete with the sheer volume and expense that they usually receive.  It's quite ridiculous really.

Poor Weedie is also highly allergic to egg and dairy, which rules out cake generally, but his mum made a egg free dairy free cake that was actually quite nice!  To look at and to eat.  She is very good at making kids cakes.

Rob's birthday was celebrated with lunch today at the club.  I got him a gift certificate for Pro Audio, which is a music store.  Rob is a budding drummer, so he can buy whatever drum paraphernalia he likes.  I went in there and had no idea what to get, so he can choose his own 'gear'.

So needless to say I have had way too much to eat this weekend.  Lucy also had a party back at Lollipops, thankfully this time without the puking.  We also went to the Handmade market, I got some GORGEOUS Japanese fabrics and had a very interesting cupcake.

Yes.  Its a cupcake.  A very sickly cupcake by the time you get to the bottom.  I couldn't finish it.  But it was delicious.

So it was busy busy weekend here in the capital.  See how the rest of the blog-sphere spent their weekend with Point and Shoot.

Quilt Madness

During my confinement (AKA Maternity Leave) I've become a bit crafty.  Well, a try hard crafty person.  I am currently doing a quilting course once a week for 8 weeks and we are about half way through.  I am the youngest in the class by decades, but they are a fun bunch and it's been good and very interesting... and at times very brain draining!!!!! The teacher is one of the founding members of Canberra Quilters and is a GENIUS.  Her quilts are just DIVINE.  So clever.

We are making what is called a 'sampler' quilt, as there are 9 panels with various techniques so you get a feel for the different ways of making panels.

This one is called an Ohio Star,  obviously.  Just don't look too closely.  Like me, it has many flaws!!!

 Here are all the bits done so far. 

Given the seriously crappy weather, I decided to start another one for a friend who is having a baby in September. She doesn't know what she is having, so I decided on green.  When I went to the fabric store, they had pre-cut squares to make a cot quilt.  bonus! I get nervy cutting fabric, because I am always afraid I'll get it wrong!!!

I decided to cut up some squares and make triangles just to mix it up a bit.   We'll see how I go.  I've got until September if I need to start again!!!!  It does look better in real life!

Play Point and Shoot with Chantelle to see what other people have been doing on this wet and miserable weekend.

Busy Busy!

It feels like this weekend has been a long one, and in a way, I guess it was because it started on Friday for me.

I went up to Sydney with my friend Alina to see the Hoodoo Gurus on Friday night.  On our way in, we stopped at Ikea. 

We both LOVE Ikea and we went a bit nuts.

Well I went a bit nuts.  Alina was considerably more conservative.  Now the only problem was fitting it in our little hire car.

But we did it. 

Alina had plenty of leg room on the way home.

It was a good weekend.  The girls and Daryl survived, Emily didn't fret too much (but did plenty of crying, no more than usual I would wager, but its the first time Daryl has had to deal with it all by himself)  She didn't drink much of the milk I expressed but was happily eating her solids.  I had the problem of not being able to express my milk while I was up there because I forgot the teeeeeeniest of bits for my pump rendering it useless.  Something that should be readily available wherever that very well known pump is sold. But do you think I could find this little piece ANYWHERE in Sydney.  No.  I could not.  So I was in a great deal of pain and discomfort by the time I got back home.  24+ hours of not feeding will do that.

Anyway, I had a good weekend despite this, and we have spent today putting together all of my ikea goodness.  yay!  if we lived in Sydney, I would be there every weekend!

What did you do this weekend?  Play point and shoot too!

This Moment...

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.  (via Fat Mum Slim , via soulemama)

There's that mothers guilt kicking in

Tomorrow I am off to Sydney with my friend Alina to go see the Hoodoo Gurus.  We are just going up for the night, back on Saturday.   We are also planning on going to Ikea (yay!) and the 80's exhibition at The Powerhouse before heading back Saturday afternoon.  I am really looking forward to it.

But then again, I am not.

It's the first time I am leaving Emily overnight.  I have been busily pumping off milk, which is proving difficult because my supply is not as much as it used to be.  She still manages to get what she wants, but there isn't much extra.  She is also a bit sniffly and has been having more comfort feeds at night, which is worrying me. 

