Just two sleeps to go!
I was starting to prepare ‘the food’ for our family Christmas get together and I started to think of the food traditions that evolve for one reason or another.
Thinking of Christmas and big meals reminds me of traditional hot Christmas dinners (yes with roast turkey, pork and ham) prepared at home on sweltering hot days when the kids were a lot younger and unable to help and I was still married. My now ex-husband (who loved the hot dinners) thought he was helping by pointing a very inadequate pedestal fan into the kitchen to 'cool me down' while I slaved away over a hot stove to produce a feast fit for a king. The sweat was rolling off my brow and I could hear the kids and said husband playing with the presents of the day or swimming in the pool. As you can imagine afterwards I was exhausted. Didn't help that I had usually got to bed at about 2.00am the night before (had to make sure the kids were asleep before Santa came) and then up at about 5.00am with the kids to see what Santa had brought. Oh the memories, but I wouldn't swap them.
One thing that always differs from tradition was desert. I love Christmas pudding with all the trimmings but I’m out on my own on that one. The only reason my ex-husband used to eat it was to get the money that used to be in the traditional Christmas pudding (with the change to decimal currency this tradition has slowly died out). I had to think of another way.
My ex loved Chocolate Ripple Log (if my family are reading this they are going weak at the knees at the thought of it). Chocolate ripple biscuits sandwiched together with sweetened whipped cream and then covered completely in the remainder of the whipped cream refrigerate over night then eat. It only took one taste and all of the family were hooked. Now our Christmas dinner always ends with a Chocolate Ripple Log. Yum!!! You would never guess what‘s on my to do list this Christmas.
Friday, 23 December 2011
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Be careful what you say
It's summer, a few days before Christmas and a little event that happens at this time every year has gone by. It's the Summer Solstice i.e. the day with the most number of daylight hours. Of course in the Northern hemisphere it's the opposite and the day with the least number of daylight hours.
For some reason when I was growing up my Mum in always made a point of mentioning this and it has stuck with me. She used to say it was the longest day of the year. Of course being an impressionable child I thought it meant the day was actually longer than any other. Talk about taking things literally. It took a long time to really understand what it meant.
Brings to mind another saying Mum used quite a lot. If one of us asked what day it was she would tell us the day of the week than add 'all day'. It was years later I found out my brother thought that meant there were days in the week that changed half way through. Hilarious! He's really very clever but that had him confused for quite a while.
Brings home how trusting children can be and how they can take things literally. Talk to your family and see what weird stuff they thought you were referring to with crazy sayings.
For some reason when I was growing up my Mum in always made a point of mentioning this and it has stuck with me. She used to say it was the longest day of the year. Of course being an impressionable child I thought it meant the day was actually longer than any other. Talk about taking things literally. It took a long time to really understand what it meant.
Brings to mind another saying Mum used quite a lot. If one of us asked what day it was she would tell us the day of the week than add 'all day'. It was years later I found out my brother thought that meant there were days in the week that changed half way through. Hilarious! He's really very clever but that had him confused for quite a while.
Brings home how trusting children can be and how they can take things literally. Talk to your family and see what weird stuff they thought you were referring to with crazy sayings.
Monday, 19 December 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
There’s that song in my head again.
Yay! It’s only 6 more sleeps.
I remember as a child the excitement and anticipation of Father Christmas coming (we didn’t call him Santa back then). I would be nearly bursting at the seams. There was the build up of leaving milk and biscuit for him and looking back it must have been a nightmare for Mum and Dad trying to get us all to settle down. Then there was waking up to see what had been put in our stockings.
I can remember one year the three girls got bikes (I think it was before my brother was born). My two older sisters got bicycles and I got a shiny red tricycle. Being a very normal and excitable four-year-old I couldn’t wait. Somehow the light was switched on (I couldn’t reach it so it had to be one of the older two) and we were all having wonderful time sitting our bikes. I was able to do little circles in the middle of the room on my tricycle and there may have been some bell ringing as you would in your bedroom on Christmas morning. Next thing we know Dad was in the room reading us the riot act, and we had to quiet down and get back to bed. If my children had done that I would have been pretty ticked off so looking back I can’t blame him at all. My eldest sister insists, even to this day, it was all my fault but I think she was just as excited as me.
Once we were bundled back to bed I don’t remember what happened next but the bikes were all there when we woke up and I spent many happy hours riding my tricycle around the back yard for many years. My little brother even got to play with it as well.
That’s one reason I like Christmas as it’s a time to reflect on Christmas’s past.
Yay! It’s only 6 more sleeps.
I remember as a child the excitement and anticipation of Father Christmas coming (we didn’t call him Santa back then). I would be nearly bursting at the seams. There was the build up of leaving milk and biscuit for him and looking back it must have been a nightmare for Mum and Dad trying to get us all to settle down. Then there was waking up to see what had been put in our stockings.
I can remember one year the three girls got bikes (I think it was before my brother was born). My two older sisters got bicycles and I got a shiny red tricycle. Being a very normal and excitable four-year-old I couldn’t wait. Somehow the light was switched on (I couldn’t reach it so it had to be one of the older two) and we were all having wonderful time sitting our bikes. I was able to do little circles in the middle of the room on my tricycle and there may have been some bell ringing as you would in your bedroom on Christmas morning. Next thing we know Dad was in the room reading us the riot act, and we had to quiet down and get back to bed. If my children had done that I would have been pretty ticked off so looking back I can’t blame him at all. My eldest sister insists, even to this day, it was all my fault but I think she was just as excited as me.
