Merry Christmas

(This post has been backdated!)

Merry Christmas everyone! We had an ok day considering the evening before! Although there was lots of discussion about the incident. My little Brother slowly came out of his shell once we went to the farm for lunch - allowing us to see the bruises on his face.

The morning started with Coffee and sleepy eyes. It was a reasonable time, but we were all bleary from being awake quite late. We migrated into the lounge with our cups and our slippers and introduced Tara to her Santa Sack and Stocking.

"ooooh. wow." she kept saying. She slowly pulled everything out piece by piece. Here is a quick rundown of the Loot.

*Big Girl Knickers
*Little Mermaid Helmet
*Streamers for the bike
*A princess/ballet party dress
*Clothes... lots of clothes
*A dolly seat for her bike

I can't recall the rest ha!

She also was given a My Little Pony and some hair clips from her Uncle David, a tambourine from her Auntie Alice, Maraccas and a Sax/Trumpet from Nanna, A teddy bear from Granddad and Nanna Yvonne, A bike from us, some sneakers and that'll do I think!!

Ally scored quite well with a fishing chair and a tent, and some other stuff. Oh, and we were given a sandwich press as well. I got a couple of Photo Boxes.

We had a seafood breakfast (At 11.30am) where we ate cray and prawns. Then we moved to the farm where we ate more seafood, salads and roast meats. It was lovely. Dessert was had at around 6pm. One huge afternoon of eating. Finished with a hit of backyard christmas.

Fantastic.

So there is the wrap up!

A Christmas Eve to remember...

I have heard some people mention that ever fateful christmas that people would never forget. I knew that many people suffered tragedies, triumphs, highs and lows. I don't think our family had experienced one quite like that. Until Chrismas Eve.

We had a lovely dinner at my mum's place, then we all headed down to the local pub for celebratory drinks. It is bit of a tradition to bring in the festivities at the pub. We have been doing it for years. Lots of people were there, many who I knew, but did not recognise. It is funny how a mind can get stuck in a time warp. I remember what they looked like 15 years ago, but many had morphed into adults who I could not pick even if I tried.

A few beverages flowed. Most try not to drink too much, afterall, they'll be up at dawn with Santa's Been induced squeals. Though it probably would pay for someone to remind the local lads that too.

At 9.30 or so mum, my sister, Tara and I all went home. Tara was fast asleep - totally buggered. Alice's boyfriend was coming home a bit later. My brother would be home when he stumped there.

Santa propped some pressies into some stockings and everyone went to bed. I remember laying in bed thinking "Please let Tara sleep through - then it will be chrismas when I wake".

The next thing I hear is slamming doors. My mother screaming. My brother swearing and screaming.

"Look what they've done to me" "They all jumped me" "These are my so-called mates!" "Look at me! Would you F**king look at me!"

It was intertwined with my mother's cries.. "Who did this to you?" "Sit down!" "Let me look!" "Who was it?"

I flew out of bed like you would not believe. My sister followed, then her boyfriend and then Ally.

My little brother had been beated up at the pub. By is apparent friends. This is not the first time these people had done it. The main culprits had broken his nose less than a month ago. His mouth was bleeding. He had blood all over him. His jaw was red and already swelling. Teeth had gone through his lip a couple of times and he had scratches down his chest.

For ages he screamed "Look at what they have done to my face". The pain of his face was nothing compared to the pain in his heart. These were the people who were supposed to be his friends. They had once again taken to him.

We tried desperately to calm him down, but he was fuelled by anger and alcohol. Not a great mix. The next thing we knew was he took off back to the pub to try and get back at them. Mum and Ally tried to stop him in the driveway but he was gone before they could get him. Alices boyfriend went after him and dragged him back to the house and once again we started to try and calm him down.

At one point I grabbed him by the hands and started yelling at him to forget them. Forget these so called friends. Friends, real friends, would not do this to their mate. I told him he needed to shift his focus and realise he is with people who really do love him and care for him. Screw those at the pub, who cares. He did he kept saying. Over and over "Look at me though! Look at what they did to me! At Christmas! I'm going to look all beated up for Christmas!"

After a while longer we got him into bed - still swearing (which, despite my blogging, was scattered through ever second (or less!) word and could be heard down the main street. Ally and I guarded the hall way so that we could stop him if he got up again, and make sure he did not take off.

By this stage my Mum and Sister had taken off down to the pub to find out what had gone on. Alice's boyfriend was with them simply for protection in case they needed it.

They found out more of the story. David did not know why they did it but we found out it was him and one of the Culprits brothers who were messing around with bubblewrap on their hands. The guy hit David softly on the face and David did it back to him. However one of the Guys saw this and thought David was really hitting him. Came up and confronted David and David told him to go away and mind his own business. The Culprit guy kept asking to be friends and to shake on it. David told him to go away (in more colourful terms!). The Culprit Guy turned away then swung back with an elbow to my brother's face. Culprit Guy's Big brother saw this and jumped in. Their mother tried to break it up and another friend tried to hold David back to protect him. They all lost balance and the friend holding David and my brother went through the pub's glass door. The Culprit's mother caught the table on the way down. When David was on the ground they got stuck into him until he could get away. That's when he came home ranting and raving.

We are hoping that the pub has it all on camera, but the guys are new in the bar and probably forgot.

It would hopefully prove David was not in the wrong, but he is probably going to be banned from the pub, he'll be blamed by the other "Mates" and they'll all stop talking to him. And he'll once again get depressed and upset and abandoned by everyone.

The next morning his face was swollen and red. The bruising is coming out now.

Anyway. There was christmas eve. I'll do another post on Christmas Day later.

For now... hug your family, tell them you love them.

My Birthday

It was my birthday the other day. I turned 28 (not afraid to share it! :D)

We went out for breakfast to a place in Darlington which was lovely. I had french toast with caramelised banana and bacon. Was scrummy.

I vegged at home all day until we were going out. I got dressed up and Ally took Tara and I too my dinner. When we got there I found Ally had secretly invited some very special friends who were all sitting at the table waiting for me. How lovely!!

It was at a japanese restaurant and was beautiful. A set meal of 6 courses. The stand outs for the night was the crab taco and the sake creme caramel. mwah. Beautiful.

This morning I am supposed to be packing because we leave in 4 hours and 20 mins. ARGH.

Really need to wash the dog.

Baby, you're dreaming.

I had a baby dream last night. Baby dreams are always so vivid to me. This one though. This one was REAL. I could feel it Real. Wishful thinking I guess.

