Taking Stock: March 2019 Edition

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:

Making: I 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.

Drinking: 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.

Reading: I just finished reading a novel called Elizabeth Is Missing 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.

Wanting: The previously mentioned alcoholic beverage. I deserve it. Sniff.

Looking: For ideas for assessments (I'm studying for a Diploma of Library & Information Services for those who don't know).

Deciding: 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.

Incidentally, how DO people take photos with their phones. I can never see anything outdoors because of the glare. Just me?

For another unit/subject, Training In A Library Environment, we have to give a presentation on a topic of our choice. Decisions, decisions...

Wishing: 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.

Enjoying: I'm quite enjoying the diploma thingy. It's challenging, but in a good way. Good stress and all that, as my psychologist says. 

Waiting: For the kettle to boil. Then I wander off to do something else and forget the tea or whatever and start again... And again...

Liking: 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!

Wondering: What to have for dinner. If I keep wondering it'll be cereal. See above.

Loving:  Being able to sleep when the weather is cooler.

Wishing: Wait, do I get another wish?!

Listening: To SILENCE. It's SUBLIME.  Related: I'm home alone. This does not happen very often. Ahhhhh, the SERENITY. 

Considering: What sentence to type for "Considering." Yeah, I really didn't consider that enough.

Buying: Groceries, and stationery that is needed for Tafe. Cause it's totally all for Tafe. Yep. Absolutely. Ahem. 

Watching: I've been watching The Heights on Iview. Nice little distraction. I like it. Recently 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. 

Marveling: That I'm actually doing this library diploma thingy. True, it's nothing monumental, but it's HUGE for me.

Hoping: I pass my assessments.

Needing: A neck and shoulder massage and a million dollars should suffice.

Questioning: If I'm doing the right thing studying again at my age with no guarantees that it will lead to employment...blah blah blah...

But screw it, I'm doing it anyway!

Smelling: Coconut shower gel.

Wearing: Lots of pants with elastic waists. Not good.

Noticing: I am slowly changing some habits. Not likely to ditch the elastic waisted pants just yet, but you never know...

Knowing: I don't need to know all the answers. Everyone is making it up as they go.

Thinking: About thinking styles and cognitive distortions.

Admiring: Everyone who keeps trying despite their struggles. 

Getting: Older. Which is a good thing.

Opening: Folders and handouts and databases related to studying.

Closing: Facebook. Mainly cause I can't connect to Wi Fi when I'm at Tafe. Details.

Feeling: My moods change often (thank you, menopause), but just now I feel quite contented.

Noticing: That I already covered Noticing. See above.

Embracing:  Study and (GASP) ROUTINES! I know, I don't believe it either!

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. 

So there you have it. Stock take completed!

Stay tuned for another stock take, coming soon to a blog near you! 

Look, I just really don't know how to end things...

Obvious!

The End.

Too abrupt? Oh well. 

Until next time, people. Stay groovy. 

Over and out.

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One Word: 2019 Edition

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.

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?

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.

So with that in mind, I resolved to embrace the concept. The results have been tenuous to say the least.

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.  

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.

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.

So yeah, still working on it, as I mentioned. This brings me to the current year.

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.  

My word for 2018 is...  drum roll, please (you have to imagine it...):

LOVE

Basic old love. Here's why:

• It segues nicely from my 2018 word COMPASSION.
• I  still need a reminder to be more loving and kinder to myself.
• I am lucky and blessed to have so much love in my life even when I am not very lovable.
• Some folk think you cannot be loved until you completely love yourself. I am living proof that's not true. See above. 
• 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.
• Like I said, I love words. I love books. I love my family.  And yes, I DO love cake. Anything wrong with that? 
• The overriding theme of most Carpenters songs is love.
• Ditto Montgomery books.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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?!!).

So there you have it. My word and intention for 2019 is all about LURRRRVE.  

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. 

Sing it with me! What the world needs now....!!!

Do you have a word or intention? 

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Hello Again

Hello again good people. It is I, the illustrious Ness of Nessville. Who else? It's good to pop in here now and again.

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.

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.

Consequently this seems reasonable methinks:

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.

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...

We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing Christmas with family, complete with the obligatory Aussie feast of prawns, ham and pav. Yum.

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.

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.

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
Vocational Engagement and Statement In Vocational Support & Pathways. Whatever that means.

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?!

According to my former teacher I am an outstanding student and good mentor. I didn't know that either.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mr 17 is now on the home stretch and officially in his HSC year. Hold me. It's all happening.

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.

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.

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.

Over and out.

What's been happening in your world?

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Taking Stock: December 2018 Edition

Making: Mess! Seems to be a gift of mine unfortunately. Messy Nessy FTW!

Cooking: I made scones and hot cakes for the brood the other day. And SO. MUCH. MESS. See above.

Drinking: 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.

Reading: 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.

Wanting: A million dollars would be nice. In the meantime, I'll settle for a shower.

Looking: Still looking for a lovely little thing called a job. Fun.

Deciding: 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.

Wishing: I could make decisions! See above.

Enjoying: The aforementioned glass of moscato. Cheers!

Waiting: For someone to serve me a seafood platter to go with the wine. I'll be waiting a looooong time. Rude.

Liking: I am quite liking this blogging thing again. It's been a while.

Wondering:  If Santa will come. 'He' seems to be running a bit behind this year. Ahem.

