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.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Friday, 20 December 2013
ScooterShell rides again!!!
Before I had the Little Big Fella, I used to ride a little 50cc scooter to work at the backpackers. It was so much fun and cost me something like $3 a week in fuel.
It was also where I got the name "ScooterShell".
I just found a photo of my little old scooter. It's not a great pic, but gives you the idea of the size.
You gotta love the tough expression, hey?
Well, when the Little Big Fella came along, it was time to ditch the scooter. I ended up getting an awesome camera with the money :-D
But today I'm back on the road and am, once again, ScooterShell!
The Big Fella has bought me a brand new scooter for Christmas. The idea is that I can ride it to work and free up the car, as well as reducing our fuel costs. The new scooter is a tad bigger than the old one!
It's shiny and zippy and has SO much room and is fun and quiet and comfortable.
The Big Fella drove it home and I was just a bit jealous. Okay, I was very jealous. But because I'm on my Learner's, and hadn't ridden in four years, and the "bike" is so much bigger and heavier, we decided to let him do the hour drive home.
But once we got home (and put all the shopping away etc.) it was my turn!
Seriously, it is SO zippy!!! I turned the throttle a little and was suddenly doing 60kms!!! You should have seen the smile on my face :-D
I need to do a little practice at the slow stuff though. I nearly dropped it twice on the first drive around our little town, both times when I was going slow and turning right. I can't wait to practice some more!
Oh! I forgot to tell you it's a Honda Forza 300, for those who want to know.
And it really is kind of heavy. I just couldn't get it onto the centre stand without the Big Fella's help and I was so frustrated about it. But after showing my new baby off to my neighbor, I finally worked it out. I literally jumped up and down and did a little dance.
I'm hanging out to have another ride tomorrow! This afternoon the Big Fella had to go to work and we ended up having the Little Big Fella's best friend and his brother here until bedtime. Even though we were having fun, I was itching to ride!
But tomorrow is a new day and the Big Fella will be home and you can bet I'll be riding around our little town, getting used to my new scooter. I can't wait!!!
It was also where I got the name "ScooterShell".
I just found a photo of my little old scooter. It's not a great pic, but gives you the idea of the size.
You gotta love the tough expression, hey?
Well, when the Little Big Fella came along, it was time to ditch the scooter. I ended up getting an awesome camera with the money :-D
But today I'm back on the road and am, once again, ScooterShell!
The Big Fella has bought me a brand new scooter for Christmas. The idea is that I can ride it to work and free up the car, as well as reducing our fuel costs. The new scooter is a tad bigger than the old one!
It's shiny and zippy and has SO much room and is fun and quiet and comfortable.
The Big Fella drove it home and I was just a bit jealous. Okay, I was very jealous. But because I'm on my Learner's, and hadn't ridden in four years, and the "bike" is so much bigger and heavier, we decided to let him do the hour drive home.
But once we got home (and put all the shopping away etc.) it was my turn!
Seriously, it is SO zippy!!! I turned the throttle a little and was suddenly doing 60kms!!! You should have seen the smile on my face :-D
I need to do a little practice at the slow stuff though. I nearly dropped it twice on the first drive around our little town, both times when I was going slow and turning right. I can't wait to practice some more!
Oh! I forgot to tell you it's a Honda Forza 300, for those who want to know.
And it really is kind of heavy. I just couldn't get it onto the centre stand without the Big Fella's help and I was so frustrated about it. But after showing my new baby off to my neighbor, I finally worked it out. I literally jumped up and down and did a little dance.
I'm hanging out to have another ride tomorrow! This afternoon the Big Fella had to go to work and we ended up having the Little Big Fella's best friend and his brother here until bedtime. Even though we were having fun, I was itching to ride!
But tomorrow is a new day and the Big Fella will be home and you can bet I'll be riding around our little town, getting used to my new scooter. I can't wait!!!
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Muddy puddles
Sometimes I discover things that my son gets to do that I never did, simply because of the location we're in.
Yesterday we had a very intense little storm go through here. It didn't last that long - maybe half an hour altogether, and it only rained for about 5 or 10 minutes. But the rain was almost horizontal, and it was very hard, and you could hear the crackle of the lightning, as well as lots of thunder.