I was in a public space. Not sure where. I was wearing soft flowing clothes. I was pregnant. And I was in labour. There were people around who did not believe I was in labour though and I just went along doing my thing. I had a few painless contractions and I felt my baby drop. My baby was coming soon. A few more contractions and I felt down between my legs and could feel the head. I started breathing through my contractions. I breathed my baby down and just let my body do the work. The head came through and I remember taking time to just sit and relax. Then a contraction came and WHOOSH...... the body came down and I lifted the baby onto my chest. It was a girl. And she was Big. I don't know the size but she was big in my arms, and had a very moon-like face. She just looked at me. Her name was hers before she was born, and it was very much her after she was born. I held her, and she snuggled in under my chin.

The birth was exceptionally BORING. Just plain and simple and "nothing to write home about" (am sure that phrase was said in my dream...)

I can't remember the rest of the details. I know there was lots more. But they are the bits that stood out.

Bah humbug...

No so much as an evap line.

Wishful thinking, I know. But I was hoping for an extra happy week.

Family Fun Day

We attended a family fun day on Friday. It was a lovely day out - and they had an animal farm with a pony ride. Here are some photos.

Maybe (not) Baby.

Sometimes my body really confuses me. After my post the other day about Ovulating, charting and getting things wrong prior, It seems I may have just gotten it all wrong and may have ovulated earlier on in the month.

Feeling a little crampy and nauseous. Period crampy nauseous. I swear, if I get my period tomorrow I'll cry. I wanted a BFP (Big Fat Positive for those who don't understand) for my birthday. And a sewing machine. But more importantly I want that BFP. Really wanted to give Mum and Dad a card for Christmas announcing a new grandchild.

Guess that's not going to happen now.

Bah Humbug.

New Year Resolution....

I am only making one. And I doubt I can do it anyways. But my resolution is this.

I want to get a blogger's choice award. Maybe I could aim for "Best Designed Blog"

I'll think of a design (yes, I realise I just made a new design!) and aim on actually blogging interesting stuff (maybe I could go for best blog about stuff too!). Maybe this is what I needed to convince me I HAVE to get a domain for myself now.

I know I have a couple of domains.. but maybe I need one for my blog. mmm. ponderings.

It's my birthday tomorrow. Anyone want to buy me a domain and hosting for a year?

That might mean I need to learn Wordpress. And learn how to move my blog to wordpress. And redesign everything. And learn how to blog Cool Stuff That People Will Actually Read.

So.... would you vote for me? *insert big cheesy grin here*

I admire Karen Cheung and Philsproof - have done for a while. have just seen they are both nomiated... Karen numerous times. Way to go.

When I grow up I want to win somefink too.....

More from the Bottom End

Tara's only wee'd in a nappy once today, but complained as soon as she did it and we took the nappy off.

Since then she has wee'd 5 times on the potty, and done two poos.

Wow.

Now, how do we take this from the home environment to outside of the loungeroom?

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!

I've been baking.

Here is my shortbread recipe for those willing to try it. I have a fondness for rice flour in shortbread and think it adds that special something!

Kristie's Festivus Shortbread.

1 part castor sugar
1 part rice flour
1 and a bit parts butter
2 parts plain flour

Chop room temp butter into cubes and add castor sugar. Beat until creamed well. Really well. It needs to be "white"
Add the rice flour and continue the creaming procedure.
Add the plain flour in two parts, beating really really well in between.
Press into a baking tray either greased or lined with baking paper.
Use your fork and some castor sugar to decorate
Cook very very slowly (150c for 45-60 min) until slightly golden (if it is turning brown it is too high or cooked too long).

Remove from oven and place on cooling rack.

Resist the urge to eat immediately.


Kristie's Brandy Butter.

Cream equal parts of butter (pref unsalted but does not matter TOO much) and Pure Icing Sugar (MUST be Pure!). Sifting the icing is VERY important.
Cream it until it is white and fluffy.
Add in Brandy to taste - slowly - checking at each extra added amount. I add LOTS. For 300gms of butter I add about 50 - 150 mls of Brandy).

Put into decorative cups. Wrap with Cellophane and put into the freezer. Great as gifts.


If only I had time to do my gingerbread house this year!

Blogging for dummies - er, the dummy.

That's what I need. I can make my blog pretty, but if I want to make it better, then I need to learn more. Trying to understand RSS feeds is still doing my head in. I want it to do one thing, but maybe I am just being too fussy.

I want to make my blog fun for people to read, and maybe stick around. Then again, not sure why they would want to read about my crap - Cervical Mucus and New Blog are not really linked nor that entertaining!!

It's not like I have a common theme, nor am I great at writing. I used to be once upon a time, but it seems like a lifetime ago.

I did make a step forward though. I have added a stat counter thingo. It is very interesting seeing where people are coming from.

And see. there I go again, with a rather boring blog post. Sorry guests, you can pick your brains up at as you exit this blog... they weren't needed within.

Oh my Gosh!

I just won!

How cool is that going to be for Mamaluna?!


*breathe*

I feel so blessed. Thanks AFW!

Charting. It really is gross.

TMI post. You have been warned!

There is something so weird about actively TRYING to have a baby. I mean, Tara was a beautiful surprise blessing. She just arrived. I did not have to think about it. But now that the wedding is gone and we are (shhhh!) trying for another it's really odd to be following the whole charting side of things.

Since my cyles are all over the place (av 37 days, though 32 - 76 has been recorded) it does not make it as simple as saying "Oh, 10 days in, let's boink for 48 hours and wham bam, baby jam!"... Predicting (or even working out) the time to just go for it is really hard.

And don't get me started on the whole Cervical Mucus thing! Makes me cringe having to describe and understand the goop. I mean, I *like* knowing what is going on with my body, but having to do the midnight tango because of the consistency kind of makes me a little erkie.

So, having said all of that, I thought that I was having a really odd cycle and that when I thought I was ovulating was strange, but I plotted and charted and did what baby-making couples do (that's sex people), I was wondering if I was in the Two Week Wait (TWW).

Then I started bloating the other day. Feeling horrible in my belly and generally just meh. Oh yay, thought I. The Aunt is back. But I think I am wrong. Following the CM today, and the left hand pain I have had today, it seems I am actually Ovulating Late (day 30 by my chart). So unless I am pregnant now (ha!) the earliest I could find out about being PG is on Cycle Day 40 (and that is at a push!). That would be christmas morning.

