tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54136047768876488932024-03-14T14:17:38.409+11:00NESSVILLE In my own little world...Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-81449418689093767952023-06-03T16:12:00.149+10:002023-06-12T20:20:02.094+10:00Potted History <p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><span>Hello! How are you? </span><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-happy-writing-book-elise-valmorbida/book/9781913947118.html" target="_blank">The Happy Writing Book</a> <span>said to write drivel so here I am! It's been a while. Here's a potted history of what I've been up to. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>December</b> <b>2022</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We set off on one of our infamous road trips to the most fascinating of places. So fascinating in fact, that I have forgotten exactly which country town it was. Something beginning with B? That narrows it down I'm sure. The motel we stayed at was not exactly five star. Unlike all the other luxury motels we stay in. Snort. At least there was a lovely park nearby.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Side note: turns out it was Armidale. Oops. Sorry Armidale. You are very nice with lots of pretty churches. See below. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">On Christmas Day we drove and drove past tiny towns. Emmaville. Deepwater. Through shop lined desolate streets. Past an old post office, court house, Chinese restaurants and a bakery all brandishing CLOSED signs. Then we stopped at the Mother Of Ducks Lagoon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The ducks must have been over the hill and faraway. We only saw butterflies. Plus some raucous youths reveling in their backyard. They were definitely in the Christmas spirit. Did I mention it was Christmas day? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We drove to a park, pulled up under some trees and ate slapped together roast chook sandwiches. Christmas lunch sorted! A four wheel drive pulled up nearby. A man alighted with a dog. He unhooked his bike from the back and whizzed around the park, the dog bounding behind him. The breeze caressed us. We drank sour lukewarm wine from plastic cups and didn't care.<br />Mickey Blue Eyes meandered down to the river, returning with a grim expression. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">"I can only say one thing about the dude with the dog - he's an asshole," he said. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Apparently the dude had been swearing at the dog and yanked him by the neck back into the vehicle. It was at this point that I wondered if you could arrested for kidnapping a dog. But they were gone before I could save him, and I really hope Timmy is OK. I mean, I don't know if that's his real name, he just reminded me of Timmy from The Famous Five so I shall think of him as such. This also allows me to believe he escaped from Mr Asshole and is safely back with George and the gang. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We checked in to our (pleasant this time) motel in Tenterfield. The WiFi wasn't great however, so we watched movies old school style on the TV attached to the wall. Mrs Doubtfire, Shrek and Beethoven. It was kinda nice and wholesome for a change. Like reverting back to ye olde days of childhood. You know? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The next day Mr 14 had a mission. A slushee*. Or is it slurpee?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">We set off on another expedition. Winding roads, old houses, shops still screaming SHUT. I had a snooze** and when I woke up we had crossed the border into Queensland. Once again there were no op shops but I did stroll around a few 'junk' shops. Kitsch and surplus Christmas decorations 50% off! No thanks. I didn't even bother putting my tree up because we were going away. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br />Driving again. We pass a town called Ballandean and find a servo that has a bakery attached. Coffee and cakies sound inviting. A slushee remains elusive. Surely Queensland in summer is the prime market for such an item? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">There was an elderly couple at the next table, the husband buried behind an expansive Sydney Morning Herald. Not for the first time I puzzled over how people managed to read those things back in the day on trains and tiny Cafe tables. But they did! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The lady had a tote bag with the slogan:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><i>It's not hoarding if it's books.</i> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I suspected we had a lot in common because I have a tote bag that says: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><i>My workout i</i>s <i>reading in bed until my arms hurt.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"> But I am not someone who can insert themselves into a conversation so I smiled and said nothing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">(Honestly, how do people do it? I legit want tips!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Our next stop was Girraween National Park. It was warm but not unbearable. We had a bit of a bush walk and took some photos. See below. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">On the way back we had milkshakes at a lovely chocolate place I've forgotten the name of.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Side note: It was <a href="http://www.wisteriacottage.com.au/heavenly_chocolate.htm" target="_blank">Heavenly Chocolates</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br />From Tenterfield we made our way to Inverell. There were no op shops open which was extremely sad and tragic. Serendipity smiled upon me in the form of a second hand book and record store. Blissful browsing ensued and I emerged with three books. A dismal effort indeed for this bibliophile. The fact that as of this writing I have only read one out of three is utterly inconsequential. Three is an unacceptable uneven number and in future book shopping endeavours I will be rounding it up to a solid dozen. So yeah, 20 books are now on their way...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br />Back to Inverell. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The next day Mickey Blue Eyes dropped me off in town and I had a marvellous time browsing in the Legacy Op Shop and a few other dollar shops. Then a quick dash to the bakery because country town bakeries are the best! There were a few pub and club meals along the way and before you know it we were homeward bound. The dogs were delighted to greet us. They were well looked after by Mr 21 and 19 but missed their regular car trips to the park! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">January was also my birthday month. In the tradition of class and elegance you would expect from us we celebrated with a meal at the RSL.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">January also included a fun girls day out in Umina. Cocktails and fish tacos FTW! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>February </b><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Ella Trixie Bella had her birthday in February. She has been a part of the family for over a year now. We caught up with some mates at the Ettamogah Pub. It was frightfully expensive and the food was terrible but it was lovely to catch up with everyone. We discovered that our friends were planning a trip to Japan. The closest Mickey Blue Eyes and I will get to Japan is visiting the Japanese gardens at Nurragingy Reserve. Practically the same thing if you think about it. Sniff. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Well, at least I have learnt a new skill even if that skill is gaslighting myself. Winning! </span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">March </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">March meant birthday wishes for Mr now 19 and more of Mickey Blue Eyes' Sunday drives to the Blue Mountains and the beach. Gotta mix it up a bit. </span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">April </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">In April I went to Wagga Wagga and Tumut with my mum. Highlights were op shops (duh) and pub lunches practically every day!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">May</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">May was a mundane uneventful month. I did receive a parcel from my beautiful friend Posski and, oh my stars! She sent me some Bewitched leggings! I love them but the nose twitching doesn't seem to be working. Probably a good thing. I reckon if I were a witch I'd be more of an aunt Clara or Esmarelda type than Samantha or Endora. Though I do plan on being called Grandmama should the situation ever occur. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">June </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Whoah. Mid year already! Mind. Blown. <br />I am busy with work, working a few extra days here and there. Mr 21 and 19 are now gainfully employed. Mr 14 is in year 9. Chandler and Ella are adorable. Mickey Blue Eyes made me lunch AND dinner the other day so I reckon I'll keep him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Sunday before last weekend I met up with Denyse from <a href="https://www.denysewhelan.com.au/" target="_blank">Denyse Whelan blogs</a> for cakies and coffee for the first time! It was lovely to meet a bloggy friend in person. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">July and August will mean more birthdays. And of course, cake! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Hopefully another offbeat adventure will be on the horizon at the end of the year. That's about it for now. So as Mickey Blue Eyes likes to say: Take it easy and I'll catch up with you later! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Until next time,</span></p><p><span style="color: #01ffff; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Pacifico;">Ness </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">PS </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">*He got a slushee! Slurpee? Still don't know, but he got one eventually!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">**Mickey Blue was driving obviously! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p></div></div>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-22914552693785026622022-11-20T18:54:00.000+11:002022-11-20T18:54:11.546+11:00Titles are Overrated <p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Hello, dear creatures! I hope you are well and living your best life wherever and however that may be. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Apparently, it's been a whole year or so since I posted here! Where does the time go?! Honestly, I've just been <strike>lazy lazy lazy</strike> busy busy busy and haven't bothered with this blogging thingymajig. Yep. You guessed it. There's been nonstop action, excitement and jaw dropping escapades of adventure and intrigue demanding my attention. The year has whittled by in a whirlwind of exhilarating activities and life changing achievements the likes of which have never been seen before and likely will never be seen again. Or something.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;">It is </span><strike style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;">totally</strike><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"> not exaggerating to say that our lives here in ye olde Boganville are akin to the most gripping television drama and should be adapted into a Netflix series IMMEDIATELY. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Case in point: there's this show streaming on ABC Iview called <i>Marriage</i> starring Nicola Walker and Sean Bean. Spoiler alert: there is an intense seven-minute scene of Ms. Walker's character making a sandwich. Another, stacking the dishwasher. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrVO0YAIRGndovdg7WJTuRlidmGEtT3z-gV2KYqWKu_pPxhx2e5lWJuE2Q9F4nffeKkw3gnfsKh-0_z1Z3HW1tGksafdqAseGWipep-OfwYVgCqbsbdMFnGaEAi7m_966It1xkGm7N7eq2vztEkSNdN_y8PUw8C91zsd5NkO12e8heus0RZ4UfnzuCQ/s1560/Screenshot_20221015-214801_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrVO0YAIRGndovdg7WJTuRlidmGEtT3z-gV2KYqWKu_pPxhx2e5lWJuE2Q9F4nffeKkw3gnfsKh-0_z1Z3HW1tGksafdqAseGWipep-OfwYVgCqbsbdMFnGaEAi7m_966It1xkGm7N7eq2vztEkSNdN_y8PUw8C91zsd5NkO12e8heus0RZ4UfnzuCQ/w296-h640/Screenshot_20221015-214801_Chrome.jpg" width="296" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: courier;">They should have just focused the cameras on Mickey Blue Eyes and I instead. I know for a fact it would be equally as riveting and avant-garde. </span><i style="font-family: courier;">I</i><span style="font-family: courier;"> make sandwiches. </span><i style="font-family: courier;">I</i><span style="font-family: courier;"> stack the dishwasher. Because - wait for it: I FINALLY GOT A DISHWASHER!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">SEE? I told you extraordinary things were happening! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Other fantazamagorical (totally a word) happenings:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">I did something unheard of. I <i>didn't </i>finish reading a book. GASP. But life's too short for boring books, am I right? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">I let a little bit more of my weird out at work via a meme. I should have this on a t shirt, said I: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ28nSYfcNZHyNLS54f_hXzKh-Hm5ipnMsNqFLjEjlo7Y88M8tYwQzdghOVTxKPWxfxGl55n9BNHxyok4F797gozmZ3Vf_qJY4eHtUd9CWtl-06kOIVqZI3JzYGU7noDu4sgDadPIzoGreJE3_sGRv2sqyE7zKz4T5jRDcfoAc1Y9YiYA6msBq2R0bA/s720/FB_IMG_1668925460763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ28nSYfcNZHyNLS54f_hXzKh-Hm5ipnMsNqFLjEjlo7Y88M8tYwQzdghOVTxKPWxfxGl55n9BNHxyok4F797gozmZ3Vf_qJY4eHtUd9CWtl-06kOIVqZI3JzYGU7noDu4sgDadPIzoGreJE3_sGRv2sqyE7zKz4T5jRDcfoAc1Y9YiYA6msBq2R0bA/s320/FB_IMG_1668925460763.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">I really should. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">I forgot how to spell a word! I would tell you which word, but I'd have to spell it. I guess I'm not using that word anymore. Good. Who needs you, dumbass word! In the bin, word I can't spell. You're completely UNECCESSARY. Or is it unnessacary? Two n's or one? Whatever. Binned. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Mickey Blue Eyes and I had the opportunity for a brief interlude in Mollymook last month. My friend J (and her other friends) were celebrating 50th birthdays, and we were invited to tag along! They had booked in to go to Bannisters by the sea, which is a fancy pants restaurant connected to celebrity chef Rick Stein. However, Mick, myself and our other friends K and M decided to accept the fact that we are mere peasants with more plebian tastes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">A courtesy bus to the local bowlo was booked. And look I'm sure Bannisters is lovely and all, but you don't get that kind of service and elegance, do you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">K fancied a cocktail, but upon arrival we deduced that it was not the sort of establishment that would serve cocktails. They did have a meat raffle in full swing however, so NER. We feasted on our basic schnitzels, steak sandwich and spaghetti Bolognese with glee and zero regret. Ambiance was provided by the raucous shouting in relation to the meat raffle. Pure class. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Following this, we conversed with the locals while waiting for the return courtesy bus back to the caravan park. Alas, we discovered there is no such thing as shop til you drop in this neck of the woods. K and I had contemplated hitting the shops on Saturday while the others headed off to some sort of beer festival. Because beer is gross. Yuck. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Saturday arrived. The caravan park had a wood fire pizza oven. Due to J's meticulous planning, we were fortunate enough to indulge in wood fired pizza for lunch. Afterwards most of the group headed off to the beer festival. K and I settled in for a cuppa instead. K, being the bloody legend she is, had brought a box of Cadbury Favourites. If I have to choose between beer or chocolate, no contest. Basic bitch 4EVA! Don't even care. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">As well as being a right basic bitch I'm also excellent company, and it wasn't long before I was snoring on the couch in K's cabin. Nice. Suddenly a storm shattered the peace, and I woke up disoriented. We watched a veritable river rushing past the cabin from the sliding door. The storm passed as quickly as it arrived, and we set off for a meal at The Milton Hotel. Mickey Blue Eyes and I tried unsuccessfully to hide our gauche ways at the sight of the somewhat eye watering prices (to us). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Luckily, sharing meals was encouraged so we ordered the Wagyu steak. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Waiter: Would you like any veggies?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Us: Yes, please.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Waiter: What are you after?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Mickey Blue Eyes: Um, a bit of everything. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Cue me realising each vegetable is a separate dish at almost 20 bucks a </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">pop. Yikes. </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;">We hastily backtracked and settled on a cabbage dish. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Then the order was somehow mucked up and they gave us a free cauliflower dish as well. It all turned out to be extremely delicious, and J's friend also provided a delectable cakie to round out the meal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">On Sunday we got up in the middle of the night to drive home because Mr 14 had a soccer thing on. We were weary but happy after a fun weekend.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Since it's been so long between posts you may or may not know we have an addition to the family! Another doggo!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Meet Ella: </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmCyVxce6GLxqp7HSBEJw3Beq49FNIuJzROyVIwM9v4_iQMTjOzJ83ByvBtIAt9roMmQGbKxgFY3Gw7D8-yo6zSq69YLpqgJPW2jgeULCzAGjYOdgEFhBjKU8AkLjeXg54rxUV-B8Uoh6_Vuf51bKOOIOg50GmAZu3_LNfgdGKtI_P0u3BhoiRi54dg/s3088/20220227_171245.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmCyVxce6GLxqp7HSBEJw3Beq49FNIuJzROyVIwM9v4_iQMTjOzJ83ByvBtIAt9roMmQGbKxgFY3Gw7D8-yo6zSq69YLpqgJPW2jgeULCzAGjYOdgEFhBjKU8AkLjeXg54rxUV-B8Uoh6_Vuf51bKOOIOg50GmAZu3_LNfgdGKtI_P0u3BhoiRi54dg/s320/20220227_171245.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She was a skinny girl when she arrived but not now! <br />See below </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8-n57desUZ7whK58MWo5mvVjnKIBJUolHFHzb8dE1-Eh9yM2gT3Vf93vZI0yInjQg0RtndqS16YWsHJz1KFo938ZMwSA9BaHx53iSvOk5P3QPKK4zxksb7ej6U2jCq54ViJUpLbYdNzuLAiQv_pKfQ_6xdmD0ZnnrQoQVzL_J8CDEU9HOg7FARVS3w/s3088/20220704_221351.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8-n57desUZ7whK58MWo5mvVjnKIBJUolHFHzb8dE1-Eh9yM2gT3Vf93vZI0yInjQg0RtndqS16YWsHJz1KFo938ZMwSA9BaHx53iSvOk5P3QPKK4zxksb7ej6U2jCq54ViJUpLbYdNzuLAiQv_pKfQ_6xdmD0ZnnrQoQVzL_J8CDEU9HOg7FARVS3w/s320/20220704_221351.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chandler is not entirely thrilled with the addition, poor dude</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The funniest, cutest, goofiest, (and greediest!) little bundle of mischief. She popped up in my Facebook feed one day as available for adoption. This was in the midst of all the torrential rain. I was at work, so I frantically called Mickey Blue Eyes and said go get her. He did! I decided to keep her. And Mickey Blue Eyes too. Tee hee. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">What else is happening? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">My casual work at the library came to a grinding halt as a result of all my sick leave. However, I am still working permanent part time for a library supplier and enjoying it. I much prefer working part time and behind the scenes. I'm definitely a behind the scenes kinda girl. Behind the scenes of behind the scenes even, if that makes sense. Yeah nah, nothing about me or my blog writing makes sense... Moving on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">What can I say about the boys? Not much, because they hate when I do that! I will say that I now have a 21-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 14-year-old. Wait...WHAT??? Again, where does the time go??? Yeah yeah, it keeps moving forward and waits for no one cause that's how time works. I get it. God damn logic. Pffft. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Confirming the fact that time waits for no one: we celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary a week or so ago! Just- WOW. That's a bloody long time! Not as long as my parents though. They celebrated 56 years! A few days later, my dad turned 84! Forget the logic thing, someone please figure out how to stop time! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">In terms of my <a href="https://nessiville.blogspot.com/2021/10/a-diagnosis.html" target="_blank">PPPD diagnonsense</a>, I am thankfully much better apart from occasional blips, but I try not to let it get to me which is half of the battle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sadly, an anticipated road trip to Wagga Wagga with my mum had to be indefinitely postponed due to all the floods and ridiculous weather about the place. I'm sure we will get there eventually! In the meantime, we went to the movies to see <i>Mrs Harris Goes To Paris</i> which was a lovely feel-good movie with pretty dresses. So that's a win.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Mickey Blue Eyes and I are planning a Christmas getaway which promises to be the kind of lavish, upscale affair you have come to expect from us. Shut up. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Anyway, that's about it for now. I'm wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a merry new year. And if that's not possible (because why all the pressure to be happy and jolly when the silly season can be complicated and fraught for many), then remember it will pass. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">As Mickey Blue Eyes would say, take it easy and I'll catch up with you later!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Kind wishes and cakie things,</span></p><p><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">PS. All the formatting and everything here is completely weird, and I have NO IDEA how to fix it. Oops. Sorry! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-51376207006900492672021-11-09T16:22:00.000+11:002021-11-09T16:22:41.872+11:00Random Photos and Other Things <p><span style="font-size: large;">Hey peeps, s'up? As you can see, I'm super cool and dope and up with the current lingo. Or something. Ahem. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's sharing of snaps time for <a href="https://www.denysewhelan.com.au/denyse-blogs/share-your-snaps-9-45-51-lifethisweek-125-2021/" target="_blank">#LifeThisWeek</a>, but as you may be aware I am not a particularly snappy person. Especially when I have been a giddy old goat and not getting about much. Nevertheless I will share what meagre tidbits I can.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday before last we went for an impromptu drive to Fernhill Estate. I sat in the car while Mickey Blue Eyes did the walking trail. It was a lovely day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cCOQltgiTg/YYdJKvOcaHI/AAAAAAAAGoY/jnXolxMYnBAOJbFsg0WOzn38F5X-DT7aQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20211031_143342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cCOQltgiTg/YYdJKvOcaHI/AAAAAAAAGoY/jnXolxMYnBAOJbFsg0WOzn38F5X-DT7aQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20211031_143342.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">This was my view from the car. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I procured a stash of second hand books via my father in law. Winning!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LYWM3xy9ds/YYdJR9bIBKI/AAAAAAAAGoc/Al_6_Vuio0YwMoPVi9w3nSDVvVRIWdd5ACPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20211101_184240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LYWM3xy9ds/YYdJR9bIBKI/AAAAAAAAGoc/Al_6_Vuio0YwMoPVi9w3nSDVvVRIWdd5ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20211101_184240.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">I also have a lovely lot of library books. See below:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHv7IdvkgGk/YYdJcmkf0NI/AAAAAAAAGog/qDm_oakErjIWmvu6fzguwz7C_-zey3NowCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20211101_184418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHv7IdvkgGk/YYdJcmkf0NI/AAAAAAAAGog/qDm_oakErjIWmvu6fzguwz7C_-zey3NowCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20211101_184418.