Tag Archive for son

Full Day Off

09/09/2011 Joh family, food, gratitude, health, learn, music

Today I didn’t work because I had a job interview booked for the middle of the day. It was a phone interview and didn’t take that long but scheduled smack in the middle of period 2 for all the schools I work at so I couldn’t work. I think it went ok.

I got to watch Darin’s kids play percussion at the Eisteddfod this morning. They were so cute. Primary students bubbling away with excitement, playing their xylophones, triangles and drums. Any kind of music ensemble is impressive to me. They all did so well. The looks of concentration on some of the students faces reminded me what educational experiences are all about.

Darin and I walked down the street in the cold today after my interview. It’s been sunny for a while here and we’ve walked down the street and shopped for dinner ingredients most days in the last two weeks. Today was a real test though because I could feel the icy air the minute I stepped outside. I enjoy walking through the park to the street every day. I feel more connected to my community. You see more and connect with people walking through the park. Cruising the car park looking for a free space is no substitute.

This afternoon I had attempt number 3 at cooking macarons. I tried a different recipe and applied a few things I’d learnt from last time and they were better, but only one out of the 20 odd was near to looking how I want them to and the taste wasn’t as good as last time. I have a few new theories to apply to my next attempt though. I also had a go at making nougat. It’s not that good because I don’t think I cooked the toffee part long enough and it’s too soft. It tastes ok though. I just realised today that these are both gluten-free.

I enjoyed phone conversations with my sister, son and daughter today, nice long chats, not rushed ones.

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Clear a Space

16/08/2011 Joh home

Yes, I’m cleaning up and rearranging again. Last night I did the cupboard under the stairs that has become an overflowing pile of books with other random items hidden amongst the piles. It’s clear now with just two items I love in the wonderful space. A lamp Tom bought me and a large ceramic Asha made. I feel so much better. Less really is more.

I’ve been reading my feng shui books lately because I was looking for some colour advice for a specific area of my home, hoping to improve the energy there. I was reminded that the basic, beginning thing to do is make sure your home is clean and free of object that are unwanted, broken, dusty or not used. I have applied this simple cure to a couple of areas of my home and everything has lifted already.

Sometimes I think I need to get stuff or buy stuff to improve my home, but usually it’s best to let go of stuff and clean:). At least as a starting point!

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Tom was Here

30/05/2011 Joh family, love

Now he’s gone! Last night I collected him from the airport. His flight arrived at 11.30 pm. He was a much better travelling companion late at night, than he is early in the morning! He flies out again tomorrow morning and I just got home from driving him an hour or so down the road to catch a train into the city to meet up with friends. He’s staying closer to the airport tonight to avoid an early morning trip. I appreciate that!

I love having him home, even if it was for such a brief period. He is so positive to be around. He constantly makes me smile. We got to relive the fun times of his 21st and he filled me in on all the details I missed and vice versa.

Such as why I didn’t wash the dishes the morning after:

It was the closest I’ve been to one! I was surprisingly unperturbed, but I couldn’t have got any closer. I just noticed it move as I went to turn the tap on, I quickly put some distance between us let me tell you:).

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Colder than Before

11/05/2011 Joh food, random, work

It’s really cold here. I think my weekend with Tom on Hamilton Island has made it seem even colder! I enjoyed looking at all the photos and clips his friends captured of the weekend on facebook. Good times!

After working through the summer in the kitchen I thought I would never wear anything long sleeved in a kitchen, EVER! Today I did. It’s not even winter yet. Our delicious food helped though. It all smells so much better and tastes every bit as good as it smells. This morning I was home doing a last minute book keep for the BAS return (due tomorrow) and as soon as I hit the arcade I could smell the food and knew I was heading in the right direction.

It has really taken me until today to come back to earth after the weekend. I have had early nights the past two nights but I feel quite good now and back into my routines.

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My Son is 21!

