More to Come

Matthew 1 - 10

2012-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share my thoughts on the things I've read in the bible over the last few weeks. Elim is working on Matthew at the moment. I have read Matthew many times but the last few weeks have brought to light some new things that I've either glossed over and or plain haven't taken any notice of whatsoever.

Chapter One:

Why did Joseph not sleep with Mary when they got married? v25.

I had to look that one up. Big deal huh? There were quite a few theories about it such as it was unsafe because she was probably a fair way through her pregnancy. Catholics believe she remained a virgin for the rest of her life? Not a hundred percent sure about that one, guess I would need to ask a catholic. Obviously it would be important that Mary was a virgin and I suppose it could have been for proof reasons. Mary could be examined and she would still be virgin. Anyway v 22-23 says it all really:

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the Prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son.."

V 17 was another that interested me. Fourteen generations between Abraham and David, David to the exile to Babylon and exile to Jesus.

Chapter Two

The best part about this chapter was all the communication between angels.

Chapter Three

Favourite is definitely the last part in verse 15:

"Then John consented".

Like he had a choice?

Chapter Five

Ch5 in particular, verse 12:

"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..."

Does that mean if people are meanies to me because of God my reward in heaven is great? I don't quite understand this one, because it pulls out another question I have. Are there rewards in heaven? What are they?

Chapter Six

Sometimes I read the bible and it just goes through me, I neither take much notice or see anything that stands out. Other times, even though I may have read the same thing over and over throughout the years something stands out and I finally get it!!

v 33:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well".

This is the part titled "Do Not Worry". I have heard that scripture thrown around a fair amount but it never really meant much to me. Yeah sure God will look after me if I seek him, right? But how amazing is that?! I choose to have some kind of relationship with God because I like him and want to get to know him. Not because I think I might get something out of it. The idea that God feeds me and clothes me is bizarre, but how fantastic is that! It's not a super important thing in the grand scheme of things, but he likes me to have a full belly and some pants. That and he probably doesn't want to scare the rest of the world with my nakedness :p

Chapter 7

Verse 15-23. A Tree and Its Fruit. Interesting. Since moving out to this side of Dunedin I have been visited by many different people. Some wanting money (lol from people out here?!), but some want to tell me about Jesus and God. One particular group wanted to baptise me right there on the spot, obviously I wasn't having a bar of anything they said anyway, but one thing that made me think "You guys are mental" was that they were just fine with families/marriages being ripped apart. I mentioned that if I was ever going to get baptised I would talk to my husband about it. WELL, apparently its nothing to do with him (and I guess it isn't) but I said that would be weird not talking to him about it. Apparently (I like gossip and rumours..) this group have a tendency to split families and relationships if someone so much as questions something. The one thing that made me really back away from these people was that they never once mentioned that Jesus died on the cross for my sins etc. Jesus didn't feature in their talk at all. They talked more about this other person who started the group back in the day who they believed was Jesus coming back. Sad part was ... he died. Years ago.

Every time a new groups comes to my door, I humor them for a while and then tell them to go. I always come back to this scripture and think about it.

Chapter 10

Favourite verse is definitely 28:

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell".

Happy 6th Anniversary Philip

2012-02-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

Bible readings and Nelson

2012-02-03T02:32:00.001-08:00

Phil and I arrived in Nelson last Saturday for a wee break. As we drove up through to CHCH I could feel the temperature change and see the sun sneaking around the hills. Christchurch was deliciously hot and sunny. It was the first time I have been back through there since September 4 2010. It was somewhat of a ghost town. Especially around the centre. Some of my favourite streets and places are void of people and movement. Only the empty shell of buildings is left. Buildings on a lean or fenced off, random spaces throughout the centre that are cleared due to demolished buildings.

Anyway, Christchurch stop over was sad for a whole other reason. That being, us saying goodbye to Tabitha *sigh* Poor girl was subjected to my crazy cat lady tendencies, not to mention having to watch Yogscast and geeky videos. AND assisting me in the making of the cat paw frame. I will add though that Tabitha won't be going near my lemon tart pastry again :p

I have missed our random at home moments since she left. She is one of a kind. Someone who could always come over to my house and sit in my office while I was studying and just read books or lounge round. Did it because she wanted to be around and not because I could give her anything. I never needed my cynicism to protect me, Tabitha wanted to hang out just because. It was great and I have never encountered anyone like that since she left. So imagine me feeling pretty lucky about just seeing her and finding that this favourite part has NOT CHANGED at all. And people said she hasn't changed or still looks the same. The good parts haven't changed (like my favourite part) but Tabitha has changed. She is far more mature than before and has a great many experiences that have shaped her attitude on life and her relationship with God. You are better, lucky thing because you were alright before you left.

The rest of the trip to Nelson was a non event. Nothing too exciting other than almost getting taken out by a ridiculously large truck who shouldn't have been going that fast around a sharp corner .... and sun. Lots of sun and heat and sweat.

February has brought with it something else. Elim has decided to do some kind of reading the bible business in a year or something. There is a kind of work sheet as well. So that will be interesting.

I wish ... regrets and resolutions

2012-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

I had...

saved more money

eaten less food

been more patient and understanding

listened more and talked less

read more books on my list and not read trash

rung my family more often

painted more, taken more photos

sat in the sun and weeded the garden more often

written more letters and emails

posted more FB updates :p

written in a journal like I used to

given Philip more hugs

been more patient and tolerant with my nephews

given my nephews more candy :p

taken the nephews to the playground more (or just plain spoilt them more)

cut my hair more

purchased more make up but not wasted money lol

kept the house cleaner

made at least one new friend perhaps

done something shocking like shaved my head or gotten a tattoo

I kind of resolve to change some of the above things. Kind of.

Happy 2012!

Wah Wah baby crying

2011-07-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a fun filled sickly week for the entire family! Every single one of us has had some kind of flu/cold/asthma issues. It's been intense.

I had barely gotten over my ear infection before I got this blasted cold flu thing. I haven't been this sick and miserable for more than a year. Thankfully I am on the tail end of things now and am only left with a head that feels like its going to explode every time I cough.

Yum.

In other news Adriane is pregnant! I've been thinking about how we've had a good year and a bit before anyone in the family has had a baby. Thank goodness Adriane has broken the spell!! Congratulations Adriane and Jan and J Junior. Good work.

It seems to be the time for babies lately. For having them and making them.

³ Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 127:3-5 NIV

Brr, its cold!

2011-06-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

We are almost through the first month of winter. There was a time when I absolutely did not enjoy summer. Mainly because its hot. But I've come to realise that often it feels like Dunedin lives in an Autumnal/Winter state all year round. In the last few years I have really felt the cold. I think there are a few different reasons for this.

1. We live in a really COLD house. I'd be surprised if there was insulation anywhere in the house.

2. I'm pretty sure, at it feels like it anyway, that Dunedin winters have gotten colder and more miserable and drawn out than they were a few years ago. Although in defense of poor Winter, summers have been quite warm too.

3. I'm getting OLD!

Phil and I are in the middle of figuring out how to fix the cold house part. Which mainly consists of living off the heat pump and potentially purchasing a house of our OWN! Also wearing socks.

I am getting old though. Both of us are 25! 25 people! I remember being 17 and arriving in Dunedin for some university action. I also remember thinking about how old and well behaved and mature I would be at 25 years old. Life would be all settled and in a nice old person routine. It couldn't be further from the truth though. Of course Phil has a predictable routine going on but I don't. I suppose every birthday I have I'll think that by such and such an age I will have it all sorted. But I don't think that is ever going to happen.

In other news I have almost finished reading the 3rd book for the last week and almost a half. I must admit it has been difficult NOT to skip ahead and the The Hobbit while Phil is at work. But I'm happy to report that no such thing has happen. I am however hanging out for the weekend where there is potential for some more books *hint hint*. Thanks Philip for funding my book craze!!

So Annoying (warning, contains ONE swear word)

2011-06-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

This is something thats been annoying me quite a bit lately. Christians. Lol.

Nah not that necessarily. But Christians who settle. Thats right. Why do we have to settle for sickness. Why?! Its been ticking me off no end lately because ...

I have this skin thing. When I moved up here the weather, crappy flats and water irritated this skin thing I have. We'll call it a skin thing. I get eczema for one thing. But my tolerance for anything else seems to have completely disappeared.

Last month I got sick and had a chest infection type thing happening. I got some antibiotics and took them for two days. I've had them before and nothing has happened. But this time round ew. It wasn't that I am allergic to them as such. But I had an allergic reaction. My routine of cleaning and so on hadn't changed, these drugs were the only things different. I didn't have a standard allergic reaction but I must have touched my face after handling the tablets. And goodness me! What a reaction. My face has only really just cleared up now, almost a month later. I had an awesome rash and itchy face. I looked terrible. Just terrible. It was all over my face and looked like I'd been scalded or something! It was frustrating and irritating.

I've worked in a cafe before where its humid (and even worse in summer), cleaning chemicals involved and other people's germs. My hands would blister and itch and cause a lot of pain involving touch antibiotics which give kidney stones (k, thanks there. Thankfully I never got any). It was painful and disgusting to look at. I would work around the kitchen with ALL my fingers taped up.

My legs. My one thing that looked hot. My lovely brown legs. They are now permanently scarred. I hate wearing skirts and shorts now. There has been an on going SOMETHING going on with them. Its so bad that I itch in my sleep and have open wounds all the time. All year long non stop. Did I mention these never heal over like they should. Band aids do nothing, the ointments do nothing. I have to these disgusting ointments called Fatty Cream. Yes fat cream. They are gross and smell like motor oil, the skin doesn't absorb them like moisturiser. It stains clothing and bed sheets and has a greasy gross feeling. I have TUBS of this crap. I use other medicated ointments ... let me go count how many I have ...

4x fatty cream plus hydro cortisone

1x anti biotic cream, low dose

1x anti biotic cream, extreme dose

1x some other thing for the same stuff

1x cream thing that stinks, itches and scars, AND KILLS BABIES IN THE BELLY

All these medicated ointments can't be used on pregnant women. For goodness sake. Lots of very helpful people have recommended this and that, try natural this and natural that. Some cause more reactions and some smell nice and do nothing.

On top of all this I want a damn baby and its damn well not working. My step father has a blood disorder that shortens his life significantly and he has to take medication forever and get blood drained out of him.

Well. I've had enough. I'm sick to death of settling when I'm promised differently. I'm sick of hearing how it will be alright and you'll get through this. No I damn well won't. I refuse to be someone who just "gets through shit". I want healed! I want all this gone. I want a damn miracle. I rebuke all this ridiculous pain and grief over my family. I claim what is promised to me. You be gone awful sick.

Quiet Mess

2011-05-31T02:07:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent two days looking after Cameron and Khan. Gosh they are just gorgeous. Their Mother has gotten a wee job so I've been busy scrounging up ideas to keep them entertain. When they lived down South I didn't see them as often. To be honest I never really noticed a change in them, I didn't pay much attention to how much they'd grown or how much more they'd learnt. But seeing them more than once, twice or even three times a week has given me a glimpse into their lives. I cannot believe how much they've grown in the last two months alone. Not just physically, by George that Cameron has gotten taller. But they have learnt a whole lot too. They are very attentive boys and sensitive to the things going on around them. Lets see what we've learnt so far...

Do not go in Aunty Casey's kitchen. I know I'm a grouchy Aunty. But goodness me stay out of the kitchen lol. It drives me bonkers having them around my feet while I'm making a mess of their breakfast in the morning. Poor wee things.
1, 2, 3, 6. Khan liked to count like that. So we learnt where the four goes. He did drive me batty running round pulling stuff out and counting up to four lol. They are quick learners. I even asked what words start with the letter C, Casey, Cameron, Cat, Caleb, Daddy (not sure where they get that idea from) and Khan came up with CHICKEN!!!!! What an intelligent wee thing. Who comes up with chicken when we've been dealing with cats and Caseys.
I have learnt not to leave the fruit bowl out. I am still on the hunt for two bananas that I may or may not have eaten OR Cameron may or may not have eaten and left somewhere.
We've also learnt that cats don't like to be force fed and chickens don't like sand or being run over by a bike.

Good work boys! Miss you already and you're only away for a week.

Two Things

2011-05-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

One, the stupid booksale. The weekend before last I got the dates mixed up and thought it was the booksale. I was living ahead of myself by a week. Who is that crazy not to notice the dates or something. This weekend I was all set. I had checked the website, and it said those dates. But NO. It wasn't this weekend just passed either. I don't think they realise how it ruined my weekend lol. They changed their website on the Friday or the Thursday. The booksale is in SEPTEMBER for crying out loud. Who advertises one thing and changes their mind right next to the dates.

Oh well. September it is!