I'm sure Daryl will cope, I just hope she doesn't fret too much.  Sometimes all she wants is her mum, and I wont be there.

:(

Thai-riffic!

I just had my first Thai massage.

OH
MY
GOD!

That was the best massage I have ever had!  I feel a foot taller and like I could throw my legs around my head.

...and it nearly didn't happen!  The place I was booked into suffered a fire last night!  They called and rescheduled for their other store on the other side of town.  I didn't care, I wanted that massage!  Hell, I would have gone into the ashes for a massage that good!!!

mmmmmmmmmmmmm.  best mothers day present ever!

Crappy Mc Crap Crap

What a shitty weekend.

Well, I might be being a tad dramatic.  I'm sure there are people out there who had worse. 

It started off well enough, Lucy had a birthday party out at Lollipops, an indoor playground.  I actually go there twice a week with Fitmums, we do our exercise, and then we get free entry to Lollipops after.  They have THE BEST banana bread.  Sort of negates the exercise, but it is delicious!!!

Anyways, so Lucy had a lovely time, playing, party food, and a nice time was had by all. 

 
Later that arvo, Lucy was complaining of a sore tummy, typical after a party and eating junk.  She then promptly threw up all over the carpet.  Nice.

Poor bubba was then throwing up every 20 mins or so for the rest of the night.  She spent today in bed watching DVD's. 

So unfortunately, there is nothing fabulous for me to report for those playing Point and Shoot this weekend!

But NEXT weekend, I am off to Sydney for my first ever weekend away without Emily.  (well, its only going to be Friday night, but still.) I should have exciting tales to tell...  Tales of ROCK (we are going to see Hoodoo Gurus) and of SHOPPING (we are going to Ikea!) yay!

Rocking and Rolling....

When will I realise I am too old for such things...

I went to Groovin' the Moo (where that name comes from I have NO idea, I think it has something to do with the first one being in a cow field)

That was how I spent mother's day after having a very nice breakfast with Daryl and the girls.  I got a gift certificate for thai massage (oooooooooooer, cant wait!) and Lucy made some bath salts at pre school as well.  She is just too cute.

I didn't stay for the final band (silverchair) I have seen them heaps before, and by that stage I was FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEZING.  It was very amusing watching the silly little girls who thought they looked fabulous when they left the house in their cute little summery dresses freezing their arses off by the end of the night.  I had a jumper, but it was a bit too thin, I knew this before I left the house, but I only bought it the day before and like those silly little girls, it was cute and I wanted to wear it!  Plus I stupidly thought that I didn't want to carry a big heavy jumper around.  Silly me.  Highlights included Grinspoon, British India, and Vampire Weekend.  I really did NOT enjoy Empire of the Sun.  They definitely made me even more grumpier than just being cold.  Also by that stage those young-uns who had by then had more than a skinfull of grog where starting to get stroppy.  I was cold, getting angry at the noise that Empire of the Sun call music, and getting jostled in the crowd.  I went home half way through Vampire Weekend, thankful that the car has a good heater.  I came home, jumped in a super hot shower and went to bed.  I even wore my robe to bed I was still that cold. 

I'm paying for it today with sore feet and tiredness.  But I am very proud of myself, I still went to fitmums despite not really feeling like it.  yay for me!  Mind you, the amount of yumminess I ate on the weekend would mean I would need to do a week of fitmums!!!  I have also decided to go back on Tony Ferguson, if only to keep myself honest.

And just for those playing point and shoot with Chantelle, here's a bit of cuteness from the ratbags who call me mum.  Well, one does... the other just cries!

Dress ups!

My eldest daughter, Lucy Jean, is a cad.  She is always trying to make people laugh.  Here is one of her many guises.  She loves dressing up in anything and everything she can find.

Note the butterfly face paint from a country fair we went to.  The tissuebox shoes add a little something special.  (yes she is holding a beer, she was getting it for me, acting like a robot.  As you do.)

She is a poser too.  Always asking to have her photo taken. 