Once it passed, the sun came out. And so did the kids!
It had rained hard enough for a mild flash flood, so the Little Big Fella and the three kids from next door were out in the street, running up and down the gutters, splashing and generally having a great time.
And it occurred to me that I don't think I ever did that as a kid.
Where I grew up, it mostly rained in winter, so it was too cold to go out and play in puddles! We had summer storms, but again, the particular place we lived meant that most of them went around our town, so we'd sit out in the heat and watch the lightning in the distance.
Most parents of young kids in Australia will know the character "Peppa Pig". She and her family love jumping up and down in muddy puddles.
Well, the kids discovered a VERY muddy puddle on the opposite corner from our homes and they not only jumped up and down in them, but sat in them, and lay down in them! Then they'd run across the road to a watery puddle to "wash off".
Their clothes were absolutely filthy, but they had a ball!
And us mums enjoyed watching them play too :-)
Yesterday we had a very intense little storm go through here. It didn't last that long - maybe half an hour altogether, and it only rained for about 5 or 10 minutes. But the rain was almost horizontal, and it was very hard, and you could hear the crackle of the lightning, as well as lots of thunder.
Once it passed, the sun came out. And so did the kids!
It had rained hard enough for a mild flash flood, so the Little Big Fella and the three kids from next door were out in the street, running up and down the gutters, splashing and generally having a great time.
And it occurred to me that I don't think I ever did that as a kid.
Where I grew up, it mostly rained in winter, so it was too cold to go out and play in puddles! We had summer storms, but again, the particular place we lived meant that most of them went around our town, so we'd sit out in the heat and watch the lightning in the distance.
Most parents of young kids in Australia will know the character "Peppa Pig". She and her family love jumping up and down in muddy puddles.
Well, the kids discovered a VERY muddy puddle on the opposite corner from our homes and they not only jumped up and down in them, but sat in them, and lay down in them! Then they'd run across the road to a watery puddle to "wash off".
Their clothes were absolutely filthy, but they had a ball!
And us mums enjoyed watching them play too :-)
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Blown away
Today I was in charge of running a fundraiser for the the CWA. And I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of people, and the willingness of those around me to help me fulfill my goal.
The goal was to raise funds to send through the Red Cross to those recovering from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We ran a BBQ, with a cake stall and a "guess how many lollies are in the jar" competition. I was expecting to make somewhere between $300 and $400. But in just under 4 hours, we raised $747!!!!
Our very first transaction of the day was a man donating $10 while we were setting up.
Throughout the day we had many people tell us to "keep the change".
And at one point a man came over to find out what we were raising money for. After we told him, he walked over to the ATM, came back and dropped $200 on the table! We managed to convince him to have a sausage.
Then there were all my wonderful friends who baked delicious cakes, slices and cookies that we could sell on the cake stall! They looked wonderful and I'm pretty sure the people who bought them definitely enjoyed them!
And, of course, the wonderful people who made themselves available to stand out, next to a hot barbeque, on a really hot day, for no personal gain, who gladly paid for their own food and drinks, to cook and serve and set up and clean up. I am incredibly grateful for each of you, and the time and effort you gave to help make today such a success.
My husband, without whom I think the day would have been very difficult, even though he was desperate for sleep after a night shift.
My son's best friend's mum, who came and helped to set up, serve, and then took the Little Big Fella back to her place so that we didn't have to stress as he became bored and hot and cranky.
My friend who came and helped out for more than the hour she'd agreed to, and her friend who looked after her oldest two children so that she could.
Our CWA Treasurer, who really struggled in the heat, but hung around and helped all day, including packing up in the high heat of the day and counting all the money.
Our CWA President, her daughter and grandkids, who kept things running smoothly when I started to lose the plot this afternoon through exhaustion. And the re-supply of home-made baking that kept the cake stall running hot!
Our CWA Secretary and her husband who kept the stall running with enthusiasm when I was ready to end it early. And they stayed around to help deal with the pack up in the heat of the day, which is really the worst part of any event!
After working for three days at the end of this week (more about that in another post soon), I know that I wouldn't have been able to do this without all of you. And I would never have dreamed of being able to make such a wonderful donation without every one of the people who visited our little stall today.