Second, haha Harold Camping. Hope work went well for you today back at the radio stations. Sadly for him and his reputation, his second prediction for the rapture didn't happened either. In some ways I'm happy, he was proven wrong and should now shut his mouth. But in other ways I feel quite gutted for him. Poor wee old man. All that money and work time spent on advertising and nothing happens.

He needs Jesus.

Lolz!!1

2011-05-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Its not what you're thinking either, you dirty people!

End of the World and a Book Sale!

2011-05-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

An old man has predicted the rapture and end of the world business again. May 21 2011 is the rapture. That is 3 days away guys!! Phil came home last night with this news, which was funny anyway because I'd had a wee moment earlier (more on that later). The video isn't the actual guy who predicted it, that is of someone else blithering about it. Harold Camping of Family Radio predicted that 1994 would be the end but has revised (for obvious reasons lol) that May 21 2011 would be a the date. I'm not sure about it all but I guess we'll find out in three days! I will give him this though, Mr Camping has a deep scary voice.

The more on that later part, just before Phil got home I had a great sense of impending ... something. Not sure what. It was about him coming home and giving me news. Like I knew he was coming home with something to tell me, like the stuff below. I'm not saying I actually believe this will happen. It was more like ... be guarded. Yeh thats it. I was trying to explain it to Philip last night but couldn't think of the words at the time. Thats it. Be on guard. Sometimes I forget that we let things into our home and our minds without really filtering what it is. Anyway I just thought that was interesting especially when he came home to tell me that.

Thankfully though, I will hopefully get in a shop at the Regent's 24 Hour Book Sale this weekend! I got all muddled last week because I thought it was then. Despite having the correct dates written on the calendar I've been working a week ahead of everything for some reason. I had the whole adventure planned out. I would go with Mother and SiL first on the Friday night and then Phil and I would venture out in the middle of the night again! I was gonna hit that place up twice!!!!! It was the highlight of my week for goodness sake! Once I realised I had it all wrong I was gutted. I have started writing the list of potential books to be purchased. Yes, I am a crazy book lady!

Weekend Fun

2011-05-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Jesse the guitar player has moved with his wife to Roxburgh. Initially I didn't really think about how that would make me feel. Probably because I trust them and think this is a fun time for them. But I find myself pondering the weather and the weekend afternoons alone. I wonder if today would have been a bbq night at Jesse's house. Sitting on the deck watching the sun set and spotting boats coming in the harbour.

Anyway we went to visit them on Saturday and investigate Roxburgh. I don't know about Phil but the moment I entered their house and wandered round being nosy I had decided it would be ok to come live there. Compared to Dunedin there is not a lot going on but it warm and quiet and has all the required things for a small town. More than one pub, a school, rugby grounds and a hugeeeeee park. Which gets top marks from my nephews I imagine. Poor wee things were so tired out by the time we got back to Jesse's house. Two plays at the park, some beer (ginger beer by the way lol) at a granny cafe and a cafe cat that wanders round and sits down with you was more than enough excitement. Not to mention the ice cream Phil stuffed in their little tiny bellies in Lawrence.

Changes

2011-05-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Lots has changed here in Dunedin lately. Its ruffled my feathers a bit. Especially because I feel like nothing has really changed for Philip and I. Sometimes it feels like I am stuck in this endless loop of sameness. I suppose having a job would make it not seem so much the same.

Michael and Phillipa have officially moved up to Dunedin from Invercargill. They have settled in at Mother's house with Cameron and Khan. Its certainly a full house! Cameron has gone off to kindergarten and Khan will soon follow. Michael has some temporary work not too far from my house. Phillipa has had some interviews. I couldn't think of anything scarier than moving to another city. Although I have actually done that anyway. But I wasn't packing a whole house, leaving a child down there and bringing a family up here. I can't imagine how uncertain things must feel for them.

In the mean time, there has been a few other people who have been an icon in Dunedin, especially at Elim who has left. It feel unsettling and less homely there than it ever did before. But I know and trust God that things will be moving where he wants them to.

This year has gone really fast. I remember thinking back in January that I wished things would move on a bit quicker. But now we've hit the winter months and it seems so slow and never ending.

Silly winter always does this to me. I already can't wait for some warmer weather.

Christchurch

2011-03-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

Its been pretty hard to miss all this business. I know for me it really freaked me out. Having been in the initial earthquake in Christchurch (September 2010), I thought that was a as bad as it could get. Despite that one being stronger in terms of numbers than Feb 2011 the devastation was no where near as bad.

I am super glad that everyone I know is safe. Including the people I've only met a few times but know their family members. I suppose the correct thing to say here would be "Praise the Lord". But the following week afterwards I found it hard to think of God anywhere in this. Even now I struggle to think of Him amidst things like this. I don't blame him, I don't think its his doing. But where in all that does God make it work for our good. I don't know. This is the hardest thing about loving God anyway, through everything. Humanity's thirst to understand everything gets in the way. We want reasons and knowledge, to understand. Thats one of my goals this year, to love even when I don't understand.

Anyway this is a nifty wee site to go to if you want to hear people's stories and comments. Clicky click here.

Sadly

2011-03-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately before we left for Queenstown we got the sad news that Phil's Grandfather Jackson from Cambridge (North Island) had passed away. We decided to travel to Hamilton for the funeral. It was nice to spend some time with Phil's family up there that I hadn't really spent much time with or even met. We stayed at his Aunt Bev's house in Te Kuiti. It was a nice time, the funeral was sad but I did get to see a cool photo slide of Grandad Jackson's life. It was really interesting to see what he'd been doing throughout his life.

Te Kuiti was very hot.

Anniversary

2011-03-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a few weeks since my last blog. Its been a bit busy AND lousy! But anyway. For our fifth wedding anniversary Phil and I went to Queentown. Since Phil has mentioned this burger up there I have wanted to complete the challenge of eating it all. And I did!! Its the Ferg Burger, worldwide famous! The picture really does not do justice to the size of it. It was massive. I ate it and didn't think I could eat ever again.

Queenstown was busy and hot. There were so many people crowding the street and traffic was mental. Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed myself up there and probably ate too much and had too many lollies :p Thanks Phil!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

2011-01-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I like cooking and sometimes I don't

Sometimes I'll get dressed up and sometimes I won't

Sometimes I'll do cleaning, sometimes I'm just lazy

But ALL the time, you know I love you like crazy!

The Unknown

2011-01-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a little under the weather. I believe my sister's cold has chased me all the way to Dunedin. Stoopid sore throat.

When I am feeling ill sleep is usually the last thing I will do. So ... I read. But my book list, because that would be slightly too productive. I read stuff on the internet. Last night I found this FANTASTIC website (through a forum which I am reluctant to admit that I read at the moment lol) that has anything and everything you can think of ... well that I can think of which I'd be interested in. As with spiders, which I hate ... or hated, I decided that my fear was generally unfounded and that more information and understanding about these little creatures would help with that fear.

I think it did, at least a little bit. I learnt how to tell the difference between a boy and a girl spider AND even held of getting Phil to murder a creepy and giant girl spider living on our doorstep. I watched this week spider with fascination as it made web after web and ate fly after fly. Seriously I have never taken the time to watch a spider get fat.

Anyway, one of the other things that I seem to fear is death. I should add about here that the fear isn't because I am unsure about where we go afterwards and so on. I'm pretty sure about the stuff that happens afterwards, like Heaven and Hell if you are unfortunate enough. I am just plain scared of death, dying, watching someone die, knowing I'll die some day. Dead. So ... as with spiders I decided I should look into this dying business a bit more. For me personally to get through something I need to fully understand the details and the how it works type stuff. Knowledge or understanding makes the unknown a little less scary for me.

HowStuffWorks is fantastic. It talks about things in an easily understood way without being morbid and depressing.

Anyway, I won't talk too much more about that. The one thing that did bother me and of course I want a more scientific explanation rather than just that these ppl were good little Christians ... Incorruptibles. I was like "What the hang is that...". If seeing a dead body generally freaks you out then I wouldn't go round clicking on the Incorruptibles link lol. Anyway basically back in the day a church (lol you can figure that one out) thought that if someone's body 'thwarted decay' then they were in some way to be tested for sainthood or whatever you want to call it. There are a coupe of Saints, dead of course, who have skipped the whole decomp process and are now on display in various churches....

Things to look forward to ...

2011-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

I had a thought today, what is something I am totally looking forward to in 2011!!?

Phil went back to work today after three weeks off. We've filled those three weeks off with as much as we felt like doing. Such as ... a wedding in hot hot hot Cromwell, Christmas in Dunedin, Christmas dinner in Invercargill, J's 1st birthday party in Heddon Bush, New Years in Dunedin... It all sounds like an exciting and busy time. AND I did very much look forward to those things. But what is that one thing I am going crazy running round in circles looking forward to.

Lets see...

1. 5th Wedding Anniversary. Thats right, guys. Five years. Crazy stuff huh? This year is wood. I am looking forward to celebrating five years but maybe not so much the wooden gift thing. Unless its a house ... made of wood. But just in case Phil reads this ... I'd love a wooden doll's house ... lol. Anyway, this anniversary I was thinking we should do something super crazy like jump out of a plane or something. But we've opted for a slightly more safe-ish thing. FergBurger. Its going to be fantastic! Photos will follow.

2. 25th Birthday. :( The older I get the more I realise I'm getting old. Lol. Somethings about fives this year huh?! Not sure if I am looking forward to this birthday or if I am just looking forward to a present! Or PRESENTS! Hehe.

3. Moving out of this internet-breaking-cold-damp-miserable house. Possibly. It would be nice.

4. Having a baby. Because ... you know, I am always looking forward to this idea :p

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T02:55:00.000-08:00

I'd like to be able to sit down and really think about what has happened this year. But when I do nothing much comes to mind.

The beginning of the year kicked off in down town Nelson, in semi nice weather with a new baby in the family. Jan arrived on the 28th of December after a bit of a session trying to get his way out. The drive home was one filled with tiredness and excitedness as I prepared for a one night stay at our house and then back down to Heddon Bush for cuddles galore.

After the holidays I felt like work at the cafe would improve. It was certainly a bit more busier and there were some interesting changes in there with me going full time and doing more food preparation rather than serving customers. It was an interesting lesson trying to balance out cooking this and that. Sadly (or thank goodness... ly) it was a short lived affair. After putting up with more crap than I thought any of us there deserved I resigned quickly and quietly. My last three weeks there were filled with nothing but the cold shoulder and more crap to deal with. Thank goodness it was over.

Since then I have taken a bit of time to breath and kind of think about what I should be doing with my life. Now that the year has ended I feel like I am no closer to that giant career choice than I was at the beginning of the year.

This year did the mark the first time that Phil and I opened out house up to my Father. We took some time off work for when he arrived, just to support each other. Without going into the long winded details I had been out of conta ct with him since highschool and had only struck up a letter based relationship. He has some heart tests that needed to be done up here so his ... not sure what to call it. A doctor called me to make sure it would be ok if he stayed here and so on. Dad's tests came back fine, surprisingly and we spent a few days together watching tv and eating alot of KFC. Apparently he likes that, no wonder he needed heart tests lol. Unfortunately the weather was raining so there was no wandering around Dunedin as we had planned, to show him the awesome parts of the place.Not alot of sight seeing to be done in Calton Hill :p

Phil has gone from strength to strength at his work, which is super exciting. He has been playing more gigs with Jesse the guitar player and we've eaten at their house more times than I can count now. I no long assume the status of visitor at their house, mainly because I now know where the icing sugar lives lol.

The year ended quietly with a quick break away in Cromwell/Tarras for a wedding that Phil played at. Then a Christmas BBQ with Mummy. Then it was down to Invercargill/Heddon Bush for another Christmas BBQ at Michael and Pip's house. I am a terribly Aunty though, I counted how many presents we had with us rather than who was getting what. Sadly Khan got a plastic spoon for Christmas, which was promptly thrown on the floor :( Jan had his first birthday on the 28th, Phil and I enjoyed decorating his birthday cake (poor boy) and running round after the kiddies.

It is now 8 minutes away from the 2nd of January. I spent New Year's with Phil and Elyse, the Octagon fireworks were crazy. I wish I'd thought to take my camera!

And now here we are ready for 2011 and all that it brings... like the rugby.

Eek!

2010-12-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

You know what I hate?

Spiders.

They are mangy manky disgusting hairy crawly gross things that get in every nook of the the house, garden and even my frekin' car. Apparently they have a use, they eat other stuff that would annoy me. But seriously I can handle a fly, they are not pleasant either but eek! A spider comes along and I flip a lid and run round like an idiot.

Ah isn't it like life. Every time something comes along that I consider a 'spider' I flip a lid and run round like an idiot. Like going to the dentist. I would rather put up with the fly of an ache than actually meet that dentist head on and deal with it. Sometimes it feels like I should be more grown up than this.

In reality I'm really not. I'm such a kid.

