This evening has been one of those "essence of Christmas" times for me.
I've been watching the "Carols in the Domain" re-run (one of the two major Christmas carols productions here in Australia), and baking macadamia and white chocolate shortbread. The Christmas lights are on, I finally finished my outdoor decorations and installed them this afternoon and they're looking good.
I'm thinking about my family and the things that have made Christmas for me in the past.
As a kid it was definitely presents. Actually, as a late teenager/early adult, it was about presents too, but the fun, cheap, gag presents that we all bought each other for our Christmas stockings. There were an awful lot of laughs involved in that!
Carols are definitely a major part of Christmas too. I love singing them, listening to them, and watching them on Christmas Eve on TV.
Growing up, a big part was church as well. Not as a tradition or religious element, although there was that as well, but more as a celebration and fun with my friends, who I definitely felt were like family.
I remember sneaking out of bed when I was a kid to sit by the Christmas tree and just look at the lights. Then as I got older, I got that same sense of wonder and magic and "special-ness" from wandering around and looking at all the homes with outdoor Christmas lights.
This evening we also booked tickets to see "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" on Boxing Day. Seeing a new-release movie on Boxing Day became a bit of a tradition around the time the Big Fella and I got married. It started with the first Lord of the Rings movie, actually!
I guess I've just been enjoying the quiet evening, the break from the rush and chaos that this season can bring.
And being thankful for my life and those around me, past and present. I am so blessed in every way.
In these last few days before the BIG day, I wish you love, laughter, excellent friends and family, and a few moments to reflect and relax and simply enjoy the season.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Melbourne trip - Part P!nk!!!
And now for the post many of you have been waiting for - going to the P!nk concert!!!!!
This was my first ever real concert, and what a way to introduce myself to them!!!! I went with my youngest sister and my brother - it was his first concert too.
My sister works in the city, so my brother and I caught the train in to town (after I ran back to my parent's place, having forgotten the tickets!!!).
As a side note, the Little Big Fella happily let me leave him with his grandparents. Turns out they played light sabers, hide and seek, and had bacon and egg whites for dinner.
My siblings and I however, had Thai for dinner and it was very nice - not just the food but the company and conversation. Have I ever mentioned that I have awesome siblings???
We finished our meals then started the (slightly cold) walk to the arena where the concert was being held. Just before I left Melbourne to live up North, I was a volunteer for the Commonwealth Games. The area that I "worked" was the same place that the concert was at. Amazingly, I'd forgotten how far the walk is from the train station to the arena!
I could feel the excitement building as we got closer. The three of us joined a growing flow of people heading in the one direction, getting more and more excited about the evening that we were about to enjoy.
Once inside we slowly made our way around to our door (there were so many people!), stopping so that I could buy a t-shirt. Then went inside and found our seats.
I believe this is called the "nosebleed" section! If you were hoping to get a great close-up photo of P!nk from me, you'll be sadly disappointed. Our seating, and the fact that I only had my phone camera, means the best shot I got was this:
That's her in the middle (can't you tell?).
While we were waiting for the show to get started, my sister and I decided to get a drink. Of course, we had to choose the cosmopolitan in the flashing pink cup (and here's the t-shirt I bought on the way in)!
Then my sister decided that we needed to take some "selfies". Unfortunately, my phone camera really isn't that great.
The support band that played was brilliant! They're called The Kin. The two singers/musicians are brothers and they have really great voices that work so well together.
But the drummer? He was... ummm.... intriguing I guess is the word.
He didn't use drumsticks, but it sounded like he did.
He used his hands. But it looked like (on the screens anyway) he had something taped to his palms - maybe a really thin, pliable wood.
And he was amazingly energetic as he played. It was like he was using his whole body to play. Maybe inspiring is another word you could use?
Between the intrigue of the drummer, and the sound of the brothers' voices, and the music they made together... I just don't really know how to describe it, except to say that I really enjoyed it!
So, after they were done there was about half an hour before P!nk came on stage. But as we were waiting, one of the actors from Offspring, Eddie Perfect, came onstage to tell us that the concert would be recorded for P!nk's DVD. Everyone went crazy cheering!
We were informed that some music would come on soon and we were to dance like no one was watching so that the cameras could record some of the crowd for the DVD.
And, even though we were in the 2nd back row, the atmosphere of the place totally included us and we danced and sang at the top of our lungs, and laughed at some of the ridiculous people around us.
A little while later, a guy appeared on the screens. He was dressed like a clown and was dancing through the crowd, making people (who didn't want to dance) dance with him, or trying to get away from people who did want to dance with him.
He disappeared and reappeared in several places throughout the crowd.
At one point he zoned in one someone and completely ignored everyone else around him. He climbed over seats and pushed people out of the way to get to this person.
It turned out he was focused on a bald guy.
When he got to the guy he did funny stuff like rubbing his head and checking his reflection in it. Then, in super slow-mo, he planted a big, sloppy kiss on the guy's head. The expressions were true clown style and made it particularly entertaining.
Just when we thought he was done with the bald guy, he did something else in super slow-mo. Out came his big, pink tongue! And slowly, but definitely, the tongue got closer and closer to the guy's head.
You could see him on the screen hoping that the clown would stop before the tongue hit his head.
But no! It came slowly and inevitably down until he got the bald-headed equivalent of a wet willy!
And suddenly the trance was over! The crowd laughed. The clown congratulated the guy and moved on.
Next thing we know, the clown is on stage and saying that someone in the crowd is going to get the chance to come up on stage! You can just imagine the noise and excitement right there, can't you?
The cameras scanned the crowd, looking for the lucky person! They're scanning, they're scanning... the clown tells the cameras to stop! Go back! They zoom in on someone wearing a hoodie. The hoodie comes off and there's P!nk!!!! She was in the bay right next to us!!!!
I can't even describe to you the noise and excitement in the arena just then! And it didn't calm down much for the rest of the night!
We had sore voices within the first half hour. P!nk had included a whole bunch of her older songs in this concert, including "Raise Your Glass" (which we did - how could we not when we had flashing pink cocktails???).
As expected, there was acrobatics and crazy stunts.
There were a couple of holes in the stage where dancers were shot up into the air to land on the stage and start dancing.
There was a crazy, spinning wire ball that P!nk and the dancers climbed all over without harnesses.
There was rather erotic dancing.
There were fun costumes.
P!nk played the piano, having learned just for this tour.
Lots of stuff was thrown onto the stage for her, including lots of toy frogs, and a book that someone had made (and obviously taken an awful lot of time to do).
And just when we thought we couldn't sing any more, or scream any louder, out came the finale!
P!nk was hooked up to this circle belt thing, that was connected to wires that hooked into the four corners of the arena. And she went flying over all of our heads, covering just about every inch of the stadium! From our position, it looked particularly cool and like SO much fun! I'd love to have a go at that one day!!!
And then it was over.
