Dear Diary,
It's been 8 days since my last confession.....
And any comment I was going to make about a singularly boring and quiet week has been completely blown away by a disturbing but hardly surprising fact.
I dashed out to the kitchen this morning to fetch something and discovered that NO ONE HAD WASHED UP LAST NIGHT'S DINNER DISHES.
Hardly surprising I know, but f'rfksake, we have a DISHWASHER people! I cooked, so I'm exempt from said duty. But I have a sneaking suspicion that if I hadn't scraped the leftovers into a container, they would have been left there as well.
Silly me wandered past on my way to bed and noted SOMEONE standing at the sink washing up. Thank you I said. And this morning discovered that the only things that were washed were a couple of mugs and a couple of plates. Everything else was scattered across the bench. Exactly where it had been left. Wait. I fib. There were some stuff added to it.
Go figure.....
But the rest of the week has been quiet. Very quiet. I did manage to get MOTH to leave the house on Sunday. On the spur of the moment, we took Karen out and drove into the city to hunt for and hunt through a cookware shop. I purchased a crepe pan. Not cheap - around $40 - but the absolute cheapest there was! And some piping bag equipment which we shall use to make sausages. Instead of trying to use the attachment with the mincer, we shall pipe them by hand. I hope *crosses fingers*
Just for something to do, I laid down a request for a tamis, but they didn't have any. A phone call yesterday revealed that they couldn't source one either, so they've delegated it to the too hard basket, but advised the manager/owner who has more experience of my request.
I did test the pan. I need practice! Lots of practice. I have a few recipes for the crepes themselves, but working the pan, getting the right quantites ... THAT'S the bit gonna take the practice.
Nice with icecream, melted butter and sugar though. Hmmmmmmmm.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen. Please be seated.
No truly. You'll see why if you keep reading....
So the odd one or two of you - very odd - will know that I've been on holidays the last week. For most people, that means a trip away doing exciting stuff that involves children - other people's and your own, animals, sunburn and the spending of money.
But not on this occasion. Although there was some spending of the money.
With not much better to do, I decided to go into the city during the week. Just so I could sit and eat breakfast and watch all the losers on their way to work. Just because I could. And I did. I caught my usual transport, wandered the mall for a little while until I settled on a breakfast nook with a menu that looked ok. These places are all well and good, but a continental breakfast I can get at home. The hot breakfast they usually offer is a tad too much. I can handle two poached eggs on toast. Never mind the thick buttered toast, the fried tomato, the hash brown and the bacon/sausage as well.
So, I chose. And I ate my poached eggs, and sat and read sipping my cold cranberry juice in a tall glass with ice. And for that privelege, I paid $12...
But I got to watch people walk past on their way to work.
On Wednesday, they also hold Farmer's markets at the top end of the mall. I've seen them as I rush past on the way home from work on a Wednesday afternoon. I thought they may be worth a look.
They have some wonderful stuff there. Seafood. Fresh produce. A german bakery. Tucked among the loaves were what appeared to be heart shaped gingerbread biscuits Ich Liebe Dich iced on them. Freshly made pasta. I bought some of that! Flowers. Jams/spreads. Chilli. German sausages.
Just as well I was behaving myself at that time. I found a couple of strays wandering between the stalls. We've known each other for years - their daughter is besties with the Elder.
Over the space of the week, I've managed to do some housework. See, I told you to be seated. I've washed walls. I've swept floors. I've vacuumed floors. I've done washing. I've pulled weeds. I've carted dead branches and helped cut them up. And do you know, it looks like I haven't done anything at all.....
On Friday and Saturday night, we had visitors. They travelled from Rocky to attend a day long conference on the Saturday, and left on Sunday morning. We had a late bbq dinner on Friday night, and laughed a lot. Sausage jokes abounded.
Sunday morning, MOTH told me there had been some excitment during the night/early hours of the morning. I, of course, slept right through it.
There had been a couple of cars racing along the boulevard. Lots of noise. Loud cars. Screeching tyres. Bang! Car, speeding away. Loud voices. Lots of swearing. Revving engines. A tow truck eventually arriving an hour later and loud cheering. And to the best of our knowledge, unfortunately, driver/passengers weren't injured. Fools. Here's the damage ... Just ignore the spectre dressed in black who wandered into the camera frame....
Apparently they've clipped the roundabout, come up the boulevard, mounted the curb, over the eighteen inches or more of retaining wall, crashed through two columns of trees and come to rest almost in the creek. In the photo 2, that is a piece of the car resting in the centre of frame, not a tree...
Beautiful.
Sunday afternoon, when the Teen came home from her weekend adventures with Wogboy, we watched the Wiggles movie. Yep. Wiggles movie. The one with Wally the Great. But alas! There was a scratch in the dvd, and now we don't know how it ends!
Boo hoo!
So the odd one or two of you - very odd - will know that I've been on holidays the last week. For most people, that means a trip away doing exciting stuff that involves children - other people's and your own, animals, sunburn and the spending of money.
But not on this occasion. Although there was some spending of the money.
With not much better to do, I decided to go into the city during the week. Just so I could sit and eat breakfast and watch all the losers on their way to work. Just because I could. And I did. I caught my usual transport, wandered the mall for a little while until I settled on a breakfast nook with a menu that looked ok. These places are all well and good, but a continental breakfast I can get at home. The hot breakfast they usually offer is a tad too much. I can handle two poached eggs on toast. Never mind the thick buttered toast, the fried tomato, the hash brown and the bacon/sausage as well.
So, I chose. And I ate my poached eggs, and sat and read sipping my cold cranberry juice in a tall glass with ice. And for that privelege, I paid $12...
But I got to watch people walk past on their way to work.
On Wednesday, they also hold Farmer's markets at the top end of the mall. I've seen them as I rush past on the way home from work on a Wednesday afternoon. I thought they may be worth a look.
They have some wonderful stuff there. Seafood. Fresh produce. A german bakery. Tucked among the loaves were what appeared to be heart shaped gingerbread biscuits Ich Liebe Dich iced on them. Freshly made pasta. I bought some of that! Flowers. Jams/spreads. Chilli. German sausages.
Just as well I was behaving myself at that time. I found a couple of strays wandering between the stalls. We've known each other for years - their daughter is besties with the Elder.
Over the space of the week, I've managed to do some housework. See, I told you to be seated. I've washed walls. I've swept floors. I've vacuumed floors. I've done washing. I've pulled weeds. I've carted dead branches and helped cut them up. And do you know, it looks like I haven't done anything at all.....
On Friday and Saturday night, we had visitors. They travelled from Rocky to attend a day long conference on the Saturday, and left on Sunday morning. We had a late bbq dinner on Friday night, and laughed a lot. Sausage jokes abounded.
Sunday morning, MOTH told me there had been some excitment during the night/early hours of the morning. I, of course, slept right through it.
There had been a couple of cars racing along the boulevard. Lots of noise. Loud cars. Screeching tyres. Bang! Car, speeding away. Loud voices. Lots of swearing. Revving engines. A tow truck eventually arriving an hour later and loud cheering. And to the best of our knowledge, unfortunately, driver/passengers weren't injured. Fools. Here's the damage ... Just ignore the spectre dressed in black who wandered into the camera frame....
Apparently they've clipped the roundabout, come up the boulevard, mounted the curb, over the eighteen inches or more of retaining wall, crashed through two columns of trees and come to rest almost in the creek. In the photo 2, that is a piece of the car resting in the centre of frame, not a tree...
Beautiful.
Sunday afternoon, when the Teen came home from her weekend adventures with Wogboy, we watched the Wiggles movie. Yep. Wiggles movie. The one with Wally the Great. But alas! There was a scratch in the dvd, and now we don't know how it ends!
Boo hoo!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Hoppy Easter eberybodee!
Wow, I have just realised that it is now Tuesday, and I'm a day late with my blogging. Darned public holidays, all falling at once and confusing a person...
It's been an odd week. I've been running in holiday mode and haven't really accomplished much at all. The entire week. Holiday mode, you see, because I have this week off work.
Uh huh, uh huh *does victory dance*
And a well deserved one too, thank you all non-believers.
So this leading week, I've been going about in a bit of a fog and not taking much notice of anything at all.
Except I did take time out to notice a cyclist in the city. Dressed up in all the gear. He only had one arm....
Oh look something shiny. It's a sleek black car. Nicely done! Stopped at the traffic lights. I think it's a Maserati. *snort* The plate is HAIR. What kind of pompous ass would have that as a plate? Oh... Stefan...
The Easter weekend was great. Relaxing. I haven't been doing altogether too much. Just expending the odd burst of energy doing some housework slash gardening stuff. And not much of that either. I've a scrubbed a couple of walls. Odd how the red crayon lifted quite easily, but the yellow didn't.
I didn't think the bunny would be bringing me anything this year. He doesn't have his own source of income. But he did. I was presented with a box with a small Lindt bunny and two eggs. *hmmmmm delish!*
It's been quiet. The Teen has been out most nights this weekend. One thing I've never really done is make everyone stay home because it's a 'rental birthday. Or any Hallmark Commercial Days. Only if we had already made plans. I think the Teen likes this arrangement, and her friends find it odd.
So yes. Easter has been quiet. I'm looking forward to my holiday, although I suspect it won't be much of a holiday. We have inspection next week, and there shall be more wall scrubbing and gardening lined up for me. Housework stuff, at least. I don't know if it will stop raining long enough for me to venture out to the garden.
I think I shall need to go back to work. For a holiday.
It's been an odd week. I've been running in holiday mode and haven't really accomplished much at all. The entire week. Holiday mode, you see, because I have this week off work.
Uh huh, uh huh *does victory dance*
And a well deserved one too, thank you all non-believers.
So this leading week, I've been going about in a bit of a fog and not taking much notice of anything at all.
Except I did take time out to notice a cyclist in the city. Dressed up in all the gear. He only had one arm....
Oh look something shiny. It's a sleek black car. Nicely done! Stopped at the traffic lights. I think it's a Maserati. *snort* The plate is HAIR. What kind of pompous ass would have that as a plate? Oh... Stefan...
The Easter weekend was great. Relaxing. I haven't been doing altogether too much. Just expending the odd burst of energy doing some housework slash gardening stuff. And not much of that either. I've a scrubbed a couple of walls. Odd how the red crayon lifted quite easily, but the yellow didn't.
I didn't think the bunny would be bringing me anything this year. He doesn't have his own source of income. But he did. I was presented with a box with a small Lindt bunny and two eggs. *hmmmmm delish!*
It's been quiet. The Teen has been out most nights this weekend. One thing I've never really done is make everyone stay home because it's a 'rental birthday. Or any Hallmark Commercial Days. Only if we had already made plans. I think the Teen likes this arrangement, and her friends find it odd.
So yes. Easter has been quiet. I'm looking forward to my holiday, although I suspect it won't be much of a holiday. We have inspection next week, and there shall be more wall scrubbing and gardening lined up for me. Housework stuff, at least. I don't know if it will stop raining long enough for me to venture out to the garden.
I think I shall need to go back to work. For a holiday.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Mmmmmm. Crunchy nut bars.
This week has been very quiet. No really. I've not even committed anything of note to ... well, notes. I keep them on my phone so I have something to remind me of the week.
But no. Nothing.
The one big thing this week is the Teen has her results back from her English oral. At least, I think that's what it was. An A! How exciting! I'm really pleased for her.
Saturday I took the opportunity to get up early. No wait, what am I saying? I'm always up early. While all were asleep, I grabbed the gumption and washed a wall. Really, I did. Progress is very slow. I start, but can't seem to keep going. The wall is one in the meals area, but there are so many others to do. First inspection is on 23 April, and I guess I had better have them done before then. We were paid by the realtor to clean it, so I had better try get myself organised. The walls are rather dirty, and there is the distinct artwork of a child on some of the walls. How could you not clean up after the kid has written on the wall? In red crayon? Luckily, it wasn't soft crayon, so the mess isn't too ungodly.
But that's for another weekend.
I had been planning to go all week to the movies on Sunday. I left the invitation open to anybody who wanted to join me. But I was dead set and determined that I would go. Even if I had to do it alone.
Sunday rolled around and I managed to catch up on an episode of Deadwood. It was the first time I had to watch an episode, and the dvd is to go back tomorrow. Yeeps, I had better get some viewing in! Then watched Dr Dolittle 2 with Sunny.
I had planned to go to the movies sometime during the day, but Sunny was skint and talked Judah into joining us for the viewing. He was working, so it meant that I had to hold off the viewing until the evening.
I went to see Monsters v Aliens. There is sooo much adult humour in this one. I spent a lot of time laughing. It's a brilliant movie, and I'm going to spend a lot of time rewatching it when I get it on dvd. Mmm mmmm yes I am.
But no. Nothing.
The one big thing this week is the Teen has her results back from her English oral. At least, I think that's what it was. An A! How exciting! I'm really pleased for her.
Saturday I took the opportunity to get up early. No wait, what am I saying? I'm always up early. While all were asleep, I grabbed the gumption and washed a wall. Really, I did. Progress is very slow. I start, but can't seem to keep going. The wall is one in the meals area, but there are so many others to do. First inspection is on 23 April, and I guess I had better have them done before then. We were paid by the realtor to clean it, so I had better try get myself organised. The walls are rather dirty, and there is the distinct artwork of a child on some of the walls. How could you not clean up after the kid has written on the wall? In red crayon? Luckily, it wasn't soft crayon, so the mess isn't too ungodly.
But that's for another weekend.
