So here we are again. New Year's Eve and we look back and look forward.
So looking back, 2011 was a big year in my family. We sold our house and bought a boat, The Roobear started school, I left a job I had been in for over 8 years (and then promptly ditched my new job of 3 months for an awesome but temporary part time one) and then we left Sydney.
New school for the kids, new job for me, new job for The Husband and a new, huge home that we could actually spread out in. Recently a new car and another awesome family holiday on the Gold Coast. Along with all those changes we made some new friends but importantly kept some great old friends.
It really doesn't get much better than 2011.
During December in the dying moments of the year The Husband and I have had some discussions about the future for our family and ourselves as individuals.
The Husband is planning on finally getting his shit together and writing something. He is also going to do the little jobs I ask him to do in a timely fashion rather than in his own time (I made that one up but I can always hope;).
I am going to join the preschool committee as my youngest daughter, The Evil One/Small Fry heads to Preschool in anticipation of big school. This year is likely to be my final year in the part time work force so I am hoping to make the most of it. I am also going to get in shape. I don't know if that means losing weight but I want to at least be fit again by this time next year. I will be paying particular notice to my nicely developed tuckshop arms and my starting point is to run up and down our staircase for 10 minutes x3 each day.
Catch me out - go on! I dares ya!
We are planning to make the trek to Uluru in winter. That will be Da Shiz!
My children? Well that's where the spanner was thrown in. The Husband asks me if I want another baby. This is the last opportunity so I need to think carefully he tells me. At first I was excited and could see us having 4 babies. My girls are all 2 years apart and 2 years ago I had really wanted another baby and The Husband had said no. We would need a bigger house, a bigger car and we couldn't afford those therefore no more babies. I was really disappointed and fortunately for my own sanity I got sucked into retraining and a new position at work so not only did I have to forget about another baby but by the end of the year I was almost in divorce court - it was a stressful year for everyone and I would never take on that much again. A baby as it turned out would not have been a great idea.
2011 was not nearly as stressful despite the upheaval but in thinking about a new addition I have had to reflect on our family life. In the last 2 years things have been pretty great. The girls are starting to really play well together, in 2011 the eldest 2 have been at school together bringing a new dynamic to their relationship, Small Fry is so keen for school and is only 12 months away reminding me of why I had them so close together in the first place. I wanted my children to experience life stages together. Unlike my own relationship with my much younger sibling that is literally non existant.
The girls are all fairly independent now and we all get a reasonable amount of sleep. We can all swim without floaties, wipe our bums and get a drink of water - life is bloody awesome!
Not only would I be turning back the clock with another baby but I would be leaving it out in the cold in terms of the 'sister connection'. Then there's the possibility that we have a little boy -what the fuck do I do with one of them?! There's also the future that I look forward to with The Husband. In 5-6 years the girls will be old enough for us to go and play a round of golf together, have a dinner date without having to go to the Gold Coast to do it! We, as a couple and a family, will be able to do some wonderful holidays that I am really looking forward to.
So after much backing and forthing I have decided not to change my family now. We are just right the way we are. I never hesitated once about having the other girls, this is the biggest indicator to me that I am done -though I will always cuddle your baby if you have one, they is soooo cute and wonderful to smell!
So looking forward- Uluru & hopefully some good work to bring good money to keep the fun rolling! I have come to some work conclusions that will make my life much easier. I was always pushing for the next thing never really appreciating what I have or what I do. This has been my mistake. I love my job and I love my family. Rather than always pushing myself to be better for someone else I am going to push myself to do my best (not hard) and enjoy my family. Therefore, bugger the promotion ladder - who cares?! My family and I love my holidays and an extra few bucks ain't worth losing them! I'm going to spend 2012 making awesome memories with my kids and The Husband because I am so lucky to have them and have taken them for granted one too many times in my opinion!
In review - 2011 bloody fantastic!
To the future - Bring it!
So Happy New Year to you all.
Now, where are those fireworks?
PS. If I've lost it a little and rambled -I've been drinking...it's NYE for fuck's sake!
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Sunday, 25 December 2011
The best time of the year!
This is my favourite time of year and Christmas is literally the best of the 365/6 days we get every year. I love it and so does The Husband but the lead up to the day is all part of the enjoyment.
So since we last met I have taken Long Service Leave to extend my Christmas season! 7 weeks of summer, such as it is.
Primarily I took leave to get ready for Christmas because we were making what has become our annual pilgrimage to the Gold Coast for the week before Dec 25.