We eventually made it to my sister's car, and out of the car park (15 minutes to get about 200 metres). And we listened to the album while we drove home, reflecting on how entertaining and fun the night had been.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first big concert experience, and next time P!nk is in Australia, I intend to go again (hopefully with my siblings) and try to get floor tickets so we can dance without fear of falling into the person in front of us (who, by the way, spent the whole concert standing up with her camera, recording the whole thing and getting in our way), as well as sing at the top of our lungs.
This was my first ever real concert, and what a way to introduce myself to them!!!! I went with my youngest sister and my brother - it was his first concert too.
My sister works in the city, so my brother and I caught the train in to town (after I ran back to my parent's place, having forgotten the tickets!!!).
As a side note, the Little Big Fella happily let me leave him with his grandparents. Turns out they played light sabers, hide and seek, and had bacon and egg whites for dinner.
My siblings and I however, had Thai for dinner and it was very nice - not just the food but the company and conversation. Have I ever mentioned that I have awesome siblings???
We finished our meals then started the (slightly cold) walk to the arena where the concert was being held. Just before I left Melbourne to live up North, I was a volunteer for the Commonwealth Games. The area that I "worked" was the same place that the concert was at. Amazingly, I'd forgotten how far the walk is from the train station to the arena!
I could feel the excitement building as we got closer. The three of us joined a growing flow of people heading in the one direction, getting more and more excited about the evening that we were about to enjoy.
Once inside we slowly made our way around to our door (there were so many people!), stopping so that I could buy a t-shirt. Then went inside and found our seats.
That's her in the middle (can't you tell?).
While we were waiting for the show to get started, my sister and I decided to get a drink. Of course, we had to choose the cosmopolitan in the flashing pink cup (and here's the t-shirt I bought on the way in)!
Then my sister decided that we needed to take some "selfies". Unfortunately, my phone camera really isn't that great.
The support band that played was brilliant! They're called The Kin. The two singers/musicians are brothers and they have really great voices that work so well together.
But the drummer? He was... ummm.... intriguing I guess is the word.
He didn't use drumsticks, but it sounded like he did.
He used his hands. But it looked like (on the screens anyway) he had something taped to his palms - maybe a really thin, pliable wood.
And he was amazingly energetic as he played. It was like he was using his whole body to play. Maybe inspiring is another word you could use?
Between the intrigue of the drummer, and the sound of the brothers' voices, and the music they made together... I just don't really know how to describe it, except to say that I really enjoyed it!
So, after they were done there was about half an hour before P!nk came on stage. But as we were waiting, one of the actors from Offspring, Eddie Perfect, came onstage to tell us that the concert would be recorded for P!nk's DVD. Everyone went crazy cheering!
We were informed that some music would come on soon and we were to dance like no one was watching so that the cameras could record some of the crowd for the DVD.
And, even though we were in the 2nd back row, the atmosphere of the place totally included us and we danced and sang at the top of our lungs, and laughed at some of the ridiculous people around us.
A little while later, a guy appeared on the screens. He was dressed like a clown and was dancing through the crowd, making people (who didn't want to dance) dance with him, or trying to get away from people who did want to dance with him.
He disappeared and reappeared in several places throughout the crowd.
At one point he zoned in one someone and completely ignored everyone else around him. He climbed over seats and pushed people out of the way to get to this person.
It turned out he was focused on a bald guy.
When he got to the guy he did funny stuff like rubbing his head and checking his reflection in it. Then, in super slow-mo, he planted a big, sloppy kiss on the guy's head. The expressions were true clown style and made it particularly entertaining.
Just when we thought he was done with the bald guy, he did something else in super slow-mo. Out came his big, pink tongue! And slowly, but definitely, the tongue got closer and closer to the guy's head.
You could see him on the screen hoping that the clown would stop before the tongue hit his head.
But no! It came slowly and inevitably down until he got the bald-headed equivalent of a wet willy!
And suddenly the trance was over! The crowd laughed. The clown congratulated the guy and moved on.
Next thing we know, the clown is on stage and saying that someone in the crowd is going to get the chance to come up on stage! You can just imagine the noise and excitement right there, can't you?
The cameras scanned the crowd, looking for the lucky person! They're scanning, they're scanning... the clown tells the cameras to stop! Go back! They zoom in on someone wearing a hoodie. The hoodie comes off and there's P!nk!!!! She was in the bay right next to us!!!!
I can't even describe to you the noise and excitement in the arena just then! And it didn't calm down much for the rest of the night!
We had sore voices within the first half hour. P!nk had included a whole bunch of her older songs in this concert, including "Raise Your Glass" (which we did - how could we not when we had flashing pink cocktails???).
As expected, there was acrobatics and crazy stunts.
There were a couple of holes in the stage where dancers were shot up into the air to land on the stage and start dancing.
There was a crazy, spinning wire ball that P!nk and the dancers climbed all over without harnesses.
There was rather erotic dancing.
There were fun costumes.
P!nk played the piano, having learned just for this tour.
Lots of stuff was thrown onto the stage for her, including lots of toy frogs, and a book that someone had made (and obviously taken an awful lot of time to do).
And just when we thought we couldn't sing any more, or scream any louder, out came the finale!
P!nk was hooked up to this circle belt thing, that was connected to wires that hooked into the four corners of the arena. And she went flying over all of our heads, covering just about every inch of the stadium! From our position, it looked particularly cool and like SO much fun! I'd love to have a go at that one day!!!
And then it was over.
We eventually made it to my sister's car, and out of the car park (15 minutes to get about 200 metres). And we listened to the album while we drove home, reflecting on how entertaining and fun the night had been.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first big concert experience, and next time P!nk is in Australia, I intend to go again (hopefully with my siblings) and try to get floor tickets so we can dance without fear of falling into the person in front of us (who, by the way, spent the whole concert standing up with her camera, recording the whole thing and getting in our way), as well as sing at the top of our lungs.
Saturday, 18 May 2013
The secret's out
I've seen a few TV shows over the past few years that have disurbed me. They've shown young people out partying and having a good time.
Nothing disturbing about that, right?
WRONG!!!
Here's my secret (I suspect not many of you will be surprised by this):
I'm a prude.
I am an old-fashioned prude.
See, when I watch young people out drinking up a storm, or taking so-called "party drugs", or making out with whoever they happen to come into contact with, I don't think "there's the life!" I think "that's so sad!" and I wonder how they'll feel in the morning.
I've never been a big party-er (surprise, surprise!), although I have certainly been out partying. I love to dance!
I'm not a big drinker, although I have had enough to make the room spin uncomfortably, and I quite enjoy a glass of wine or two.
And I don't take drugs. In fact, I've never even smoked a cigarette (unless you count second hand smoke, which we all know can do as much damage).