I had been planning to go all week to the movies on Sunday. I left the invitation open to anybody who wanted to join me. But I was dead set and determined that I would go. Even if I had to do it alone.
Sunday rolled around and I managed to catch up on an episode of Deadwood. It was the first time I had to watch an episode, and the dvd is to go back tomorrow. Yeeps, I had better get some viewing in! Then watched Dr Dolittle 2 with Sunny.
I had planned to go to the movies sometime during the day, but Sunny was skint and talked Judah into joining us for the viewing. He was working, so it meant that I had to hold off the viewing until the evening.
I went to see Monsters v Aliens. There is sooo much adult humour in this one. I spent a lot of time laughing. It's a brilliant movie, and I'm going to spend a lot of time rewatching it when I get it on dvd. Mmm mmmm yes I am.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Untitled
You know, sometimes I wonder why I let the Teen Fashionista suggest outfit options. It wasn't till I got off the bus that I remembered why sandshoes would have been better, even if they do look funny. It's good weather for ducks. Thongs flick stuff. Ducks do stuff on paths.....
*should i eat this apple or not??*
Do you recollect something that Pa always used to say about Ma and furniture? That he could never come in with the lights out and jump into bed, because it was not likely to be in the same place he left it?
Seems that MOTH has a bit of a penchant for the same thing. I went out to the city the Sunday before last and when Sunny and I got home, he and the Teen had reorganised a couple of rooms. Her sofa bed was in the rumpus room. The couch was against the wall in the formal area and she now sleeps on the inflatable mattress.
Which she loves. A lot.
*still thinking about the apple. hmmm maybe not yet*
I didn't like the change - the couch obscured quite a bit of the only window in the formal area. I admit, that space does belong to MOTH and he should be free to do with it what he pleases. I didn't like it there though. I felt ... odd every time I walked past it.
*eats ginger biscuit instead*
But we left it there for a couple of days. MOTH shifted it so the back of it was to the main thoroughfare, but that made me feel awkward every time I walked past it again. There wasn't really any where else to put it though.
MOTH assured me that the bent metal bar on the sofa bed had been fixed. It still does have a bow in it though. I'm sure of it. The cushions still try to sink toward the middle. Just not as bad. I couldn't sit comfortably in it. I couldn't sprawl the same way and old habits die hard. It got moved to a different spot, and the couch was moved back to the rumpus room. Ah ... that's better. I can sit comfortably and watch movies now.
Monday evening, I was channel surfing. I really like having access to HD tv. It has expanded the horizons somewhat. Although it does mean that on weekends, there is sport on 7 or more channels now instead of 4. Or something like that. I like that the tv guide is on the tv, not a paper copy I have to scrabble to find. And that I now have access to quality viewing. Like Bogan Pride. I think this one is on SBS and it truly was gobsmackingly amazing. I'd loosely term it a comedy. Somewhat like The Wedge. But of course, features a bunch of bogans. At high school. The main focus is a fat chick who lives with her morbidly obese mother. I think I like it.
On Tuesday, the Teen and I went hunting for a pair of shoes for her to wear for her latin dancing assessment later on in the week. We found a pair that I thought I had gotten rid of. Black suede platform sandals. The platforms with the high heel, not a wedge. She put them on with the rest of the outfit and the result was stunning. The top is black off the shoulder with a gold foil motif. The shoulder 'straps' are gold chain with large links. She teamed it with a short black ra ra skirt. And of course with those long legs my kids don't seem to have gotten from me.....
Just the last couple of weeks, while drifting home and during my bus change, I notice there seems to be farmer's markets in the square in the city. They sure look interesting, and if I had more time I would love to take a look. I have noticed that they make sure the german bakery is at the front though!
Thursday the Teen took off school and headed off for the Doctor. It seems she is suffering reflux and has been put on medication to manage it. I have my fingers crossed it works. Grade 12 is difficult enough as it is without the added hassle of constantly feeling unwell. We still haven't managed to organise her sleep study. The doctor thinks it should be bulk billed, but when I discussed cost with the place where the study would be held, they only asked if she had private health insurance. When I said she didn't, they suggested that she could do a home study for $100 and the rest would be covered by medicare. She didn't mention anything about bulk billing. The Teen thinks I could contact them again and ask about bulk billing direction. I might leave that for the day I fax through the referral.
On Friday she had her dance assessment. I got a text that morning. Mu-um! I've been sick. Halfway through her assessment piece. I'm hoping that the teacher was lenient and didn't mark her grade down because of it. And sure enough, nausea is one of the side effects of the meds....
This weekend I did some weeding. I scrubbed a couple of patches on the walls. *need to keep doing that - first inspection coming up next month and there is still crayon on the walls from last tennant* Chilled and watched movies. Heaps of movies. Dr Dolittle. Blue Harvest. I've seen that movie a couple of times now, and I still laugh like a foo'. Death Race. Labyrinth. And an episode of Deadwood. I'm hooked on that one.
Gift suggestions anyone? Deadwood. 3 season boxed set. Thank you.
*should i eat this apple or not??*
Do you recollect something that Pa always used to say about Ma and furniture? That he could never come in with the lights out and jump into bed, because it was not likely to be in the same place he left it?
Seems that MOTH has a bit of a penchant for the same thing. I went out to the city the Sunday before last and when Sunny and I got home, he and the Teen had reorganised a couple of rooms. Her sofa bed was in the rumpus room. The couch was against the wall in the formal area and she now sleeps on the inflatable mattress.
Which she loves. A lot.
*still thinking about the apple. hmmm maybe not yet*
I didn't like the change - the couch obscured quite a bit of the only window in the formal area. I admit, that space does belong to MOTH and he should be free to do with it what he pleases. I didn't like it there though. I felt ... odd every time I walked past it.
*eats ginger biscuit instead*
But we left it there for a couple of days. MOTH shifted it so the back of it was to the main thoroughfare, but that made me feel awkward every time I walked past it again. There wasn't really any where else to put it though.
MOTH assured me that the bent metal bar on the sofa bed had been fixed. It still does have a bow in it though. I'm sure of it. The cushions still try to sink toward the middle. Just not as bad. I couldn't sit comfortably in it. I couldn't sprawl the same way and old habits die hard. It got moved to a different spot, and the couch was moved back to the rumpus room. Ah ... that's better. I can sit comfortably and watch movies now.
Monday evening, I was channel surfing. I really like having access to HD tv. It has expanded the horizons somewhat. Although it does mean that on weekends, there is sport on 7 or more channels now instead of 4. Or something like that. I like that the tv guide is on the tv, not a paper copy I have to scrabble to find. And that I now have access to quality viewing. Like Bogan Pride. I think this one is on SBS and it truly was gobsmackingly amazing. I'd loosely term it a comedy. Somewhat like The Wedge. But of course, features a bunch of bogans. At high school. The main focus is a fat chick who lives with her morbidly obese mother. I think I like it.
On Tuesday, the Teen and I went hunting for a pair of shoes for her to wear for her latin dancing assessment later on in the week. We found a pair that I thought I had gotten rid of. Black suede platform sandals. The platforms with the high heel, not a wedge. She put them on with the rest of the outfit and the result was stunning. The top is black off the shoulder with a gold foil motif. The shoulder 'straps' are gold chain with large links. She teamed it with a short black ra ra skirt. And of course with those long legs my kids don't seem to have gotten from me.....
Just the last couple of weeks, while drifting home and during my bus change, I notice there seems to be farmer's markets in the square in the city. They sure look interesting, and if I had more time I would love to take a look. I have noticed that they make sure the german bakery is at the front though!
Thursday the Teen took off school and headed off for the Doctor. It seems she is suffering reflux and has been put on medication to manage it. I have my fingers crossed it works. Grade 12 is difficult enough as it is without the added hassle of constantly feeling unwell. We still haven't managed to organise her sleep study. The doctor thinks it should be bulk billed, but when I discussed cost with the place where the study would be held, they only asked if she had private health insurance. When I said she didn't, they suggested that she could do a home study for $100 and the rest would be covered by medicare. She didn't mention anything about bulk billing. The Teen thinks I could contact them again and ask about bulk billing direction. I might leave that for the day I fax through the referral.
On Friday she had her dance assessment. I got a text that morning. Mu-um! I've been sick. Halfway through her assessment piece. I'm hoping that the teacher was lenient and didn't mark her grade down because of it. And sure enough, nausea is one of the side effects of the meds....
This weekend I did some weeding. I scrubbed a couple of patches on the walls. *need to keep doing that - first inspection coming up next month and there is still crayon on the walls from last tennant* Chilled and watched movies. Heaps of movies. Dr Dolittle. Blue Harvest. I've seen that movie a couple of times now, and I still laugh like a foo'. Death Race. Labyrinth. And an episode of Deadwood. I'm hooked on that one.
Gift suggestions anyone? Deadwood. 3 season boxed set. Thank you.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Aint no big deal.... la la la etc
Dearie me. I'm so exhausted today, I can barely think. Which is different how? I dunno....
I eaten an apple, a milo bar - not the chocolate one - and a cup of tea. Nothing's working; now I'm headed for the hard core stuff. Yep, I'm off for a coffee ...
Hmmmm there's been a bunny raid in the kitchen. Someone has been warming/toasting hot cross buns. Well, I'm back now.
Yes. Tired. Just as well I did remember to actually take notes this week. *pats self on back* Let's just see if I can make any sense of them.
It's been a busy week. Apparently...
As you may have seen on that thing called a telly, the weather has been a bit iffy this week. Monday afternoon came over nice and semi-dark. And while we were out on the motorway ... down it came. Not as heavy as I might have liked, since I love being out in storms, but heavy enough. I love the rain. It washes everything clean. And as it died off, I glanced out the bus window. There on the exit is a car. Emblazoned with a banner. From some company called ... Noah.
Tuesday, I was staring out the window of the bus. For something different as I psyched myself up for the journey home. We hadn't left the city precinct yet and were headed for the busway *loves busway. so long, loser traffic!* Something brown and moving caught my attention. It was army vehicles. Not the usual trucks, but the tank like personnel carriers with the multiple wheels. Complete with a personnel peeping out of the top. And waving like they were royalty. Oh, wait. That could have been a signal to the ones in the vehicle behind. Duck people!
My life is so exciting, on Wednesday I decided to do something different. I've been thinking of trying to find ways of adding walking to my daily slog. Not easy. So I thought I'd try walking to a different bus stop in the mornings. Up the road this time. It takes me about 15 minutes. And as I approach the stop, there is a woman sitting and smoking. *grumbles to self. she'd better have quit that by the time i get there* And it turned out to be the mother of one of Teen's friends. We chatted while I tried to cool down, and lo. MY bus stops on the other side of the highway. Dammit. Well, I know for now, don't I. Although, I think I will catch it from my usual stop, ride all the way in and add my walk transferring to another stop to the University. Makes for a later start in the office though. Oh, decisions decisions ...!
Alas, I have not notes for the rest of my week. So you'll never get to read about all the other exciting things I did.
Oh, Saturday night I decided I would have a movie marathon. Quite by accident mind. Sunny and I hired out Disaster Movie. Which really is a disaster! But it suited my somewhat warped sense of humour and I enjoyed it despite myself. Follow that with Pirates of the Carry-bean *loves HD tv* and then Enemy at the Gate. It's 3am when I crawl into bed.
And bright and early, MOTH's alarm goes off. At 6 am. Once I'm awake, that's it. And I crawl out of bed.
So I'm sitting and playing Sims2 and Sunny pops his head around the corner. Do you want to go into the city today? Well, yes. I've got 50c. I can afford a soft serve. We did.
Stange, some people who ride the buses. A bunch of bogans got on at one particular stop. And they had at least one small child with them. Brilliant. Said small person came down the back of the bus to sit themself next to Sunny and I. Complaining to the attending adult all the while. And there you go, it flipped the bird at the adult. Who laughed while getting angry. Then hauled the thing back to the front of the bus while it chucked a tanty. Think I've said this before ... but brilliant. It quieted down quickly, thank the mercies. A little while later, another of the party came to join the couple sitting in front of us. She was blonde. And loud. She plonked herself down in the seat in front of them, threw a couple of surreptitious looks at Sunny then proceeded to tell the couple about gays. *sunny's head snaps up* She knew some. They were great. They were good to go shopping with. They had terrific fashion sense. They were hilarious. Have you ever seen a gay guy try to do this? *snap snap snap complete with gestures*
I looked at Sunny. Sunny looked at me. And we burst out laughing. *sees Sunny do that. a lot*
She shifted seats. Looked at Sunny some more. And chatted on bout absolute nonsense. And when her mother got off the bus, she took the seat with the bloke she'd just been chatting to. And she chatted the whole way into the city.
And at some point, I resumed staring out the window. In time to see some older bloke get off the bus. He looked like he was about to be greeted by some younger chap. And it was on. The older bloke exploded, pushed the younger one to the ground and started yelling You leave my boy alone! Just leave him alone!
What an interesting trip.
I eaten an apple, a milo bar - not the chocolate one - and a cup of tea. Nothing's working; now I'm headed for the hard core stuff. Yep, I'm off for a coffee ...
Hmmmm there's been a bunny raid in the kitchen. Someone has been warming/toasting hot cross buns. Well, I'm back now.
Yes. Tired. Just as well I did remember to actually take notes this week. *pats self on back* Let's just see if I can make any sense of them.
It's been a busy week. Apparently...
