tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34927165956691656672024-03-22T07:49:01.571+11:00Project IncompleteThe musings of a freecycling, op shopping, learner sewing, part time working mum.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-39244476183804472822008-10-13T20:57:00.004+11:002008-10-14T16:59:21.335+11:00We interupt our regular programming...... or should I say I am sorry but we momentarily changed the channel around here at Chez PI!<br /><br />Thanks to those of you who touched base to check that we are still alive we are still here thanks for asking!<br /><br />It's been a while. Adjustments all round in our household but for the better. Without a doubt.<br /><br />On the upside<br /><br />Deliberate Hugs and Kisses<br />More words <br />Almost walking<br />Banana smoothies<br />Sunshine<br />Playing outside<br />BBQing<br />Weeding<br />Mowing<br />Planting <br />Power tools - should you need a chick to do your drilling or your sawing - I am now your gal!<br />Shovelling and more shovelling - gravel, dirt , whatever!<br />Training for Around the Bay<br />Routine<br />Hard Rubbish Gold (more to come later!)<br />Blog lurking.<br /><br /><br />On the more challenging side<br /><br />First haircut (ohh the pain the pain the pain of seeing those baby curls go)<br />The worlds slowest molars - 4 in a month - enough already!<br />Snot all round<br />Limited and interrupted sleep (see my comment about said molars!)<br />Adjusting to said routine<br />Slow internet<br /><br /><br />In recent weeks I also received a bit of a wake up call, a reminder about enjoying life whilst you still have it. Luckily the situation did not effect me or my family members personally but it was enough to shake me in my boots and remind me to not sweat the small stuff so much. The situation also taught me to go and get any niggling medical complaint checked out without delay. To trust my gut. Get a second opinion if unhappy with a diagnosis. To get my affairs in order. <br /><br />To stop procrastinating and start doing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-57684405471638607322008-09-19T06:12:00.002+10:002008-09-19T06:16:47.520+10:00Love FridaysWaking. Feeling good.<br />Outside. <br />Fresh Air. Cool and dark.<br />Watching the sun rise. <br />Listening to the birds call. <br />Smelling spring.<br />Planning the weeks meals.<br />Writing a to do list.<br />Feeling calm happy and purposeful.<br />Anticipating family fun day and a long weekend together - Mr B has the day off!<br />For now, to market to market...jiggety jig!<br />Do join <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/">Big Cat</a> in some Friday lovin'!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-75372567859149874302008-09-16T10:06:00.002+10:002008-09-16T10:27:31.729+10:00This is....what I do in a spare 10 minutesLate again!!<br /><br />Aside from the obvious - lurking in blogtown, I like to spend my spare minutes looking at what can probably be described as....<br /><br />... food porn.<br /><br />No no no no - Mr B and I do not have a penchant for doing strange things with vegetables and fruits and/or other food items. Not that there is anything wrong with that, let me hastily add, it's just not for us!<br /><br />Since starting market shopping and proper meal planning, I have however developed a real love for looking for new recipe ideas. Not so much for baking but more for meal inspiration.<br /><br />If I am out and about I will always pick up and salivate over gorgeous glossy cookbooks with glorious pictures. And then put said cookbooks down most of the time.<br /><br />At home I do love <a href="http://www.taste.com.au">Taste</a> so easy - throw in your ingredients and usually out pops a selection of recipes you can make. <br /><br />Another favorite is the <a href="http://www.exclusivelyfood.com.au">Exclusively Food</a> site. Great instructions, pictures and foolproof recipes. Check out their to die for <a href="http://www.exclusivelyfood.com.au/2006/07/garlic-roast-chicken-recipe.html">Garlic Roast Chicken Recipe</a>.<br /><br />And a discussion about food sites cannot be left without mentioning Liesl's <a href="http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/search/label/Stand-back-and-throw%20meals">Stand Back and Throw Meals</a>. What this woman can do with the contents of her cupboard, fridge and freezer to satisfy two young boys is delicious and entertaining!<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com">Hoppo Bumpo</a> for coming up with this week's topic and to <a href="http://handmaiden.typepad.com/">Sharon</a> for guest hosting This is!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-83293369768131372552008-09-09T10:51:00.003+10:002008-09-09T11:15:52.146+10:00This is.. my favourite bandAgain a belated post...but a post nevertheless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgbr6q-8sHshhvFK6MWOol-Tf7rdNcxp-uN5ZamqnKgBpjBDyJsNfPn-rOq2q-6tLpbxi0_cZ2OB16NXROVQUjjo9tNlZU7QZYOP5L8nq1wGMsBIbWYULMvTCTmVzOvn4ixgDmjJmWzob/s1600-h/beegees.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgbr6q-8sHshhvFK6MWOol-Tf7rdNcxp-uN5ZamqnKgBpjBDyJsNfPn-rOq2q-6tLpbxi0_cZ2OB16NXROVQUjjo9tNlZU7QZYOP5L8nq1wGMsBIbWYULMvTCTmVzOvn4ixgDmjJmWzob/s200/beegees.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243819485933812610" /></a><br /><br />My favourite band of all time is definitely the Bee Gees. Notwithstanding their questionable fashion sense! Original photo from <a href="http://www.officialbeegees.com/">here</a>!<br /><br />My parents loved the music of the Beegees, a love which started during their Saturday night fever rise to worldwide fame. Their music permeated our house during my early childhood years. The music is still catchy and uplifting.<br /><br />I still have a real soft spot for the Saturday night music era and am saddened by the fact that I did not see them live in concert prior to the passing of Maurice Gibb in 2003.<br /><br />Thanks so much to <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com">Curlypops</a> for coming up with this week's theme and to <a href="http://handmaiden.typepad.com/handmaiden/">Haidmaiden</a> for keeping an eye on the meme whilst <br /><a href="http://threebuttons.blogspot.com/">Angela</a> is away!