Things that annoy me but I don't want to change

2010-11-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

There are a few things at the moment, that are really really annoying me. But I don't want to change them, possibly because I can't be bothered but more likely because the changes would then annoy me more than before.

1. Sally the Cat. She has this habit of sleeping in the most inconvenient places on the bed at night. Like near your face or lying all stretched out so there is no room for me.

2. My hair. It has grown quite a bit. I can only vaguely remember the last hair cut, that was maybe two months ago. It is long. It is annoying to clean, sleep with, have out, tie up, brush and when its hot... oh don't get me started.

These three could probably change and that'd be ok :p

3. Ppl who ask for things or make rules about stuff and then whinge afterwards about how stupid and inconvenient those choices are.

4. Invitation to things like parties or special events and then getting zero details on it. This is only a little bit annoying I must confess.

5. Bugs. Bugs are disgusting things. I just don't understand why they are here ... well I mean, I get why they're here. Just don't like them. They are taking over our front yard and the weather has been so delicious lately but you can't even breath when you go out the front door in case you choke on them.

That is all the whinging I have. Thanks.

Mother's Day

2010-09-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

I painted this picture (I know!) for Mother as a Mother's Day present!!! I wish I could get a more awesome photo to show you!!! I will confess that this was basically a paint by numbers canvas!! Haha! And you were thinking "Whoa, Casey! I didn't know you could paint". But it still took alot of work and I managed to get it down in a dayish.

Pictures from Christchurch

2010-09-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Shakey Weekend

2010-09-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

I actually wrote this a few days after we got home from Christchurch. Probably around the 7th or 8th of September. I'm just lazy!

=======

Our internet is having issues, I don't know whether its because of the wind or maybe its that our front yard is almost swimming. So notepad it is. We are off to Mummy's for dinner tonight (Mmm hot food) so I'll post this up there.

I am very glad to be back in Dunedin where things seem a bit more stable. It has been quite an unsettling but successful weekend. The Christchurch wedding weekend kicked off to an interesting start with a 7.1 earthquake at 4.30 in the morning on Saturday! I woke to quite a noise and of course alot of shaking. I won't go into too much detail about the actual event but lets just say it scared the &*%# out of me! During it all I could think about was Dunedin. If it was this bad here what must it have been like for there! I rung my Mummy to make sure everything was ok! Apparently the earthquake affected CHCH more than Dunedin. Of course with no electricity and water and limited cell phone coverage I didn't really realise how bad it was for CHCH. Phil and I went for a wander (we didn't anticipate such a welcome so we weren't prepared with food in our accomodation) around the city centre to see how everything was. There was a fair amount of building damage. It wasn't until we were travelling to the wedding that we realised the roads and pipes were damaged too.

It was scary.

But the show must go on. I felt quite sorry for Phil's cousins (it was there wedding day) who had to change a few things around to fit in with nature. But CHCH turned out the beautiful weather and we had a great ceremony outside with a lot of pretty daffodils everywhere. The reception was unfortunately a no go because the buildings they'd organised weren't safe enough for us to party in. But the after wedding affair was still quite nice and there was plenty food (which trust me I was looking forward to along with HOT coffee and running water). Top job to John and Anita for not letting this get in the way!!!

By the time we go home from the wedding there was water and electricity. Would have been nice to have a shower, but I was just so tired. There were aftershocks alllllll day and through the night ... I just wanted to get some sleep. We spent our Sunday eating more tasty food (after a loooong hot shower) at the couple's house with the rest of the family. There was SO much food! And alot of alcohol too!!

BUT we are home! Safe and sound! I looked up the weekend news on the internet when I got home. Alot of ppl were seriously affected :( The scariest thing about it all was we had no control and there was no news. Information is such a powerful thing and to have none and be somewhat isolated compared to our technology savy society was a bit unnerving.

And now ... what about Haiti. CHCH got back up on it's feet very quickly. Emergency and city services were quick on the mark, I mean we were without running water for maybe 10 hours. There were a few shops open (that had power and some that didn't have power), a couple of supermarkets managed to open to provide ppl with water and food despite the mess around them. But some people in Haiti are still waiting on clean water and food! We are a very lucky Country! Very lucky.

Disgusting

2010-08-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

1
2
3
4

For separate incidents where someone has been horrible to an animal. Now let me get one thing straight... I don't really feel like I'm the kind of person who is a big PETA person... but I cannot stand it when ppl are malicious and cruel to an animal. Its absolutely disgusting. So click on the above links if you dare but I wouldn't recommend it.

Whats even worse about this is that two are from NZ.

Ok ok, all done with that now. The other thing I wanted to post about was a coffee place here in Dunedin.

Mazagran on Moray Place. Its on the same side as Rialto Cinema. This place is small and warmish and makes the most delicious coffee on the face of the earth. The milk is steamed perfect and the coffee shots are always on the dot great! But what really makes me want to cry is the service. There is a particular person there who is horribly rude to Phil and I. I don't know what it is about us two, maybe we don't look like we have enough money for our coffee. But this person is abrupt, never smiles and hardly talks to us. It feels like we are a huge hassle for them to serve. Now I get that this place is like a boutique coffee place, all it does is coffee. Its small but I believe it has a good following because their coffee really is great. But I don't think there is any excuse for being constantly rude. I can dismiss the ocassional moody response but seriously... every time I go in there!!

Not impressed.

Did you like that? Did you like how I just switched from something relatively serious to coffee. Man I suck!

WoW, where you been?

2010-08-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

On the odd occasion I'll admit that I lean a little towards the Geek. The last two weeks I've been busy geeking it up hard core to hit level 80 :) Really an explanation is required but I fear that you'll only get bored.

Anyway some may or may not have heard of World of Warcraft. Its a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. For those not in the know ... this basically means that its a game where you assume a role (and in my case I am a Night Elf Druid amongst other things) and kick around in a world called Azeroth with a million bazillion other real people from all over the world. Or on my realm (server) its mainly Americans. You start out with a level one character and must complete quests within the world to level up. During the levelling process you get gold, silver and copper aswell as items of armour or clothing which assist in keeping you alive and have stats that help with whatever class you are.

Class you say? Well I have a druid. Her name is Rylea and she is quite pretty. Druids in-game are renowned for their connection to nature. There are three different options or talent trees that she can train in, in order to help complete quests and later on at level 15, complete dungeons (or instances, more on that later). The first is called Balance. Balance is a tree that allows Rylea to cast damage causing 'spells' to kill monsters in the game. The second is called Feral. Feral is a tree that lets Rylea 'shape shift' in various creatures such as Bear and Cat form. Each animal shape has its own unique job within the game. The Bear is considered what I'll call a 'tank'. This means, when properly specced with the right armour and stats, that Rylea could take massive amounts of damage from the environment. The Cat on the other hand, when properly specced and geared, has the role of dps or damage. The Cat has various damage causing abilities like 'Rip', 'Claw' and 'Mangle'. The final tree is called Restoration. When specced and geared for this tree Rylea can heal and cure poisons and curses.

Rylea is special because she actually has two talent trees that she can switch between. Feral and Restoration.

The max level at the moment is 80. It takes quite a bit of playing in order to hit 80. Once there you are awesome!

Anyway thats enough for now. I'll post definitions of some of the crazy words I've used later and possibly post a picture of Ry.

Pfft

2010-08-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

Phil: You haven't blogged in like .. two weeks Casey. Especially on a Friday with the whole Fail Wife Friday.

Casey: Thats because I haven't failed lately.

:p

Aww

2010-07-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

I think this is adorable. It just goes to show that even the simplest things are important!

Here, right here!

In other news ... it is my Mummy's birthday tomorrow!!!

*gasp*

Crazy huh! Can't believe how quick the year has gone, its going to be over soon and my family has yet to produce a baby for 2010 :P Its looking quite unlikely now!

Jam

2010-07-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

About six months ago I started collecting fliers that were dropped in our mailbox. They were sent by someone in the Realty Business, and seriously ... there were two or three a week! This particular lady would send out fliers and letters telling us about how her holiday to Fiji went, how she is an excellent character who would look after all your house buying and selling needs. It got to the point where I was sick of hearing about her holidays and her new cars that I started collecting the many newsletters and pictures she sent round, with the intent of posting them back to her and telling her to get lost.

Lol.

I think I accidently recycled all these bits of paper unfortunately.

Anyway, what is up with mail ppl just shoving the stuff into the mailbox. Yes I clear once a day, yes most of it is junk. But really, what about when real letters come along and they have to be jammed into the box and scrunched up. Now I am hearing you tell me to get one of those little notices that say "No Junk Mail". But I like the junk mail :P What I don't like is people jamming it in there when the box is already full and so making it a right mission for me to un-jam the stupid slot.

Stop it. You scrunched up dh's voting mail!

Birthday Girl

2010-03-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow it is my 24th birthday. Yes thats right. 24. Tomorrow is also another very important day.

Paramore.

Concert.

In.

Christchurch.

Oooohhh yes. I am not over the top excited... wetting my pants and running round the house screaming my face off yet. But I am sure it will happen :)

So tomorrow, on my birthday, I am working a half day. Then Elyse and I are jetting off to Christchurch to see Paramore. Naturally in preparation for such a thing I have been on a Paramore Binge. Which I will post about later. I have been watching some of their live stuff and I think .... I think I REALLY like it! Surprise. Anyway they have an outro to one of their songs called "Miracle". Its done something to me. I'm not sure what though. Anyhow I'll put up the lyrics later in the Paramore Binge.

In the mean time... As if a concert with loud guitars was not enough (line arrays *scream*) .... I am jetting back home again to be greeted by my brother and sister and all the little kiddies. AND I am going to be experiencing the joys of Teppenyaki for the first time on Saturday night for my birthday. AND THEN I am having brunch at my Mummy's house in her nice new kitchen with ALL my family.

Talk about being spoilt rotten this birthday huh?

Moment of Panic

2010-03-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

You know that moment when you fully realise that you've lost something important? Like, lets say its raining cats and dogs and a whole lot else and you run to your door from the stupid bus stop two blocks away only to realise your keys are on your bedside cabinet ... IN the house!!!

OR... when a someone is driving you to work in the earlyish hours and you can totally see that big ugly black logging truck rushing towards your side of the car, but that person decides to hoof it anyway!!!

Maybe your moment of panic is when you can see someone in front of you in the throws of tripping up!

I hate those moments.

Yes. Hate.

What is your moment of panic?

Drafts

2010-02-11T01:37:00.000-08:00

I have a headache. I wish it would go away because it is driving me insane!

In other news, I've just decided to post the drafts that I had saved. They are kind of amongst the last few weeks. Pretty useless huh? So if things are repeated then you know why :)

Adriane's birthday is this Saturday! How quick has this year gone?? What have I been doing??!! Anyway, tomorrow Phil and I are off to visit Adriane for the night. We'll get J cuddles and hopefully squeeze in a few other baby cuddles while down there.

Anyway my headache is getting pretty bad now. Goodbye for now :)

Late

2010-01-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who complains that I am always late.

I never used to be late. I used to be a time freak. But now... now I work on my time.

When should I say that I know I'm late ... because I deliberately show up late?

Back to work

2010-01-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Wow! Can you believe that it is 2010! I cannot believe that it is 2010. I am beginning to feel a little bit old. Phil and I are now back to work. Have been for a week now. On the first day I wanted to go back on holiday again! It has been reasonably busy.

So the last week has been full on. We had Cameron for a few days when we got home from Nelson. He is so cute now. He spent most of the time running round trying to find me when I left the room. Now that there are children in the family there is something to measure my age off now.

I am enjoying my new job at work. I don't really do the serving anymore. I make all the foods in the kitchen now. Its an interesting job in that everyone who has been in it has turned out to be right nutters! I am worried that I'll turn out nutty too. Especially since I've been in it for a week and I already feel like everything isannoying me.

I dropped the soap dispenser in the bathroom sink and the sink has a big crack in it now. I don't think the landlord is going to be too impressed with me.

Slowness of everyday life

2010-01-08T00:14:00.000-08:00

Normally I dread the holiday time when work slows down, shops shut up and students leave. I dread that feeling of lonliness (which is never far away anyway), with an empty city and empty calendar. I always hated when school finished up for the year, maybe its because it was like an end of an era.

A healthy dose of death

2010-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am always reminded at this time of year about how lucky I am. This could be because I've just gotten back from Nelson and all along the way the roads are decorated with death. Death by accident, stupidity, selfishness.

Decorated with the reminder that life is easily given and easily taken.
Decorated with poor decisions made, decisions regretted. Right decisions.
Decorated with sacrifice.

Then I see the flowers and flying colours around the crosses. For every cross there is a family suffering the loss of someone.

2009

2010-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

This last year has gone fast, yeah sorry about the cliche there. But it really did go quick. I find myself heading towards my 24th birthday and I can't think what I've been doing with myself since I left highschool. Unlike the typical I don't think I ever really felt rushed to grow up while I was a child/teenager. I never had this urge to be independent of my Mother and the 'household'. Other than, of course, I wanted to get married but I didn't know how this was going to work in the grand scheme of things. But all I have done is move from one dependency to another, haven't I?

