Monday, December 31, 2007

You just CAN'T stop the Music....

I am sitting here watching "You can't stop the music" with the Village People...
Oh
my
Goodness...
I remember watching it back in 1980 before I knew they were all gay.
Such an innocent.
Also check out this u tube video...
it's a total crack up

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=O-MucVWo-Pw


Now...
have a good one.
The man has just made a pavlova with the left over egg whites from all his cooking at Christmas.
Yum.
We had such a quiet New Years - watched the 9pm fireworks in town and then came home and watched the Sydney fireworks on TV.
What did you do?

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Happy New Year

Mmmmmm, only two days to go and then we get to start all over again.
Another year, another go round the wheel.

Anyone making resolutions?

I have a few, but I am keeping them a secret.

We are going to have a very quiet New Years - rather boring really.
I am hanging out for a darn good party to go to but it does not seem to happen.
Year after year, it's just boring...
SOMEONE HAVE A PARTY!!!!!!
And invite me please!

I only have 21 days left to work at the toilet bowl.
It has now become moron central, with the same people who before Christmas were ranting about paying $24 for the calendar that they really wanted, now paying $30 for two half price calendars that they have to settle for cause their calendar is sold out.

What don't people understand about "everything" being 50% off?
"So is everything 50% off?'
Yes, everything" (pointing to the sign)
"So - is this one 50% off too?"
(seething quietly.................) "YYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS"

Jesus have mercy!!!!

Monday, December 24, 2007

A Very Grumpy Christmas


Was so looking forward to a sleep in this morning - and couldn't, due to large head pounding that was brought on by caffeine withdrawals.
You see, I have been living on coffee these last few weeks and even though it is mostly decaffinated, I still feel that there is SOME caffeine, even in decaffinated coffee and so.....big pounding headache at 8am.

We did the family thing last night,being Polish, our big celebration is on Christmas Eve as opposed to Christmas day.
Then we came home and opened our "real" gifts.
We always keep the best for our place...we come home and open our gifts..it's great.
I did score well with a new camera, some money and beautiful earrings.

Today is to be very quiet....
food, and watching dvd's.
Sounds boring?
To me it is bliss...
Out of people's energy..out of the chaos...with my family.
Baby girl got a Nintendo Wii, we probably won't see her till February now!

Have a good one!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Did I say that I was tired?

I worked 16 hours yesterday.
16 hours at the toilet bowl of humanity and I was rudely abused by some dememted twat of a woman who swore that I was selling my calendars at half price in the morning, yet I was not offering her a discount when she came back to buy her calendar in the afternoon.
And when I called her "madam", she called me a bitch!

So there...
I love Christmas.

Anyway, 16 hours, used to be called "doubla" shifts when my dad was at work.
Men used to do doubla's all the time, especially at the BHP and the cotton mills where my dad worked.
How did they do that?
My God, I feel like I have been run over my a semi - and those guys did that week after week in some cases.

Only 4 days till Christmas...
Yay!!!!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Only five days left

Today is even horrible to think about....
I am at the toilet bowel till midnight tonight.
I am tired already!!!!!

All the sicko bastards will be out today.
It's going to be a shit fight.

Yesterday, we attended a funeral.
There is only one good thing about a funeral -
It serves to remind you that YOU are still alive!

Oh well, must get to it!

I feel a day fuelled by Red Bull is coming up!!!!!!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that I need to tell you all that a member of our family passed away this morning at 10am.

She was a lovely lady named Aleksandra - my husband's cousin's mother.
Distant relative, yet very, very close and the family is in mourning.

She was integral in sponsoring my husband's family when they fled Poland over 20 years ago and came to Australia as refugees with only the clothes on their backs, needing a place to stay and a guarantee that they would be looked after.

Aleksandra and her daughter, Kazia, guided them through their first months and weeks in a totally new and strange country and the family has been very close ever since.

Not a family event has not passed without the presence of Aleksandra and her devoted daughters.

This lovely lady was over 80, a ripe old age and her health failed badly at the end.
She had diabetes for over 15 years and her skin had become paper thin. A fall some months back forced her to leave her family home and seek care in an aged facility. Dementia set in at an incredible pace and her last days were spent in great pain with many infections that just could not be halted.

And so she left this world....for the next.

But it leaves her family in great sadness, that just before Christmas we must now endure her loss.

The funeral will probably be on Wednesday.

In her loving memory, please kiss and hug your loved ones and tell them that they light up your day.

I send my hugs and kisses to you all.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

How to run a three ringed circus when you only have one ring!

1.Replace all bodily fluids with caffiene by drinking copius amounts of coffee all day long.
2.Have Mersyndol on call at all times.
3.Have a husband at home who will run all errands AND srub shower recess when needed.
4.Live on take away food and an occassional lump of bbqed dead carcass when husband who has just finished scrubbing shower recess has time to throw the dead bison's leg on the bbq.
5.Hire amazing staff that will come in at the drop of a hat and work for third world wages ( and an occassional coffee).
6.Have an amazing group of friends who will support and visit when the times get tough.
7.Try to go to bed and get some sleep.
(This one rarely gets a look in)
8.Have an understanding family who learn to accept the ranting and raving lunatic who has inhabted their home during the Christmas period instead of their mother/wife.
9.Administer heavy protective "bubbles of white light" while at the toilet bowel of humanity.
10.Wear ear plugs to somewhat lower the tone of screaming infants and ranting semi crazed customers.

Part One complete.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Oh Lordy!


Yes, today every muscle does hurt and how do I keep awake?
I tried two coffees and a can of "MOTHER" and still had the yawns.
But then I was at the toilet bowl till 10pm.
The long haul starts....
Late nights all this week.
8pm Mon, Tues and Wed and MIDNIGHT on Thursday.
May the Goddess have mercy on my poor soul!

Lots of girls are passing by and saying Hi!
I really love that, please do not hesitate to come by and give me a hug...I will be needing it.

Otherwise, what else could be new?

The man actualy scrubbed out the shower recess today...
Oh my God, how slack am I and how wonderful is he?!!!
I love that man!

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Is the world still turning?


I guess I must say that I am feeling rather left out of the social loop lately.
The blogs are quiet and I am getting no messages.
All my friends seem to have a life.
Strange about that!

As the last days before Christmas hit us, we are all busy in our own little worlds as we try to buy gifts, organise engagements and stay sane.

I just want to say that I miss you all!

Friday, December 07, 2007

Ghosts and a trip planned!

I think we have a ghost in the kitchen.
The man was planning to make buscuits and plugged in the mixer but then realised we had no butter so he left the mixer plugged in on the kitchen bench ready for tomorrow.
A few hours later, we are sitting minding our own business, and all of a sudden this terrible noise starts coming from the kitchen....
it's the bloody mixer...
it turned on all by itself!!!!!!!
spooky....


and...


this afternoon we booked our super duper cheap as all shit holiday for next year.
Jetstar had flights to Kuala Lumpur for only, wait for it, $34 each way....

Holy, moly what a bargain...
so, we ARE going..
Yay!!!!!

Monday, December 03, 2007

Kaboom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Friday last we had a lighting strike two doors away from our house, and so our internet went poof!

So no connection to the rest of the world since then...
am living on borrowed time..
will be back..as soon as I can.
P.S. Bush is up and sparkly
with lights aglowing.
VERY NOICE!!!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I have a naked bush in my living room!