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-31697450324747575982008-09-07T07:02:00.002+10:002008-09-07T07:13:24.567+10:00Love FridaysA belated love Friday post here<br /><br />A day at home<br />Introducing Little B to the garden now that he is more aware<br />Warm spring filled air birds singing dogs playing<br />Battling weeds, discovering surviving plants from last year<br />Clearing old and planning new garden<br />Surprise flowers from the hubby<br />Opening new CD excitedly and with anticipation as a child would open a christmas present or a premenstrual woman might crack a block of chocolate! <br />Elation and no definitely disappointment as a familiar calming voice croons new tunes through the evening airwaves (Kd Lang Watershed, love it)<br />Fresh sushi goodness for dinner from my favourite japanese restaurant, first time in years!<br /><br />All reasons why I do love Fridays!<br /><br />Head over to <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/">Big Cat</a> to see why else we love Fridays!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-65059218482690599062008-09-04T17:24:00.002+10:002008-09-04T17:29:59.674+10:00I'm all thumbs!I am decidedly not technologically minded.<br /><br />For those of you whose email address may have found its way into my address book following my making a comment on your blog, my profuse apologies to you as it is likely that you have or are likely to receive, an invite to Link In with me!<br /><br />A case of my ticking the wrong box and Little B pressing enter has lead to invites to being sent to everyone I have emailed in the last couple of years including ebayers, freecyclers and bloggers! <br /><br />So, if you have received an invite, I would love to Link In with you, but apologise to you if you are not into that kind of thing!<br /><br />Enjoy the rest of your Thursday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-74682540110427137182008-09-04T11:41:00.004+10:002008-09-04T12:16:16.084+10:00Getting into the groove of spring!Life is settling down for us and boy it feels good! <br /><br />Earlier this week Little B and I managed to get to the Vic Market to do some fresh food shopping. Boy do I appreciate the fortune of living in this country and being able to purchase lovely fresh meat, fruit, veg and deli goods. The sights and smells of the market and the better than average supermarket quality produce were definitely things I had missed during the depths of winter<br /><br />In other news, sadly, my annual dump driving and diving expedition has to date yielded nothing of note, not even an extra special special enema kit! Most disappointing as I actually set myself up with a dumpdiving kit - tools, towels, blankets and rope! <br /><br />One of the things I have however been neglecting is the mail. So this morning it was with great excitement that I remembered that a small package was awaiting my attention! I only just remembered to take a photo of it before ripping it open!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHWa_gOuxGLWArVLh9wfywZnQmRy1S2-qnQ0cjPFIRN3_nPeWgcx52ZN3PwoJURcitsVgFYvLlgdg8LzFljqU-feduUiz_jJD-GuhyphenhyphencQIB8NKxK2ZaF2IbT9S5JCduVotgWzpet0Jzcde/s1600-h/P1070852.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHWa_gOuxGLWArVLh9wfywZnQmRy1S2-qnQ0cjPFIRN3_nPeWgcx52ZN3PwoJURcitsVgFYvLlgdg8LzFljqU-feduUiz_jJD-GuhyphenhyphencQIB8NKxK2ZaF2IbT9S5JCduVotgWzpet0Jzcde/s200/P1070852.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241983736446056626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpS2Hoklmh6flS80QgQPkoytqYzogT0be_kMqI5OONNtp2FR5hCHR-qHYryHvk0PNbgOMNkZx_1-HkkE1UVPKohw2BD6apPbkppyinoiyhS0yX39Gm4MbpWg_l_9CuMPcfOGqZh9bMCwa/s1600-h/P1070853.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpS2Hoklmh6flS80QgQPkoytqYzogT0be_kMqI5OONNtp2FR5hCHR-qHYryHvk0PNbgOMNkZx_1-HkkE1UVPKohw2BD6apPbkppyinoiyhS0yX39Gm4MbpWg_l_9CuMPcfOGqZh9bMCwa/s200/P1070853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241983760789209586" /></a><br /><br />A parcel full of lovely fabricy goodness from the delightful <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com/">Curlypops</a>! Oh the possibilities!!! Thank you so much Cam, what a lovely start of spring surprise!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-47514055948180121292008-08-29T10:10:00.002+10:002008-08-29T10:35:57.634+10:00Love Fridays...Whilst I have been doing my darndest to enjoy the moment a little bit more lately this week has got me beat. I am so glad Friday is here! <br /><br />Not one but two trips to the emergency room (one for Little B (he's ok now), one with a friend (she is doing better too)), a good cleansing dose of gastro for me, a missed Thornbury Sew Along and some other bits and pieces have tested sorely tested the members of the B Family this week!<br /><br />But today the fog has both literally and figuratively lifted, the sun is shining and the days ahead are full of sunshiney springy promise! Hurrah!<br /><br />Finally we have the realistic prospect of spending some time in our much neglected garden and at the park. Not to mention the chance to start scouring our local area for some gems - it's hard rubbish collection time!! Yippee!! Hopefully I will score some loot like the <a href="http://pottymouthmama.blogspot.com/2008/08/day-6-hitting-motherload.html"> Motherload </a> Pottymouthmamma stumbled across during the week!<br /><br />For those reasons I love Fridays! Do join <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/"> Big Cat</a> in sharing with us why you Love Fridays!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-18212681313364784972008-08-24T14:18:00.007+10:002008-08-24T15:22:54.049+10:00This is...my favourite children's bookPerhaps this post could be renamed these are my favourite children's books as I could not contain myself to merely one.<br /><br />This first is a book named Sunny by Robin Mitchell and Judith Steedman. A friend bought this back for Little B from the US as a welcome to the world gift. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDZq9ZDiQ6SPLA5zJnMqRGxpJNYepcsxi2fNGUfFB7PLxURcAtxxDcdopelfY8UQLu7z06GohtYD0ELZWu7vya2hARCXmweJ84ScXUyx2blz_KlUJcuX6eFQAHrvIVnEsMjUJPBho0RUn/s1600-h/sunny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDZq9ZDiQ6SPLA5zJnMqRGxpJNYepcsxi2fNGUfFB7PLxURcAtxxDcdopelfY8UQLu7z06GohtYD0ELZWu7vya2hARCXmweJ84ScXUyx2blz_KlUJcuX6eFQAHrvIVnEsMjUJPBho0RUn/s320/sunny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237936715066041010" /></a><br /><br />Sunny is a little fella who rustles up the kids in his neighbourhood to make up a band. They end up having a "hootenanny" of a time. Whatever that is. It is a very cute book, the illustrations are actually all little figurines photographed doing their thing. The book also comes with a very cool cd of songs which has Mr B and I bopping along every time. It is aimed at 3 - 7 year old readers but Little B enjoys it a lot at the moment. <br /><br />There are two other books in the series, Windy and Snowy and Chinook.