And so 2010 or Twenty Ten has brought me ever closer to the quarter century of my life (2011). I find myself dreading this moment, when I will be old. Haha, some of you will laugh at me worrying about age at my tender 23 years. But I have come to realise (haha about this too) that once I've reached 25, that is it. I can't go back to highschool where things seemed easier (although confusing at the same time). If I want to live in a house and be comfortable then I will have to work and can't rely on my Mother to take care of my every need (like making my bed in the mornings lol). I would almost consider myself an official adult at the age of 25.

I've also become increasingly uncomfortable about my very apparent lack of children. The older I get and the longer I've been married the more I feel the social pressure to produce children. The more people give me sideway glances when I answer "No" to their "How many young children do you have?" questions. Yes people, I realise I am getting old and that the chances of children are getting slimmer by the moment. I definately do not need a 50 something telling me that I better get a hurry on!! What about the people who don't get married until they are actually 25 ... or older?!!! I think its because I've been married for four years. Silly people should worry themselves over the crime rate or something like that.

I still haven't found a real job. Haha. What do I mean by real job? I have no idea. A job that other people will "ooohh" and "aaahhh" over. "What do you do?", "work in a cafe". Not exactly a conversation starter. I quickly realised that I was never going to get anywhere in this line of work, so really I do need to find a job where I will actually get recognised for the work I do.

Speaking of jobs, 2009 has been interesting. I completed my internship at Phil's work. It seemed to have gone ok. I don't really feel like I did what I was supposed to do. It was a real job afterall where people paid you a substantial amount of money to complete a task. After that I couldn't find a job straight away like I would have liked. So I had a few months there where I looked and found nothing. It would seem that during a recession no one wants to pay someone to pay others!! Eventually of course I fell into a job at the cafe ... again. Sometimes it feels like I've never left. Indeed ... I've only had a year off since I started. So I've been back there for six months or so. New owners + people leaving/being useless = an interesting and stressful six months.

Lots of baby love for 2009. Khan had his 1st birthday in October. Well his first birth date. He is such a big boy now, he is almost walking too. I have decided that he was too young for such walking business but I suppose he can't be a baby forever. Adriane got herself pregnant, haha. Little Jan 'J' was born on the 28th of December. Cameron has his second birthday in November. The baby making will no doubt slow down in the next few years as people settle down more.

I have begun the slow and difficult task of learning to drive. Finally. After many years of having my learners I have finally decided that its time I grow up and get my restricted. You can never be too old I suppose. I would hate to be fifty and not have my full. So the goal is to have the full thing sorted by the time I am in my 25th year.

Tabitha also left. For Canada. Leaving me here in cold Dunedin.

We visited Nelson and CHCH twice aswell. I shopped until Phil's wallet disappeared completely! I've managed to get myself quite sick three times too :) With a suspected swine flu thrown in for good measure.

Phil and I started the interesting process of house buying. Goodness! It was a long drawn out process, which I am sure wouldn't have been like that if we'd had been dealing with a better bank person. In the end it got sticky with deposits and where money had come from. It took such a long time that we stopped the process just before Christmas because we couldn't be bothered anymore. Certainly we'll look at it again and now that I've been working for six months it might be easier. We did find a fantastic place we would have loved to buy but our offer was rejected. So it certainly was a really interesting (if confusing) process and we learnt quite a bit about banks and money and what we want in a house.

I wish I could say that I've learnt a whole heap and have changed and become a better more compassionate person. But I don't know that I have. Heres to 2010, a year where I might become a better person!! Haha!

Hello from Nelson

2009-12-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

This is my second day in Nelson and it is hot. HOT! Why is it hot here? I have no idea.

Anyway I have been treated to many treats during the last few days. Such as:

visiting with family
Christmas presents
having friends around
Philip buying me lots of things ...

That is just a small list. I am sure I could rattle of some other things. But the most fun and important thing is I AM AN AUNTY again! My big sister Adriane had her wee baby on the 28th via c-section in Invercargill. After a reasonably long labour and some complications wee Jan jr was born. I have yet to see a photo of him which is DRIVING me batty and sometimes I wish I had stayed down there to see him. Mum tells me he looks like Jan jr Sr lol ... In any case I am quite excited about getting to meet Nephew Number Four!

Christmas in the South

2009-12-24T02:54:00.000-08:00

So we have arrived in Heddon Bush. Again. Yes thats right folks, again. For the third time in the last six weeks. Every time we get here its windy too. This freaks me out because there are trees around the house and they make A LOT of noise and it sounds like its either raining buckets of water or the trees are getting blown about so hard that they are going to fall on my car.

I suppose the buckets would damage the car too. So it just shouldn't be so windy.

Anyway last day of work today. Phew. Glad that one is over. I am quite surprised that I still have energy really. Usually by now I am really hanging out for a decent break. However I've been quite spoilt in getting afternoons off and days off. Very spoilt indeed. Although getting holes sliced into arms isn't that much of a treat.

I got the stitches out yesterday. That was fun. Not. Two out of three were fine and the last one was ... painful. I've decided that I shouldn't have anymore 'anythings' that require cutting out. While it hasn't been intense pain its been enough to be disruptive and the bandages are getting really annoying now.

12.00am.

Merry Christmas.

Eww

2009-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Sally is looking after me by sitting on Phil's pillow

Eww yukky

Phil's photo taking skills ... lol looks worse close up actually

Waiting waiting ...

2009-12-17T23:24:00.000-08:00

I am still waiting ... waiting waiting. My big sister is pregnant and any moment she could go into labour. Her due date is Sunday. Thats right people! THIS Saturday!!! Why is it taking so long? The poor girl must be going insane. Not to mention getting sick to death of hearing from me every ten seconds. Adriane puts up with alot lol.

Glad. I am glad this week has come to an end. It hasn't been that bad really, just ready for a break. I can't believe how quick Christmas has rolled along, in fact I thought I still had two more weeks. But no. Mother reminded me about Tim's birthday on Monday!! I have gotten him a spur of the moment present. Now let me explain that one. It doesn't mean that I just got him whatever was around me at the time and "it'll do". No. No this is something that he likes. Well hopefully. Its mini though and I didn't think they came in mini sizes ... lol.

I am also glad that this week is over because its another week closer to Phil's work finishing up. It feels like thats all he has been doing lately, working. It makes me cranky, especially today when I am sore. I'll post a photo about that one after this.

Heddon Bush Again!

2009-12-13T23:35:00.000-08:00

A great many things have happened since the last post. Can I really only be posting every two weeks?! Of course the last time I was in Heddon Bush I went to an antenatal class. My sister is even more rounder than two weeks ago. I think she is quite keen to get Pinda out of her soon!! Due at the end of this week in fact. It makes me feel old, amongst other things. But it also feels like this year has gone fast and that I have done nothing in the way of achievements.

Well truth be told, I've not achieved anything!

Anyway since that antenatal class, I've been to Adriane's post grad graduation here in Dunedin. Good work Adriane for getting through another few years of too much essay writing and assessments. You've done well. I was quite surprised to see how many girls walking across the stage who were pregnant.

And as you know I've also been down to Heddon Bush again. I organised and threw Adriane's baby shower. Which I have mixed feelings about still. It seemed to go well but Iforget how the people down there don't eat anything. More than anything though, I realised I am just not a host in any way. I should stop wanting to organise all these kinds of things. Silly me. In any case I think Adriane enjoyed having all the girls around and hopefully she felt spoiled!

I also drove again. Thank you very much I think I've improved!

Hello and welcome to the real world!

2009-12-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Yes the real world. Whatever that is.

Our trip down South was good. I spent some time with Adriane and Jan (and Pinda of course). I also managed to squeeze in some time with Michael and Pip and Nephews 1,2 and 3. Nephew one has recently had first communion. Exciting stuff.

The antenatal class was great! I really enjoyed learning all the stuff. Scary stuff lol, poor Adriane. She is about ready to pop aswell! She let me feel her belly when it was contracting or when Pinda's limbs were poking through. It actually creeped me out a bit. I thought it would be fluffy ducks but it was creepy. Sorry about that Pinda lol.

Holiday Fun

2009-11-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

Confirmation

So now that things are all confirmed and sorted I suppose I can talk about my wee holiday extravaganza coming up.

Phil and I are off to Nelson to see his family. We're also taking Elyse (girl I work with). I don't think she has been past Christchurch. Fun times for her! Anyway just after Christmas we are off to Christchurch for two days, where we'll shop 'til our car won't fit anything else. Also we'll pick up Elyse's flat mate and take her to Blenhiem (spelling?). Once in Nelson I think I'll just live in the water. Especially if its anything like it was last time!!

Crazy hot.

Also since its pretty much confirmed ... I shall be having a change in position at the cafe. At the moment I am kind of in between things. One week I work part time and the next week I work full time. My job has kind of changed quite a bit. Next year I shall be taking over the position that mostly does food/meal prep (as opposed to serving, dishes, coffee making and cleaning). Um. Should be interesting and scary all at the time.

Winton

2009-11-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

I never even posted about the thing I wanted to say. Now that title has gone to waste.

Anyway I am in Heddon Bush, Winton right now. Using Woosh internet. Which is painfully slow I'd just like to say. Got to love living on a farm in the middle of no where! So anyway I am ticking one of the things off my list. I am down here for Adriane's antenatal classes. Well just one class. Tomorrow. Keep in mind I don't have any of my own children, nor have I been around someone who is almost ready to pop other than Pip. And even then the last time I saw her before she had either babies was a few weeks before. Adriane is less than a month away. Scary.

I wonder if I can take photos lol. I suppose there won't be too much I'll want to have saved as a photo. Adriane has told me that the movies have been and gone so it might be safe tomorrow. In any case I think I'll be ok.

Never thought I would be attending a class on a Saturday!

Cows and baby

2009-11-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

Remember that big long list that I rattled off a few weeks ago? Well I am still working on that list. I've managed to cross a few things off ... like birthdays... just quoting the list again would be better probably.

* Elyse's 21st dress up party
* Cammy's 2nd birthday
* a surprise something
* Another work birthday

Elyse's party was fab. Cammy's birthday was an exciting chaos of cute kiddies and far too much tasty food. Cameron was of course and right wee cutey!! I can't believe how big he is getting. Of course I am quite short, so he'll be towering me in no time.

The surprise something went down well. I can tell you about it now. Elyse and I decorated the cafe and organised people for another girl who we work with. She is having a baby girl in February and we wanted to celebrate by surprising her with a present and a super hot pink cafe. I'll have to post some pictures. Everyone wore pink and we had our baker put pink icing on everything! The work birthday was also that pregnant girl's birthday. She got lots of presents and attention. As she should!

* Jan's birthday early December
* Tim's birthday late December
* Pinda's birth on the same date as Tim's birthday
* The 24th is my last day at work for two weeks!
* Christmas Day

Many things have now been added to this poor wee list of busy-ness.

* Antenatal classes with my big sister
* Adriane's graduation for her post grad diploma... lol I think its a diploma
* Adriane's baby shower
* Christchurch/Nelson trip

Phew. I don't have a spare weekend until after I get back from Nelson. Funnily enough my first vacant weekend is the one right before the day I go back to work!

Give it a rest huh!!

Sick and NEW MOON PREM!

2009-11-19T01:02:00.000-08:00

This week feels like its been very slow :( I have spent most of the week hanging over a bowl in bed. And if I wasn't there then I was on the couch with my head in a bowl. Not a good look. I do appreciate Phil looking after me though, it can't look too pretty at all.

So other than being quite sick for three days and not working I managed to wipe three movies off my must see movie list! I know! November and December appear to be the month of exciting movie and dvd releases. I watched Bruno, Transformers II and of course the best of all New Moon.

Bruno was a bit different than what I expected. Although I wouldn't say its very appropiate for general audience I always find Sacha Baron Cohen movies interesting. This is because he takes the mickey out of stereotypes in action. In any case it was a funny movie but not one I'd rent again or waste money on again.

Transformers II was disappointing. It had too much stuff happening. Lol. Stuff. Yes stuff. It was like the screen couldn't fit everything in because there was so much to concentrate on. Other than that the movie was ok. Storyline was average and it didn't feel like the story for that particular movie had concluded. It just suddenly ended. An enemy simply running away is not an ending to a movie. I suppose they wanted to end it in a way that meant a third movie could be done if this one did well.

New Moon *sigh*

New Moon was fantastic! Although I must admit there was more I didn't enjoy really like than did like, serious stuff lol. Not just me liking on half naked monsters.

Likes:

Wolves, great to see the other half of the bigger picture in action

Jacob's character developed, you can almost see him being a noob in the movie, in preparation for his arrogant/defeated attitude he has in Eclipse.