Well, my bush has gone up for another year.
But it is currently naked.
I needs some ornaments quick smart.
Maybe I will get to it this weekend?
Can't stand a naked bush....
just not right.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Did you know?


Did you know that for every officially registered witch in Romania there are 4000 who cast their spells tax free?
Being a witch is big business in Romania where many companies even consult them for spell casting and psychic readings.
The head White Witch in the country, Maria Campina, says that they are performing a public service and therefore should be tax exempt.
"Whenever there is an important Christian celebration we perform a ritual to protect the country from natural diasters...that has to be worth more than paying income tax".
Love her attitude........

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK!
Heck is where people go who dont believe in gosh.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Funny dreams and Mad Cow at Hog's Breath



Believe it or not, I actually dreamt that I was driving along this road about a month ago.
Then, the man shows me this picture of this crazy road that was sent to him from a friend.
I nearly dropped on the floor when I saw it - this was the exact road that I had dreamt about!
I had never seen this road before this picture was shown to me, and in my dream.
How could anyone ever believe that such a road even exists!!!!!But it does.
This road is in Norway.
Go figure?
I really must have done a quick trip while I slept.......


We went out tonight to Hog's Breath to celebrate my darling "survivor's" one year anniversary since his prostate cancer operation.

I can't believe it - so many times I go out and there is a problem that occurs with my food order...no one else's but mine.
and so..
it happened again tonight.

I ordered a steak, medium rare, and got one almost raw on one side.
Upon getting it taken back, I sat and waited about ten minutes for the chef to spit on my plate, throw my steak on the floor and kill it by cooking it to death.
While the man and baby girl finished their meals, I was then presented with a plate full of shit, upon which I called the manager and told her to stuff it up her arse.....so we walked out...me without eating and the man having finished a half cold meal, having waited for mine to arrive.

We ended up going to the EuroBar and having coffees and cheese cake.
What a shit.....what a dissapointment.
Thanks Hog's Breath...Last time we go there.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Chai Latte with Gloria and a VERY SLOW Saturday


Well, life at the toilet bowl of humanilty has come to almost a grinding halt.
What a change from last year...today it was dead.
Not only am I suffering, but all the traders at the Square are finding the competition from the new, you beaut, Westfield Plaza is taking away lots and lots of customers.Guess it's their turn this year.

Even poor old Arty Farty super staff member was bored shitless today.
Thank goodness Gloria turned up....and introduced me to Chai Lattes.
Thanks Gloria.

Went for a walk along the beach tonight with baby girl and the man.It was delightful to get out together.We got icecreams of course.....

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Where am I ?

Where am I?
The beating of the drums.....boom,boom,boom...from the crack of dawn to dusk.
The piercing screams of children as if their limbs are being torn limb from limb.
Men wandering around aimlessly with glazed looks, pupils transfixed, as if their manhood has been stripped from them.
Women huddled together in pairs, groups - yellings, screaming, stopping dead in their tracks when another one of their kind passes by.....searching for what they have and where they got it...yearning for more...more....more!!!!!!
Everyone in chaos,grabbing morsals of food as if it was the last supper, in tastless clothes, dishevelled, heaving,pulling out their hair....
Oh my God...
Where AM I??????


I am Charlestown Square, of course!
He...He...

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Still Feral

Ruby Red is not the only feral in the chicken coop.
I am very feral suffering with dogs disease. not noise!Could do with an upper respiratory tract transplant at the moment.
Thanks Fairy Mary for your visit yesterday and letting me go "pay a penny".
Am reading a new book at the moment called "the gift of Fear" about being able to recognise a violent situation before it occurs andstrategies to save yourself from violence. I believe this book should be read by every woman on the planet.
Did you know that every murder is premeditated? None are random.
Also 100% of all serial killers have been either abused or humiliated by their parents whilst children.
Also more people have died through violence in the USA than have died in the Iraq war.
I think we may need to do an ARC on this topic when I am finished.I would love to share this information.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

One long winded day.....


The days roll into one,
all the same, all long winded full of trivia and bits and pieces of unimportance.
Yet every morning I wake to find the earth has turned and given me another chance to look forward.
Every day is about making another dollar, paying another bill, selling a new year to another stranger to whom I have no connection, and do not want one.
My yearning is for home and those that I love - every hour spent away from sanctuary is a monotonous one.
But this is where I am and this will pass me by soon enough.
For now, I must see each new day through and find some enjoyment and fulfilment within it.
There is no rest for the wicked, so I must therefore be......

Friday, November 09, 2007

Crabby Bitch Syndrome



Yes...a bit crabby bitch today.
Very sore throat, hot and cold....yuckky.
Nothing that a few dozen panadols wont bash into submission.

It is nearly the end of week 4.
The season is slow, sales are down - the toilet bowl of humanity is quiet.
Got a gorgeous calendar today - called healing mandalas...simply beautiful.
You must come and see!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Thankyou my dear friends!




Yes.....I am working on my people skills....and its not helping!

But thanks to all the kind friends that have passed by and spent a minute to wake me from my comatose state of boredom while at the toilet bowl of humanity ( the Square ).

Helen, Sandy, Gayle, Jen, Jane, Leanne, Gloria and Michelle.
You are always welcome.
If I am not awake, please prod me until you see my pupils and check for signs of life.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Monday, October 29, 2007

Mr.Sunshine is back!


Last year I had terrible trouble with a village idiot that decided to pick on me at Charlestown Square - I called him Mr.Sunshine cause he has the habit of yelling, "Good Morning" to everyone whether they like it or not - sounds harmless?
He's not - he has threatened me twice.
The last time he did that he was escorted out of the Centre by Security and banned for a month.
Well, he's at it again.
This morning he entertained me with a tirade of sniggers and remarks and glares from 8am to 9am, while there was no one else around ( of course )and it really, really undid me.
Unfortuantely I cannot do anything about him because he is in a public area where there are no restrictions.
He must come to me and threaten me or cause a nuisance that causes me harm before I can do anything about it.

This is coming soon - I can feel it.
He was quiet for the first two weeks, but now he is getting louder and louder.He is getting closer and closer.
I so hate it that it gives me an immediate headache.

Bugger me!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

True! True!



Which one are YOU?

I am bitchy - according to the man! And I am only semi menopausal!!!!!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Who's that man?


I think I am having an affair!

I went to bed with another man last night!
Yep....it certainly wasn't my husband.



It looked a bit like him, it felt a bit like him ( hmmmm )....
but he had no moustache! My husband has had a moustache for the past 17 years that I have been married to him.

How bizarre....


The man has shaved his upper lip and I feel like I dont know him at all...
He looks so different.
I have to rediscover him all over again.

Sounds like fun, if only I had the energy.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Shit! Thursday night shopping again!!!!

I cant believe it's Thursday tomorrow...it takes me a week to recover from late night shopping and then it's on again!!!
Poop!

Things are slow at the box....is it the calm before the storm?

Don't know?

My friend opens her kiosk at Kotara tomorrow - good luck to her.
She is certainly in a very good position.

I have suffered with indigestion all day long ( thanks Lisa for the pills, they helped ).

Monday, October 22, 2007

Mmmmmmmm!