As you may have seen on that thing called a telly, the weather has been a bit iffy this week. Monday afternoon came over nice and semi-dark. And while we were out on the motorway ... down it came. Not as heavy as I might have liked, since I love being out in storms, but heavy enough. I love the rain. It washes everything clean. And as it died off, I glanced out the bus window. There on the exit is a car. Emblazoned with a banner. From some company called ... Noah.
Tuesday, I was staring out the window of the bus. For something different as I psyched myself up for the journey home. We hadn't left the city precinct yet and were headed for the busway *loves busway. so long, loser traffic!* Something brown and moving caught my attention. It was army vehicles. Not the usual trucks, but the tank like personnel carriers with the multiple wheels. Complete with a personnel peeping out of the top. And waving like they were royalty. Oh, wait. That could have been a signal to the ones in the vehicle behind. Duck people!
My life is so exciting, on Wednesday I decided to do something different. I've been thinking of trying to find ways of adding walking to my daily slog. Not easy. So I thought I'd try walking to a different bus stop in the mornings. Up the road this time. It takes me about 15 minutes. And as I approach the stop, there is a woman sitting and smoking. *grumbles to self. she'd better have quit that by the time i get there* And it turned out to be the mother of one of Teen's friends. We chatted while I tried to cool down, and lo. MY bus stops on the other side of the highway. Dammit. Well, I know for now, don't I. Although, I think I will catch it from my usual stop, ride all the way in and add my walk transferring to another stop to the University. Makes for a later start in the office though. Oh, decisions decisions ...!
Alas, I have not notes for the rest of my week. So you'll never get to read about all the other exciting things I did.
Oh, Saturday night I decided I would have a movie marathon. Quite by accident mind. Sunny and I hired out Disaster Movie. Which really is a disaster! But it suited my somewhat warped sense of humour and I enjoyed it despite myself. Follow that with Pirates of the Carry-bean *loves HD tv* and then Enemy at the Gate. It's 3am when I crawl into bed.
And bright and early, MOTH's alarm goes off. At 6 am. Once I'm awake, that's it. And I crawl out of bed.
So I'm sitting and playing Sims2 and Sunny pops his head around the corner. Do you want to go into the city today? Well, yes. I've got 50c. I can afford a soft serve. We did.
Stange, some people who ride the buses. A bunch of bogans got on at one particular stop. And they had at least one small child with them. Brilliant. Said small person came down the back of the bus to sit themself next to Sunny and I. Complaining to the attending adult all the while. And there you go, it flipped the bird at the adult. Who laughed while getting angry. Then hauled the thing back to the front of the bus while it chucked a tanty. Think I've said this before ... but brilliant. It quieted down quickly, thank the mercies. A little while later, another of the party came to join the couple sitting in front of us. She was blonde. And loud. She plonked herself down in the seat in front of them, threw a couple of surreptitious looks at Sunny then proceeded to tell the couple about gays. *sunny's head snaps up* She knew some. They were great. They were good to go shopping with. They had terrific fashion sense. They were hilarious. Have you ever seen a gay guy try to do this? *snap snap snap complete with gestures*
I looked at Sunny. Sunny looked at me. And we burst out laughing. *sees Sunny do that. a lot*
She shifted seats. Looked at Sunny some more. And chatted on bout absolute nonsense. And when her mother got off the bus, she took the seat with the bloke she'd just been chatting to. And she chatted the whole way into the city.
And at some point, I resumed staring out the window. In time to see some older bloke get off the bus. He looked like he was about to be greeted by some younger chap. And it was on. The older bloke exploded, pushed the younger one to the ground and started yelling You leave my boy alone! Just leave him alone!
What an interesting trip.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Panic. But not at the disco.
There seemed to have been a couple of notes on my last post. Thank you dear readers! It's good to know that someone takes notice. *cheeky grin*
Fear not, dear Elder. I won't be increasing anyone's rent, it was just a standard clause in the rental agreement. Landlord always gives themselves an option. *imagines self as slum lord. yes, i think i can do that* And I was more worried about what the realtor would have to say with all the peeps in da house, and the garage turning into The Castle. *MOTH puffs up chest and says he can handle them*
I'm looking forward to your arrival. You commented on your last visit that you weren't sure if you'd fit; I didn't bounce off the walls and play. It's the house I tell you. The rooms are big and ceilings high - it ECHOES! I'm over 40 - I don't like sudden moves and loud noises. That includes anything I do. So until I get used to the echo, I move slowly and quietly. Don't want to startle MOTH either....
It seems that while I was absent earning an honest crust - hard to believe, I know - MOTH took to the rooms with a tape measure. Given we estimate the king bed is about 2feet wider and 2 feet longer, he pronounced that it would fit in that second room very well, probably better than the 'larger' room because it is actually narrower.
So, where was I? Oh yes, recapping the week.
I actually remembered to take some notes this time. On one day only. But that will do. It's a start.
Unfortunately, there isn't a date on my notes, but I shall assume it's Friday.
Friday I did the usual run to get the bus for the trip home from work. The scenery changed from the mundane though when we actually got moving. Touring through the traffic and we stop for the traffic lights. Standing on the footpath, waiting to cross was an older woman with a dog. On a leash. No, the dog was. I couldn't begin to guess her age. Her skin appeared to be well worn. In the areas I could see that weren't coloured in that is. Her hat was a floppy white one, propped off her forehead with a huge pair of sunnies. Peeking out from under the hat was blue hair. Sky blue hair, down to her shoulders. But don't ask me what she was wearing. My notes didn't cover that. *sighs* Ah well, I'll rememer more detail for next time.
A little further along, while still recovering from the shock, I glanced upward. And there, standing all on his lonesome on a rooftop balcony, was a chappie. An ordinary chappie in a not so ordinary position. I'm guessing the balcony belonged to a business. One floor above the street. Wonder what the view would have been like?
I could hear bells. And when I looked, you got it. Hari Krishas dancing along the street. Orange robes, white face paint, shaven heads, bells and tamborines. Just because they can. I see no other reason why you would. It brought back memories of dodging them as a tourist. You didn't want to get caught by any! At least they couldn't flag down the bus from there.... *wonders what happened to mum's Hari Krishna cook book*
And what's that? Oh. A bloke. With bagpipes tucked under one arm. Complete in kit. The tartan was green. Irish perhaps? It is, after all, nearly St Patricks Day. It's kind of strange to see them out of a parade. Even if they are waiting to cross the street.
And hey, it must be geek day. I've just realised I'm wearing black. With a geek backpack. And a geek t-shirt. And a book in hand. Star Wars to be exact.....
Last Thursday, MOTH purchased himself a couple of new toys with the Government bonus. The Teen was less than impressed it wasn't being spent on a new bed for her, her teeth and other general things; she made sure that her feelings were known. What I failed to remind her of is the fact that the last bonus went on moving house so she could go to the school SHE wanted, AND over $400 on a pair of glasses she insisted she absolutely had to have, but I've hardly seen her wear. And I didn't even quibble when she stated she wanted the D&G frames.
So, Saturday I spent some time playing with the new LCD in the rumpus room. I think I've worked out the buttons on the remote and that IS the most important part.
I talked MOTH into spending some dollars on a wee bit more tech. I now have a HDMI cable which lets me plug my laptop into the LCD so I can now play DVDs properly. Actually, it mirrors my laptop on the LCD, so whatever I do on the laptop, I can see on the LCD.
Sunday I rearranged the rumpus room. The room is long and narrow. The Teen thought at set up that the lounge was too far away from the tv, so it was placed in the middle of the room. Now, everything is set across the room, not the length of the room. Much better set up. Course, to test it, I had to hook up the laptop and play Sims2.
And hey! If you move back in Elder dear, there is room in the corner for the guitar hero stuff and the PS3 can stand neatly by the cabinet.
w00t!
PS. It occurs to me that I forgot to mention the panic. I was sitting on the bus on the way to work this morning. I won't say blissfully, because some woman decided to sit next to me. And she had a babe thing wrapped and strapped to her. Luckily it was kinda quiet, even if it did kick me occasionally. At least I didn't eat it.
But as we got close to our destination, I went looking for my swipe card. And it wasn't where it was supposed to be. Oh dear. Well, I've been known to slip it into the wrong pocket, so I went looking. Nope, not there either. Crap. Well, I know I had it when I got ON the bus, cause I swiped it then. What the HELL did I do with it? I hunted all about but couldn't find it. Great. NOW what am I gonna do? It still had a decent balance on it too because it's only the start of the fortnight. *sighs. wonders how i'm going to make the money for the rest of the time* But as we stood, she pointed to the floor in the aisle and asked if that was what I was looking for.
Yes! A double w00t! *breathes*
Fear not, dear Elder. I won't be increasing anyone's rent, it was just a standard clause in the rental agreement. Landlord always gives themselves an option. *imagines self as slum lord. yes, i think i can do that* And I was more worried about what the realtor would have to say with all the peeps in da house, and the garage turning into The Castle. *MOTH puffs up chest and says he can handle them*
I'm looking forward to your arrival. You commented on your last visit that you weren't sure if you'd fit; I didn't bounce off the walls and play. It's the house I tell you. The rooms are big and ceilings high - it ECHOES! I'm over 40 - I don't like sudden moves and loud noises. That includes anything I do. So until I get used to the echo, I move slowly and quietly. Don't want to startle MOTH either....
It seems that while I was absent earning an honest crust - hard to believe, I know - MOTH took to the rooms with a tape measure. Given we estimate the king bed is about 2feet wider and 2 feet longer, he pronounced that it would fit in that second room very well, probably better than the 'larger' room because it is actually narrower.
So, where was I? Oh yes, recapping the week.
I actually remembered to take some notes this time. On one day only. But that will do. It's a start.
Unfortunately, there isn't a date on my notes, but I shall assume it's Friday.
Friday I did the usual run to get the bus for the trip home from work. The scenery changed from the mundane though when we actually got moving. Touring through the traffic and we stop for the traffic lights. Standing on the footpath, waiting to cross was an older woman with a dog. On a leash. No, the dog was. I couldn't begin to guess her age. Her skin appeared to be well worn. In the areas I could see that weren't coloured in that is. Her hat was a floppy white one, propped off her forehead with a huge pair of sunnies. Peeking out from under the hat was blue hair. Sky blue hair, down to her shoulders. But don't ask me what she was wearing. My notes didn't cover that. *sighs* Ah well, I'll rememer more detail for next time.
A little further along, while still recovering from the shock, I glanced upward. And there, standing all on his lonesome on a rooftop balcony, was a chappie. An ordinary chappie in a not so ordinary position. I'm guessing the balcony belonged to a business. One floor above the street. Wonder what the view would have been like?
I could hear bells. And when I looked, you got it. Hari Krishas dancing along the street. Orange robes, white face paint, shaven heads, bells and tamborines. Just because they can. I see no other reason why you would. It brought back memories of dodging them as a tourist. You didn't want to get caught by any! At least they couldn't flag down the bus from there.... *wonders what happened to mum's Hari Krishna cook book*
And what's that? Oh. A bloke. With bagpipes tucked under one arm. Complete in kit. The tartan was green. Irish perhaps? It is, after all, nearly St Patricks Day. It's kind of strange to see them out of a parade. Even if they are waiting to cross the street.
And hey, it must be geek day. I've just realised I'm wearing black. With a geek backpack. And a geek t-shirt. And a book in hand. Star Wars to be exact.....
Last Thursday, MOTH purchased himself a couple of new toys with the Government bonus. The Teen was less than impressed it wasn't being spent on a new bed for her, her teeth and other general things; she made sure that her feelings were known. What I failed to remind her of is the fact that the last bonus went on moving house so she could go to the school SHE wanted, AND over $400 on a pair of glasses she insisted she absolutely had to have, but I've hardly seen her wear. And I didn't even quibble when she stated she wanted the D&G frames.
So, Saturday I spent some time playing with the new LCD in the rumpus room. I think I've worked out the buttons on the remote and that IS the most important part.
I talked MOTH into spending some dollars on a wee bit more tech. I now have a HDMI cable which lets me plug my laptop into the LCD so I can now play DVDs properly. Actually, it mirrors my laptop on the LCD, so whatever I do on the laptop, I can see on the LCD.
Sunday I rearranged the rumpus room. The room is long and narrow. The Teen thought at set up that the lounge was too far away from the tv, so it was placed in the middle of the room. Now, everything is set across the room, not the length of the room. Much better set up. Course, to test it, I had to hook up the laptop and play Sims2.
And hey! If you move back in Elder dear, there is room in the corner for the guitar hero stuff and the PS3 can stand neatly by the cabinet.
w00t!
PS. It occurs to me that I forgot to mention the panic. I was sitting on the bus on the way to work this morning. I won't say blissfully, because some woman decided to sit next to me. And she had a babe thing wrapped and strapped to her. Luckily it was kinda quiet, even if it did kick me occasionally. At least I didn't eat it.
But as we got close to our destination, I went looking for my swipe card. And it wasn't where it was supposed to be. Oh dear. Well, I've been known to slip it into the wrong pocket, so I went looking. Nope, not there either. Crap. Well, I know I had it when I got ON the bus, cause I swiped it then. What the HELL did I do with it? I hunted all about but couldn't find it. Great. NOW what am I gonna do? It still had a decent balance on it too because it's only the start of the fortnight. *sighs. wonders how i'm going to make the money for the rest of the time* But as we stood, she pointed to the floor in the aisle and asked if that was what I was looking for.
Yes! A double w00t! *breathes*
Monday, March 09, 2009
Why do you suppose my week days remain somewhat ho hum and if anything happens, it's on a weekend? Or is it just that my memory sort of filters out anything beyond a couple of days ago? And I'm lucky to retrieve that much.