Half naked wolves ... hehe.

Half naked Edward

Paul and Jake fighting as wolves, that scene was great, as was the scene near the end where the Volturi are giving it to Edward. Greeaaaatt fighting scene!

Quirky vamp/wolf/pale faces jokes/any other jokes!

Dislikes:

Spinning camera techs, not so great. Actually made me want to vomit

Poor score, it was insane!! It was overtop in some places, and not enough in others. It was like watching the Telly Tubbys with epic Titanic score music in the background. Ridiculous. I must admit that I had my suspicions considering the state of the movie soundtrack and the director. His last major film was Golden Compass...

Not enough script, the movie didn't feel like it had a story to tell as such.

So thats without giving a review!! Bahahaaa. Overall I liked the movie because I liked Twilight and the books. Only 7 months to go until Eclipse!!!

Corny-ness Alert

2009-11-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

There is a girl at work who does this amazing thing. I've never encoutered it before, although the five love languages book would tell me that its out there. You'll only laugh at me when I tell you what it is.
Oh well.
So this girl, she does this thing when she walks past you sometimes. I don't know quite what it means for her when she does but I know it passes two messeges onto me.

1. She likes me or I'm pretty ok.
2. Its a way to encourage me or assure me.

She simply touches you on the shoulder. Its a gesture of comfort and approval without conditions. I think its fantastic. I never seen this kind if gift outside of the church before. Its certainly interesting to see how people (even the non-Christians*) cannot escape their God-given gifts, even when they aren't looking to him.

Alternatively, it could just mean that she wants to me get out of her way. Lol.

*I don't like labelling people like that. But I suppose someone who believes in Jesus and so on would be considered a Christian and therefore labelled as one. I don't think Christians mind being labelled as that. But do non-Christians mind being labelled as non-Christians?

Consciously Cool

2009-11-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think of things to blog about so I write it down on my super awesome qwerty keyboard-ed phone for later reference. Problem with this is I never actually go back and check through it for a few months. The notes I have written mean nothing to me lol! OR they mean nothing but look like they could have meant something that I am not interpreting them to mean now.

'Consciously cool' was one of the phrases I wrote down for later. I cannot for the life of me remember what was so significant about that though. I can assume it wasn't something very nice though. Maybe it was about something I've been thinking about for a while now. Which is: do people hang out with other people who they think are cool? Well of course this must be true. But whatever happen to just being around someone because they are good people? I am not talking about people who are cool as in nice friendly people but the arrogantly cool.

Lol ... probably the people who are arrogantly special ... hahah like me!!

Special Arrogance

2009-11-08T03:12:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I was busy with a friend's 21st birthday. She very kindly gave me the privilege of serving her by sorting out a few things. The party was good and I think she enjoyed herself. She purchased some very beautiful flowers, a necklace and a lovely card for me to say thanks.

It made me feel special.

Very special.

It got me thinking... When was the last time I felt special? Even now I cannot think of the last moment when I truly felt like I'd accomplished something that only I could do and therefore be considered special.

If you were lucky enough to attend Sunday school or even have Bible in Schools then perhaps you might understand this better. When I was little, during these classes it was stressed to me that I was special and that God loved me. Now when you are little you take these things as pure truths. Probably because you are little and Mum and Dad take care of you and prepare you for the time when that feeling of special-ness is no longer based off being around family (who love you unconditionally most of the time).

Anyway. If I can't remember the last time its hard to make a comparison. But lets just say that I certainly did feel special, like I'd served in some way that only I could help with. It made me happy to think that I could be of some use. This led me to think about whether feeling special is actually an arrogant thing. Should I be so arrogant as to think that there is truly something I was made for? To think that I was made for such a moment as to organise someone's twenty first birthday seems rather ridiculous and kind of arrogant to me. But at the end of the day, is it arrogant to know that only you could have accomplished such good results?! Now I'm not sayin that the next person wouldn't have been successful, I'm not so foolish as that, to think that my party was the best ever and that only I could have been as successful as that. I have no doubts that the next person could be successful at pleasing my friend.

I bet if she read this she'd think I was being silly.

*sigh*

Is feeling special* just another excuse to be arrogant?

***
You'll be pleased to know that my special 'feeling' didn't last long... because I realised that I probably wasn't that special afterall ... thanks to the humans.

Time flies.

2009-11-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Phew, this week is almost over. Only two more days of work. Should be good :)

Lets see, Elyse's party went out without too many issues. I do have photos but I can't decide whether I'll share any or not. Maybe just one. The photo I like doesn't exactly show our outfits very well though :( It was a dress up party.

Cameron's 2nd birthday has been confirmed. I can't believe he was born two years ago. I feel so old. I suppose this should be expected though. Of course babies will grow up.

Christmas dinner is in Heddon Buch this year. Should be interesting :P Hopefully it'll be roast beef bahahaha!

I have already got the wheels in motion for the surprise something. Oh I better buy a pink t shirt sometime soon too!! Goodness!! Time flies!

A list of aawwwesome-ness to top it all off!

2009-11-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

This is another list because I forgot two pretty cool things. And thanks to Tabitha for reminding me ... I haven't quite figured out what I am going to send over yet. I think I'll do the whole birthday and Christmas present in one box thing. So it has to be reasonable sizes. Lol this could be interesting.

1. Tabitha's birthday :)
1. Tabitha sending me a present

They are both number ones because ... well they are number on the list!!!!

Last holiday before Christmas ...

2009-10-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

And I have just had my last holiday before Christmas. Sad times. I actually had a two day weekend in there.

Things to look forward to between now and Christmas:

Elyse's 21st dress up party
Cammy's 2nd birthday
a surprise something
Another work birthday
Jan's birthday early December
Tim's birthday late December
Pinda's birth on the same date as Tim's birthday
The 24th is my last day at work for two weeks!
Christmas Day

I wonder how all these things can be jam-packed into a few months. This time of year has always been busy for my family. Babies and Christmas then more birthdays. Perhaps I should say its always an expensive time of year for my family. To top that all off there is two weeks holiday in between which still has to be confimed for Phil. I'd be pretty gutted if he didn't get the time, otherwise I'll be sitting at home for the holidays!!

No concrete plans yet since Phil's work has yet to approve the annual leave. So I won't babble on about it in case it doesn't come through. Hopefully it involves somewhere hot.

Plate headed

2009-10-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am in the wars at work.

A microwave plate fell from 'on high', onto my head where it prompty split down the middle and smashed on the ground into lots of smaller pieces. There is a smallish bump on my head and it hurt. A bit. Oh yes.

I spun round to yell at the other girl I work with for throwing something so hard at me. No one was around. Weird. It just fell out of the microwave.

Ooohhh weeeelll.

Feet in the air ...

2009-10-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while at work I fell over.

More like slipped and completely assed up!! Someone had just moped the lino and hadn't quite gotten round to letting me know. So I trotted round there and fell. I spent about an hour at the emergency doctor getting xrays and drugs and getting prodded.

''Where is your owie?"

AND now as if a sore side is not enough, I think I am getting sick. I am a super sore throat and a headache anddddddd feeling vomit-y. Haha. Ha. I managed to get the day off tomorrow though. Six day weeks don't agree with sick bodies.

In the mean time Phil is practising some music with a girl from work who sings. She is a fantastic singer and its nice to have music in the house when I get home from work. Phil of course plays music but its practising pieces without lyrics which makes for really bitsy music. Anyhow Phil is going to be playing at another girl's 21st birthday next weekend. Lucky wee thing is excited because he will be playing at Isis!

Someone put a wallet on our door step today. Good guy. Someone has dropped it outside our driveway. Should I take it to the police. There doesn't seem to be anything that has an address in it. Which is a shame because its everything lost, drivers license, eftpos etc. Sucks to be them.

Just remembered ...

2009-10-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

The other night I was looking for Sally and I opened the front door to call her in. It was semi-dark but light enough for me to still see without a light. There was something UP our driveway looking in our car!!! I started yelling at the cat before I saw them and they stoppped and ran away!!

Dirty rat. Who gets busy sussing a car at dinner time, while EVERYONE is clearly home.

"What a joke!"

Stuff while I remember

2009-10-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

Ok ok, so Jane-O has been coming round on Wednesdays to practise singing with The Phylis. Anyhow we took her through BK drivethru the other day because she was hungry. We had our dinner sorted at home but it was far too tempting and after dropping her back we wandered back to BK. We decided to go inside and line up the traditional way. After what seemed like a rather long wait it was finally our turn. While the counter person was finishing up an order or something a guy came round the front from the burger making station.

He DRIBBLED onto his hand which was holding a paper bag for someone's take away order.

DRIBBLED. Do you know how disgusting that is?! It wasn't like a little spit flying here or there. It was a full on dripping off his chin and hanging there dribble.

Oh my grossness!

There was something else but now that I am grossed out I can't remember lol.

Gross.

PS/ We left when that happened by the way.

One more thing ...

2009-10-15T00:24:00.000-07:00

I scored tickets to the midnight screening of New Moon.

I know! This is wet your pants stuff!!

Khan's First Birthday

2009-10-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Phil's Bull and the Latest Addition to the Jackson Family

2009-10-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Every time we go to Southland we have to stop and check this fella out.

He is enormous! This photo does not do him justice. He is real hairy too!

The Nord, with my sexy bookshelf in the background.

Ooh! Aah! 73 key.

Pretty shadows :)

Explanation

2009-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Short post huh? Lol. I have been writing the last post for over a week now. Crazy huh? Every time I come to sit down and write I am lost for words. Not because I am overwhelmed but because I've been sooooo tired that I can't for the life of me remember what I was going to say!!

The month of October, November and December seem to be busy ones. I feel like my weekends and even week nights are fast becoming booked with this and that. Exciting times for me I suppose. For a change its not churchy stuff which pretty much overtook my life.

Let me see. Exciting things have happened this month. Phil and I finally purchased a Nord. Phil is smitten pink with it, poor guy!! I am very happy for him though, he has finally gotten something that is for him, and I finally get to have music in the house! Which is nice. Even if it is some crazy jazz numbers.

My six day work week started last week. It didn't help that I'd been doing more hours than usual in the build up to it. Saturday was dead though, so I suppose I shouldn't count that really. I find it interesting working six days a week. I get to Friday and I can't get excited because there is still another day there. It also makes for difficult weekend arrangements. In other good news next weekend is Labour Weekend so I'll get a two day weekend! Yay!!

Also CONGRATS to Khan, my third nephew. Gorgeous wee fella that he is. He had his first birthday on the sixth. Which he coincidently spent here in Dunedin. I can't believe how big he is. It feels strange because I know he shouldn't be so advanced. Anyway photos in the next post!!

Firsts

2009-10-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Many things have been done in the last week or so that could be called firsts. Bahaha!

a new addition to the Jackson family (the Nord)
the purchasing of a second bed for the spare room
Khan's first birthday
My first six day week

Piece of Cake

2009-10-05T03:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time huh. There should be something exciting happening but alas I am lost for words.

Well let me see. I've been down South again since the last post. It was Khan's first birthday party on Sunday. Can you believe its been almost a year?! That is crazy! I took plenty of photos and so on. I shall share some tomorrow when I'm not in such a tired grump. Not even a hundred percent sure where my camera is actually.

Anything else? Well yes, its Khan's official first birthday tomorrow. Michael and Pip with kids in tow are up at the moment. Thankfully I managed to get half of tomorrow off so I can party with everyone.

Nextly, work. Well work is work. Tiresome yes. Money yes. And not a lot of time for anything else. In fact I think the highlight of my work week last week was when Phil and I took our towels to the clothing drier place in the student area. Do you know how huge the driers are??? Large load does not even come close to it. I loved it. Cost a fair amount. But ALL my towels were in the wash thanks for typical Dunedin weather. It was rather mesmerising watching the silly stuff go round and round.

Let me see ... work is good. Getting a little bit busier due to school holidays and of course warmer (haha) weather. Its almost December!! Christmas and a new baby are fast approaching! I have a cool two weeks off for my Christmas break. Oh oh and also I start my six day work weeks this week. That should be interesting. I always look forward to Fridays because thats the end of the week. But now its going to be stretched even further to Saturday. Almost as long as the other days. Slightly different staff. Not as many as I would like. Considering I should be wanting it to be busy rather than quiet right?!

Goodbye Fast Internet

2009-09-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sally has a cone on her head. Stupid cat keeps eating her stitches. AND now Phil and I are going away for a few days so she'll be stuck sulking round home with a silly cone. That'll learn her.

The weather is warmish today.

Anyhow I am off to Heddon Bush today, on the bus. Silly bus. It takes three hours to get t o Invercargill on a bus. Trust me it feels alot longer than that. Phil leaves shortly after me for Auckland. I think he is going to a Microsoft conference. Lucky him huh?!! Lol ... no really. I hope he has lots of fun.