We'll have to see.

Before that happens, I've gotta go upstairs.

It's even worthy of a dance!

Poo that is. Tara did one on the potty today with an audience. WOW. She danced and whooped and hollered and boogied in the lounge. A poo on the potty! That's no poo in nappies I have had to deal with all week. Not sure if she did one at TinySteps, but none at home.

I feel blessed. Finally the laundry fairies are working in my favour.

yeehaw.

It's not working!

OK, so I thought I would jump on the Blogrolling Bandwagon. It always looked great on other blogs, so I figured it was a pretty good idea - I mean, keeping track of blogs because they have actually updated, rather than just clicking every blog I know seemed like good sense.

Well I just discovered that it's not working! over half of the blogs in my blogroll have updated and BR did not tell me! How rude!

So, what I want to know, is there a special "thing" I was supposed to do and have not done? Did I forget to click a box, or are these blogs different some how? does it not work with LiveJournal or Private/invite only blogs? What about all the others that updated and I have not been notified?

I really need to update my web knowledge!

The world of a Start Up Business

It's so hard trying to break into the Small Business Market when you have no finances to do so, but really don't want to take out a loan either.

I know I have a good business model. I just need to finalise my business plan and really ham that up a bit. I've looked at some government scheme, but for them, I have to work full time 35 hours a week. So min 7 hours per day, while being a full time parent - I just could not do that. I don't qualify, and I refuse to put Tara in full time day care to do that. It's not fair on her.

If I wanted to set up a shop, and such things, in some respects it would be easier because we would be out of the house, and I could look after her and have her with a play room - and work a full 35 hours a week. But the costs involved with a physical location just would not work. Too much money.

I need to win lotto. Or a grant. Though I would need to apply for them. Argh. Need to finish the business plan.

At least I have come across a few online locations (as well as physical addresses) where I can get some information. Hopefully speak to an advisor (and I have some contacts for that anyway).

It's just a bit of a nightmare.

Does anyone who reads my blog, have information on setting up business and services and any tips that I could use? I would be grateful for any pearls of wisdom!

How cute would this be?!

Tara could have a matching fairy costume for "Baby" (her new doll)

eep!

Random Stuff.

As you call all see, the new design is up and functioning. There is still stuff I want to do, but I will get to that slowly.

But, in the meantime - I lost all of my blog links when I changed formats, and now I don't have the old ones at all! I am going via my memory, which is shocking! If your blog is not on the side and it was previously, or if you would like to be added, or if you would like to be removed could you let me know?

Also, can someone please explain - in real laymans terms, all about RSS feeds. Please? :)

The bottom end.

It's amazing that everyday normal folk are changed into weird creatures once offspring come along. I never really understood the whole Parents Are a Different Species thing.

Until I found myself sharing with Ally our daughters Other End.

Yes, we are attempting Potty Awareness. I loathe to call it Potty Training or Toilet Training because she is not a dog, and I don't want to traumatise her over the Porcelain Throne. Instead, Tara is now nappy free most of the time at home and I just encourage her to use the toilet. I thought I would give you an insight of our days.

Tara runs around naked (or at least bottom naked) and runs up to me holding her crotch screaming at me "Oh no! Oh no!" (it is really humourous actually!) and I look at her and say "Quick! Potty!". Off she scurries with all the determination of an elite athlete running the final 10 metres! She backs herself down slowly on the big blue potty and finally sits down.

For all of two seconds.

Then she screams at me ("ughugh!") and gets help getting out of the chair. We do this 20 times or more a day. And every single time the potty is dry. Bone dry. But we celebrate her sitting on the chair (because she used to be terrified!) and we start the process again.

That was until last night.

Tara did wees on the potty! And we did a VERY big happy dance. Whooo hoo! She came and told me she needed to go. I knew she did because she'd been farting and going through the above potty dance for at least 20 minutes. Finally she sat there for a bit longer. She watched a bit of TV and then I heard a noise. At first I thought she'd just farted again, but she jumped out of the Big Blue Potty herself and started squealing in delight! She was pointing and dancing and laughing. And to be honest, so was I. A wee in the potty - that she instigated sitting on in the first place. Whoooooo hooooo!

So imagine my delight when she did the Potty Dance this morning while I was cleaning and she ran and sat on the potty and all of a sudden I hear behind me "Oh, WOW!" I turn around to see the biggest poo ever in the potty! Golly Gosh! Was I ever so happy that she caught THAT one in the potty! Much dancing, squealing and singing occured. She was very very happy. And so was I.

Maybe this summer we WILL manage to do the Toilet Awareness!

The end is near - and so is a new beginning

So the end of the year is coming very quickly. I cannot believe how close it is.

There is so much to be done in the lead up to christmas. I wish there was more time (and money!) but it's just speeding along so quickly! I have worked out what I am doing for pressies for most people, but I still need to finalise it - and buy them all!

Today we had a lovely party at the park with our playgroup friends. It was a lovely day, switching between slightly overcast and hot. The afternoon ended with a pretty fierce storm complete with thunder and lightning. We had lots of fun with all of our friends and it was so lovely to sit and just relax. I did nothing much at all (other than eat and talk) but was utterly exhausted when I got home. I even managed to keep Tara away from the playground most of the day without much trouble (no hat, no shade, very hot and it was too far away from the conversation!). I loved catching up with S, M, P and baby A. So much time flies in 6 months.

I need to do some hefty work on Mamaluna in the next week. I need to sew and send out my tester nappies. This is a lot more possible now that I have official branding cloth tags! whoo hoo. very exciting. Mental note: need to call the printers about my business cards! The website is almost done - kind of. I need to get some photos and start making some of the other merchandise. Oh, and I need to get my tins, fleece and PUL. Soooo busy. I would love to get a lot more done however 'cause I am really feeling the need to bring in some extra money. Hopefully it is not too unrealistic to want to sew and make around 150 nappies over a 4 week break. Scrap the week of christmas, so that is 50 nappies a week... I might be pushing it, but hopefully it can be done!!!

Tara is doing wonderfully. For her birthday she received some money from Granddad and Nanna-Yvonne and some money from some friends. We got her a new doll and a necklace from Nanna and Granddad, and from our friends we used the money to get a book. Well, the book is by far the favourite pressie out of everything. It is called "My Little Word Book" and is wonderful!! She carries it around and reads it over and over again. She can point out about 60% of the photos in the book. She can say "s-ooooos" and "bay-bee" and "mummy" and "tar" very easily. We just need to get her to start pronouncing some other words. She talks non-stop, and most of the time we know what she is talking about. The fact she uses her hand signals so much is a big help too!