7 days in Paradise (Resort) which happens to be conveniently located on Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise.
7 days spent in the pool, by the pool, napping, dropping the kids of at Zone4Kids before a dinner date every night followed by cocktails before picking the kids up and wrapping up a generally awesome day. If you haven't been there, do yourself a favour.
It may not sound like much to some but when you have 3 small children to raise and work and keep house a week where you do nothing but play with your kids and then offload them to someone else is simply a greater feeling than words can describe. The total lack of work to be done alone is phenomenal!
The Husband may not have but I even enjoyed the drive there and back despite the 8-10 hours stuck in a car with said 3 children.
So back to the big day...or 2.
I have bought and wrapped presents. I have prepared lunch menus with The Husband ('cos he does the cooking) for Christmas Eve & Day. I have shopped, attended presentation assemblies, Christmas Concerts, graduations and parties. I have farewelled colleagues going to far flung townships and farewelled my own job with both trepidation and relief. I have discussed the future of my family for 2012 with The Husband and now I have thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days of Christmas with Boxing Day (the laziest day of the year) still to come.
Christmas Eve included a house filled with friends and a large number of children. There was food, booze, chat and laughter and the constant background noise of the kids which to me are the sounds of summer. Christmas Day has obviously included the Great Unwrapping, the playing of all new games and toys, turkey, duck, ham, vegies, pudding, sparkling wine, white wine, beer...with a late seafood/salad/bread dinner to come though there may be a few vodkas first and a giggle at something funny on telly (The Griswald's Christmas Vacation is on -everyone SHUT UP!).
What did I get?
So I got 2 books, a dress and necklace/earrings set which I am very grateful for. It's always nice to have something to open Christmas morning but the best present I have received this year is hearing my daughters playing nicely together. They are always going to argue, and apparently scratch, but for the most part they have played well together for 2 days and most of our QLD holiday. I have my fingers crossed that we are turning a corner although I did just her Miss 6 tell Miss 4 that she is "slobbering on her pillow like a mad dog!" as they prepare for a camp out in the rumpus room so I may have spoken too soon but I am holding out hope - tis the season!
So anyway, I do hope that everyone found something to be positive about this Christmas. I don't think you have to be religious to enjoy this time of year. I think you have to simply have love in your heart, a smile on your face and generosity of spirit. Enjoy the people you spend your time with or arrange to spend time with people you enjoy. Ignore the things that piss you off if you need to or better still be understanding of how someone may have arrived at their particular point of frustration - can you help them?
My mission is to continue this understanding for the other 50.5 weeks of the year (I've done a pretty good job this over the last 10 days I reckon) though I may need a little help and understanding at times myself.
More about the plans for 2012 next week, eh?
Merry Christmas!
So since we last met I have taken Long Service Leave to extend my Christmas season! 7 weeks of summer, such as it is.
Primarily I took leave to get ready for Christmas because we were making what has become our annual pilgrimage to the Gold Coast for the week before Dec 25.
7 days in Paradise (Resort) which happens to be conveniently located on Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise.
7 days spent in the pool, by the pool, napping, dropping the kids of at Zone4Kids before a dinner date every night followed by cocktails before picking the kids up and wrapping up a generally awesome day. If you haven't been there, do yourself a favour.
It may not sound like much to some but when you have 3 small children to raise and work and keep house a week where you do nothing but play with your kids and then offload them to someone else is simply a greater feeling than words can describe. The total lack of work to be done alone is phenomenal!
The Husband may not have but I even enjoyed the drive there and back despite the 8-10 hours stuck in a car with said 3 children.
So back to the big day...or 2.
I have bought and wrapped presents. I have prepared lunch menus with The Husband ('cos he does the cooking) for Christmas Eve & Day. I have shopped, attended presentation assemblies, Christmas Concerts, graduations and parties. I have farewelled colleagues going to far flung townships and farewelled my own job with both trepidation and relief. I have discussed the future of my family for 2012 with The Husband and now I have thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days of Christmas with Boxing Day (the laziest day of the year) still to come.
Christmas Eve included a house filled with friends and a large number of children. There was food, booze, chat and laughter and the constant background noise of the kids which to me are the sounds of summer. Christmas Day has obviously included the Great Unwrapping, the playing of all new games and toys, turkey, duck, ham, vegies, pudding, sparkling wine, white wine, beer...with a late seafood/salad/bread dinner to come though there may be a few vodkas first and a giggle at something funny on telly (The Griswald's Christmas Vacation is on -everyone SHUT UP!).