And now I am going to look at maps to see what kind of shops are around sky city, thats where the conference is. So I need to see what my gift request is going to be :)

Break Time

2009-09-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a hectic time since I started working at the cafe again. People have been sick and people have had mini operations and I've been sick and so on. While I was only supposed to working less than part time I've been working almost full time. Not a week has gone by where I've not had my hours changed or someone has been off. Its been annoying but the pay cheque always makes me feel happy afterwards.

And I suppose thats why I have to make sure I do a really good job. Because at the end of the day this isn't like volunteering in church or anything like that. If I make a stuff up supposedly I am forgiven, taught to do it right and then we all move on. BUT in a real job, I am taught to do it right and expected to get it right all the time. My reward (if you can call it that) is to get paid for it. Getting paid means its reasonable for my employer to expect nothing less than excellence.

This is why I like jobs. There is absolutely no excuse, ever.

Anyway, speaking of all this I have three days off next week. Monday Tuesday AND Wednesday! Pretty exciting huh??!! I've only been working since the middle of June and already I feel like I need a break. So while Phil is in Auckland (on a business trip) I shall be down visiting my big sister in Heddon Bush, Wintonish, Southland. There are baby cows!!! And then there is a real baby, although I can't play with the real baby just yet, but soon :)

I like break time.

You know what I really don't like Part Two

2009-09-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago Phil post the note below. I've had a few questions about this and thought I should clarify what was going on.

I (Casey) wrote this post not Philip. He was still signed in and he is authorised to post things via his username. So there.

It was in reference to our house offer being rejected. I can't remember if I mentioned that it was or even that we'd put one in. I was not particularly upset about it actually, which is surprising. But the response from people (no one in particular by the way) was along the lines of the following. Its also the response from people (again no one in particular) about things like infertility. Its also a response from people (again x2 no one in particular lol) about general life situations. It was in no way aimed at a particular person, so if you've said something like below I am sorry you felt like it was aimed at you.

Lastly, Hope people. I was not sure if this would come across very well. Apparently not. Hope with a capital H. Very important. What I was saying ... was that despite all the token responses (generally speaking) and rough times life provides us with, there is Hope. I did not feel like Hope needed a big long paragraph to justify why He was the only Hope and why He is all there is. He just is.

Hope = Jesus

--------------------------

Repost:

You know what I really don't like ...

When people don't know how to deal you and your disappointments they tend to say things like:

"It'll happen when it happens." Yes thanks for that, of course its happened whenits HAPPENED for goodness sake!

"It obviously wasn't meant to be." This is a doozy. A nice way of backing down from a decision.

"Next time..."

"There are plenty more fish in the sea." There are many different variations of this one and its used is MANY different contexts.

While some of these sayings are comforting to the person who is (trying) to comfort they give nothing to the disappointed.

Hope people. Hope is all there is.

Pregnant?**

2009-09-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

So I've been chatting (arguing probably lol, or stating my opinion tactlessly) to Phil about WHEN to tell family and friends that you are with child.

Who first? In laws or THE laws lol. Or just friends first because then family can't get upset over who knows and who doesn't know. Do I tell cousins myself? Or let information filter through the units. Because I don't they talk. But like my family, there isn't too much communication between the aunties and uncles.

Facebook? I already got into trouble for this one because I couldn't tell someone the real reason why I was allowed to tell facebook that my sister was pregnant.

She'd told everyone she wanted to tell and unfortunately that person wasn't on the immediate list.

Even worse! What if no one responds back to me. How gutted would I feel? Probably not much.

So, best way ... to tell immediate family and friends???

phone call, seems the best and most convenient
text messege, did I spell messege right?
email
facebook/bebo
my BLOG lol!
pregnancy announcements!

What if someone important lives overseas? Like Tabitha and Keri-Louise. I've got no choice but to IM/Email/Facebook them. I could send an announcement but that'd take forever. Maybe tell them first. But then they'd know before family. Would that be fair/fear?

I cannot believe that there is an etiquette (unspoken no doubt) about this. Its MY baby.

** I am absolutely NOT pregnant ... although ..

Hospital and Cat

2009-09-09T02:46:00.000-07:00

So in my excitement (or not) last post I didn't get round to saying what I was actually going to say. Of course I was meant to talk about the last week gone.

Yeh. I wasn't feeling too well on Tuesday night. In fact I felt VERY ILL and it came on extremely suddenly. It was like one minute I felt sweet and the next I thought I was going to die. Work was a bit stressful last week because a girl there had a procedure done and she couldn't work, so I was doing overtime to cover that.

Anyhoooowww I turned up on Wednesday morning, I felt so very sick and horrible. My skin hurt and my head lol. Everything hurt. I worked half a day and then came home. Spent maybe an hour at home ... and then went for a ride in the ambulance. The poor lady had to put on a special wee suit and Phil and I were stuck wearing little masks. I had 'flu like symptoms', which were obviously bad enough to warrant having a ride in the ambulance. Anyhow, three very nice ambulance officers gave me the third degree and decided to shuffle me off to the hospital.

So ... hospitals are great. I sat in the bay before the ED for over an hour because they didn't have a quarantine area. Lets just say it was not pleasant at all. BUT what made it worse for me was the nurse in charge came out and asked me what was wrong.

Now ... let me just say that I was very ill and very very sore and very very very (yes three verys) confused about what I was saying and doing. I stuttered over what was wrong with me, not to mention the fact that I couldn't remember the question she'd just asked. Well this nurse was horrible and rude and implied that I wasn't important enough to need her attention so I should hurry up and tell her what was wrong with me. She was not impressed with me.

*** Let me just say here that I understand and appreciate all the ED and A and E do. They are run off their feet at the best of times and they are doctors and nurses dealing with the very worst of accidents sometimes. I also know they deal with small and silly things (like the flu lol). I do not think that I am more important than the guy who sounded like he was in absolute pain next door to me. BUT I do believe I should be treated with just as much dignity and respect and patience as that poor guy.

Anyhow ... I had a cry after she left. We waited for a long time in the cold. Then finally got shuffled to a room on my own. My doctor was lovely (he talked about condoms to me, now that sets you apart if you ask me), my student doctor was nice and talkative, even if she couldn't find a vein to do an 'Edward Cullen' on my weak arm. Hours. Many hours of pain and writhing (thats the kind of pain it was, not a little tingle), I got some pain relief. It didn't work. I got panadol. It didn't work. I got lots of 'fluids', they felt cold as they flowed into my arm. It creeped me out. I had a chest xray (just in case apparently). This took forever to come along because they had to have a 'clean' room for me and everyone needed to be covered and so forth.

I arrived around 4ish on Wednesday afternoon. And left around 1am on Thursday morning. Still in pain, tired and sore and not feeling much better. My doctor was great though, I liked him :)
Anyway I am pretty much a 100% well now. Thanks for caring. I also had an allergic reaction to something at Michael and Pip's house too, so I had drugs for that. Lots of pills.

Mmm pills.

PS/ Sally the cat was pregnant. She got speyed today, poor wee thing. She was fat as and now ... now she is very skinny. Poor wee baby.

Is it really going to be alright?

2009-08-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

You know what I really don't like ...

When people don't know how to deal you and your disappointments they tend to say things like:

"It'll happen when it happens." Yes thanks for that, of course its happened and its HAPPENED for goodness sake!

"It obviously wasn't meant to be." This is a doozy. A nice way of backing down from a decision.

"Next time..."

"There are plenty more fish in the sea." There are many different variations of this one and its used is MANY different contexts.

While some of these sayings are comforting to the person who is (trying) to comfort there give nothing to the disappointed.

Hope people. Hope is all there is.

Zombies

2009-08-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

I purchased P & P & Zombies last week. Normally I wouldn't purchase a book that is so expensive. But I like to carry books round with me for those just in case moments. Phil's iPod can't live with me forever and I can't carry my computer round with me, although that would be handy! I think this is why Amazon uses those nifty e-books.

Anyway its a rather interesting read. I'm trying hard not to get it mixed up with what Austen really writes about in the REAL book. Phil and I are reading it together and I must admit that I am rather enjoying it. Its funny and a quick read. Vanity Fair is going slow. Lol ... no surprises there. HP and the Order of the Phoenix is going slow too. I can't make up my mind what I want to get through first and so I just don't read at all.

Now ... what else.

We are putting an offer on a place we liked today. Finger's crossed I suppose. Sadly I am not too optimistic at this point in time. But as all the older people keep telling me over and over and over and over and over .... there are plenty of other equally good houses out there.

Yeh.

Open Homes

2009-08-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

Today Phil and I attended our first open home. We can be rater decided people most of the time. So the fact that we actually bothered to venture out on a Saturday to look at a house must mean that we are all business :)

In short we quite like the house.

Which reminds me ... Phil and I are obviously looking at purchasing our first home. The process appears to be quite easy and I think this is where people get into trouble. It seems that its SO silly easy to get mortgages etc that its no wonder people get in too far.

Hopefully we don't do that.

Anyway more on that if things go right.

Otherwise we'll still 'get around' in terms of looking for other properties.

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

2009-08-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

It has taken me more than five years to finish reading this book. That should be enough of a review that will tell you what I thought about the book. While I liked the concept of the book I did not enjoy reading the book. It was like climbing a nasty hill on a bike and there was only one way to go. It was a slog to say the least.

However I did find some gems along the way. Such as... a guy in the book thought that if he followed the vices and virtues of the pilgrims then he'd be saved. This is his justification:

"He said, to have to do with other men's wives had been practised by David, God's beloved, and therefore he could do it. He said, to have more women than one was a thing that Solomon practised, and therefore he could do it. He said, that Sarah and the godly midwives of Egypt lied, and so did saved Rahab, and therefore he could do it. He said, that the disciples went at the bidding of their Master, and took away the owner's ass, and therefore he could do so too. He said, that Jacob got the inheritance of his father in a way of guile and dissimulation, and therefore he could do so too".
- Page 249

I thought this was really interesting actually. Even now days we use the bible to justify our behaviour. Or we take it out of context and try to frame it around our own construed ideas (and wrong ideas at that).

These other quotes I just thought were cool :)

"Now as they were thus on their way, there came one running to meet them, and said, Gentlemen, and you of the weaker sort, if you love life, shift for yourselves, for the robbers are before you".
-Page 251

AND... this is a longer one ...

"I will now speak on the behalf of women, to take away their reproach. For as death and the curse came into the world by a woman, so also did life and health: God sent forth His Son, made of a woman. Yea, to show how much those that came after did abhor the act of their mother, this sex in the Old Testament coveted children, if happily this or that woman might be the mother of the Saviour of the world. I will say again, that when the Saviour was come, women rejoiced in Him, before either man or angels, I read not that ever any man did give Christ so much as one groat; but the women followed Him, and ministered to Him of their substance. 'Twas a woman that washed His feet with tears, and a woman that anointed His body to the burial. They were women that wept when He was going to the cross,, and women that followed Him from the cross, and that sat by His sepulchre, when He was buried. They were women that were first with Him at His ressurection-morn, and women that brought tidings first to His disciples that He was risen from the dead. Women therefore are highgly favoured, and show by these things, that they are sharers with us in the grace of life."
-Page 254

So there you go. If you want a book that you can put down and pick up year after year without really ever finishing it then this is it!

-----
Quotes taken from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Hello Hello

2009-08-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

Well another week has gone and there isn't much to report. A girl from work has been off with the 'flu'. Lol ... so I've been starting early lately. Gosh! Its been a bit of a stress to say the least. I think we are generally quite used to each other and there are new owners ... and things just seem that much more stressed because of that.

BUT she is better and shall return to work again ... Yay for me. No more afternoon work for two weeks!!! Another girl is getting teeth taken out or something a rather.

Anyhow... this past weekend I had the pleasure of looking after my nephew Cameron. He is such a dream boat too. He'll be a right girl charmer when he is older. Phil and I quite enjoyed ourselves this time round, he was a good wee boy and went to bed when it was bedtime and woke up and rampaged about when it was rampaging time!! We are always so busy when he comes to play it feels like we are just dragging him round in the car. I cannot begin to understand what it must be like to have more than one child let alone one child. While Cammy was a good wee petal, it was still lots of hard (and enjoyable) work, you know ... with all the thinking. About balancing work and getting the house in order etc. All I can say is ... great work Mums and Dads!

In other news, it was my father's birthday yesterday. I was determined not to forget this time but alas I did. I've purchased a cool card though. Hopefully I shall find some time to get a photo of me and him (when I was a little kiddy) copied so that I can send that to him. Why is it always hard to buy for parents?? I guess I feel like they have it all already. Or at least won't be interested in nifty little things that I'd be interested.

Guess thats why its THEIR birthday and not mine!