I have made friends with the Krispy Kreme lady who is just up from the box.
Guess who got a dozen free donuts today, mmmm?

I can feel the kilos creeping on as I type...

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Welcome to Sunday


One week down and only 13 to go!

Today is always a good day, cause I get to sleep in at least a bit and the work day is short.

I am watching the debate tonight....It's great t.v.
Riveting stuff as Howard and Rudd go hammer and tong at each others jugular!

Oh, oh, question time...need to go!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Wrath of the Hydra returns!

Well, it didnt take long for the smile to be wiped from my face!
HOW I HATE THURSDAY NIGHT SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday was dead boring, punctuated with moments of sheer dread as late night shopping loomed...
Then about 5pm the scum from hell flowed into the centre like one foul stream of excrement flowing right passed my box.
Yes.....I hate shoppers...to be exact, 14 to 20 year old brainless twats that inhabit Charlestown Square every Thursday night.
I lived in hope that they would have moved to Westfield to annoy the new complex, but as the man explained to me last night, there is enough of them to go around!!!!
I had chewing gum thrown at me, not once but twicw, having to prize it off myself and stick it in the bin.
I had obnoxious children with sticky fingers and screaming mouths reeking havoc within my ordered box while mothers stood around oblivious their destruction.
I had idiots spraying me with water pistols and attempted thefts as I stood over groups of morons thought that they were smarter then me.

I HATE THURDAY NIGHT SHOPPING.
And then to add insult to injury, when I got home I realised that I had forgotten my power cord whch is needed to download info nightly back to he main warehouse, and I had to go right back and get it.
There I stood, at 9.45 banging on the door pleading with the security guard to let me in....
There is so little respect left...

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

At the Box

All is fine at the box.
Am still adjusting - varicous veins are still screaming and bladder is adjusting to not being able to empty when it wants to...

Oh well....There has been heavy use of first aid kit ( thanks Raihn )and I have been talking to my "worry dolls" which were a gift from Sandy.

Mr. Sunshine is behaving himself at the momnet and keeping out of my face.
I have managed to already read two books since I started ( is that a measure of how busy I am? ) and have already caught up with so many people that I only seem to meet once a year when I am at the "Box".
Last night at the Cottage was fascinating with Lani - she will be back in November, but I fear that it raised more than it explained and I will need severe counselling to get through my "family issues" ( I did have it somehatunder control, but Lani yet again pointed out just how screwed I am - thanks Lani ).

See you all at the box!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, October 15, 2007

One down - 97 to go!


YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaY!
One day down , only a few more to go!

Today, all went well
It was quiet and I had a visit from Rue and Sandy - how good was that!

It feels like I never had a break.
All the characters are back - even Mr Sunshine, the prick who gave me so much grief last year.

One day at a time...
one day at a time!

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Classic Joke of the week!



Subject: .Satan


People were in their pews talking at
church. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the
church. Everyone started screaming and running for
the front entrance, trampling each other in a
frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon everyone had exited the church
except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in
his pew without moving, seeming oblivious to the
fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.

So Satan walked up to the old man and
said, "Don't you know who I am?

The man replied, "Yep, sure do."

"Aren't you afraid of me?" Satan asked.

"Nope, sure ain't." said the man.

"Don't you realize I can kill with a
word?" asked Satan.

"Don't doubt it for a minute," returned
the old man, in an even tone.
Did you know that I could cause you
profound horrifying, AGONY for all eternity?"
persisted Satan.

"Yep," was the calm reply.

"And you're still not afraid?" asked
Satan.

"Nope," said the old man.

More than a little perturbed, Satan
asked, "Well, why aren't you afraid of me?"

The man calmly replied, "Been married to
your sister for 44 years."

Just when I thought.....

Just when I thought I could not possibly eat any more......
the man has made a blueberry custard tart.
yes, it's cooking in the oven as I write and I can smell the sweet crispy crust as the aroma wafts up into my nasal passages sending subconscious messages to my brain...."eat me, eat me....you know you'll want to!"

Oh the temptation...
How weak is my flesh!!!!!!

It IS only a day after my birthday, so I can still celebrate.
I got some great presents yesterday, including a bouquet of my favourite flowers, tiger lilys from the man, a survival kit for the calendar club season from Lisa,good luck charms, a book, lottery ticket,money,cards and some money.

Thank you, thank you, thank you...it was a great day.

Now, I turn to look at my reality and it is time to pay the piper for my good fortune.
Calendar Club begins in two days.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Cherry Ripe Cheesecake


Made this fantastic cheesecake today.
So easy and so yummy.
I highly recommend it.
Base:
1 packet choc ripple biscuits crushed.
100gms butter ( please use unsalted )
1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
1 cup coconut

Cruch biscuits, add coconut.
Add melted butter and condensed milk.
Mix and press into tin.
Refrigerate.

Filling

2 x 250gm tubs low fat philadelphia cream cheese ( use the 60% fat free )
2 bars cherry ripe slice ( 85gm ones I think )
1/2 cup thickened cream

In a bowl, melt the cherry ripe slices ( in microwave it takes about 45 seconds )
Add the cream to this and mix through.
Then add the cream cheese that has come to room temp and mix through well.


Put this mixture into the crust and put in fridge to set for at least half a day.
This will make the slice nice and firm when cut.

The original recipe called for sugar to be added to filling, but I did not put any in cause it is sweet enough and also you can put more cherry ripe slice on top to decorate, but I put on drained black cherries.Also the recipe used full fat philly cheese, but I found the 60% less fat perfect.I think that the 80% fat free may not set well, so I dont recommend trying it.

So yum....
and so easy.
Enjoy.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

A big week!

Today I learnt a new therapeutic tool called "Emotional Freedom Technique".
It was certainly interesting but I am yet to feel familiar with it....once I get my head around it all and understand the process fully, I will be able to facilitate the process at the Cottage.
It's always exciting to learn something new, and tonight the Cottage had a lady called Maree who was offering another course on holistic healing.
It also sounded interesting...how do I do it all?

I had another one of my dreams last night....all my dreams are crazy, and besides dreaming that I was giving Brad Pitt Reiki, I had another "download" of information that I received in a constant stream of words coming into my right ear.
What is all that about?

I also want to thank everyone for the love and thoughts coming my way as I go out into the "big, carzy world" and do my calendar ho-ing stint.
It is much appreciated to know that you all care enough to support me.
Love you all!

See you for coffee on Friday morning at 10am at Eurobar.
Be there or be hexagonal!

Monday, October 08, 2007

Wanna buy a Calendar?

Oh...my.....god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got our stock delivery today.
One and a half tons of calendars.
It took my mother in law and I from 1pm to 9pm to get through roughly half of them today.
Tomorrow, we do the rest.
Ouch..
I hurt!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Seven Day countdown!

Calendar Club starts in exactly one week.
This time next Sunday, we will be constructing our kiosk at Charley Square.
Ho - hum.

I have a stack of stuff to organise before then.
Bits and pieces that need to be done before I commit 10 hours a day to this business.

Life must go on regardless and it is important for me to continue with the Cottage and all that is associated with that - that's where I wish to be.

I would like to meet you all for a cup of coffee this Friday morning, at the EuroBar in Hamilton. Let's say abut 10am?

How about it?

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Am SO at HO-me!