All in all, everything is going pretty great.

Now to just remember to update this blog some more!

Upgrading the blog

Please be patient while I upgrade my blog

I think I might have stuffed it, but I'll continue to work on it! :D

Now... to find out how to put an horizontal rule under each day...

Christmas Gifts.

This is what I want Tara to get for christmas. or at least. This is what I want *someone* to get Tara for christmas. LOL

It is Le Van Toy, Fairy Tea Set. you can buy online

My Bouquet

Is ruined.

Yeah - bit silly to mention it now - I hear you saying. The wedding was two months ago.

The thing is, I tried to preserve it using some information I had online. if i Had just hung it up outside it would have dried and I would still have my beautiful bouquet.

Instead, I have a tub with mouldy calla lilies. I have so very upset.

Ally's buttonhole is perfect.
My bouquet is rubbish.

Not even remotely salvageable I do not think. I could not bear to really look at it.

I just want to cry.

Happy Birthday Tara

3.37pm. That is the moment you took your first breath. And every moment since then, you have taken my breath away.

2 years on and you are so amazing, the way you help me see the world around us. Nothing is ever black and white any more. Everything is seen in a kaleidescope of toddler-coloured-glasses. Who knew that the lid on the bottle of water was THE most important part of having a drink. And did I really understand the consequences of folding up the dirty towel you were leaning on?

Your fiery personality sparks inside of me something so primal. The protection of my baby, who is no longer a little baby, but rather a little girl with the world in front of you.

Each day you surprise me with how girlie-girl you are. The fact you adore dressing up, putting on my shoes, or dad's boots and we cannot leave the house without spritzing mum's perfume or deodorant. Don't get me started on the lip gloss fanaticism.

You adore your babies and love to carry them, and feed them (breastmilk of course!). Your new "ergo" is going to serve a great purpose for you!

We still share our special moments of breastfeeding. Usually in bed, in the wee hours of the morning. You call out from your bed "mama.... mummay!" and reach out longingly into the cool morning hair aiming for me to lift you from your bed. We snuggle in and as I lay you on your tummy, you let go and go back to a peaceful slumber.

As we aim towards the next 12 months your dad and I hope to change our lives a little by the introduction of a new sibling. You've started taking and interest in babies, and have even started saying the word when you see them. Fascination has taken your hand, and hopefully, as you get bigger and understand more, you will welcome a new being into our lives.

So, on your second birthday, darling daughter of mine. I hope you have a wonderful day. Try not to scream at your dada and I too much, and maybe share a cuddle, an "I-am-super-cute-look-at-me" cock of the head, and if we are really lucky - blow us a kiss.

We love you with all of our heart and adore watching you grow and change and become such a beautiful loving little person.

We love you.

Happy Birthday.

It's terrible!

It is so terrible. How much I have neglected this blog. I just have been busy and tired and then feeling horrible for not blogging and so I don't blog LOL.

I thought I had better just break the ice and jump in again.

So many things I need to blog about that have gone on, but I can't think of any of them right now!

Tara has her birthday party on Sunday. Am very excited. Butterflies and fairies.

Ally and I have been both working hard on our respective new businesses. I ordered brand labels today for my nappies.

I've got the money to order my microfleece - I wish I could pay for it now LOL. but the shipment of fabric has not come in yet. I should have just told the lady to keep her money when she paid for some work - I'm just going to spend it going back to her!

I have submitted my artwork for my business cards. I hope I get the celloglazed ones, but if not, I will be happy with the value cards. Can't complain about freebie cards.

Sunburn sux. My back is itchy and starting to peel.

I now own a snap press.

Tara is still not really talking - I think she may actually have a tongue tie. But as I have said elsewhere, maybe I am just projecting my fears - though having done some research it seems more likely she does have one. would explain a lot of issues in the beginning.

Not long until christmas. I am looking forward to it - though it's going to be me sewing a lot!

I miss Ruby and Alice tonnes. I miss the closeness we had during the wedding phase.

Um. can't think of much right now - but at least I have broken the blogging drought.

xx

Wedding Photos by Anjella

Welcome Summer

Sorry for the lack in posting. I've been wallowing a little.

Today we decided to get out of the house and we went and stocked up on some swimming stuff and we went to the pool!

I got a new pair of bathers (and some razors *cough*). They are beautifully boring - a black one piece. But for the first time in years I did not feel self concious in them! Woot! I am going to make a sarong to go with them - maybe even a couple. I think I am going to like summer this year.

Tara loved the pool She got a little braver as time went on... but is still a bit of a nervous wreck with her head going under. Hopefully it gets better over time though because I hate seeing her freak out!

Signing up with the ABA for their Counselling course. Bit excited. Bit scared too. Hopefully I do great!

I need to get cracking on my business. Need to buy the domain name this week - hopefully. And get the site running. And make some kits for it.

I want to have stock ready to go for the end of November. Do a short sale - and intro sale for christmas stuff, and then will close over christmas before opening in mid Jan... I think that is my plan. During christmas hols I plan to sew up my stock nappies... fingers crossed!!!

I am thinking of looking for some sewers to do some sewing for me though for tedious things like boosters. Still thinking though.

Reminds me. I need to send an invoice!

Life is cruising. Although getting married has not changed our lifestyle much in the scheme of things, there is something so intimate about knowing you are committed to one person for the duration of your lives and that they WANT to spend the rest of their lives with YOU. makes my heart melt.

Pro photos coming soon! I have seen two. My photographer is teasing me with only posting two. *breaths* I can wait a couple more days! She's gone away for the weekend... she needs the break! (from me hassling her hahaha!)

life is good!

The day Kristie and Ally got hitched.

(This is cross posted from the wedding forum!)

(if any of my guests who read this had a digital camera - can you send me some pics? I don't have any to share!!!!)




Well folks, here I am, in the newly weds section. I can hardly believe it myself!

The week leading up to the wedding was a blur of organising and pampering - nails, makeup, champers, drinks. The works.

we had the rehearsal at the gardens on the friday and many of our guests came along to help out and work out what needed to be done to set everything up. We had a run through and made some changes to the original plans I had, and then we practised the walk. Mum and dad were pretending to hold up my train, and joking around turned into my dad giving me wedgies while I was in absolute tearful hysterics trying to listen to the music!!