Thank you! Thank you all so much!
The goal was to raise funds to send through the Red Cross to those recovering from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We ran a BBQ, with a cake stall and a "guess how many lollies are in the jar" competition. I was expecting to make somewhere between $300 and $400. But in just under 4 hours, we raised $747!!!!
Our very first transaction of the day was a man donating $10 while we were setting up.
Throughout the day we had many people tell us to "keep the change".
And at one point a man came over to find out what we were raising money for. After we told him, he walked over to the ATM, came back and dropped $200 on the table! We managed to convince him to have a sausage.
Then there were all my wonderful friends who baked delicious cakes, slices and cookies that we could sell on the cake stall! They looked wonderful and I'm pretty sure the people who bought them definitely enjoyed them!
And, of course, the wonderful people who made themselves available to stand out, next to a hot barbeque, on a really hot day, for no personal gain, who gladly paid for their own food and drinks, to cook and serve and set up and clean up. I am incredibly grateful for each of you, and the time and effort you gave to help make today such a success.
My husband, without whom I think the day would have been very difficult, even though he was desperate for sleep after a night shift.
My son's best friend's mum, who came and helped to set up, serve, and then took the Little Big Fella back to her place so that we didn't have to stress as he became bored and hot and cranky.
My friend who came and helped out for more than the hour she'd agreed to, and her friend who looked after her oldest two children so that she could.
Our CWA Treasurer, who really struggled in the heat, but hung around and helped all day, including packing up in the high heat of the day and counting all the money.
Our CWA President, her daughter and grandkids, who kept things running smoothly when I started to lose the plot this afternoon through exhaustion. And the re-supply of home-made baking that kept the cake stall running hot!
Our CWA Secretary and her husband who kept the stall running with enthusiasm when I was ready to end it early. And they stayed around to help deal with the pack up in the heat of the day, which is really the worst part of any event!
After working for three days at the end of this week (more about that in another post soon), I know that I wouldn't have been able to do this without all of you. And I would never have dreamed of being able to make such a wonderful donation without every one of the people who visited our little stall today.
Thank you! Thank you all so much!
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
My first day
I got a phone call yesterday, just before lunch time. The HR and security processes are finally complete and when can I start two weeks training, full-time?
I'm sorry, what????
Yep! After weeks (okay, it's been months, but who's counting???) of waiting, the bank is finally ready for me to start my potentially long career with them.
Of course, I freaked out a little. Even though I've been semi-prepared for this, the actuality of it has been somewhat overwhelming. Working out the logistics of caring for the Little Big Fella, and the fact that we only have one car, and the Little Big Fella has a fairly full schedule... well, it's been mildly stressful.
So this morning I left my Fellas home together and returned to the working world for the first time in four years. I was SO nervous!
Would I be able to get my head back into work mode?
Would I be as good as I think I am?
Would I be overwhelmed by the amount of information I need to learn?
Would I get there on time?
Yeah, I was definitely nervous!
But it was a good first day! I got the impression that I'll fit in pretty well, I got there on time, and my work brain did switch on. As did my study brain because I spent an awful lot of time reading information and answering questions! Which also meant I ended up with a tension headache, which, thankfully is almost gone already.
My body is not used to sitting still for that long, either! At lunch time I walked up the road to a park and my legs definitely enjoyed the stretch.
Apparently tomorrow I'll be doing some more online learning in the morning, then I'll start learning how to be a teller. I'm looking forward to the challenge of it, and getting back into a customer interaction role too.
I really want to acknowledge my friends, too. The Little Big Fella's best friend's mum took him with them (after his final Prep Transition afternoon) to their swimming lesson, then to the park, then home today. Tomorrow another friend is taking me in to work so that the Fellas can have the car. Our neighbour is looking after the Little Big Fella on Friday and taking him to the school's swimming carnival. And a bunch of others have offered to have him over the next two weeks.
I am so grateful.
Those four little words really don't express it well enough though. I wouldn't be able to accept this job without them because there are no casual childcare options here. And with the Big Fella's crazy work schedule, it just wouldn't be possible without them.
So thank you to all of you!
And obviously I want to acknowledge the Big Fella too. He's kind of been thrown into this as well. So now, as well as working crazy shifts, and attempting to sleep sometimes, he gets to experience the joy of predominant carer. And he's doing an awesome job of it.