I had the girls photos taken during the school holidays too at the local mall, where they dress them up in ridiculous outfits for a small fee and a "free" photo.  That "free" photo was your standard sized shot.  woo.  They then put the boot in and hit you up for the rest of the pics.  Who in their right mind can say no to pictures of their children looking cute.  And yes, they do look cute, but I am not 100% pleased with them...especially when the get up was a bit too "cheesy" for my liking.

I much prefer the type of shots taken by people like Rowe Timson, who does just GORGEOUS natural candid shots, but unfortunately our finances just dont stretch that far.  I rang a similar photographer here in Canberra, who I wont mention, but it was just far too expensive to even consider at the moment.

The girls still look cute though despite the crappy headgear (excuse the quality, this is one of the photos taken with my iphone)

I like the one below better, only slightly... I think I am looking at their faces rather than the surrounds!  Note Lucy's blue steel.  She did change expression once.  Very focussed!

Even these crappy photos cost a fortune... I think I picked the wrong profession!  (apart from the fact that I have ZERO skill in that regard)

My cousin Julie is a professional photographer, and I'm sure she would take some shots for me, but she is in Melbourne.  She did our wedding photos and they are lovely.

Here is a pic of our wedding cake taken by julie.  Best put one in of us I guess!!!

awww.  young love.  Just an aside, we were watching a show about weddings on the weekend, Lucy was hilarious when talking about when she will get married.  She said in a rather indignant tone "I just want to get married to daddy not a boy!"  bless.

Lots of pics for you to look at today if you are playing Point and Shoot with Chantelle.  Only the first one is strictly from the weekend though!

bling bling

Check out my new bling.

It says Lucy and Emily, with their birthstones.  I got it from The Vintage Pearl I'm not sure I like it.  I mean, I do, but is wearing your children's names around your neck really naff?  Lucy loves it, she loves playing with them, asking why hers is pink (Because I like pink mum)

Is it like those people who tattoo their kids names on themselves.  I find that really dodgy, but is this? 

Having said that, I do have tattoos that symbolise Lucy and Daryl, and have yet to add to it now that Emily is here, but its not like everyone knows its for them.

They are the Kanji symbols for husband and daughter (right to left and on its side!  being lazy! turn your head to the right!).  I am undecided about whether to get another daughter one underneath, or a totally different tattoo for Emily.  If I got a totally different one, would she feel left out of this one?  Perhaps I will do both... put her in the "family" tattoo and get another one.  They do say tattoos are addictive once you have them.  A good friend of mine has about 5, but they are so small and discreet that you don't even notice them.  I am not a fan of huge tattoos, especially those on females chests.  It just looks sooooooooo bogan.  Even this one, when I first got it, I was like "hmmm, perhaps could have been smaller" but its there now, and I don't hate it, its a part of me now.  I would never get a full sleeve or anything like that, I am just not "cool" enough, and plus, don't like them on me.  Other people, like Ruby Rose look awesome, but that's because they are so rock.  A friend of a friend has some sort of big cat right smack bang in the middle of her cleavage and its is FERAL looking.  My cousin (of sorts, long story) has roses above her boob and its looks FERAL.  Full colour, enormous and FERAL.  I used to love watching LA ink, and naturally many women with big tattoos.  Some I liked, some I thought ugh, you are stuck with that for the rest of your life.  People might think that of mine, but most comments have been positive.  Even my mum likes them.  I am toying with the idea of one on the inside of my wrist, but that is a bit more risque than on your legs or feet.  A lot harder to cover and much more in your face.  A good friend has some inspirational words on the inside of her arm, from elbow to wrist and again, do not like it. 

Its funny, if you had asked me 5 years ago if I would ever get a tattoo, it would have been a firm "hell no".  I don't know what changed, perhaps because tattoos are EVERYWHERE, I changed my mind.  I also have a smaller tattoo on my ankle that is from a powderfinger album (their 1st EP) which again, unless you know, you would think its just a nice little celtic type design.  Its not like I emblazoned POWDERFINGER on my arm or something... don't laugh, I've seen one.

Perhaps all my pretence of NOT being a FERAL is bullshit.  Perhaps I am just tuggies* trash?!


What do you think of tattoos?




*tuggies is the colloquialism for living in the Tuggeranong Valley in Canberra, not unlike a westie.