Some people would say I've missed out. They could be right! But I guess I never got into the party scene because it always seemed so superficial to me. I could never see the point of kissing a guy I'd never see again. And attempting to make conversation when the music is louder than my own thoughts... well, let's just say it's not my cup of tea ;-)
I am one of those rare creatures who didn't sleep with anyone until I was married. I know! It's shocking, isn't it??? But I don't feel like I've missed out on anything. I got to discover my sexuality with a man who loves me and won't reject me, regardless of what I do and don't like. I've never had to do "the walk of shame" and I've never felt guilty or uncomfortable about anything I've done.
I'm not saying that everyone whose experience is different to mine is wrong or bad or anything stupid like that. Just that this is my experience and matches my personality and background.
I am a prude.
And I reckon I might just be a little bit proud of that!
Nothing disturbing about that, right?
WRONG!!!
Here's my secret (I suspect not many of you will be surprised by this):
I'm a prude.
I am an old-fashioned prude.
See, when I watch young people out drinking up a storm, or taking so-called "party drugs", or making out with whoever they happen to come into contact with, I don't think "there's the life!" I think "that's so sad!" and I wonder how they'll feel in the morning.
I've never been a big party-er (surprise, surprise!), although I have certainly been out partying. I love to dance!
I'm not a big drinker, although I have had enough to make the room spin uncomfortably, and I quite enjoy a glass of wine or two.
And I don't take drugs. In fact, I've never even smoked a cigarette (unless you count second hand smoke, which we all know can do as much damage).
Some people would say I've missed out. They could be right! But I guess I never got into the party scene because it always seemed so superficial to me. I could never see the point of kissing a guy I'd never see again. And attempting to make conversation when the music is louder than my own thoughts... well, let's just say it's not my cup of tea ;-)
I am one of those rare creatures who didn't sleep with anyone until I was married. I know! It's shocking, isn't it??? But I don't feel like I've missed out on anything. I got to discover my sexuality with a man who loves me and won't reject me, regardless of what I do and don't like. I've never had to do "the walk of shame" and I've never felt guilty or uncomfortable about anything I've done.
I'm not saying that everyone whose experience is different to mine is wrong or bad or anything stupid like that. Just that this is my experience and matches my personality and background.
I am a prude.
And I reckon I might just be a little bit proud of that!
Monday, 24 December 2012
Is Christmas just for kids?
I was wrapping Christmas presents tonight and considering Christmas in general. The thought occurred to me that Christmas is very much a celebration for children. Everything is so exciting for them. There's changes in routine and food, and, of course, the presents!
But is Christmas just for kids?
I don't think so! I love Christmas! I love the lights and decorations, the food and festivities, and the general atmosphere of celebration and goodwill.
But I have to admit that having a nearly-four-year-old is making this Christmas season particularly enjoyable so far :-D
We've had a lot of fun cooking together, putting up the Christmas tree, and looking at Christmas lights. Every morning we've opened up our little advent calendar and counted how many days have passed, looking at how close we're getting to Christmas day.
And the Big Fella and I have thoroughly enjoyed buying presents for the Little Big Fella, and a couple for each other too :-)
One of my family Christmas traditions is to wrap presents on Christmas Eve while watching the Christmas Carols on TV. Each person would disappear into a bedroom and wrap the presents they were giving then bring them out and put them under the tree and continue enjoying the Carols.
Well, this year we've been invited to our next-door neighbour's place for a BBQ dinner/party on Christmas Eve so I had to wrap the presents tonight!
Dilemma!!!
I thought, "I'll watch a Christmas movie while I'm wrapping!"
Ha!
Would you believe it's Sunday night, two nights before Christmas and there wasn't a single Christmas movie on??? I even jumped online and checked the TV guide and discovered there will only be about 3 over the next two days!!!
I was shattered! Actually, I'm still not really over it and I'm seriously considering hiring a handful of them, even if I end up watching them all by myself :-D
I did watch "The Holiday" the other night and one of the lines I love is when Kate Winslet's character takes the old man to his award/recognition night. He presents her with a corsage and says that he hopes it's not too corny. She responds with, "I like corny. I'm looking for corny in my life".
That's totally me at Christmas! I love the pathetically corny Christmas movies, and the ridiculous music! I'm looking for corny in my life!!!!
Anyway, there's only one more full day until Christmas and I think I'm nearly as excited as my Little Big Fella.
Well, maybe not quite.
But is Christmas just for kids?
I don't think so! I love Christmas! I love the lights and decorations, the food and festivities, and the general atmosphere of celebration and goodwill.
But I have to admit that having a nearly-four-year-old is making this Christmas season particularly enjoyable so far :-D
We've had a lot of fun cooking together, putting up the Christmas tree, and looking at Christmas lights. Every morning we've opened up our little advent calendar and counted how many days have passed, looking at how close we're getting to Christmas day.
And the Big Fella and I have thoroughly enjoyed buying presents for the Little Big Fella, and a couple for each other too :-)
One of my family Christmas traditions is to wrap presents on Christmas Eve while watching the Christmas Carols on TV. Each person would disappear into a bedroom and wrap the presents they were giving then bring them out and put them under the tree and continue enjoying the Carols.
Well, this year we've been invited to our next-door neighbour's place for a BBQ dinner/party on Christmas Eve so I had to wrap the presents tonight!
Dilemma!!!
I thought, "I'll watch a Christmas movie while I'm wrapping!"
Ha!
Would you believe it's Sunday night, two nights before Christmas and there wasn't a single Christmas movie on??? I even jumped online and checked the TV guide and discovered there will only be about 3 over the next two days!!!
I was shattered! Actually, I'm still not really over it and I'm seriously considering hiring a handful of them, even if I end up watching them all by myself :-D
I did watch "The Holiday" the other night and one of the lines I love is when Kate Winslet's character takes the old man to his award/recognition night. He presents her with a corsage and says that he hopes it's not too corny. She responds with, "I like corny. I'm looking for corny in my life".
That's totally me at Christmas! I love the pathetically corny Christmas movies, and the ridiculous music! I'm looking for corny in my life!!!!
Anyway, there's only one more full day until Christmas and I think I'm nearly as excited as my Little Big Fella.
Well, maybe not quite.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Isn't this supposed to be fun?
I've had a rather... hormonal couple of days. Unfortunately it combined with lack of sleep, a bit of hot weather, a 3 and a half year old who has a bit of an attitude, and a husband who's been working hard and wants to relax (fair enough really!). I guess what I'm trying to say is, my poor Fellas have had to put up with one cranky woman this week!
"I'm Santa!"
"No I'm not! I'm (the Little Big Fella)!"
Unlike last year, the decorations were put over the whole tree, but the Little Big Fella just couldn't get the idea of each branch having a bauble, so some missed out while others got several :-)
In the midst of this cranky storm I've been trying to do some Christmas preparation because of the strong possibility of heading back to our old town for a week or two to help out my sister, who's just had an operation (nothing major - just no heavy lifting, driving etc).