The night before the wedding we spent at the pub with guests who were arriving and saying hello. I even managed to win the meat raffle while I was there! There were a few boys who were suffering headaches on the saturday however! ha! My wonderful photographer, Anjella Roessler, even managed to drop in before heading to their accomodation. My sister and my best friend had tied me down and given me hideous makeup, donned me with a veil and a flashing tiara and set the mood for a wonderful fun filled day...

After a couple of hot days, followed by days and days of rain, I was a little skeptical we'd get lovely weather, but the heavens were nice to us and after some morning showers the sun came out and set the mood for a truly wonderful day.

At 5am I was awake. I just could not sleep. It was not nerves or excitement, just the thought of all the things I needed to do!! I was trying to print off the ceremony ready for laminating, as well as the schedule - however the network was down, and the net-savvy boy was in a different town!!

We got stencils cut out, laminating done and the car packed ready for our first trip to Hamilton for the day. We had to be at the reception at 8am to set it up, and be out of there by 9am for my hair.

There were a few seating adjustments that had to be made, but all in all everything came together in our reception room. It was looking so surreal - that in a few hours we'd be back and married!!

after setting up the reception we headed to my hair appointment. The hairdresser was so lovely, and she did such a superb job. I was so impressed with her and her girls. They asked us what we wanted and worked their way through perfecting our hair. Amazing job. We had the champers flowing and everyone was in great spirits. A few days prior I had given the girls jumpers with their initial on them and we wore them to our appointment. We kept joking we were the pink ladies in blue, walking down the street with our matching hair and jumpers! My photographer joined us here and took photos of us goofing around and enjoying ourselves. Ally got his hair done just after we did, and I finally got to meet some of our international guests...

Running out of time, we headed back to my mum's place to get ready. Ally was having some photos done getting ready before Anjella was to meet us at my mum's place (which is 25mins from where we were getting married!). Back at mum's we were running around getting make up done, and trying to smooth out my foundation, getting Tara ready, attempting to fix the fake tan (Mental note Brides to be - don't mix up your fair skinned fake tan with your friends' dark fake tan the night before your wedding!!!!!). Anjella turned up at some point with Marty her assistant hubby and started taking pics. I barely noticed the camera clicking away, it was just a friend hanging around.

In our collection of photos at Bethany (mum's house) there will be pics of me spitting out toothpaste, dressing tara while in my underwear, doing each other's makeup, sticking hollywood tape in the right places... Of course there will be flowers, wedding dresses in windows, jewellery and perfume - not to mention the Hurricane that was Bridal Party.

Time was escaping us and I did not have my itinerary! I was freaking a little. I wanted some shots taken at the front of the house, so Anjella and I went to do that. Quickly loading things into the car we went and got everyone, jumped in the cars and off we went.

Tara fell asleep in the car instantly and slept almost until the ceremony! made life a bit easier.

The cars were parked int he wrong spot so we had to do a u-ie and turn around. I was desperately after the laminated copies of the ceremony which were in my brothers car as I kept forgetting my vows. But due to my brother getting confused he'd got straight to the reception place (which is a motel) to get my bridesmaid the underwear she forgot to pack!! Finally he came back, bridesmaid got some knickers on finally, and I could get the ceremony stuff. Unfortunately for me in my haste, I did not think what I was doing and the wind caught my dress and pushed it all up against the exhaust of my brothers car. Oooops! I now had big marks down the front of my gown! I was about to panic. But I was determined not to have anything screw up the day, so I just said screw it! haha. I CHOSE not to be stressed. An exhaust burn was not going to mess it all up!

Finally we got into our vintage cars. Bridesmaids and Tara in one, and Mum, Dad and I in another. OMG. What are my vows. I kept reading them but my brain was not working. Comfort and Encourage. I kept forgetting those words. Bother. it was too late, I just enjoyed the ride as the drivers took us down the main street and we waved to people out shopping.

Time to get to the gardens. We drove in the gates and I could instantly see guests and I was all of a sudden full of butterflies. wow. they are here to see us. OK. Let's go! I was excited, a little nervous and full of beans.

My darling daughter was half asleep, so my sister carried her down the aisle through the gardens. She was quiet the whole service! Next my dearest friend Ruby walked down, and then my mum and dad and I followed. We got to the start of our Aisle and we took a breath and started walking. I looked at ally and tears just started. he was wearing the buttonhole he was so desperate not to wear. My heart lurched. I walked down the aisle to Angel (the series) Theme by Darling Violetta played on accoustic guitar. I got to the end of the aisle, kissed ally, kissed my mum, then my dad. They sat down and we smiled and laughed and the ceremony began.

My wonderful celebrant, Bernadette, loved my ceremony so much. It was a quick ceremony but it was full of love. In it we had a section where we wanted our guests to answer "We Will", however they all forgot to read their OOS, and had to be prompted big time to answer! it was so funny. We were laughing and joking. Everything was so casual.

Ally had not prepared vows before the day, so I did not know what he was going to say. It was so beautiful. So heartfelt. I was taken aback and any hope of my remembering my vows were quickly gone. I got through half, had to be prompted (I remembered Comfort and Encouragment though!) and finally got the words out (only stuffing up the word promise and saying pledge!).

We exchanged rings with each other holding hands and staring into each others eyes.

Next we had a handfasting where we joined hands and had our wrists bound with a black linen scarf I made. The words were beautiful and very touching. It was such a lovely thing to do. It meant the world to me, and I think Ally would agree it was a nice hting to have in the ceremony.

We kept joking about skipping down the aisle, running, jumping all of that. We were announced as husband and wife, and asked to seal our marriage with a kiss. It was the best kiss of my life! Pure magic in it's everydayness. We signed the certificates and came once again to the centre of our aisle where Bernadette presented us to our friends and family, we were clapped and then took our first steps as husband and wife. We walked down the aisle smiling, laughing, and me calling out for grog. we had fun!

We said quick hellos to lots of our friends and guests, had a bite to eat, then we had to race off for photos.

Since I have bored you enough already, I'll add a quick bit about location shots

Ally, Tara and I had photos in a ceremony where I got scorria rock in my shoes.
We went to a private residence where the whole bridal party climbed a gum tree - including me in my dress!
Tara had a go on an old tire swing
We went to some sheds that had warnings about the instability and dangers of being on the property.


I may write more soon, but my finger are cramping and we have guests and some wedding cake to share!