And go and play point and shoot with Chantelle who made her first TV appearance today and was AWESOME! 

owww my liver

Back in the day, I was a good drinker.

Now, not so much.  Daryl and I went with a couple of friends to the Canberra Beer Festival and had a very enjoyable afternoon in the beautiful weather drinking beers....toooooo many beers.  It was very deceptive.  You got given a small wine glass and 10 tickets (although somehow, I got 15 tickets in my glass... that could have been where it all fell down!) and you go and "taste" the various beers on offer.  a "taste" was about 3 or 4 mouthfuls.  So 15+ "tastes", and for a breastfeeding mum who hasn't drunk in a long time, I was definitely feeling it.  Remember back in the day of binge drinking contests, where they had people try and skull 100 shots of beer, well like that... but on a smaller scale.  I then added insult to injury when we went to the tradies to watch The Raiders get hammered by The Rooters (typo and its stays!) and I had several more beers.

 How about those Raiders?  meh!

I very nearly drove the porcelain bus this morning at about 3am... but managed to go back to sleep. 

Today has been a couch day for sure.

me being seedy on the couch!  Check those bags people!

Although it has been a salient message... in the words of Roger Murtaugh: I'm too old for this shit!

Check out what other people have done this weekend by playing Point and Shoot with Chantelle.

Still Devo....

and no, that is not Devo as in Whip It.  Devo as in Devastated.  Powderfinger are still breaking up.  It wasn't a bad dream!  Plans are afoot with the posse to get as many tickets as we can.  Its gonna be a shitfight for sure.  I am thinking that I may need to use my very tentative link with the band if I miss out.  My dreams of them sponsoring my entire tour as reward for my years of service are just that... plus 7 weeks on the road, while that *sounds* exciting would possibly be a nightmare.  And as if I could ever leave the girls for that long.

This weekend was mainly spent indoors on the couch.  Having a sick husband meant not much venturing out.  Although we did go to a comedy show on Saturday (we already had the tickets)  We went and saw Tom Green, who is a Canadian comedian and was briefly married to Drew Barrymore.  He also happened to go to my school when I lived in Canada.  He is one of my "claims to fame", (apart from the powderfinger thing and going to uni with Brett Kirk, who is captain of the Swans)  He was 2 years ahead of me, and was just like he is now... out there and very outlandish.  So I took my yearbook with him in it and got him to sign it.  He was just lovely and really wanted to have a good look through it with me, but there were HEAPS of people waiting to meet him (he waits after the show to meet the fans) so we had a quick look through and talked about some of the people and teachers.

Here is me and Tom for all those playing point and shoot (love love love Chantelle's site!)

and here is his signature in the yearbook.

He says he remembers my face (i think he might have been just being nice!) But he was extremely lovely and while his humour may not be everyones cup of tea, it was a good night.

oh yeah, and note my super cool new haircut.  :))

well that was prophetic...

Powderfinger are breaking up.

gutted.

cant 'process this' just yet.

For the love of powderfinger

I say that because not unlike some people who believe in god/religion/spirituality, I believe in one thing.  Powderfinger.

It started back when I was living in Wagga going to uni.  It was my first year there, so 1995.  I heard this song (you can, if you look closely see me in this video, I was at this gig.  At around the 1:40 mark, me singing my head off!)

It's called Living Type, from their album Double Allergic, their second album.  I was instantly hooked.  I knew that I must love this band forever.

My love for this band has taken me to some pretty amazing gigs, met some amazing people (and some not so, some fanatics take their passion WAAAAAAAY too far, bordering on psychotic, which is not healthy or enjoyable for us less crazy people)  It has also taken me to TV, where I appeared on a show called The Einstein Factor.  For those that are unfamiliar with this show, its a quiz show, but as well as asking generic quiz type questions, you have a 'special topic'.  You guessed it, mine was Powderfinger.  Long story short, I won the game.  This then meant I came back for the semi final, unfortunately I didnt win that.  You dont win prizes or money, but it was fun. 

From that, I then met the band.  It was before a show in Newcastle, the last show in a massive tour they did with silverchair.  We were waiting out the back for them to come out and say hello.  Just when we thought they werent coming out, they did.  This was my first time "meeting" them, and went up to John Coghill, the drummer. 