A couple of evenings ago I decided to try to put up our new outdoor lights. I LOVE Christmas lights and this is the first time we've had any, other than on the Christmas tree. So I went out in the late afternoon shade and the Little Big Fella decided to "help" me. Out comes Mrs Moody and ruins it for everyone! There was cranking and growling and frustration when things didn't go right.
The next day we decided to bake some Christmas cookies. The Little Big Fella and I have cooked a bit together and normally it works out pretty well. But not this time! This time I was using a new recipe, the kitchen wasn't set up to make it easy and the Little Big Fella's propensity to ignore instructions caused it to be way more stressful than fun.
And I thought to myself, "isn't this supposed to be fun? Isn't the idea of doing these Christmas-y things supposed to be building our relationship and giving him wonderful memories?" And I felt like Christmas this year was ruined before it had even begun.
Thankfully I didn't write this post on that day! It would have been morbid and depressing and whingey and complaint-filled. Bleuch!
But the next day the hormone storm passed and we decided to put up the Christmas tree together. Last year the Little Big Fella and his older cousin did all the decorating of our tree (well, up to as high as they could reach anyway!) and we had a really fun time. Thankfully this year still had some of that joy :-)
We found the Christmas tree in the back shed, and the boxes of decorations. I put the tree together and then the lights on it then we both put the "balls" on, while listening to Michael Bublé crooning some of my favourite Christmas carols.
The Little Big Fella decided he should "swim" under the tree and find the presents! (Such amazing imagination!) Most of the "presents" were lights for the tree :-D
Oh! And while I was putting the tree together, I heard a voice behind me.
"Guess who I am!"
I turn around to this:
Unlike last year, the decorations were put over the whole tree, but the Little Big Fella just couldn't get the idea of each branch having a bauble, so some missed out while others got several :-)
The finished product! Lovely and bright and full. It's at the front window so people going past might see it, and it's also at the end of the hallway so I see it as I'm going down there from the other end of the house. It makes me smile :-)
I just realised today that I haven't got anything to put in our little advent calendar yet and I think I'd like to do it because, as well as working on our numbers, it helps to build the excitement for Christmas and means I (hopefully) won't be asked every. single. day. if it's Christmas yet :-D
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Daddy, I love you
Back in May I dedicated a post to my Mum. Well, I've been planning to do this for a while, and seeing that tomorrow is Father's Day here in Australia, it's time to do a post for my Dad.
I was really lucky because my Dad worked from home for most of my growing up years. That meant he always had time for me. Even with three siblings, I always felt like he had time for me.
Dad spent a lot of time in the car over the years! He drove me and my three siblings to school when it was wet, various friends' places and events and all the things that kids and then pre-drivers get up to :-) And he was always happy to do it! I don't recall him ever complaining about it, or even being slightly grumpy. I'm a bit in awe of that actually!
I think my strongest memories of my Dad are the times that he drove me to dance classes. It would be just him and me in the car most of the time and I could pick his brains about anything. We had a great, communicative relationship anyway, but driving time was the best!
I was certain my Dad knew everything, because, like most little girls I guess, my Dad was my hero! And he did have an answer for all my questions!
See, Mum was my practical wisdom go-to person, but Dad was my philosophical wisdom go-to person. And I loved exploring the goods and evils of the world with him, the whys and wherefores of schoolground politics, how I should react to the mean boys or nasty girls, or the boring teachers ;-). Dad was a pastor so I also talked about all aspects of Christianity with him too. He explained stuff that was way over my head in ways that really made sense to me.
Dad also ran (with Mum and some other people) a primary (elementary) school aged youth group. It was so fun! It was kind of based around Scouts so we did lots of games and stories, but also learned life skills like map reading, lighting fires, rescuing people and basic first aid. I was always so proud of how much Dad knew and how well he taught it, and that my friends got to see how lucky I was.
And I always knew how lucky I was to get the Dad I got. I knew, without a doubt that my Dad loved (and still does love) me! He gave me time, knowledge, patience, wisdom, computer skills, and a framework for viewing and evaluating my life. There is no way I would be the person I am today without my Dad!
We had lots of fun with Dad too! He instilled in us a love for playing cards and board games. I'm pretty sure almost every school holidays included us all playing Rummiking or Threes together. And those times were full of laughter.
And, of course, the days out in the bush running around, following Dad rock jumping along rivers and creeks, lighting the fire and cooking snags (sausages) for lunch, then finishing off with some toasted marshmallows or damper with lots of butter and jam.
Dad always had music on in the house too. The radio or a cassette (showing my age), and always a whole range of music - international music, Christian, pop, rock, and others. I don't think we had much classical or opera in the house, but I love the range of music that he introduced me to.
When I was a pre-schooler, Dad flew small planes and I remember flying with him when I was only 3 or 4 and feeling so safe, even when the plane got a bit bouncy from turbulence. Thanks to him I've never been afraid to fly!
As I got older, my Dad was still the person I went to if I was feeling blown about by the world. He is a rock of reason and comfort. The times I've felt like I had it all figured out and then the rug gets pulled out from under me, Dad has been a solace, helping me to find my feet again.
Now that I'm all grown up and married and have a child of my own, I'm still inspired by my Dad. As he and Mum go out and re-create their life in many ways, Dad inspires me to discover and re-discover the things I love; To expand my horizons and stretch my boundaries; To reconsider the things that I thought I'd written off and see if they actually still fit me; To value friendships, old and new; to dare to live the life that I've been given.
My Dad is a romantic and writes great letters and cards. Birthdays, Christmas and other card-giving occasions always included specific mentions of the things he loved about us or was proud of or thankful for. I don't know about my siblings, but it always makes me feel so special and loved.
Dad isn't a handy man - he doesn't fix things or rebuild cars or much along that line. But he taught us what he did know and always made me feel loved. And I think that's THE most important thing for a father to do - make sure your kids feel special and loved, and know that you're proud of them.
Dad, you score 100% on that one! I love you so much and am SO grateful to have been blessed with you for a father! Being this far away has its particularly sucky parts, like not being able to share a great meal and bottle of wine with you tomorrow. But I want you to know that I value the impact you've had on me, and the love you give. You're still my hero Daddy and I miss you so much. I hope you have a great day tomorrow and I'm looking forward to calling you and having a good ol' chat :-D I love you heaps!
I was really lucky because my Dad worked from home for most of my growing up years. That meant he always had time for me. Even with three siblings, I always felt like he had time for me.
Dad spent a lot of time in the car over the years! He drove me and my three siblings to school when it was wet, various friends' places and events and all the things that kids and then pre-drivers get up to :-) And he was always happy to do it! I don't recall him ever complaining about it, or even being slightly grumpy. I'm a bit in awe of that actually!
I think my strongest memories of my Dad are the times that he drove me to dance classes. It would be just him and me in the car most of the time and I could pick his brains about anything. We had a great, communicative relationship anyway, but driving time was the best!