Once we were bundled back to bed I don’t remember what happened next but the bikes were all there when we woke up and I spent many happy hours riding my tricycle around the back yard for many years. My little brother even got to play with it as well.
That’s one reason I like Christmas as it’s a time to reflect on Christmas’s past.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
I'd better start practicing
I was looking after my grandchildren, Sophie and Elliott, yesterday while their Mum and Dad were out working. Sophie is four and Elliott is fourteen months old.
Sophie is a very knowledgeable four-year-old and not much gets past her. My mother-in-law said right from the start she was an old soul and I’m pretty sure she was right. She could talk under water with a mouth full of marbles and dare I say she reminds me very much of her mother at the same age.
Yesterday I was just starting to get some lunch ready and while waiting for some toast to pop out of the toaster thought I would pick a few toys scattered on the family room floor. Unbeknown to me Elliott had crawled up behind me and as I stood up from picking something up I accidentally stepped on his fingers. As you can imagine he started crying. I hurriedly scooped him up apologizing and kissing his fingers. He was not a happy little boy at all. Mind you I wouldn’t be either if someone had accidentally stepped on my fingers.
As I was cuddling him and trying to sooth him Sophie pipes up ‘Nana, I think you need more practice’.
Obviously in Sophie’s eyes I have fallen short of the benchmark for Nanas. To her I’m just Nana, with no past and apparently not much of an idea of how to look after her and her brother.
So if you’ll excuse me I’ll just go now and get some more Nana practice.
Sophie is a very knowledgeable four-year-old and not much gets past her. My mother-in-law said right from the start she was an old soul and I’m pretty sure she was right. She could talk under water with a mouth full of marbles and dare I say she reminds me very much of her mother at the same age.
Yesterday I was just starting to get some lunch ready and while waiting for some toast to pop out of the toaster thought I would pick a few toys scattered on the family room floor. Unbeknown to me Elliott had crawled up behind me and as I stood up from picking something up I accidentally stepped on his fingers. As you can imagine he started crying. I hurriedly scooped him up apologizing and kissing his fingers. He was not a happy little boy at all. Mind you I wouldn’t be either if someone had accidentally stepped on my fingers.
As I was cuddling him and trying to sooth him Sophie pipes up ‘Nana, I think you need more practice’.
Obviously in Sophie’s eyes I have fallen short of the benchmark for Nanas. To her I’m just Nana, with no past and apparently not much of an idea of how to look after her and her brother.
So if you’ll excuse me I’ll just go now and get some more Nana practice.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Conversations with Mum
As I have mentioned before my lovely Mum has Alzheimer’s disease. She has no short-term memory and has a lot of trouble following any sort of instructions. She forgets most things she is told however seems to have a knack of remembering who she is cranky at. Also she can’t remember what she said two minutes before. I don’t get to see her very often as I live in another state but we do talk on the phone, which can be very interesting.
She has been in a home for about nine months and in her moments of clarity will tell anyone and everyone she doesn’t like it and she should be home looking after my Dad. It’s been a tough year for both of them getting used to living apart after 63 years of marriage.
Conversations with Mum can go something like this:
Mum: ‘Hello, who’s that?’
Me: ‘Hi, it’s Jennifer. I’m just calling to say hello and see how you are going’
Mum: ‘Oh it’s good to hear from you, what have you been up to?
Me: ‘Not a great deal. The kids are all well…..’ etc, etc.
Mum: ‘Oh that’s good to hear. I haven’t been here very long. I only came up here today. The motel is very nice and there’s a bit of this and that going on but I don’t get involved in any of that stuff. It’s lucky you didn’t call me yesterday as I wasn’t here. I was in Stawell’ (the town she has been living in for the last 40 years) ‘I get a bit bored now and then and I’d rather be home looking after Grandpa’.
Me: ‘Oh I see. I thought you might like to join in some of the activities they have there’
Mum: ‘No I just like to keep to myself but some of the staff are alright and I go an sit in the lounge room and read the paper sometimes. And how’s the family?’
Me: ‘The kids are all well ….. ‘ etc, etc.
Mum: That’s good to hear, I haven’t been here very long…..’ and the conversation goes around in circles for another ten minutes or so.
For Mum her degeneration has been very slow and it’s apparent now that she was using all sorts of tricks to make it look like she was not forgetting things.
Alzheimer’s is a very cruel disease as her memory is slowly slipping away but she is a very fit and active 85 year old. Many people half her age would be hard pressed to keep up. Gone is the opportunity to sit down and have a chat. I miss the person she was and hang onto many treasured memories. Thankfully for now she can remember some of the stories from our childhood and there are times when we can have a laugh but they are slowly disappearing. She shares memories of her childhood more frequently now but it’s hard to know if they are real or just her imagination as there are many I have not heard before.
Treasure and record what you can as one day it may no be there any more.
She has been in a home for about nine months and in her moments of clarity will tell anyone and everyone she doesn’t like it and she should be home looking after my Dad. It’s been a tough year for both of them getting used to living apart after 63 years of marriage.
Conversations with Mum can go something like this:
Mum: ‘Hello, who’s that?’
Me: ‘Hi, it’s Jennifer. I’m just calling to say hello and see how you are going’
Mum: ‘Oh it’s good to hear from you, what have you been up to?
Me: ‘Not a great deal. The kids are all well…..’ etc, etc.