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And because clearly I was in desperate need of something to read I ordered a couple more second hand books from a website called Browse Books. Shut up.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FE8gEnFRXxw/YYi1ZiCHs_I/AAAAAAAAGpE/3XOki28XVp4BYsNU2fr_60ooICZwqgVHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20211108_162705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FE8gEnFRXxw/YYi1ZiCHs_I/AAAAAAAAGpE/3XOki28XVp4BYsNU2fr_60ooICZwqgVHACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211108_162705.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mr 17 found this photo in old wallet my dad gave him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tFlYHdmunc/YYm52iYHzPI/AAAAAAAAGpw/mzwmoW_d2RgvWsgT8w0UiMUnz5BEW4aPwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20211108_123925.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passport photo circa 1981 My mum, brother and I</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tFlYHdmunc/YYm52iYHzPI/AAAAAAAAGpw/mzwmoW_d2RgvWsgT8w0UiMUnz5BEW4aPwCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20211108_123925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOE6JN4_uBE/YYm52sPAnJI/AAAAAAAAGpw/cjSrVcAlLcEDDt_wAcZGZkGw5NWtr6DsQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20211108_123915.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and I circa 1993ish? </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOE6JN4_uBE/YYm52sPAnJI/AAAAAAAAGpw/cjSrVcAlLcEDDt_wAcZGZkGw5NWtr6DsQCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20211108_123915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had my yearly mammogram last Friday. Fingers toes arms legs eyeballs crossed for the results. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am plodding on with my vestibular rehabilitation therapy as well as zoom appointments with my psychologist. Progress is being made in a painstaking fashion. Sigh. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I need to work on exposure therapy so I can get out and about. Not to mention back to work! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime I amuse myself in unusual ways. Like looking at daggy houses on real estate websites for no reason. The daggier the better. Like this one:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0i1-GOP1vw/YYivWScKiJI/AAAAAAAAGo0/A_FkE2_2jbMawszrxiDiWoSskYrxOIm2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1560/Screenshot_20211108-155852_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0i1-GOP1vw/YYivWScKiJI/AAAAAAAAGo0/A_FkE2_2jbMawszrxiDiWoSskYrxOIm2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w185-h400/Screenshot_20211108-155852_Facebook.jpg" width="185" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's certainly eye catching, don't you think? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On Thursday it's our wedding anniversary plus Chandler's birthday! Bring on more cake!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's it from me. I'll be over here keeping things lit and fully sic reading ALL THE BOOKS. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">YOLO!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Told you I had the lingo down. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, </span></p><p><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness </span></p><p><br /></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-25956722433032392652021-10-26T12:10:00.002+11:002021-10-26T12:10:40.666+11:00A Diagnosis <span style="font-size: large;">Good afternoon, groovers and shakers. I hope you are well and enjoying post lockdown freedoms! I am battling on with my somewhat broken brain. See previous post. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As most of you probably already know I had an appointment with a vestibular physical therapist a few weeks ago. I finally got a diagnonsense for this dizzy shite:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I have something called PPPD (Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Additionally I also have permanent and chronic PPPS (Persistent Phenomenonal Person Syndrome). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I made the last one up. You got me. But the first one is a thing, and believe me if you didn't try to find a way to laugh in the midst of it you would not only cry but wail like a banshee. Even though I'm not entirely clear exactly what a banshee is? Apparently they wail though. Don't they?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I should probably fact check that or choose a different simile. Either thing requires too much effort for my addled brain. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Back to the diagnosis. The good thing is, it's nothing sinister going on. The bad thing is, it's a long process to get better. Sigh.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">So I'm in for the long haul with vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Also, hi ho hi ho back to the shrink I go! Cognitive behavioural therapy is needed to address the emotional side of it. It's a complex condition that does include an anxiety component. Fun times. Said no one ever. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">At least lockdown is over! YAY!!!! It got to the point where I totally forgot about a zoom catch up because I really don't register what day it is anymore. Oops. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Not that I am really up to doing much at this point. But I'll get there. I wish I knew where 'there' is. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I had another appointment with the vestibular physiotherapist and I have the following exercises to do: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1. Walk up and down in a straight line and swing my arms turn around and walk back again. 5 repeats 3 times a day.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2. Stand in the naughty corner, feet together and eyes closed for 30 seconds. 3 times a day. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3. Take a pen or another object and hold it at arms length. Gaze at it and turn your head left and right like a pendulum keeping your gaze on the pen. Count 30 seconds. 3 times a day. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I feel like I've been on the booze without the fun of the actual booze! Not fair. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I have also started taking Zoloft again because it is recommended to address the psychological effects of the the condition. I have a psychologist appointment tomorrow and ongoing vestibular rehabilitation therapy. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On Sunday I did this:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70KcN68iDKc/YXUqt1zrlTI/AAAAAAAAGd0/fI83jSNgnlsOIUaXtgWj1W-YIBLyvYz9wCPcBGAsYHg/s1560/Screenshot_20211024-204006_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70KcN68iDKc/YXUqt1zrlTI/AAAAAAAAGd0/fI83jSNgnlsOIUaXtgWj1W-YIBLyvYz9wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/Screenshot_20211024-204006_Facebook.jpg" width="148" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Exposure therapy is a thing. A hard thing that I need to do. I'm doing it. Slowly. That's all I can do. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The boys got their second jab so we are all fully vaxxed. Huzzah! Happy about that. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mr 17 and 12 went back to school this week. The latter had the jitters but hopefully he'll be ok. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Chandler is his usual cute little self. We all left the house to visit my folks the other day and it must have been a shock to him. He's used to someone always being home!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y__4vEC-sk/YXUsWuGX6xI/AAAAAAAAGeI/AjcCht6LT_grfBLP_6x6veHWGSGOoU-PACPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20211013_122200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y__4vEC-sk/YXUsWuGX6xI/AAAAAAAAGeI/AjcCht6LT_grfBLP_6x6veHWGSGOoU-PACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20211013_122200.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a hard life </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing much else to report. Back to battling on like the badass I am! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness</span></div><div><br /></div>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-44687315661999552392021-09-27T12:31:00.001+10:002021-09-27T12:33:11.697+10:00The One Where I Whinge<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello lovelies. I hope you're in much better spirits than I am. Strap yourself for a bit of whingey one today. Cue plaintive piano music. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You see, I've been feeling quite craptaculer lately (totally a word), so I debated over boring anyone with my bullshit. But anyway, here I am. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My issues with vertigo and dizziness have been a big fat bitch for the past few months. Made worse by the omnipresence of Agnes, aka anxiety. Which makes the dizziness worse and so on until it's this big cluster fuck of cluster fuckery where I don't know where one begins and the other ends. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t8Kd1-sW3o/Wc7jx9_XYrI/AAAAAAAACLk/QHGOHFJb3BIiM1Dq7StOvRkmPrSK8fFlwCPcBGAYYCw/s480/6421b8d02fb79035384027298aae25c1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t8Kd1-sW3o/Wc7jx9_XYrI/AAAAAAAACLk/QHGOHFJb3BIiM1Dq7StOvRkmPrSK8fFlwCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h200/6421b8d02fb79035384027298aae25c1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's very dispiriting because I had been cruising along ok there for a while, working again, and now my confidence is rattled. Ultimately I used up all my sick leave. So I have negotiated some leave without pay while I see if I can get better. They have been pretty decent about it thus far though I imagine there's a limit to that. Sigh.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And of course there's the whole layer of "other people have it worse/it could be worse" guilt. Although I'm cognizant of the fact that just because someone else may be worse it doesn't negate my issues. All suffering is valid and to trivialize it won't help. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We are all going through a really challenging time right now. I imagine that even super upbeat positive people who are generally blessed with robust physical and mental health are struggling at the moment. So it's no surprise that someone like me who is not like that would face a setback of sorts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have an appointment to see a physical therapist who specializes in dizziness and balance disorders. I won't lie. I'm petrified because often the therapy involved means doing specific tests and exercises that trigger the dizziness. Not fun. Especially when you are already frightfully giddy and just want some relief.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While I feel like this I can't even take Chandler for a walk or do grocery shopping. Sniff. So I just mope about like a big wobbly lump of blah and exist with my spinning head. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6rw6S2RJMQ/YVElvlGXKYI/AAAAAAAAGXo/2TMOLXj9HJY7F91WJ2qzgDjIKqb-aBKKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s269/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="187" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6rw6S2RJMQ/YVElvlGXKYI/AAAAAAAAGXo/2TMOLXj9HJY7F91WJ2qzgDjIKqb-aBKKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/download.jpg" width="187" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">I might as well be an ancient invalid pensioner named Enid. Or Doris. Or Ethel. Or insert any old lady name. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cue violins to accompany the piano. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I also have a lot of neck pain. Hopefully they can help with that as well. </span><span>I've also ordered one of those neck massager thingys. I hope it's not disappointing. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I've been reading about something called </span><a href="https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/persistent-postural-perceptual-dizziness/" target="_blank">PPPD (Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness) </a>. <span> In some ways it sounds like the closest thing to what I've experienced for years, in terms of there being a psychological aspect. I'm not sure. I know I shouldn't rely on Dr Google, but it's worth asking about. We shall see. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My yearly mammogram and check in with my cancer surgeon is coming up. If all goes well I will reach the important five year mark, and she will not want to see me again although I will continue to have yearly mammograms. Fingers toes arms legs eyeballs crossed for that. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Presumably a lot of my underlying worry is re this important milestone. Hopefully I can get that out of the way with a positive outcome and begin to feel calmer and retrieve some equilibrium. That's my wish. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Despite all this I've managed to have couple of zoom catch ups with friends with another one coming up in a week or so. I'm still desperate to see my parents however. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, I'm sure this has been an entertaining read. NOT. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A big thanks if you made it this far. With any luck I'll have better news next time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness</span></p><p><br /></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-60328315883187634552021-09-13T12:29:00.002+10:002021-09-13T12:29:43.319+10:00Taking Stock: September 2021 Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Hello again, dear creatures. It's time for one of those stock taking things. Let's sit down with a cuppa and get right into it. Here goes: </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLlTFqrcQ5U/WeHbeHIgqoI/AAAAAAAACM8/ws_yNbfGVeEkc861MBrdyPMS3YLrIiCGQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/pexels-photo-273691.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLlTFqrcQ5U/WeHbeHIgqoI/AAAAAAAACM8/ws_yNbfGVeEkc861MBrdyPMS3YLrIiCGQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/pexels-photo-273691.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Making:</span></b> </span>The most of it all. Sigh. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Drinking</b></span><span><b>:</b></span></span><b> </b>Chamomile tea. Also; wine. Swings and roundabouts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Reading</span><span style="background-color: white;">:</span></b></span> Finished reading <i>Fangirl </i>by Rainbow Rowell and began <i>If</i> <i>I Never Met You </i>by Mhairi MacFarlane. My brain only wants cutesy pie stuff at the moment. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b>Wanting:</b></span> Equilibrium.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Looking: </span></b><span style="color: #93c47d;"> </span></span><span>Like I need a haircut. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Deciding</b></span>: </span>What to have for dinner everyday is a big enough decision right now. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2DBiEJPfBI/WZFnNlSO3KI/AAAAAAAACJM/FsG3sJCpxZwV6mqrRuZdWXYShpSJFG1-ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/20398199_119291428712634_5844121309147037696_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2DBiEJPfBI/WZFnNlSO3KI/AAAAAAAACJM/FsG3sJCpxZwV6mqrRuZdWXYShpSJFG1-ACPcBGAYYCw/s0/20398199_119291428712634_5844121309147037696_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b>Wishing</b>:</span> That the Covid situation would improve. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Enjoying</b></span>:</span> Listening to music. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b>Waiting</b>: </span><span>F</span><span>or restrictions and lockdown to ease just like everyone else.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Liking:</span></b> Um. I dunno. I guess I like that I'm blogging again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Wondering</span>:</b> </span>What to have for dinner. See above.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Loving:</b></span> </span> My current obsession is <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4094300/" target="_blank"><i>Crazy Ex-Girlfriend</i></a> on Netflix. Best (and weirdest) show EVAHHH. Fight me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8OgKtqwGQE/YT2YimxMd4I/AAAAAAAAGTs/8bnz0EwhziQFdIsvyfRFt4Nl1ano532dACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/crazy-ex-girlfriend-fuck-you.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="640" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8OgKtqwGQE/YT2YimxMd4I/AAAAAAAAGTs/8bnz0EwhziQFdIsvyfRFt4Nl1ano532dACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/crazy-ex-girlfriend-fuck-you.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Listening</b></span>:</span> To the <i>Crazy Ex-Girlfriend</i> soundtrack. See above.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b style="color: #01ffff;">Considering:</b><span><span style="color: #01ffff; font-weight: bold;"> </span>A nap. ZZZZ</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Buying</b></span>:</span> Groceries, scripts and hair dye. Exciting stuff if I don't say so myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've ordered <a href="https://www.carpentersofficial.com/news/carpenters-musical-legacy-coming-october-19th" target="_blank">this book </a>as well so that's super exciting. Squeee. Again. Fight me. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Watching: </span></b><b style="color: #93c47d;"> </b>Mr 12 and I just finished watching <i>Never Have I Ever</i> on Netflix. I've also been watching the final season of <i>Rosehaven</i>. I'm so sad it's the final season. Wahhhh. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Marveling</b></span>: </span>At the fact that I still hardcore love my family after being stuck in lockdown for so long.</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Hoping</b></span>:</span> I can see my parents again soon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Needing</span></b>: </span> A new brain would be nice. Failing that, a solid mental health plan and a million dollars. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Questioning:</span></b> </span>My sanity. See above. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Smelling:</span></b> My chamomile and lavendar body butter. I love it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">Wearing: </span></b>Whatever's comfortable. Who's gonna see me?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Noticing</span>:</b> </span>That I'm better off not watching the news, as bad as that sounds.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Knowing</span></b>: </span> Nothing. Zip. Nada. Zilch. Zero. I know absolutely nothing about anything ever. I don't have a normal brain and I understand NOTHING. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Thinking</span></b>: </span> My brain is mostly a loop of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend songs right now if I'm honest. And I like it that way, cause otherwise it short circuits into some really unhelpful stuff. Stoopid brain. Again; see above. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><span>Admiring</span></b>: </span>People who don't get rattled easily by challenges and squeamishness. Is that a word? I dunno. I mentioned that I know NOTHING. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b>Getting</b>:</span> Well, I got vaccinated. So that's good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><span><b>Feeling:</b></span> </span>A bit on the wobbly and blah side if I'm honest.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #01ffff;"><span>Embracing</span></b><span style="color: #01ffff;">: </span>Lockdown life. Well I don't really have any choice, so there's that. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was a rather lacklustre stock take, I must admit. I am definitely experiencing a bit of the blahs lately. I suspect a lot of folks are. Fingers crossed for better times ahead! That is all. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness <br /></span><br /></p></div>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-1705810390959762062021-09-06T10:49:00.000+10:002021-09-06T10:49:03.582+10:00The Stuff I Do For Self Care <p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, dear readers. I hope you are well and staying safe wherever you are in this vast universe. Which could be anywhere. You never know, it's entirely possible that alien beings or other life forms are reading this. Anything is possible, right? Shut up. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well anyway, I am here to blather on about self care. And knock me down and blow me sideways into an alternative universe or something but it turns out that self care isn't eating crap tonnes of cakie things and hoping for the best. HMPH. Maybe that could be arranged to be a thing in the aforementioned alternative universe? Please, and thank you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime here are the tedious things I am attempting to put in place in no particular order. I say 'attempting to' because self care is always a stop and start thing with me. Sigh.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here goes:</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Exercise </span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This sometimes takes place in the form of a walk outside but more often than not I put on a YouTube video and do it that way. The only problem with this method is that some of the instructors can be super perky and plain annoying. I don't mind <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Jessicasmithtvfit" target="_blank">Jessica Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/JennyFordFitness" target="_blank">Jenny Ford </a>and if you have any other suggestions I'd love to hear them. I stick to the low impact 'walking' type stuff cause I am prone to vertigo and I have to stay safe. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I also do specific exercises for my neck and Benign Positional Vertigo. These suck, but such is life. Sigh. </span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Vitamins </span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I began taking a vitamin tonic called Fishers Phosphorine which I ordered <a href="https://shop.newtonspharmacy.com.au/FISHERS-PHOSPHERINE-50ml" target="_blank">here.</a> My psychologist recommended it. It's early days so I don't know yet if it will have any effect. We shall see. I also take vitamin b complex, vitamin C and Blackmores Macu-vision as a preventative thing cause my mum has that thing where you have to have needles in your eyes and that freaks me out. Gulp. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And most importantly, my double dose of Vitamin D: sitting in the sunshine with my cutie Channy Bear. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Y1Ov1aQuc/YTQ4siRPKAI/AAAAAAAAGR8/tA0qGRsOw1UIUwVtYidAj3JR0YGC689OQCPcBGAYYCw/s3088/20210807_142933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Y1Ov1aQuc/YTQ4siRPKAI/AAAAAAAAGR8/tA0qGRsOw1UIUwVtYidAj3JR0YGC689OQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20210807_142933.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eating well</span></h4><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Cue a snorty honking scoffing cynical laugh. Yes, this is still my most fraught area. I still eat way too many cakies but I do ingest some fruit and veg as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've also reduced caffeine and am replacing some cups of regular tea with chamomile tea. Baby steps, as they say. Whoever 'they' are. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sleep </span></h4><p><span style="font-size: large;">Gotta make sure I get those zzz's. The chamomile tea helps. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hobbies </b></span></h4><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm making time for my hobbies, like this blog. I abandoned it for a while there, but it's a good little thing for me to have as a distraction, so here I am.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm also making time for things like reading and listening to music. Just to mix it up and keep it cutting edge I also indulge in crosswords, fill in's and colouring in. Shut up. They are all calming activities for me. The thing is, I need a low key life. Too much stimulation and excitement is not great for this introverted 'Aspie.' Which segues into...