What did I get?
So I got 2 books, a dress and necklace/earrings set which I am very grateful for. It's always nice to have something to open Christmas morning but the best present I have received this year is hearing my daughters playing nicely together. They are always going to argue, and apparently scratch, but for the most part they have played well together for 2 days and most of our QLD holiday. I have my fingers crossed that we are turning a corner although I did just her Miss 6 tell Miss 4 that she is "slobbering on her pillow like a mad dog!" as they prepare for a camp out in the rumpus room so I may have spoken too soon but I am holding out hope - tis the season!
So anyway, I do hope that everyone found something to be positive about this Christmas. I don't think you have to be religious to enjoy this time of year. I think you have to simply have love in your heart, a smile on your face and generosity of spirit. Enjoy the people you spend your time with or arrange to spend time with people you enjoy. Ignore the things that piss you off if you need to or better still be understanding of how someone may have arrived at their particular point of frustration - can you help them?
My mission is to continue this understanding for the other 50.5 weeks of the year (I've done a pretty good job this over the last 10 days I reckon) though I may need a little help and understanding at times myself.
More about the plans for 2012 next week, eh?
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Just for you ;)
I was reasonably sure that after my first post the only person reading this was my Husband. Which sometimes means I have to vent elsewhere but that's ok because I didn't really create this as a bitch page about him and surprisingly haven't have anything much to gripe about...more likely I haven't been online when he's really ticked me off...either way it turns out some one or some others are also reading -I have two things to say to you.
1. Thank you.
2. YAY!!
So the 'regular' thing isn't happening yet, I'll get there. These kids keep me busy and to be honest picking Friday night as my blogging night may not have been wise. It works because everyone including the Husband is in bed early so I have the computer to myself. The problem is by the time get them all to bed I just want to collapse into the lounge and watch trash telly with booze until I fall asleep which is generally as the Husband is getting up to go to work.
Anyway, what are the exciting bits of this week just gone?
RANT
Well, I stood up to a woman at work who has freely treated me like the shit on her shoe since I arrived. What really pisses me off is that she actually admitted to knowing she treats people this way! Well then figure out how to stop -it's not acceptable to be disrespectful, belittling, rude and unprofessional whether you know you are doing it or not! And don't expect me to keep taking your shit -especially when you are totally out of fucking line! My old boss used to say that you need to know if this "is your hill to die on?". Bullying in the work place may well have become that for me. We're teachers for Christ's sake -what are we expecting students to learn? How to bully from the masters?! I love being a teacher and I know that I am passing on valuable information, experiences and skills to my students. Unfortunately I am often disgusted by the endemic bullying that goes on in schools within the ranks of staff. Teachers afraid to ask for permission to attend their own children's presentation assemblies or take a day off when their child (or themselves) are sick. Constantly being expected to put the children of 2000 odd other people before their own and punished in a myriad of ways when they won't. Would you? Why should I? Your kids get our attention day in day out for most of the year -that's enough. I will never be promoted simply because of my previous statement. No matter how good I am at my job or anyone else's for that matter.
COOLNESS
Last Sunday we purchased a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. It is my dream car. My Lotto car if you will. We were looking for something to tow the boat that won't be destroyed by salt water (the Mondeo is very low). Husband wasn't hard to convince. They are after all a ball tearer of a vehicle! It is also fabulously Deep Green -so regal! I absolutely love it. We are now planning to hit Uluru next winter with the kids. Can't wait. First we will test drive it to Paradise. We all love it and we have been wondering why we didn't get a 4WD sooner. Especially since we can whack whichever kid is being most annoying in the furthest seat from the driver and get on wit things ;) Then we remembered we couldn't afford to run one until the last couple of years. Which makes me feel good that the 'establishing' years are almost behind us and we are looking forward to a good future.
Also being a Disco owner is like joining a club. I shit you not, an old bloke driving the same model past me the other day gave me a wave and a nod! Some other guy gave Husband the details for his mechanic who is an expert in Rovers on the coast. I giggle and mock but it's kinda cool (in an elitist sorta way;). I guess it's just nice to feel like I belong to something again.
REALISATION
Obviously I belong to my family. That's a given but work has always been an important part of my life and since leaving you know where I really don't feel like I belong anywhere or have anyone's respect no matter what minor miracle I may perform. I feel displaced, marginalised, like I'm in a purgatory for temporary teachers and I'll never be worth anything again. I'm very lucky to have my family to come home to. I'm worth something to them thankfully even if we have a funny way of showing it sometimes-and believe me some days we DO have a strange way of showing it.
