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.

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!