This week though is a bit of an exception.
Sometime toward the end of last week I had a text from the Teen. She was bordering on hysterical. Instead of coming directly home from school that day, she had decided to make a detour to the local shops to buy herself a drink. This is not a problem in itself I would say. The problem with that is the ne'er to do element of the school has been making trouble at the shopping centre. Which has retaliated by having students banned between school hours and security guards. I'm also told they have 'plain clothes' patrolling, along with mounted police. And the latter I know to be true - I've seen the hoofprints...
So, where was I? Oh yes. At the shops. And while she was there, smoked. One of her friends then told her that a man had taken a photograph. The Teen panicked. She was in an out of bounds area, smoking while in school uniform. And she didn't know what consequences that would have. Haven't heard from the school yet, so we'll burn that bridge when we cross it. *shrugs*
On Friday, the Elder and Jawsome arrived for a visit! *colour me happy* It was great to see them. They were delivering Team Shitbox to the Teen. For her to learn to drive in. All she needs now is her learner's permit.
And that's a scary thought.
During the course of a conversation with the Elder, she mentioned "when we move in". It stopped me dead in my tracks. Wha? Did I just hear that aright? Yes. I did. *faints*
It seems the lease is up soon where they are now, and the general thinking is that there are more job opportunities up this way. I don't have a problem with that. There are just some things that need to be taken into consideration first.
They would have to sell one car. The garage is only a three car and no, she cannot park in the front yard, nor in the middle of the 'roundabout'. No, I would not be happy to move the boyos out of their current room and into the smaller one. It is only bigger because it is longer. The kingsize bed is not going to fit in that room any better than it would in the smaller one. The Elder and the Teen get along famously when they are apart. Put them together for any length of time and it's one big barney. With that many people in the house, there is no room for bad tempers!
Any space MOTH and I have gained in the move is lost. Completely. No room in the garage. No spaces to hide from people.
The Teen already runs at full volume. The last thing she needs is encouragement. I would be happy to have them, but boy, is it going to mean adjustment.
*gives weak, frightened smile*
On Saturday though, I did recolour my hair. Popped out of bed *moth must have hit the eject button* and into the bathroom to get the colour thing going. At about 06:00. Gotta get an early start you know.
I like it this way. Purple on top again, with black underneath. It looks great when I straighten it.
Saturday night was out with the team *Jawsome, Elder, Sunny, Judah* for a friend's birthday. She is a funny girl. The venue was a nightclub that none of us has been to before. It's somewhat alternative. And boy, they don't spend any money on the decor! But the DJ, when he was playing, had chosen some pretty good music. Not long after we arrived, a band set up and kicked off into their set. They were so LOUD that it was making my sinus resonate, and if I turned my head the wrong way I thought I was going to pass out. Thankfully they didn't go all night; played their set and packed up. Back to the DJ and the better music.
The night was called quits early; Sunny stuck with Judah, the Elder got tired and it wasn't really Jawsome's scene. We had determined that the nightlink bus would stop from about 01:30 am from where we had been dropped off. But no one knew what would happen earlier than that. Each time I tried to get anyone to decide what they wanted to do, I got blank looks and the admonition to not make anyone make a decision. In the end, I got them moving and we went looking for buses. *hates when a group vascilates and no one will take the lead*
The train seemed to be the option to get back to the CBD. And just prior to purchasing a ticket, Sunny discovered the devastating loss of his go card. Luckily, I had $10 over from admission that I could pay for his ticket home.
Buses were scarce. As hens teeth. The mall stops were empty. Some chappie who had been working the platforms directed us to the casino as all the buses had stopped running for the night. Up we went. Only to discover that the next bus we could catch wouldn't be by until 01:26. A 50 minute wait.
To while away the time, we watched people, watched the taxi rank across the road and chatted nonsense.
The taxi rank. What can I say? That if you are ever looking for a taxi in the CBD on a Saturday night/Sunday morning, opposite the casino is the place to be. Taxis come in, taxis pull out. And all directed by a chap waving a glowing wand. He tells them where to pull up. He tells which passengers to get into which taxis. His partner in crime down the way a little keeps the taxis moving. It was beautifully choreographed. Fascinating. See? These are the things that keep you occupied while you wait at the stop with 60 million other people who also want to catch a bus home.
Sunday was a little quieter. The Elder pilfered my laptop for the day and played the Sims2. Sunday afternoon, I helped MOTH in the garden, getting rid of the dead branches from the pruning of the shrubs. Sunny helped too. Which MOTH greatly appreciated. And toward the end, Jawsome came out of the house and joined the line. Amazing. *grins*
This week though is a bit of an exception.
Sometime toward the end of last week I had a text from the Teen. She was bordering on hysterical. Instead of coming directly home from school that day, she had decided to make a detour to the local shops to buy herself a drink. This is not a problem in itself I would say. The problem with that is the ne'er to do element of the school has been making trouble at the shopping centre. Which has retaliated by having students banned between school hours and security guards. I'm also told they have 'plain clothes' patrolling, along with mounted police. And the latter I know to be true - I've seen the hoofprints...
So, where was I? Oh yes. At the shops. And while she was there, smoked. One of her friends then told her that a man had taken a photograph. The Teen panicked. She was in an out of bounds area, smoking while in school uniform. And she didn't know what consequences that would have. Haven't heard from the school yet, so we'll burn that bridge when we cross it. *shrugs*
On Friday, the Elder and Jawsome arrived for a visit! *colour me happy* It was great to see them. They were delivering Team Shitbox to the Teen. For her to learn to drive in. All she needs now is her learner's permit.
And that's a scary thought.
During the course of a conversation with the Elder, she mentioned "when we move in". It stopped me dead in my tracks. Wha? Did I just hear that aright? Yes. I did. *faints*
It seems the lease is up soon where they are now, and the general thinking is that there are more job opportunities up this way. I don't have a problem with that. There are just some things that need to be taken into consideration first.
They would have to sell one car. The garage is only a three car and no, she cannot park in the front yard, nor in the middle of the 'roundabout'. No, I would not be happy to move the boyos out of their current room and into the smaller one. It is only bigger because it is longer. The kingsize bed is not going to fit in that room any better than it would in the smaller one. The Elder and the Teen get along famously when they are apart. Put them together for any length of time and it's one big barney. With that many people in the house, there is no room for bad tempers!
Any space MOTH and I have gained in the move is lost. Completely. No room in the garage. No spaces to hide from people.
The Teen already runs at full volume. The last thing she needs is encouragement. I would be happy to have them, but boy, is it going to mean adjustment.
*gives weak, frightened smile*
On Saturday though, I did recolour my hair. Popped out of bed *moth must have hit the eject button* and into the bathroom to get the colour thing going. At about 06:00. Gotta get an early start you know.
I like it this way. Purple on top again, with black underneath. It looks great when I straighten it.
Saturday night was out with the team *Jawsome, Elder, Sunny, Judah* for a friend's birthday. She is a funny girl. The venue was a nightclub that none of us has been to before. It's somewhat alternative. And boy, they don't spend any money on the decor! But the DJ, when he was playing, had chosen some pretty good music. Not long after we arrived, a band set up and kicked off into their set. They were so LOUD that it was making my sinus resonate, and if I turned my head the wrong way I thought I was going to pass out. Thankfully they didn't go all night; played their set and packed up. Back to the DJ and the better music.
The night was called quits early; Sunny stuck with Judah, the Elder got tired and it wasn't really Jawsome's scene. We had determined that the nightlink bus would stop from about 01:30 am from where we had been dropped off. But no one knew what would happen earlier than that. Each time I tried to get anyone to decide what they wanted to do, I got blank looks and the admonition to not make anyone make a decision. In the end, I got them moving and we went looking for buses. *hates when a group vascilates and no one will take the lead*
The train seemed to be the option to get back to the CBD. And just prior to purchasing a ticket, Sunny discovered the devastating loss of his go card. Luckily, I had $10 over from admission that I could pay for his ticket home.
Buses were scarce. As hens teeth. The mall stops were empty. Some chappie who had been working the platforms directed us to the casino as all the buses had stopped running for the night. Up we went. Only to discover that the next bus we could catch wouldn't be by until 01:26. A 50 minute wait.
To while away the time, we watched people, watched the taxi rank across the road and chatted nonsense.
The taxi rank. What can I say? That if you are ever looking for a taxi in the CBD on a Saturday night/Sunday morning, opposite the casino is the place to be. Taxis come in, taxis pull out. And all directed by a chap waving a glowing wand. He tells them where to pull up. He tells which passengers to get into which taxis. His partner in crime down the way a little keeps the taxis moving. It was beautifully choreographed. Fascinating. See? These are the things that keep you occupied while you wait at the stop with 60 million other people who also want to catch a bus home.
Sunday was a little quieter. The Elder pilfered my laptop for the day and played the Sims2. Sunday afternoon, I helped MOTH in the garden, getting rid of the dead branches from the pruning of the shrubs. Sunny helped too. Which MOTH greatly appreciated. And toward the end, Jawsome came out of the house and joined the line. Amazing. *grins*
Monday, March 02, 2009
Greenfinger the garden gnome.
*has flashback* Does anyone remember that gnome?
You know, considering I was supposed to write notes to myself so I can remember what transpired during the week, I don't seem to have done a very good job of it. *kicks self*
Sooooo .... I think my week was pretty uneventful. They usually are. You know the drill; wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed, wake up, go to work. And so on. Although, if it wasn't for the going to work gig, I think I would forget which day it really was.
Friday, one of the GTs on another project my workplace is associated with, was leaving. Actually I think Friday was his last day. But we went to lunch. Since we had to pay for our own, and the chosen venue was a gourmet pizza place, I skipped the mains and went straight for dessert. A slice of lime cheesecake. It was very yummy and got a few comments too. Much better than a scummy pizza. *grins*
I managed to scab a glass of beer at that lunch too. I haven't had a liquid lunch for some time, so it went to my head a little. The beer was that low carb Pure Blonde, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Friday evening the Teen went to a concert with Wogboy over in some town that was a bit of a drive away. I was a little worried - the road is a notoriously bad one and Wogboy only got his Ps a couple of months ago. She tells me the trip over didn't turn out as well as she'd hoped. They couldn't find the venue, and when they gave up looking and waiting for instructions, they drove around and found it only to discover the band was just finishing their set.
She did spend the rest of the weekend with Wogboy though, returning home Sunday midmorning. She's been complaining of being unwell lately. I think she's stressed. So stressed that she's thinking she has stomach ulcers and the hypochondriac in her is very much to the fore. The Elder and I both suggested in jest that there may be something else wrong with her *involving children* and she flew into a panic and wants that ruled out. *grumbles* no sense of humour, some.
Sunny and Judah stayed out all Thursday night. At least, I think it was Thursday, because things are sketchy and I didn't make notes. On Friday night, I made hot dogs for dinner. Only to discover the boyos had hot dogs for dinner the night before. And I rarely make different things like that for dinner. *grins. it's all in the timing*
Saturday dawned quietly because the boyos sleep in. Actually, Sunny tells me that he's awake early, but lies in because Judah prefers it that way and he sleeps much longer than Sunny. They surfaced about mid morning somewhere and let me know that they would be travelling to visit Sunny's family for the night. So. Another weekend with everyone out of the house.
MOTH made plans to splash out and hire a dvd for the night. No, nothing rated R or X. *shakes head at naughty people* Just a movie he'd seen the shorts for and thought looked interesting. We also had rump steak out defrosting, so decided that we had better cook it.
So, I did the unthinkable; stepped into a man's territory and learned how to use the bbq. Actually, MOTH has shown me this several times before. But it's always a long time between drinks and I've forgotten. This time though, I put my foot down with a firm hand and switched it on myself. I'm one of those people who prefers to learn by doing it.
Of course, what I failed to mention is the amount of time it took the both of us to clean it up before it could be used. MOTH pulled it apart and scraped it down. I scrubbed the roasting dish and rack. He did the burners and the plates.
In between times, MOTH dragged around some branches from overgrown shrubs he had removed over the period of several weekends. He needed them put in the garden bin for collection. But of course, they are too big to just put in there. We don't have a mulcher and MOTH needs them cut small. So every so often we wander to the patch and cut up branches. Piece by piece. Boy, my hand is kinda overworked!
Saturday night we ate the perfect steak I cooked on the bbq, and watched Babylon AD. Not too bad; quite a convoluted plot line which doesn't really seem to go anywhere. But enjoyable just the same.
Sunday I was up and about my usual time. It's the best time of the morning and I don't like to waste too much of it. The day had the promise of hell though. Expected temps were supposed to be around 37deg C. Not sure if it eventuated - I headed it off at the pass by secluding myself in the aircon.
I surprised myself with a burst of energy and the scrubbing of the shower cubicle. Well, I removed the soap scum from the glass walls. And while wandering around, discovered that the shower in the main bathroom also needed a fair bit of TLC. I've cleaned off the black, now I just have to convince someone that the glass could do with a scrubbing as well. *wish me luck e'body!*
Sunday dinner I cooked a lamb roast. Slow cooked, at about 140deg C for 5 hours. It was lovely. In fact ... I've brought it along between two hunks of bread for lunch....
Speaking of which, it must be about that time.
You know, considering I was supposed to write notes to myself so I can remember what transpired during the week, I don't seem to have done a very good job of it. *kicks self*
Sooooo .... I think my week was pretty uneventful. They usually are. You know the drill; wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed, wake up, go to work. And so on. Although, if it wasn't for the going to work gig, I think I would forget which day it really was.