Mum: ‘Oh that’s good to hear. I haven’t been here very long. I only came up here today. The motel is very nice and there’s a bit of this and that going on but I don’t get involved in any of that stuff. It’s lucky you didn’t call me yesterday as I wasn’t here. I was in Stawell’ (the town she has been living in for the last 40 years) ‘I get a bit bored now and then and I’d rather be home looking after Grandpa’.
Me: ‘Oh I see. I thought you might like to join in some of the activities they have there’
Mum: ‘No I just like to keep to myself but some of the staff are alright and I go an sit in the lounge room and read the paper sometimes. And how’s the family?’
Me: ‘The kids are all well ….. ‘ etc, etc.
Mum: That’s good to hear, I haven’t been here very long…..’ and the conversation goes around in circles for another ten minutes or so.
For Mum her degeneration has been very slow and it’s apparent now that she was using all sorts of tricks to make it look like she was not forgetting things.
Alzheimer’s is a very cruel disease as her memory is slowly slipping away but she is a very fit and active 85 year old. Many people half her age would be hard pressed to keep up. Gone is the opportunity to sit down and have a chat. I miss the person she was and hang onto many treasured memories. Thankfully for now she can remember some of the stories from our childhood and there are times when we can have a laugh but they are slowly disappearing. She shares memories of her childhood more frequently now but it’s hard to know if they are real or just her imagination as there are many I have not heard before.
Treasure and record what you can as one day it may no be there any more.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
With a song in my..................head
Almost everyday I seem to find songs in conversations I have with other people and things around me. Possibly I’m a bit strange but I was brought up in a home where music was normal. My lovely Mum has a wonderful mezzo soprano voice. Mind you at home she would never sing properly with us and usually put on silly voices to sing nursery rhymes and ditties. She is also very good at playing the piano and organ although she doesn’t really think so. And even though she has Alzheimer’s disease she has lost none of her ability to play the piano or sing.
With Christmas only just over a week away naturally Christmas carols and songs play a large part of the music going on in my head. ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere I go’.
At other times it can be any thing at all and often it’s quite random but usually triggered by a phrase, a word in a conversation or something I see.
There’s family stuff like ‘Sister’s are doing it for themselves……’.
There’s just an hello ‘Hello, hello how are you today…..’.
‘You’re the voice…’ ‘Mama Mia…..’ ‘Here we go again…..’ ‘The wheels on the bus go round and round….’ 'Somewhere over the rainbow'.
The list just goes on and on.
So if I look a little distracted ‘Don’t worry be happy…’ it’s ‘Just the music in me’.
With Christmas only just over a week away naturally Christmas carols and songs play a large part of the music going on in my head. ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere I go’.
At other times it can be any thing at all and often it’s quite random but usually triggered by a phrase, a word in a conversation or something I see.
There’s family stuff like ‘Sister’s are doing it for themselves……’.
There’s just an hello ‘Hello, hello how are you today…..’.
‘You’re the voice…’ ‘Mama Mia…..’ ‘Here we go again…..’ ‘The wheels on the bus go round and round….’ 'Somewhere over the rainbow'.
The list just goes on and on.
So if I look a little distracted ‘Don’t worry be happy…’ it’s ‘Just the music in me’.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Falling down
I was on my way to catch the bus home tonight after work and while waiting at the lights a poor lady behind me missed her step and fell over, most likely grazing her knees and hands. I naturally turned and gave her a hand to stand up. As you would understand she was very embarrassed and tried to brush it off but as she went to cross the road I could see she was limping just a little.
What you supposed to do when you make a complete idiot of yourself even though it’s an accident. Do you stand up give a big bow and at the top of your voice yell "Hope you enjoyed the entertainment" or do you hope there is a convenient hole that will suddenly open up and swallow you?
Having been in that situation I hope for the hole. It’s worse when you get hurt just a bit and a good cry would help but you can’t because you’re out in public. When it happens you feel like the whole world has seen you stuff up but in reality most people are in such a hurry they generally don’t notice and ignore you.
As with life, if you do face this situation, it’s best to get up brush yourself and carry on as best you can. Mind you if you are badly hurt and just can't carry on, don't be a hero, ask for help. Again a bit like life.
What you supposed to do when you make a complete idiot of yourself even though it’s an accident. Do you stand up give a big bow and at the top of your voice yell "Hope you enjoyed the entertainment" or do you hope there is a convenient hole that will suddenly open up and swallow you?
Having been in that situation I hope for the hole. It’s worse when you get hurt just a bit and a good cry would help but you can’t because you’re out in public. When it happens you feel like the whole world has seen you stuff up but in reality most people are in such a hurry they generally don’t notice and ignore you.
As with life, if you do face this situation, it’s best to get up brush yourself and carry on as best you can. Mind you if you are badly hurt and just can't carry on, don't be a hero, ask for help. Again a bit like life.
Monday, 12 December 2011
It's a bit political
Tonight’s blog is a little bit political. Not because I’m really talking politics but based around my frustration with those blasted opinion polls that seem to release their useless findings on a weekly basis.
I’m pretty sure that the agencies that conduct these polls have duped every type of media into believing that the majority of Australians want to hear their useless results.
Let’s face it, as far as politics is concerned the only poll that counts is the one held on Election Day.
I am heartily sick of the presidential style polling that goes on and on and on and on. In Australia the Prime Minister is elected by the party, that holds the most seats in the House of Representatives. Australians do not elect a Prime Minister so who cares who is more popular.