"Hi, Im Deb, I was on the Einstein Factor, my special subject was you"
"sorry, didnt see it"

FAIL.

so, when meeting the others, I said nothing.  Just Hi, a photo, which was still pretty damn exciting, a dream come true.  Espcially JC... he is my favourite.

and then I come to Bernard Fanning, the lead singer. 

his reaction on seeing me (after a peck on the cheek...SWOON)

HOW FUCKING COOL WERE YOU ON THE TV!!!

*die*

to say I was a tad excited after that, is an understatement.  Here's the pic of me after this very exciting event.... the grin is evident!

Since then, every time we see them (I say we, cos there is a big group of us who hook up for all the gigs) I get to say hello to Bern.  He even "annoited" Emily while she was in the womb when I flew up to Brisbane for a pre-album launch gig at 32 weeks.  He also mentioned me during the gig, how a "crazy woman from canberra flew up" and he had rung family services.  har har.  It also got me to the VIP section at Homebake last year, which was pretty exciting.  I even have Berns email address, and have had a few emails from him, which is still very exciting!!!!  We occasionally banter back and forth about various things, but I don't go nuts with it.  I'm sure he doesn't want to hear my inane blathering.

People have asked me what makes them so special.  I don't know what it is, but they just make me happy.   This little post just doesnt do my dedication justice, but its a start. 

Cant wait for the tour at the end of the year.  there are rumours it could be a farewell tour... I'll cross that bridge if and when it happens, but now with 2 kids, I don't think I will be able to do the multiple shows like I normally do (record is 4 in 4 days)  but we'll see.  If it is a farewell tour, I may just have to do all...

The honeymoon is over baby....its never going to be that waaaaaaaaaaaay

again.

gotta love some tex.

I'm talking about my youngest daughter.  My dream baby.  The baby I famously say "I'm waiting for the catch"

Catch is here.

Me thinks bubba Em is teething.  Early.  Isn't 6 months that they start teething?  If it isn't teething, then I dont know what it is.  She wont sleep.  20 minute cat naps if that.  What used to be feed and then 12+ hours at night is now whinge, attempt to put down, scream, whinge, feed (even though not hungry) and then eventually she caves and sleeps.

Its doing my head in.

Hopefully it will end soon.

 she's still cute but

Good causes

From the very cool Rinniez here is some goodness for people to do for Easter

 This Easter season, Hershey will donate up to a total of $5,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network together with bloggers.

HERSHEY’S BETTER BASKET BLOG HOP RULES

• Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
• Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.
• Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
• Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
• Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
• Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).
• Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation.

So here is a easter basket for anyone who stumbles upon my blog.  no calories!

Reassessing the goals

Let's check in and see if I am following my own goal setting... even as I type this, I know I am going to be totally busted on most!!

1.  Go to Fitmums twice a week.
yup, been doing that EXCEPT last wednesday... my knee went bung, I had an interview with Lucy's teacher at pre school so it was just all too hard.

2. Walk the other days that I don't go to Fitmums. 
FAIL.  haven't done it.  *smacks on hand*  oh, I think i walked to get Lucy from school once. 

3.  Food... eat just one'
FAIL.  food is too yummy.  damn you food!
 
4.  Drink more water.
Semi fail.  I have drank more water in diet cordial, but am still drinking as much diet coke/sprite.

5.  Do the 2 and 5 thing
on and off.... we have been generally eating better, and I try and incorporate veggies in most meals.  I haven't been eating much/any fruit though.

So generally, I would give myself a massive BOOOOOOOOOO! and tell myself to get fucking real.  I had the thought the other day that if I had stuck to this eating healthy plan, I would have lost about 10kgs by now.  As it stands, its about 1kg if that.  meh.  I am glad though that I am still going to fitmums.  As much as I LOAAAAAAAAAATH it, I am doing it. 

Point and shoot... and being busy!

 As with most things, I have neglected this blogging business...  its been a busy few weeks!

As usual, the very awesome Fat Mum Slim has inspired me to post something.

On the weekend, it was Daryl's Birthday, so we had a nice lunch at my parents place (our place is just far too small for a family gathering) but as it turns out, it was a beautiful day and we could have had it outside at our place, but given the state of the garden, mums was still the better choice!

