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!