As you can probably gather not me. The Prime Minister is just a mouthpiece for the party line and the ultimate person whose head is on the chopping block if everyone else runs for cover.
Those opinion pollsters only ask a few thousand people and although they try to get a reasonable cross section of the community the questions they ask can be slanted.
Kevin Rudd was a so-called popular Prime Minister but it didn’t save his skin did it? It’s all done in back rooms, getting the necessary numbers, well out of the public eye.
Don’t believe everything you read and certainly don’t take any notice of the polls, because they don’t mean a thing.
I’m pretty sure that the agencies that conduct these polls have duped every type of media into believing that the majority of Australians want to hear their useless results.
Let’s face it, as far as politics is concerned the only poll that counts is the one held on Election Day.
I am heartily sick of the presidential style polling that goes on and on and on and on. In Australia the Prime Minister is elected by the party, that holds the most seats in the House of Representatives. Australians do not elect a Prime Minister so who cares who is more popular.
As you can probably gather not me. The Prime Minister is just a mouthpiece for the party line and the ultimate person whose head is on the chopping block if everyone else runs for cover.
Those opinion pollsters only ask a few thousand people and although they try to get a reasonable cross section of the community the questions they ask can be slanted.
Kevin Rudd was a so-called popular Prime Minister but it didn’t save his skin did it? It’s all done in back rooms, getting the necessary numbers, well out of the public eye.
Don’t believe everything you read and certainly don’t take any notice of the polls, because they don’t mean a thing.
Friday, 9 December 2011
Another year older
I was fortunate to celebrate a birthday this week. I like celebrating each one as the alternative is worse. It was a lovely day spent with family and friends. A bonus was my niece’s twins being born and I’m pleased to report they are ok for now. There have been many prayers and good wishes expressed for their health and welfare.
Another birthday got me thinking about what I have learned this year and the new experiences that came my way whether planned or not.
I have learned that no matter how hard I work there is always more to do and my expectations always seem to exceed my output. Others tell me I’m doing a good job but I’m sure I can always do better.
A driving holiday can still be fun even if you are sick with pneumonia. Thank goodness for a great friend and lovely sister. We had a really good time and would all do it again.
Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Listen to what they say, offer advice if they ask for it and support them in whatever they do.
Weddings are wonderful especially when you can marry your son and his new bride. Not many people can say they have done that.
I have learned to treasure time with my Mum and Dad. I have watched my Mum struggle with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the effect that has had on my Dads health. It was a sobering time having to see my Mum go into a home and my Dad accept help from support services none of hoped he would ever need.
Life is precious and our children and families are a gift. I have the best family in the world.
Retirement is still a long way away but now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Less than ten years and six months to go but whose counting.
The best birthday present you can get is dinosaur teeth for my dinosaur garden. Apparently I have one in my back yard, according to by granddaughter, and now I have some dinosaur teeth to add to the collection of rocks there (thanks Sophie).
If you bring the washing in throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes before you put it away and you won’t need to iron (I hate ironing).
Now I wonder what I’ll learn next year?
Another birthday got me thinking about what I have learned this year and the new experiences that came my way whether planned or not.
I have learned that no matter how hard I work there is always more to do and my expectations always seem to exceed my output. Others tell me I’m doing a good job but I’m sure I can always do better.
A driving holiday can still be fun even if you are sick with pneumonia. Thank goodness for a great friend and lovely sister. We had a really good time and would all do it again.
Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Listen to what they say, offer advice if they ask for it and support them in whatever they do.
Weddings are wonderful especially when you can marry your son and his new bride. Not many people can say they have done that.
I have learned to treasure time with my Mum and Dad. I have watched my Mum struggle with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the effect that has had on my Dads health. It was a sobering time having to see my Mum go into a home and my Dad accept help from support services none of hoped he would ever need.
Life is precious and our children and families are a gift. I have the best family in the world.
Retirement is still a long way away but now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Less than ten years and six months to go but whose counting.
The best birthday present you can get is dinosaur teeth for my dinosaur garden. Apparently I have one in my back yard, according to by granddaughter, and now I have some dinosaur teeth to add to the collection of rocks there (thanks Sophie).
If you bring the washing in throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes before you put it away and you won’t need to iron (I hate ironing).
Now I wonder what I’ll learn next year?
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Little Angels
Many significant events for those in our extended family seem to be heralded by less than ideal weather i.e. it's generally raining or about to.
My daughter was married on a showery Sunday in June and her children were both born on wet days. My son and daughter-in-law were also married on another showery day, and the rehearsal for that wedding was held with umbrellas aloft.
Today has been no exception. It has been the coldest day on record for December with rain all day and we have welcomed into our extended family twin girls who were born to my niece this morning. They have arrived way too early at just 24.3 weeks gestation but are currently stable.
So my thoughts and prayers today are for these two little angels to have the strength to face all the challenges that lie ahead.
My daughter was married on a showery Sunday in June and her children were both born on wet days. My son and daughter-in-law were also married on another showery day, and the rehearsal for that wedding was held with umbrellas aloft.
Today has been no exception. It has been the coldest day on record for December with rain all day and we have welcomed into our extended family twin girls who were born to my niece this morning. They have arrived way too early at just 24.3 weeks gestation but are currently stable.
So my thoughts and prayers today are for these two little angels to have the strength to face all the challenges that lie ahead.
Happy things
I travel to and from the city most weekdays by bus (no there's no Yuk story today). It can be a bit of a drag travelling along the same route at about the same time day after day but I try to look for things that make me smile.