</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alone time </b></span></h4><div><span style="font-size: large;">I really need to be all by my lonesome to recharge sometimes. Alone but not lonely, if you know what I mean. This is challenging at the moment with the five of us stuck here in lockdown but luckily Mickey Blue Eyes prefers being outdoors and I like being indoors so it works out to a degree. </span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">And by far the most important form of self care for me at the moment is...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajH4f4sSVE4/YTQ2K1TjD9I/AAAAAAAAGR0/Bq89Qz3xf-cObE-3mL84FwO_Qh8XpgdBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/self%2Bcare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajH4f4sSVE4/YTQ2K1TjD9I/AAAAAAAAGR0/Bq89Qz3xf-cObE-3mL84FwO_Qh8XpgdBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/self%2Bcare.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Admitting I need help </span></h4><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My old nemesis whom I named Agnes (aka anxiety) has been biting me in the butt again after a long period of stability and growth. I had to admit I need help again. I began a low dose medication again and have a plan for some sessions with my psychologist.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Luckily I have a great GP and psychologist, and I never give up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Having said that, if any of those potential alien readers can confirm if they have discovered an easier way to achieve self care I'm all ears. <br /><br /><br />And don't worry, I'm onto to those shrink appointments. Ahem. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCMi7HMchfM/YTQ6KojPD2I/AAAAAAAAGSI/_xHhbdVG4Hsz3-vcBOmPbCEdKeQGKl30gCLcBGAsYHQ/s502/aliens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCMi7HMchfM/YTQ6KojPD2I/AAAAAAAAGSI/_xHhbdVG4Hsz3-vcBOmPbCEdKeQGKl30gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/aliens.jpg" width="302" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-49142445554163381372021-08-30T10:27:00.001+10:002021-08-30T10:28:10.176+10:00Sharing Snaps <p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Greetings, earthlings! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sharing is caring, so I'm here to share my snaps for <a href="https://www.denysewhelan.com.au/denyse-blogs/35-51-lifethisweek-telling-my-story-ch-26-part-2-3-may-august-2021-106-2021/" target="_blank">Life This Week.</a> Fair warning: most of them are my most excellent canine companion, the illustrious Uncanny Channy, aka Chandler. Sorry, not sorry! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The way I see it, things are so grim right now why wouldn't you want to look at a cute doggo? Unless you're <strike>a psycopath</strike> not a dog person. In which case there's nothing for you to see here. Good bye. *Waves*</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHANDLER</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT47sKce3sg/YSbNPdxDLJI/AAAAAAAAGLA/RKDUWp9mtasSP94x1rD8fbn9_qcQEJlDwCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210807_153129.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT47sKce3sg/YSbNPdxDLJI/AAAAAAAAGLA/RKDUWp9mtasSP94x1rD8fbn9_qcQEJlDwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210807_153129.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A car trip to Nurragingy Reserve</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcS9Emv3Pqk/YSbOSbq91rI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/XawDnzCfbrslwPwREHIYmD9Qj9-y1o9hQCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210804_175943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcS9Emv3Pqk/YSbOSbq91rI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/XawDnzCfbrslwPwREHIYmD9Qj9-y1o9hQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210804_175943.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An uncomfortable pose, perched on the edge of the couch<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANljVoFaob8/YSbOSbLtQYI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/ormAOkwmUCgzBkWkxgo3KGcbBYfrm3eWQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210804_175643.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANljVoFaob8/YSbOSbLtQYI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/ormAOkwmUCgzBkWkxgo3KGcbBYfrm3eWQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210804_175643.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">THAT FAAACE <br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGMtkC1RfSg/YSbOSWVYVGI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/MZGqfmv1cV4YLfR71M3et4crSaHJkDDhACPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210629_182419.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGMtkC1RfSg/YSbOSWVYVGI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/MZGqfmv1cV4YLfR71M3et4crSaHJkDDhACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210629_182419.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The King in his throne </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBN7r8ax3sM/YSbOSSYlh1I/AAAAAAAAGLQ/p9314IPBPdEkdvzBPjaA-G1-EeC_Q2U6wCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210628_164614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBN7r8ax3sM/YSbOSSYlh1I/AAAAAAAAGLQ/p9314IPBPdEkdvzBPjaA-G1-EeC_Q2U6wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210628_164614.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Channy and I cuddling </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1eOGWp0nOs/YQTeUxVLfCI/AAAAAAAAF5A/Oubtuc5a42c_pGKuvkCGjA99GkkNqQQxACPcBGAYYCw/s2448/20210729_121222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1eOGWp0nOs/YQTeUxVLfCI/AAAAAAAAF5A/Oubtuc5a42c_pGKuvkCGjA99GkkNqQQxACPcBGAYYCw/s320/20210729_121222.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SO handsome</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7232LycGxgg/YQTeUwmkCmI/AAAAAAAAF5A/qPQgyiJlWFc4QNrF3eGA_08lhHd4GrzcwCPcBGAYYCw/s3088/20210731_133746.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7232LycGxgg/YQTeUwmkCmI/AAAAAAAAF5A/qPQgyiJlWFc4QNrF3eGA_08lhHd4GrzcwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20210731_133746.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Face and paw snuggling onto my leg. Nawww...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHANDLER SLEEPING</span></h3><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4Q9I2JpD8M/YSjHOL1UbSI/AAAAAAAAGNU/bn8wqLP2OpUInIHhzyhjRrSk3HSU18IUgCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210718_194711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4Q9I2JpD8M/YSjHOL1UbSI/AAAAAAAAGNU/bn8wqLP2OpUInIHhzyhjRrSk3HSU18IUgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210718_194711.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCezX8VOxX0/YSjHOKLmvZI/AAAAAAAAGNU/qu2ybeJXqFUj4LjvAPWST7-juv-02DUSACPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210714_180640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCezX8VOxX0/YSjHOKLmvZI/AAAAAAAAGNU/qu2ybeJXqFUj4LjvAPWST7-juv-02DUSACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210714_180640.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eX4KNI2hH_4/YSjHOPO9WVI/AAAAAAAAGNU/4eQGC-xRSCYDGaNP3I1hybhrTkzAEwJbQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210707_193415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eX4KNI2hH_4/YSjHOPO9WVI/AAAAAAAAGNU/4eQGC-xRSCYDGaNP3I1hybhrTkzAEwJbQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210707_193415.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfBHVB9Yhf4/YSjHOHUNAKI/AAAAAAAAGNU/4bwzzsn0kNMg_uXEocEC9W0XYnLwtGihACPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210705_204110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfBHVB9Yhf4/YSjHOHUNAKI/AAAAAAAAGNU/4bwzzsn0kNMg_uXEocEC9W0XYnLwtGihACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210705_204110.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSZAgZg1hy4/YSjHOPJFASI/AAAAAAAAGNU/regjYAfoVTUmEmCH46Zhh_wG5BftxF9DwCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210704_205026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSZAgZg1hy4/YSjHOPJFASI/AAAAAAAAGNU/regjYAfoVTUmEmCH46Zhh_wG5BftxF9DwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210704_205026.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmc_3egY2oU/YSjHOBi_VVI/AAAAAAAAGNU/wShO2yVCAEk0K27_BF6NIObMCc64EPbjQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210608_212116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmc_3egY2oU/YSjHOBi_VVI/AAAAAAAAGNU/wShO2yVCAEk0K27_BF6NIObMCc64EPbjQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210608_212116.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzwjbUDZxBQ/YSjHOFY54CI/AAAAAAAAGNU/XE9KPlBP4MAErT5IeSPwckzT-Xpjm8G4QCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210526_222119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzwjbUDZxBQ/YSjHOFY54CI/AAAAAAAAGNU/XE9KPlBP4MAErT5IeSPwckzT-Xpjm8G4QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210526_222119.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay2Bm67FkeA/YSjHOEgNshI/AAAAAAAAGNU/UQ4zZ1nc1pQ7gpHc7RZRjZdrmA8ybJ9IQCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210525_144532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay2Bm67FkeA/YSjHOEgNshI/AAAAAAAAGNU/UQ4zZ1nc1pQ7gpHc7RZRjZdrmA8ybJ9IQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210525_144532.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWeliowKR_Q/YSjHOMoCzLI/AAAAAAAAGNU/HpqS9mBnF98Vs4NspqBqDeKSf7F6DkCxwCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210507_202753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWeliowKR_Q/YSjHOMoCzLI/AAAAAAAAGNU/HpqS9mBnF98Vs4NspqBqDeKSf7F6DkCxwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210507_202753.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JW-xefwFQo/YSjHOJbT9qI/AAAAAAAAGNU/G7IEr3w5KBY9rb-dKU83l6tCJO7hmttfwCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210507_192956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JW-xefwFQo/YSjHOJbT9qI/AAAAAAAAGNU/G7IEr3w5KBY9rb-dKU83l6tCJO7hmttfwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210507_192956.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdPGifZHDHk/YSjHWhFmRaI/AAAAAAAAGNY/S5fpESuTn1QzzM5xi76fhJsc9MScDurJwCPcBGAsYHg/s554/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="554" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdPGifZHDHk/YSjHWhFmRaI/AAAAAAAAGNY/S5fpESuTn1QzzM5xi76fhJsc9MScDurJwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">TREES</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Elbyqg7nFM/YSjHrrddqeI/AAAAAAAAGNg/g8FTW5ZXA4gujVi2I7Hlzl2DI5DznqtUQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210807_150007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurragingy Reserve</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Elbyqg7nFM/YSjHrrddqeI/AAAAAAAAGNg/g8FTW5ZXA4gujVi2I7Hlzl2DI5DznqtUQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210807_150007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rh4w_s3JFc/YSjHrrpHz7I/AAAAAAAAGNg/SRD6opYOX5YEtfjR3MpquC_5Q6diK5W4QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/received_1192384107941876.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="236" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bees in our wattle tree </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rh4w_s3JFc/YSjHrrpHz7I/AAAAAAAAGNg/SRD6opYOX5YEtfjR3MpquC_5Q6diK5W4QCPcBGAsYHg/s780/received_1192384107941876.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8lWMFyv8lg/YSjHrhgksdI/AAAAAAAAGNg/HkUdZTP5qIwOgm30NOZpiCTRMCehXLKnACPcBGAsYHg/s780/received_1072456923289345.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8lWMFyv8lg/YSjHrhgksdI/AAAAAAAAGNg/HkUdZTP5qIwOgm30NOZpiCTRMCehXLKnACPcBGAsYHg/s320/received_1072456923289345.jpeg" width="236" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psyf7sDJaIQ/YSjHrhzxz0I/AAAAAAAAGNg/kVv1fYQDOKMMrFXoWP-LqpOcGbmrUhtlQCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210731_101210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psyf7sDJaIQ/YSjHrhzxz0I/AAAAAAAAGNg/kVv1fYQDOKMMrFXoWP-LqpOcGbmrUhtlQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210731_101210.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaGuDCiuGM8/YSjHruPn1KI/AAAAAAAAGNg/7BRJcGVcxmUZxYi6VOkmJmOCqjQthk0ZACPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210731_100506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaGuDCiuGM8/YSjHruPn1KI/AAAAAAAAGNg/7BRJcGVcxmUZxYi6VOkmJmOCqjQthk0ZACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210731_100506.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2JSs5lhgz8/YSjHrjH0clI/AAAAAAAAGNg/-5510fRS934d9_RXBTUsBzFUbHkx7cFogCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210731_100417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2JSs5lhgz8/YSjHrjH0clI/AAAAAAAAGNg/-5510fRS934d9_RXBTUsBzFUbHkx7cFogCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210731_100417.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">FOOD</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNNUZUldFZs/YSjH8V07CGI/AAAAAAAAGNo/aEyFMFXLydcMJxY6whTANrWGzwdhmTCZQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210802_123700.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNNUZUldFZs/YSjH8V07CGI/AAAAAAAAGNo/aEyFMFXLydcMJxY6whTANrWGzwdhmTCZQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210802_123700.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A whatever's in the fridge pasta concoction I made.<br />Tasted pretty good. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">ZOO</span></h3><div><span style="font-size: large;">Highlights of our trip to Sydney Zoo back in May. I think we got a few animals in there. Ahem. It now seems like an eternity ago and unthinkable that we had such freedom! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zp62tfz_SQA/YSjIZ8v-QAI/AAAAAAAAGNw/8W10r1lhrSImptK6gKW6nTwI-JNi-GXfgCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210531_125648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zp62tfz_SQA/YSjIZ8v-QAI/AAAAAAAAGNw/8W10r1lhrSImptK6gKW6nTwI-JNi-GXfgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_125648.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZwxaoWfl4E/YSjIZ1kpWcI/AAAAAAAAGNw/tM48lS23DnUFp-fwZxQtxU5xhnJ4rQ2qQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210531_112404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZwxaoWfl4E/YSjIZ1kpWcI/AAAAAAAAGNw/tM48lS23DnUFp-fwZxQtxU5xhnJ4rQ2qQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_112404.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qiHl-dTcmE/YSjIZ3SH2EI/AAAAAAAAGNw/cwRqhRF4k1EMMqBH08yWPFjlCbJ0supDQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210531_111256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qiHl-dTcmE/YSjIZ3SH2EI/AAAAAAAAGNw/cwRqhRF4k1EMMqBH08yWPFjlCbJ0supDQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_111256.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJWFu_hiG0g/YSjIZwSndDI/AAAAAAAAGNw/yaJFG-xNFwQzXhRl_JECCffPBaJP-w2jQCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210531_111127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJWFu_hiG0g/YSjIZwSndDI/AAAAAAAAGNw/yaJFG-xNFwQzXhRl_JECCffPBaJP-w2jQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_111127.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gz4ufvU3cOY/YSjIZ1yL-tI/AAAAAAAAGNw/FQCpVS8NEhcfRmlSAnpSySbq2bC-LPhywCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210531_110120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gz4ufvU3cOY/YSjIZ1yL-tI/AAAAAAAAGNw/FQCpVS8NEhcfRmlSAnpSySbq2bC-LPhywCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_110120.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-EuvB6l2wg/YSjIZwI7eeI/AAAAAAAAGNw/tw20Ow-HKjI8fbFPyUeCTckAqqlWjpLFACPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210531_110114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-EuvB6l2wg/YSjIZwI7eeI/AAAAAAAAGNw/tw20Ow-HKjI8fbFPyUeCTckAqqlWjpLFACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_110114.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhk4UyYUeR0/YSjIZ9kfehI/AAAAAAAAGNw/mLgoIuOHgMQr0rYiTnOQtDTkISbjR9plgCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210531_110040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhk4UyYUeR0/YSjIZ9kfehI/AAAAAAAAGNw/mLgoIuOHgMQr0rYiTnOQtDTkISbjR9plgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_110040.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5K1vjNJxmYY/YSjIZywoYWI/AAAAAAAAGNw/h29W36NaZ6se8rdk4pPWPHNSKXlwB2bcACPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210531_110019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5K1vjNJxmYY/YSjIZywoYWI/AAAAAAAAGNw/h29W36NaZ6se8rdk4pPWPHNSKXlwB2bcACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_110019.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgyztOm_EWE/YSjIZ1vZpKI/AAAAAAAAGNw/V4KM6rPA-oA-DpHBQSU7n658-2_HgrAYwCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210531_105401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BgyztOm_EWE/YSjIZ1vZpKI/AAAAAAAAGNw/V4KM6rPA-oA-DpHBQSU7n658-2_HgrAYwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210531_105401.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">DIPLOMA </span></h3><div><span style="font-size: large;">And last but not least, I finally received my diploma! YAY! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IpbIQPkPd0/YSjIlsDiGcI/AAAAAAAAGN0/ee584z_DeP4Rlf68bh9JoNvieyX39rfYwCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210827_140534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IpbIQPkPd0/YSjIlsDiGcI/AAAAAAAAGN0/ee584z_DeP4Rlf68bh9JoNvieyX39rfYwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210827_140534.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">End of snaps. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #01ffff; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;">Ness</span></div><div><br /></div>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-49530526983945575462021-08-16T08:57:00.001+10:002021-08-16T08:57:57.668+10:00Shopping, Selling & Serena <div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Picture it. Sydney. January, 2021. A bustling shopping centre. A steaming cappuccino. And me. With my parents. Because it's perfectly normal for a grown ass woman to go shopping with her folks. Isn't it? Sniff.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">This was our Monday morning ritual. In fact, we were regulars at the local shopping centre. It was practically my home away from home. Until lockdown life became a thing. Shopping is now an altogether different experience.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSnFM1agQ3I/YRcMeehqdXI/AAAAAAAAGHk/DlLUQqZyMtEIHuL-wzhGfjGUeSc_TjTLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/pexels-chevanon-photography-312418.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSnFM1agQ3I/YRcMeehqdXI/AAAAAAAAGHk/DlLUQqZyMtEIHuL-wzhGfjGUeSc_TjTLACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pexels-chevanon-photography-312418.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/">Free Stock Photos · Pexels</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I do like shopping for the most part. Occasionally all the noise, brightness, people and potential decision making becomes a bit too much for this aspie. Yes, in case you forgot or didn't know, I'm on the autistic spectrum. It sometimes seems like I forget this myself. Or at least push it aside and try to do all the things and then it's all suddenly too much and I have to hide again. But back to shopping.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As a child I was terrified of lifts and escalators. Specifically I didn't like attempting to step onto what was essentially moving stairs. Sometimes this fear still crops up as an adult. Especially because I have recurring episodes of vertigo. Not fun. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Because of this, I often feel more secure when I'm pushing a trolley. It gives me something to hang onto. However there's also the fact that trolleys are kinda gross. People leave rubbish in them. Not to mention their germs. Add the pesky old global pandemic thing and there's a whole new level of super germs and grossness. Totally a word. I think. Maybe? Probably not, but you know what I mean. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">All this is to say that shopping is an interesting experience for me. I have spent a good deal of my life out shopping so obviously I like it on some level despite its challenges.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Just before the current Sydney lockdown I was getting into going to op shops. I've always been a fan of them for used books, but now I'm also interested in second hand clothes. I can only afford cheap clothes which are often the product of sweat shops and don't last. Alas, op shops are all closed at the moment. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The other option is online shopping. I haven't managed to fully embrace online shopping. I've never done an online grocery shop, even during lockdown. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The other week our kettle died, so Mickey Blue Eyes went to Kmart to get a new one. When he got there it was a deserted wasteland. Meaning it was closed. Only click and collect was available. Makes sense. I don't see how K Mart being open for 24 hours is 'essential'.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We decided to order a decent kettle from The Good Guys via click and collect. According to Mickey Blue Eyes the process of picking it up was convoluted. He had to wait in the car for an eternity. Clearly everyone desperately needs electrical goods in the middle of a lockdown. Yeah, that tracks. What else are you gonna do besides stay home and play with your gadgets? Or something...<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When we unpacked the kettle at home it was smaller than we'd thought from the picture online. I guess we're just old, but sometimes it's better to sight certain items before purchase. Ultimately we decided that since the prospect of having anyone over for a cuppa in the foreseeable future is rather slim, a smaller kettle would suffice. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Side note: we almost never have anyone over pandemic or not cause we're slack arseholians. Oops. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago I tried a bit of Facey market place buying and selling for the first time. Quite the interesting experience if I don't say so myself. Not really a fan. Zero stars. Do not recommend. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things I've noticed is, I tend to take things literally. Another aspie thing. So if someone lists their location as Suburb X, I expect it to be literally that suburb whereas it could be within a rather wide radius. There are specific rabbit warren suburbs I refuse to drive into with the same commitment and antipathy I reserve for certain stores like IKEA. Not happening. Nope. Never again in this lifetime. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I drove Mr 17 to one such suburb to pick up something earlier this year and I thought we'd never get out. We ended up on foot trying to find the house. No thanks. Again: zero stars. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When I enquired about an item on market place, the seller pounced on me and tried to sell me a bunch of other shit I wasn't interested in. Then she was all cloak and dagger about her exact location. I get being cautious, but I'm old fashioned and like to know in advance where I'm going rather than winging it with Google maps. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When I said I'd changed my mind she shouted at me in caps and blocked me. Which saved me the trouble of doing it to be fair. The blocking, not the caps lock shouting. Not really my thing. OF COURSE IT'S NOT! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??!! Tee hee. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Then I decided to dabble in a bit of selling. I listed a coat I've had languishing in a cupboard for years. It only fitted me for one winter when I was on Weight Witches. These days I am a very bad witch. Picture a plus sized Serena from Bewitched. Actually, that sounds pretty awesome to me, just quietly. A plus sized Serena would be totally groovy and farout. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-_iac61GDA/YRcQDlyXYuI/AAAAAAAAGHs/fhujsmDXnJkDYfwyPe5UmAurgZFlv9hQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s250/Serenagif.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="250" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-_iac61GDA/YRcQDlyXYuI/AAAAAAAAGHs/fhujsmDXnJkDYfwyPe5UmAurgZFlv9hQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Serenagif.gif" width="250" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serena would be groovy at any size. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Back to my listing. The questions starting pinging on messenger:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Can you drop it off in Woop Woop? </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Can you post it to South Australia? </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">No, and no. Postage or petrol would cost more than the 20 bucks I was asking for it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I finally sold it to another lady, but as soon as I saw her in my driveway I knew the coat very likely wouldn't fit her. I'm not saying she's also bad witch. I'm just saying the coat is very snug. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As expected she messaged me later:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>It doesn't fit </i>😔</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I said sorry and told her to bring it back if she wanted. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Then came those little dots as she typed...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I tensed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's ok I'll give it to my granddaughter.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Phew. No caps lock shouting and no refunds necessary!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Not sure if I'm in a hurry to repeat the experience, though. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One thing I would like to repeat is my Monday morning cappuccino with my folks as soon as it's safe. Fingers crossed! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone is staying sane and safe. And enjoying online shopping! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #1cd79f; font-family: Pacifico; font-size: x-large;">Ness</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Do you like shopping, online or otherwise? </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-70948261873306107292021-08-09T08:08:00.000+10:002021-08-09T08:08:18.095+10:00Memories of Dogs and Dresses<p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, dear people! Today I thought I'd take a take a delightful stroll down memory lane and recall the dogs I've loved and dresses I've worn. Why not? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Incongruous perhaps, but that's how my mind works. Or doesn't work, as the case may be. Details. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">DOGS</span></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Samantha</span></h4><p><span style="font-size: large;">My devotion to dogs began early. At the age of around 3 or 4 mum and dad bundled my brother and I into the old Datsun 1200 and we drove to my auntie's place at Fairfleld. My cousins were getting a puppy and we decided to do the same. Why not get one from the same adorable litter? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Enter, Samantha the sausage dog.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_giMfmQu_OM/YQzZ4YZA9CI/AAAAAAAAF-g/SKvJt9gm0O8WWddQnHFjxT1-2z1yDV31QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210722_165000_076.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samantha and I circa 1981</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_giMfmQu_OM/YQzZ4YZA9CI/AAAAAAAAF-g/SKvJt9gm0O8WWddQnHFjxT1-2z1yDV31QCPcBGAsYHg/s474/IMG_20210722_165000_076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">She had to be Samantha because Bewitched was my favourite show at the time. Side note: let's take a minute to also appreciate my mum's glorious garden and my original shade of red hair (see above). It's hard to believe I was bullied and called a red headed rat rooter (among other things) because of it! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Things I remember regarding Samantha:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Singing the Olivia Newton John song Sam (badly) to her</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">She went ballistic when the milkman came to deliver milk (remember those?!) Later we discovered he'd been unkind to her. And she wasn't about to cow down. Not our Samantha! </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">I believe I tried to smuggle her into my bed once. Mum was very house proud and dogs were not allowed on beds! </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">She loved food and became quite portly at one stage.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually she was plagued with the back issues that effect the breed and passed away. That was a devestating day for us all. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">She was truly unique. I know everyone thinks this about their dog but she was! Of all the dogs I've loved she was definitely the most intelligent. I swear she understood everything you said as if she was human. But better. Cause everyone knows dogs are better than humans. </span></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Skippa and Penny </span></h4><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysOfcWpsMoA/YQz0IL5NBgI/AAAAAAAAF_c/eR64D2jI5bMxeI9mzu1tKGIhQOOaED8SwCPcBGAsYHg/s604/dog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="604" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysOfcWpsMoA/YQz0IL5NBgI/AAAAAAAAF_c/eR64D2jI5bMxeI9mzu1tKGIhQOOaED8SwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h180/dog.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Left: Samantha and I circa 197?<br />Right: Penny, Skippa and I circa 1985ish</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">To be honest I can't remember which of this duo came first. They had a litter of puppies together. Skippa also had the same back issues, but Penny plodded into old age and keeled over in my parents backyard one day. They were both sweethearts. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Betsy and Jake</span></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">My parents didn't have any more dogs for a while. Then they got a beautiful beagle named Maggie. By then I was out of the house, married to Mickey Blue Eyes. Maggie had a litter of puppies and I wanted one. Enter, Betsy. I earnestly promised Mick I'd pick up after her etc. Spoiler alert: I didn't. Oops. </span></h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p206ApGZTUQ/UJCps7kdKUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/jFfcGGJXtFMe9cWrBHMj86uH63fbEZKywCPcBGAYYCw/s623/Betsy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="623" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p206ApGZTUQ/UJCps7kdKUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/jFfcGGJXtFMe9cWrBHMj86uH63fbEZKywCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h245/Betsy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My beautiful Betsy girl</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now in the meantime we had also ended up with Jake. A little yappy overgrown rat. Betsy and Jake were quite funny together and chased each other around the outside of the house. Watching their antics was hilarious. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Admittedly, I had a love/hate relationship with Jake but Mick adored him. He yapped his little bum off until the ripe old age of 17. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cookie </span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o_Pvr6TlmQ/V8KIP6-mCDI/AAAAAAAABo0/V-AIdFcMl9wFRAugXGItw-aBHHek1MPzgCPcBGAYYCw/s960/12745786_10209022105214027_512196222322433945_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o_Pvr6TlmQ/V8KIP6-mCDI/AAAAAAAABo0/V-AIdFcMl9wFRAugXGItw-aBHHek1MPzgCPcBGAYYCw/w240-h320/12745786_10209022105214027_512196222322433945_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay-wpKRXMYk/X_TjTJTGIWI/AAAAAAAAEw4/mPiQTd7lodMkvacsbFyy9DDxbNeo-T9aACPcBGAYYCw/s719/104293239_10223088648788825_48053064161238551_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay-wpKRXMYk/X_TjTJTGIWI/AAAAAAAAEw4/mPiQTd7lodMkvacsbFyy9DDxbNeo-T9aACPcBGAYYCw/w320-h320/104293239_10223088648788825_48053064161238551_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The magnificent Miss Cookie </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another very special girl. Cookie was our first rescue dog but she rescued us, really. She was so sweet and gentle. Unfortunately she'd had breast cancer before we adopted her and it returned. We had to let her go last year and it broke my heart. I'll never forget Cookie.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">DRESSES</span></h3><div><span style="font-size: large;">All of the following dresses were sewn by my talented and generous Mum. She's a bloody legend, and I have been rather spoiled over the years. There has been some talk of selling them, but to be honest I'm not sure I can let them go. To have such beautiful garments, including my wedding dress, handmade by my mum is something so special I can't put it into words so I'll let the pictures say everything: </span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Year 6 Formal</span></h4><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txNIDBneBZY/YQ4vQgj00ZI/AAAAAAAAGEs/dyPpOTr81rUmDgocLrDhsajnjR1xI79GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Year%2B6%2Bdress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txNIDBneBZY/YQ4vQgj00ZI/AAAAAAAAGEs/dyPpOTr81rUmDgocLrDhsajnjR1xI79GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Year%2B6%2Bdress.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't have any scanned photos <br />of 11 Year old me wearing this but I did.<br />And I adored it. Still do. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Year 10 Formal </span></h4><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vwt6_dR_GY/YQ4vcV5-_fI/AAAAAAAAGE0/Lcd4PpNgDyAC2kuTgFwVZo-OOUrzEfAdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Year%2B10%2Bdress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vwt6_dR_GY/YQ4vcV5-_fI/AAAAAAAAGE0/Lcd4PpNgDyAC2kuTgFwVZo-OOUrzEfAdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Year%2B10%2Bdress.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiiFPizc9wo/UULbjX6vZjI/AAAAAAAAAjM/LP9a9avNyJEgeablIjtDb3uuIKXinLD5ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/Image%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1239" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiiFPizc9wo/UULbjX6vZjI/AAAAAAAAAjM/LP9a9avNyJEgeablIjtDb3uuIKXinLD5ACPcBGAYYCw/w242-h400/Image%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gotta love the hand on the hip pose. <br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Year 12 Formal</span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYFXjks0r6A/YQ442wkbZKI/AAAAAAAAGFY/kZ3AO0NOzHMWnyu4bOU7xg2wuBwgDXvAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Year%2B12%2Bdress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYFXjks0r6A/YQ442wkbZKI/AAAAAAAAGFY/kZ3AO0NOzHMWnyu4bOU7xg2wuBwgDXvAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Year%2B12%2Bdress.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwuSrpy_aGI/UULaFCu7MWI/AAAAAAAAAjA/AG6ak4aKgHAuJVdAtwr5x2PUrbXzCdZxwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1212" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwuSrpy_aGI/UULaFCu7MWI/AAAAAAAAAjA/AG6ak4aKgHAuJVdAtwr5x2PUrbXzCdZxwCPcBGAYYCw/w236-h400/Image.jpg" width="236" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other formal dresses </span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqSXPaNh0XQ/YQ4xsQZ3M_I/AAAAAAAAGFA/Q5w_hxWyeGI6b8Co-TAaaN0zhweZiZFowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Sparkly%2Bdress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqSXPaNh0XQ/YQ4xsQZ3M_I/AAAAAAAAGFA/Q5w_hxWyeGI6b8Co-TAaaN0zhweZiZFowCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Sparkly%2Bdress.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWfcgqOZZm8/YQ4x2xfKryI/AAAAAAAAGFE/r-DEwDrNkSUXBPl7d5tle5bXz0oVzXLqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/floral%2Bdress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWfcgqOZZm8/YQ4x2xfKryI/AAAAAAAAGFE/r-DEwDrNkSUXBPl7d5tle5bXz0oVzXLqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/floral%2Bdress.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzfAhV71X-0/YQ4zAhsfU1I/AAAAAAAAGFQ/_qsM3zp2o8cnwLc8WtseKqls2wfNO_9uACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Emerald%2Bgreen%2Bdress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzfAhV71X-0/YQ4zAhsfU1I/AAAAAAAAGFQ/_qsM3zp2o8cnwLc8WtseKqls2wfNO_9uACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Emerald%2Bgreen%2Bdress.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHp0hP_Ohk/UYmbp_gd-kI/AAAAAAAAAq8/BLXzSJ91v-sSaH-6ELGYHJnaDNpHzd9jACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Image%2B%252824%2529%2B%2528443x640%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="443" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHp0hP_Ohk/UYmbp_gd-kI/AAAAAAAAAq8/BLXzSJ91v-sSaH-6ELGYHJnaDNpHzd9jACPcBGAYYCw/w278-h400/Image%2B%252824%2529%2B%2528443x640%2529.jpg" width="278" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wedding dress</span></h4><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXMwUiKnKIo/UBYpanmP8HI/AAAAAAAAALc/lcsuahh3Bng335Wfo4gYvLpw5pRSqQsggCPcBGAYYCw/s1104/Picture%2B003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="812" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXMwUiKnKIo/UBYpanmP8HI/AAAAAAAAALc/lcsuahh3Bng335Wfo4gYvLpw5pRSqQsggCPcBGAYYCw/w294-h400/Picture%2B003.jpg" width="294" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxdNn2ygo8U/Un8ZX0_MmDI/AAAAAAAAA20/6-nkKM4UqP4WDUEmbQaVDcKxE8ZZI_1kgCPcBGAYYCw/s1197/Nesswed.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1197" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxdNn2ygo8U/Un8ZX0_MmDI/AAAAAAAAA20/6-nkKM4UqP4WDUEmbQaVDcKxE8ZZI_1kgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h268/Nesswed.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doHOekqL1QM/V8F_iEazfRI/AAAAAAAABoQ/ggjbmxHKwKkp92zuOSZCLIPeStzEQYjGQCPcBGAYYCw/s225/weddingpattern.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="177" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doHOekqL1QM/V8F_iEazfRI/AAAAAAAABoQ/ggjbmxHKwKkp92zuOSZCLIPeStzEQYjGQCPcBGAYYCw/w315-h400/weddingpattern.jpg" width="315" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Vogue pattern mum used </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">And that concludes today's memories of dogs and dresses. Cue wistful sighing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ness </span></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-50153141245821731642021-08-01T14:09:00.000+10:002021-08-01T14:09:06.525+10:00Ye Olde Blog<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Hello again! Things are pretty boring and blah so I figured I may as well post write a blog post to keep you entertained. So let's do it.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Aaaaaaaand...</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Clearly I didn't think this through because I have nothing scintillating to report. Oops. <br /><br />Sydney is in lockdown so no library shifts for me. Sigh. However, I've been able to continue my permanent part time job doing end processing of DVDS for libraries. It's great cause I get to indirectly do work for various libraries all over Australia without going to the actual libraries. It's like magic! This past week I had to stay home but I'm back again this coming week. <br /><br />Our fabulous and favourite furry friend Chandler continues to become more lovable each day. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Needless to say he loves lockdown. Plenty of walks, pats and company. Pets have really come out the winners here, that's for sure. Except those unfortunate pets who were obtained by eejits who were bored and impulsively got a pet without thinking it through and then dumped them when it got difficult. GRRRR. Not cool. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1eOGWp0nOs/YQTeUxVLfCI/AAAAAAAAF5A/Oubtuc5a42cJWP_DjJrxGYTdePZUx2IQwCPcBGAsYHg/s2448/20210729_121222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1eOGWp0nOs/YQTeUxVLfCI/AAAAAAAAF5A/Oubtuc5a42cJWP_DjJrxGYTdePZUx2IQwCPcBGAsYHg/w285-h285/20210729_121222.jpg" width="285" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7232LycGxgg/YQTeUwmkCmI/AAAAAAAAF5A/qPQgyiJlWFcQovydg8ZQopGD4b34NkFswCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210731_133746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7232LycGxgg/YQTeUwmkCmI/AAAAAAAAF5A/qPQgyiJlWFcQovydg8ZQopGD4b34NkFswCPcBGAsYHg/w292-h292/20210731_133746.jpg" width="292" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The boys are keen to get Chandler (see above) a playmate and I like the idea but I have to convince Mickey Blue Eyes. We shall see. <br /><br />Mr 12 and I have binge watched a few series such as Superstore, Kim's Convenience, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the later being our favourite. This is one of our favourite songs from the show:</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAC-J65S8dY" width="320" youtube-src-id="tAC-J65S8dY"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Oh yeah, it's a musical and totally rad and underrated. Can you tell it's my current obsession? </span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I think about it they always start with C: </span><br style="font-family: arial;" /><br style="font-family: arial;" /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cakies, Carpenters, Crazy Ex-girlfriend...</span><br style="font-family: arial;" /><br style="font-family: arial;" /><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh wait, books and dogs don't. Except our two most recent dogs are the late beloved Cookie, and our current cutie pie Chandler. Both of their names begin with a C. I didn't actually choose the names but there they are. Interesting coincidence. </span><br style="font-family: arial;" /><br style="font-family: arial;" /><span style="font-family: arial;">There's definitely one thing starting with C that I passionately LOATHE. You guessed it: Cancer. Fuck that shit. Related: A friend of ours passed away recently. May he rest in peace. </span><br style="font-family: arial;" /><br style="font-family: arial;" /><span style="font-family: arial;">Also; Covid. Kindly go away and leave all of humanity alone, you nasty virus, you! Yeah, just fuck off. I think this situation warrants an F word. </span><br style="font-family: arial;" /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Continuing the things beginning with C theme, I've done a bit of cooking because we like eating. That's truly the only reason I cook. Not a fan of the process. Here's some chocolate chip cookies I prepared earlier. They are literally the only thing I cook that my boys like and ask me to make. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSdaH--CpPI/YQTepqB8ASI/AAAAAAAAF5I/IRcwAQF_IroSPMXqlG_Og3fl8kP6rXT9QCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210716_095006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSdaH--CpPI/YQTepqB8ASI/AAAAAAAAF5I/IRcwAQF_IroSPMXqlG_Og3fl8kP6rXT9QCPcBGAsYHg/w320-h320/20210716_095006.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>That reminds me. When I sign off I have to go and peel potatoes for dinner. I loathe peeling potatoes. I adore eating potatoes. The eternal dilemma. Doh. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Last week I got my drive thru flu jab but they didn't give me any fries with that. Rude. I prefer chips anyway, but still. At least I took a rare selfie because I was bored and anxious (see below):</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrsfS6Wnpco/YQTe4hox-NI/AAAAAAAAF5M/mOCucrTbGuU5FJt8LEBfvl1wdqqboF-JACPcBGAYYCw/s2608/20210723_114142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1956" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrsfS6Wnpco/YQTe4hox-NI/AAAAAAAAF5M/mOCucrTbGuU5FJt8LEBfvl1wdqqboF-JACPcBGAYYCw/w192-h256/20210723_114142.jpg" width="192" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /><br />What can you say about lovely old lockdowns and the pandemic that hasn't already been said? I will say this: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />You know how back in the 60s hippies sang about a new world coming? Well I don't think this is what they had in mind. You know how Patsy Cline sang Stop The World and Let Me Off? Yeah, THAT.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Next week I get my first Covid vaccine jab. I would have had it sooner had it been possible but this is the first opportunity I've had to get it. Not my fault! Meanwhile Mickey Blue Eyes is fully vaccinated. <br /><br />In the midst of all this madness, it became obvious that I need to start to practice some actual real self care of the not inhaling cake variety. Turns out that's self-indulgence NOT self-care. Who knew? </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So anyway, I'm exercising a lot (well, most days) because I got lazy about it and then this pesky little thing I call Agnes (aka anxiety) started to tap me on the shoulder. Oops. Plus, I figure it might be helpful to actually ingest some vegetables, get adequate sleep and practice some mindfulness. With this in mind I've even busted out the old adult colouring in again. Nice.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-sTI_HOzks/YQX7s8jgrQI/AAAAAAAAF7A/R7r-bSGeFRotFJ3qVTj_2p7Wb-LYlgdYgCPcBGAsYHg/s3088/20210801_113932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-sTI_HOzks/YQX7s8jgrQI/AAAAAAAAF7A/R7r-bSGeFRotFJ3qVTj_2p7Wb-LYlgdYgCPcBGAsYHg/w200-h200/20210801_113932.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Whilst doing this I also burned a lavendar candle. I know lots of people loathe lavendar but I think we've confirmed that I've always been a bit of a Nanna at heart so I love it! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Speaking of nanna's (or grandma's as my mum prefers), m</span><span style="font-family: arial;">y beautiful mum turned 80 on the 26th of July and I couldn't see her. Wahhhhhhh. But we had a virtual cakie and a toast which was nice. Let's be thankful for technology I guess. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Is it truly August? I can barely remember what day it is let alone what month. Mickey Blue Eyes will also have a lockdown birthday on the 11th. At least there will still be CAKE. It's a birthday so I'm allowed to be self-indulgent! Shut up. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As if Covid wasn't bad enough, I've also got another crisis on my hands. I'm not reading enough! GASP</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I knowwww. Tragedy! The problem is that I don't wanna read depressing or gruesome stuff but generic romance or whatever doesn't hold my attention anymore. I started reading <i>The Family Doctor</i> but abandoned it because it was pretty intense and graphic from the first chapter. Following this I switched to a historical romance but the male characters were so awful I just couldn't deal with it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, I picked up a paperback I'd got at an op shop called </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Everything Is Beautiful</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> and I'm reading it verrry sloowwwly. It's kind of sad because it's about hoarding brought on by trauma or loss, but I think there may very well be a hopeful ending. Fingers crossed. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You could say the same thing about podcasts. I need to dial back the murdery ones and listen to something else. But what? Audio books are good idea. Duh. And I'm supposed to be a library professional?! Ahem.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Podcasts for me are basically just a way to force myself to do dull stuff like dishes, cooking or folding washing. I need something in my ears to get it done. Otherwise I will poke my own eyeballs out with boredom. I mean, you can tell I'm just dithering here to avoid the afore mentioned potato peeling. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As expected I don't have anything of note to report, but nevertheless it feels good to just type some random words. Just as randomly I began using instagram again. My account was sitting there forlornly, sad and dejected, just like this blog. The thing is, I have no idea how to use hashtags so if someone could explain it I'd be grateful? Never mind I'll just google it myself like a normal person. Me? A normal person? Bahahahahaha! Normal is overrated, right? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Do you ever find yourself wondering why someone reacts with an angry emoticon to a fairly innocuous comment you made in a Facebook group? Definitely a sign that lockdown has gone on tooo long and you need to get out more and off Facebook. Once again I've gone off on one of my tedious tangents. But you get that. The pointless dithering, that is. Done!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ok people, stay groovy (and safe!). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Until next time,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ness <br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br style="font-family: Lora; font-size: 13.3333px;" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-9398856715997979722021-01-11T07:47:00.000+11:002021-01-11T07:47:07.304+11:00Announcement <p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Greetings, groovers and shakers! I trust you are well on this most marvelous of Mondays.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's time for my rather splendid announcement. Brace yourself for a stunning revelation of epic and monumental proportions!!!! Or something...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Drum roll, please! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so you have to imagine the drum roll. Got it? Good. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6eoEaaAgDA/X_gZEbFqb_I/AAAAAAAAE0U/bus_Dpg-8MgfEOxJIP7IDvGY1WBubjyxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s940/Announcements.