<br /><br />A more traditional favourite of mine is the Hungry Little Caterpillar by Eric Carle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOejKoB2UA-VSl3dneIgwwK8w11_7I80ntNtCf6a5mJJ3ENgMfgfdrT46sk-XIwX97stcHXdpzpboqnuOcTsQzw6xYgeb_wo0xhiE6cYiPoe6YlN4yc04Avteb-EQ8rpa6UCg70vq_9y8Q/s1600-h/hlc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOejKoB2UA-VSl3dneIgwwK8w11_7I80ntNtCf6a5mJJ3ENgMfgfdrT46sk-XIwX97stcHXdpzpboqnuOcTsQzw6xYgeb_wo0xhiE6cYiPoe6YlN4yc04Avteb-EQ8rpa6UCg70vq_9y8Q/s320/hlc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237939294822186322" /></a><br /><br />In today's obesity adverse food particular times I still enjoy this book which is about the caterpillar munching through all sorts of things including an ice cream and a pickle! Which has got me to wondering as to whether he was actually a she! The illustrations of this book are lovely and Little B loves to stick his fingers through the holes!<br /><br />A final fave of mine is the Lewis Carroll classic, Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There. My favourite passage is the poem the Walrus and the Carpenter. I am not exactly sure why as I loathe oysters to eat myself! I owned a copy of this book which was illustrated by John Tenniel - very complex, dark illustrations like this one that at the time certainly got me thinking and which now I appreciate even more!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA46C2zhSEW2KdqSKQGK-0ex_XeuwP7r8uDh2wvMnrn7s2f5fxZ065YZKq1-0Tr-g9TYUBlVx1gM43RzwYMC_w0bi9-K1HM4gJ3wvjkPoCt-NUitV6z6QT4BtDkh5u4dKcr0SUqlnJuPe/s1600-h/300px-Briny_Beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA46C2zhSEW2KdqSKQGK-0ex_XeuwP7r8uDh2wvMnrn7s2f5fxZ065YZKq1-0Tr-g9TYUBlVx1gM43RzwYMC_w0bi9-K1HM4gJ3wvjkPoCt-NUitV6z6QT4BtDkh5u4dKcr0SUqlnJuPe/s320/300px-Briny_Beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237950153797341378" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://threebuttons.blogspot.com/">Three Buttons</a> for the lovely concept of This is and to <a href="http://pottymouthmama.blogspot.com/">Pottymouthmamma</a> for coming up with this week's thought provoking but fun theme!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-87900203552274923002008-08-21T16:54:00.008+10:002008-08-21T19:52:23.038+10:00Thank you fans and air conditioners!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAunB-Mq0Bi7gsfBujPSjycOzLFh11hOcJWa0rRABum6jd3XbGwAxPitZ8PqxRWVdsrYEEK8xIAud5dcg4b27mJkZ2QygCDwdNKGfh9HoOx7_aBo9bK05pRJWmIQfwTc5lHzXHPGLaCe3O/s1600-h/hapiness-award.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAunB-Mq0Bi7gsfBujPSjycOzLFh11hOcJWa0rRABum6jd3XbGwAxPitZ8PqxRWVdsrYEEK8xIAud5dcg4b27mJkZ2QygCDwdNKGfh9HoOx7_aBo9bK05pRJWmIQfwTc5lHzXHPGLaCe3O/s200/hapiness-award.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236862575487333650" /></a><br />I am finally getting around to accepting to some blogging awards which I have been lucky enough to receive in recent weeks.<br /><br />Lovely ladies <a href="http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/">Hoppo Bumpo</a> and <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com/"> Curly pops </a> each sent me the Happiness award which requires me to reel off 6 things about which I am happy about right now.<br /><br />Oakalie doakalie, here goes:<br /><br />1. Week one of work has gone so well. Helped enormously by the fact that our little angel has settled in just so well no tears and no tantrums. I am definitely finding my groove and enjoying my two days a week of get out of bed/get dressed/put makeup on/get bum out of house/child to child care/work 8 hours/go to relaxed lunch/drink coffee slowly thing. I am seriously a different and much more balanced woman! <br /><br />2. It's raining. Go Melbourne's water storages go!<br /><br />3. I received some lovely feedback from the recipients of the bibs crafted during Bib-o-rama! I ended up packaging them up as a suprise filling in some nappy cakes. Gotta love the good ole' youtube tutorial. A bit stupidly I forgot to take decent photos of all of the finished cakes but here are some bibs. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96ncwV6mgsbCkIrhL5FWI7FEBxNIaUzs7UI6pfELaIE-lgRwp_Obdhfthf7TP4Cwkgk4FqnMDimbTvee97L9ABJ37ilWk8UghTIe56r3FAq-Nr7a8LNB0qms7p6K550gyxnUvImt8kmVz/s1600-h/P1070679.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96ncwV6mgsbCkIrhL5FWI7FEBxNIaUzs7UI6pfELaIE-lgRwp_Obdhfthf7TP4Cwkgk4FqnMDimbTvee97L9ABJ37ilWk8UghTIe56r3FAq-Nr7a8LNB0qms7p6K550gyxnUvImt8kmVz/s200/P1070679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236866325360160258" /></a><br /><br />4. I am really excited about and looking forward to learning some new things, meeting some new people and seeing new places this weekend!<br /><br />5. We have made plans to head to Queensland to visit some friends later in the year. They are putting us up so it's also a cheap holiday! Built in babysitters too (mwoah mwoah hahahahaha)(evil laugh he he he)! Yay!<br /><br />6. Ricky Martin has become a father to twins by a surrogate mother. Whilst surrogacy is not a new concept, and can be fraught with difficulty, it can also present people who might otherwise not naturally easily become parents with a beautiful opportunity. Check it out <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/ricky-martin-fathers-twins/2008/08/21/1219262348532.html"> here </a>. I congratulate and wish Ricky and his new family all of the best (and miss him shakin' those bon bons too!).<br /><br />7. I finished some aprons for two lovely ladies in my family. Matching mother and daughter aprons in fact. Whilst I am rather (very!!) over the spotty fabric I do think they came up pretty well - I am fairly sure one of my models did not agree!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDaxXZQhy06P3wjOc2VhhfCpubUFRSHEYw6c8muNfFpibO8KboQonY0RQO6fFH_twlArvP8Wf5Yn-HRflkmi0vIkvJ4WOtHuTcjl2QExbiGz5oPW2yvmpu3f88Q-cQokwVT7vQVSZH99M/s1600-h/P1070842.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDaxXZQhy06P3wjOc2VhhfCpubUFRSHEYw6c8muNfFpibO8KboQonY0RQO6fFH_twlArvP8Wf5Yn-HRflkmi0vIkvJ4WOtHuTcjl2QExbiGz5oPW2yvmpu3f88Q-cQokwVT7vQVSZH99M/s200/P1070842.