I love seeing a rainbow in the morning. Not sure why the morning is better than the afternoon. To me they have a magical effect and I always think of the myth about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If I'm on the bus I can stare at it for as long as I like and daydream and it's a nice start to the day.
There are also weird things that make me happy. One morning while the bus was waiting for a light to change I saw about five crows on the side of the road trying to open a container of sushi someone had obviously thrown away. One crow was the lookout three of the other four tried one after the other to open the container with little success. The the first crow sort of sauntered up (I think he was top of the pecking order) and stood on top of the container and started to peck at it. In just a few seconds there was a hole in the top and the crow was ripping the contents out as best he could while the others just looked on. Unfortunately the light changed and I didn't get to see what happened next. Again it made me smile. I wonder what happened next did the other crows get their share? That's one I'll never know.
Seeing hot air balloons in the morning also makes me smile and I day dream that one day I'll be up there floating in the silence. Ah bliss, I also love quiet but that doesn't happen on the bus.
I love seeing a rainbow in the morning. Not sure why the morning is better than the afternoon. To me they have a magical effect and I always think of the myth about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If I'm on the bus I can stare at it for as long as I like and daydream and it's a nice start to the day.
There are also weird things that make me happy. One morning while the bus was waiting for a light to change I saw about five crows on the side of the road trying to open a container of sushi someone had obviously thrown away. One crow was the lookout three of the other four tried one after the other to open the container with little success. The the first crow sort of sauntered up (I think he was top of the pecking order) and stood on top of the container and started to peck at it. In just a few seconds there was a hole in the top and the crow was ripping the contents out as best he could while the others just looked on. Unfortunately the light changed and I didn't get to see what happened next. Again it made me smile. I wonder what happened next did the other crows get their share? That's one I'll never know.
Seeing hot air balloons in the morning also makes me smile and I day dream that one day I'll be up there floating in the silence. Ah bliss, I also love quiet but that doesn't happen on the bus.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Yuk!
I have been travelling on the bus to and from work for quite a few years now and at times I see things I really don't want to. Tonight was one such trip.
Over the last week I have been catching a later bus after visiting my niece in hospital and the bus is not so crowded. Tonight I hopped on and took my seat and started to gaze blankly out the window. As it was getting dark there's mostly just a reflection from inside the bus.
I was off with the fairies when what I was actually seeing registered in my befuddled brain.
There was a reasonably well dressed man sitting two seats in front of me to my right and he was PICKING HIS NOSE! Not just a discreet brush but a full on dig up to the first joint of his forefinger. YUK!!!! He didn't have a tissue or handkerchief to wipe it on I think he was rolling it between his fingers. Then just before I got off the bus he brushed whatever had dropped in his lap onto the floor. Gives me the heeby jeebies just thinking about it.
I thought I'd look in the other direction but then I was looking straight at him and of course when I went back to looking out the window I could see his reflection. He kept it up obviously thinking no one would see him. But lucky me I saw it all.
There are some things that people may like to do that are best done in private and that was definitely one of them. Next time you think it might be OK to have a pick or whatever, just be aware there may be someone watching you.
Over the last week I have been catching a later bus after visiting my niece in hospital and the bus is not so crowded. Tonight I hopped on and took my seat and started to gaze blankly out the window. As it was getting dark there's mostly just a reflection from inside the bus.
I was off with the fairies when what I was actually seeing registered in my befuddled brain.
There was a reasonably well dressed man sitting two seats in front of me to my right and he was PICKING HIS NOSE! Not just a discreet brush but a full on dig up to the first joint of his forefinger. YUK!!!! He didn't have a tissue or handkerchief to wipe it on I think he was rolling it between his fingers. Then just before I got off the bus he brushed whatever had dropped in his lap onto the floor. Gives me the heeby jeebies just thinking about it.
I thought I'd look in the other direction but then I was looking straight at him and of course when I went back to looking out the window I could see his reflection. He kept it up obviously thinking no one would see him. But lucky me I saw it all.
There are some things that people may like to do that are best done in private and that was definitely one of them. Next time you think it might be OK to have a pick or whatever, just be aware there may be someone watching you.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Putting up the tree
My family used to think I was a bit nuts over the timing of putting up the Christmas Tree. In our house I didn't usually let them put it up until the 8th of December.
I know you are thinking what an odd date to choose. Now it might be just me but I have a birthday on the 7th and it's my day. I don't really want to share it with Christmas. Don't get me wrong I love Christmas and all it represents and treasure the extra time I can spend with my wonderful family (some of who don't listen apparently but that's another story).
In the 'olden days' my kids would be chomping at the bit to put up the tree. The chant would resonate through the house. 'Can we put up the tree, pleeeeaaasssee.' 'Everyone else has theirs up why can't we'. It took a long time for them to understand it was a me thing.
Of course once the tree was up then came the decorating, it was adorned with all those wonderful carboard stars, Santas etc. decorated with with cotton wool, crepe paper and glitter glue interspersed on the tree with the baubles held together with sticky tape because the dog had chewed them. And of course there were the lights that took forever to get going because you had to find replace the one pesky blown bulb. Under our tree was also a wax candle of Santa. He sat under each tree we put up for many years and each year looked a little worse for wear when everything was packed away. The kids always thought it was the most beautiful tree ever. The ghosts of Christmas past still lerk in the box (including wax Santa) and rarely see the light of day but they hold treasured memories of family time (fights and all) in putting up the Christmas tree, the accumulated presents and the delight of Christmas Day.