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6eoEaaAgDA/X_gZEbFqb_I/AAAAAAAAE0U/bus_Dpg-8MgfEOxJIP7IDvGY1WBubjyxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h536/Announcements.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">My announcement is....</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been officially offered a casual library job AND, I commence on Tuesday, January 12 for induction and training! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you are reading this on Monday Jan 11 that means tomorrow! YAY!!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Also...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm scited. That's totally a word. It means scared and excited all at the same time. Mostly excited. But kinda sorta scared. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I looked up words that mean nervous excitement and there are many. Such as:<br /><br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Agitation</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Antsiness</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Clamour</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Flurry </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Fluster</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Perplexity</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Tizzy</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Transience</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Tumult</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I really thought flurry meant something else. A maccas sundae, maybe? Um, no. That's a McFlurry. My mistake. Ahem. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another interesting tidbit (speaking of great words...) is another word for nervous is the term screaming meemies. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I thought a screaming meemie was something like this: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INYjXA_Qxvg/X_rH2U93nFI/AAAAAAAAE14/IDtyl26CEAQAZTP4uBo6bjblBLQhp4HcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1429/screamingmeme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1429" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INYjXA_Qxvg/X_rH2U93nFI/AAAAAAAAE14/IDtyl26CEAQAZTP4uBo6bjblBLQhp4HcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h376/screamingmeme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since we are making announcements I should also declare that I purchased a dress with POCKETS. Now that truly is a big statement. Almost bigger than the job thing. Well, do you know how a rare an occurrence it is to find such a thing?! It deserves a drum roll AND a trumpet call. Again, your imagination is key here. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In other news, we were thinking of getting away for a few days next week, but you know, there's this pesky little global pandemic thing. Sigh. We shall see what happens. We have not been away since 2016. This is not ideal, but what can you do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've completed a tremendous amount of paperwork in order to commence this casual position. I'm starting to understand why people never leave council or government jobs. There's so much red tape!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On Saturday, I went with Mickey Blue Eyes to check out where the library branch is. It's right near a favourite old cake shop I haven't been to in DECADES. We had a pleasant little stroll down memory lane recalling the time we got sausage rolls and I accidentally squirted one of those little squeezey tomato sauce sachets all over my front. As we were dressed up and on our way somewhere (can't recall where), it was most inconvenient. Thinking about it now is curious because I'm not even particularly keen on ingesting tomato sauce let alone wearing it. Weird.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Oh yes, there's also an op shop in the same street. Could be dangerous. Or delightful! Cakies and books FTW!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, wish me luck! I may need it. As we were heading back to the carpark a black cat sauntered directly across our path. Good thing I'm not superstitious. Not AT ALL. Nope. No way. Not me. Well, not really. Gulp. Shudder. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">See you on the flipside! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ness </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">PS. On Sunday we were in a different carpark and another car reversed out straight into the back passenger side of our car. Nothing to do with the black cat thing, right? Superstitions are all complete nonsense, RIGHT? Good. Therefore crappy things can't happen in threes... I hope. Fingers crossed! </span></p><p><br /></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-85599950545733466312021-01-06T09:57:00.001+11:002021-01-06T09:57:49.627+11:00I Miss Blogging <p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hey. Remember me?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I just suddenly felt like typing some words here again. Apparently I have not done so since September of 2019! It is now 2021. Just an FYI in case you were unaware. I'm very helpful with the Captain Obvious stuff. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, and there's this pesky old global pandemic thing happening. Fun times. Said no one ever. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Consequently it felt a bit silly and unimportant in the scheme of things to keep on rambling on here in my ridiculous way. I dunno. I do overthink things, because only a handful of people read my ramblings anyway. Which is how I like it. So on with the proceedings. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, a few things have happened since September 2019. A bullet list is always a lazy yet efficient way of imparting information So let's do it. </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I have continued being a volunteer administrative support assistant at Blacktown Community Hub St Vincent De Paul Society *waves at Vinnies people* </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I have finally completed my Diploma of Library and Information Services and am participating in the Australian Library and Information Association's mentoring scheme as a mentee. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I completed my industry placement at Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College in North Sydney in order to (finally!) achieve my diploma. You may or may not recall (or even care) that I was scheduled to begin a placement at University of Western Sydney back in April, then BOOM: Lockdown. Luckily I was able to keep my enrolment open in case a truncated placement became an option. And it did. See above. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I have applied for a billionty jobs and had one or two interviews. Although I did not get the position I interviewed for I was offered to be put in the casual pool. I'm quite pleased with this outcome. I had my pre-employment medical just before Christmas, so fingers crossed some actual shifts in a library may be on the horizon. YAY! Unless we go into lockdown again... In which case I imagine libraries will close again. Related: wear a freaking mask, people! </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Last June we farewelled our lovely rescue dog Cookie. Such a beautiful soul. She rescued us, really. She was quite old and her cancer returned. She had previously had breast cancer before we adopted her. It was really difficult to let her go, but in the end it was the kindest thing to do. </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay-wpKRXMYk/X_TjTJTGIWI/AAAAAAAAEww/wkmId8wnrl8Vy83_yqaQy_-PKmiCMk4wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/104293239_10223088648788825_48053064161238551_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP beautiful Cookie </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ay-wpKRXMYk/X_TjTJTGIWI/AAAAAAAAEww/wkmId8wnrl8Vy83_yqaQy_-PKmiCMk4wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s719/104293239_10223088648788825_48053064161238551_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></a></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">We welcomed another rescue dog to the family! I always knew we would get another dog, but I've gotta admit it happened a hell of a lot quicker than I had imagined. But I am glad of it. Enter Chandler. See below. He's a Jack Russel and Fox Terrier cross. He was a lost doggy at the local pound who was not claimed by his previous owners. All I can say is, their loss is our gain. He's definitely one of the family now! </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvYcNdv5mLQ/X_TjgjTo_DI/AAAAAAAAEw0/SSWFG0ohTR8mXZsvNG3CYSM_H5N5mfETACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/125105820_10224359304994436_1793370382161271677_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvYcNdv5mLQ/X_TjgjTo_DI/AAAAAAAAEw0/SSWFG0ohTR8mXZsvNG3CYSM_H5N5mfETACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/125105820_10224359304994436_1793370382161271677_o.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9mkQhpXVrQ/X_TtvuhHbOI/AAAAAAAAEx0/bCmYh4Nr9pw4j3X1VIrt6enb9bj9Zx1gACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20210104_161149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9mkQhpXVrQ/X_TtvuhHbOI/AAAAAAAAEx0/bCmYh4Nr9pw4j3X1VIrt6enb9bj9Zx1gACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210104_161149.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Mickey Blue Eyes and I have continued our tradition of scintillating Sunday drives. Here are a few highlights: </span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHJKF6_S2Mg/X_TkBRip98I/AAAAAAAAExA/ATNvJdQQ6bgzncc8zqvBs_ZfkLK7FKiGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1384/129634823_10224511093229047_5501445467397132866_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHJKF6_S2Mg/X_TkBRip98I/AAAAAAAAExA/ATNvJdQQ6bgzncc8zqvBs_ZfkLK7FKiGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/129634823_10224511093229047_5501445467397132866_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_druCyAN7o/X_TkKueqFVI/AAAAAAAAExE/HQVkzXdDGlMAsn3M1SFTZBXGQFwwGUjoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1384/129794621_10224511095549105_6434178111549141636_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_druCyAN7o/X_TkKueqFVI/AAAAAAAAExE/HQVkzXdDGlMAsn3M1SFTZBXGQFwwGUjoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/129794621_10224511095549105_6434178111549141636_o.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWdmZiM5b2M/X_TkupaCQ0I/AAAAAAAAExQ/3zUHYaI-WHwgJsnm23cXfaFGHoT37Z-7gCPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20201213_173032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWdmZiM5b2M/X_TkupaCQ0I/AAAAAAAAExQ/3zUHYaI-WHwgJsnm23cXfaFGHoT37Z-7gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201213_173032.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uifTYO9CcWk/X_TkulIozpI/AAAAAAAAExQ/Heqp4BWOnNIE_2YE9DXlhUAkoi1qyGQRwCPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20201206_152150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uifTYO9CcWk/X_TkulIozpI/AAAAAAAAExQ/Heqp4BWOnNIE_2YE9DXlhUAkoi1qyGQRwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201206_152150.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UMCG_Y4iKw/X_TkurxeAbI/AAAAAAAAExQ/Z-BhexdO4QQxIEZYq9lX7zfMQRB1LOUswCPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20201206_131420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UMCG_Y4iKw/X_TkurxeAbI/AAAAAAAAExQ/Z-BhexdO4QQxIEZYq9lX7zfMQRB1LOUswCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201206_131420.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSaCGZuE7J8/X_TkujI_gMI/AAAAAAAAExQ/i1qNNEP87ZAozCooA1a8nhTrqON1rgkhACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20201025_122708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSaCGZuE7J8/X_TkujI_gMI/AAAAAAAAExQ/i1qNNEP87ZAozCooA1a8nhTrqON1rgkhACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201025_122708.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnbtYkd-yRM/X_TkunhMGPI/AAAAAAAAExQ/pMvK6NFVRJcCm5_cZIBZK8b8IW8h0nJOwCPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20201025_122248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnbtYkd-yRM/X_TkunhMGPI/AAAAAAAAExQ/pMvK6NFVRJcCm5_cZIBZK8b8IW8h0nJOwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201025_122248.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bto0WrOndGE/X_Tkunt2NII/AAAAAAAAExQ/Qw-mxXPRMgop5-hLinr2jqGFX7N1rgr6ACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20200913_141143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bto0WrOndGE/X_Tkunt2NII/AAAAAAAAExQ/Qw-mxXPRMgop5-hLinr2jqGFX7N1rgr6ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200913_141143.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C11kcVO7VBI/X_Tkutp5CHI/AAAAAAAAExQ/KEi6NyJKwfgWIbmZI-5adl_9ybCIqOtGwCPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20200913_122929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C11kcVO7VBI/X_Tkutp5CHI/AAAAAAAAExQ/KEi6NyJKwfgWIbmZI-5adl_9ybCIqOtGwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200913_122929.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh yeah, we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last November. That's kinda a long time, right? </span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPiuymGqq8/X_TlEVKVtkI/AAAAAAAAExY/mngCrb_tCywQ_LxC_ce6N7B-GBrViq4fQCPcBGAsYHg/s4096/20201110_151051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPiuymGqq8/X_TlEVKVtkI/AAAAAAAAExY/mngCrb_tCywQ_LxC_ce6N7B-GBrViq4fQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201110_151051.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0H8FFWL5sI/X_TuyycLhzI/AAAAAAAAEx8/fFRdArp-zCUzYdNUlpphLmgtufBu9Q9OQCPcBGAsYHg/s940/20201110_152455_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0H8FFWL5sI/X_TuyycLhzI/AAAAAAAAEx8/fFRdArp-zCUzYdNUlpphLmgtufBu9Q9OQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20201110_152455_0000.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a milestone birthday coming up next week! Hoping to have an appropriately socially distanced celebratory dinner with my family. And, of course, CAKE! </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCwl9ZRJvCg/X_TqsFlY6yI/AAAAAAAAExo/Yy63TaIOoMUCoRq-8iRt141iC12SP8e7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s512/50th-birthday-sayings04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCwl9ZRJvCg/X_TqsFlY6yI/AAAAAAAAExo/Yy63TaIOoMUCoRq-8iRt141iC12SP8e7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/50th-birthday-sayings04.jpg" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So basically some things have changed, but on the other hand nothing ever changes with yours truly. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Why mess with what works, right? <br /><br />Until *next time,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Ness </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">*Next time could be next week, next month, next year... Who knows? </span></p><p><br /></p>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-61420316994383887502019-09-09T07:23:00.000+10:002019-09-09T07:23:36.377+10:00Taking Stock: September 2019 Edition<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Greetings and salutations, spectacular creatures! I trust life is treating you well. So here we are in September! Astonishing really, since it was January yesterday. WASN'T IT???! Just me? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I figured it's a perfect time for a stock take! So on with the show...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Making:</span></b> Toast. Tea. A million dollars. Okay, I made up the last one. But if I manifest my desires the universe will provide it, right? Snorts. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Drinking</b></span><span style="color: cyan;"><b>:</b></span><b> </b>One of those fantazamagorical (totally a word) cocktails with a fun little umbrella. Manifesting again! Really drinking tea. Sigh. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Reading</span><span style="background-color: white;">:</span></b></span> Recently I have read:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Truths And Triumphs of Grace Atherton</i> by Anstey Harris.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Flat Share</i> by Beth O'Leary</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I Thought I Knew You</i> by Penny Hancock</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Trauma Cleaner</i> by Sarah someone or other. And many more. We could be here for days...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have also been listening to numerous audio books. I still prefer paper books for fiction but listening is good for non-fiction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wanting:</b></span> A shoulder massage would be nice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Looking: </b> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">At old houses, mostly in America, on </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ForTheLoveOfOldHouses/" target="_blank">this Facebook page</a>, for no reason whatsoever. Well, I suppose I need a plan in place, in case I should ever decide to change my identity and disappear forever. An old creaky house in Maine or somewhere should suffice. Yep, definitely been reading too many novels again...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Deciding</b></span>: Whether I'd like the million dollars (see above) in full or installments. However the universe in all its abundance decides I guess. Just hurry up, universe. Hmph. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wishing</b>:</span> That shitty shit wouldn't happen to good people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Enjoying</b></span>: The arrival of spring and its enchanting sunshine of the last few days. Of course I'll still moan like a b$#ch when summer hits. That's just how I roll. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Waiting</b>: <span style="color: black;">For the universe to get its act together. I'm terrified over here.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Image result for you attract what you fear meme" class="irc_mi" height="320" src="https://pics.me.me/you-attract-what-you-fear-oh-my-god-im-so-35288794.png" width="294" /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Liking:</span></b> I'll tell you one thing for nothing: I've been getting up early and exercising. And I like it! I mean, not nearly as much as I like cake, but still. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Wondering</span>:</b> About TAFE assessments. I have two to complete and another submitted. The latter one is concerning because I have a hideous sinking feeling I may not have passed. Stay tuned. Sigh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Loving:</b></span> The simple things like patting Cookie dog and cups of tea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this rather spectacular thing: my tit crushing results were all clear. Woo hoo! </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Listening</b></span>: To Dateline on the telly and YouTuber Sheldon Tweedy (Mickey Blue Eyes is a fan, something to do with soccer or whatever, don't ask me) Cause yeah, it's important to have an informative current affairs programme on to ignore while you faff about on the internet. Works for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Considering:</b><span style="color: black;"><b> </b>Options for my eventual work placement for TAFE. I can choose a type of library. It's exciting! Shut up. I do get out. Usually to the library. Details. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Buying</b></span>: I would be buying that old house in Maine (back up plan), plus a new one in Sydney, if the universe stepped up. So rude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, groceries from Aldi it is!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Watching: </b><span style="color: black;">T</span></span><span style="color: black;">h</span>e Downton Abbey movie. Well, I will be on Saturday. Squeeeeeeeeee! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Marveling</b></span>: At life, the universe and everything. By everything I mean that million dollars I'm still waiting for... Waiting, waiting waiting... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Hoping</b></span>: I'm wrong about the failed assessment. Gulp.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Needing</span></b>: Definitely need a neck massage. In addition to the shoulder massage I mentioned before. Also need a word with the genius who coined this whole manifesting palaver. It's almost like it's made up bollocks or something. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Questioning:</span></b> So many questions. What to have for dinner? Why do so many young women have terrifying eyebrows? Will I fail the afore mentioned assessment? Why doesn't this manifesting bollocks work? WHY???</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Smelling:</span></b> Roast chooken and choc chip cookies. I've been cooking like a ninja. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wearing: </b><span style="color: black;">An attractive array of garments. Currently they consist of : pyjama pants, an old jumper, a fluffy cardigan over it, and a foolish expression. Nice.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Noticing</span>:</b> I couldn't help noticing that Cadbury blocks were $3.50 in our local IGA supermarket the other day. Foolishly I bought one. Should have bought half a dozen. DOH. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Knowing</span></b>: Knowing when to leave may be the smartest thing that anyone can learn! Flyyyyy...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ahem. Sorry. Carpenters/Bacharach song. You probs don't know it...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shoulda went with ABBA instead: Knowing Me, Knowing You! Ahaaaaaa...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Thinking</span></b>: If I really think about it, I'm sure I'll think of something for Thinking. Hmmmm. I don't think so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Admiring</span></b>: My children. I made gorgeous humans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Getting</b>:</span> Up early. But I already mentioned that. And now that I've been all smug and superior watch me slip back into slothfulness. Serves me right, really. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Opening:</span></b> Books, handouts, websites, documents and databases related to my studies. It's all happening. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Closing</span></b>: Facebook. Sometimes. Shut up. I do! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MA5ak1VUN4/XXVv0vv04QI/AAAAAAAAC08/TmloWaCT7GAvR119R5Lc9mAi32JBT0iZACLcBGAs/s1600/69625995_217537469215703_3353946618645708800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MA5ak1VUN4/XXVv0vv04QI/AAAAAAAAC08/TmloWaCT7GAvR119R5Lc9mAi32JBT0iZACLcBGAs/s320/69625995_217537469215703_3353946618645708800_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Feeling:</b></span> Apprehensive about that assessment. Delighted about the mammogram. Also: hungry. What else is new? </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Embracing</span></b>: Early mornings. I know. I need to shut up about that. So I will...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">DONE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And considering it's September right after January I may as well take this opportunity to wish you a happy Christmas and a merry New Year! I'm afraid to blink cause then it'll be 2020...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, I'm off to find some toothpicks to lodge in my eyelids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, stay spectacular! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-26806361167971974402019-06-29T21:54:00.001+10:002019-06-29T21:54:35.430+10:00Book Fetish, Miracle Baby Turns 18 & Other Bits & Pieces <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Good evening to you! Or morning, or afternoon, depending upon where and when you're reading this. Figured I'd check in to my lonely little blog. Because what else am I gonna do on a Saturday night? Go out. Meet people. Socialise, you say? Bahahahahahahaha. NO. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In my defence, my Friday night was COMPLETELY WILD AND CRAZY. It was spent on the couch buried in blankets, reserving library books online. This was despite the fact that I already currently have 17 items on loan. See? Crazy shit, huh? Not so wild as it turns out. But definitely crazy. So there's that. Shut up. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBj8X5rXBHs/XRdKNpxJsMI/AAAAAAAACrk/TtlqWr3cQwIzyko21CaSLldbnxBuXnizACLcBGAs/s1600/64224780_2239960242705733_337725622220488704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBj8X5rXBHs/XRdKNpxJsMI/AAAAAAAACrk/TtlqWr3cQwIzyko21CaSLldbnxBuXnizACLcBGAs/s320/64224780_2239960242705733_337725622220488704_n.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm with you, Steve!