Yes...I am back!
Back home - have heard that is has been hot.
Where I have been, it has been not.
So I am prepared to swelter in my own bodily fluids tomorrow.

Have a headache from a very turbulant descent and landing at Williamtown airport due to very strong southerlies that sent the little Jetstar plane sideways before it touched terra firma.

Have a pile of washing sitting on my laundry floor.
It can wait till tomorrow.

Did I tell you that I went into "Tiffany's" in Melbourne?
It was loverly....
The diamonds did sparkle very scmickly and there were some very stunning designs.
There were no prices displayed....I guess, if you have to ask, then you can't afford it!
I didn't ask.

But, it was certainly nice to walk in a have a Capt.Cook.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Send me some money please!

Ok, Ok, we have officially spent too much money.
I purchased a new pendulum at the other Spellbox shop - the little one upstairs.
Wow, what a great shop.I could own one for sure.

We went to a very old little coffee shop called "Pellegrini's" - it is a Melbournian institution and has been around for 55 years.It is said to have the best coffee in town. I must say, it was very good.

We went to see the man's specialist today - Professor Costello.

We also went to Crown Casino and enjoyed hobnobbing with the rich and anal in the Atrium Bar, famous for very expensive drinks that can be purchased by the glass.
I had a cocktail called a Rasberry Kiss - and it was bloody beautiful.
Then I realised I was sitting there in my white elf wiggle skivvy while those around me were lets say, much more well dressed......

Thank God I was wearing a scarf...

Tomorrow, I go to my seminar in the afternoon and baby girl comes back from her stay with her friend in Geelong.
How come time goes so fast when you are enjoying yourself?

It will be back to reality very soon for this little black duck...
but for now..I am relishing every minute of happiness.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Welcome to suuny Melbourne

Am fading fast...have been up since sparrow fart (4am) and cannot possibly walk another step.
We arrived safely, and litle miss has gone off to Geelong for two nights with her friend, so the man and I are on our own.
Yippee...but guess what!
We are rooted!!!!

We have walked all day - the man's knee has given out and I am falling alseep standing up.
We had a great brekkie on Swanston street this morning and a meagre lunch.
We decided to buy fresh sourdough bread, smelly cheese and beautiful fresh ham from this amazing foodhall at David Jones.
So we did.
This is our tea tonight.
But guess what?
We have no cutlery....
So we searched for a suitable cutting knife that was cheap, and gave up.
So the man swiped a plastic knife and fork set from a takeaway and we will do our best.
We have purchased some yummy cakes from our favourite Greek cake shop to compensate.
I cant possibly have another coffee today...
Have caffeine overload.
Have visited the Spellbox today and taken the free tourist bus around Melbourne City centre and gone for a long walk at the Botanic Gardens.
We have done well.
Oh oh....the sourdough is calling......"eat me, eat me!"

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Yes Gayle....I have the Planet Uranus on my chin!


So terribly unattractive to have it blatantly pointed out that I have the biggest zit in the history of the world on my face at the moment.
Thanks Gayle!
Just when I am going to Melbourne and was hoping to look, at least, decent.
The Gods have intervened and decided that a big, fat, ugly breakout is in order.
Shit!

Has anyone got a paper bag I can put over my head?
Now?

Monday, October 01, 2007

Psychic stuff

Tonight I had my psychic development class at the Cottage - wow!
I had seven "students". We had such a great time. Lots of exercises to test our skills, some great interaction amongst the group. I really enjoy seeing everyone give it a go and confidence is growing little by little in everyone. Even those that thought that they could never do it, had no abilities, now see that they can do it - it's a great opportunity to practise.We gave Helen some Reiki - all eight of us at once.She certainly felt a huge rush of energy!!!!!

Still feel decidedly ugly - especially with one massive period pimple on my chin.

Am leaving for Melbourne on Wednesday morning at sparrow fart - can't wait for the good coffees and the 'ethnic food' extravaganza.
As you all know by now, a getaway isn't a getaway unless I get to enjoy the food!
So am planning to hit the Queen Victoria Markets, Lygon street and our favourite Greek cake shop.....to name but a few.

Oh yes.....I guess we have to see the man's specialist, one of the main reasons that we are going, and I have to go to some stupid Calendar Club training ( yawn ). We may even go to the Casino.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Decidedly Ugly


Where was I when they were giving out the beauty genes?
Must have been hiding behind a rock reading a book.
Feel decidedly unattractive today...my own morality is catching up.
Birthday is just around the corner and its an ugly one.
49.
Euwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When did I get so old?
I remember being 26, wasn't that just yesterday?
I swear it was.

The t.v. is filled with beautiful pretty shiny things whose skin glows and teeth are perfect.
They even had a program on Oprah a few days ago about gorgeous women over 50 in a new Dove commercial.
Mmmmmm.....
I feel decidedly ugly and tired today.
I just do.

Maybe I am getting a bug?

Friday, September 28, 2007

Long Weekend


Tomorrow, we are heading down to Sydney to indulge baby girl in another Anime Convention where she will meet other equally crazy people all going ga - ga over Japanese animated art works that cost a fortune.

I envisage much hassling will be done to buy this or that ( to which the answer will be "no" )and I guess at some point I will relent and buy something....just to stop the whining.

Tomorrow the Cottage is having their Market day and I hope the girls do well - wish I was there, but I have a child that is holding me to a promise.

Tomorrow night is our first of two night's with John Overholt - about 10 girls will turn up tomorrow night hoping for some insightful information from beyond.

I wonder who will be coming through for me? I could do with some advice!

What are you guys doing this weekend?

Monday, September 24, 2007

Chocolate covered Goji Berries!

WARNING FROM PAKISTAN

This morning, from a cave somewhere in Pakistan, Taliban Minister of Migration, Mohammed Omar, warned the United States and Canada that if military action against Iraq continues, Taliban authorities will cut off America's and Canada's supply of convenience store managers.

(oopps.....just to make sure I dont get Australian Intel onto me...
I state...
THIS IS A JOKE!!!!!)


And today I found a packet of Goji berries covered in dark chocolate..
Oh
my
God!
Yummo.... x 1000

This takes antioxidants to the next level.
I reckon I will have to eat at least a packet a day to get my daily recommended level - bummer.
Oh well, someone has to sacrifice themselves.

Facebook? Oh NO...NO...NO!!!!

No ..... I am not doing Facebook.
Sorry guys.

Just cannot go there...

These bloody blogs are enough for me.

Am going to par down witchybitz again when I get time.

Lisa has changes her blog too!

Am reading "The Secret of the Secret" at the moment.
Boy, that is a book that will shake you and your sensibilities to the core!
If you are not open to reconsider your beliefs about positive thinking etc....then stay away from it.

I have found it very eye opening and it has given me a lot to consider.
I am very happy that it fell into my hands - I needed to get my head straight.
Its easy to live in a fantasy - this book lands you straight back down to earth.

It is must for any one who has considered the information carried in the "Secret" DVD or book.

But you must be ready.

Friday, September 21, 2007

My Wedding Anniversary


17 years today!
Yes, that's how long me and the man have been married.
We have been "an item" for about 20 years!!!

Isn't that a long time?

Had a great day at YAAD group - lots of talk, laughter and giggles.
Plenty of vegetarian goodies for lunch - thanks all.