09/05/2011 Joh family, food, friends, gratitude, holidays, love

I could not be more proud of my son. He organised the most magnificent weekend for his family and friends. It was lovely to see where he works and to meet his friends and co-workers. They are such gorgeous and happy young people. I’ve known he was in a good place because of the growth and happiness I’ve seen when he’s been home to visit, but it was great to have it confirmed. He is so loved. His partner Dean was amazing and attended to all the details with love, he was in and out all weekend organising food, beverages, a gorgeous cake and making sure we were all well looked after. As a mum, I enjoyed hearing his friends tell me about how much they love him and share their stories and adventures with me. One of his friends made him this amazing book with photos and a poem, it was like a hardcover picture book. I was thrilled to see it. What a thoughtful and creative young woman.

He booked us all into opulent accomodation, catering for everyone’s needs. My parents stayed at Beach Club resort and were overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and service they received. We all stayed at the party house (The Round House). His dad and step mum had a place of their own because they have a baby. He looked after everyone and considered their needs. I had the best time. It was pretty hard to come home really.

I can’t believe my baby is 21. A lady came into ‘The Butchers Dog’ today with a baby boy and she looked so tired. I remembered when Tom was a baby, he cried a lot. I looked at her baby and thought I would do it all again because he has been such a gift to me. Not just this weekend but all his life. He has always loved and cared for me in ways that no else has even known to. He has shared his friendships and fun with me and it I’ve enjoyed being a part of his people as much as I do my own. I miss him fiercely but knowing he is living in a beautiful place, surrounded by loving people helps.

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Happy New Moon

03/05/2011 Joh Business, family, food, learn, travel, work

The new moon has brought me energy. I had a nap after work and now I feel great. Darin made pizza wraps today. I had one this afternoon and it was delicious but I think it was too much for me and made me sleepy. I think I’ll stick to just soup for lunch tomorrow. Having said that, the fish is back tomorrow so I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist that:)

I have finally got all my financial commitments in place. The next quest is to get everything into the accounting software by the 12th so I can submit my BAS statement. I have been really slack with my paperwork. I spent the whole weekend sorting it out and making arrangements with people where I am unable to pay by the due date. I had all these piles of paper everywhere and it was a mess. It’s not like me really, I usually don’t mind that kind of stuff. I think once you start neglecting something though, it becomes a sore point. I have found this great service: MYOB online. Due to recent upheaval with laptop, I think an online accounting system is a good plan for me.

Anyway I am having a night off because I think it’s all pretty much in order now and I feel satisfied that I can take the next step with more ease. I’ve got my feet up and I’m enjoying Cath’s homemade Bailey’s she left here on the weekend for me. We had friends around for dinner and games on Saturday night. It was fun. The Bailey’s is always a favourite. Cath and I have enjoyed it many a night!

I just can’t wait to see Tom on the weekend, at his place:). I now have the booking retrieved from Jetstar. I lost that email when my laptop went on a holiday. I must say they were very helpful. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much interaction with an airline before and I’m pleased that when I’ve needed to – they’ve been great.

I feel good because not only have I restored most of the important things about my online life, but I’ve improved it. So I guess it was one of those annoying but useful things.

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New Moon in Taurus – Tuesday 3rd May 2011

02/05/2011 Joh family, holidays

I have been really busy this dark moon. I haven’t had a chance to read many articles about this moon. From what I’ve skimmed it sounds like a good one. I love Taurus. Good taste, food loving,pleasure seeking and earthy people and times. I am so excited about my son turning 21 and going to Hamilton Island. I feel like I have a million things to do before I go. The weekend was filled with tasks to complete and I’m still finishing them up! So excited but no time for much more.

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So, I still don’t have a laptop- grrr Acer!

27/04/2011 Joh family, film, gratitude, holidays, home, learn, love, random

OK, so what I have learnt about being without a laptop and the internet by association, is that I rely on it for a lot of things. It makes life easier and more enjoyable for me. Perhaps I’ve come to take it for granted, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it:). Yeah I have learnt how to do a lot more on my phone, and I appreciate that too, it makes me even more connected than I was before. Actually I don’t know if I do appreciate that! The thing is you can’t know less and I’m sure it could be useful.

Grrrr… the latest news is that I have to pay for recovery disks because my laptop is out of warranty now! In the space of a couple of weeks of being without a laptop because of a fault that was under warranty and getting it back and then not creating recovery disks, I have found myself without a laptop again for an extended period of time. I use my laptop a lot. I’m bloody annoyed. I can’t even begin to say how annoyed I am and how much I’ve learnt from this experience, so I’ll just get on with saying what I need to say.