Friday, one of the GTs on another project my workplace is associated with, was leaving. Actually I think Friday was his last day. But we went to lunch. Since we had to pay for our own, and the chosen venue was a gourmet pizza place, I skipped the mains and went straight for dessert. A slice of lime cheesecake. It was very yummy and got a few comments too. Much better than a scummy pizza. *grins*
I managed to scab a glass of beer at that lunch too. I haven't had a liquid lunch for some time, so it went to my head a little. The beer was that low carb Pure Blonde, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Friday evening the Teen went to a concert with Wogboy over in some town that was a bit of a drive away. I was a little worried - the road is a notoriously bad one and Wogboy only got his Ps a couple of months ago. She tells me the trip over didn't turn out as well as she'd hoped. They couldn't find the venue, and when they gave up looking and waiting for instructions, they drove around and found it only to discover the band was just finishing their set.
She did spend the rest of the weekend with Wogboy though, returning home Sunday midmorning. She's been complaining of being unwell lately. I think she's stressed. So stressed that she's thinking she has stomach ulcers and the hypochondriac in her is very much to the fore. The Elder and I both suggested in jest that there may be something else wrong with her *involving children* and she flew into a panic and wants that ruled out. *grumbles* no sense of humour, some.
Sunny and Judah stayed out all Thursday night. At least, I think it was Thursday, because things are sketchy and I didn't make notes. On Friday night, I made hot dogs for dinner. Only to discover the boyos had hot dogs for dinner the night before. And I rarely make different things like that for dinner. *grins. it's all in the timing*
Saturday dawned quietly because the boyos sleep in. Actually, Sunny tells me that he's awake early, but lies in because Judah prefers it that way and he sleeps much longer than Sunny. They surfaced about mid morning somewhere and let me know that they would be travelling to visit Sunny's family for the night. So. Another weekend with everyone out of the house.
MOTH made plans to splash out and hire a dvd for the night. No, nothing rated R or X. *shakes head at naughty people* Just a movie he'd seen the shorts for and thought looked interesting. We also had rump steak out defrosting, so decided that we had better cook it.
So, I did the unthinkable; stepped into a man's territory and learned how to use the bbq. Actually, MOTH has shown me this several times before. But it's always a long time between drinks and I've forgotten. This time though, I put my foot down with a firm hand and switched it on myself. I'm one of those people who prefers to learn by doing it.
Of course, what I failed to mention is the amount of time it took the both of us to clean it up before it could be used. MOTH pulled it apart and scraped it down. I scrubbed the roasting dish and rack. He did the burners and the plates.
In between times, MOTH dragged around some branches from overgrown shrubs he had removed over the period of several weekends. He needed them put in the garden bin for collection. But of course, they are too big to just put in there. We don't have a mulcher and MOTH needs them cut small. So every so often we wander to the patch and cut up branches. Piece by piece. Boy, my hand is kinda overworked!
Saturday night we ate the perfect steak I cooked on the bbq, and watched Babylon AD. Not too bad; quite a convoluted plot line which doesn't really seem to go anywhere. But enjoyable just the same.
Sunday I was up and about my usual time. It's the best time of the morning and I don't like to waste too much of it. The day had the promise of hell though. Expected temps were supposed to be around 37deg C. Not sure if it eventuated - I headed it off at the pass by secluding myself in the aircon.
I surprised myself with a burst of energy and the scrubbing of the shower cubicle. Well, I removed the soap scum from the glass walls. And while wandering around, discovered that the shower in the main bathroom also needed a fair bit of TLC. I've cleaned off the black, now I just have to convince someone that the glass could do with a scrubbing as well. *wish me luck e'body!*
Sunday dinner I cooked a lamb roast. Slow cooked, at about 140deg C for 5 hours. It was lovely. In fact ... I've brought it along between two hunks of bread for lunch....
Speaking of which, it must be about that time.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hmmmm chocolate
Which has nothing to do with anything really, but now that I've got your attention...
It seems to be a Monday and after last week's slip, we seem to be more or less back on track.
Did I mention it's been raining here? Quite a bit? Thursday last week was no exception. Oh, it started off alright. But Thursday afternoon....
My bus goes out on the motorway. It jumps the busway partway along, tootles along the motorway for a while, then jumps that to meander around the back of a couple of 'burbs. Reverse it of course for the trip to work. I really love going to work these days. Since you don't spend much time going through streets, a trip to work feels like a school excursion. It's like driving through the countryside. Although I did spot this from the bus window the other day while we were on the busway. And no, it's not warped by the camera... much ...
But I've wandered again.
Thursday. Afternoon. I'm sitting in the bus. An old clunker. Gotta love those. And the sky comes over a little greyer than it already is. It starts to sprinkle and soon thunder rumbles across the sky. It doesn't take long and the rain starts to come down properly. And still we keep going. I'm gazing about, thinking the bus was holding up well. And the rain buckets down. Soon, a passenger gets up and closes the front of the rear ceiling hatch. They must have been getting wet. I start to feel the occaisional splash. Next thing I know, it's bubbling through the window seals. Traffic has slowed a little by this time. But the rain keeps coming.
Eventually it slows and stops, after the thunder has had a good go. I didn't get too wet. Can't say the same about the two women in front of me. They were sitting directly behind the partition at the rear door. And it was pretty well splashed. *grins to self*
When it all calms back down, the air smells clean, I'm not too damp and the water gushes in great cascades from the broken hillside cuttings. Ah, the joys of clay soils.
And even better, when I get home, the creek that runs across the front of the estate is cascading over the rocks as well. I should have taken a photo.
And that was the excitement for the week. No wait, I fib. Friday I decided I was going out the next morning and catching a bus a couple of 'burbs over to the big shopping centre. Saturday dawned and I check the timetables to sort out which one I'd need. And then I noticed that the Teen had very carefully laid out the streaking cap. Which she'd collected from a friend the night before. Well, there goes my morning. But only if she's out of bed before a certain time. Dammit. She's up. And within my timeframe. So we settled in and I spent the next 2 hours pulling hair through little holes with a crochet hook. Oh my poor fingers!
The end result was worth it though.
The teen spent Saturday night out. And Sunny and Judah made some last minute arrangements to spend the evening together at Soundwave. If the band list they brought home afterward was anything to go by, it would have been awesome.
That night I got stuck playing Sims2 and downloading some custom content. MOTH went to bed and I continued on. The boys came in at 1am, and my last download finished at 2am. I trundled off to bed.
Aaannnndddd was up again at 6am. MOTH told me that when he popped one eye open to look at the clock when I thought I was sneaking out it read 5:58. I played some more with the Sims2 *yay. exciting life i lead* I popped out with MOTH in the morning to spend a little time with him doing those boring pensioner things he likes. You know, like hanging around in groups at the shopping centre, smiling at the shop assistants and talking to random strangers, security guards and cleaners.
At some point in the morning, I wandered out to the bin and when I was on my way back, I was almost bowled over by a smiling Judah who was late for work. So late in fact he dashed out still gripping his hair straightner tightly in one hand obviously intending to complete the job on the bus....
Sunny decided he would spend the day with me, so we spent a lot of time together on the couch as of the days of old. I've really missed that. He played his DS and watched me play the Sims2 and made fascinated comments about the gameplay and the stupidity of the characters.
That night the Teen got a turn at annoying me and we scruffed around for a while before she wimped out and went to bed. This tired puppy crawled into bed somewhere around 11pm. It was a tiring day. *smiles sleepily*
*pops awake again* Oh yes. Those of you who know me will remember I spent a great deal of time when living at home complaining about a certain type of shrub that had purple and white flowers with a strong perfume? That I hated?
Yes. I've found one. In my garden. Hiding quietly until it decided to burst into bloom.....
*grumps*
It seems to be a Monday and after last week's slip, we seem to be more or less back on track.
Did I mention it's been raining here? Quite a bit? Thursday last week was no exception. Oh, it started off alright. But Thursday afternoon....
My bus goes out on the motorway. It jumps the busway partway along, tootles along the motorway for a while, then jumps that to meander around the back of a couple of 'burbs. Reverse it of course for the trip to work. I really love going to work these days. Since you don't spend much time going through streets, a trip to work feels like a school excursion. It's like driving through the countryside. Although I did spot this from the bus window the other day while we were on the busway. And no, it's not warped by the camera... much ...
But I've wandered again.
Thursday. Afternoon. I'm sitting in the bus. An old clunker. Gotta love those. And the sky comes over a little greyer than it already is. It starts to sprinkle and soon thunder rumbles across the sky. It doesn't take long and the rain starts to come down properly. And still we keep going. I'm gazing about, thinking the bus was holding up well. And the rain buckets down. Soon, a passenger gets up and closes the front of the rear ceiling hatch. They must have been getting wet. I start to feel the occaisional splash. Next thing I know, it's bubbling through the window seals. Traffic has slowed a little by this time. But the rain keeps coming.
Eventually it slows and stops, after the thunder has had a good go. I didn't get too wet. Can't say the same about the two women in front of me. They were sitting directly behind the partition at the rear door. And it was pretty well splashed. *grins to self*
When it all calms back down, the air smells clean, I'm not too damp and the water gushes in great cascades from the broken hillside cuttings. Ah, the joys of clay soils.
And even better, when I get home, the creek that runs across the front of the estate is cascading over the rocks as well. I should have taken a photo.
And that was the excitement for the week. No wait, I fib. Friday I decided I was going out the next morning and catching a bus a couple of 'burbs over to the big shopping centre. Saturday dawned and I check the timetables to sort out which one I'd need. And then I noticed that the Teen had very carefully laid out the streaking cap. Which she'd collected from a friend the night before. Well, there goes my morning. But only if she's out of bed before a certain time. Dammit. She's up. And within my timeframe. So we settled in and I spent the next 2 hours pulling hair through little holes with a crochet hook. Oh my poor fingers!
The end result was worth it though.
The teen spent Saturday night out. And Sunny and Judah made some last minute arrangements to spend the evening together at Soundwave. If the band list they brought home afterward was anything to go by, it would have been awesome.
That night I got stuck playing Sims2 and downloading some custom content. MOTH went to bed and I continued on. The boys came in at 1am, and my last download finished at 2am. I trundled off to bed.
Aaannnndddd was up again at 6am. MOTH told me that when he popped one eye open to look at the clock when I thought I was sneaking out it read 5:58. I played some more with the Sims2 *yay. exciting life i lead* I popped out with MOTH in the morning to spend a little time with him doing those boring pensioner things he likes. You know, like hanging around in groups at the shopping centre, smiling at the shop assistants and talking to random strangers, security guards and cleaners.
At some point in the morning, I wandered out to the bin and when I was on my way back, I was almost bowled over by a smiling Judah who was late for work. So late in fact he dashed out still gripping his hair straightner tightly in one hand obviously intending to complete the job on the bus....
Sunny decided he would spend the day with me, so we spent a lot of time together on the couch as of the days of old. I've really missed that. He played his DS and watched me play the Sims2 and made fascinated comments about the gameplay and the stupidity of the characters.
That night the Teen got a turn at annoying me and we scruffed around for a while before she wimped out and went to bed. This tired puppy crawled into bed somewhere around 11pm. It was a tiring day. *smiles sleepily*
*pops awake again* Oh yes. Those of you who know me will remember I spent a great deal of time when living at home complaining about a certain type of shrub that had purple and white flowers with a strong perfume? That I hated?
Yes. I've found one. In my garden. Hiding quietly until it decided to burst into bloom.....
*grumps*
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
In Passenger mode...
It's Thursday already and I think I was supposed to update this blog Monday or so. The one just gone. Which I can't believe has just gone.
So what has made the week and more than a week disappear so fast then? I dunno...
And I had made notes this time too. Mental ones, I admit, which doesn't always lead to the right outcome. Because these days my filing system is shot.
It's been raining on and off for the last week. I think we managed two sunny days. And hasn't it been fun struggling down to the bus stops with the wind and rain whipping about. I swear that umbrella has been made to deliberately channel the rain in underneath where an unsuspecting person hopes to keep dry. I can feel the spray on my face. And all that while hoping desperately the wind doesn't rip the thing out of your hands and send it tumbling through the trees, or even worse, reverse it.
The rain also means the buses are sometimes full of water. I've learned these days to check the seats, walls, windows, and airconditioning vents before I sit down. Wet dacks on the ride home aren't as much fun as the old folks have lead me to believe.
One particular afternoon, the driver announced to his somewhat bemused passengers that because the bus was running late, we would be diverted to the QSBS under the shopping centre. That set some of them abuzz. Probably because he was hard to hear. So off across the bridge we tootled, down the ramp and underground. I've been there before on other bus lines, but never this deep. Totally subterranean, and hey - there's an entrance to an hotel which obviously resides up above. I did wonder though, what was the point of that, because it faced out to the busway. Which pedestrians are not permitted to cross...... *shrugs* And on past that to a turnaround and more 'lanes' I didn't even know existed. Wow. A whole new perspective of the buses.
The Teen has been feeling off for a while now. I don't know if I've mentioned it before. Chronic lethargy etc. She insisted I trundle her off to the doc to see what was wrong. She donated some blood to the labs, but the tests all came back normal. Even her iron count was right. The only other option the doc can think of to look at is her sleeping patterns. That's right, she might have sleep disturbances and has a referral for a diagnostic sleep study. The only thing wrong with that? It's done through Mater Private. Which, I'm thinking, is going to cost my wages for a year!