Early September Phil is off to Auckland for a few days. He is going to a Microsoft (Propaganda) conference, yay for him. I've managed to get some time off work (although I've not double checked that) and I'll be off to Gore/Invercargill to spend a few days with my big sister. Hehehe ... hopefully we might paint a baby room and look at some pretty curtains and stuff. Four-ish months to go. Gosh time goes by quick!

AAANNNDDD I've lost the Pilgrim's Progress book ... lol. So I can't get those quotes. I'll have to have a proper hunt round for it!

Hey Mr Telephone

2009-08-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we have a new phone because our cordless one got sick. I think it was the swine flu. Anyway it stopped charging properly one day and then the next it'd charge. AND then, as if that wasn't enough ... people would ring and we'd answer but there'd be nothing on the other end.

So because we are cheap people ... I purchased a cheap telephone. Its got a cord. I know! Old fashioned huh?! But batteries are expensive and cordless phone batteries don't seem to last long.

Besides. I like my corded phone. We've had ... I think ... four calls on it so far! Cool huh?!

Anyway ... I have finally finished Pilgrim's Progress. I decided I wouldn't be allowed to read anymore HP until I'd finished it. That was good motivation, let me tell you! I finish quarter of it in a few hours. I've been reading it for the last five or six years so thats a good effort. This probably gives you a fair idea what I thought about the book! I won't necessarily review, but I've found some cool stuff I liked, so I'll quote that instead.

And no doubt I'll give my opinion.

But wait ... thats kind of like a review isn't it!! Oh well.

Mould Mold and Pavlova

2009-07-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

I made my very first pavlova tonight. I beat those silly egg whites 'til they had submitted to my genious...

Sadly I took it out of the oven (stupid oven, a whole other blog post) because it was burning ... I mean real burnies too! And it sunk in :(

Tips?

Photos next time.

But I'll only post if I am successful.

So mold and mould. Which is the correct spelling there? I can't be bothered googling it, even though I googled twice to get the alternate spellings.

Anyway ... we live in a cosy little ex-state house. Yay! I like them because they are all the same, and are generally full of straight lines and symetrical from the outside. Nice pastel colours. Haha. Sameness. I like. Ok, so the downside of this is of course the mould/mold (m/m for short). Its disgusting and its EVERYWHERE.

Short of paying $600 a week on rent I can't think of a way round this. Yes I have tried something like Exit M/M. Diluted bleach to be exact. Obviously I can't use this on material that has been folded and left sitting on the floor in my bedroom. Nor can I use this on the cat's carry case or Phil's bag or my bag ... or sheets or curtains or wallpaper or paint ...

Drives me insane.

Phil told me that I just mumbled my way through my last post.

Pfft.

In other news it is Phil's 24th birthday tomorrow! Ooohh so old. Hehe ... this means that I am (again thankfully) the spring chicken. Even if I don't like odd numbers.

Actually I probably mumbled my way through this post too.

We have a new telephone :)

No one in particular ...

2009-07-29T02:34:00.000-07:00

Phew! It feels like I've been really busy lately. But I don't think I have been. Just work. But depite working part time and doing not a lot else I feel extremely tired.

Maybe it was that I stayed up until 5am a day ago to read the rest of HP and the Goblet of Fire! I think that its my favourite of the serious thus far. Of course I expect that Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hollows will completely outdo that favouritism. I have begun to realise that I am not getting through my list nearly as quickly as I'd like to. Not that its a contest or anything. But I am determined to finish the list by the end of the year.

Wishful thinking huh?

So I need to set up a better plan of how this goal is going to be achieved. Many late night reads I suspect. I'm busying myself getting all the series out of the way because there were a few there. PLUS Whitcoulls is doing cheap deals of some classic books at the moment. Most of them are on my list and I like to own all the books I read too!

In other news, I was pretty grumpy at work today. I must admit that I am generally in a good mood when I get to work and that I don't tend to get angry and annoyed with work people. Customers are a whole other story lol. But today I was a grump. I realised that I was grumpy about something that I'd been contemplating rather than annoyed about something that another person had done. I'd been thinking about how it annoying when people do a half-assed attempt at things rather than completing a task thoroughly (I know, I'm one to talk on many things). But that really annoys me. It throws everyone else off and someone else has to fill in the blanks. AND then I realised that I was even more annoyed with how people only ever take care of themselves!

Grrr gosh that annoys me too. Especially people my own age. I don't understand. I suppose I've had the luxury of growing up in churches ... but seriously. Lol ...

*sigh*

Weather babies and googlebots

2009-07-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well ... googlebot has been casing the joint! Naughty little critters. I suppose I shouldn't be that worried about it considering they are somewhat a reputable company.

Besides they kindly allow me to have this blog for free. How nice of them!

Anyway, the weather has been d-i-s-g-u-s-t-i-n-g! I was busy sleeping last night when I was woken by a rather bright flash of light in our bedroom window. I waited for the thunder but nothing came. I guess it was quite far away and that the lightening was super dooper bright! It was such a beautiful start to the day yesterday. I got excited and hung washing out ...

So today is my Mummy's birthday. Happy birthday. This of course means that its late July already! How quick has the year gone huh?! Gosh, and still no real job either! Not that making coffee and cleaning up after other people isn't work. But lets just say I won't be buying anything awesome in the near future.

In other news my poor nephews and their parents have been taking a battering in the last two weeks. Cameron has croup and now Khan has baby bronchitus and he is living in the hospital at the moment, he's on oxygen to give his wee premature baby lungs a bit of a break.

Work calls ... and wrapping paper!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-07-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

*coughs in preparation for singing*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOO YOUUUU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MUMMYYYYYY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Slithers of Sun

2009-07-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night Phil and I went to the movies. Not something we do often. Its stupidly expensive! But this particular movie called for the rules to be broken. We went to see HP and the Half-Blood Prince.

In short ... fantastic! I am told its not really as good as the book and I quite believe it. The movie felt like it was missing bits to me. Aside from that minor complaint I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and think it could be the favourite out of all. I especially like the cloud of fire and the tidying of the house by Dumbledore. I suspect there was a fair amount of money put into this movie and the effect certainly told the tale of that. Great effects. The broom stick flying still wasn't that great though.

Anyhow thoroughly recommend it ... for grown ups that is.

I also finished reading the Prisoner of Azkaban. Reading the books has been a bit slow really since I am not at home near the computer. I do think I'll need to at least purchase the last two books because I'll be wanting to read them wherever I can. Speaking of time ...

My hours at work have changed yet again. Mainly because I wanted them to but also because it resolves alot of the issues we've been having at work. I'll be starting work at 1pm. 1pm!!! I have the entire morning to myself and my house keeping!! Good for Philip I suppose. Lol ... but all in all this works out very well for me and most parties are happy about this. Of course during the peak season these hours will no doubt increase. But for the winter I am happy not having to be out in the freezing cold so early in the morning because I am too chicken to catch the bus.

And now I have totally forgotten about everything else I had to write about. Enjoy the weekend!

Yay! Movie time!

2009-07-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a site more better today. Especially since I've decided I need to get moving about and stretching my poor muscles. I did wander out last night thinking that I felt quite ok. But by the time I got home I was tired and worn out. I think I got a bit over-excited. Tomorrow I go back to work! Cool huh? I dislike staying home from things like work ... not so much school lol.

In other news we have booked our tickets to see HP and the Half-Blood Prince. Its all very exciting! I was supposed to have read all the books up to this one before I saw the movie but I am far too impatient for such things. I suppose I could power read the next two books between now and tomorrow night. Oh but I have work tomorrow. So that might not happen.

I can't wait for summer. I'm sick of this crusty weather ... not like me at all.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

2009-07-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Jane is taken in by her Uncle at a young age when her parents die. Her Aunt and cousins are awful to her and send her to Lowood School. School was reasonably unpleasant for her, you know how it is. Something for the main character to get through and still be as sweet as pie rather than bitter for a nasty life. Anyway, she eventually takes a governess position at Thornfield and falls madly in love with the Master of the house.

After an almost marriage, she runs away. Despite all this, there is a happy ending.

I absolutely did not enjoy this book!

Thats a great way to start huh? I tried reading it earlier last year but the first chapter bored the tears out of me. But since it was on the list I thought I'd give it another go. Nope, still bored the tears out of me. I found it incredibly difficult to get caught up in the first half of the book. It felt disjointed to me, like the main events of the book could have been better planned. You know, basic like 'beginning middle and end' type stuff.

It was dully predictable and I probably wouldn't read it a second time.

Plus the movie sucked! Lol ...

"Susan Boyle is hot ..."

2009-07-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

I've been reluctant to post over the weekend. Mainly because I've been sick. And I like to complain alot when I am sick.

Unfortunately it is suspected that I have ... swine flu. Which is even worse!!! Who wants to advertise that one on their blog!? No one will want to come near me ... lol not that anyone does. Of course Phil does. But he still wants his dinner cooked :) I'd just like to say now that the symptoms for swine flu are basically just the same as any other kind of seasonal flu. So there. Its just as likely that this is a normal flu. Drs here are not testing for it anymore because its just as common. In any case I think I'd rather go to work than have a flu I've decided. Flus have to be the most miserable of the sicknesses that are around. Temperatures, the most horrible headaches ever and tiredness.

I can't remember if I mentioned before but Phil and I have been watching all the Harry Potter movies in preparation for the Half-Blood Prince. It just so happens to be coming out this week! And goodness, it looks alright! In my sickness I've been watching a few movies while Phil is at work. Yesterday I watched the Jane Eyre movie. Ridiculous! Possibly the silliest movie made from a book ever. It was like the scriptwriter just took the name Jane Eyre and then shaped the movie around that.

Speaking of that, I don't seem to have made much of a dent in my book list. Although I've been reading the books that are in series lately. Oooooh and I watched Vanity Fair ... fantastic! I've surprised myself by thoroughly enjoying the book. Which I am just as surprised as the next person. But at the moment I am loving it. I wish I was brave enough to poke fun the way Thackeray has. Poking fun but making a statement.

I think I need to be a little more intelligent though :)

My dear little nephew, Cameron has croup. Nasty thing that it is.

Painting Time!

2009-07-11T02:47:00.000-07:00

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

2009-07-10T01:24:00.000-07:00

*Please note this is a review on the BOOK not the movie.

Bella Swan enrols at Forks Highschool half way through the school year. She is instantly mesmerised by the Cullen family who seem to keep to themselves. Two interesting events occur (mainly Edward *sigh* saving Bella's life) and Bella and Edward fall "unconditionally and irrevocably in love" with each other.

Its this undeniably powerful attachment that puts Bella in the ultimate danger.

This book was a super easy and quick read. I enjoyed the balance of comedy, myth and drama despite the fact that I do not normally read 'fairy tale' type books. I must admit I was obsessed with the story line because of Twilight and I devoured all four books within four days (ahh the days of not having to work).

Twilight was a great way to start an impossible vampire highschool love story, but I cringed throughout the best of the chapters due to the writing style ... if thats what it could be called, style. Most of the writing left alot to be desired but its currently a cultural phenomenon and I am all about following the crowds.

Movie time!

2009-07-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

I got my shiny new debit bank card last Friday. Gosh its pretty lol. And sparkly! Now all I need is some money hehe, so I can buy the whole internet!

In other news Phil and I have finally finished watching the first five Harry Potter movies in preparation for Half-Blood Prince. Order of the Pheonix is definately a favourite I think. I also watched Transformers I with my family last night in preparation for viewing the second movie with my Mother.

Don't laugh either.

Its good watching movies with Mum because she hasn't been to heaps and I think its cool watching her get excited over all the awesome effects on the big screens. Especially since they aren't too new for me anyway.

Anyway work calls!

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

2009-07-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

This book tells the story of a 14 year old girl who is raped and murdered in a cornfield near her school.

Susie Salmon ("like the fish") watches her family and friends struggle with the grief of her 'unsolved murder'. She sees her family fall apart and watches her first-kiss Ray befriend Ruth, who feels an undeniable connection with Susie.

Susie also watches her murderer.

Could there really be a happy ending for Susie and her friends and family?

In my opinion, no.

I found this book haunted me when I wasn't reading it's pages. The text was visual which is always a plus! I could easily imagine the cornfield, Susie's house and the back stage where Susie had her first kiss. But more importantly I could almost picture the emotions that Susie was experiencing in death aswell as those of her family and friends. Frighteningly, I could almost imagine myself her in place as she gets murdered.

Its not for the light-hearted thats for sure, so if you are after a perfect love story where all ends well then go read some Austen :P

The cynic in me would call this book a perfect tragedy.

I totally recommend this book to be read at least once.

Avoidance

2009-07-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

I've realised ... this week and indeed have known from when I first started working at the cafe ... that I avoid people down town. Normally one would think this is because I am a snob and that I think I am too good to bother stopping to say hello to someone.

And while I won't deny that I am somewhat a snob. There is actually another reason.