I hope to have couple of photos in the next day or so... I left my entire handbag at my mum's place so my camera has no photos at all

I am tired but feeling so blessed today.

Ally and I even did a first dance!

Amazing, inspiring, special, intimate, fun, exhilorating, specail, just some of the words to use to describe the day.

anyways... time to go.

Kristie xxx

How likely are....

How likely are people going to be noticing my spelling mistakes?

Cass.. you can't answer!


*head desk*

One on the front of the Order of Service. One on the next page of the order of service. Useless me!

Things are going alright here. Got a lot to do. argh.

Not long now!

Kristie

Forgive me for neglecting you, Blog!

Please forgive me.
Life is hectic.

Wedding stuff is overtaking my brain.

I broke Tara's tooth yesterday (ok, she pushed me on a horse in a park and it bounced and hit her in the face chipping a tooth).

We leave here on Saturday to drive to victoria.

I want black satin chair ties. Over thinking much?

I need to sew tablecloths.

I have a party to go to in 50 mins and have not finished the trousers.

my brain hurts.

so much to do.

I am addicted to facebook. Help me!

Home Business

Today I registered the business name
Bought some products
bought some oils for the massage balm
celebrated with buying a frame for my certificate...

Very excited.

so what is the business name?













MAMALUNA

*jumps for joy*

So over it.

Miserable children that is.

More specifically - my miserable child. I want my smiling little beast back, but instead I have a child who is obviously not getting enough food into her system to last the day, and so meltdown begins around 12-2 pm and continues. she's been screaming at me for about an hour or so now and nothing works.

I am struggling with it to be honest.



A couple more RSVPs. a number of "With Regrets" but we have a couple of comings. I think I have 8 or 9 RSVPs out of the 27 now. There are basically 8 people who I don't know about yet - 6 being family.


Alice! Remember how I was telling you about mineral makeup. www.everydayminerals.com I have heard they are brilliant. Feel free to splurge on brushes and some foundations for me :) haha! I REALLY want the Kabuki brushes, the foundation brush and the Angled brush... I've heard their prices and products are better than any others on the market. Don't forget the trial packs and the promotional codes :)

I really need to do stuff for the wedding. really really. I really need a healthy child and some extra time to do it too... but that's not happening. argh.

I think I am cooking chicken for dinner. Though I doubt the girl will eat.

Ally not home until later.

I want to sleep. Crawl into a hole. All of the above.

Tomorrow is APEC day. We might go fishing!

Eau de bebevomit II

Yes. The child be-eth sick again. :(

Doc visit says she's just got a virus and to keep giving small breastfeeds...




In other news.

I own this.

How nice would it be...

.... if people actually send their RSVPs into me.

I know a few people have told us directly they are coming, but it'd be nice to get the card back with a message.

This is not aimed directly at any of my blog readers ;) but none of you have sent me your cards either! :P 55c people!

Remember - I've still got breastfeeding brain, and we all know what Ally's brain is like ;)

So far, out of 27 invitations, I have three RSVP cards and one email, telling me the card is on its way (still has not arrived).

I'm a keepsakes girl! I like mementos. Scrapbooks of love and some such.

Some of this vent is light hearted (to my blog readers because I know you care a bit - you read the blog! :P) But some of this is a deeply hurt me running to the Post Office Box each day to find it empty.

Please send me your RSVP cards. Just to pacify me even!

Retail Therapy

I had to get some makeup stuff for the wedding today.

I had a look at David Jones and then went and had a look at Priceline. I knew the colour I wanted, but I thought I would test some more out.

After about an hour or so in Priceline I bought a lippy, mascara, some cheap eye shadow, a hair rinse and a hair colour.

I walked out and two seconds walk around the corner found a makeup store selling the EXACT SAME LIPSTICK for - get this - A THIRD of the price!!! I almost cried. They also had mascara - not the one I wanted, but same brand just different type. So I went back to Priceline, returned the makeup I just bought and went to the discount store and bought the following (with the money back from priceline!)

*Max Factor Lipfinity 10 hours colour stay - Desire
*Max Factor Lipfinity 10 hours colour stay - FLamboyant
*Maybelline Sky High Curves - soft black
*Loreal Crystal Infinite - Gold Dust
*Jordana Easy Liner - Black
*Jordana INcolour eyeshadow - Storm Watch
*Fake Toenails
*Glue
(and from priceline)
*castings creme gloss - medium brown
*Live Colour - Chocolate
*SAX cosmetics Stay On Colour Stick - Wine Kiss
*SAX eyes - Pear White


All for under $80.

Not bad huh?

Market Research

Ok mama's (and papas!)

I am doing some market research.... :)

if you would not mind could you please take some measurements of your children in nappies?

You can either comment here, or email me direct (info at designsbykristie dot com)


*Age,
*Weight,
*Rise (back to navel),
*Half rise (crotch to waist line),
*Waist,
*top of thigh/base of hip to waist,
*circ of top of thigh (where nappies/undies would sit - high sitting though - not boyleg style),
*width from middle of buttock to the other buttock.
*And if you wish to include your fav crotch width from any other nappy you have that would be great...

I am finalising the design of my nappy (it's only taken 12 months!)

And suggestions for names of said nappy greatfully accepted! They are going to be a simple basic no-frills style pocket to start with.... I think!

Eau de Bebevomit

That's the current fragrance I am sporting.

Poor thing has spiked a temp... :(

Then when I went to get some stuff for her from the chemist, promptly threw up all over me.

She's miserable and lethargic. :(

Hopefully no more vomit comes though

Blasted Overlocker

It does not like me at the moment.

But when it does, I'll have some cloth pads available for testing....!

I'll have regular size and a post partum size - both with and without pul....

And I'll have some liners too (with no PUL)

Anyone as excited as me yet?

Can I just say...

Can I just say that my online store is going to ROCK when I get it going?

I have been brainstorming like no tomorrow with product ideas and suppliers and things like that.

I have so much organised - all except the money. Once I buy the domain and the business name, then I'll be all set. I am just so in love with my concept. Sure there are other ones out there, but I will have some unique things to sell, and I am going to be small scale. At least to start with.

It's all going to get me towards my goal of being a doula. The store will generate funds so that I can pay for my stuff.

In the mean time, I will go to the next ABA meeting with regards to being a counselor and will decide shortly if that is what I will do.

I might see if I can transfer my doula course to someone else until I can get the money to pay for it upfront... and time to be a doula. Who knows.

but my store. my store is going to be unreal and funky and will make me happy! Something I can do from home, and look after Tara and bub and reach out to people.