The tradition has faded a little in my house now as the family has moved on. The memories were all brought back tonight though when I saw the delight my granddaughter had in showing me the lights on their tree. It's such a special time.
I know you are thinking what an odd date to choose. Now it might be just me but I have a birthday on the 7th and it's my day. I don't really want to share it with Christmas. Don't get me wrong I love Christmas and all it represents and treasure the extra time I can spend with my wonderful family (some of who don't listen apparently but that's another story).
In the 'olden days' my kids would be chomping at the bit to put up the tree. The chant would resonate through the house. 'Can we put up the tree, pleeeeaaasssee.' 'Everyone else has theirs up why can't we'. It took a long time for them to understand it was a me thing.
Of course once the tree was up then came the decorating, it was adorned with all those wonderful carboard stars, Santas etc. decorated with with cotton wool, crepe paper and glitter glue interspersed on the tree with the baubles held together with sticky tape because the dog had chewed them. And of course there were the lights that took forever to get going because you had to find replace the one pesky blown bulb. Under our tree was also a wax candle of Santa. He sat under each tree we put up for many years and each year looked a little worse for wear when everything was packed away. The kids always thought it was the most beautiful tree ever. The ghosts of Christmas past still lerk in the box (including wax Santa) and rarely see the light of day but they hold treasured memories of family time (fights and all) in putting up the Christmas tree, the accumulated presents and the delight of Christmas Day.
The tradition has faded a little in my house now as the family has moved on. The memories were all brought back tonight though when I saw the delight my granddaughter had in showing me the lights on their tree. It's such a special time.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
The brolle
It's that time of year again when we arm ourselves with an umbrella. Who knows when the next storm will roll in. Have you ever noticed that it always seems to pelt down with rain at 3.00pm when school get out or at 5.00pm when the home commute starts.
I can't tell you the number of times I have got soaked so now I carry a fold up umbrella in my work bag no matter what.
Have you ever thought what a great invention the umbrella is. A light-weight portable cover that you can fold up and put away when you don't need it. It offers protection from the rain and the sun. They come in range of colours and designs and are a great fashion accessory. Very practical indeed.
On the other hand have you thought how stupid they are. A flimsy metal frame with a bit of material stretched just so to offer some sort of cover. As you step out into the worst gale in history it blows inside out and next thing you know you're drenched. If you manage not to do a most impressive Mary Poppins impression it covers your head and maybe one shoulder and the rest of you gets wet. It's no match for horizontal rain but we persevere dodging along city streets, that are wind tunnels in their own right, doing our best not to perform instant eye operations on passers by with the pointy bits.
Now when I wield an umbrella I never seem to have enough hands. I'm trying to get the stupid thing up while still holding onto my handbag and work carry bag. So if you see a crazy lady fighting with an umbrella, stop to give her a hand, it could be me.
I can't tell you the number of times I have got soaked so now I carry a fold up umbrella in my work bag no matter what.
Have you ever thought what a great invention the umbrella is. A light-weight portable cover that you can fold up and put away when you don't need it. It offers protection from the rain and the sun. They come in range of colours and designs and are a great fashion accessory. Very practical indeed.
On the other hand have you thought how stupid they are. A flimsy metal frame with a bit of material stretched just so to offer some sort of cover. As you step out into the worst gale in history it blows inside out and next thing you know you're drenched. If you manage not to do a most impressive Mary Poppins impression it covers your head and maybe one shoulder and the rest of you gets wet. It's no match for horizontal rain but we persevere dodging along city streets, that are wind tunnels in their own right, doing our best not to perform instant eye operations on passers by with the pointy bits.
Now when I wield an umbrella I never seem to have enough hands. I'm trying to get the stupid thing up while still holding onto my handbag and work carry bag. So if you see a crazy lady fighting with an umbrella, stop to give her a hand, it could be me.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
What will I do when I grow up?
Not generally the type of question you would ask someone like me on the plus side of 50. I was having a chat with my niece the other night and our conversation turned to careers and how we had started along our career path. It got me thinking and to be honest my working life has come about by accident, being in the right place at the right time with the right skills for the jobs I have done.
When I left school I knew uni was not for me so I sat for the Public Service exam following a 'suggestion' from my Dad, I really had no idea what my next step would be so I thought I'd better go along with his plans. In those days there was virtually full employment so there was no fear that a person may not get a job. Said exam completed and low and behold I was successfully employed as a Savings Bank clerk with the Commonwealth Bank. I found out years later that I had come 2nd in the test but as one of the staff didn't really get on with the person that had top marks I was the next in line. My 'career' in banking and finance had begun. I earned about $27.00 a fortnight and had to pay $15 of that for board. Mind you I thought I was rich. The bank was so up-to-date that we had to hand post the savings bank ledgers and calculate interest manually once a month and it was credited annually. The only technology we had was an adding machine (no calculators back then).
So my working life has rolled along from there, from working in a bank in the 70's a building society in the 80's, a full time mum in the late 80's back to part time work in a bank in the 90's an insurance in the late 90's again part time then full time in super in the noughties where I still am.
I have learnt a lot and each job has been very beneficial for everyday life as I know a little bit about the banking system, home and car insurance and now super.
Just imagine what the reaction would be like these days if a teenager doesn't seem to have a plan for what they want to do. There is a lot of pressure put on people these days to decide on their 'careers' from a very early age.