I was certain my Dad knew everything, because, like most little girls I guess, my Dad was my hero! And he did have an answer for all my questions!
See, Mum was my practical wisdom go-to person, but Dad was my philosophical wisdom go-to person. And I loved exploring the goods and evils of the world with him, the whys and wherefores of schoolground politics, how I should react to the mean boys or nasty girls, or the boring teachers ;-). Dad was a pastor so I also talked about all aspects of Christianity with him too. He explained stuff that was way over my head in ways that really made sense to me.
Dad also ran (with Mum and some other people) a primary (elementary) school aged youth group. It was so fun! It was kind of based around Scouts so we did lots of games and stories, but also learned life skills like map reading, lighting fires, rescuing people and basic first aid. I was always so proud of how much Dad knew and how well he taught it, and that my friends got to see how lucky I was.
And I always knew how lucky I was to get the Dad I got. I knew, without a doubt that my Dad loved (and still does love) me! He gave me time, knowledge, patience, wisdom, computer skills, and a framework for viewing and evaluating my life. There is no way I would be the person I am today without my Dad!
We had lots of fun with Dad too! He instilled in us a love for playing cards and board games. I'm pretty sure almost every school holidays included us all playing Rummiking or Threes together. And those times were full of laughter.
And, of course, the days out in the bush running around, following Dad rock jumping along rivers and creeks, lighting the fire and cooking snags (sausages) for lunch, then finishing off with some toasted marshmallows or damper with lots of butter and jam.
Dad always had music on in the house too. The radio or a cassette (showing my age), and always a whole range of music - international music, Christian, pop, rock, and others. I don't think we had much classical or opera in the house, but I love the range of music that he introduced me to.
When I was a pre-schooler, Dad flew small planes and I remember flying with him when I was only 3 or 4 and feeling so safe, even when the plane got a bit bouncy from turbulence. Thanks to him I've never been afraid to fly!
As I got older, my Dad was still the person I went to if I was feeling blown about by the world. He is a rock of reason and comfort. The times I've felt like I had it all figured out and then the rug gets pulled out from under me, Dad has been a solace, helping me to find my feet again.
Now that I'm all grown up and married and have a child of my own, I'm still inspired by my Dad. As he and Mum go out and re-create their life in many ways, Dad inspires me to discover and re-discover the things I love; To expand my horizons and stretch my boundaries; To reconsider the things that I thought I'd written off and see if they actually still fit me; To value friendships, old and new; to dare to live the life that I've been given.
My Dad is a romantic and writes great letters and cards. Birthdays, Christmas and other card-giving occasions always included specific mentions of the things he loved about us or was proud of or thankful for. I don't know about my siblings, but it always makes me feel so special and loved.
Dad isn't a handy man - he doesn't fix things or rebuild cars or much along that line. But he taught us what he did know and always made me feel loved. And I think that's THE most important thing for a father to do - make sure your kids feel special and loved, and know that you're proud of them.
Dad, you score 100% on that one! I love you so much and am SO grateful to have been blessed with you for a father! Being this far away has its particularly sucky parts, like not being able to share a great meal and bottle of wine with you tomorrow. But I want you to know that I value the impact you've had on me, and the love you give. You're still my hero Daddy and I miss you so much. I hope you have a great day tomorrow and I'm looking forward to calling you and having a good ol' chat :-D I love you heaps!
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Birthday? So what!
When I went to bed last night, exhausted almost to the point of collapse (the Little Big Fella had been hard work), the last thing the Big Fella said to me was something about it being my birthday tomorrow.
In typical melancholy style, I looked around and saw the dishes all over the kitchen, thought of the washing that needed doing and the toddler who would need my attention and thought, "what's so good about having a birthday as an adult anyway?"
I knew what my present was and, despite requesting it, doubted that it would be wrapped or that there would be a card (oh ye of little faith).
I knew there would be no cake unless I made it (although, I'd rather some fruit and yoghurt anyway).
And I knew that the main responsibility of caring for our son would be mine.
What's the point? What is it that makes a birthday different to any other day of the year, now that I'm an adult and a mum?
And with that depressing thought I went to sleep.
I woke early this morning (early equals before 7 these days, which is awesome compared to the 4:30/5am starts I was getting at the start of the year!), crept into the kitchen and made some breakfast (ignoring the dishes that were still all over the place) and crept back to the office to catch up on some blog reading and such.
I got a whole hour to myself!
For those of you that didn't catch that (or the fact that it's a big deal) I'll repeat it. I got a whole hour to myself!!!
The Little Big Fella didn't wake up until just before 8! I got a whole hour to read and type and do whatever without interruption!!! Amazing! And just what the doctor ordered.
When the Little Big Fella did wake up, he didn't get up straight away, but put his DVD player on and watched a little bit of Tigger and Pooh so I got myself ready and went downstairs for a workout. Although I had a couple of interruptions, I got my workout done (and worked hard I have to say) then came up to find the Big Fella awake and asking for a coffee.
I looked at the time and realised we were going to be late for Music Makers. I mentioned this a couple of weeks ago - it's a class for pre-school kids and they're learning various musical terms, using various instruments and a microphone, and doing some basic dance/coordination moves. Yesterday I'd asked the Little Big Fella if he wanted to go to playgroup or Music Makers and he emphatically chose Music Makers so that's where we went today.
On our way out of town (Music Makers is in the town 15 minutes away) we stopped at the "post office" (the CWA hall) and collected the mail. Yay! A parcel from my in-laws (a ballet-based workout DVD - I'm looking forward to checking that out), and a card and cheque from my Oma-in-law. You know, I love modern modes of communication like e-mail and Facebook. But I love getting stuff in the mail! It may be because anything in the mail that isn't a bill is normally fun, or it might go back to childhood and the rarity of getting anything in the mail at all, but whatever it is, I love it!
The Little Big Fella got nervous as soon as he saw the other kids at Music Makers. But we went in and again I got to sit on the floor with his heavy butt on my lap. Seriously, he's getting really heavy and my ankle bones were being squished on the wooden floor!!!
He was all shy and only kind of participating until about half way through when he said he wanted to go. You bet I rolled my eyes! I told him the class wasn't finished and we couldn't go until it was done and he cracked the sads and went and sat on the chair on the side. Sigh. I tried to talk him in to joining everyone again but it wasn't going to happen. I didn't think it was ultimately a good idea to "make" him so I let him be and about 5 minutes later he was ready to re-join the class. And he really joined in this time. He danced and played and talked in the microphone. The silly thing is that I think he loves it, but his shyness beats him to start with. But he's always been shy in new places and with new people so we'll just give him time to settle in and see what happens.
Last time we did the shopping I'd promised the Little Big Fella that we could go to the new park he'd spotted across the road from the supermarket. He reminded me after Music Makers, and because we didn't have a schedule to keep I agreed we could go. Unfortunately, the swing seats were too hot - black rubber in the direct sunlight is a good recipe for burned bum! So we wandered around but he'd lost a little enthusiasm.