The trifle looked great ( I just couldn't fit any more in )and I also heard that the vege curry was outstanding.
What a lovely way to spend a Saturday - with friends!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

What to do?

A friend of mine has found herself in a pickle.
She has done something quite regrettable and now has to deal with the fallout.

This is a painful experience.
The truth hurts, and to be told by those that you call friends that you have been a total knob is not a pleasant experience, but necessary.

Friends tell each other the truth - no matter how painful, sometimes gently, sometimes brutally, but friends do that cause they care.

I want to tell this friend of mine off in a big way, cause she deserves it - but she is no longer listening.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

It is Done!

The great wall of Elermore Vale is finished!
The man has made a docu - drama dvd to cherish the moments and has added music to it, obvious choice?
"The Wall" by Pink Floyd.

Very spiff indeed....maybe we can have a viewing night at the Cottage?
It is riveting - drama, intrigue, blood, sweat and tears, it will have you on the edge of your seats - you will be shouting at the screen, "What next, come on, you can do it!!!"

Oh, I am just getting excited talking about it!

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Its Free!


Drove past our neighbours house yesterday to find an "as new" cane lounge sitting out the front with those precious two words on it saying "it's free".

How could I not take it?
The universe was going, "Well?, what are you waiting for!"

So I quickly went home and got the man to get in the car and drive to the end of the road and we loaded it up.
How cool is that!

The gentleman that lives in that house is a doctor and often they will sit stuff outside on the corner and just leave it for people to take.Up till now, its only been some kitchen bits and pieces, this lounge has definately been the biggest item put out.
I wrote him a thank you card today and popped it in his letter box.
How bloody lucky am I?
Did not win a soggy biscuit in lotto last night - but I am not giving up.
I have Stonehenge to see!

Friday, September 14, 2007

It's been a year!


Well, it's almost been a year since the whole cancer thing reared it's ugly wanking head in our household.
Around this time last year, the man went to our family doctor and got a referral for his first test. It was October 5th when I found out the news.

What a year it has been.....
Tests, results, facing the reality, dealing with it, being shit scared, finding our "Saviour" in Melbourne - Dr.Costello, operation, recovery,being told the man is cancer free, feeling sick when the after operation testing came around, continual good news, next hurdle - hernia operation, good outcome, recovery...then the arrival of 2 million tons of concrete for our retaining wall!!!!!
Yep...it's been a year.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Oh my God...look at the time!

I am sneaking in a post very quickly after having already been on the computer for over
2 hours this morning.
Also, I do not want to be "one of the slack arse non bloggers" that we seem to have around at the moment!
Hey, if your life is cracked - we want to hear about it!
Don't sit there in your own selfish misery - spread it around, so we can all be miserable together!!!!!! (Snicker)
We all have our bad times and we all have our good times too... blogging lets us all know that you are alive and, well, getting on with it, cause at times we just have to do the best we can.

The weather is gorgeous...the jasmine at the Cottage is in full bloom and you get a face full of it when you walk up the Cottage stairs. Glorious!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Psychic Development Class - what fun!

By popular request, we had a psychic development class tonight. Six lovely ladies turned up and we had a great discussion about dreams, views on psychic development,meditation - we did some exercises testing our abilities to receive messages and give them and feel what its like when five other people are looking at a specific part of your body!!!
I had fun - its always a great class as the girls are all so enthusiastic.
And yes, they all DO have psychic abilities!
You should come along next month!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Backyard Blitz...where are you now?

I could do with Jamie Durie in my backyard right now!
The place looks like a bomb has gone off.
It is a good thing that we did not have many plants in our yard...cause we would not have any right now.
The yard is piled with dug up dirt, rock, gravel, old white ant infested timber sleepers, stacks of concrete blocks and four burly men digging in the rain, like their lives depended on it.
Boy can these guys work!
Needless to say, I understand why this is all so expensive now...

We are part way through this mess and all the neighbours have been out to have a Capt.Cook at the going's on.

Wait till they start mixing the concrete...boy that should be fun.
I watched a guy have a whole packet of chocolate biscuits for breakfast while another had a lunch box full of jelly beans ( for energy purposes, I guess )but they go from 7am to 7pm...God bless 'em.

Meanwhile I have had a falling out with brother and mother about my 'duty of care' and responsibilities or in their view, lack of.
Boy, I thought bending over backwards while standing on a tight rope and playing the accordian was enough of a good trick...but you just can't please some people.

Sad news

Well, life has fallen apart for one of our nearest and dearest.
Little William True had his life sadly cut short last night and it has left a family quite devastated.

My heart goes out to you all.
I had to take time off work when my doggie died. We cried for days, and I know Lisa and family will be too!

The price we pay for loving is the pain we feel when they are taken away....

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Pain in the head is a pain in the arse!

I developed one of my fabbo headaches last night and managed to wake up with it this morning.
It felt like someone had driven a sharp knife into my head above my right eye...ouchy..so it was a mersyndol and back to bed for an hour to wait for the pill to kick in.
and so it did.

Our retaining wall is going ahead in leaps and bounds.
All concrete blocks are now down and we have our front yard full of blue metal.
Tomorrow, as long as it does not rain, concrete will start to get mixed and the blocks will start to be laid.

The guys were moving the old sleepers today that made up our original wall and they found........TERMITES!!!!!!!!

Funny that... we had just paid over $1000 to have to buggers killed off earlier this year and we had a final inspection a few weeks ago to say that it was all clear..

Ha.....those bastards were hiding weren't they.
They were alive and well all the time and now they have been disturbed, who knows where the little F*****ers will go now.

Needless to say, a phone call was made to the pest place and they were told to get back here quick smart.

No wonder I have a headache!

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Supermarkets and mothers who 'forget'.

How I hate going to the supermarket on rainy days.

People drive like morons trying to find the closest car park to the entry, no matter how difficult that may be making it for everybody else in the same car park.

Then they proceed into supermarket and turn into zombie like creatures at the front door, that shuffle around in a confused and brainless way changing direction only when they bounce off the side walls.

They stop without any warning and run you over with full to the brim shopping trolleys full of shit food that you would not feed to pigs without saying sorry.

(Does anyone buy fruit and vege any more?)

Mother with memory loss decides SHE wants to do shopping and gives list to distressed daughter who cannot understand anything written on it.

Mother takes back list and starts to decipher coded message for next 15 minutes while blocking major isle in supermarket.

First item deciphered - it is at other side of store.

Second item deciphered - it is at other end of store.

Third item, she cannot even decipher (oh well, she didn't need that any way)

And so it goes....why mother bothers with a list is beyond daughter as she has bought the same items every week for the last year.

Mother wanders off and gets lost in isle 14 as daughter is searching for deciphered item no:15 in isle 2.

Mother found in isle 14 still wondering what it was that she was looking for....


Daughter wishes that she had not forgotten to take her Mersyndol this morning as she feels a headache comming on.

Groceries paid for and we head for our obligatory morning tea and hash brown at McDonalds which mother has had every week for over two years but asks 'what are these yummy things?' evey time she gets them.

Daughter then carefully manouvers mother through zombie inhabitants of supermarket complex and beats a swift retreat to car which has had to be parked so far from entry door that a packed lunch and map is requred to get there.

Daughter takes mother home, unpacks and puts away groceries while listening to a list of requests that mother is already planning for daughter's next visit.