Looking back I can remember being asked what I would do when I grew up. I can remember saying I'd like to be a doctor (wasn't academic enough for that). I can also remember thinking I'd like to be a hairdresser at one stage but back in the 70's this meant leaving school in grade 10 and becoming an apprentice and my parents didn't think it was good form to leave school before finishing year 12.
So there you go a working life that just sort of happened. One thing I can say though is I have always worked to live not lived to work, as the most important job I have is that of a Mum and Nana. My family are the most important people in my life.
When I left school I knew uni was not for me so I sat for the Public Service exam following a 'suggestion' from my Dad, I really had no idea what my next step would be so I thought I'd better go along with his plans. In those days there was virtually full employment so there was no fear that a person may not get a job. Said exam completed and low and behold I was successfully employed as a Savings Bank clerk with the Commonwealth Bank. I found out years later that I had come 2nd in the test but as one of the staff didn't really get on with the person that had top marks I was the next in line. My 'career' in banking and finance had begun. I earned about $27.00 a fortnight and had to pay $15 of that for board. Mind you I thought I was rich. The bank was so up-to-date that we had to hand post the savings bank ledgers and calculate interest manually once a month and it was credited annually. The only technology we had was an adding machine (no calculators back then).
So my working life has rolled along from there, from working in a bank in the 70's a building society in the 80's, a full time mum in the late 80's back to part time work in a bank in the 90's an insurance in the late 90's again part time then full time in super in the noughties where I still am.
I have learnt a lot and each job has been very beneficial for everyday life as I know a little bit about the banking system, home and car insurance and now super.
Just imagine what the reaction would be like these days if a teenager doesn't seem to have a plan for what they want to do. There is a lot of pressure put on people these days to decide on their 'careers' from a very early age.
Looking back I can remember being asked what I would do when I grew up. I can remember saying I'd like to be a doctor (wasn't academic enough for that). I can also remember thinking I'd like to be a hairdresser at one stage but back in the 70's this meant leaving school in grade 10 and becoming an apprentice and my parents didn't think it was good form to leave school before finishing year 12.
So there you go a working life that just sort of happened. One thing I can say though is I have always worked to live not lived to work, as the most important job I have is that of a Mum and Nana. My family are the most important people in my life.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Meet the dog
Basically the dog is a ratbag. There are some members of the family who, when referring to her, start their sentences with, 'Your b*&*&^y dog'. Let me introduce you to Pokey.
Mind you she is very cute and could be described as a devil in an angels disguise. She is a four legged mop with lovely soft hair like a silky terrier. Thankfully she doesn't shed hair all over the place as it keeps growing until I trim it or take her off to the dog groomer. In the fact she looks a bit like and Ewok from Start Wars (pity she can't walk on her back legs and be a bit more human, might have been able to sell her to George Lucas). She is the size of a normal domestic cat and is black and tan with a bit of grey and lighter tan colours on her body and legs.
She loves people and thinks anyone who comes to the house is just there to see her. She runs off madly to find her green ball as the new arrival will probably want to play with her. She then proceeds to turn herself inside out and back the front trying to maintain their attention so the said ball may be thrown for her to chase. One thing she is good at is fetching it. Mind you it has to be the green spiky ball, no other is quite good enough. Who knows what may happen if the ball falls to pieces completely. It's starting to get a more holes and changing with age. I suppose you would to if you had been slobbered on by a dog for the whole of your existence.
She's not so good at coming when she's called and given the opportunity will practise her escapologist skills. One night she escaped under the fence and I happened to have laryngitis. Not easy to call her with no voice. I'm out in the street croaking 'Pokey, get inside' and she's madly running around revelling in her new found freedom. I eventually coaxed her back inside with a bone. Once she had chewed her bone a little she collapsed in a heap with exhaustion.
She's a little dog with a big attitude and certainly gives a piece of her doggy mind if another dog dares to walk past her house. Talking about attitude, she was out in the yard one morning giving a crow a piece of her mind. She was prancing around on her back legs and trying to use the fence to get a leg up because she was going to have it. Just because it was perched in a tree about 3 metres above the ground was beside the point as far as she was concerned.
She has one redeeming quality; just like me, she doesn't like the smaller untrained humans that in reside in the street. I'm pretty sure they have stirred her up in the past by banging on the fence. Arrrrrgh!!!! The smaller untrained humans are another story.
Anyway that's the dog and I'm sure she will feature in some of my blogs in the future. Now if you happen to be reading another blog that could mention 'That b*&&^%y dog' then we might be related.
Mind you she is very cute and could be described as a devil in an angels disguise. She is a four legged mop with lovely soft hair like a silky terrier. Thankfully she doesn't shed hair all over the place as it keeps growing until I trim it or take her off to the dog groomer. In the fact she looks a bit like and Ewok from Start Wars (pity she can't walk on her back legs and be a bit more human, might have been able to sell her to George Lucas). She is the size of a normal domestic cat and is black and tan with a bit of grey and lighter tan colours on her body and legs.
She loves people and thinks anyone who comes to the house is just there to see her. She runs off madly to find her green ball as the new arrival will probably want to play with her. She then proceeds to turn herself inside out and back the front trying to maintain their attention so the said ball may be thrown for her to chase. One thing she is good at is fetching it. Mind you it has to be the green spiky ball, no other is quite good enough. Who knows what may happen if the ball falls to pieces completely. It's starting to get a more holes and changing with age. I suppose you would to if you had been slobbered on by a dog for the whole of your existence.