My sister and nephews happened to call just then so we all had a chat until my nephews started losing the plot and needed to go to bed for a nap.
Next was some shopping then home again, home again, jiggety jig!
On the way home my Nanna called so we had a little chat to her too.
When we got home the Big Fella had obviously spent a fair portion of the morning cleaning up. The kitchen was clean and lots of things had been put away. And there on the coffee table was a beautifully wrapped present! Wrapped in paper that the Little Big Fella had painted a few weeks ago! And a card with some lovely things written in it by the Big Fella, and he'd helped the Little Big Fella write in it too! If we did brownie points in our house, the Big Fella would have had a basket full for that! Instead he had to put up with hugs and kisses and thank yous and some pretty impressive gratitude :-)
He then suggested that we contact everyone and invite them to the local pub for a drink or two in the late afternoon, his shout. So the texts and Facebook message went out and just before 4 we headed off. (Oh! In the meantime we'd also made some pepperoni! More on that in a future post.)
We'd intended to be at the pub for about an hour or so. But, see, when people are around and everyone is having a good time it's no fun to quit! So we stayed... and stayed... and stayed... and had dinner :-D I had a great time talking to some of the girls that I've met here, even talking about some non-mum topics! The Big Fella had a great time talking to some of the guys that were around the place, including the new bar manager and the kitchen staff. And the Little Big Fella had fun playing really nicely (mostly) with his friends, and talking to the poor man playing the pokies who got to explain that toys don't come out of those machines before we pulled him away.
Oh! And the Little Big Fella got to have a whole can of Coke for the first time ever! Occasionally he gets the dregs of the can from the Big Fella, but he rarely has soft drink (soda/pop) at all, let alone a whole can of Coke. Thankfully there were other kids there to play with or the afternoon/evening would have taken a completely different turn!
Eventually we left the pub and dropped in on some friends on the way home (the Big Fella had borrowed a mincer for his pepperoni). By this time the Little Big Fella was starting to come down from his Coke high so we headed home pretty quickly.
And since then I've had the chance to talk to my youngest sister and my parents on the phone too. I miss my family, but talking to them on the phone is so much better than nothing! (I'm getting all teary!)
So my day, which yesterday looked like it was going to be the same as any other day (or worse) turned out to be lots of fun, with lots of little surprises, and I felt special and like my being in the world is worth all the pain my mum went through. And I guess that's the point of a birthday for me as an adult. It's not about presents, or even a party like it was as a kid. It's about contact with people who think you're special and take the time to let you know, in both big and small ways. And if you get to spend time with those people, that's even better!!!
In typical melancholy style, I looked around and saw the dishes all over the kitchen, thought of the washing that needed doing and the toddler who would need my attention and thought, "what's so good about having a birthday as an adult anyway?"
I knew what my present was and, despite requesting it, doubted that it would be wrapped or that there would be a card (oh ye of little faith).
I knew there would be no cake unless I made it (although, I'd rather some fruit and yoghurt anyway).
And I knew that the main responsibility of caring for our son would be mine.
What's the point? What is it that makes a birthday different to any other day of the year, now that I'm an adult and a mum?
And with that depressing thought I went to sleep.
I woke early this morning (early equals before 7 these days, which is awesome compared to the 4:30/5am starts I was getting at the start of the year!), crept into the kitchen and made some breakfast (ignoring the dishes that were still all over the place) and crept back to the office to catch up on some blog reading and such.
I got a whole hour to myself!
For those of you that didn't catch that (or the fact that it's a big deal) I'll repeat it. I got a whole hour to myself!!!
The Little Big Fella didn't wake up until just before 8! I got a whole hour to read and type and do whatever without interruption!!! Amazing! And just what the doctor ordered.
When the Little Big Fella did wake up, he didn't get up straight away, but put his DVD player on and watched a little bit of Tigger and Pooh so I got myself ready and went downstairs for a workout. Although I had a couple of interruptions, I got my workout done (and worked hard I have to say) then came up to find the Big Fella awake and asking for a coffee.
I looked at the time and realised we were going to be late for Music Makers. I mentioned this a couple of weeks ago - it's a class for pre-school kids and they're learning various musical terms, using various instruments and a microphone, and doing some basic dance/coordination moves. Yesterday I'd asked the Little Big Fella if he wanted to go to playgroup or Music Makers and he emphatically chose Music Makers so that's where we went today.
On our way out of town (Music Makers is in the town 15 minutes away) we stopped at the "post office" (the CWA hall) and collected the mail. Yay! A parcel from my in-laws (a ballet-based workout DVD - I'm looking forward to checking that out), and a card and cheque from my Oma-in-law. You know, I love modern modes of communication like e-mail and Facebook. But I love getting stuff in the mail! It may be because anything in the mail that isn't a bill is normally fun, or it might go back to childhood and the rarity of getting anything in the mail at all, but whatever it is, I love it!
The Little Big Fella got nervous as soon as he saw the other kids at Music Makers. But we went in and again I got to sit on the floor with his heavy butt on my lap. Seriously, he's getting really heavy and my ankle bones were being squished on the wooden floor!!!
He was all shy and only kind of participating until about half way through when he said he wanted to go. You bet I rolled my eyes! I told him the class wasn't finished and we couldn't go until it was done and he cracked the sads and went and sat on the chair on the side. Sigh. I tried to talk him in to joining everyone again but it wasn't going to happen. I didn't think it was ultimately a good idea to "make" him so I let him be and about 5 minutes later he was ready to re-join the class. And he really joined in this time. He danced and played and talked in the microphone. The silly thing is that I think he loves it, but his shyness beats him to start with. But he's always been shy in new places and with new people so we'll just give him time to settle in and see what happens.
Last time we did the shopping I'd promised the Little Big Fella that we could go to the new park he'd spotted across the road from the supermarket. He reminded me after Music Makers, and because we didn't have a schedule to keep I agreed we could go. Unfortunately, the swing seats were too hot - black rubber in the direct sunlight is a good recipe for burned bum! So we wandered around but he'd lost a little enthusiasm.
My sister and nephews happened to call just then so we all had a chat until my nephews started losing the plot and needed to go to bed for a nap.
Next was some shopping then home again, home again, jiggety jig!
On the way home my Nanna called so we had a little chat to her too.
When we got home the Big Fella had obviously spent a fair portion of the morning cleaning up. The kitchen was clean and lots of things had been put away. And there on the coffee table was a beautifully wrapped present! Wrapped in paper that the Little Big Fella had painted a few weeks ago! And a card with some lovely things written in it by the Big Fella, and he'd helped the Little Big Fella write in it too! If we did brownie points in our house, the Big Fella would have had a basket full for that! Instead he had to put up with hugs and kisses and thank yous and some pretty impressive gratitude :-)
He then suggested that we contact everyone and invite them to the local pub for a drink or two in the late afternoon, his shout. So the texts and Facebook message went out and just before 4 we headed off. (Oh! In the meantime we'd also made some pepperoni! More on that in a future post.)