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In other news, I'm one week in to a four week break from TAFE. Semester One, DONE! Semester Two begins July 23. Eventually I will officially be some sort of Library Technician-y thing, just like I was in the olden days (early 1990s - totally prehistoric), but, you know, different. Cause apparently they do more than just put books on shelves and things these days. Probably just as well. I </span><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">may</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> have a book fetish. See above. Ahem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Anyway, what else can I tell you? Oh yeah, I'm still going gangbusters in my volunteer role at Vinnies. I have no idea whatsoever what 'gangbusters' really means but it sounds impressive, so let's just go with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yesterday, all the phones and computers were down due to a power outage the day before. This meant we couldn't take any calls (duh!) so the other admin lady and I read magazines and copied recipes we'll likely never cook. Until the mobile phone they'd diverted calls to actually worked and then I had to answer it and speak to a person in need. Rude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No seriously, I'd rather have stuff to DO. There was a bunch of groceries delivered and I helped unpack them. Then there was a bunch of toiletries donated from a church. Some of the hand wash bottles were not screwed tightly and had leaked. The overwhelming intermingling and clashing scents gave me a throbbing headache. Sometimes I forget I'm autistic and have sensory issues. Luckily I had some extra strength paracetamol in my bag and managed to nip it in the bud quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When I finished for the day there was a bunch of food trucks setting up for the night markets, but I resisted all the churros and other treats on offer because clearly I'm </span><strike><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">broke </span></strike><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">a health fanatic. I wandered into Westpoint to get a few groceries instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In keeping with the health fanatic thing, a bbq chook and hot chips were bought for dinner. In keeping with my fetish, Mickey Blue Eyes picked me up in the library car park... Just kidding! I mean yes, he did pick me up there, but not because of my fetish. It's actually easier to do this because the parking at Westpoint is farked due to ongoing work fixing structural damage. Supposedly it's going to be resolved soon-ish. Fingers crossed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In approximately 11 days I will officially be the mother of an adult son. Mr 17 turns 18! He was my so-called 'miracle baby' 18 years ago. Long story. Read about it <a href="https://nessiville.blogspot.com/2012/09/bumps-to-baby-part-one.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://nessiville.blogspot.com/2012/10/bumps-to-baby-part-two.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you're interested. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He decided he didn't want a party but he wants to go to a buffet and feast on all the things. As you can see, I've totally instilled the health fanatic thing into him. But it's a wise decision. He's soooooo skinny. He may as well enjoy the illusion of being able to eat until you burst and remain svelte while it lasts. I believe I too was skinny once, a very long time ago. Well, perhaps not quite THAT skinny, but reasonably so. Sigh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On that note, I know I need to do something about my weight but I'm so stuck for a number of reasons:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I like cake.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I've tried various things over the years: groups at the women's health centre, the Get Healthy service thing-y where some one rings you to discuss being healthier, a dietitian, exercise addiction (worked when I was at least 15 - 20 years younger and not menopausal), and, of course, good old Weight Witches (worked really well...until it didn't...)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I like chocolate.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Each time I did Weight Witches I ended up fatter in the long term. See above. So clearly the whole 'diets make you fat' theory definitely...erm...holds some weight for me... (Terrible puns FTW!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I like FOOD. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I generally don't talk about this shit because there's nothing more boring and super annoying than someone complaining they're fat then shoveling cake in their gob. Plus I see people in my volunteer role who don't even have basic food and I feel pathetic cause I'm basically whingeing that I have </span><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">too much</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">food.</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Seriously?! So I'll shut up about it now. 😥</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At least I know the Mother Of The Decade Award is still mine. Managed to forget Mr 10 had an excursion on Wednesday. Consequently he missed the bus and stayed home. He was thrilled. Winning! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzJf0ubzyHg/XRdGHqob-5I/AAAAAAAACrY/hSiLMpYTAogIuvA5l39x5Z80QxM3fkUYwCLcBGAs/s1600/64981561_10156287600401517_4198567291912192000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="720" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzJf0ubzyHg/XRdGHqob-5I/AAAAAAAACrY/hSiLMpYTAogIuvA5l39x5Z80QxM3fkUYwCLcBGAs/s320/64981561_10156287600401517_4198567291912192000_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And now for the breathless anticipation that arrives at this time of the year. Nope, I'm not one of those lunatics who starts counting how many days until Christmas mid year. You know who you are. STOP IT. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My breathless anticipation revolves around having my tits crushed. It's time. Soon. I'm reasonably confident that all is good, but still. The FEAR. It'll be four years this year. So yeah, keep everything crossed for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm sure I could go rambling on forever but I better not. It's weird how I think I have nothing to report but then I get started and waffle on about everything and nothing. You're welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">OK, I better tackle those library books! So I can borrow MORE. Look, it's a harmless fetish. You're just jealous! Sniff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Over and out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>What's happening in your world? Do you have a (G-rated!) fetish?</i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-73658465559147621882019-05-06T13:33:00.002+10:002019-05-06T13:33:24.790+10:00Taking Stock: May 2019 Edition<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Making:</span></b> Brownies. Which means I get to eat them. YUM!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Drinking</b></span><span style="color: cyan;"><b>:</b></span><b> A</b> billionty cups of tea. Followed by several zillion more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Reading</span><span style="background-color: white;">:</span></b></span> Recently I have read:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Friend Request</i> by Laura Marshall</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Eleanor & Park</i> by Rainbow Rowell</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Break Down</i> by BA Paris</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Are You There God, It's Me Margaret</i> by Judy Blume</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I'm waaaay behind the times with some of those books but who cares. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile I've just started reading <i>Atomic Habits</i> by James Clear for a bit of a non-fiction self-help switcheroo. Gotta mix things up sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wanting:</b></span> A cup of tea. Because the billionty plus a zillion I've already had are not nearly enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Looking: </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">At the laptop screen. What else?</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I'm such a smart arse. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Deciding</b></span>: Whether to take off to Europe or the States or just say screw it and do a complete world trip? The fact that this trip would be entirely imaginary is COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wishing</b>:</span> That I didn't just make up the deciding thing. See above. Sigh. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Enjoying</b></span>: Brownies. And the weather hasn't been too bad lately. Well, it took a turn to cold and grey yesterday afternoon but generally it's been quite pleasant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Waiting</b>: </span>For someone to make me a cup of tea. One of those magical tea making fairies. Hurry up, <strike>Mickey Blue Eyes </strike>Tea Fairy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Liking:</span></b> That I seem to be getting into exercise again. But I better shut up or I'll jinx it...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Wondering</span>:</b> About assessments again. Seem to finish one and BOOM there's another. I guess that's something called The Real World. Where there are things to do and no magical Tea Fairies. Shame. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Loving:</b></span> I loved the Easter break. We went to the Easter Show and caught up with friends and family. It was great. The simple things in life FTW! </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Listening</b></span>: To myself tapping on the keyboard. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Considering:</b><span style="color: black;"><b> </b>Getting up and making my own cup of tea. I'm very sorry it's come to this. Unacceptable. HMPH. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Buying</b></span>: Scripts and socks and so many exciting things. Those things are called groceries. OK, so they're not exciting. What do you want from me?! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Watching</b></span>: I was excited to see that season two of <i>The Letdown</i> is coming back on ABC at the end of the month. I'll definitely be watching that. Meanwhile, I've got a few DVD's I've borrowed from the library. This is what sad sacks who don't have Netflix, Stan, Fetch, Foxtel or any other streaming service I've never heard of do. Such a tragic life I lead. Can you hear the violin music? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Marveling</b></span>: At the fact that it's May. Wasn't it just Christmas? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Hoping</b></span>: I pass my assessments. This still stands from the last stock take. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Needing</span></b>: A magical Tea Fairy. I already told you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Questioning:</span></b> What the future holds...before bringing myself back to the present. You know, mindfulness and all that stuff. I need to remind myself of this mindfulness thing all the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Smelling:</span></b> Dinner (pork chops and fried rice). Also; brownies. Because health fanatics. Clearly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Wearing</span></b>: Many layers of whatever fits. Works for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Noticing</span>:</b> I exercise yet am still HUGE. Apparently you have to eat less as well. Particularly things like pork chops with fried rice followed by brownies. Oops. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Knowing</span></b>: I'll never get that cup of tea unless I make it myself. Dammit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Thinking</span></b>: About assessments and shopping and all the things I have to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Admiring</span></b>: My dog. She's kinda cute even though she's old. They say dogs are like their owners...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Getting</b>:</span> Fitter from exercising! Or is that fatter from eating brownies...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Opening:</span></b> My mind to possibilities. Or something. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Closing</span></b>: The window. It's cold! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Feeling:</b></span> Cold but contented. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Embracing</span></b>: Mindfulness and exercise each day. </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">And just like that, another stock take (and almost half of 2019) is completed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm off to make my own cup of tea since no magical Tea Fairies have appeared. Shocking, really. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, stay groovy! </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-55045097103503872922019-04-15T19:51:00.002+10:002019-04-15T19:51:38.849+10:00Sharing Snaps<br />
Greetings and salutations! I'm baaaaaack!<br />
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OK, I never actually went anywhere. Whatever. I've just been knee deep in Tafe assessments. Or 'Taff' as Mickey Blue Eyes says. It's just a thing he does. Mispronounces words. Apparently vegans are veg-ins. If you know what I mean. But that's just me going off on a tangent. As usual. That's the thing I do. Where was I? <br />
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Oh, yes. Assessments. I had to do one which involved creating a digital collection then recording the meta data for the images as if you're creating an important library collection. Nice.<br />
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So when I saw that this week's Life This Week prompt is Share Your Snaps, I figured I may as well pop in and do so. Even though they're mostly ancient type snaps. Some of them are from our wedding and a holiday back the <i>90s</i>. Yep, definitely ancient. Can you believe the 1990s will be 20 years ago next year?! I'm doing that tangent thing again, aren't I? Oops. <br />
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The digital collection included 10 scanned photos and 10 digital born photos. Then there had to be a few different themes or subjects. Mine was Wedding, Holiday, Dresses & Parks. Here they are all ad hoc, cause I'm not creating an important library record here. I'm just rambling on. Cause I can. So ner. <br />
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<b><u>MOUNTAINS</u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu7yFb_E21I/XLQpGk1dZLI/AAAAAAAAChA/CG16nFUbHUAh3s2xe50M3Nday52Y1Q2sACLcBGAs/s1600/Blue_Mountains_father_and_son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu7yFb_E21I/XLQpGk1dZLI/AAAAAAAAChA/CG16nFUbHUAh3s2xe50M3Nday52Y1Q2sACLcBGAs/s320/Blue_Mountains_father_and_son.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father and son, Blue Mountains, NSW</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eD__9hIJNuM/XLQpnqGTtaI/AAAAAAAAChI/i3Z3vDr8aMYfM8-I_UGL_RMuPXiFOaCiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Blue_Mountains_landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eD__9hIJNuM/XLQpnqGTtaI/AAAAAAAAChI/i3Z3vDr8aMYfM8-I_UGL_RMuPXiFOaCiwCEwYBhgL/s320/Blue_Mountains_landscape.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Mountains, NSW</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU44LsTSqcI/XLQrgEIV6WI/AAAAAAAAChc/Rjd6AGsEQwkuZa1m42XuG22t-GYLRTfPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Blue_Mountains_scenic_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sU44LsTSqcI/XLQrgEIV6WI/AAAAAAAAChc/Rjd6AGsEQwkuZa1m42XuG22t-GYLRTfPwCEwYBhgL/s320/Blue_Mountains_scenic_view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More mountains. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVko8slOgg/XLQr90e728I/AAAAAAAAChk/kFThkVL_KSYeE9arC3eaCg2Ii2K-cSMKACLcBGAs/s1600/Nepean_River_scenic_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUVko8slOgg/XLQr90e728I/AAAAAAAAChk/kFThkVL_KSYeE9arC3eaCg2Ii2K-cSMKACLcBGAs/s320/Nepean_River_scenic_view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
A lookout over the Nepean River. Don't ask me the name. </div>
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I forgot. Oops. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYT7SPDpAGg/XLQ0PiB1D9I/AAAAAAAACjo/mx5v4eE6aQsjzrTSbn6Xe8sElgXkLDolACLcBGAs/s1600/Jellybean_pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYT7SPDpAGg/XLQ0PiB1D9I/AAAAAAAACjo/mx5v4eE6aQsjzrTSbn6Xe8sElgXkLDolACLcBGAs/s320/Jellybean_pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jellybean Pool, Blue Mountains, NSW<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wW3tJbQFCw8/XLQqDU7zaxI/AAAAAAAAChQ/cMqGpZo2RE4SaB54ty7OSR6RZRkhFJupACLcBGAs/s1600/Blue_Mountains_rock_formation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wW3tJbQFCw8/XLQqDU7zaxI/AAAAAAAAChQ/cMqGpZo2RE4SaB54ty7OSR6RZRkhFJupACLcBGAs/s320/Blue_Mountains_rock_formation.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mind the gap. </td></tr>
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<b><u>DRESSES</u></b></div>
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<br />
And now for my frocks. Basically I just wanted to say the word frocks. It's not a proper library subject heading, so I couldn't use it for my meta data. Which is rude. Frightfully so. On with the frocks...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kA6hDq11Mtw/XLQtFVc6l-I/AAAAAAAAChw/osEmKVlVSG4BzsyocSqHwl0CiVooKd_cgCLcBGAs/s1600/Vintage_black_formal_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kA6hDq11Mtw/XLQtFVc6l-I/AAAAAAAAChw/osEmKVlVSG4BzsyocSqHwl0CiVooKd_cgCLcBGAs/s320/Vintage_black_formal_dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The exquisite creation I wore to my year 12</div>
<div>
formal. Big bows FTW!<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5bkCAZyiRw/XLQtkykpYOI/AAAAAAAACh4/mVJGyLykgDsxab9HJm-Kuy8Vqn50dGs1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Vintage_floral_formal_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5bkCAZyiRw/XLQtkykpYOI/AAAAAAAACh4/mVJGyLykgDsxab9HJm-Kuy8Vqn50dGs1QCLcBGAs/s320/Vintage_floral_formal_dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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Isn't it just GORGEOUS? 😍<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMdysEO-nN8/XLQuYSmzWJI/AAAAAAAACiA/kiPHKnEMFeEbfacowY2iystKj7bgPDbjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Vintage_pale_green_formal_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMdysEO-nN8/XLQuYSmzWJI/AAAAAAAACiA/kiPHKnEMFeEbfacowY2iystKj7bgPDbjQCLcBGAs/s320/Vintage_pale_green_formal_dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
I wore this to my year 10 formal with lacy </div>
<div>
stockings and fingerless gloves a la Madonna.</div>
<div>
Well, it was 1986...<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRYvTsoxsJM/XLQvyRuCmeI/AAAAAAAACiM/IyhQwx5iQNEgtaq70ueJ9tGS4zHD4k70QCLcBGAs/s1600/Vintage_silver_formal_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRYvTsoxsJM/XLQvyRuCmeI/AAAAAAAACiM/IyhQwx5iQNEgtaq70ueJ9tGS4zHD4k70QCLcBGAs/s320/Vintage_silver_formal_dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver stunner. Another 80s number. <br />
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</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>WESTERN AUSTRALIA HOLIDAY</u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F76TYEB2IZY/XLQwSaqREHI/AAAAAAAACiU/YDmI57IcEecAeZAttjTFRVTErh8pVj8swCLcBGAs/s1600/Perth_city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F76TYEB2IZY/XLQwSaqREHI/AAAAAAAACiU/YDmI57IcEecAeZAttjTFRVTErh8pVj8swCLcBGAs/s320/Perth_city.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Perth, WA circa 1996</div>
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</td></tr>
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<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JoH6aBwbK4/XLQwhhwkylI/AAAAAAAACiY/3UQOknhLJlspboJ1d7ueO0Bv0-1vi_0cACLcBGAs/s1600/Street_in_Fremantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JoH6aBwbK4/XLQwhhwkylI/AAAAAAAACiY/3UQOknhLJlspboJ1d7ueO0Bv0-1vi_0cACLcBGAs/s320/Street_in_Fremantle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Fremantle, WA. I'm wearing a very attractive hat. </div>
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</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VajwNlOG1wg/XLQwrWaiGwI/AAAAAAAACig/jV1JbjLuAV0ZMatClOs2rQdjSLpFpyntgCLcBGAs/s1600/The_pinnacles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VajwNlOG1wg/XLQwrWaiGwI/AAAAAAAACig/jV1JbjLuAV0ZMatClOs2rQdjSLpFpyntgCLcBGAs/s320/The_pinnacles.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The Pinnacles, WA</div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9gIe5JFUG4/XLQw6CQlQJI/AAAAAAAACio/7It9dCeT2e8AbOlBHzg4A-zJ8h7KP93xQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wave_rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9gIe5JFUG4/XLQw6CQlQJI/AAAAAAAACio/7It9dCeT2e8AbOlBHzg4A-zJ8h7KP93xQCLcBGAs/s320/Wave_rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Wave Rock, WA</div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hY1g9NvOSBM/XLQxz8LGPGI/AAAAAAAACi4/kBuNvbmPlUcVlmxpR8vCM8n-zJt_Qah9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Cave_Western_Australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1105" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hY1g9NvOSBM/XLQxz8LGPGI/AAAAAAAACi4/kBuNvbmPlUcVlmxpR8vCM8n-zJt_Qah9wCLcBGAs/s320/Cave_Western_Australia.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Me near a cave in 1996. Probably the last</div>
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time I've been near a cave...</div>
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</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>WEDDING</u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HESoIQDQl4c/XLQyetHiPhI/AAAAAAAACjA/GNEZX7bbG3ED5q7JuurQc1VEHUzjI-zNACLcBGAs/s1600/Bride%2Band%2Bgroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1097" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HESoIQDQl4c/XLQyetHiPhI/AAAAAAAACjA/GNEZX7bbG3ED5q7JuurQc1VEHUzjI-zNACLcBGAs/s320/Bride%2Band%2Bgroom.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
We scrubbed up alright in those days.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBj_hQFHWlA/XLQytPGC_gI/AAAAAAAACjE/SwFZ9WrmbfM3iGQljAjI0j2uRLRPdLSpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Church%2Bwedding%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBj_hQFHWlA/XLQytPGC_gI/AAAAAAAACjE/SwFZ9WrmbfM3iGQljAjI0j2uRLRPdLSpwCLcBGAs/s320/Church%2Bwedding%2Bday.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
I love the leaded glass church windows</div>
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in this one.</div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K_-9XHRWwY/XLQy_pbZW_I/AAAAAAAACjQ/pkHykJ5adFASW081lYYB41LhkycKgILkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wedding_day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K_-9XHRWwY/XLQy_pbZW_I/AAAAAAAACjQ/pkHykJ5adFASW081lYYB41LhkycKgILkgCLcBGAs/s320/Wedding_day.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
One of my favourite wedding snaps, even though it's</div>
<div>
just random. </div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1-f_vH3VcE/XLQzPKz2ifI/AAAAAAAACjU/o4UIBMYOrqcVX4OcFvVcHeGXiD8D8rbqwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wedding_reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1-f_vH3VcE/XLQzPKz2ifI/AAAAAAAACjU/o4UIBMYOrqcVX4OcFvVcHeGXiD8D8rbqwCLcBGAs/s320/Wedding_reception.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Mick loves to say "Take it easy" so this pose seemed </div>
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appropriate. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF0GTQDNqvg/XLQz93YfciI/AAAAAAAACjg/9vQsS3OSiuAXTIbHAfcR22ZjrC3glvw1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Family_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF0GTQDNqvg/XLQz93YfciI/AAAAAAAACjg/9vQsS3OSiuAXTIbHAfcR22ZjrC3glvw1wCLcBGAs/s320/Family_wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
With our parents. </div>
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</tbody></table>
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<br />
That completes my snaps. Thank you for scrolling. Auto correct says scowling, but I won't thank you for that. <br />
<br />
In other news, it's school holidays here at the moment, this week and next. Tomorrow we're off to the Easter Show. Later in the week we'll be catching up with some friends. Also, I have yet another assessment to work on. It's a presentation I have to give, and I still haven't even decided on a topic! I'm over thinking it instead of making a decision. That's the thing I do. Over thinking and tangents. See? I've gone on a tangent about over thinking....<br />