She's not so good at coming when she's called and given the opportunity will practise her escapologist skills. One night she escaped under the fence and I happened to have laryngitis. Not easy to call her with no voice. I'm out in the street croaking 'Pokey, get inside' and she's madly running around revelling in her new found freedom. I eventually coaxed her back inside with a bone. Once she had chewed her bone a little she collapsed in a heap with exhaustion.
She's a little dog with a big attitude and certainly gives a piece of her doggy mind if another dog dares to walk past her house. Talking about attitude, she was out in the yard one morning giving a crow a piece of her mind. She was prancing around on her back legs and trying to use the fence to get a leg up because she was going to have it. Just because it was perched in a tree about 3 metres above the ground was beside the point as far as she was concerned.
She has one redeeming quality; just like me, she doesn't like the smaller untrained humans that in reside in the street. I'm pretty sure they have stirred her up in the past by banging on the fence. Arrrrrgh!!!! The smaller untrained humans are another story.
Anyway that's the dog and I'm sure she will feature in some of my blogs in the future. Now if you happen to be reading another blog that could mention 'That b*&&^%y dog' then we might be related.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
A Mother-in-law
We all have many roles in our life and one that we acquire through the ongoing lives of our children is that of a mother-in-law (MIL).
I was blessed to have had a wonderful Mother-in-law who welcomed me into her life from the moment I met her. She was one of the most compassionate and caring people I have ever met. She also had a wicked sense of humour (she had to with five children) and although she didn't lose her temper often it was a good idea to hide when she did. We became close friends and shared similar interests. Even after my divorce we maintained our relationship until she passed away. I miss her physical presence in my life but know she is there in spirit.
Now the shoe is on the other foot and I am a MIL. I have a son-in-law (Dad to my two grandchildren) and more recently a daughter-in-law. I hope I can be as supportive to them as individuals as my MIL was to me. These are the people my children have chosen to share their lives with and are an important part of our family. Unlike my children, I haven't known these people all their lives but they have become a much loved part of our family and have blended well into the ebb and flow of our life.
Another part of becoming a MIL is the addition of the other side of an extended family. Again this is a unique opportunity and it's been an enriching experience to share family celebrations with my children's in-laws.
We're not all perfect (except me) kaggklfklfg........ (whoops I lost track, my halo crashed to the floor). As I said we are not all perfect and make mistakes but for me I trust my children's judgement and welcome all those who share their lives, in particular their partners.
I was blessed to have had a wonderful Mother-in-law who welcomed me into her life from the moment I met her. She was one of the most compassionate and caring people I have ever met. She also had a wicked sense of humour (she had to with five children) and although she didn't lose her temper often it was a good idea to hide when she did. We became close friends and shared similar interests. Even after my divorce we maintained our relationship until she passed away. I miss her physical presence in my life but know she is there in spirit.
Now the shoe is on the other foot and I am a MIL. I have a son-in-law (Dad to my two grandchildren) and more recently a daughter-in-law. I hope I can be as supportive to them as individuals as my MIL was to me. These are the people my children have chosen to share their lives with and are an important part of our family. Unlike my children, I haven't known these people all their lives but they have become a much loved part of our family and have blended well into the ebb and flow of our life.
Another part of becoming a MIL is the addition of the other side of an extended family. Again this is a unique opportunity and it's been an enriching experience to share family celebrations with my children's in-laws.
We're not all perfect (except me) kaggklfklfg........ (whoops I lost track, my halo crashed to the floor). As I said we are not all perfect and make mistakes but for me I trust my children's judgement and welcome all those who share their lives, in particular their partners.
And so it goes
It's a little dauting sitting down to write my first blog. That blank white rectangular box staring at me and I'm thinking, will I have enough blurb to make a dent in the gaping white hole. At least a white hole is different to the proverbial black hole. You know that one at work that everything disappears into never to be seen again. Enough rambling about holes.
I'm sure you are wondering why I chose the name 'Jen's Place' for my blog. It's not only where I am physically which can be home, work, in the car, out for lunch or dinner but also where I am emotionally and spritually. Being on the plus side of 50 I have had many experiences both good and bad, and gained knowledge that I will share as I get more comfortable with this writing gig.
Emotionally I'm in a good place for now. It's been a long journey and I'm very happy on my own, doing my thing now. It's liberating to be able to go out for dinner, shopping or catching up with friends or family whenever I want to. It's also great to be able to stay home and recharge the battereis if needed without any pressure. It sounds a little selfish and indulgent but after many years of being there for my family I am enjoying this little bit of freedom. My kids say I have a better social life than they do.
I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences and hope that you enjoy my journey as I gain more confidence in putting my ideas into words.
I'm sure you are wondering why I chose the name 'Jen's Place' for my blog. It's not only where I am physically which can be home, work, in the car, out for lunch or dinner but also where I am emotionally and spritually. Being on the plus side of 50 I have had many experiences both good and bad, and gained knowledge that I will share as I get more comfortable with this writing gig.
Emotionally I'm in a good place for now. It's been a long journey and I'm very happy on my own, doing my thing now. It's liberating to be able to go out for dinner, shopping or catching up with friends or family whenever I want to. It's also great to be able to stay home and recharge the battereis if needed without any pressure. It sounds a little selfish and indulgent but after many years of being there for my family I am enjoying this little bit of freedom. My kids say I have a better social life than they do.
I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences and hope that you enjoy my journey as I gain more confidence in putting my ideas into words.
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