I’ve had a great Easter. We had the kids for most of the break, which was lovely. We went fishing twice. The first time we got rained out at the sandbanks. The next day we went out along the creek and had fun skimming stones but no fish were to be lured by our noisy and fun loving party:). Next time! There were some great stone skimming feats and I think that was the more fun activity of the day. I would love to share the photo’s, but alas the laptop I am borrowing doesn’t have the software! 

We got to watch some great films due to the bad weather. Up! What a classic. I will never forget seeing it at the cinema in 3D with Darin and J(who was about 8 at the time). Darin and I kept looking at each other and at Jack. I cried and laughed. It’s a great film. We watched ‘Holes’. I love that I get to share all my old favourites again with Darin’s kids.  The kids went home to their mum’s cause it was her turn this year for the Easter bunny, and they returned the afternoon to have the hunt here. It was lovely to spend time with them and enjoy the chocolately indulgence.

I did manage to work on the clip for Tom’s 21st using my expandable hard drive and Darin’s laptop. I am not a big fan of lengthy speeches(particularly if I have to make them). I made a clip for Asha’s 21st of photos and songs that I felt were meaningful to her. People asked for a copy of it, so I felt that it was effective. I got good feedback:). I find times like that very emotional so I find it easier to just press play on something I prepared earlier, than to speak. I am so excited about Tom’s 21st. I haven’t been to Hamilton Island before so that’s exciting in itself. I hope he will let me publish it to the family once he’s seen it, cause I know many won’t be able to make it to the party and yet would love to enjoy the occasion. I know I have loved seeing photo’s of events I haven’t been able to attend.

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Smile Inducing

10/04/2011 Joh family, gratitude

Late yesterday afternoon I was lying on the couch contemplating whether to get myself going and attend Reuben’s 21st. I really wanted to go, but was feeling a little lazy. Much to my surprise shortly later Tom arrived home! It was the greatest surprise! I had all the energy in the world to go out then. We enjoyed the 21st. It was great to catch up with all Tom’s friends and Jane, Reuben’s mum. This weekend, which I was expecting to be quiet and uneventful has become a busy and good one.

He’s upstairs now with a roomful of his friends and all I can hear is laughter. Giggling, squeals of laughter. Tom’s voice has his entertaining tone. I can’t quite hear what they are sharing but I know that tone and I’m sure it is hilarious. I love that they all welcome him back when he returns. Tomorrow his braces are coming off. He better still visit!

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Sunday Night Reflection

06/02/2011 Joh Business, family, gratitude, relationships

What a week it’s been!

Both my children had challenges this week and I learnt about how I need to listen. I want so much to find the magic words to solve their problems, but this was one time there was not a damn thing I could do. I can’t stop a cyclone or change institutions that are being bureaucratic twats. Darin was really perceptive (and tactful luckily!) at pointing out to me they are resilient and just want to share with me, not have me come up with magical solutions.Things have worked out ok.

We had the kids this weekend. It rained the whole time. They were great considering they were housebound. They still wanted to go in the pool which was funny, but we couldn’t let them. It was freezing. It’s so lovely to have them and quiet tonight without them! Oh and I won Scrabble now that I’m no longer an ‘English teacher’ :-) .

At work we went from hot and sticky days to pouring rain. We had quiet days at work and then it was much busier but in a good way. I want more traffic in the shop but at least Friday we sold out of food for the first time. Well, there was a little Beef Ragout left but I couldn’t keep going just for that! We’ll start making a bit more now. Darin has been keeping the quantities small to minimize wastage. I have been giving away our leftovers because I too can’t bear wastage. We are building it up slowly and it is growing nicely.

I’ve seen a few of my past colleagues this week and felt the freedom of not having to return to school. It’s a comfortable place, yet I really should have left a couple of years ago when I started to lose the passion for what I was doing. I have to admit it wasn’t easy to walk away from the salary and holidays. I feel so much better though and freer to be who I really am.

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