We've all just watched the final Harry Potter movie. After reading the books together and watching all the movies together an era has ended. There'll be others I know but this was our first. It's been going on as long as our marriage, our children's entire lives, it's been an annual family event (among the plethora of others but an event nonetheless!) The kids have been learning about persistance at school this term. My 6 year old just told me "Harry would definitely get an award for Persistance because he just keeps on trying and never gives up!"
He is a persistant and resilient boy that Potter -thanks for helping my children learn and understand two very important concepts, Ms Rowling. I greatly appreciate it :)
It may seem simple but it takes an inner strength and determination to muster persistance and be resilient in the face of ongoing adversity. The 6000 refugees who try desperately to make our shores every year in the hope of a safe and decent life come to mind.
1. Thank you.
2. YAY!!
So the 'regular' thing isn't happening yet, I'll get there. These kids keep me busy and to be honest picking Friday night as my blogging night may not have been wise. It works because everyone including the Husband is in bed early so I have the computer to myself. The problem is by the time get them all to bed I just want to collapse into the lounge and watch trash telly with booze until I fall asleep which is generally as the Husband is getting up to go to work.
Anyway, what are the exciting bits of this week just gone?
RANT
Well, I stood up to a woman at work who has freely treated me like the shit on her shoe since I arrived. What really pisses me off is that she actually admitted to knowing she treats people this way! Well then figure out how to stop -it's not acceptable to be disrespectful, belittling, rude and unprofessional whether you know you are doing it or not! And don't expect me to keep taking your shit -especially when you are totally out of fucking line! My old boss used to say that you need to know if this "is your hill to die on?". Bullying in the work place may well have become that for me. We're teachers for Christ's sake -what are we expecting students to learn? How to bully from the masters?! I love being a teacher and I know that I am passing on valuable information, experiences and skills to my students. Unfortunately I am often disgusted by the endemic bullying that goes on in schools within the ranks of staff. Teachers afraid to ask for permission to attend their own children's presentation assemblies or take a day off when their child (or themselves) are sick. Constantly being expected to put the children of 2000 odd other people before their own and punished in a myriad of ways when they won't. Would you? Why should I? Your kids get our attention day in day out for most of the year -that's enough. I will never be promoted simply because of my previous statement. No matter how good I am at my job or anyone else's for that matter.
COOLNESS
Last Sunday we purchased a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. It is my dream car. My Lotto car if you will. We were looking for something to tow the boat that won't be destroyed by salt water (the Mondeo is very low). Husband wasn't hard to convince. They are after all a ball tearer of a vehicle! It is also fabulously Deep Green -so regal! I absolutely love it. We are now planning to hit Uluru next winter with the kids. Can't wait. First we will test drive it to Paradise. We all love it and we have been wondering why we didn't get a 4WD sooner. Especially since we can whack whichever kid is being most annoying in the furthest seat from the driver and get on wit things ;) Then we remembered we couldn't afford to run one until the last couple of years. Which makes me feel good that the 'establishing' years are almost behind us and we are looking forward to a good future.
Also being a Disco owner is like joining a club. I shit you not, an old bloke driving the same model past me the other day gave me a wave and a nod! Some other guy gave Husband the details for his mechanic who is an expert in Rovers on the coast. I giggle and mock but it's kinda cool (in an elitist sorta way;). I guess it's just nice to feel like I belong to something again.
REALISATION
Obviously I belong to my family. That's a given but work has always been an important part of my life and since leaving you know where I really don't feel like I belong anywhere or have anyone's respect no matter what minor miracle I may perform. I feel displaced, marginalised, like I'm in a purgatory for temporary teachers and I'll never be worth anything again. I'm very lucky to have my family to come home to. I'm worth something to them thankfully even if we have a funny way of showing it sometimes-and believe me some days we DO have a strange way of showing it.
We've all just watched the final Harry Potter movie. After reading the books together and watching all the movies together an era has ended. There'll be others I know but this was our first. It's been going on as long as our marriage, our children's entire lives, it's been an annual family event (among the plethora of others but an event nonetheless!) The kids have been learning about persistance at school this term. My 6 year old just told me "Harry would definitely get an award for Persistance because he just keeps on trying and never gives up!"