Us mums sometimes get so caught up in the stuff that we think is important, that we don't allow the dads to do important dad-stuff with our kids. This week my Fellas have been for a drive to the wood mill, visited friends, done yard work, smoked meats and a bunch of other stuff that I would never do with the Little Big Fella. And seeing the way they relate to each other is enough to melt my tough mummy heart :-)
Anyway, enough rambling. I need to go get stuff ready for tomorrow, and Saturday's fundraising BBQ, and Christmas. Okay, that's not all going to happen tonight! But it's definitely time to get off the computer (actually, I'm on my tablet because the computer died this week) and get moving.
I'm sorry, what????
Yep! After weeks (okay, it's been months, but who's counting???) of waiting, the bank is finally ready for me to start my potentially long career with them.
Of course, I freaked out a little. Even though I've been semi-prepared for this, the actuality of it has been somewhat overwhelming. Working out the logistics of caring for the Little Big Fella, and the fact that we only have one car, and the Little Big Fella has a fairly full schedule... well, it's been mildly stressful.
So this morning I left my Fellas home together and returned to the working world for the first time in four years. I was SO nervous!
Would I be able to get my head back into work mode?
Would I be as good as I think I am?
Would I be overwhelmed by the amount of information I need to learn?
Would I get there on time?
Yeah, I was definitely nervous!
But it was a good first day! I got the impression that I'll fit in pretty well, I got there on time, and my work brain did switch on. As did my study brain because I spent an awful lot of time reading information and answering questions! Which also meant I ended up with a tension headache, which, thankfully is almost gone already.
My body is not used to sitting still for that long, either! At lunch time I walked up the road to a park and my legs definitely enjoyed the stretch.
Apparently tomorrow I'll be doing some more online learning in the morning, then I'll start learning how to be a teller. I'm looking forward to the challenge of it, and getting back into a customer interaction role too.
I really want to acknowledge my friends, too. The Little Big Fella's best friend's mum took him with them (after his final Prep Transition afternoon) to their swimming lesson, then to the park, then home today. Tomorrow another friend is taking me in to work so that the Fellas can have the car. Our neighbour is looking after the Little Big Fella on Friday and taking him to the school's swimming carnival. And a bunch of others have offered to have him over the next two weeks.
I am so grateful.
Those four little words really don't express it well enough though. I wouldn't be able to accept this job without them because there are no casual childcare options here. And with the Big Fella's crazy work schedule, it just wouldn't be possible without them.
So thank you to all of you!
And obviously I want to acknowledge the Big Fella too. He's kind of been thrown into this as well. So now, as well as working crazy shifts, and attempting to sleep sometimes, he gets to experience the joy of predominant carer. And he's doing an awesome job of it.
Us mums sometimes get so caught up in the stuff that we think is important, that we don't allow the dads to do important dad-stuff with our kids. This week my Fellas have been for a drive to the wood mill, visited friends, done yard work, smoked meats and a bunch of other stuff that I would never do with the Little Big Fella. And seeing the way they relate to each other is enough to melt my tough mummy heart :-)
Anyway, enough rambling. I need to go get stuff ready for tomorrow, and Saturday's fundraising BBQ, and Christmas. Okay, that's not all going to happen tonight! But it's definitely time to get off the computer (actually, I'm on my tablet because the computer died this week) and get moving.
Sunday, 24 November 2013
I couldn't help it!
I've been trying so hard but today I caved. I mean, I've been tempted by my neighbour, tempted by stores, tempted by crafting and today my resolve crumbled.
I played Christmas carols.
I know! It's not even December yet!!!
But I didn't put up my tree.
Or lights.
I did put up a string to hang cards on, because both the Little Big Fella and the Big Fella have received some already. So instead of having them taking up space and gathering dust on the side board, they're hanging up where they belong until the New Year.
And besides, it wasn't my fault!
My next door neighbour was hanging Christmas lights... again! I just couldn't resist adding a little Christmas spirit.
But don't worry! I won't play them again until December. Well, that would be next Sunday, when the Little Big Fella and I set up our Christmas tree.
I can't wait!