But the upside is I can find out if I can legitimately point my finger, dance and sing You has been snoring! You sounds like a buzzsaw! And stuff.
Sunday just gone we had a houseful again. Or was that the one before? Judah brought home a couple of friends. A pair of really nice boys. They were polite and friendly. One of them likes to draw too apprently. He asked if we had some blank paper he could draw on. I didn't see any of the end results though. It would have been interesting. I like looking at other people's artwork. I did laugh at one point though. He was having some fun, psyching Sunny out. Not a difficult task, really. And he was staring across the void that is the dining area and into the rumpus room. Looking out from under his eyebrows. He slowly raised his hand to point, and I said Urgh Argh! To which he exclaimed Oh! A Buffy reference! So then we talked about the series for a while. *is happy* Geekdom r00lz!
The weekend just gone seems to have flown by, and nothing much happened. The boyos seemed to keep to themselves. Although I think the Teen was home. Oh yes, it was St Val's day. A nothing special day for me. MOTH and I stopped celebrating a long time ago. He mentioned something about the day, and I told him that yes, he did buy my a Valentines gift. Once. Hmph, he snorted. It must have been cheap.
The Teen was supposed to be out with her man, but they went to a party the night before. He was hung over, the day was raining, so she asked us to pick her up and she ditched him. On Valentines day. MOTH very much less than impressed and made her wait till after lunchish; but when we got there, he got a chance to check out Wogboy's father's new motorbike. It is beautiful. Harley Fatboy, with flames and flame themed on all the chrome. What a beauty!
The ol' birthday went pretty well. I wandered out to the kitchen in the morning to be greeted by two wrapped parcels on the kitchen bench. I loved the wrapping paper. Newspaper, with brightly coloured post it notes that created a message. The overall effect was great. I've kept the wrappers. *grins* They turned out to be rocher chocolates - yum! - and a lovely book on Wizardology. It matches my book on Dragonology. I've placed them together on the bookcase. And after handing around some of the chocolate, I plonked myself down that evening and ate the rest. MOTH cooked me a roast dinner too. And mother sent me a lovely donation. You know, save the destitute daughter fund. And I put that toward another worthy cause. Buy a bottle of rum day. *nods*
And while on the bus on the way home from work, I glanced out the window just in time to see a grey kangaroo hop slowly away from someone's fence and back into the long grass.
Very little has happened since. But I must remember to make notes... Lol.
So what has made the week and more than a week disappear so fast then? I dunno...
And I had made notes this time too. Mental ones, I admit, which doesn't always lead to the right outcome. Because these days my filing system is shot.
It's been raining on and off for the last week. I think we managed two sunny days. And hasn't it been fun struggling down to the bus stops with the wind and rain whipping about. I swear that umbrella has been made to deliberately channel the rain in underneath where an unsuspecting person hopes to keep dry. I can feel the spray on my face. And all that while hoping desperately the wind doesn't rip the thing out of your hands and send it tumbling through the trees, or even worse, reverse it.
The rain also means the buses are sometimes full of water. I've learned these days to check the seats, walls, windows, and airconditioning vents before I sit down. Wet dacks on the ride home aren't as much fun as the old folks have lead me to believe.
One particular afternoon, the driver announced to his somewhat bemused passengers that because the bus was running late, we would be diverted to the QSBS under the shopping centre. That set some of them abuzz. Probably because he was hard to hear. So off across the bridge we tootled, down the ramp and underground. I've been there before on other bus lines, but never this deep. Totally subterranean, and hey - there's an entrance to an hotel which obviously resides up above. I did wonder though, what was the point of that, because it faced out to the busway. Which pedestrians are not permitted to cross...... *shrugs* And on past that to a turnaround and more 'lanes' I didn't even know existed. Wow. A whole new perspective of the buses.
The Teen has been feeling off for a while now. I don't know if I've mentioned it before. Chronic lethargy etc. She insisted I trundle her off to the doc to see what was wrong. She donated some blood to the labs, but the tests all came back normal. Even her iron count was right. The only other option the doc can think of to look at is her sleeping patterns. That's right, she might have sleep disturbances and has a referral for a diagnostic sleep study. The only thing wrong with that? It's done through Mater Private. Which, I'm thinking, is going to cost my wages for a year!
But the upside is I can find out if I can legitimately point my finger, dance and sing You has been snoring! You sounds like a buzzsaw! And stuff.
Sunday just gone we had a houseful again. Or was that the one before? Judah brought home a couple of friends. A pair of really nice boys. They were polite and friendly. One of them likes to draw too apprently. He asked if we had some blank paper he could draw on. I didn't see any of the end results though. It would have been interesting. I like looking at other people's artwork. I did laugh at one point though. He was having some fun, psyching Sunny out. Not a difficult task, really. And he was staring across the void that is the dining area and into the rumpus room. Looking out from under his eyebrows. He slowly raised his hand to point, and I said Urgh Argh! To which he exclaimed Oh! A Buffy reference! So then we talked about the series for a while. *is happy* Geekdom r00lz!
The weekend just gone seems to have flown by, and nothing much happened. The boyos seemed to keep to themselves. Although I think the Teen was home. Oh yes, it was St Val's day. A nothing special day for me. MOTH and I stopped celebrating a long time ago. He mentioned something about the day, and I told him that yes, he did buy my a Valentines gift. Once. Hmph, he snorted. It must have been cheap.
The Teen was supposed to be out with her man, but they went to a party the night before. He was hung over, the day was raining, so she asked us to pick her up and she ditched him. On Valentines day. MOTH very much less than impressed and made her wait till after lunchish; but when we got there, he got a chance to check out Wogboy's father's new motorbike. It is beautiful. Harley Fatboy, with flames and flame themed on all the chrome. What a beauty!
The ol' birthday went pretty well. I wandered out to the kitchen in the morning to be greeted by two wrapped parcels on the kitchen bench. I loved the wrapping paper. Newspaper, with brightly coloured post it notes that created a message. The overall effect was great. I've kept the wrappers. *grins* They turned out to be rocher chocolates - yum! - and a lovely book on Wizardology. It matches my book on Dragonology. I've placed them together on the bookcase. And after handing around some of the chocolate, I plonked myself down that evening and ate the rest. MOTH cooked me a roast dinner too. And mother sent me a lovely donation. You know, save the destitute daughter fund. And I put that toward another worthy cause. Buy a bottle of rum day. *nods*
And while on the bus on the way home from work, I glanced out the window just in time to see a grey kangaroo hop slowly away from someone's fence and back into the long grass.
Very little has happened since. But I must remember to make notes... Lol.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sol's view. Week in review.
And what a week it's been. At least it could have been. My memory only stretches as far back as the weekend just gone so I'm really going to have to think about what the last week has been about.
Of course, I'm trying to think of stuff while I'm at work. Which isn't really helping my cause.
I'm fairly certain the week passed uneventfully *memo to me: takes notes, stupid* and that nothing really happened during the entire week.
No, wait. As you know, MOTH has been serving on a committee for the University. This week he was finally notified that he is no longer able to serve. The rules of membership changed last year and there was doubt that he could continue while I worked at the Uni. This week, he was notified that they couldn't change the governing body's mind *hmmmm. images* but that they would be happy to have him on a different committee attached to a different institution. MOTH elected to drop it completely. *great. now how am i going to get him out of the house occasionally? don't these people CARE??*
Apparently not.
Thursday night, we went out to do a grocery shop. We are still trying to figure out how the budget will work, since the boyos pay the board every week. I think we've decided that we would trial paying the rent and most of the bills each fortnight, but shop each week. MOTH isn't sure how that will work, and has already complained that there is no food in the house at the end of the week and he gets nothing that is bought. This is, in reality, nothing new. EVERYBODY knows that teens in the house means no food. But maybe I'm wrong with that assumption. He told me that it never happened when it was just the girls. But I beg to differ. But I think I like it this way. I only have to wait for a week before I can restock some stuff, instead of having to wait the fortnight. And of course in a house full of people you NEVER wait, find out that someone has been there before you and leave the last bit for someone else. And THAT, my friends, is why he always misses out. *hmmmm he's gettin food from somewhere!*
Friday night, the Teen had Wogboy sleep over. Sunny and Judah also had a friend sleep over, so the house was kind of full. You'd never know it though. The Teen retreated to her own room, and the boyos went out for the evening. I had a text later in the evening to ask if they could possibly get a lift home. It seemed the buses were no longer running. MOTH was less than impressed. He's a lot of that lately. A little while later, there was another text to say that they found a bus line that was still running, and they would be home on that one. MOTH then spent some time expressing an opinion about being expected to run around after them. Which I have to note is a far cry from how he felt about the Elder. She was to call anytime, it didn't matter when.
Saturday the boyos went out again, and this time the Teen and Wogboy left as well. So for the second weekend running, we were left to our own devices. As usual, we did nothing special.
Sunday MOTH went to the shops to do the usual bread, milk, and paper run. I lazed about most of the day. *yay for the lazing aboutedness* Sounds like a pretty typical weekend....
Of course, I'm trying to think of stuff while I'm at work. Which isn't really helping my cause.
I'm fairly certain the week passed uneventfully *memo to me: takes notes, stupid* and that nothing really happened during the entire week.
No, wait. As you know, MOTH has been serving on a committee for the University. This week he was finally notified that he is no longer able to serve. The rules of membership changed last year and there was doubt that he could continue while I worked at the Uni. This week, he was notified that they couldn't change the governing body's mind *hmmmm. images* but that they would be happy to have him on a different committee attached to a different institution. MOTH elected to drop it completely. *great. now how am i going to get him out of the house occasionally? don't these people CARE??*
Apparently not.
Thursday night, we went out to do a grocery shop. We are still trying to figure out how the budget will work, since the boyos pay the board every week. I think we've decided that we would trial paying the rent and most of the bills each fortnight, but shop each week. MOTH isn't sure how that will work, and has already complained that there is no food in the house at the end of the week and he gets nothing that is bought. This is, in reality, nothing new. EVERYBODY knows that teens in the house means no food. But maybe I'm wrong with that assumption. He told me that it never happened when it was just the girls. But I beg to differ. But I think I like it this way. I only have to wait for a week before I can restock some stuff, instead of having to wait the fortnight. And of course in a house full of people you NEVER wait, find out that someone has been there before you and leave the last bit for someone else. And THAT, my friends, is why he always misses out. *hmmmm he's gettin food from somewhere!*
Friday night, the Teen had Wogboy sleep over. Sunny and Judah also had a friend sleep over, so the house was kind of full. You'd never know it though. The Teen retreated to her own room, and the boyos went out for the evening. I had a text later in the evening to ask if they could possibly get a lift home. It seemed the buses were no longer running. MOTH was less than impressed. He's a lot of that lately. A little while later, there was another text to say that they found a bus line that was still running, and they would be home on that one. MOTH then spent some time expressing an opinion about being expected to run around after them. Which I have to note is a far cry from how he felt about the Elder. She was to call anytime, it didn't matter when.
Saturday the boyos went out again, and this time the Teen and Wogboy left as well. So for the second weekend running, we were left to our own devices. As usual, we did nothing special.
Sunday MOTH went to the shops to do the usual bread, milk, and paper run. I lazed about most of the day. *yay for the lazing aboutedness* Sounds like a pretty typical weekend....
Monday, February 02, 2009
It's raining. Again.
And it is. Every day for the last few weeks has been overcast and humid. And minimum 'showers' 5 days out of 7. If it wasn't for the 2 day break through the week, I'd be going mouldy.
At least it hasn't actually gotten to the point where everything feels damp and mould has started growing.
But it means that the Teen's hayfever has been playing up something chronic, and weeks of headaches and lethargy for me. But overall, the Teen hasn't been feeling her usual bouncy self for some time now. She's always tired. And of course, irritable. But last Thursday she came home from late night, and she was so exhausted she was almost crying. She went straight to bed and was almost asleep without changing or switching her light out. The doc has prescribed some blood tests, and if that shows up nothing, it's a sleep study. Interesting....
Thursday afternoon I noticed that my phone wouldn't send a message. *shrugs* I tried sending to another person, but it still wouldn't work. I tried calling, but to no avail. Thursday night, we noticed that MOTH was in the same boat.
Bugga.
So Friday I phoned the carrier. Seems that I had forgotten to change my address and as a result had missed a bill. They put a bar on the outgoing services. And when I phoned up and found out that I had missed a payment, they demanded immediate payment of $154.
So there went the stash I had put aside to pay you back WCFC, sorry.
Well, I paid it, and now I'm waiting to see if they will lift the bar. I don't think they will, because there is still some amount outstanding. *shakes fist at carriers*
Friday night we decided to have a quiet drink out in the gazebo. Great place that. There is no light, but we have a table and chairs so we put the tealights out. And I have lowered myself to consume ... passion pop. Yes. I finally did it. Sunny and I shared the bottle. And probably a lot of secrets too. Then I adjourned to watch a Carl Baron dvd with the Teen. I don't think it was the passion pop, but that man is positively HILARIOUS!
Saturday all the children left the house for greener pastures, and MOTH and I were left to rattle around in the house. We cooked dinner then settled down to watch a movie. Something classy called Zombie Strippers. I laughed a lot. MOTH shook his head. It is a typical B grade zombie movie, but this time the setting is a strip club.
And for something completely different, Sunday I watched Sweeney Todd. And then Romeo and Juliette. Anyone see a pattern here people?
And so, it's back to work again today. I think I'll try and take it easy to recover from my weekend.
At least it hasn't actually gotten to the point where everything feels damp and mould has started growing.