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I'm outta here. <br />
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<b><i>Do you have any snaps to share? </i></b>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-91498116459339505652019-03-04T06:48:00.002+11:002019-05-05T18:55:39.395+10:00Taking Stock: March 2019 Edition<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello again, groovers and shakers! Yep, I'm still alive and kicking. Well, alive anyway. I don't really kick anything. That's far too energetic for me. Alive and sitting, shall we say? Sounds good to me. I do miss my little ramblings here, so I figured why not check in with another stock take? And I did. Here it is:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Making:</span></b> I</span> don't really make things, unless you count the three humans I made. And I'm well and truly done with all that. Oh yeah, I DO occasionally make those humans dinner. So that's something. Though I've also discovered that if you wait long enough everyone will just eat cereal instead. Scientific fact, apparently. Genius.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Drinking</span><span style="color: cyan;">:</span> </b>Not enough. Related: I would love a drink right now. I'm talking booze, not tea. Side note: as I type this it's Saturday afternoon, in case you are reading this on Monday morning concerned that I have a problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">Reading</span><span style="background-color: white;">:</span></b></span> <span style="color: #93c47d;">I</span> just finished reading a novel called <i>Elizabeth Is Missing </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">by Emma Healey. I enjoyed it. I still have a huge TBR pile. In fact, if you ever hear any news reports of a woman being buried alive by all her waiting to be read books, there's a good chance it's me. But what a way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wanting:</b></span> The previously mentioned alcoholic beverage. I deserve it. Sniff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Looking:</b></span> For ideas for assessments (I'm studying for a Diploma of Library & Information Services for those who don't know).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Deciding</b></span>: See: Looking. On assessment stuff. One of the units/subjects is Maintaining Digital Repositories (every time I say or type that last word I have to remember not to say suppositories - that would be quite a different subject! ). For this subject we need to digitise some photos. Of course, I am the one weirdo who never takes any photos. So yeah, I had better get on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Incidentally, how DO people take photos with their phones. I can never see anything outdoors because of the glare. Just me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For another unit/subject, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Training In A Library Environment, we have to give a presentation on a topic of our choice. Decisions, decisions...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Wishing</b>:</span> That cancer was just a zodiac sign. Yeah I've said it before, but seriously. F@$k that cancer shit. Side note: I'm FINE. Still cancer-free! Just in general. Cancer SUCKS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Enjoying</b></span>: I'm quite enjoying the diploma thingy. It's challenging, but in a good way. Good stress and all that, as my psychologist says. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Waiting</b>: </span>For the kettle to boil. Then I wander off to do something else and forget the tea or whatever and start again... And again...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Liking:</span></b> The weather is quite splendid in my neck of the woods right now. As soon as I say that, the fires of satan will spring forth to incinerate us all again. I'm scared now. NOOOOOOO!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Wondering</span>:</b> What to have for dinner. If I keep wondering it'll be cereal. See above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Loving:</b></span> Being able to sleep when the weather is cooler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Wishing</span></b>: Wait, do I get another wish?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Listening</b></span>: To SILENCE. It's SUBLIME. Related: I'm home alone. This does not happen very often. Ahhhhh, the SERENITY. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Considering: </b></span>What sentence to type for "Considering." Yeah, I really didn't consider that enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Buying</b></span>: Groceries, and stationery that is needed for Tafe. Cause it's totally all for Tafe. Yep. Absolutely. Ahem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Watching</b></span>: I've been watching The Heights on Iview. Nice little distraction. I like it. Recently </span><span style="font-size: large;">I also re-watched the 1995 BBC production of Pride & Prejudice starring Colin Firth. I hadn't watched it in decades and had forgotten how good it was. SO good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Marveling</b></span>: That I'm actually doing this library diploma thingy. True, it's nothing monumental, but it's HUGE for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Hoping</b></span>: I pass my assessments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Needing</span></b>: A neck and shoulder massage and a million dollars should suffice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Questioning:</span></b> If I'm doing the right thing studying again at my age with no guarantees that it will lead to employment...blah blah blah...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But screw it, I'm doing it anyway!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Smelling:</span></b> Coconut shower gel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Wearing</span></b>: Lots of pants with elastic waists. Not good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Noticing</span>:</b> I am slowly changing some habits. Not likely to ditch the elastic waisted pants just yet, but you never know...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Knowing</span></b>: I don't need to know all the answers. Everyone is making it up as they go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Thinking</span></b>: About thinking styles and cognitive distortions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Admiring</span></b>: Everyone who keeps trying despite their struggles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Getting</b>:</span> Older. Which is a good thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Opening:</span></b> Folders and handouts and databases related to studying.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Closing</span></b>: Facebook. Mainly cause I can't connect to Wi Fi when I'm at Tafe. Details.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Feeling:</b></span> My moods change often (thank you, menopause), but just now I feel quite contented.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Noticing:</span></b> That I already covered Noticing. See above.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Embracing</span></b>: Study and (GASP) ROUTINES! I know, I don't believe it either!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, I get up early(ish) and exercise and meditate. I've only missed a couple of days in the last month or two. When I say exercise, it might only be for ten minutes, depending on how much time I have. But anything is better than nothing, right? That's my theory anyway. It's a start. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it. Stock take completed!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for another stock take, coming soon to a blog near you! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Look, I just really don't know how to end things...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Obvious!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The End.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Too abrupt? Oh well. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, people. Stay groovy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over and out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-57821959388202896732019-01-14T20:09:00.001+11:002019-04-30T20:53:45.020+10:00One Word: 2019 Edition<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever heard of the one word or intention for the year thing? Yes? No? Love it? Loathe it? Couldn't care less? Move along then. There's nothing here for you. Unless I can convert you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You see. I'm a convert. I previously scoffed at such a thing. Seemed like a load of hippy drippy bullocks to me. However, I had an epiphany of sorts. It occurred to me that I was being a sour old cynical negative Nellie. The process is helpful to many, and if it doesn't work out well, no harm done. Besides, I quite like words in general. I like reading them, I like writing them, so why not choose one of them for the year?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Look, clearly I'll never be one of those positive Polly's, but I don't have a cynical b!+$h all the time either.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So with that in mind, I resolved to embrace the concept. The results have been tenuous to say the least.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My word for 2017 was MOVE. I was hoping to form a strong exercise habit, like I have in the past. However, I proceeded to take this word as more of a light suggestion. Oops. There was some movement but not quite as much as there could have been. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For 2018 I decided to address my inner mean girl with some self-compassion. Therefore my word was COMPASSION. Mixed results yet again. I have made some strides in being kinder to myself, however I consider it to be still a work in progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I find myself in the interesting quandary or dichotomy of needing to be kinder to myself, yet also needing to require more of myself. See above. Self-compassion and self-care isn't just about eating cake and being indulgent. And...erm... not moving. Dammit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">So yeah, still working on it, as I mentioned. This brings me to the current year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I mulled over what word to choose for 2019. There are so many frightfully good words. In the end I decided to keep it simple. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My word for 2018 is... drum roll, please (you have to imagine it...):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">LOVE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Basic old love. Here's why:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">It segues nicely from my 2018 word COMPASSION.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I still need a reminder to be more loving and kinder to myself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I am lucky and blessed to have so much love in my life even when I am not very lovable.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some folk think you cannot be loved until you completely love yourself. I am living proof that's not true. See above. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of. OK, that's a Burt Bacharach song, but still. Relevant.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Like I said, I love words. I love books. I love my family. And yes, I DO love cake. Anything wrong with that? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The overriding theme of most Carpenters songs is love.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ditto Montgomery books.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I suspect I'm a softie and incurable romantic at heart despite all my surface cynicism. Yeah, I'm not fooling anyone with all that. I know.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Love is a groovy thing. It knows how to make you sing. And it fills up your life with sunshine and joy. OK, that's the words to a little known Carpenters song, but again. Relevant. See above.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not setting myself up to fail but choosing such a delightful word. And you never know, I may just learn to love moving again anyway. Perhaps not as much as cake, but anything is better than nothing. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I think this process is supposed to be an intention not a just a word. So celebrating love and being loving to myself and others seems like a pretty good thing to me. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately this seems like a much more beneficial thing that a new year's resolution, which always seem to be about weight loss. And, if you're like me, always always seem to be to broken. Usually on January 1st. Forgeddaboutit. (Totally a word - maybe that should be my word?!!).</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it. My word and intention for 2019 is all about LURRRRVE. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And now it's back to some Burt Bacharach to fade out. Again, you have to imagine it, or clink on the link below. As sung by Dionne Warwick. Because as brilliant a composer as Burt is, he ain't no singer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sing it with me! What the world needs now....!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a word or intention? </span></i></b>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-56266481738305476912019-01-07T12:50:00.001+11:002019-01-07T12:50:17.026+11:00Hello Again<br />
Hello again good people. It is I, the illustrious Ness of Nessville. Who else? It's good to pop in here now and again.<br />
<br />
And may I say a very happy new year to you. Look, I know that's a big ask (side note: ASK not ASS). We can't be happy 24/7 for 365 days. However, I do hope that happiness and contentment outweighs all the other stuff this year.<br />
<br />
On that note, can you BELIEVE it's 2019? You can? It comes after 2018, that's the way it works, you say. Well yes, I get that. But didn't it come around rather FAST? So fast, I have whiplash. Ouch. I'm sitting here dazed, confused and wondering what happened. So pretty much the same as usual.<br />
<br />
Consequently this seems reasonable methinks:<br />
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To be perfectly honest, I really have nothing of note to report. I just miss rambling away here. So ramble I will. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
Let's begin with a bit of a summary of what's been happening in my world. Always exciting, so strap yourselves in. Or something...<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing Christmas with family, complete with the obligatory Aussie feast of prawns, ham and pav. Yum.<br />
<br />
NYE was spent on the couch with my dog and I regret nothing. NOTHING, I tell you! Mr 14 also opted to stay in while the rest of the brood made a last minute decision to head out to Parramatta Park for the 9pm fireworks. Reportedly they were most excellent.<br />
<br />
The neighbours were setting of fireworks here anyway, so I still got a show without leaving my living room. Much to Cookie dog's dismay. She's terrified of fireworks.<br />
<br />
Prior to all the end of year festivities I finished a trifling little TAFE course. I am now the proud owner of a piece of paper for IWORK Course in Community<br />
Vocational Engagement and Statement In Vocational Support & Pathways. Whatever that means.<br />
<br />
Although the course was very basic, it was a good bunch of people with excellent teacher. Surprisingly, I enjoyed getting out and mixing a bit in small doses. GASP. Who knew?!<br />
<br />
According to my former teacher I am an outstanding student and good mentor. I didn't know that either.<br />
<br />
This has piqued my interest in further study. Most likely in the form of a Certificate III in Library & Information Services or Business Administration, pending attendance to one more information session.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, I will be able to have support and modifications due to being on the autistic spectrum. Therefore it may take me longer to get there, but get there I will. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I've applied for a gazillion jobs, receiving a gazillion politely worded rejection emails in response. They're funny old things, aren't they? "We wish you every success..." Um. Apparently not.<br />
<br />
I did have one interview. My first one in YEARS. Even though I wasn't successful, it was an important hurdle for me. Interviews and talking in general are kind of like my kryptonite. So at least I faced my kryptonite and the world didn't end. I'll call that a win anyway.<br />
<br />
I put job applications on pause over the the Christmas period but will get back into it presently. And since no one wants to employ me and actually pay me money (yet), I have procured a volunteer role as Administration Support for St.Vincent De Paul Society. I do this every Friday at one of their hubs. I feel like I've mentioned this before, but I'm fond of repeating myself ad nauseam, so meh.<br />
<br />
In other news, my boys received excellent school reports for 2018. Mr 10's describing him as 'friendly and outgoing'. I wouldn't be at all certain he's my child except I know I gave birth to him. Meanwhile, Mr 14 is 'quiet and introverted'. We all know what that means. He's totally awesome like his mum.<br />
<br />
Mr 17 is now on the home stretch and officially in his HSC year. Hold me. It's all happening.<br />
<br />
Sadly there are no trips or travel plans for the Connor clan these holidays, but fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyeballs crossed we'll get there some time this year.<br />
<br />
My birthday is coming up next week, so we headed out yesterday for an early celebration of sorts in the form of a pub lunch. Because we're classy like that. This will not deter me from partaking in further cake opportunities when the actual day rolls around. This is me we're talking about, after all. I'm no amateur.<br />
<br />
That's about all my rambling for now. Tune in next time when I share my 'one word' for 2019. Yep, I'm jumping on that bandwagon. And no, it's NOT 'cake'. Sniff.<br />
<br />
Over and out.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's been happening in your world?</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-51804251014369524822018-12-03T16:26:00.001+11:002018-12-04T16:35:20.910+11:00Taking Stock: December 2018 Edition<br />
<b>Making: </b>Mess! Seems to be a gift of mine unfortunately. Messy Nessy FTW!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cooking: </b>I made scones and hot cakes for the brood the other day. And SO. MUCH. MESS. See above.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Drinking: </b>I'm gonna have me a cold glass of moscato soon. It's chilling in the fridge. Well, it's getting cool, no idea if it's really relaxed.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Reading: </b>A LOT of books. At my last trip to the library, the librarian informed me I currently have 31 items on loan. It's a sickness, really. But I don't wanna be cured.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wanting: </b>A million dollars would be nice. In the meantime, I'll settle for a shower.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Looking: </b>Still looking for a lovely little thing called a job. Fun.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Deciding: </b>Ditto still deciding on a course. Library jobs seem to be pretty hard to come by, which sucks. So I'm poised to go to lots of TAFE information sessions in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wishing: </b>I could make decisions! See above.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Enjoying: </b>The aforementioned glass of moscato. Cheers!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Waiting: </b>For someone to serve me a seafood platter to go with the wine. I'll be waiting a looooong time. Rude.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Liking: </b>I am quite liking this blogging thing again. It's been a while.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wondering: </b> If Santa will come. 'He' seems to be running a bit behind this year. Ahem.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Loving: </b>Lazing about reading all of those books. Shut up. It's too hot today to do anything else.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wishing: </b>I loved running or some sort of sports as much as reading. Sigh.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Listening: </b>To the next door neighbours clearly getting into the Christmas spirit with a party. Which we weren't invited to. THANK. GOD.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Considering: </b>Making my own dinner since no one has turned up with that seafood platter. HMPH.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Buying: </b>Wine! Well, technically it was Mickey Blue Eyes who bought it, but details.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Watching: </b>Recently I was introduced to Outlander by my auntie and mum. Yep, I know! I'm totally behind the times. So now I have to catch up. I will force myself to do so. It'll be tough. So be it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Marveling: </b>At life, the universe and everything.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Hoping: </b>We can get away at some point next year.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Needing: </b>To get some Christmas shopping done. I've done nothing!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Questioning: </b>Why I can't think of any questions for questioning when at other times I always have all the questions swirling in my head. WHY???? That is the question.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Smelling: </b>Coffee.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wearing: </b>My fashion style at present would be called "Whatever fits".<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Noticing: </b>Nothing much fits. See above. Oops.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knowing: </b>I need to lose weight. But <i>actually </i>lose weight, not say I need to lose weight and continue stuffing my face. Classy.<br />
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<b>Thinking: </b>About what to have for lunch. At 11.23 am. You can see I have a problem... Oooooooops.<br />
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Side note: The seafood platter definitely never arrived last night. I made my own fettuccine with a pesto sauce. It was quite tasty, but still. RUDE.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Admiring: </b>The volunteers at St.Vincent De Paul. They do a fabulous job. And I'm now one of them! Yep, I started last Friday as Administration Support at one of the hubs. Yay!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Getting: E</b>xcited at the new year ahead and all the good things I'm doing. 2019 is gonna be great! I hope. I think. Pretty please?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Opening: </b>The fridge, and books. Sometimes even both at once cause I like to multi task. Skills, people.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Closing: </b>My eyes for a little nanna nap after lunch. Zzzzzzz.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Feeling: </b>Hopeful, wistful, weird and wonderful.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Noticing: </b>My tummy grumbling in protest as soon I mention my need to lose weight. DOH.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Embracing: </b>The return of the seventh circle of hell called summer. It's here. No use complaining about things you can't control. But that doesn't stop me. So prepare for a litany of pointless whining over the coming months. You're welcome.<br />
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And it would appear that this completes my stock take.<br />
<b><br /></b>It was certainly delightful making a guest appearance on my own blog. I'm sure I'll be back again soon. Until then, adios! Or something...<br />
<b><br /></b><b><i>What are you enjoying in December?</i></b>
<b><br /></b>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-70982745870127442682018-10-22T14:44:00.002+11:002018-10-22T14:44:48.485+11:00Quick Meal Ideas #LifeThisWeek<br />
The other day Mr (almost) 10 woke up bleary eyed and immediately asked me that dreaded question: What are we having for dinner?<br />
<br />
Before breakfast.<br />
<br />
<i>Seriously?</i><br />
<br />
In fact, it's common for him to not only ask what's for dinner, but what's for dinner TOMORROW. Didn't I just feed them yesterday?<br />
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Needless to say, I am constantly thinking about what to feed people. Of course. the obvious solution would be to set up a meal plan. I haven't done that as yet, so maybe I will at some point. I kinda just go with whatever I have on hand in the fridge and pantry, and buy whatever's on special.<br />