I played Christmas carols.
I know! It's not even December yet!!!
But I didn't put up my tree.
Or lights.
I did put up a string to hang cards on, because both the Little Big Fella and the Big Fella have received some already. So instead of having them taking up space and gathering dust on the side board, they're hanging up where they belong until the New Year.
And besides, it wasn't my fault!
My next door neighbour was hanging Christmas lights... again! I just couldn't resist adding a little Christmas spirit.
But don't worry! I won't play them again until December. Well, that would be next Sunday, when the Little Big Fella and I set up our Christmas tree.
I can't wait!
Saturday, 23 November 2013
In the dark
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
That's the sound of eight kids completely freaking out when the power went out last night. But I need to describe it in a bit more detail for you, because a single scream really doesn't cut it.
We'd been watching the storm coming our way, and I'd picked up a couple of the girls who'd taken their cars home in fear of them being ruined by the hail we'd been told was coming.
The wind picked up and there was a bit of rain. That was it! Oh! And lots of lightning, mostly without thunder. Really, it was a bit of a fizzer of a storm.
We'd gotten together for a party plan, and most of us had to bring our kids. The kids had been running around and getting completely revved up, but had moved inside and were watching a movie.
The rain had pretty much stopped when suddenly the power went out.
Now, most of our kids aren't overly fussed by storms. Most of them aren't overly fond of them, but they don't tend to really freak out about them either.
But they'd been SO revved up already, and someone started screaming. So they all joined in! At first it sounded like they were playing initially, but then they managed to really freak themselves out and the screaming got more realistic.
What do us mums do? Pull out our phones, of course! I mean, is there a more accessible form of light these days?
Our hostess found a bunch of torches and candles and the kids played torch games and we chilled out, taking a mid-party break to have a drink and something to eat and, for some, a smoke.
A phone call to the electricity company determined that we could be waiting a while, because the fault was somewhere in a 100 kilometre (around abouts) stretch. So we continued the party in the semi-light, as you do.
The lights came back on, to the cheers of the children, and we continued on our merry, partying way.
And I have to say, I have some nutty, awfully fun, friends! Most of the funniest stuff I won't repeat because it definitely isn't G-rated. But it was a great night, with a LOT of laughter, and those moments that join you together with the others around you.
And that's what I love most about living here - practically in the middle of nowhere! When we get together, we have a good laugh and become even better friends. And isn't that what life is all about? That awesome sense of connection with others!
That's the sound of eight kids completely freaking out when the power went out last night. But I need to describe it in a bit more detail for you, because a single scream really doesn't cut it.
We'd been watching the storm coming our way, and I'd picked up a couple of the girls who'd taken their cars home in fear of them being ruined by the hail we'd been told was coming.
The wind picked up and there was a bit of rain. That was it! Oh! And lots of lightning, mostly without thunder. Really, it was a bit of a fizzer of a storm.
We'd gotten together for a party plan, and most of us had to bring our kids. The kids had been running around and getting completely revved up, but had moved inside and were watching a movie.
The rain had pretty much stopped when suddenly the power went out.
Now, most of our kids aren't overly fussed by storms. Most of them aren't overly fond of them, but they don't tend to really freak out about them either.
But they'd been SO revved up already, and someone started screaming. So they all joined in! At first it sounded like they were playing initially, but then they managed to really freak themselves out and the screaming got more realistic.
What do us mums do? Pull out our phones, of course! I mean, is there a more accessible form of light these days?
Our hostess found a bunch of torches and candles and the kids played torch games and we chilled out, taking a mid-party break to have a drink and something to eat and, for some, a smoke.
A phone call to the electricity company determined that we could be waiting a while, because the fault was somewhere in a 100 kilometre (around abouts) stretch. So we continued the party in the semi-light, as you do.
The lights came back on, to the cheers of the children, and we continued on our merry, partying way.
And I have to say, I have some nutty, awfully fun, friends! Most of the funniest stuff I won't repeat because it definitely isn't G-rated. But it was a great night, with a LOT of laughter, and those moments that join you together with the others around you.
And that's what I love most about living here - practically in the middle of nowhere! When we get together, we have a good laugh and become even better friends. And isn't that what life is all about? That awesome sense of connection with others!
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