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236885769764111202" /></a><br /><br />The very kind and funky <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/">Big Cat</a> passed on the Brilliante award! Thank you - I am glad that you enjoy (put up with) my navel gazing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-Xq_4J1hbfFmoEmc5xEkxhUT15dfJWMFxzB40fRMmABp-knOeuzcbThYm-wW2h-243g5229zLvSZfjK1CTGieCnHJOfZQaGELBfDoTyBbvBAyGH8PT3aiKji7UJbcK9vO6j4ZBzgkTZZ/s1600-h/award3%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-Xq_4J1hbfFmoEmc5xEkxhUT15dfJWMFxzB40fRMmABp-knOeuzcbThYm-wW2h-243g5229zLvSZfjK1CTGieCnHJOfZQaGELBfDoTyBbvBAyGH8PT3aiKji7UJbcK9vO6j4ZBzgkTZZ/s200/award3%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236868748939568002" /></a><br /><br />For passing the awards on, well, those who passed the awards onto me are the top three who I would pass the awards onto myself! I will leave it to those others who read, and whose blogs I read, to take from these awards what you will and share things of happiness and joy to you with us!<br /><br />Enjoy your Friday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-19911523349946120742008-08-15T16:41:00.002+10:002008-08-15T16:47:48.485+10:00Love FridaysTaxes done - check!<br /><br />Washing done, folded and up to date (for about ohh I dunno, half an hour!)- check!<br /><br />Dinner cooked - check! (Yummy Thai Green Curry on brown rice!)<br /><br />Uggies on - check!<br /><br />Afternoon sleep had - check!<br /><br />Five good reasons why I lurve Fridays!<br /><br />Perhaps the only thing missing is a good hunk of Curlypops' delicious looking perfectly iced <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com/2008/08/love-fridays_15.html">cake</a>!<br /><br />Do join <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/"> Big Cat </a> in this fantastic weekend welcoming meme!<br /><br />Enjoy your weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-8657817344657877012008-08-14T14:59:00.003+10:002008-08-14T17:29:30.150+10:00You can go your own waayyyyyyyyy.......Today this Fleetwood Mac classic has played itself on repeat round and round in my head.<br /><br />One of the main things that has pained me so in recent weeks is the return to work issue.<br /><br />It became clear to me some months ago that conceptually I really did wish to return to work. I had become very worried about my skills diminishing as time wore on, as big changes developed in my field over the last 12 months. I worried about throwing away 6 years of university study. Perhaps a bit over the top, evidencing a self confidence diminished by time away from work, but there it is. I have missed my "old" life terribly, much more than I ever imagined. I never expected to feel so isolated, so lonely when I took on this job of motherhood. Not in a million years.<br /><br />The greatest stumbling block for me has been reconciling my concerns about the return to work with my issues related to leaving Little B in the care of others whilst I go to work for 2 days a week.<br /><br />Working form home, part time job juggling, family looking after Little B, child care, family day care - all theoretically options from which we could have chosen. As the months passed and our talks with bosses were unsuccessful, family politics played out and waiting lists lengthened, eventually only really one true option revealed itself, pursuing child care at a creche.<br /><br />Everyone in sight has had an opinion. And not been shy about sharing it. <br /><br />"Child care is no good for one so little - he will get sick all of the time, he does not need to socialise with others for so long in any one day." " Childcare will be great - variety of play and environs, can only be good." "Some balance in everyones' life will be the best thing for all of you." "Why do women these days have children if they are just going to put them into care?"<br /><br />Worst of all I have been saddened and disappointed to experience the most negative of views from other women. Some of whom I have absolutely no doubt have been in the position I find myself in now. Some of whom I thought I had tried pretty bloody well hard to support when they had to make some big decisions in their lives.<br /><br />I suppose naively I thought that the whole point of the "sisterhood" was to provide non judgmental support to one another in times of need, in times of questioning and in times of hardship. Not so. In my experience anyway.<br /><br />In recent weeks mothers group catch ups, coffees with friends and family gatherings (including Little B's birthday party) have each felt like mini battle grounds. <br /><br />As my twelve months of leave are well and truly up, every time without fail I have been asked, so when are you returning to work? There seemed to be no right answer. The question to me implied I should return to work, not waste my skills, that it would not be right for me to stay at home even a little longer. But a discussion about the logistics, the actualities of returning to work oft resulted in (what I probably sensitively) felt was stinging criticism. I have never felt so reluctant to go out and socialise.<br /><br />I have spent alot of the time following these discussions feeling like an absolute failure. <br /><br />Do I not have the mental toughness to "hack" this endurance sport of motherhood. I am so lucky to have a lovely son. I know that some people struggle to ever bring a family into this world. They grow so quickly. Why do I wish to spend less time with him?<br /><br />Guilt has been my constant companion - Should I give up everything I knew pre baby for a little longer, until our family is complete? Is it wrong to want to have a little time to myself? Ironically to have to go back to my (back breaking!) paid employment to receive a break from my mothering role? To take a long term view of things in terms of finances and opportunities for my family? To want to take some of the burden off Mr B who has literally worked himself into the ground physically in the last year in an attempt to compensate for the loss of my breadwinning income?<br /><br />I have let anger eat away at my insides. What is this concept of feminism, this theory that women can have it all effortlessly? Cranky that the government seemingly does so little to give value to women who stay at home and women who attempt to return to work. Furious at family members who made promises and then failed to come through with the goods. Upset that in my case anyway, there is not a traditional "village" to which Mr B and I belong, can contribute to and which can help our family too.<br /><br />Last week we were offered a place at a child care centre near our places of work. <br /><br />After spending some time getting to know the ladies who would be looking after our little one, chatting to the parents who leave their similarly aged children we decided to take it. Two days a week.