He is a persistant and resilient boy that Potter -thanks for helping my children learn and understand two very important concepts, Ms Rowling. I greatly appreciate it :)
It may seem simple but it takes an inner strength and determination to muster persistance and be resilient in the face of ongoing adversity. The 6000 refugees who try desperately to make our shores every year in the hope of a safe and decent life come to mind.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Neglected :(
Soooo neglected! Poor blog.
So I've been a little busy lately. Not doing anything in particular but haven't really been on the computer either. Recently acquired an iPad which i think my husband has translated to never needs to use the iMAc again! It's great and I use it mostly for bits and pieces but it has no word processing tools and it's shit to type with that virtual keyboard otherwise I could have kept you up to date!
Since we last met I have had a run in with a near sighted, gung-ho copper who accused me of using my phone while driving - I scratched my ear as I drove past him in a side street. He was a total arsehole until his partner told him to lay off. No wonder that bloke in Castle Hill is dead. Did they give him a chance to explain what what he was doing or just leap in like this idiot?!
I also put in for Long Service Leave so that I get an extended summer break but now the long range forecast is shit and the time I planned to be lounging by the pool drinking mojito's in a plastic shot class I could well be spending in trackies on the lounge :(
My job for next year was confirmed though 1 day/week less so I am working on a plan for the extra day. I have started delivering Professional Development session up here with more planned for next year (hopefully to make up for that extra day off).
I think I have all the shopping done for the kids Christmas pressies and am now planning food. Disappointingly my SIL who was visiting can no longer make it. On the upside we don't even have to get dressed if we don't to!
We are off to the Gold Coast in 5 weeks which I am looking forward to though I am yet to save any spending money!
The youngest has had her orientation for preschool which she is so excited about, particularly her new spiffy red hat!
I have resisted the urge so far to apply for well paid yet full time jobs in favour of spending the youngest one's last pre-school year working part time to spend extra time with her.
We've been out and about in the boat including a little swimming on Lake Macquarie. An esky and a proper picnic will be in order next time! Even the dog has a great time:D
On top of all that I think I am shouting less, or at least taking things more in my stride.
I do still sometimes lose it with the eldest one -she seriously pushes my buttons for pleasure and I have been in the habit of biting for so long it is hard to break. I am implementing a series of thought provoking question cards. When she is absolutely losing it (which by the way is usually a performance worthy of an Oscar by it's denouement) I will hand her a card and ask her to answer it. My hope is that it will distract her and end the tanty while also getting her to start seeing her behaviour for what it is so we can try to change it. This I will need to stick to and that is possibly the slackest part in my parenting of her - consistency. That's probably why she pushes everything all the time!
I think I learned my lesson with the other two - time will tell.
So I've kind of lost my way in the purpose of this blog but I'll try to get back on track and post once a week -high expectations, I know!
This weekend is supposed to be sunny and warm so I'm hoping to actually get more than my feet in the pool! I only have a couple of hours chores in the morning and I've already planted the 'dinner out' seed so all in all I'm looking forward to it.
Hope you are looking forward to a lovely weekend too.
See you next week -definitely!
So I've been a little busy lately. Not doing anything in particular but haven't really been on the computer either. Recently acquired an iPad which i think my husband has translated to never needs to use the iMAc again! It's great and I use it mostly for bits and pieces but it has no word processing tools and it's shit to type with that virtual keyboard otherwise I could have kept you up to date!
Since we last met I have had a run in with a near sighted, gung-ho copper who accused me of using my phone while driving - I scratched my ear as I drove past him in a side street. He was a total arsehole until his partner told him to lay off. No wonder that bloke in Castle Hill is dead. Did they give him a chance to explain what what he was doing or just leap in like this idiot?!
I also put in for Long Service Leave so that I get an extended summer break but now the long range forecast is shit and the time I planned to be lounging by the pool drinking mojito's in a plastic shot class I could well be spending in trackies on the lounge :(
My job for next year was confirmed though 1 day/week less so I am working on a plan for the extra day. I have started delivering Professional Development session up here with more planned for next year (hopefully to make up for that extra day off).
I think I have all the shopping done for the kids Christmas pressies and am now planning food. Disappointingly my SIL who was visiting can no longer make it. On the upside we don't even have to get dressed if we don't to!
We are off to the Gold Coast in 5 weeks which I am looking forward to though I am yet to save any spending money!
The youngest has had her orientation for preschool which she is so excited about, particularly her new spiffy red hat!
I have resisted the urge so far to apply for well paid yet full time jobs in favour of spending the youngest one's last pre-school year working part time to spend extra time with her.