It was nice to sit around and eat yummy food and chill.  My mum made the cake from $120 food challenge website and it was GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!  Plus given that we could have potentially have been spending Daryl's birthday in the hospital or worse, it was nice to spend it together.

He got a new pair of work pants (the old ones got trashed in the crash) and some cologne... he has never worn it, but I was struggling for something to give him this year, and thought this might be something different.  I got him Pleasures by Estee Lauder.  I like it, I don't know if Daryl is too sure yet! Also turns out the pants are too small... back we go for an exchange!

I also went to the Handmade Market on Sunday and got a gorgeous ring (cant remember the name of the stall, I'll have to look it up) and some fabric from Formosa, a Canberra designer who makes such lovely fabrics.  very exciting!  I'm thinking a new nappy bag... if I am feeling adventurous! 

So in all, a busy weekend.

OHHH!  and I also got my iphone on Friday.  HOW DID I EVER LIVE WITHOUT IT?~?~?~


I <3 my iphone!!!!!

To expose myself......

I havent told anyone about my blog except my friend Tam.  I dont know if I should or not.  This has almost been like a diary... something that I was never good at keeping up with as a teenager, but would guard with my life.

If I was to open this up to my friends and family, what would happen?  I don't know if I am ready for my mother to see this, or my husband.  It's not that I am ashamed of what I write, but do I want them to know my inner most thoughts????  It's enough that I blather on facebook and everyone knows my every move.

Still debating this one!

Self Actualisation...

I could blather on for eons about my weight loss/gain battle... but I wont.  it bores me, so it would bore you.

However, at the moment, I am trying to 'own' my weight, instead of just failing at losing it.  Of course, I own my weight... its part of me, but I guess its more about being honest about it. 

So, in that regard, and with inspiration from Prior Fat Girl I am setting some goals.   These are only small, which is the point.  Having huge unrealistic goals are pointless.

So lets have a crack... I will check back in a week and let you know how I go.


1.  Go to Fitmums twice a week.
I am doing this anyway, but its more to just keep doing it and not give up.

2.  Walk the other days that I don't go to Fitmums.
Whether that be walking Lucy to school, or going for a walk around the neighbourhood.

3.  Food
I want to set an eating goal, but its all too hard.  To say 'eat healthy' is too broad.  I have a tendency to over eat one thing over and over.... as in whatever I am eating, if it is delicious (and isn't everything) I will eat 20 of them/it.  So I think it will be 'eat just one'

4.  Drink more water.
I live on diet coke and diet sprite. I would easily drink 2L+ of either/both per day.  If I had shares in coca-cola, I would be a millionaire from my intake alone.  So instead of constantly refilling my glass with these, I will alternate with water.

5.  Do the 2 and 5 thing
Eat 2 pieces of fruit and 5 serves of veg a day.

look at me posting pics!  haha!

Geeks on bikes

My husband is the quintessential geek.  Tall, glasses, smart.  When he told me he was going to learn how to ride a motorbike, I was quite shocked.  He didn't strike me as the easy rider type. 

Anyway, he passed his L's, bought a brand new bike and began his riding odyssey.  To be honest, he isn't a hoon, its merely an easy and cheap way to get to work.

He has 'dropped' the bike before, it fell out from under him in the wet, he skidded along, a bump and a bruise, but nothing major.

Until now.

This time, he still has a bump and a bruise, but it could have been way worse.  This time, he was hit by a car.  I wont bore you with the intricicies of the smash, but basically a car didnt see him, it pulled out in front, he tried to avoid it, clipped the front of the car, the bike fell on him and I get a call from a shaking sounding Daryl asking for my dad or brother to come with the trailer.

Its funny, when the phone rang, before I picked it up, I thought, "This is bad news coming".  But then I rationalised that the cops wouldn't call, they would turn up at my door.  I would often think something had happened to Daryl when he was late home from work, or it was wet.  But he always turned up.  He was actually meant to be home early yesterday, and when he was taking a long time, I just thought he got tied up at work.

But thankfully, he is ok.  Hobbling a bit with a badly bruised left leg, swollen ankle and sore ribs.