Loving: Lazing about reading all of those books. Shut up. It's too hot today to do anything else.

Wishing: I loved running or some sort of sports as much as reading. Sigh.

Listening: To the next door neighbours clearly getting into the Christmas spirit with a party. Which we weren't invited to. THANK. GOD.

Considering: Making my own dinner since no one has turned up with that seafood platter. HMPH.

Buying: Wine! Well, technically it was Mickey Blue Eyes who bought it, but details.

Watching: 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.

Marveling: At life, the universe and everything.

Hoping: We can get away at some point next year.

Needing: To get some Christmas shopping done. I've done nothing!

Questioning: 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.

Smelling: Coffee.

Wearing: My fashion style at present would be called "Whatever fits".

Noticing: Nothing much fits. See above. Oops.

Knowing: I need to lose weight. But actually lose weight, not say I need to lose weight and continue stuffing my face. Classy.

Thinking:  About what to have for lunch. At 11.23 am. You can see I have a problem... Oooooooops.

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.

Admiring: 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!

Getting:  Excited at the new year ahead and all the good things I'm doing. 2019 is gonna be great! I hope. I think. Pretty please?

Opening: The fridge, and books. Sometimes even both at once cause I like to multi task. Skills, people.

Closing: My eyes for a little nanna nap after lunch. Zzzzzzz.

Feeling: Hopeful, wistful, weird and wonderful.

Noticing: My tummy grumbling in protest as soon I mention my need to lose weight. DOH.

Embracing: 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.

And it would appear that this completes my stock take.

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...

What are you enjoying in December?

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Quick Meal Ideas #LifeThisWeek

The other day Mr (almost) 10 woke up bleary eyed and immediately asked me that dreaded question: What are we having for dinner?

Before breakfast.

Seriously?

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?

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.

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.

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?

I digress. As usual. Moving on.

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:

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.

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.

Of course you wouldn't be Australian if you didn't resort to a good old BBQ chook with rolls and salad. Laziest easiest meal ever!

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.

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.

By now I'm sure you're getting the district impression that we're health fanatics and living our best lives. Correct.

Pancakes for dinner = Best life.

I serve them with fresh berries so it's healthy!!

HMPH. You're just jealous.

That's a wrap.

Boys will be home soon asking that question...

What's for dinner?

What are your quick meal ideas?

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Flowers Of Truth: A Story #FridayReflections

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stella thumbed in the words:

Where r u? I'm waiting!!!

She thought of adding something sexy but she was too irritated. Her phone pinged a few minutes later.

Sorry, babe. Can't make it. Will make it up to you. Talk later.

WHAT?! She typed again.

Did you tell her???

Not yet. But I will. Promise.

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.

The door buzzer sounded startling her. Maybe Dale was here after all! She flew to the door.

"Delivery! Sign here!"

Stella signed, then took in the box. It was the most glorious box of pink blooms with a love heart nestled amongst them.

The message was simple:

Two hearts that beat as one. Soon we'll be together. Love you forever, Dale.

The smarmy bastard, Stella thought. But she felt herself melting. Begrudgingly, she breathed in the roses. Everything would be alright.

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.

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.

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.

They exchanged cursory greetings. "Love your dress!" Marita's eyes flickered enviously over Stella's svelte frame.

"Thanks," she replied, distracted.

"Great news about Dale, isn't it?

"What news?" Stella concentrated on sounding unconcerned.

"He's gonna be a dad! His wife's expecting!"

Shell shocked, Stella stumbled on her heels. Gingerly she sunk into her swivel chair. There must be some sort of mistake!

"Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Marita squinted at her.

"I'm fine!" Stella snapped herself out of it.

Marita shrugged. "Okay, seeya." She sauntered off, leaving a shaken Stella groping for her laptop.

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.

Sarah had typed a long status:

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!!!!

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.

The same fucking flowers!

Stella read the comments, all of them gushing and congratulatory. Then she gasped audibly at one:

So proud of you, my daughter. Cannot wait to be a Grandma!

Was this the same mother in law who was meant to be deceased?!

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.

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.

"Stella!" Dale looked stricken.

"YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH!" She thundered.

"FUCK YOU AND YOUR FUCKING FLOWERS!"

The entire office was agog. The normally contained Stella Conway was unraveling. So it was TRUE, they all whispered.

"I KNEW it!" Marita gloated.

SIX MONTHS LATER...

Stella signed the contract with a satisfied flourish.

"Congratulations," Kevin Bannister, the head of HR shook her hand. "You show great leadership."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

" Your latte!" Marita handed her a coffee. Stella could never drink tea again.

THE END.

Linking up for Friday Reflections.

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Something Anything #LifeThisWeek

Greetings earthlings. It is I, the one and only Ness of Nessville, back to thrill you with the monumental happenings of my grand existence.

For instance, today's highlight involved cleaning out the fridge. This is a phenomenon known as 'living the dream'.

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).

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.

A snotty, sniffling, sneezing, snivelling, sooky human slug. This is what happens when your offspring decide to generously share their germs. Rude.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

In the midst of my man cold, I made myself some restorative soup, and I think we can all agree this is fascinating information.

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.

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.

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!

And that is all I have to report. We are perpetual plodders. So until next time I'll be over here plodding along. 

As Mickey Blue Eyes would say, take it easy and I'll catch up with you later. Adios.

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