But it means that the Teen's hayfever has been playing up something chronic, and weeks of headaches and lethargy for me. But overall, the Teen hasn't been feeling her usual bouncy self for some time now. She's always tired. And of course, irritable. But last Thursday she came home from late night, and she was so exhausted she was almost crying. She went straight to bed and was almost asleep without changing or switching her light out. The doc has prescribed some blood tests, and if that shows up nothing, it's a sleep study. Interesting....
Thursday afternoon I noticed that my phone wouldn't send a message. *shrugs* I tried sending to another person, but it still wouldn't work. I tried calling, but to no avail. Thursday night, we noticed that MOTH was in the same boat.
Bugga.
So Friday I phoned the carrier. Seems that I had forgotten to change my address and as a result had missed a bill. They put a bar on the outgoing services. And when I phoned up and found out that I had missed a payment, they demanded immediate payment of $154.
So there went the stash I had put aside to pay you back WCFC, sorry.
Well, I paid it, and now I'm waiting to see if they will lift the bar. I don't think they will, because there is still some amount outstanding. *shakes fist at carriers*
Friday night we decided to have a quiet drink out in the gazebo. Great place that. There is no light, but we have a table and chairs so we put the tealights out. And I have lowered myself to consume ... passion pop. Yes. I finally did it. Sunny and I shared the bottle. And probably a lot of secrets too. Then I adjourned to watch a Carl Baron dvd with the Teen. I don't think it was the passion pop, but that man is positively HILARIOUS!
Saturday all the children left the house for greener pastures, and MOTH and I were left to rattle around in the house. We cooked dinner then settled down to watch a movie. Something classy called Zombie Strippers. I laughed a lot. MOTH shook his head. It is a typical B grade zombie movie, but this time the setting is a strip club.
And for something completely different, Sunday I watched Sweeney Todd. And then Romeo and Juliette. Anyone see a pattern here people?
And so, it's back to work again today. I think I'll try and take it easy to recover from my weekend.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It occurred to me....
That I might have actually done something on the weekend that I forgot to blog about. Because I am getting a bit grey around the muzzle.
Something that may, or may not, have been the highlight of the weekend, and I forgot about it!
During the week, MOTH and I received an invitation to dinner at a friend's place. A Boxing Day get together if you will. Yes, I know. That's been and gone a long while away. But usually, if we are going to have them, they ARE on Boxing Day. And usually it's in the afternoon and we have a bbq to go with it.
This year, because she had been away, she decided to postpone it. So we had it Australia Day weekend.
I go along because, you know, when you've been friends with someone for a long, long time, you sort of feel obligated to turn up. Well, I sort of do anyway. And who am I to turn down a free feed?
I'm not always keen. She has airconditioning, but doesn't always run it.
So we toddled off, and yes! *does happy dance* We arrived the same time as the other guests. They are always great to have around - he's very funny, she's very pleasant, and they always bring out the best in the hosts.
AND the airconditioning was running. Couldn't get any better, could it.
But it did. A lovely glass of wine before dinner. Dinner was baked ham, turkey, salad with pumpkin pie and icecream for dessert. It was so good, I went back for seconds. Of the main that is, not dessert. *hears audience take collective gasp*
Her little boy is INTENSE. Yes, that's the only word I can think of that comes close to describing the change in this gorgeous rosy cheeked and previously quiet angel.
Her little girl read me a story. She reads very well. She even managed the word 'contrary'.
And after a bout of serious play, while I was sitting at one end of the couch, she grabbed a cushion, threw it on my lap and lay down along the length of the couch.
Wow. As if no one has ever done that on me before. What are they saying, exactly?
*perplexed look and rolls away*
Something that may, or may not, have been the highlight of the weekend, and I forgot about it!
During the week, MOTH and I received an invitation to dinner at a friend's place. A Boxing Day get together if you will. Yes, I know. That's been and gone a long while away. But usually, if we are going to have them, they ARE on Boxing Day. And usually it's in the afternoon and we have a bbq to go with it.
This year, because she had been away, she decided to postpone it. So we had it Australia Day weekend.
I go along because, you know, when you've been friends with someone for a long, long time, you sort of feel obligated to turn up. Well, I sort of do anyway. And who am I to turn down a free feed?
I'm not always keen. She has airconditioning, but doesn't always run it.
So we toddled off, and yes! *does happy dance* We arrived the same time as the other guests. They are always great to have around - he's very funny, she's very pleasant, and they always bring out the best in the hosts.
AND the airconditioning was running. Couldn't get any better, could it.
But it did. A lovely glass of wine before dinner. Dinner was baked ham, turkey, salad with pumpkin pie and icecream for dessert. It was so good, I went back for seconds. Of the main that is, not dessert. *hears audience take collective gasp*
Her little boy is INTENSE. Yes, that's the only word I can think of that comes close to describing the change in this gorgeous rosy cheeked and previously quiet angel.
Her little girl read me a story. She reads very well. She even managed the word 'contrary'.
And after a bout of serious play, while I was sitting at one end of the couch, she grabbed a cushion, threw it on my lap and lay down along the length of the couch.
Wow. As if no one has ever done that on me before. What are they saying, exactly?
*perplexed look and rolls away*
Monday, January 26, 2009
Home. It's where the heart is.
Happy Australia Day everybody!
We celebrated as best we could. Even though we didn't have a lamb dinner - sorry Sam. Not even a bbq. Even though, in spite of my best intentions, I didn't listen to the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. Even though.
There did seem to be many Aussie flags flying this year. I think the Sunday Mail must have improved their circulation. Flags on cars. Flags on bikes. Yes, even a pushbike with a flag almost bigger than the bike.
Argh! The dvd player is being a pain. It's breaking up the visual and losing the audio, and we've even cleaned the lens....
I don't think too much has happened during this week. My work compatriot is back this week and I'm sure she won't be happy with what little I have managed to accomplish of the stuff she left me when she went on holidays.
The travel took precedent. As it does. A trip to some out of the way place on short notice. Which was cancelled. Of course. Because of the weather. And we've had to rebook it all for different dates.
Sometimes I think it's time to move on. I've even found myself browsing the internal job ads....
We celebrated as best we could. Even though we didn't have a lamb dinner - sorry Sam. Not even a bbq. Even though, in spite of my best intentions, I didn't listen to the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. Even though.
There did seem to be many Aussie flags flying this year. I think the Sunday Mail must have improved their circulation. Flags on cars. Flags on bikes. Yes, even a pushbike with a flag almost bigger than the bike.
Argh! The dvd player is being a pain. It's breaking up the visual and losing the audio, and we've even cleaned the lens....
I don't think too much has happened during this week. My work compatriot is back this week and I'm sure she won't be happy with what little I have managed to accomplish of the stuff she left me when she went on holidays.
The travel took precedent. As it does. A trip to some out of the way place on short notice. Which was cancelled. Of course. Because of the weather. And we've had to rebook it all for different dates.
Sometimes I think it's time to move on. I've even found myself browsing the internal job ads....
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Great Outdoors. It's so ... outdoorsy
It's Monday again, and time has rolled around so quickly. We're settling into the new place and getting used to the way things work. That is, public transport.
The weather is fine. It's been humid, but hey, I've been in the airconditioning all day so I haven't noticed it too much. Right now, I'm sitting out in the gazebo, laptop on the glass topped table, and stealing someone's interwebs. Probably mine actually, now I think about it.
Yes, we did seem to have managed to get it functioning. The main dispute is the rate we have to pay now. At the other place, MOTH arranged to have it all bundled with the house phone. And that worked. But over here, there is no service for ADSL2. And that's what we had and were paying for. But because it was all bundled - this is what I've managed to get. It could be wrong - we can't change the plan to a faster speed or bigger download. In fact, we can't change it at all, so we are still expected to pay for ADSL2, even though we can't get the service. We took it to the Ombudsman, who referred us back to the complaints resolution centre. MOTH managed to explain the problem, but someone will have to get back to us.
Typical. But we have instruction from the Ombudsman not to pay the ADSL2 charges until the dispute is resolved. Which might be good, if we could work out what they are. Since it is all bundled together like. So people, if there is one thing I've learned from this it's don't bundle your phone packages.
The day has cooled off a little and I'm listening to the next door neighbours splash in their pool. I can't see them though, and I like that very much.
A recap of the week. I guess that's what you are waiting for. And what a week. So memorable, I don't think I have anything to say really.
The Teen finally has her glasses. They set me back a pretty penny I can tell you. The frames are brand name; D&G. Nothing but the best when you're a teenager keeping up with the trends, right?
I've managed to sort out the buses I need to get to work. I hop on one not far from home, and change at one of the major shopping centres for one that takes me straight to work from there. It all works very well - I can walk in the office door in a smidgeon over an hours commute. I'm loving it. The only problem is that the bus I catch in the morning has a very limited number of runs. About three in the morning, and three in the evening. So I can't really leave work early, or get there late. Bum.
The weather is fine. It's been humid, but hey, I've been in the airconditioning all day so I haven't noticed it too much. Right now, I'm sitting out in the gazebo, laptop on the glass topped table, and stealing someone's interwebs. Probably mine actually, now I think about it.
Yes, we did seem to have managed to get it functioning. The main dispute is the rate we have to pay now. At the other place, MOTH arranged to have it all bundled with the house phone. And that worked. But over here, there is no service for ADSL2. And that's what we had and were paying for. But because it was all bundled - this is what I've managed to get. It could be wrong - we can't change the plan to a faster speed or bigger download. In fact, we can't change it at all, so we are still expected to pay for ADSL2, even though we can't get the service. We took it to the Ombudsman, who referred us back to the complaints resolution centre. MOTH managed to explain the problem, but someone will have to get back to us.
Typical. But we have instruction from the Ombudsman not to pay the ADSL2 charges until the dispute is resolved. Which might be good, if we could work out what they are. Since it is all bundled together like. So people, if there is one thing I've learned from this it's don't bundle your phone packages.
The day has cooled off a little and I'm listening to the next door neighbours splash in their pool. I can't see them though, and I like that very much.
A recap of the week. I guess that's what you are waiting for. And what a week. So memorable, I don't think I have anything to say really.
The Teen finally has her glasses. They set me back a pretty penny I can tell you. The frames are brand name; D&G. Nothing but the best when you're a teenager keeping up with the trends, right?
I've managed to sort out the buses I need to get to work. I hop on one not far from home, and change at one of the major shopping centres for one that takes me straight to work from there. It all works very well - I can walk in the office door in a smidgeon over an hours commute. I'm loving it. The only problem is that the bus I catch in the morning has a very limited number of runs. About three in the morning, and three in the evening. So I can't really leave work early, or get there late. Bum.
Monday, January 12, 2009
What day is it again?
It does seem to be a Monday. I'm sitting at work - of course - and I'm so tired that I can't even begin to think straight. I'm busy shaking my fist at some Pacific nation because right now, it's apparently in some sort of weather induced state of flux and everything I stressed over last week must now be redone.
On the homefront everything is pretty normal. For our house. We still don't have the interwebs. Friday just gone, MOTH gave himself a good dose of the downers. Huh. For some reason, Cactus Island popped into the vacant space occupying my brain at present.
But I digress!
He phoned Telstra to talk to them about getting the issue of the interwebs sorted. A couple of hours and countless people later, he still hadn't got it resolved. He almost had, he was getting somewhere with someone really helpful annnnddd ... the phone cut out and switched him back to a call centre. He gave up. Spent the rest of the day keeping the Black at bay.
There you go, it's now confirmed. Telstra is a major cause of depression.
He tried again a day or so later. The issue still isn't resolved, but we did find out that the service we had been on at the old address - ADSL2 - is not available at the new place. I think there is some big story behind that, but us little plebs will never know it. So now we have to convince Telstra that we shouldn't continue to pay for a service that we can't use.
Saturday, the Teen bugged me to spend a bit of my money - bond refund - and get some dye for her hair. Yes, dear readers, she's making the sacrifice. She's giving up the blonde and going brown. She and I went to the supermarket and picked the colour. Too cheap and nasty we are to have it done in a salon. We purchased two boxes because now she has the extensions in, things aren't as easy as they once were. And spent AB-SO-BLOODY-LUTELY ages putting it through. By crikey though, it went dark.
When she got to the washing out stage, it was black! Or at least, a very dark, patchy, charcoal colour. Apart from the roots where her natural hair colour was. It had gone a pretty brown ...
... many tears later, and we decided that the next day we would have to purchase a different one. And so we did. Different brand too. This new one was the same brand I use. And another forty dollars later, I decided it might have been cheaper to get one of her hairdresser friends to do it after all. Serves us right! *kicks self. and her too*
So, this one was a little more of a success. And all were happy.
On a completely different note I treated myself to a nintendo DS lite. I tromped everywhere, but could only get a light blue, pink or white. No one had black. Not anywhere. But Sunny has white. Rules that one out. The Elder, although she doesn't live at home, has light blue. Guess that only left the pink. * small shudder* The Teen wasn't too upset about that. By her way of thinking, I can save up and purchase myself a black one. As long as she gets the pink one.
Of course.
On the homefront everything is pretty normal. For our house. We still don't have the interwebs. Friday just gone, MOTH gave himself a good dose of the downers. Huh. For some reason, Cactus Island popped into the vacant space occupying my brain at present.
But I digress!
He phoned Telstra to talk to them about getting the issue of the interwebs sorted. A couple of hours and countless people later, he still hadn't got it resolved. He almost had, he was getting somewhere with someone really helpful annnnddd ... the phone cut out and switched him back to a call centre. He gave up. Spent the rest of the day keeping the Black at bay.