Now.... just to win lotto and start it all!

Sometimes I love my creative brain!

So Sad

deleted

More Random Stuff

I have been asked to become a community educator, or a breastfeeding counsellor. It is something I really want to do, but was going to do it after I do the doula stuff.. but since that is in limbo... maybe I should look more into it.

My little home business thingo linked to the doula stuff I was planning is slowly taking off... when I say taking off I mean, I have ideas flowing and a website in the process of design....

I need to start doing something.

If only "something" did not require money to start up!

Handfasting

If he does not want to do it, why won't he just come out and say it, instead of pandering my ego by saying "not decided yet"

It's bloody 50-and-a-bit days away. I want to know. It's one thing I am dying to have in the ceremony...

but I doubt I'll get it.




Life feels so fucked up right now.
Too much negative energy around me. Maybe I am just calling it all around me. Maybe I ran over a cat in a past life and this is Karma's way of saying hi to me.

Meh. Poetry *shrug*

Songs

The beating slows
The temperature rises
Thicker the water
flows nasty surprises

Rises and falls
stretches and pulls
nightmare ensures
terror fulfilled

Wildly it runs
a river untamed
the dam slowly plugs
a heart heavy blamed

New music beating
steady and strong
the wrong concert venue
still joyous the song

I'm too sensitive.

I know I am too sensitive. I know that I take things to heart when I should not. I experience life with my heart on my sleeve and feel mortally wounded if I feel something is even remotely an attack on me personally.

Knowing this of myself as I do, why would I subject myself to feeling constantly below standard, below human, below woman? Because I figure it's one of the best places to learn what I need to learn. Maybe I'll be "one of them" one day. Maybe not. I am more for the softly softly approach. But I understand why they are not. That's fine.

What I object to is, when I am asking questions, seeking unbiased answers to my questions, trying to find my feet on this journey, being met with a snide undercurrent because I dared got to a hospital in the first place.

It's the root of all my problems, dotchaknow.

Maybe it was my fault for stepping inside the hospital grounds. Maybe I did inadvertantly ask to be sliced open. Maybe, just maybe, I really did have an emergency caesaerean. They were not there. They have not walked in my shoes.

This is not their journey, it is mine.

So while I try and find a steady path to walk on, maybe I need to carry an umbrella to repell the downpour I feel around me sometimes. Hopefully this downpour will provide a rainbow at some stage.

As my current MSN nick says.

I'm not stupid. I just have a scar that makes you think I am.

Time for a change?

I am thinking of updating my blog again.

I think it needs a change.

All those in favour, say Aye!



In other news. I really need to snap out of my blergh-ness. It's not doing my headspace very good to be in this flatline at the moment.

antebridalpreconceptionsleepdeprivedstayathomeworkingmamaofone blergh-ness



I am desperate for a new camera. A point and shoot one where I can just TAKE photos. ANY photos.



Can I just say how amazingly beautiful my child can be. Both in looks and in personality. She comes and gives cuddles all the time, dresses up in scarves and shoes with a bag over her shoulder and waves while saying "buhbye" and walking out of the room. or staring up the says shouting "awwow"

She's magical

Oh wow.

http://www.dfwbirthphotographer.com/blog/

This lady takes photos of the birthing woman. I just watched a slide show of her work. Breathtaking. You can tell she keeps the space, does not intrude. Hangs at the back and captures moments.

Utterly brilliant.

Steps towards a VBAC.

I have been doing some thinking the last 24 hours and I think if I want to have a VBAC I need to actively start working towards it now. So I am starting a list of things i need to do before I birth (not necessarily before I conceive).

These are in no order! just as I think of them

1. Get my hospital records.
2. Join Homebirth Access Sydney.
3. Read Spiritual Midwifery.
4. Find a naturopath/homeopath/osteopath
5. Talk to my GP about shared care (if that is an option)
6. Believe in myself totally
7. Surround myself with people who will listen to my thoughts as I purge them (and not criticise me for thinking them)
8. Keep the house TIDY and CLEAN
9. Read my midwifery Manual
10. Find a doula who will support me from the start (or before) - maybe a friend?
11. Learn to listen to my heart
12. Get fit
13. Pre-natal Yoga once pregnant
14. Talk to Independent Midwives and Homebirth Midwives (Work through Tara's Birth)
15. Read. Read. Read.
16. Work with Ally in the Pregnancy Process - I am not alone. It is our Journey.
17. Learn from others before me. Listen to their stories.
18. Work for my birth - not the birth I expect others to expect of me.
19. Monitor my fertility and track it (www.mycycle.com)
20. Join the Maternity Coalition

If I can do most of these things with my full heart, and believe I can, then I am on the road to my VBAC.

Baa Baa...

88%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Dating Site

Ramblings

Unfortunately, my dear readers, you are possibly going to be bombarded with Baby #2 preparation posts for a while. I guess they are going to replace the bountiful posts on the wedding (which is 56 days away - freak out ensues!)

Why is choosing how to have your baby such a hard thing to do? Ok, sure, some will argue that it is simply not a choice. Some will say it is simply a case of you have your baby at home if you want to do it successfully, right, safely, etc.

Others will argue that you need to be in a hospital, just in case something goes wrong, to be prepared, to be helped if it is needed.

Many will baulk at that and say "Pay for the hospital ticket, expect the hospital ride".

I still don't know where I fit in on my thoughts. Logically, I see that homebirth is pretty much the best option. I still don't know where I would have fit in with Tara's birth if it had been a home birth. At what point would a HB midwife say "sorry, we need to transfer". I don't know. Who do I ask this to?

I KNOW that women can have successful VBACs in hospital. I know quite a few of them.

The thing is - I still do not know what I feel is the best option for me. I know people rant and rave against one or the other - and that there is not much of a middle ground (Independent midwife in a birth centre?).

Maybe I am not ready to birth a baby yet at all?

How do I process these things? I KNOW the risks of surgery. I experienced MANY of those risks last time, so anyone who tells me I am blind about them is misinformed. They can't tell me I am wrong for being scared of being at home - with the PPH and bloodloss last time, as well as fetal decels (yes, I know many of these are normal - some are not though, and tara had the bad ones...).

I prepared myself so much for Tara's arrival, and still it went haywire. Some was hospital protocol, some was me, some was her.

Where does the line in the sand get drawn? How can I feel comfortable with either decision?