Daughter goes home and has a bex and lie down.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Things to do before you die....


Seeing that I can longer fulfil a lifelong dream of taking a trip on board a Concorde as the bastards grounded them because of one silly little incident that wasn't even the fault of that beautiful supersonic plane, I have actually suceeded tonight to fulfil another one of those things that I have always wanted to do before I die...
Yep...
Tonight we booked tickets to go and see "The Police" in concert when they come to Sydney next year!!!!!!!!

Oh my God...

when I was about 20 I was so into Sting and The Police ( oh stop groaning ), but could never go see them in concert cause my life was crazy, and I always promised myself that if they ever got back together again, I would really love to go and see them...and now we are!!!!!
I am soooooo thrilled!

By the way...
I am home.
Yep, arrived this morning at about 9.30.
It is so good to be back home, in my house, my bathroom, my lounge, my kitchen with my man and baby girl and even had a visit from big girl tonight who came over for father's day.

Am very tired though and will need a few days to recover.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Could this go on all night?

It is 10.30pm.
I have come back after a hard days work and clean up after the finish of the book sale to find the neighbours having a party.
All well and good, but they are Arabs ( funny that ) and they are playing belly dancing music
V E R Y L O U D L Y.....

did I mention that it is V E R Y L O U D...

this could go on all night....
oh Lordy...


I have to get up early to drive home tomorrow.
Maybe I should just pack my bags and go now?
I dont think I will be able to get much sleep.
Maybe if they havent stopped by about 1 am, I might just pop over and ask them to turn it down a bit.
What do you think?

Friday, August 31, 2007

2 more sleeps!

Yep, I missed the big arty farty show tonight - I heard it was grand and the artist sold two paintings. Yay!!!!!
I will try and get in to see it on Sunday, if I get enough time ( promise Michelle!).

Apparently the cleaning and the ironing are waiting for me to return as is one naughty 13 year old who has been unable to function and do as she is told while mother has been away.

I cant wait to see my family and give them hugs and kisses - the cleaning and ironing will have to wait.

We get our 2000 tons of concrete bricks on Monday (just kidding, its not 2000 tons at all, only 1999 ) and as long as the weather holds out, the retaining wall will commence construction by the end of the week.

Tomorrow is a long day....we work till 5pm and then we have to deconstruct the massive book stand..and pack up all the books to go back to the wharehouse.
That should take a few hours extra. Phew.....but then its over.

Thanks to the booksale, some money will go into the bank, but for a moment, only to be taken out again, to pay some stupid bills...isnt that always the way.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Spies in my Bush!

That title should have ASIO onto me with 24 hrs!!!!!!

Well folks, I have not been able to connect to the friggin internet have I?
The spies must be out and have had a plan to shut me down......

I feel like I have been in deep space over the past 48hrs with no connection to the outside world...it has been scary.

Did we all see the eclipse last night?

I went walking and watched it in quiet solitude while contemplating my life as a hoe....

My car just got fixed and has cost a packet of coloured money, mostly greens and yellows, so I am grateful to be hoe - ing at the moment.

Otherwise all is well.
I am hoping that I will be home before I get a chance to kill the next door neighbours as they kept me awake all last night with their fully sick holden ute revving and their major discussions on their mobiles while right outside my bedroom window.

A hoe on no sleep is not a pretty sight!

Monday, August 27, 2007

My adventure to Lakemba!


Tonight I went for a walk to Lakemba, which is about half a kilometer away and played spot the white Australian...I lost.
But.....
it was all good, as I discovered the best ever Lebanese sweet shop I had ever seen!
(well, to tell you the truth I have never really seen one except on T.V., so I guess that would qualify it as the best ever, dont you think?)
It was chock full of baklava style pastries with pistasios, walnuts, dates - oh my goodness...how could I choose?
But.....
I didn't take any money with me ( fool ).

Anyway,I called the man to tell him I was drooling at a shop front window in Lakemba surrounded by Arab men and Jews and that I was ok, and got clearance to buy a kilo or two before I go home on Sunday...it will make a great father's day pressie.
I may sneek up there tomorrow for a smaller sampler pack...shh..don't tell.
P.S.Also brought a much needed bottle of Reisling of which one or two glass fulls have been consumed as I am slowly losing the plot.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Where am I and Prada, Prada where is my Prada!

There was a whisker of daylight left when I finished work today so I decided to go the the nearest Park to where we are currently staying as it is supposed to be very pretty there.
When we arrived, it so happened that the park was full of people.....except we were the only white Australians there.
Every, and I mean every, woman was wearing a veil or headdress to hide her hair.
For a moment, I thought that I could have been teleported overseas accept that there were ibis in the park.
We did not stay -

I must also say that I have never seen so many Prada, Gucci and Dolce Gabba hand bags in my life as I have over the past week.
I am assuming these ones are real ( not like the ones I got from Bali two years ago!)
cause they are attached to women who look quite cashed up indeed.

I guess, I also make a striking statement as I stride the corridors of Miranda Fair with my Coles Green bag....yes...a striking fashion statement alright!

These women all wear high heels to shop too -
I must learn a few tricks so that the next time I go to Wallsend shopping centre I can impress the locals.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Curry and Spice and everything Nice!

Despite waking at 5am and going to work at 7am I have had a nice day - I was fed a beautiful home cooked curry tonight which was made by the husband of Patty's daughter ( whom we are staying with ). he is from Bangladesh and he makes a mean beef curry. I got a few tips on spices and things that he uses and we had a long discussion about cooking. I was shown how to do lentils and split peas in the old Bangladeshi style and it was way cool.
I also ventured out tonight, just up the road for a walk and some alone time.
Low and behold I am surrounded by Indian takaways and grocery stores. I walked into one to find not one thing on the shelves labelled in English...it was like I was overseas!!!

There was a shelf out the back with the most aromatic fresh spices I had ever smelt and I told the proprietor that I would be back for some supplies next week.

There is not much to do at Whiley Park, which is the suburb where I am staying.
About 6 shops make up the main drag - if you blink you will miss them, but it was nice to be out and away from everyone else.

I do enjoy some private time and this has been quite a stretch, being in company continually...I guess that is why I am so stressed during Calendar Club...sometimes I just want to be ALONE!!!!!!

So yes, I am tired but my belly is full of curry and roti, my hot water bottle is full and tomorrow I get to sleep in as we dont start till 10am.

Yay!!!!!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Same ol' shit - different day!

Nothing of note happened today.
I found a shop that makes fresh pretzels and had Indian for lunch.
Hmmmmm...
No...
Nothing else to say.

Tomorrow I get to wake up at 5.45am so that we an get to work by 7am as we have pallets of new stock arriving and we have to get them out and on the shelves by start of trade at 9am.
Sounds like a rip snorter of a morning eh!!
Guess who will be having Macca's for breakfast? (Sorry hippy witch! - I know, I will burn in hell!)

I have managed to get lost every time I have gone on my lunch break - I have no sense of direction ( the man can certainly vouch for that ) and Miranda is freaking huge.....it takes me 15 minutes to work out where the hell I am...so many excellent coffee and cake shops and so little stomach capacity!!!!!

Have fun at tomorrow's market day...I will be thinking of you at 6.15am!!!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

A lotto win!