We've been out and about in the boat including a little swimming on Lake Macquarie. An esky and a proper picnic will be in order next time! Even the dog has a great time:D
On top of all that I think I am shouting less, or at least taking things more in my stride.
I do still sometimes lose it with the eldest one -she seriously pushes my buttons for pleasure and I have been in the habit of biting for so long it is hard to break. I am implementing a series of thought provoking question cards. When she is absolutely losing it (which by the way is usually a performance worthy of an Oscar by it's denouement) I will hand her a card and ask her to answer it. My hope is that it will distract her and end the tanty while also getting her to start seeing her behaviour for what it is so we can try to change it. This I will need to stick to and that is possibly the slackest part in my parenting of her - consistency. That's probably why she pushes everything all the time!
I think I learned my lesson with the other two - time will tell.
So I've kind of lost my way in the purpose of this blog but I'll try to get back on track and post once a week -high expectations, I know!
This weekend is supposed to be sunny and warm so I'm hoping to actually get more than my feet in the pool! I only have a couple of hours chores in the morning and I've already planted the 'dinner out' seed so all in all I'm looking forward to it.
Hope you are looking forward to a lovely weekend too.
See you next week -definitely!
Monday, 10 October 2011
Oops!
So already you have fallen by the wayside but you'll be pleased to hear that it was order for me to go boating, take the kids to the movies, spend time with my elderly Grandma, receive visitors, go swimming, drink vodka and generally commence proceedings for the SUMMER OF FUN!
The second week of the school holidays was pretty good. The first wasn't too shabby for that matter but then who can't have a good time in school holidays.
I did get a bit snippy in the middle there but upon reflection I think by that point everyone was very overtired (we had a big long weekend)and we all needed a nap -but of course didn't have one 'cos it's holidays! Also, like a lot of us I tend to express my anger and frustration badly and toward the wrong peeps. That is an exceptionally bad habit to break. For a start you actually have to think before you explode - not my strong suit sadly but one foible at a time. For the moment it is shouting. I am a shouter and I am breeding shouters so I am working on calm & quiet before anything else. Once I have that organised I'll work on controlled explosions.
So now everything is back to normal. School, work, washing, dinners, blah, blah...I have just this afternoon realised how invaluable I am. This is the upside to returning to work after a break. You realise how important you are to your little brood.
I got home a few minutes earlier than usual to find my eldest daughter in her little sisters school shirt with her belly hanging out, this is how she has spent the day at school. My youngest daughter in her older sisters clothes with only 1 shoe on because she can't locate the other and my middle daughter totally organised 'cos that's the kind of kid she is - in fact she has come in, gotten changed and gone out to water her garden and not even said hello yet! She is happy as long as she gets a cuddle every day. The other 2 are feeding their faces in front of the telly -relaxing after a hard day before hitting the yard. In a way they all have their priorities right, fitting the stuff they enjoy into their daily routines. In the long run they'll be fine I guess...if I can just stop shouting and be less frustrated with what I can't control.
Back to the fun...after I've cleaned the kitchen and organised dinner.
The second week of the school holidays was pretty good. The first wasn't too shabby for that matter but then who can't have a good time in school holidays.
I did get a bit snippy in the middle there but upon reflection I think by that point everyone was very overtired (we had a big long weekend)and we all needed a nap -but of course didn't have one 'cos it's holidays! Also, like a lot of us I tend to express my anger and frustration badly and toward the wrong peeps. That is an exceptionally bad habit to break. For a start you actually have to think before you explode - not my strong suit sadly but one foible at a time. For the moment it is shouting. I am a shouter and I am breeding shouters so I am working on calm & quiet before anything else. Once I have that organised I'll work on controlled explosions.
So now everything is back to normal. School, work, washing, dinners, blah, blah...I have just this afternoon realised how invaluable I am. This is the upside to returning to work after a break. You realise how important you are to your little brood.
I got home a few minutes earlier than usual to find my eldest daughter in her little sisters school shirt with her belly hanging out, this is how she has spent the day at school. My youngest daughter in her older sisters clothes with only 1 shoe on because she can't locate the other and my middle daughter totally organised 'cos that's the kind of kid she is - in fact she has come in, gotten changed and gone out to water her garden and not even said hello yet! She is happy as long as she gets a cuddle every day. The other 2 are feeding their faces in front of the telly -relaxing after a hard day before hitting the yard. In a way they all have their priorities right, fitting the stuff they enjoy into their daily routines. In the long run they'll be fine I guess...if I can just stop shouting and be less frustrated with what I can't control.