<br /><br />I have spent most of this week orientating Little B at his new "school". A few hours a day. Today was the first day I left him on his own. At 9.30am I found myself searching for a venue which served alcohol so that I could have a calming beverage. I had to settle for a coffee and crepe. The guy who served my breakfast seemed non plussed to be confronted by the teary woman who anxiously kept checking her phone and sobbing whilst gulping down her coffee.<br /><br />Within 30 minutes I received a call. Little B went to sleep no worries! I never felt so relieved. And perhaps a teeny bit put out! When I collected him I learned that he had eaten lots of lunch and played happily on his own and with the other children. He is ready, I am informed, as much as he can be, to try a full day.<br /><br />And I am ready now too. To give it all a go anyway. To make an informed decision about whether or not it is working for our family in a few months' time.<br /><br />Like <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/"> Big Cat </a>, I am looking forward to Spring. The sun. The longer hours of light. Colour. Flowers. Garden. Routine. Some balance. Going my own way!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-18639665099575907182008-08-07T15:19:00.003+10:002008-08-07T15:35:33.296+10:00OneTo my darling little B,<br /><br />Already 365 days of your presence in my life have passed. Most days I now struggle to remember life without you here.<br /><br />You are a handsome, lovely, gentle soul just as is your dad.<br /><br />An amazing sponge, an flourishing flower, watching you learn has been an incredible experience.<br /><br />Your sense of humour is wicked. <br /><br />Your newly found (at this stage, tongue filled slopalicious) kisses melt my heart each time you willingly share them with me. The random unexpected smooches are sublime.<br /><br />Your laugh lifts my spirits immeasurably, your cheeky toothy smile makes my day. Every time.<br /><br />I am so happy, privileged and lucky that you chose me. <br /><br />Undoubtedly you are inspiring me to fashion myself into a better person than I have ever been.<br /><br />Happy 1st Birthday my little one. <br /><br />I enjoy each and every moment with you. <br /><br />And remember almost each moment like it was yesterday. <br /><br />I cannot wait for each and every moment to come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-11381126983471739142008-07-31T11:32:00.004+10:002008-07-31T11:43:47.697+10:00Serenity Now!I have found myself muttering this phrase to myself over and over in the last few days.<br /><br />Much is going on for our family at the moment which is making life feel more like hard work than I like. You know how when things happen on their own they feel easy enough to deal with but when a number of things come to a head at the same time, as they invariably do, it is easy to feel overwhelmed?<br /><br />Emailing, blogging and reading blogs have all had to take a bit of a back seat. So to Three Buttons and Kirsty I am sorry I did not get to This is... and On my desk this week.<br /><br />Time away from the computer has not been such a bad thing.<br /><br />It took an insomnia induced 4.00am sewing session for me to attempt topstitching those bibs and I was so pleased with the results! Whilst not perfect they have turned out so much better than I expected. <br /><br />Hopefully I will be back on all blogging fours soon! Enjoy your weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-13235154618123073072008-07-27T08:38:00.002+10:002008-07-27T08:49:29.927+10:00Late Love Friday...Running late again!<br /><br />This week I LURVED Friday as I got out in the glorious winter sunshine and participated in a women's golf clinic.<br /><br />Mr B managed to swing a work from home day so my neighbour Christine and I could have some child free time! We were guests of the professional at a gorgeous private golf club.<br /><br />It was a lot of fun. Also very confronting. I am still so out of shape! The ole' bod creaked and groaned at almost every pitch, putt and drive.<br /><br />I have decided however that I could, in time, get used to being a lady who luncheons at the "club" after a round every week! Not that it is likely to happen any time soon! I don't think golf memberships at exclusive clubs are likely to come up on Freecycle too often!<br /><br />One of the best parts was getting home, being greeted by Mr B and Little B (all still one piece no less!), putting the trackies on and the feet up.<br /><br />I do love Fridays.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/">Big Cat </a> for coming up with this positive meme! Just the way to start the weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-360938314450574332008-07-24T15:13:00.007+10:002008-07-24T15:57:09.291+10:00What is the world coming to?Warning - this post is likely to end up as a rant of mammoth proportions.<br /><br />I make concerted efforts to be frugal and to recycle for a number of reasons.<br /><br />Financially being on one income we as a family, can no longer afford to be as cavalier with our funds as we once (perhaps stupidly) were. I am now frankly, a tight a**e. And I like it. I don't know that Mr B always likes it. But I like it. <br /><br />I no longer spend my time in super shopping centres aimlessly wandering and randomly purchasing. If I have to go there, I shop with a purpose. I consider my purchase carefully before I make it. Do I really need that? Could I buy handmade? Could I get this on freecycle or at an op shop? Can I swap or borrow?<br /><br />Environmentally I am trying to minimise our footprint on this earth so that my children and their children will too enjoy the world as we have and will continue to do so.<br /><br />As you have no doubt ascertained I also get a real kick out of finding the right recycled goods. At the minute I have the time and inclination to op shop, freecyle and survey hard rubbish! I find it to be a lot of fun.<br /><br />In light of all of the above I am rather annoyed right now. Not one but 2 of our fairly new electronic goods have given up the ghost in the last 24 hours.<br /><br />Firstly our printer. It is less than 2 years old. Perfectly good. Print scan copy. Just out of warranty, it is going to cost about $150 to fix and about $90 for new ink cartridges. A new one with better features costs $250 at the moment. <br /><br />Secondly my Iriver mp3 player. A bit over 2 years old. Used to hold its battery charge for 8 hours. Now no more than 30 minutes. Not even half a walk/workout session or a full train ride home. The batteries cannot be fixed or replaced.