Well, so our lovely Mary Raihn, she of the painful nether regions,has had a lotto win.....I pass on my congratulations to the family...any bonus money ( that does not have to be had via blood,sweat and tears is truely a beautiful thing )....maybe she should change HER name to Lucky?


The funny thing about being somewhere where you havent been before is that.....
There is something very freeing about knowing that you will not bump into anyone that you know...you could create a totally different persona if you wanted to and know one would be the wiser, no wonder some people just disappear...but it is also very lonely - its like dropping onto another planet...everything looks familiar but strange at the same time.

I miss my baby girl and the man especially since they had the hide to go to the new Krispy Creme shop at Charlestown Square and buy a dozen donuts without me!!!!!!

But some really good news came through today..the man had another psa ( blood test)
just before I left for Sydney and his results came back today.
All is clear - his levels are undetectable so we can breathe easy again.
As you can imagine it's always a bit of an uneasy time waiting fo the results to come back, and for some reason I was really quite anxious this time..but it looks like the man is in the clear ( and it will stay that way - or else!)

So have a happy one - and Mary Raihn, dont spend all that money in one shop!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

I am missing you all...

It is still cold and miserable here in the outer suburbs of Sydney...it has just started to rain again and I am in bed with my hot water bottle, blogging...
What a thrilling life.
All is well and am getting into the swing of things, although tomorrow will be a bugger of a day - 9am to 9pm....ouch!
Think I might just have an early night as there is nothing else to do...
see ya!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

How many hours can one elf wiggle work before she passes out?

Too many!

Not happy Jan - today started at 6.30 am, being wakened by noisy people in the other room.
Three cups of coffee later...
I dragged my sorry arse into the car for the sprint through traffic to the Temple of Doom ( otherwise known as Miranda Fair )
Spent all freaking day inside said Temple and then had to stay overtime to accept delivery of more stinking books...so I didnt get home till after 8.30pm with ouchy feet and stiff back!
This is way too much fun for one person...

Nachos turned out yummy, but definately had them too late, and will probably still be having them tomorrow ( if you know what I mean ).

I hope my girls did well in their YAAD exam tonight...I was thinking of them at around 7pm.

Hippy Witch, I have not succumed to the temptation of the Krispy Cremes....yet, but may have to buy one or two before I leave.
I love you all - and miss you too!

Monday, August 20, 2007

One day down - 12 to go!

I am over this hoing business!!!!
Set up last night took hours of back breaking lifting and carrying - there were eight of us there and it still took from 5pm to 9.30pm to get organised.
But thats over now and it's down to sell, sell, selling!
Traffic in Sydney is crazy - thank goodness we dont have too far to go and Miranda Fair is huge with three levels of shops that go on forever....too many to fit into one building, so you can cross the road and go into the other half of the complex if you so desire!
How many shops does one need?

We are stuck up one end, but the food court isnt far and we have crispy cream donuts close by too!
Looks like I'll be gaining weight while I'm here!

My friend Patty and I are staying with her daughter, and they have been gracious hosts.
They made tea tonight and it's my turn tomorrow - I am making nachos!
It's really cold and I am having trouble sleeping, not to mention the fact that the man's hot bod is not next to me keeping me warm.

Can I come home now?
Please?

Friday, August 17, 2007

Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's off to work I go!


Stone the f*****g crows, I am going "hoing" again.

But this time it's all the way to Sydney!

I have been offered to help a friend do another booksale at Miranda for two weeks starting on Monday.

The money should be worthwhile, considering the people in Sydney tend to have more money to pay a poor ole' country ho like me!I will look suitably poor and do a lot of begging!

I do not relish this...I have never been away from family for more than two nights and now I will have to go for 14 days. I am travelling with a friend and once I get there, its work all day every day.

I miss the man and baby girl already.

But, I must pay for the stinking, shitty very expensive retaining wall that will keep our house from sliding down into our neighbur's yard somehow, and these two weeks will pay for a few more concrete blocks.

But it means that I will miss out on my YAAD classes, Diane's Aromatherapy night, Michelle Smudgetick night, the next Market day and Michelle and Larry's Exhibition Opening night.

POO BUM!!!!!!

I will get to see the exhibition during the week when I get back...I am sure, and Lisa assures me that Cottage life will go on regardless of the fact that one wiggle elf will be missing in action somewhere 'hoing' her butt off in down town Sydney.

Hopefully, I can get internet connection somewhere there and I can keep you all informed on my antics!
Otherwise I will feel as though my arms have been cut off.

This work stuff sucks.....
See you on the dark side of the moon!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Next time your children whinge about putting out the garbage!




Have you ever seen the show "Worst jobs in History"?
Last week they were talking about jobs in the Industrial era in England and showed us how little children were used to clean the floors in the cotton mills for 12 hours a day, on their hands and knees, half naked, because of the heat and rushing in and out of the machines to avoid being crushed.
At the end of the day they would get a bowl of slop with a piece of bread, if they were lucky.
They were also used down the mines, to either push the carts full of coal up the small openings, again on their hands and knees in total darkness for around 12 hours A DAY!!!!!
Oh yes, they could have candles, but they had to buy them and this would cut into their meagre wages. Also, you could hardly hold a candle while pushing a cart full of coal and avoid continually falling over.
To avoid getting their clothes dirty and ripped, they mostly worked almost naked.
Now these kids were as young as seven ( could you imagine your seven year old doing this? ) and there is even a case where a three year old was sent to work down the mine.
These kids worked so hard that many died because of continually inhaling all the dust and the injuries they sustained. They were eventually replaced by pit ponies which did the same job.
There were also little kids that were left in charge of door ways that would have to be opened and closed as the carts came past.
So these kids sat in the dark, with the dust, the silence and the RATS, waiting for the signal to open the door and close it when the carts went past - for 12 HOURS A DAY!
My God.....
So next time your child complains about some simple task that you have just asked them to do for the tenth time.....you and I both know...they really have no idea just how lucky they are!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Don't you love T.V.?

Another rivetting t.v. program appeared last night, and as you all know, I kind of like the bizarre...
This one is called..."embarrassing illnesses" and we had the joy of seeing one man's haemorroids, another's athelete's foot and the sheer delight of watching a whole English football team stripping down and playing with their testicles while they are being taught to look for testicular cancer...
Riveting T.v. indeed!
This was followed by "life of Grime" where we were taken to England and shown a decomposing body of a man who had died in his bed and was not found till two days later and a rat infested council flat piled high with unimaginable shit.
Makes you remember just how lucky you are...eh!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Yep...this is for real!


The Blobfish inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it’s rarely seen by humans.

Blobfish are found at depths where the pressure is several dozens of times higher than at sea level. To remain buoyant, the flesh of the Blobfish is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; which allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front it.

Friday, August 10, 2007

August Winds

Just read Fairy Mary's about the winds and how alive she feels and I must say that I really feel the opposite - the wind always irritates me. I am unsettled by the hot winds of August.
Have a good weekend all!

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Ouch!


My back is killing me at the moment - ouch.
This has been going on for two weeks now and I am over it.
Time to hit some anti inflamatories I think.

Everyone has the flu - at YAAD last night all I saw was a group of very sick ladies with snotty and red noses. Half of my daughter's class at school has been off with it.
It's pretty ugly at the moment so stock up on the vitamin C's and Evening Primrose everyone, and don't listen to those sceptics that say that that stuff doesn't work.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Bruised Testicles!