Back to the fun...after I've cleaned the kitchen and organised dinner.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
The Pool is OPEN!
Today was the Official Pool Opening.
Great reason to have friends over for a bbq & drinks. It also coincided with my youngest daughter's 4th birthday and niece's 18th birthday so a great excuse to have 2 birthday cakes & repeated singing of Happy Birthday. That always brings a smile.
I enjoy the shopping and menu prep and I even enjoy the last minute clean up and organisation except today it was done with 3 kids who would just not let up!
Mum, we're hungry...
Mum, I've finished (pooing, youngest still needs help)...
Mum, the dog got out...
Mum, I've spilled water on the laptop...
Mum, the dining room is a fucking pigsty AGAIN!
You catch my drift, right? Needless to say I started drinking prior to Beer O'clock and the arrival of my guests and the bruschetta never made it into the bowls. I'm pretty sure the tomatoes are still sitting on the bench actually.
However, I did have a really good time. I had given up on perfection at the precise moment my first guest arrived -great timing!
I find I hold myself to some pretty high standards but generally don't have the same expectations of others. I'm not sure why. I don't think they are less capable I just feel that I have to always do my best or be exceptional for others. It does seem a shame though that my expectations of myself are high in possibly the wrong places. Instead of driving me to be a better wife and mother or home maker they push me to be good at my job or like today, put on a good party. Does that make those things more important to me or do I just realise that I can actually do that stuff well so why not push myself to achieve a little more where I can?
On the flip side when I just threw my hands up, poured a drink and accepted what I'd done was good enough I had fun and didn't give the missed things a second thought.
How and when did I become so highly strung? I guess it must have been a subtle process -I'm pretty sure it didn't happen overnight...but it did happen! Apparently. Now I have to figure out how to reverse it.
More days like today will help I'm sure, lucky for me it's heading for the fun time of the year and I have family & friends happy to enjoy some down time with me.
So tonight I have a big thank you to send out to all the friends who joined in the Pool Opening today (even though we didn't get to swim in it) and to our 10 kids and 3 teens all of whom allowed me to take a step back and enjoy myself - imperfections and all...when I reflect on the day the only thing that really could have been better was the weather and even I can't control that!
Great reason to have friends over for a bbq & drinks. It also coincided with my youngest daughter's 4th birthday and niece's 18th birthday so a great excuse to have 2 birthday cakes & repeated singing of Happy Birthday. That always brings a smile.
I enjoy the shopping and menu prep and I even enjoy the last minute clean up and organisation except today it was done with 3 kids who would just not let up!
Mum, we're hungry...
Mum, I've finished (pooing, youngest still needs help)...
Mum, the dog got out...
Mum, I've spilled water on the laptop...
Mum, the dining room is a fucking pigsty AGAIN!
You catch my drift, right? Needless to say I started drinking prior to Beer O'clock and the arrival of my guests and the bruschetta never made it into the bowls. I'm pretty sure the tomatoes are still sitting on the bench actually.
However, I did have a really good time. I had given up on perfection at the precise moment my first guest arrived -great timing!
I find I hold myself to some pretty high standards but generally don't have the same expectations of others. I'm not sure why. I don't think they are less capable I just feel that I have to always do my best or be exceptional for others. It does seem a shame though that my expectations of myself are high in possibly the wrong places. Instead of driving me to be a better wife and mother or home maker they push me to be good at my job or like today, put on a good party. Does that make those things more important to me or do I just realise that I can actually do that stuff well so why not push myself to achieve a little more where I can?
On the flip side when I just threw my hands up, poured a drink and accepted what I'd done was good enough I had fun and didn't give the missed things a second thought.
How and when did I become so highly strung? I guess it must have been a subtle process -I'm pretty sure it didn't happen overnight...but it did happen! Apparently. Now I have to figure out how to reverse it.
More days like today will help I'm sure, lucky for me it's heading for the fun time of the year and I have family & friends happy to enjoy some down time with me.
So tonight I have a big thank you to send out to all the friends who joined in the Pool Opening today (even though we didn't get to swim in it) and to our 10 kids and 3 teens all of whom allowed me to take a step back and enjoy myself - imperfections and all...when I reflect on the day the only thing that really could have been better was the weather and even I can't control that!
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
First and foremost...