<br /><br />Probably obviously, I feel rather annoyed for a number of reasons. <br /><br />Neither of these items were cheap to buy in the first place. Their lives should have been far longer given what I invested in them at the time that I purchased each of them. For heaven's sake, I still have my sony walkman which I purchased um...16 or 17 years ago! It still works! If only I could buy a stereo with a tape recorder in it today I would probably go back to using it. <br /><br />Environmentally, the impact of throwing these items away is not good. Batteries, ink cartridges, plastic, electronic parts. I don't like it one bit.<br /><br />I feel frustrated that there is no easy answer here. <br /><br />I suppose neither of these items is an absolute necessity. <br /><br />I do not have to replace either of them. I could go without the music when I exercise and catch public transport. I could copy out my recipes from the screen and print letters and patterns at my local library or newsagent. <br /><br />But I like the music. It motivates me and enhances my enjoyment of exercise immeasurably. Rightly or wrongly I need the music to keep me motivated. It also keeps me sane on public transport.<br /><br />The cost of driving to print things as often as I do would probably soon overtake the cost of the printer. Not to mention the environmental impact of jumping in the car that often.<br /><br />I guess that they just don't make things like they used to. It is sad. And frustrating. What is going to become of us and our families if we do not change the way we think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-13990708499839254162008-07-23T09:42:00.004+10:002008-12-12T17:55:36.543+11:00On my desk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q-o85t2RYg5FHInz38gcJllkZ6Hb30xhREXG7MljvIxRaT_-XQN8P2WAemNs6-ECJWHm4IyLs-v-TyrzWGHA57Wyi9x7VAbJkM3suVvKbW17tXcc31APQAG4LRe8C2c4GMQNxeKlVRdU/s1600-h/P1070675.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q-o85t2RYg5FHInz38gcJllkZ6Hb30xhREXG7MljvIxRaT_-XQN8P2WAemNs6-ECJWHm4IyLs-v-TyrzWGHA57Wyi9x7VAbJkM3suVvKbW17tXcc31APQAG4LRe8C2c4GMQNxeKlVRdU/s200/P1070675.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225996616166768466" /></a><br /><br />To use a phrase coined by Argy and/or Bargy of <a href="http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/">Hoppo Bumpo fame </a> my desk is showing the progress of my Bib-o-rama!<br /><br />All bibs are now sewn together by machine and hand and ready for ironing, topstitching (eek!) and velcroing. It has taken me a bit longer than I thought it would. <br /><br />I really love the 3 floral prints which are right next to the army men bib.<br /><br />Also on my desk is a pretty cool Freecycle find, the first 39 issues of Golden Hands magazine. I have been intrigued about said magazines since reading <a href="http://thornberry.wordpress.com/2008/05/31/the-op-shop-gods-were-smiling/"> this </a> post by the lovely <a href="http://thornberry.wordpress.com/">Thornberry</a> in late May. To date I had not find any at my local oppies.<br /><br />Yet the Golden Hands gods were smiling on me earlier in the week when I snaffled them via my friend Freecycle. The trip to collect was traumatic to say the least - reading the Melways has never been my forte - but very worth it. I have flicked through, there are some lovely sewing projects and importantly they are described in a great instructional style. Makes me think I need to take up knitting and crocheting to get the full benefit of them.<br /><br />Do head over to <a href="http://kootoyoo.blogspot.com/">Kirsty's</a> blog to see who else might be playing along.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-4360317151872466872008-07-22T15:44:00.004+10:002008-12-12T17:55:37.029+11:00This is..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcje0XDFWvVHocua7C5uUrwnrcvqRuiWfBSVPioS8tu1mIVJnrkG6bvh3K7L48npT3X7iWatWJ7hfS8qcFDERp0GhDF33JgXHv4IuZAfrAee6zUCz6R6rG1_k2Sdsi_SSP2M7qRFuwBNSv/s1600-h/P1070548.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcje0XDFWvVHocua7C5uUrwnrcvqRuiWfBSVPioS8tu1mIVJnrkG6bvh3K7L48npT3X7iWatWJ7hfS8qcFDERp0GhDF33JgXHv4IuZAfrAee6zUCz6R6rG1_k2Sdsi_SSP2M7qRFuwBNSv/s200/P1070548.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225715400037540434" /></a><br />I am running terribly late on this week's this is.<br /><br />The things that make me happy include what might be the obvious:<br /><br />1. Belly laughs from my little man<br /><br />2. Feeling the wind on my face whilst wizzing along on my bicycle (this pic is moi riding along the streets of gais Paris!)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDxE3N2EbMViZquCe66yAi8KrB0YOsWQnyVLXnfJd245Y7esDOr9gwUF05XuK_lzbR6L6qGeRUpl65iaSc3rzU1-S1MCO_wdHVja88SmCXpBgMp-SpUdPHVwvmxzzKOyvxEOxssw7ktDJ/s1600-h/P1000811.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDxE3N2EbMViZquCe66yAi8KrB0YOsWQnyVLXnfJd245Y7esDOr9gwUF05XuK_lzbR6L6qGeRUpl65iaSc3rzU1-S1MCO_wdHVja88SmCXpBgMp-SpUdPHVwvmxzzKOyvxEOxssw7ktDJ/s200/P1000811.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225715397951780098" /></a><br /><br />3. The sound of Barry whirring along (definitely the best part of sewing, the actual sewing).<br /><br />4. Securing a great Freecycle find!<br /><br />5. The "kerthunk" I hear when my number 1 driver hits the dimpled white ball in the sweet spot!<br /><br />6. Seeing Mr B when I wake up and when he gets home!<br /><br />And the not so obvious:<br /><br />- A good antipasto, proscuitto, cheese, sundried tomatoes. Yum.<br /><br />- Great music - at the moment old school Neil Diamond (GOOD LORD!!!) and KD Lang are amongst my well played faves<br /><br />And. <br /><br />Alone time on the toilet. Seriously. Even if my now usual company is doing their darnedest to crack me up by sharing their best ever Elvis inspired curled lip impersonation with me. **<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk9aOe_yVyt-pz21FmdTNnalsojE8X18zqjwRfAGkxICO_-Eork0_bcwz51DB5j-pVySksBIKmtdryOktPJzQFnDEFRKE1pBWI-831IusSvxyN8DKKWrra9le2vSBON4CPBlRflXunN5W/s1600-h/P1070450.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk9aOe_yVyt-pz21FmdTNnalsojE8X18zqjwRfAGkxICO_-Eork0_bcwz51DB5j-pVySksBIKmtdryOktPJzQFnDEFRKE1pBWI-831IusSvxyN8DKKWrra9le2vSBON4CPBlRflXunN5W/s200/P1070450.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225717049508691906" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://one-little-acorn.blogspot.com/">One Little Acorn</a> for coming up with this week's subject matter and to <a href="http://threebuttons.blogspot.com/index.html">Angela</a> for coming up with the This is concept!