We'd intended to be at the pub for about an hour or so. But, see, when people are around and everyone is having a good time it's no fun to quit! So we stayed... and stayed... and stayed... and had dinner :-D I had a great time talking to some of the girls that I've met here, even talking about some non-mum topics! The Big Fella had a great time talking to some of the guys that were around the place, including the new bar manager and the kitchen staff. And the Little Big Fella had fun playing really nicely (mostly) with his friends, and talking to the poor man playing the pokies who got to explain that toys don't come out of those machines before we pulled him away.
Oh! And the Little Big Fella got to have a whole can of Coke for the first time ever! Occasionally he gets the dregs of the can from the Big Fella, but he rarely has soft drink (soda/pop) at all, let alone a whole can of Coke. Thankfully there were other kids there to play with or the afternoon/evening would have taken a completely different turn!
Eventually we left the pub and dropped in on some friends on the way home (the Big Fella had borrowed a mincer for his pepperoni). By this time the Little Big Fella was starting to come down from his Coke high so we headed home pretty quickly.
And since then I've had the chance to talk to my youngest sister and my parents on the phone too. I miss my family, but talking to them on the phone is so much better than nothing! (I'm getting all teary!)
So my day, which yesterday looked like it was going to be the same as any other day (or worse) turned out to be lots of fun, with lots of little surprises, and I felt special and like my being in the world is worth all the pain my mum went through. And I guess that's the point of a birthday for me as an adult. It's not about presents, or even a party like it was as a kid. It's about contact with people who think you're special and take the time to let you know, in both big and small ways. And if you get to spend time with those people, that's even better!!!
Thursday, 26 July 2012
How to revive a dead crow
For the second night in a row, the Little Big Fella is asleep within about 5-10 minutes of his head hitting the pillow. He is absolutely worn out!
Yesterday we met some friends a bit after 9am and went to McDonald's for a cuppa, a cake and a play. I haven't actually done that with anyone since we got here and I really enjoyed it!
We then went to Music Makers. Friends of ours went to something similar in our last town but we never got around to it, probably because it was on a day care day. But I thought we'd try it out here.
We turned up and the kids were all sitting down on the floor in front of the teacher, who had a keyboard and a microphone set up. The Little Big Fella was shy and nervous because of the new surroundings and people so I got to sit on the floor with him on my lap... yay me!
The class was a real eye opener! Here are these 3 year olds attempting to do things in time with the teacher and each other, learning musical terms for very fast (presto) and slowly (adagio), how many keys a piano has (88), how to hold, strum and identify parts of a ukulele, dancing, speaking and singing into a microphone. I mean, what a great start for these kids, not only in terms of music but also in public speaking, movement, following instructions... a great start to a whole bunch of things that they'll come across in life!
By the end of the session the Little Big Fella was definitely enjoying himself, but was still a little shy, especially of the microphone. So now the question is whether we go back, or just go to Playgroup (which is on the same day/time), or do a little bit of both. I'll probably let the Little Big Fella decide :-D
Our little friend came back to our place for a bit of a play before her parents came and we all had lunch. Apparently a cous cous, chickpea and roasted vegetable salad, while tasty, is not a complete dish to serve to guests (or even perhaps just my husband). Who knew??? ;-)
I really enjoyed having a couple over and all of us getting along really well. Between one thing and another, the Big Fella and I have mostly had separate friends for almost our whole married life. To have husbands, wives and children all happy to hang out together was such a nice change! Although working out a time that suits everyone (because of different shifts) might be a bit tricky, I'm looking forward to more of this!
After the Big Fella went to work mid-afternoon, the Little Big Fella and I went to the park for a bit more play and social time. After school it's pretty rare to go to the park and not find at least a couple of mums with their camp chairs having a chat, watching the kids ride around the skate park, kick a footy or playing on the equipment. It's a key social part of our little town and I think it's fantastic!
Today we were up early, trying to be quiet while the Big Fella slept after his early hours finish. We were also looking after a little boy today so I had a challenge on my hands to keep two 3 year olds mostly outside, mostly away from the bedroom window, and mostly quiet!!!
But! I had a plan! I'd prepared a bunch of little things to do that were easy, outdoors or off-site, and I was pretty sure both boys would be at least partially interested in.
We started with bubbles (always a winner!), using a bubble solution that I'd made up. But, for a bit of a change I'd grabbed a handful of drinking straws and showed the boys how to blow bubbles in the bubble mix, rather than blowing the bubbles into the air. They loved it! Who'd have thought???
I did a couple of things while the boys were happy, then decided it was time to get away from the house and give the Big Fella a good chance to sleep, or at least rest.
We grabbed a couple of buckets from the sandpit, brushed the sand off and went for a nature walk up the road. Being boys, they mostly collected rocks and sticks :-D However, in my role as childhood educator (for the day) I made sure to point out seedpods (and explain how they work - basically), flowers (including "what colour is this one?"), and feathers (textures, colours, spots etc). We even had the joy of coming across a dead crow, who they wanted to revive by giving it water, but happily left it with a blanket of dry leaves.
When we got back we made a little pile of our recovered items, collected a few things then went for another walk - to the post office then for a picnic at the park. Some of our friends were there and we got to meet the children of the guy who used to drive home with the Big Fella when they were training to be train drivers.
After a while we had to go to the shop for some milk - the Big Fella would need a coffee or three when he woke up and there was only enough milk for one, or maybe two coffees! Of course, the kids got to have a lolly too :-)
We went home via the park again (I'd left a few things there to collect on the way home that were too heavy or awkward to have to carry extra distances), played with some other new friends, then made it back just in time for our little friend's Nan to arrive and take him home.
I made the Little Big Fella's sandwiches for lunch, then a chicken and strawberry salad for the Big Fella and I. I came across the recipe through Angela from Grocery Shrink, who initially interested me in Fit Yummy Mummy. The Big Fella liked it well enough, but I love it! I probably won't plan to make it when he's around though.
We had a little trip to the next town for a few bits and pieces and, I have to say, I was rather frustrated. I know it's just a small town, and I know our supermarket is pretty dodgy, but I'm not travelling a minimum of an hour away when there are birthday parties and such to buy presents! I had to find something for a boy turning 5, and also for a baby shower. After a bit of stress I did find suitable items, but it was a horrible process. I'd even thought of getting practical items for the baby shower - newborn nappies, muslin wraps, Bonds Wondersuits, even maternity pads - and couldn't even get those in the supermarket!!! Rahhh!!!