And so I hear you ask...what sort of title for a blog is that?

But this is where our world rotates at the moment.
"Man of many scars" spent the night up and down with ice packs on his nether regions to alleviate the pain,hence the blog title, but all in all it's not too bad, so he says.
There are some strange bruises starting to form in funny places....some interesting colours Anchell - you might want to come over and get some inspiration?
I can see a soul collage idea possible as well ( he he! )
I am sure, if I look hard enough, I will be able to create something.

Today is a quiet day for the family - the child has been asked to go and see the Simpsons movie with her friends, but wont be, due to a very shitty little attitude that was demonstrated last night and the fact that she is still barking like an old man with chronic smoker's cough.
I think the most exciting thing that we will do today is watch some dvd's.
Could be worse!

Friday, August 03, 2007

Another day..another grey hair!


Bright and perky...up at 6am.
Got to Belmont Hospital at 7am.
Lord and Master of my Universe got his "puncture" repaired at 8am and got through it with flying colours.
By the time I got back to see him at 2pm ( after pleading with the nurse as "visiting hours ARE STRICKTLY between 3pm and 8pm!!!!) he was already sweet talking the nurses!
Stop.....one big sigh of relief breathed in and released!!!

"Don't do this again", I say in my head as I take his hand and sit looking into his eyes wondering ( yet again )what I would ever do if I lost him.

I stayed and we talked for a few hours and then I went back home to sick baby child.
I went back at about 6.30pm and the man had already chatted with all the other patients in his room, had tea and managed to still look gorgeous even in his blue hospital gown!

So far, all is good - he is suffering little pain at the moment and is on track for going home tomorrow.

He has souveniered himself another nice little scar to go with the other five that he currently has on his tummy....I'll be able to play join the dots!

Belmont Hospital is as far removed from the John Hunter as two hospitals can be - every time I drove into the car park..there was no problem in finding a spot. I did not pay for parking.It took me two minutes to walk to the entry.The Hospital was quiet, the nurses are lovely...we can't complain!
Lucky again!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

24 hours to go!

Tomorrow is D - Day!
Hubby has worked hard all week to lift, pull, push and drag everything that he could think of before the operation as he wont be able to do any of that for some time afterwards.
Baby girl woke up this morning bleary eyed and hot - definately viral.
So she is at home, in bed and as far away from the man as possible - the last thing he needs is getting sick right now!
Last night I attended a ritual at the Cottage which turned out to be such a special night.
Not too many turned up but those girls that did experienced a great evening.We talked, shared experiences and knowledge. We experienced the essence of Brigit and her energy and watched the full moon peak in through the trees outside the window.
It was a serene space.
P.S.Deb looked fantastic with her new hair cut.
You have just got to check her out - Wow! What a super cool chick!You certainly have style!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Warning! Warning! Emotionally challenged Woman Approaching!


No, it's not that time of the month - it's operation week!
The man heads off to hospital on Friday to have a hernia operaton.
That means lots of loose ends to tie up this week before he is incapacitated for about a 6 weeks during his recovery. We have heard many scary stories of what to await after the op from not being able to move even an inch due to excruciating pain, fevers,constant 24 hour care for weeks on end to mild pain,restricted movement and no lifting, carrying, or anything for about eight to ten weeks.

For anyone who does not know what a hernia is, let me enlighten you.
A hernia is an abdominal wall defect where a tear in the muscle wall occurs and YOUR INTESTINES start to poke through!

Ewwwwwww!!!!!!!
Because the tear is in the muscle wall it needs to be repaired and the intestinal bit poked back in or all hell can break loose if left to rupture.
Its a bit like repairing a puncture in a tyre.You dont want to be on that bike when the tyre blows!!!

Sounds straighforward - but apparently its quite a delicate and painful proceedure and because of where it is that means no lifting, bending, turning etc until the internal stitches have healed or they may split.

Yet another challenge for the man to endure and one of the reasons he chose to take a year off work. We have been waiting since the beginning of the year for this surgery to come around. It is taking place in the public hospital system.

So my time will be a precious commodity for the next few weeks and we will take it one day at a time.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Market Day

Yesterday “Rose Cottage” held it’s first Market Day.

We had many of our crafty ladies display their beautiful hand made items for sale while Leanne and myself did readings.

A day like this is only made special and successful because of the commitment of others - and I send out a big thankyou to the community members that gave of their time to come and support us with either their work or their money!

Bee had her fabulous bags for sale but also took care of kitchen duties. Diana sold her hand made creams and provided a yummy pasta bake for lunch. Kathleen showed us where her crafty talent comes from by bringing along her mum who had some stunning pieces on display. Eva brought some plants in for sale and graced us with her presence for much of the morning.Leanne did some readings and was bright and cheerful, as usual, and lit up the whole place with her energy.

We had cakes comming out of our ears, thanks to all that donated, and the cottage made some money from the purchase of coffee and cake!
I hope we introduced some people to the great energy of the Cottage and that they will be back for more.
Everyone that came, expressed the great feel of the place and our ladies certainly made them feel welcome.

Thank you all again -

Thursday, July 26, 2007

What colour Aura do I have ? and Oscar the Psychic Cat!

Your Aura is Blue

Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life.
You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships.

The purpose of your life: showing love to other people

Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah

Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor


Did you hear about the two year old cat called Oscar who lives at a Nursing Home in England and can predict when the oldies at the Home are going to die?
Saw it on the news this morning - he curls up next to the oldie that is going next and that person is guaranteed to die within the next four hours.
True - this cat is so accurate that they have already done University tests and written papers up about what Oscar is doing.
When this cat chooses its next "victim", the nursing home staff get on the phone and call that person's family to come over and say goodbye.

Boy, if I saw that cat comming close to me I would be telling it to piss off!

They are calling Osar the "angel of death" in cat form.
How spooky - how incredible!!!!!
It's like Bast coming back to life!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Boobie Names(?) and officially F.A.T.

Your Boobies' Names Are...

Dixie and Daisy


Yes, folks sad but true - had an overall medical done over the past week and went to get the results today.
I am super fine accept.................that I am officially fat!
Yes, it's true...my BMI is 25. something and should only be 21 so I need to move lard off my arse.
But I knew that anyway, I have been steadily gaining weight over the past 6 months and dont know why?
(Maybe the lack of real exercise and meat pies and croissants has something to do with it but I fail to see see how).
So I have been put on a diet , sort of, from tomorrow ( not today, as I still have cake and assorted goodies in the fridge and pantry and, well....waste not want not!) and then I begin....
ohhhhhh...life will not be worth living.

Does any one want to start up shrinking witches again?
Cause if you do, I am there - even for a month or two??? Hmmm?????
I will need someone to hold my hand.
I cannot face the doctor in four weeks time without some progress.


Monday, July 23, 2007

My Power Colour!

Your Power Color Is Indigo
At Your Highest:You are on a fast track to success - and others believe in you.At Your Lowest:You require a lot of attention and praise.In Love:You see people as how you want them to be, not as how they are.How You're Attractive:You're dramatic flair makes others see you as mysterious and romantic.Your Eternal Question:"Does This Work Into My Future Plans?"

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Which Tarot Card ARE YOU?

You are The Moon
Hope, expectation, Bright promises.
The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.
The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.