<br /><br /><br />** This picture is a mere representation only.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-47673176113415003382008-07-18T17:48:00.003+10:002008-12-12T17:55:37.395+11:00A new meme - Love Fridaysbecause Mr B and I share the ritual of sitting down for a quiet drink and debrief together.<br /><br />Drink of choice on a cold winter's night - Kahlua on ice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11abEj68ZSQSsV27B6FCNoWrjjhj6fwpdQ7cwY7NAEBj_aSm6bwBs7gOhkRJkjJTfK3oxYN3PqEabatM5Bpe2J-liVVJngOodiWiGaIFeJG4eCp18b4nHYfvMoyoErQzKDs6I3ml7Iyod/s1600-h/kahlua.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11abEj68ZSQSsV27B6FCNoWrjjhj6fwpdQ7cwY7NAEBj_aSm6bwBs7gOhkRJkjJTfK3oxYN3PqEabatM5Bpe2J-liVVJngOodiWiGaIFeJG4eCp18b4nHYfvMoyoErQzKDs6I3ml7Iyod/s320/kahlua.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224258264604214162" /></a><br /><br />Join in by signing up with <a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/">Big Cat</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-23448708456622876582008-07-18T13:14:00.003+10:002008-12-12T17:55:37.592+11:00Ready to Launch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKp8F0NcHQaB0MVQ2uY5GekfxnIciu7IYPNwbUpuucv4wD14DiWdhbrzf1tGLO-wlb8kX62v2B7HZL8EvbAcNwLJFueeztnlK6fGs7E2Kf03oJBzgdkUpWh_yThYH5ECL9Lp_fon7JkU6/s1600-h/P1070654.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKp8F0NcHQaB0MVQ2uY5GekfxnIciu7IYPNwbUpuucv4wD14DiWdhbrzf1tGLO-wlb8kX62v2B7HZL8EvbAcNwLJFueeztnlK6fGs7E2Kf03oJBzgdkUpWh_yThYH5ECL9Lp_fon7JkU6/s320/P1070654.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224187985021043554" /></a><br />This cold wet Melbourne weather makes it easy to stay inside and do some sewing.<br /><br />11 bibs ready for a meeting with Barry.<br /><br />Why 11 rather than 10 you might ask? Well, you probably didn't! But I am going to tell you anyway.<br /><br />I have been using <a href="http://sew-funky.blogspot.com/2008/02/tutorial-make-bib.html">Sew Funky's bib tutorial</a> but have been too scared to finally top stitch the bibs I have made to date. <br /><br />Top stitching is well, so, exposed.<br /><br />Today I am determined to give it a go.<br /><br />So 10 bibs, 5 for each lovely newborn recipient. Little B will be the proud wearer of the top stitched bib whatever the result!<br /><br />Hope you are enjoying your Friday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-821338146275337692008-07-17T11:47:00.002+10:002008-07-17T11:49:48.745+10:00Freecycle findsYesterday an Elna Lotus in working order was offered and taken in Melbourne!<br /><br />What a pickup for the lucky recipient!<br /><br />Last weekend we picked up a hills swing set for our backyard.<br /><br />I love Freecycle. I really do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-81242876563198820962008-07-17T10:14:00.003+10:002008-12-12T17:55:37.911+11:00On my deskI was out and about yesterday but early before departure my desk contained an apron which I made for my 4 year old friend Georgia whose favorite colours are red and pink. Little B and I were having lunch there yesterday and the apron was a gift for Georgia whose birthday has recently past.<br /><br />As I did not have a model to make the pattern for on hand, I had a go at being a bit more scientific about my design and sizing this time using the measurements from a popular children's clothing store website.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I6q8XNCmAcwoDhBhWcWgPKZTCJdo_2dOHNX_x5LnprofXpffT-RZyTk4yVMogcCFtyjSYkvN3kmTVwCTgDE1hrvh9gORuN89VTX8QSOVGfmRb0s55_g_q030I1uIp14H0s1QAOxDSA4M/s1600-h/P1070624.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I6q8XNCmAcwoDhBhWcWgPKZTCJdo_2dOHNX_x5LnprofXpffT-RZyTk4yVMogcCFtyjSYkvN3kmTVwCTgDE1hrvh9gORuN89VTX8QSOVGfmRb0s55_g_q030I1uIp14H0s1QAOxDSA4M/s200/P1070624.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223774960925976882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDZYQLf-ORlLofpxBr7iCzpVn_ovP2R7XDktmDblRjKDgTns-WaJLs9fB4XWk_eiZJCC8z61E6fxaak3degRyRS_bbB_2gqKDep4xBX7KgzN8BjjupbRiJeghAOLzqghwsXa6BgPjYQTh/s1600-h/P1070626.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDZYQLf-ORlLofpxBr7iCzpVn_ovP2R7XDktmDblRjKDgTns-WaJLs9fB4XWk_eiZJCC8z61E6fxaak3degRyRS_bbB_2gqKDep4xBX7KgzN8BjjupbRiJeghAOLzqghwsXa6BgPjYQTh/s200/P1070626.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223774968085617634" /></a><br /><br />For Georgia's sister Mac, aged 2, I made another dotty and pink reversible apron.<br /><br />I felt very apprehensive about giving the gifts to the girls. My first handmade gift. They were by no means perfect. My straight lines were not so straight in places.<br /><br />The girls' mum, a lovely lady I met and became friends with through work, previously expressed a great deal of surprise when I told her I had been filling my spare time with teaching myself to sew (amongst other non work related things). To be fair, she has only ever seen me in action in my cut and thrust fast moving adversarial job and only observed me enjoying outdoor pursuits outside of work. <br /><br />Of course I needn't have worried. Both girls loved their gifts and happily for me the aprons fitted very well with a bit of room for growth. I forgot my camera so did not get a photo of the girls running around playing kitchen and putting their (many!) babies to sleep in their new attire!<br /><br />My friend was still very suprised about it all. These are so great. I can't believe YOU made these. She said it over and over again. It was hard to decipher what she really meant by these statements.<br /><br />So I left with mixed feelings. Elated that I had given my first sewn hand made gift and that the recipients were happy with them. <br /><br />But also philosophical about it all. Why do I sew? Am I enjoying it? Does it matter that it is so different from what I previously filled my time with?<br /><br />So far I am enjoying it. It is a slow process learning anything new. It's been a while since I have really tried something new and at times I have been discouraged by the bumps along the road.<br /><br />Does it come naturally to me? My feeling at this stage is no, it doesn't. It does feel like work at the moment. Some days I force myself to get started. Probably because the projects I am working on are gifty projects. I am not sure whether it will become easier once my skill base becomes more solid and I become quicker and defter at it all.