There you go, it's now confirmed. Telstra is a major cause of depression.
He tried again a day or so later. The issue still isn't resolved, but we did find out that the service we had been on at the old address - ADSL2 - is not available at the new place. I think there is some big story behind that, but us little plebs will never know it. So now we have to convince Telstra that we shouldn't continue to pay for a service that we can't use.
Saturday, the Teen bugged me to spend a bit of my money - bond refund - and get some dye for her hair. Yes, dear readers, she's making the sacrifice. She's giving up the blonde and going brown. She and I went to the supermarket and picked the colour. Too cheap and nasty we are to have it done in a salon. We purchased two boxes because now she has the extensions in, things aren't as easy as they once were. And spent AB-SO-BLOODY-LUTELY ages putting it through. By crikey though, it went dark.
When she got to the washing out stage, it was black! Or at least, a very dark, patchy, charcoal colour. Apart from the roots where her natural hair colour was. It had gone a pretty brown ...
... many tears later, and we decided that the next day we would have to purchase a different one. And so we did. Different brand too. This new one was the same brand I use. And another forty dollars later, I decided it might have been cheaper to get one of her hairdresser friends to do it after all. Serves us right! *kicks self. and her too*
So, this one was a little more of a success. And all were happy.
On a completely different note I treated myself to a nintendo DS lite. I tromped everywhere, but could only get a light blue, pink or white. No one had black. Not anywhere. But Sunny has white. Rules that one out. The Elder, although she doesn't live at home, has light blue. Guess that only left the pink. * small shudder* The Teen wasn't too upset about that. By her way of thinking, I can save up and purchase myself a black one. As long as she gets the pink one.
Of course.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Typing. It's optional.
I've been playing while on holidays. A little light stress relief. Well, it was supposed to be, but now I think it's presented a whole different level of 'stress'...
Ignore the 'old lady' hand in the photo. I couldn't find any way to get rid of those.
So, I think we've been in the house for about a week now. Or is it two? Each day is much like the other when you don't have work days to mark them out. I'm back in the office today. Back at work for a rest.
I really like the house. I don't know about any of the others who shall be sharing my abode. True, it's going to take a lot more work to keep tidy. And I still am yet to find a way to get the 'housemates' to contribute to some of the upkeep. Perhaps I might just have to say that whatever day I pick will be cleaning day, and leave the cleaning gear out. I know the boys will be contributing to the rent, but I don't think that means that MOTH and I should have sole responsibility for keeping it clean. I'm really more interested in all of them keeping their areas clean - their bathroom and toilet, the rumpus room, their sleeping areas. That kind of thing.
We're still not completly set up - I had to do a mad dash out to the fridge in the garage this morning to get the salad dressing - but we are getting there. We can actually see some of the garage floor space. And we've managed to use the cooktops. All rusted and pitted as they are. I think they are not too bad under all the burned on stuff though. And in the course of cleaning the 'old' place, there has been the revelation of the stuff called 'gumption'. It's amazing - even jus the word gumption! - and if I get energetic, some of it might be finding its way on to the stove.
In the course of exploring the outside, we've found a compost bin. *smiles* I'm not sure if the Teen is altogether impresed with the idea of having to do a compost run. I didn't 'remind' her several times last night, so I see it still on the bench this morning.
A godsend is the dishwasher. This one doesn't complain about having to do the dishes, and does a super job. Since we aren't used to using one, it's going to take a bit to remember to clean out the food traps. I don't mind packing the dishwasher each night and kicking off the cycle. Or unpacking it in the morning. I know the job will be finished off properly then. I have managed to show one family member so far how to use it. MOTH will likely just try to work it out for himself.
One thing I'm not impressed with? The useless tenants before us. We STILL don't have phone or broadband. I did my end of the deal and organised to have the phone disconnected and a reconnection done. Telstra of course. And they move about as fast as a sandcrawler in a storm. Several days after making arrangements online for the move we received an email acknowledgement. A few days after that MOTH got a phone call. A few days after THAT, a techie turned up to do the installation. And guess what! We hadn't been using our broadband after all. The previous tenants HADN'T DISCONNECTED THEIR PHONE. And the techie couldn't do a thing about ours because of it. So we phoned the number he suggested, confused the heck out of the poor customer service officer and hopefully got the ball rolling to get our phone service connected....
I like that the buses run from stops about a two minute walk away. Most of them that is. The one I need to get this afternoon stops at the shops - about a fifteen minute walk away. I can walk down the hill to the train station down from the major shopping centre where I need to run my errand and then get a bus to home from my destination station, or I can hop on a bus just outside the major shopping centre and get off at the local shops. No brainer for me really. MOTH is hoping that with all the buses so close, he won't have to drive anymore. It's getting very difficult for him - these days he can't drive more than a kilometre before he loses feelings in his hands. And I really don't want to be in the car if he ever loses feeling enough to lose his grip on the wheel. Although it could make life interesting. For somebody. *smiles dreamily and wanders off*
Ignore the 'old lady' hand in the photo. I couldn't find any way to get rid of those.
So, I think we've been in the house for about a week now. Or is it two? Each day is much like the other when you don't have work days to mark them out. I'm back in the office today. Back at work for a rest.
I really like the house. I don't know about any of the others who shall be sharing my abode. True, it's going to take a lot more work to keep tidy. And I still am yet to find a way to get the 'housemates' to contribute to some of the upkeep. Perhaps I might just have to say that whatever day I pick will be cleaning day, and leave the cleaning gear out. I know the boys will be contributing to the rent, but I don't think that means that MOTH and I should have sole responsibility for keeping it clean. I'm really more interested in all of them keeping their areas clean - their bathroom and toilet, the rumpus room, their sleeping areas. That kind of thing.
We're still not completly set up - I had to do a mad dash out to the fridge in the garage this morning to get the salad dressing - but we are getting there. We can actually see some of the garage floor space. And we've managed to use the cooktops. All rusted and pitted as they are. I think they are not too bad under all the burned on stuff though. And in the course of cleaning the 'old' place, there has been the revelation of the stuff called 'gumption'. It's amazing - even jus the word gumption! - and if I get energetic, some of it might be finding its way on to the stove.
In the course of exploring the outside, we've found a compost bin. *smiles* I'm not sure if the Teen is altogether impresed with the idea of having to do a compost run. I didn't 'remind' her several times last night, so I see it still on the bench this morning.
A godsend is the dishwasher. This one doesn't complain about having to do the dishes, and does a super job. Since we aren't used to using one, it's going to take a bit to remember to clean out the food traps. I don't mind packing the dishwasher each night and kicking off the cycle. Or unpacking it in the morning. I know the job will be finished off properly then. I have managed to show one family member so far how to use it. MOTH will likely just try to work it out for himself.
One thing I'm not impressed with? The useless tenants before us. We STILL don't have phone or broadband. I did my end of the deal and organised to have the phone disconnected and a reconnection done. Telstra of course. And they move about as fast as a sandcrawler in a storm. Several days after making arrangements online for the move we received an email acknowledgement. A few days after that MOTH got a phone call. A few days after THAT, a techie turned up to do the installation. And guess what! We hadn't been using our broadband after all. The previous tenants HADN'T DISCONNECTED THEIR PHONE. And the techie couldn't do a thing about ours because of it. So we phoned the number he suggested, confused the heck out of the poor customer service officer and hopefully got the ball rolling to get our phone service connected....
I like that the buses run from stops about a two minute walk away. Most of them that is. The one I need to get this afternoon stops at the shops - about a fifteen minute walk away. I can walk down the hill to the train station down from the major shopping centre where I need to run my errand and then get a bus to home from my destination station, or I can hop on a bus just outside the major shopping centre and get off at the local shops. No brainer for me really. MOTH is hoping that with all the buses so close, he won't have to drive anymore. It's getting very difficult for him - these days he can't drive more than a kilometre before he loses feelings in his hands. And I really don't want to be in the car if he ever loses feeling enough to lose his grip on the wheel. Although it could make life interesting. For somebody. *smiles dreamily and wanders off*
Monday, December 29, 2008
Bones
Well, it's about 10:15 pm and I'm watching Bones. Everyone else has gone to bed, so I have the place to myself right now. Eeeexcellent.....
A progress update. That's what you have been asking for dear readers! Guess I'm obligated to provide one then. I feel it's only fair to warn you though that I'm kinda tired so the chances of me stringing a coherent story together is kinda slim. *insert maniacal laughter here*
The last week has gone fast. I was beginning to think that we wouldn't get into the house. The previous tenants seemed to be stalling and making life difficult. They were supposed to be out on 19 December or thereabouts. And the realtor phoned. They wouldn't be handing the keys in until Monday 22 December. And we were to take the lease from 24 December. That's cutting it close!
We took a drive past the house late afternoon of the day they were supposed to hand in the keys. Someone was still here! And it was after business hours. They obviously weren't going to hand in the keys that day.
Which meant that the realtor didn't get the keys until the next day 23 December. And they didn't have time to have the place cleaned.
So, you guessed right - we moved into a dirty house. The tenants didn't clean it properly before they left. To the point that someone had spilled rice bubbles or similar in the kitchen and didn't even bother to wipe it up. There are smudges on the walls and the floors weren't vacuumed. I think they had a go at cleaning the carpets themselves. Whatever they used, it positively reeks. Not so bad in my room, but terrible in the other rooms. I managed to get the boys room and the rumpus room deodorised. But not the spare room. And it smells like pee. Maybe it's because the carpets were too damp, but it sure smells like pee. And I haven't found a way yet to get rid of the smell.
I like the house though. There is plenty of room.
Moving and cleaning the old house has been a nightmare. So much so that I literally did have a nightmare about it last night. It seems that I was packing up to move house and as I moved on from one thing to another, whatever I packed would unpack itself while my back was turned. Replaying my fears much?
The Teen managed to rope Wogboy into helping. MOTH was very grateful for that! We had the truck for the day, and he and Wogboy moved as much as they could. It ended up being just one load short! For the truck that is. I have lost count of the number of trips the car has done.
Mind, because it happened a bit quicker than we were expecting, we didn't have much properly packed. The whole move was a bit of a nightmare, with a marked lack of enthusiasm for packing from everyone, and with me working and not able to give the job the attention it deserved.
The old place of course had to be cleaned from top to bottom. Usually I have a whole bunch of people to help and it just flies so quickly. This time, there was only MOTH and I to do the whole lot. The only time I did ask for help, I was made to feel like the worst in the world for even daring to ask. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but it certainly didn't help my stress level or my temper. Still, the old next door neighbour chipped in to help and now there is only the floor to mop tomorrow and the curtains to hang! Yay.
And then of course, I get to repeat the whole process for the new house. There is everything to clean, and a triple garage full of stuff to unpack.
Sometimes I think I will be doing this forever ... remind me never to move again, won't you.....
A progress update. That's what you have been asking for dear readers! Guess I'm obligated to provide one then. I feel it's only fair to warn you though that I'm kinda tired so the chances of me stringing a coherent story together is kinda slim. *insert maniacal laughter here*
The last week has gone fast. I was beginning to think that we wouldn't get into the house. The previous tenants seemed to be stalling and making life difficult. They were supposed to be out on 19 December or thereabouts. And the realtor phoned. They wouldn't be handing the keys in until Monday 22 December. And we were to take the lease from 24 December. That's cutting it close!
We took a drive past the house late afternoon of the day they were supposed to hand in the keys. Someone was still here! And it was after business hours. They obviously weren't going to hand in the keys that day.
Which meant that the realtor didn't get the keys until the next day 23 December. And they didn't have time to have the place cleaned.
So, you guessed right - we moved into a dirty house. The tenants didn't clean it properly before they left. To the point that someone had spilled rice bubbles or similar in the kitchen and didn't even bother to wipe it up. There are smudges on the walls and the floors weren't vacuumed. I think they had a go at cleaning the carpets themselves. Whatever they used, it positively reeks. Not so bad in my room, but terrible in the other rooms. I managed to get the boys room and the rumpus room deodorised. But not the spare room. And it smells like pee. Maybe it's because the carpets were too damp, but it sure smells like pee. And I haven't found a way yet to get rid of the smell.
I like the house though. There is plenty of room.
Moving and cleaning the old house has been a nightmare. So much so that I literally did have a nightmare about it last night. It seems that I was packing up to move house and as I moved on from one thing to another, whatever I packed would unpack itself while my back was turned. Replaying my fears much?
The Teen managed to rope Wogboy into helping. MOTH was very grateful for that! We had the truck for the day, and he and Wogboy moved as much as they could. It ended up being just one load short! For the truck that is. I have lost count of the number of trips the car has done.
Mind, because it happened a bit quicker than we were expecting, we didn't have much properly packed. The whole move was a bit of a nightmare, with a marked lack of enthusiasm for packing from everyone, and with me working and not able to give the job the attention it deserved.
The old place of course had to be cleaned from top to bottom. Usually I have a whole bunch of people to help and it just flies so quickly. This time, there was only MOTH and I to do the whole lot. The only time I did ask for help, I was made to feel like the worst in the world for even daring to ask. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but it certainly didn't help my stress level or my temper. Still, the old next door neighbour chipped in to help and now there is only the floor to mop tomorrow and the curtains to hang! Yay.
And then of course, I get to repeat the whole process for the new house. There is everything to clean, and a triple garage full of stuff to unpack.
Sometimes I think I will be doing this forever ... remind me never to move again, won't you.....
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