So this is my first post on my new blog. I haven't done this in a personal capacity because I was always worried something would bite me on the arse professionally. Oh, if you had lived my life professionally you would totally understand how I got to where I am now.
Now I don't give a shit.
Now I do my job because I am good at it, I love it and as far as I'm concerned someone else can have the promotion, I am tired of playing 'the game'. I have wasted too much energy on work when I should have been focused on my family. Most days I spend my patience on other people's children and simply have none left for my own. I think this happens to a lot of teachers, particularly those with welfare roles. Justified or not, it needs to change.
As you can see from my profile pic my kids are only little. They are growing up too fast and I want to set a balanced example for them of women in the workplace with families.
Who am I? What's my story?
We have moved out of Sydney where we have been going nowhere fast for over a decade. Husband worked 6 days a week, I worked full time with kids in care and school/OOSH, living in a small townhouse in Western Sydney. We had some great friends but in the end great friends will stick with you even if you are 90 minutes away rather 3 (and they have stuck, thankfully).
The move was hard on the kids -new school, new friends but they settled in. Now it's like they've been here forever. I haven't had the chance to make local friends yet but that will come in time. Husband and I both work part time now and we live in a huge house with a pool on the lake. It's time for the summer of fun and to cap it off we bought a boat. It is time to stop working so hard and starting living life -we only get one.
This was sadly brought home to me by the death of a colleague at Easter this year after a sudden 2 month battle with cancer. She left behind her husband and 12 year old son. I hope she also left some wonderful memories for them to draw on because I know how much she loved them and just how much they meant to her. So I thank her posthumously for waking me up to my big mistake. My career success means nothing to my family in the end and since I don't know when the end might be we need some fun family memories while our kids still want to have fun with us. So until further notice I work 4 days a week (I play with my 3 yr on Fridays & walk my other 2 home from school with the dogs) and I work bloody hard on those 4 days each week so I'm not lifting a finger during school holidays (all 11 weeks of them each year, become a teacher if you're jealous).
I thoroughly believe that Asylum seekers should be processed onshore and moved quickly into our society and economy (It's in our anthem for God's sake! "For those who've come across the seas,We've boundless plains to share") and I am terrified by the thought of someone like Tony Abbott running my country...so here I will be voicing my opinions and regaling you with the fun I have over the coming months at least.
This is the summer of fun! See you by the pool...
Now I don't give a shit.
Now I do my job because I am good at it, I love it and as far as I'm concerned someone else can have the promotion, I am tired of playing 'the game'. I have wasted too much energy on work when I should have been focused on my family. Most days I spend my patience on other people's children and simply have none left for my own. I think this happens to a lot of teachers, particularly those with welfare roles. Justified or not, it needs to change.
As you can see from my profile pic my kids are only little. They are growing up too fast and I want to set a balanced example for them of women in the workplace with families.
Who am I? What's my story?
We have moved out of Sydney where we have been going nowhere fast for over a decade. Husband worked 6 days a week, I worked full time with kids in care and school/OOSH, living in a small townhouse in Western Sydney. We had some great friends but in the end great friends will stick with you even if you are 90 minutes away rather 3 (and they have stuck, thankfully).
The move was hard on the kids -new school, new friends but they settled in. Now it's like they've been here forever. I haven't had the chance to make local friends yet but that will come in time. Husband and I both work part time now and we live in a huge house with a pool on the lake. It's time for the summer of fun and to cap it off we bought a boat. It is time to stop working so hard and starting living life -we only get one.
This was sadly brought home to me by the death of a colleague at Easter this year after a sudden 2 month battle with cancer. She left behind her husband and 12 year old son. I hope she also left some wonderful memories for them to draw on because I know how much she loved them and just how much they meant to her. So I thank her posthumously for waking me up to my big mistake. My career success means nothing to my family in the end and since I don't know when the end might be we need some fun family memories while our kids still want to have fun with us. So until further notice I work 4 days a week (I play with my 3 yr on Fridays & walk my other 2 home from school with the dogs) and I work bloody hard on those 4 days each week so I'm not lifting a finger during school holidays (all 11 weeks of them each year, become a teacher if you're jealous).
I thoroughly believe that Asylum seekers should be processed onshore and moved quickly into our society and economy (It's in our anthem for God's sake! "For those who've come across the seas,We've boundless plains to share") and I am terrified by the thought of someone like Tony Abbott running my country...so here I will be voicing my opinions and regaling you with the fun I have over the coming months at least.
This is the summer of fun! See you by the pool...
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