Welcome beautiful girl

Welcome to the world beautiful babe.

Cannot wait to hear more from your mamma.

Congratulations sweetheart - you are amazing. I am in awe.

Happy Big Sister Day K.

Hope you are resting S. and recovering well.

Amazing.

From the voices in my blog...

I am so jealous of the civilisations where the women were considered unclean and had to go off to a womans' hut for the duration of their period and couldn't be around men during that time. I really want a hut. We all need huts.


HAHAHA. this has to be one of the best comments I have seen in a while. You had me crying with laughter!

Me.

I am an hormonal bitch.


'nuff said.

screw my stupid brain.

Randon Stuff

Tara did wees on the potty.
She counted to three mimicking me - and then changed her mind.
She knows that keys unlock doors.
She loves to drink bath water (blergh!)
Tara likes to try and skip.
She says thankyou lots.
And How are you. Though I think I might be the only one who hears these things.
She is too cute for words.
She loves to pat other kids. They have fur too. ;)
We are about to do up a big girl's room for her. I think she may even sleep better there than in our room.
She loves to dance lots.
She knows where her head, ears, eyes, nose and mouth are.
Tara loves to try and dress herself.
She now has her very own cabbage patch doll. I want to find one that looks like her. or find a doll that is made to look like her.

in other news, we have the car and there is much car love.
I've been very slack with wedding stuff.


We saw a man about some rings last night. Ally chose one he liked. I preferred the other one, but he's the one who has to wear it! We got a quote for my ring too. made like the one I saw in Warrnambool. It'll be half the cost of the premade ring. I don't want to really have a ring that fits mine, but this jeweller once again said that it'll damage my engagement ring if I don't have one fit. I feel really anxious about the whole ring thing. Its a case of I am damned if I do, damned if I don't.

Happy Dance!

I just have one thing to say.




I am a design genius.



It's true. Sure, blowing my own trumpet a little, however someone just told me so.



So there.

*raspberry*

Welcome to our new family member

After a long and painful, sometimes heartbreaking journey, yesterday evening we finally met her. She's currently at the doctors having some essential surgery, but will be coming home hopefully on Friday.

So, without further adieu, meet our - as yet unnamed - member of the family.





She does not have the dark features as the one above, but we'll get her tinted later on.

She is a 1998 Mitsubishi Magna Executive V6 Advance

Bring on Friday!

I'm a little petunia in an onion patch...

I am sobbing. Well, almost.

Got my first flower quote today for the wedding and it is significantly more expensive than I had thought. When I was interested in only Singapore Orchids, the quote was "Around $100" for a cascading bouquet.

Well I changed my mind, and decided I liked other flowers - as I posted earlier on. The new and improved quote - $220. Ok, I don't begrudge the florist for charging this, and I know that flowers cost a lot, but that's fairly excessive for Hamilton standards! Maybe Hamilton has moved up in the world.

$45 each for the bridesmaids.

$10 each for buttonholes for the boys

$15 each for mother's bouquets.

Total cost is $440 inc GST.

Maybe I have to rethink completely what I want.

Maybe a posie instead of a cascade...?

I am looking at artificial for the boys... am looking at other options for the girls.. it's just depressing.

A Post for Alice

Hello Alice!

here is the earrings that I was looking at for you - but the bottom crystal (the big one) would be a pearl... (http://www.rushcreations.com.au/c/25006/1/swarovski-colour-chart.html bottom picture, the blue pearl Night Blue)

And then a necklace on tigertail with the same drops as the earrings.

Crystals would be Light blues....

What are your thoughts?

Time for a change...

Well, since having 99.9% finished the www.princessallure.com.au website, and now having Anjella think I am funky and wants a new logo, I thought the website frontpage just saying "will work for longies" was probably not the professional look I should be going for.

So, cast your eyes on

www.designsbykristie.com

I might be bored of it in a week and decide it is crap, so feedback is welcome (and typo checks welcome!)

Oh look, I am famous!

lookie lookie

Gold Stars for me!

http://www.greatparasolz.com
http://www.cinderellabella.com.au

the first place is a bit exxy :( but I love the one you can choose the handle on. But I cannot afford that price for a parasol.

I wonder how easy it would be to dye the Empress one at cinders...

20 Gold Stars...

... to the person who can find me a Victorian or Edwardian Ivory parasol, with or without fringe/tassels/lace edging.

NO battenburg parasols will be accepted in this hunt.

Under $70AU please.

Will consider a frame only, or a cheap frame with dodgy fabric.

Mourning Parasol considered in blacks, if in bad condition ('cause I don't want to wreck a perfectly good parasol).

HELP ME PLEASE!

oooh.. so I did get a bargain!

My bridal shoes are apparently worth $80... :)

So I did get a great bargain!

All about Tara.

She says words. OK, so they are not words, but I can hear what she says.

"Hello"
"Thankyou"
"Oh-Oh"
"Mmmmmmm!"

they are probably her favourites.


She has started pulling cheesy grin faces.

She looks like a little girl now. This last month she has really changed.

She loves to try and dress herself. Today it was a green teeshirt over the feet, and my knickers over her head. But she is trying.

She loves milk in a cup when I have my morning coffee. She'd have coffee if we would allow it... it must run through her veins.

She loves giving cuddles and kisses.

She almost strangled the cat trying to give it kisses.

The telephone is still her favourite thing.

She loves baths.

She can brush her hair.

She loves to run.

She melts my heart.

Look at me, daaaahlink!

So we met our wonderful photographer yesterday!

So, it felt a little bit awkward in the beginning - mainly because I kinda felt I knew Anjella like an old friend the thought crossed my mind that hugging on the first meeting (especially someone you are essentially hiring!) is probably not the best approach! It felt almost weird talking on a "we just met" wave, when it felt like I'd known her for years. Next time I'll hug though!

Anways, Anjella (Angela - say it with me people!) took some pics of us, and here are my favs, blog ready, for you to stare at wonderment with.

The one of Tara staring at the camera is possibly going to be on a studio wall in the future...









and a coloured version of the mirror shot..


And some exciting stuff is cogging around in the background for me at the moment. Maybe a bit of a "break" has landed in my lap. I feel truly blessed.



Oh and on a completely random topic. Did you hear about the cop hit over the head with a bottle in QLD? He's awake, talking and making an amazing recovery. He used to be a Macarthur Boy (where I grew up) and everyone is just astounded by his recovery. If you would not mind sparing a thought for him please...