One thing that was very cool in a small town-ish kind of way was that we went to the bank to give the Big Fella internet banking access to my accounts, mostly because our savings account is in my name. We walk into the bank and by the time we get to the "wait here" sign, the lady who did our car loan has come out, greeted us and asked if we were trying to link our internet banking.
The other lady behind the counter was at a party I went to last week and I'd asked her what we needed to do, so she'd obviously remembered and passed that info on. We sat down at the desk to do it and the loan lady remembered our names and a bunch of things that meant all I had to do was produce my card and it was all done and dusted! Isn't that cool? Even in our last town, where the bank tellers recognised me, there was no way that kind of thing would happen.
In our 10 minutes of communicating the nitty gritty of daily life this afternoon, we realised that I'd double-booked myself! (Seriously, I have a much mor full social life here!) I was going to help out with the canteen at the footy on the weekend but we have people coming for dinner (and this is after the 5 year old party in the afternoon). I think I might need to start using my calendar a bit more!
It's raining tonight so I'm hoping the Little Big Fella will happily play quietly inside tomorrow morning, while Daddy has another sleep-in after a late shift. You never know, it could happen...
Yesterday we met some friends a bit after 9am and went to McDonald's for a cuppa, a cake and a play. I haven't actually done that with anyone since we got here and I really enjoyed it!
We then went to Music Makers. Friends of ours went to something similar in our last town but we never got around to it, probably because it was on a day care day. But I thought we'd try it out here.
We turned up and the kids were all sitting down on the floor in front of the teacher, who had a keyboard and a microphone set up. The Little Big Fella was shy and nervous because of the new surroundings and people so I got to sit on the floor with him on my lap... yay me!
The class was a real eye opener! Here are these 3 year olds attempting to do things in time with the teacher and each other, learning musical terms for very fast (presto) and slowly (adagio), how many keys a piano has (88), how to hold, strum and identify parts of a ukulele, dancing, speaking and singing into a microphone. I mean, what a great start for these kids, not only in terms of music but also in public speaking, movement, following instructions... a great start to a whole bunch of things that they'll come across in life!
By the end of the session the Little Big Fella was definitely enjoying himself, but was still a little shy, especially of the microphone. So now the question is whether we go back, or just go to Playgroup (which is on the same day/time), or do a little bit of both. I'll probably let the Little Big Fella decide :-D
Our little friend came back to our place for a bit of a play before her parents came and we all had lunch. Apparently a cous cous, chickpea and roasted vegetable salad, while tasty, is not a complete dish to serve to guests (or even perhaps just my husband). Who knew??? ;-)
I really enjoyed having a couple over and all of us getting along really well. Between one thing and another, the Big Fella and I have mostly had separate friends for almost our whole married life. To have husbands, wives and children all happy to hang out together was such a nice change! Although working out a time that suits everyone (because of different shifts) might be a bit tricky, I'm looking forward to more of this!
After the Big Fella went to work mid-afternoon, the Little Big Fella and I went to the park for a bit more play and social time. After school it's pretty rare to go to the park and not find at least a couple of mums with their camp chairs having a chat, watching the kids ride around the skate park, kick a footy or playing on the equipment. It's a key social part of our little town and I think it's fantastic!
Today we were up early, trying to be quiet while the Big Fella slept after his early hours finish. We were also looking after a little boy today so I had a challenge on my hands to keep two 3 year olds mostly outside, mostly away from the bedroom window, and mostly quiet!!!
But! I had a plan! I'd prepared a bunch of little things to do that were easy, outdoors or off-site, and I was pretty sure both boys would be at least partially interested in.
We started with bubbles (always a winner!), using a bubble solution that I'd made up. But, for a bit of a change I'd grabbed a handful of drinking straws and showed the boys how to blow bubbles in the bubble mix, rather than blowing the bubbles into the air. They loved it! Who'd have thought???
I did a couple of things while the boys were happy, then decided it was time to get away from the house and give the Big Fella a good chance to sleep, or at least rest.
We grabbed a couple of buckets from the sandpit, brushed the sand off and went for a nature walk up the road. Being boys, they mostly collected rocks and sticks :-D However, in my role as childhood educator (for the day) I made sure to point out seedpods (and explain how they work - basically), flowers (including "what colour is this one?"), and feathers (textures, colours, spots etc). We even had the joy of coming across a dead crow, who they wanted to revive by giving it water, but happily left it with a blanket of dry leaves.
When we got back we made a little pile of our recovered items, collected a few things then went for another walk - to the post office then for a picnic at the park. Some of our friends were there and we got to meet the children of the guy who used to drive home with the Big Fella when they were training to be train drivers.
After a while we had to go to the shop for some milk - the Big Fella would need a coffee or three when he woke up and there was only enough milk for one, or maybe two coffees! Of course, the kids got to have a lolly too :-)
We went home via the park again (I'd left a few things there to collect on the way home that were too heavy or awkward to have to carry extra distances), played with some other new friends, then made it back just in time for our little friend's Nan to arrive and take him home.
I made the Little Big Fella's sandwiches for lunch, then a chicken and strawberry salad for the Big Fella and I. I came across the recipe through Angela from Grocery Shrink, who initially interested me in Fit Yummy Mummy. The Big Fella liked it well enough, but I love it! I probably won't plan to make it when he's around though.
We had a little trip to the next town for a few bits and pieces and, I have to say, I was rather frustrated. I know it's just a small town, and I know our supermarket is pretty dodgy, but I'm not travelling a minimum of an hour away when there are birthday parties and such to buy presents! I had to find something for a boy turning 5, and also for a baby shower. After a bit of stress I did find suitable items, but it was a horrible process. I'd even thought of getting practical items for the baby shower - newborn nappies, muslin wraps, Bonds Wondersuits, even maternity pads - and couldn't even get those in the supermarket!!! Rahhh!!!
One thing that was very cool in a small town-ish kind of way was that we went to the bank to give the Big Fella internet banking access to my accounts, mostly because our savings account is in my name. We walk into the bank and by the time we get to the "wait here" sign, the lady who did our car loan has come out, greeted us and asked if we were trying to link our internet banking.
The other lady behind the counter was at a party I went to last week and I'd asked her what we needed to do, so she'd obviously remembered and passed that info on. We sat down at the desk to do it and the loan lady remembered our names and a bunch of things that meant all I had to do was produce my card and it was all done and dusted! Isn't that cool? Even in our last town, where the bank tellers recognised me, there was no way that kind of thing would happen.
In our 10 minutes of communicating the nitty gritty of daily life this afternoon, we realised that I'd double-booked myself! (Seriously, I have a much mor full social life here!) I was going to help out with the canteen at the footy on the weekend but we have people coming for dinner (and this is after the 5 year old party in the afternoon). I think I might need to start using my calendar a bit more!
It's raining tonight so I'm hoping the Little Big Fella will happily play quietly inside tomorrow morning, while Daddy has another sleep-in after a late shift. You never know, it could happen...
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