<br />
Since I'm at home (mostly), it makes more sense to do a small to medium shop a couple times a week instead of one big shop. I waste less this way as well.<br />
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When it comes to cooking, sometimes I like it, and other times I'd rather poke my eyeballs out. Therefore it's good to have a few quick and easy meal ideas. Because I'd really rather keep my eyeballs. They come in handy for seeing stuff, and also crossing them for good luck. Why just rely on your fingers?<br />
<br />
I digress. As usual. Moving on.<br />
<br />
One of my favourite go to recipes lately is a quick red chicken curry I got out of a Coles magazine. So I can't take the credit for it. It's this:<br />
<br />
You brown chopped chicken breast or thigh fillets (whatever's on special- see above) in a little olive oil. Then remove and cook roughly chopped red capsicum with a third of a cup of red curry paste. Add the chicken again and a tin of coconut milk or cream. Chuck in some baby spinach and serve with rice. I vary the veggies depending what I have on hand.<br />
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Another current favourite is a noodle stir fry. We've progressed to two out three boys eating these things now. I'll call that a win. Mr (almost) 10 is a plain meat, potatoes and corn kinda guy, like his dad was when I met him. That's OK. I definitely would never have eaten anything remotely curry like at age ten. He'll get there.<br />
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Of course you wouldn't be Australian if you didn't resort to a good old BBQ chook with rolls and salad. <strike>Laziest</strike> easiest meal ever!<br />
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Then there's always lazy shove-it-in-the-oven dinners. Pies, pizzas etc. Certainly not the healthiest option, but sometimes necessary for your mental health. We try to compensate by having a juice or green smoothie. Admittedly, not as good as eating your greens, but better than nothing.<br />
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We're also breakfast or lunch for dinner kinda people, so we might have toasted sandwiches, bacon and eggs or pancakes for dinner. Not all of them at once, you understand, just one or the other.<br />
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By now I'm sure you're getting the district impression that we're health fanatics and living our best lives. Correct.<br />
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Pancakes for dinner = Best life.<br />
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I serve them with fresh berries so it's healthy!!<br />
<br />
HMPH. You're just jealous.<br />
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That's a wrap.<br />
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Boys will be home soon asking that question...<br />
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<b><i>What's for dinner?</i></b><br />
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<b><i>What are your quick meal ideas?</i></b>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-42158867931729402802018-10-21T23:02:00.002+11:002018-10-21T23:02:45.033+11:00Flowers Of Truth: A Story #FridayReflections<br />
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<br />
Stella stood at the window staring. Waiting. Always, waiting. It was barely past dawn and a dismal wet day. She couldn't sleep. As soon as she'd gotten the text, she'd left the cocoon of her bed. No doubt they'd be back in there very soon anyway. He was on his way.<br />
<br />
Finally, irrevocably, he was leaving Sarah. He'd promised to tell her last night. At last, they could be together. No more furtive five am trysts, late night emails, secret texts and stolen afternoons at motels. She'd never planned to become 'the other woman'. It wasn't something you aspired to. And it wasn't in Stella's determined nature to be a pushover.<br />
<br />
"It's just that you deserve so much more," her best friend Donna would frequently remind her. Of course she did. She knew that. That's why she'd given Dale an ultimatum. Leave his wife or it's over.<br />
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Besides, people like Donna didn't get it. She'd married Gary soon after university. One of those dependable decent guys, and they seemed happy enough. But Stella wanted more. She wanted to be swept off her feet and dazzled. To not settle.<br />
<br />
As soon as she'd seen Dale Kingsley it was like a juggernaut to her heart. Every inch of his six foot frame exuded charisma. With his movie star looks, and take charge confidence, he was the quintessential alpha male. In fact, his only flaw as far as she could see, was his wife.<br />
<br />
Stella sighed, glancing at her phone. Where was he? It was drizzling after a downpour overnight. The street was grey and sodden, lined with bins waiting to be collected. The lid had tipped off one directly opposite her flat, and an empty milk carton sailed along the water logged gutter. Someone had drawn a crude penis on the lid. She certainly wouldn't miss this neighborhood.<br />
<br />
They planned to move to their dream home near the beach. Stella thought about everything as she peered anxiously outside, hoping to see Dale's sleek sports car glide into the street.<br />
<br />
Technically, Dale had been separated when they met. He was her boss at the major insurance company she worked for as a team leader. Falling for the boss was such a cliche. Even more so was her belief that it must have been fate. They'd bonded over being the only two tea drinkers in an office full of coffee addicts. Then came the emails. First they were professional, then friendly, before becoming flirtatious. Soon, they were seeing each other outside of work. It was the most romantic, whirlwind, joyous thing.<br />
<br />
He hadn't hid the fact that he was married, but assured her they were separated. The strain of years of infertility had proved too much for the marriage.<br />
<br />
"I think she wanted a baby more than she wanted us," Dale explained sadly. Dale had been ambivalent about parenthood from the start. Stella felt the same way. She valued other things besides babies. They must be meant for each other.<br />
<br />
Then came the devastating news. Dale decided to go back to Sarah, at least for now. His mother in law had been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and Sarah wasn't coping well emotionally. It wasn't the right time.<br />
<br />
Stella had been beside herself, but in the end realized Dale was trying to do the right thing. They tried to stay apart, but it was no use. The fire between them was too intense. She agreed to see him on the side.<br />
<br />
To her surprise, part of her enjoyed the thrill of secrecy. They had all the fun and excitement without all the tedious parts of a relationship. Sure, she hated the idea of hurting another woman, but Sarah Kingsley didn't have it so bad. She had a beautiful home in the leafy northern side of Sydney, while Stella was stuck out in the dreary western suburbs in a ground floor flat.<br />
<br />
Stella frowned and looked at her phone again. There were no frantic messages. No promises to be here ASAP. This was the bad side, the stark reality of the relationship. The lying, the waiting, guessing, always being second best in Dale's life. No more. His mother in law had passed away a few months ago. It was time to move on with their lives.<br />
<br />
Stella thumbed in the words:<br />
<br />
Where r u? I'm waiting!!!<br />
<br />
She thought of adding something sexy but she was too irritated. Her phone pinged a few minutes later.<br />
<br />
Sorry, babe. Can't make it. Will make it up to you. Talk later.<br />
<br />
WHAT?! She typed again.<br />
<br />
Did you tell her???<br />
<br />
Not yet. But I will. Promise.<br />
<br />
Stella threw her phone down and stomped to her tiny kitchen. The table was set with tea cups and a plate of pastries. She dumped them in the trash, then slumped at the table sobbing.<br />
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The door buzzer sounded startling her. Maybe Dale was here after all! She flew to the door.<br />
<br />
"Delivery! Sign here!"<br />
<br />
Stella signed, then took in the box. It was the most glorious box of pink blooms with a love heart nestled amongst them.<br />
<br />
The message was simple:<br />
<br />
Two hearts that beat as one. Soon we'll be together. Love you forever, Dale.<br />
<br />
The smarmy bastard, Stella thought. But she felt herself melting. Begrudgingly, she breathed in the roses. Everything would be alright.<br />
<br />
The next day she strode into the office, replenished. She'd dressed to impress in a fitted sheath and killer heels. Move over Meghan Markle. People were always telling Stella she looked like the princess. Stella thought it was more of an attitude. She hated being a victim, preferring to take charge. She'd sort things out with Dale. After all, there was sure to be a reasonable explanation. Not to mention, the roses. Stella glowed as remembered them in pride of place in her living room.<br />
<br />
Reaching her work station, she averted her eyes from her colleagues. They'd transformed from cubicle hell into an open plan office. An even worse hell when you wanted privacy. She needed to email Dale.<br />
<br />
Marita Britton was not to be deterred. She was the obligatory office gossip and chatterbox. Stella wasn't in the mood for her now, but it was good to keep her on side.<br />
<br />
They exchanged cursory greetings. "Love your dress!" Marita's eyes flickered enviously over Stella's svelte frame.<br />
<br />
"Thanks," she replied, distracted.<br />
<br />
"Great news about Dale, isn't it?<br />
<br />
"What news?" Stella concentrated on sounding unconcerned.<br />
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"He's gonna be a dad! His wife's expecting!"<br />
<br />
Shell shocked, Stella stumbled on her heels. Gingerly she sunk into her swivel chair. There must be some sort of mistake!<br />
<br />
"Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Marita squinted at her.<br />
<br />
"I'm fine!" Stella snapped herself out of it.<br />
<br />
Marita shrugged. "Okay, seeya." She sauntered off, leaving a shaken Stella groping for her laptop.<br />
<br />
Deftly, she logged on and did the unthinkable. The thing she'd vowed never to do. Within seconds she'd typed the name Sarah Kingsley into Facebook. There she was. A winsome blonde with oceanic blue eyes. She was really real. And more than that. She was BEAUTIFUL. Stella felt ill, but kept scrolling. Then she nearly fainted.<br />
<br />
Sarah had typed a long status:<br />
<br />
So this happened! Dale and I are thrilled to announce we're now 18 weeks pregnant!!! This has been an incredibly long journey, therefore we couldn't wait to find out if the nursery should be pink or blue! IT'S PINK!!!!<br />
<br />
The final insult was in the images posted alongside the status. Sarah and Dale beaming and a glorious arrangement of pink flowers. The exact same type of arrangement he'd sent Stella.<br />
<br />
The same fucking flowers!<br />
<br />
Stella read the comments, all of them gushing and congratulatory. Then she gasped audibly at one:<br />
<br />
So proud of you, my daughter. Cannot wait to be a Grandma!<br />
<br />
Was this the same mother in law who was meant to be deceased?!<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Stella began typing as if she were possessed. It was surreal, as if she was outside of herself spectating. She was incandescent with rage, only wanting to lash out, wound, the way she was wounded. Before she knew it, she'd hit send. Sarah Kingsley's perfect pink world was about to be annihilated. Along with her philandering husband.<br />
<br />
Stella stood and propelled herself to Dale's office. She didn't bother knocking, storming past his bewildered PA. He was deep in conversation with several other suits. She ignored them, seething at her lover.<br />
<br />
"Stella!" Dale looked stricken.<br />
<br />
"YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH!" She thundered.<br />
<br />
"FUCK YOU AND YOUR FUCKING FLOWERS!"<br />
<br />
The entire office was agog. The normally contained Stella Conway was unraveling. So it was TRUE, they all whispered.<br />
<br />
"I KNEW it!" Marita gloated.<br />
<br />
SIX MONTHS LATER...<br />
<br />
Stella signed the contract with a satisfied flourish.<br />
<br />
"Congratulations," Kevin Bannister, the head of HR shook her hand. "You show great leadership."<br />
<br />
"I won't let you down." She'd done it. A promotion! And not just any promotion. She was replacing Dale, who'd left shortly after all the brouhaha.<br />
<br />
Later, she'd be signing yet another contract. She could finally afford her own place! No man needed. There had been a couple of changes for Dale, she'd heard. His newborn daughter, and a bitter divorce.<br />
<br />
She felt a twinge of guilt knowing her own part in the latter, but in the end she was glad Sarah had had enough gumption to choose single parenthood over a farcical marriage. Maybe she'd thank Stella one day. Well, that was probably going too far, but good luck to her.<br />
<br />
Stella reached her new office and sighed with satisfaction. She spun her swivel chair and let out a long squeeee. There was a tap on the door. It was Marita. Her new PA. Like she always said, it was a good idea to keep the queen of office gossip as her ally.<br />
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" Your latte!" Marita handed her a coffee. Stella could never drink tea again.<br />
<br />
THE END.<br />
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Linking up for Friday Reflections.<br />
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<br />Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-51042997216335242072018-10-01T08:19:00.000+10:002018-10-01T08:19:02.856+10:00Something Anything #LifeThisWeek<br />
Greetings earthlings. It is I, the one and only Ness of Nessville, back to thrill you with the monumental happenings of my grand existence.<br />
<br />
For instance, today's highlight involved cleaning out the fridge. This is a phenomenon known as 'living the dream'.<br />
<br />
In other news, I also made some beds, folded laundry, patted my dog and cooked fried rice. (Auto correct wanted me to say I cooked friends, but I can assure you I've never done that).<br />
<br />
Anyway, as you can imagine, I certainly needed a lie down after all this, to recover from all the excitement. Especially considering that for much of the past week I have resembled what can only be described as a human slug.<br />
<br />
A snotty, sniffling, sneezing, snivelling, sooky human slug. This is what happens when your offspring decide to generously share their germs. Rude.<br />
<br />
I endured unimaginable suffering for DAYS. Gallons of water were consumed. Copious piles of tissues were disposed of as plaintive piano music moped piteously in the background. Well, it should have been anyway. Sniff.<br />
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I mean, I was most certainly DYING from this hideous Man Cold. If I got it from my boys that makes it a Man Cold and therefore dire and tragic. In desperation I turned to my faithful husband, the marvellous Mickey Blue Eyes.<br />
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"Can you please get me some Sudafed or Cold Eze tablets?" I implored. Dutifully he set off, traipsing to the chemist on foot. He's one of these people who walk a lot, not a sloth creature like yours truly. Ahem.<br />
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He left me languishing in my sluggish state. Some time later I heard a loud clap of thunder. Oh dear, I thought, hoping he wasn't caught in a downpour. Or worse still, struck by lighting. The sky lit up at that precise minute and I shuddered fearfully.<br />
<br />
I am prone to catastrophising. Oops. Minutes later I heard the gate clatter and a breathless Mickey Blue Eyes arrived, wet but triumphant. I had my drugs. I fell upon them as if they were cake, my preferred drug.<br />
<br />
I am now slightly less slug like. And let me just add that this is what true love looks like, people. Do you understand what I'm saying?<br />
<br />
Things have been a tiny bit gloomy to be honest. In a sad turn of events, a friend of Mickey Blue Eyes passed away unexpectedly, two weeks ago, leaving him despondent and adding to a general malaise.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, school holidays arrived in all their glory. This means that three ravenous boys demand food incessantly from the minute they awake until they again succumb to slumber. On the plus side, Mr 17 is keen to cook pancakes quite frequently. Winning.<br />
<br />
In the midst of my man cold, I made myself some restorative soup, and I think we can all agree this is fascinating information.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I missed a planned excursion to the city with my TAFE class. ( TAFE stands for Technical And Further Education for any non Australians playing along). Can't remember if I have mentioned the course, but yes I am doing this for two days a week until December. Then if all goes to plan I will proceed to study for a Library Diploma thingy via TAFE digital.<br />
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Meanwhile, I've applied for several jobs, getting a politely worded rejection email from one and crickets chirping from the rest. Is that a thing now? You don't hear anything unless you progress to interview? Oh well. It's all a learning process. I'll get there.<br />
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What does this week hold? Some boring appointments and shopping. Then next week I am catching up with some girlfriends for lunch. Looking forward to it! With the added bonus that I should be completely germ free by then. Yippee!<br />
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And that is all I have to report. We are perpetual plodders. So until next time I'll be over here plodding along. <br />
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As Mickey Blue Eyes would say, take it easy and I'll catch up with you later. Adios.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's happening in your world? </i></b>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5413604776887648893.post-8717344159569634932018-09-03T19:45:00.002+10:002018-09-03T19:45:18.422+10:00Taking Stock: September 2018 Edition #LifeThisWeek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Making: </b>Beds. I've gotten into a habit of doing so most mornings. Gives me the illusion that I've got my shit together.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cooking: </b>I made a shepherd's pie recently that was a hit. What else? Hmmm. Toast. Does that count?<br />
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<b>Drinking: </b>Green smoothies made with zucchini, kale, banana, coconut milk and a dash of honey. Gives me the illusion that I'm healthy.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Reading: </b>Currently reading <i>Three Little Lies </i>by Laura Marshall. I'm enjoying it even though it kinda jumps all over the place with the characters and years. Prior to this I read an old Paullina Simons called <i>Road To Paradise</i>. It dragged a bit for me in the middle but I liked it in the end.<br />
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Also read a non-fiction title: <i>You're Not That Great.</i> It wasn't that great.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Trawling: </b>I wonder why I leave this one in here. I never trawl.<br />
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<b>Wanting: </b>A holiday would be lovely.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Looking: </b>For a part-time job. Wait. What? Yes, you read right. I'm doing it. Trying, anyway.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Deciding: </b>On some sort of further studies to go along with the job stuff. Library related stuff, because that's what I've done before and it suits me.<br />
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<b>Wishing: </b>Someone would just jump over the fence and offer me a job. No, I'm not drunk. That's a scenario I once read in a novel. Can't remember the name of the novel, but the heroine decided she wanted a job and BOOM her neighbour became her bestie and offered her a job. Totally happens in real life, right? Any librarians out there who wanna be my bestie?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Enjoying: </b>A bit of RAIN. You know, that wet stuff that comes from the sky? That.<br />
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<b>Waiting: </b>For a lottery win. Will be waiting a LONG time. We never take a ticket.<br />
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<b>Liking: </b>The roast dinner we had was pretty good.<br />
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<b>Wondering: </b>Why washing up can't do itself.<br />
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<b>Loving: </b>My family. I think I'm gonna keep 'em.<br />
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<b>Listening: </b>To not much of anything. It's quite peaceful at the moment. As soon as I type this bedlam will ensue in ten, nine, eight, seven...<br />
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<b>Considering: </b>Shoving the dishes outside in the rain and hoping for the best.<br />
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<b>Buying: </b>Groceries. Just for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.<br />
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<b>Watching: </b>I watched an old movie from the 70s yesterday. <i>The Last Married Couple In America</i> starring George Segal and Natalie Wood. It was really bad. The hairstyles and some of the so-called humour from those times haven't worn well.<br />
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<b>Marvelling: </b>At many things.<br />
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<b>Hoping: </b>I won't blink my eyes and it's Christmas. *tries not to blink* 😵<br />
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<b>Needing: </b>A washing up fairy. Or, you know, one of those new-fangled contraption things people have that wash dishes? Whatever they are. I wouldn't know.<br />
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<b>Questioning: </b>How September came around so quickly. *blinks* OOPS. Merry Christmas everyone!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Smelling: </b>There is a bit of a rainy day aroma with a hint of Krispy Kreme donuts happening here. We smashed a dozen of those babies between the five of us. We picked them up on the way back from my brother's 50th birthday lunch the other day. We'd already had a meal, plus cake, but that didn't stop us, because we're living our best lives obviously.<br />
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<b>Wearing: </b>Navy track suit pants, a purple jumper and green cardigan. Classy.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Noticing: </b>My feet are cold. I really should put on ugs on to complete my alluring look.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Knowing: </b>The dishes will NOT do themselves. A washing up fairy will NOT arrive. So rude.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Thinking: </b>I need to exercise. And do dishes. Sigh.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Admiring: </b>Mr 9, until he tells me it's creepy that I stare at him.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Getting: </b>Tired. Until I actually get into bed... BOOM! I'll be wide awake.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Opening: </b>Books<b>. </b>Always<b>. </b><br />
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<b>Closing: </b>Dunno.<br />
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<b>Feeling: </b>Pretty groovy right now. Also, kinda lazy. Groovy lazy is totally a thing. It's like the regular kind of lazy but you have shades on. Or something.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Celebrating: </b>Three years cancer free!!!! Had my girls crushed last week and the results were GOOD. WHEEEEE!<br />
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<b>Pretending: </b>To exercise by typing the word exercise. Exercise exercise exercise. Done.<br />
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<b>Embracing: </b>Uncertainty. Hmmm. Think I said that last time but it still applies.<br />
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<b>End Of Stock Take. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Later dudes!<br />
<br />
Linking up for<a href="http://www.denysewhelan.com.au/denyse-blogs/taking-stock-4-lifethisweek-36-52-2018-87/" target="_blank"> Life This Week </a>and <a href="https://onemotherhen.blogspot.com/2018/09/i-bought-letter-box-for-myself-on.html" target="_blank">Open Slather</a>.<br />
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<b>What are you celebrating in September?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Nesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860187504607445377noreply@blogger.com4