<br /><br />I am still learning Barry's quirks too. Each project so far has made me face something about the machine I have been afraid of - changing a broken needle, having to undo and clean out a jammed shuttle race, changing feet, winding a bobbin. All things which were overwhelming when I first opened the manual.<br /><br />Will I continue? Yes. I suspect the key is that I have been putting alot of pressure on myself about producing a perfect item each time, first time. Something which I have to stop.<br /><br />Is it as a hobby what I hoped it would be? Yes and no. Yes because it is satisfying making something which is useful practical and fun. It;s been great learning this new skill and opening up to the world of handmade.<br /><br />No because I hoped that taking up a hobby like this one would help fill the void which remains following my finishing up paid employment. Nearly 14 months have passed since I commenced maternity leave and every day I have missed my job and almost everything about working terribly. Despite my really loving being at home with little B and watching him grow my feelings of missing work have worsened in the last couple of months as our routine has become more settled (and I have become rather housebound due to Little B still needing 2 2 hour sleeps a day). <br /><br />Yesterday had me realise that I have been misguided in my high expectations a new hobby would make my feelings go away. Nothing that I have come across to date has given me the thrill and buzz that my paid job gave me on a daily basis. The social interaction I experienced was ongoing and whilst at times very confronting, very satisfying. <br /><br />I miss that. Alot. Almost overwhelmingly so at the moment. And I suppose that is ok!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-64623036048785104672008-07-14T15:59:00.004+10:002008-12-12T17:55:38.566+11:00One man's trash is this lady's treasureI had to run some errands today and in doing so stumbled across the fact that hard rubbish collection is on in one of the leafier suburbs near my home. On this warm sunny day helpfully Little B fell asleep in the car which gave me time to have a drive around to see what was on offer and I was not disappointed...<br /><br />The following items leaped into my car on the way home:<br /><br />2 directors chairs nearly new<br /><br />2 little persons outdoor chairs (those plastic ones, I usually strongly dislike anything like them but I felt ok about taking them as I was recycling after all)<br /><br />A little table to go with the chairs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVNLoFGlML8sPSJ9cFis3_wFhnEiUZ65ecQo0JJBRUyezMm7u9iQEHZxeKZBKcTXIVViEUXQ-unwi4HoVKskd2o6xgz5k1RBTESEwkMgoviUy9dJumC2Oo2Uw5Xc8NU2Ffnfl7Hwf-qLH/s1600-h/P1070622.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVNLoFGlML8sPSJ9cFis3_wFhnEiUZ65ecQo0JJBRUyezMm7u9iQEHZxeKZBKcTXIVViEUXQ-unwi4HoVKskd2o6xgz5k1RBTESEwkMgoviUy9dJumC2Oo2Uw5Xc8NU2Ffnfl7Hwf-qLH/s320/P1070622.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222755409125638834" /></a><br /><br />2 plastic containers on wheels with lids which will do beautifully to store my sewing bits and pieces.<br /><br />1 outdoor blind with all fittings in mint condition which we will be using to shield the heat from the back door of the shed (which is north facing into our backyard and which may become a studio space in the nearish future if my next hairbrained scheme gets off the ground!)<br /><br />I have decided I must carry some tools in my car so that I can be ready at a moment's notice to dismantle things!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-72489226349440459412008-07-14T09:54:00.002+10:002008-07-14T09:57:14.071+10:00I'm just achin...yup yup yup..for some bacon.<br /><br />In particular, some of <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2008/02/27/bacon-cups/">Not Martha's Bacon Cups</a>.<br /><br />If you could make these puppies watertight I would be drinking my coffee out of one every morning!<br /><br />Some people are just natural born geniuses. Really. They are.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492716595669165667.post-12205736300280104162008-07-13T15:01:00.004+10:002008-12-12T17:55:38.810+11:00This is... what gives me goosebumpsToday's topic is well, pertinent.<br /><br />By way of background, it is fair to say that I am, a teeny weeny bit, under the weather. Entirely self inflicted. Those delicious and enlivening espresso martinis got the better of me again last night. This time at my lovely neighbour Christine's 30th birthday celebration. A great night. But I have enjoyed merely one hours' sleep in the last 24 hours. The buzz is the gift that those espresso martinis keep on giving. Even at 5.00am. Note to self. Remember this for next time.<br /><br />Anyhoo, this morning Little B, Mr B and I dragged ourselves out of bed for a 7.30am breakfast date - that's right - hungover and sleep deprived - on a Sunday - with our former neighbours, who are now living in PNG but here for a holiday and staying with family just down the street.<br /><br />As we walked in the door I spied one of these babies on the wall. And promptly broke out in those goosebumps. And not in a warm fuzzy way!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6Jt6itMdLHIwbsFyNC-fOYGbNZlfjxYXe0C8hVDKpRj9PhMtMy9KmwHPuvzCU0bTTS3xpxGKtuO1fBsQMFTyErYYMaI4763Qsbz4ZVWx2EOMlFhhySZtIZc7sah07nIYXGxHgUR2hQVt/s1600-h/spidey.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6Jt6itMdLHIwbsFyNC-fOYGbNZlfjxYXe0C8hVDKpRj9PhMtMy9KmwHPuvzCU0bTTS3xpxGKtuO1fBsQMFTyErYYMaI4763Qsbz4ZVWx2EOMlFhhySZtIZc7sah07nIYXGxHgUR2hQVt/s200/spidey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222360743014135602" /></a><br /><br />Moreso our hosts were most jovial about their arachnid houseguest. "She's been here over a week" they proudly declared. <br /><br />I momentarily pondered exactly how they ascertained that said spider is in fact a she but promptly moved on when met with the exclamation "She saves me having to the cobwebs as she eats little spiders and bugs!" And then started to shiver involuntarily upon hearing "I can't wait until she has babies - then we can build up our natural pest control measures"!<br /><br />I am all for supporting the circle of life and all that jazz. I just prefer that the (I know harmless) huntsman spiders keep their hairy legs and beady eyes outside when I am inside and vice versa.<br /><br />Needless to say it was a quickish visit. I could not get the possibility of the babies' existence out of my mind!<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://flightlessboyds.blogspot.com/">Juddie</a> for coming up with this week's topic!<br /><br />Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6