More photos.... and to gross out all those from Fat Mum Slim playing point and shoot

The bruises are coming out nicely now...

TRAGEDY!!!! the sewing machine has cracked the shits!

Just as I was getting into the swing of things with this whole sewing shebang, and had the most BEAUTIFUL fabric delivered from funky fabrixs

 

Arent they just GORGEOUS!

the machine decides to DIE!  IT was making some sort of clunking noise, and then nothing.  needle wont go down into the bobbin.  I rang a sewing place and its $120 just for a service, let alone any repairs that may need doing.  Its a REALLY old machine... like 70s vintage at least.  Is it worth $120 to fix it, thats the question.


I miss it already!  :((

UPDATE:  It's terminal.  Looks like I will have to get a new machine.  There is another machine at mums, but I saw some oh so nice machines at the place I took the old one for repair...ones that do wizz bang fancy pants things...  sooooooooooo much more fancier than I could ever use, but nice all the same.

My baby girls... part the first

These are my children, Lucy on the right and Emily on the left.

It still sounds weird to say "my children", even though Lucy is 4.  Perhaps because it is plural.  Emily is 4 months old now, and feels like she has been here since forever.  She is crazily similar to her sister in looks and personality, I just hope she doesn't grow up resenting the similarities.  I must remember not to always compare her to Lucy... and let he be her own person...even if they are the same!

They are just gorgeous (if I do say so myself), and are my life (of course).  For some reason,  I always thought I would have boys.  Funny how things work.  I am glad I have girls, even though I am not the girly girl myself.  Lucy is without any influence from me.  Perhaps Em will be the tomboy.  Lucy loves anything pink, frilly, swishy, pretty and generally everything I wouldnt wear in a blue fit.  She cracks it when dresses arent swishy enough.  She is not enjoying having to wear a uniform to school (well no frilly dresses at least).   While preschool does not usually have a uniform, because she goes to a P-2 school, they have school colours (purple and green).  Its not compulsory, but I jumped at the chance to not have to argue about wanting to wear her best clothes to school and get them full of paint!

Em naturally doesn't really care what she wears, as long as its warm.  My parents are always on at me about her having cold feet.  Its not my fault socks always fall off her!!!  She is starting to develop her own little personality, and while she is a very good baby, happy and smiley, when she is unhappy, the WHOLE WORLD knows about it.  We drove 40 mins from Bungendore to home the other night with her SCREAMING the whole way.  People are generally shocked when they hear her cry because it is very rare that she does.

The girls have several nicknames, I think this stems from my mum who always shortens or adds to names and makes up silly little pet names.  Growing up, my brother was boonksy, robbie-doo, robbie dicks.   I was missy.  I think I got shafted there!  haha.  my nephews also have nicknames, mitchell has always been moo, which gets several deviations, including mooseykid, mooseynoodle, magoo etc.  Liam is the weeman, and gets lots of variations, including wee-um the whecker, weedle.  So as you can see, there is a rich family history of nicknames!

Bam-ma and Mooseykid

Weeman wants to know what the hell your talking about Willis?

Anyways, Lucy is Lulu (naturally) or looby loo.  My parents call her lulu-belle, which I quite like.  I also call both of them baby girl.  Em is Emmy, Emmy-roo and for some reason, Lucy calls Em "kerfuffily"  ker-fuff-ily.  no idea where it came from, but its cute.  Their middle names come from their great-grandparents.  Lucy Jean, after Daryl's mum's mum and Emily Phyllis from my Dad's mum, both of whom have passed away before meeting their namesakes.  Em's is a bit special for me, because soon after nan died, I became pregnant with her, so I sort of call her nan's baby, like she made room for her to come.  I often think Em is laughing with my nan, since she will be staring off into space and all of a sudden starts laughing at nothing.  Nan is singing dancing dolly with her (which she used to do with me and lucy)  Lucy Jean I think just rolls off the tongue, and is used as a term of endearment and as "if you don't come here right now there is trouble"  its all in the inflection....  haha

I am totally smitten with my girls.  I couldn't have done any better if I tried.  Oh, I spose Daryl had something to do with it too.  (read EVERYTHING, neither of them got one iota of Nicholas genes in the looks department!)