I avoid people because I think they don't like me. Stupid isn't it?! But I don't want to put that someone in an embarassing situation where they have to say hello to me and pretend that they are interested in how I am really am.

Whats even more ridiculous is I will go to all sorts of lengths to protect that other person. Like entering side and back doors and walking on the other side of the road. Stupid. And when I do get caught out I freak, and no doubt those people think I am acting silly and being a snob!

*sigh*

In other thoughts, I've decided that shoe choices are dictated by a person's character. I like black shoes, slightly dressy for casual or work wear. This reflects that fact that I like classic clothing that takes years to outdate itself (like black pants and a shirt lol). BUT I also like flashy heels in bright colours, like my pink stilettos. This of course reflects that subtle (lol) thing in me that likes to be crazy and have pretty pink shoes.

But for goodness sake, why are there so many UGLY pairs of shoes out there! U G L Y! Come on people! And age is not an excuse.

Eventful week ... not!

2009-06-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

My first week back at work went quite well. Lots of w's there! I had forgotten how hot it is in the kitchen. Even when its freezing cold outside. Spoilt for heat! And its free.

Anyway, it was nice to be back with the rest of civilisation. I had almost forgotten the art of 'stranger' conversation. This is a kind of conversation that you are able to have with any stranger. Its so stupidly general that it wouldn't matter who you talked to, the conversation applies to everyone. In fact I think I'd almost forgotten how to even have a conversation.

In other news my sister and her husband arrived for the night. They are off to Australia for a much earned holiday after a long dairy season .

Also I read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold this week. Absolutely fantastic book. It was hauntingly fantastic. Those would be my words. Shortly I'd do a review ... lol. But I haven't read as good a book as this one for awhile now. I've also read the first book in the Harry Potter series. It was quite short and very child-like ... considering what I've been reading lately lol. It took me awhile to get into it unfortunately. But given all the time I've got spare at the moment due to waiting for Philip at the end of the day I've managed to get through it.

Not alot else has been happening this week :)

A little something to think about ...

2009-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Prudence:
And she said, Comes, James, canst thou tell me who made thee?

James:
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

Prud:
Good boy. And canst thou tell who saves thee?

James:
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

Prud:
Good boy still. By how doth God the Father save thee?

James:
By His Grace

Prud:
How doth God the Son save thee?

James:
By His righteousness, death and blood, and life.

Prud:
And how doth God the Holy Ghost save thee?

James:
By His Illumination, by His renovation, and by His preservation.

Taken from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, page 216

Work work ...

2009-06-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I start part time work at the cafe that I used to work full time at. Long story short, the owners sold up and I went in to say goodbye to them on Friday. I told her my sad story lol (that no one wants me) and she talked to the new owners and got me a very part time job. Which is fantastic! I don't know if I want to work all day non stop. So its nice to have mornings and afternoons to 'keep' house. So at this stage it is only 3.5 hours a day. But its enough to get me out of the house while I sit round waiting for the rest of the day for Philip to finish work. At least until I figure out this bus thing. I've never tried to bus into town or back home before.

Should be interesting. I do know that it will cost me $5 a day to bus to and from work. Its hardly worth it when Phil drives. So we'll see. Maybe I can find something else to do while I am down there (like spend money bahahahaa).

Caleb's party was a raving success. I forgot what its like to have lots of kiddies running round high on sugar. I don't recall being that loud, although back in my day (ha) my ears were young and wouldn't have known the difference!

Good morning ...

2009-06-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Phil keeps reminding me that I said I'd post my review. I still haven't gotten there yet. Even though its pretty much written. I can't think of any good quotes lol. And I forgot to take note of anything while reading it a second time.

I am off to Invercargill today for my nephew's 8th birthday sleepover. I remember those. Gosh ... where have the years gone?!

Anyways, I shall leave something in the way of a quote ... its pretty awesome! By the way, the ring is supposed to be super powered by something but its low today lol.

"Its not the ring, its the man" - Batman

First reviews and other such things ...

2009-06-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Well it is another weekend for the Jackson household. I always worry about Phil not getting enough of a break. I've busied myself being alone all week that when the weekend comes along I go a little crazy horse!

Sorry Phil.

Oh well. A few days ago Phil and I went out to our front garden and dug a whole in the twilight. Lol. We did have a torch. I suppose that could have been a scary image should our neighbours have looked out the window. Anyway. We've decided we will put all our food scraps in a compost. We seem to be doing well thus far, although I do notice Phil throwing the odd potato peel in the rubbish bin.

Speaking of bins! Someone STOLE our recycling bin! How rude. Thats ... like .. totally the worst thing a neighbour could do.

Anyway Phil and I finally (I say finally because I am the impatient one in this family) finished reading Twilight. The first book in the Twilight series (and yes I know I've read it already). So I am going to do the review on the book, since its on the great list. Anyhow, I haven't done it yet but I've made up a template for it, its pathetically basic and I admit that I 'stole' it from a teacher's aid site. So don't laugh at it's almost highschool-like (or primary school too I suppose) basic-ness.

The Great Read and other things ...

2009-06-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't blogged in quite a long time. I've started posts but then wandered away. Considering I don't do much these days, it is a bit of a struggle to find things to post about anymore. Other than my thoughts of course, but ... seriously no one is dead honest on these things anyway.

Anyhow ... to the left is the great read that Tabitha and I have put together! It took us a wee while, but its finally here. The point is to read all the books on the list. Not because we are getting paid, although that would be nice. BUT because we WANT to. I know .. crazy!! Haha ... anyway we'll be giving general reviews on the books we read aswell, for Tab's click here. I believe she is keeping tabs on her blog about what book she is reading at the moment. Obviously I'll do the same.

So what else has happened ... since the last blog. I'll have to go and re-read it to check things.

Uh yes, Queen's Birthday weekend was where we left off. Michael and Phillipa came up here for the weekend and Mother went to Invercargill to take care of the babies. We played ten pin bowling with M and P. I've decided I suck at it lol, M won a game and Phil won a game. We ate lemon tart and went out for dinner aswell.

In other sad news, M's cat died that weekend. Biggs has been in the family .. since forever!

Umm, Phil had a good break for the long weekend. Ooh what else ... I read the Twilight series, in about four days. I basically read the last three books in less than a day. I read all day and all night of course. I really enjoyed them and they are on the list too. So I'll review them again, I'm reading them again with Philip (something we do, weird yeh). So its being read out loud, which always gives a book a different feel. Thus far I'm still enjoying them ... I'm also reading the first book in the Harry Potter series and finishing the last part of "Pilgrim's Process". So there will be lots of reviews coming up I guess.

Aaaannnddd ... I applied for that job but they did not want me :( Sucks to be me. Onwards and upwards!!

It is my nephew Caleb's 8th birthday next weekend, so we will be travelling for Invercargill for his birthday shin dig. Can't decide if we should stay the night or not.

A week of nothingness

2009-05-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been flippin' cold. Its ridiculous. Was it this cold at this time last year?? I can't remember ... thankfully.

Not alot has happened this week. Adriane came for some quiet time to study and do an assignment. It was nice having her around, even if she is feeling sick most of the time. She went off home last night because her moo cows are drying off for the season. Lucky thing, I think they are all ready for it, time for a rest. AND of course she has a baby inside her, so it'll be nice to concentrate on things such as painting rooms and buying baby stuff!!! And even more importantly ... getting sleep, eating food without fear of barfing it back up. Poor thing.

So its been a lonely and cold day today since everyone has gone off. Phil couldn't come home for lunch, so I've lazed in bed most of the day reading a ridiculous book!! I'm saving it up for Tab's vlog. Which lazy as I prove myself to be I've not started yet lol, haven't really felt very well this week. Sucks for her. But I've been conversing with her and we've almost finalised our list! Ooohhh yes, the list of all lists!!! I'm trying not to go crazy horse and get every book on said list to read and consume like some starving dog!

Temptation.

In other news, Phil has a day off tomorrow. I think he is looking forward to it, I wonder if this week has been more trying than the last few. We have nothing planned ... typical of us though. I do think I should get out of the house though, I was thinking a trip to the museum might be in order. Having been there alot you'd think I'd be sick of it. It would be crazy to live somewhere cool where there were a baaazillion historic buildings and museums, art gallery and old parks to visit in spare time. Although in saying that, there are cool places like that here in Dunedin but the price for visiting is horrific!! Perhaps I can entice him into a drive somewhere. We've been meaning to get to Tunnel Beach, but a tunnel freaks me out!! Maybe somewhere else???

I am sure I had more to blah on about but I've forgotten already.

Crazy Cat Lady ...

2009-05-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

Cameron's Weekend with us ... poor wee thing!

2009-05-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

He was scared of my slippers :) He is doing some cyphering here with my calculator.

Finger painting, more like hand, arm and butt painting!

Michael's tasty cupcake. I can't quite remember what happened to it, I know he only ate a little of it lol ... probably in one of my shoes somewhere!

Title

2009-05-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

Apparently you don't put gin in the fridge. Who knew!? I guess in a bar, the spirits are stacked behind the bar ... not in a fridge or freezer.

The weekend has been a bit miserable really. The weather has not let up most of the week. I've given up on drying washing outside. I've also decided that I don't want to feel any discomfort this winter in terms of feeling the cold. So we've had the heat pump on ... ALOT and a heater in the bedroom! I know ...!! I'm too scared to see what the power bill has to say about all this. Ohhhh wellllll!

In other news ... nothing. Yes thats right. I did manage to make Phil purchase shoes and clothing. Much to his dismay. I also managed to get two pairs of shoes and a smallish haul (lol) of makeup. I need to do a haul video.

Not.

I have watched Twilight almost five times since Thursday. I know. Its getting bad huh. Poor Phil had to put up with P and P non stop. Its even worse now because I am home (ish) all day so I could squeeze (and did on Friday) three viewings in one day. My excuse of course is that I must watch everything, extras and commentaries and music videos. Next is the books.

The weekend is coming fast again

2009-05-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks feel like they've gone quick. Before I've realised its been Thursday! We picked Cameron up on Saturday and took him to Jesse's house for dinner. He was such a good boy!

Mum and I took her back yesterday morning. Its been a bit quiet at home since, there is no one to chase round the house and play balloons with. Cameron was a treat at church, bit of a charmer but good again. It seemed like a busy weekend and I suppose that is what having a child is like. Busy.

The weather is nasty. Cold and miserable. Rain hail and wind! And then some. It hasn't quite gotten to snowing here yet but its going to happen. I like the fact that we live on a hill because it means Phil has to stay home if it snows bad ... lol. In any case its almost the weekend and he'll be home for two days to annoy me. I think I am going to make him clean the microwave.

In other news I watched the movie 'Twilight' on Monday night! It was fantastic. I am now quite in love with Edward. I thought both Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattison did a good job with their characters. I now need to buy ALL the books and read them!! Mainly because I am impatient to see the next instalment movie wise, but also because I am told that the books are far better than the movie ...

This week ... before it ends anyway, I'd like to finish off my CV and cover letter and apply for a job I like the look of. I also want to sort out my books so that I can do a vlog of the books I bought at the 24 hour book sale. One book in particular has some surprisingly dodgy parts in it and I am trying to think of a way to describe it. Yay for Tabitha, who can hopefully see it. I'll also do pictures etc but that'll take longer than a video. Besides I can show Tab round my house (when I've tidied it lol) and so forth. Its also time to change the blog template. Goodness.

In the mean time ... the goal is to find a flippin' hair tie somewhere.

Oh oh almost forgot. Adriane showed me a photo of Pinda. Pinda is dutch for peanut. Pinda is currently living inside her lol, it was her first baby scan and the first time she could see the heart beat. Pinda is cute. I like pinda. Its going to be a boy ... apparently, according to old wives tales anyway.

Sleepiness ...

2009-05-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

So its been a reasonably long day. I got up early to get to the 24 hour book sale before 12 lunch time. It was kind of successful. Although I didn't go through every table like I would have normally. Or at least I would have gone more than once. I got some good looking books and I am debating about whether to vlog so that Tabitha can see the books or whether I should just type about it... she'd probably have to leave the video loading all day lol.

In other news we travelled to Clinton today to collect Cameron, the nephew from Adriane the sister/aunty. We hung round and drank yukky coffee and look at a dodgy looking garage sale lol. Cameron was quite well behaved, good wee thing. Chirped some of the way home about something a rather. I will say though, that our telephone has been unplugged because he tries to answer it. He says hello very clearly though, politeness is always a bonus. We need to teach him to say "Jackson Residence" .. bahahahaa!!!

Also we went to Jesse and Ann/e's house for dinner .. again yes I know. Surely they are sick of us ... well actually they probably are really. Oh well .. we scored some tasty banana cake though so all is not lost.

Annnnddd I think that is all really. I've found a job that I am going to take the plunge and apply for. Scary huh??!!

Tired now, from not enough reading Jane Eyre and not enough sleeps.