Virtual Confessional

I'm feeling really, really, really guilty at the moment and  I need somewhere to confess and people to confess too, so blogging-world friends, you are it.

Today, I had an early morning breakfast "meeting" this morning. (By meeting, I mean going out to breakfast with my colleagues, but as I never get to go to Friday night drinks I really was making an effort to get to a social thing that I could make it to). I bribed Aimee to get out of bed early and made it to drop her at childcare at 6:30am.

I made it to the train station just in time and as I was getting my smartrider (ticket pass thing) out of my bag I accidentally dropped the V can I was drinking from (let's leave my caffeine addiction alone at this point. Although this is karma maybe?). The problem is, when I dropped it it rolled off the ramp and I couldn't reach it from where I was. To pick it up I would have had to walk back down and around. Normally I wouldn't think twice about doing it, but today it would have meant missing my train. So I left it.

Now all I can see is this can lying there, that I deliberately left. Argh.

I would like to put it on the public record that if it is still there tomorrow, and I imagine it will be, I will go and pick it up.

On the upside, breakfast was great and it was really nice to do something social with my colleagues. The mama-work-student thing means that really isn't something I get to do very often. And I love going out for breakfast. It really is one of my most favourite things to do.

Some announcements

1. I now have 10 followers! Thank you all for joining my journey. I am massively excited to have each and every one of you. Ask my poor friends who get a text every time I get a new one ;)

2. This is my 60th post! Some are just meaningless waffle, I do realise this, but I think a few of them might actually be amusing enough to read (please do not feel like you have to disillusion me on this one. Or if you do, and this may not be a bad thing, please be gentle!).

3. My cupcakes sucked. My thoughts after evaluating the process. Make sure you get the right about of milk and it may not have been the best idea to leave them in the oven all night. They were rock hard. The girls very kindly told me the icing was awesome though and suggested we give them to Daddy because he will eat anything. At least they are supportive! The batch I made earlier in the day (ie pre-11pm) were much, much better. I feel there is a lesson here.

4. I am going to Harry Potter 7(2) tonight! So after this I will go back to normal and I doubt Harry Potter will mentioned again for ages.

Hope all is well in your worlds and there is stuff happening that is making you happy :)

And the clock strikes 11

So for those of you who are wondering why I am still up, the story goes something like this ....

A (planned) late afternoon visit led to a (planned) evening visit to Ikea for dinner and browsing. Ikea is not particularly close to us so we use any excuse to go to that part of the universe to sneak in a visit. We do love Ikea! So we get home latish, but no dinner or anything needs to be cooked (yes again for those of you who read my post from Saturday)

The girls go to bed. I check facebook, play some facebook Scrabble, chat to some people on the phone and on facebook, catch up on some blogs (reading and writing) and do some pottering. I cuddled Aimee when she woke up with a sore tummy and googled some places to get my car fixed. Then suddenly, it is 10:30! Bed you might be thinking except I hadn't exactly finished (you could read this as started) baking the promised cupcakes or boiling the eggs needed for tomorrow's picnic. Or washing a promised jumper either I may add.

And the lessons of distractions don't end here! I have a horrible feeling I put too much milk into the cupcake mix so I am hoping they turn out ok! If not, we will be going cupcakeless tomorrow. At least I tried.

So the moral of the story is: Multi-tasking is great, as long as you remember all the tasks that need doing!

And the final thought(s) (1) be impressed I am a baking again! Second batch today (the first ones were great); (2) how many posts is too many for one day?; and (3) yes we do have a grandfather clock so I really did hear it strike 11!

Achieved an Impossible Dream ....

Well I would have thought it was an impossible dream if I'd actually ever thought about it!! I managed to not cook dinner for 9 nights in a row AND no it wasn't take-out every night! I don't hate cooking, but I don't love it. It is a just something that needs doing so it gets done. So how did I managed this .....

Day 1 (Friday): Reanna was at a sleepover and the little two were at Guides. They got to go Sizzlers for an end of term party and Erin suggested it would be a good idea for me to get takeaway - I agreed!

Day 2 (Saturday): We went to the drive in and had a picnic dinner of cheese and bacon rolls (and movie snacks).

Days 3 & 4 (Sunday & Monday): The girls' dad was home so he cooked (he also cooked 9 nights out of ten when we were together. He is much better at it then I am and he enjoys it. Especially now he works away and lives by himself when he is at home).

Day 5 (Tuesday): The girls slept at my sister's and I got takeaway.

Day 6 (Wednesday): We went to the girls' grandparents' house for dinner (my in-laws).

Day 7 (Thursday): Reanna and Erin were at sleepovers and Aimee and I went out to dinner with a few of my friends.

Day 8 (Friday): We began our Harry Potter movie marathon weekend with nachos for dinner in the lounge room (ok I did sort of cook, but I don't think putting corn chips, sauce and grated cheese in the microwave counts).

Well, I may have had takeaway two nights, but I don't think this counts when it was just me at home. The girls were eating properly! I doubt this will happen again in a hurry ... and I have very much enjoyed it! Although with all the driving I did this week I think it was a fair balance ;)

And just in case anyone is concerned, proper menu planning is at the top of my list of things to do at the moment!

Home Alone

It is a strange feeling! Not that I am not home alone ever, but usually it is because I have a day off work for some reason or for an hour when they are all at Guides or when I have come home after being out when they are sleeping somewhere else. I was 29 (or it might have been 30) before I'd ever slept in a house by myself. I was 21 (almost 22) before I'd ever slept in a house without another adult! I think being the oldest of seven may have had some impact on this. Empty houses still always feel strange to me!

Anyway, the entourage are having a sleepover at my sister's tonight because I am working tomorrow. So you may ask what I am doing tonight:

(a) I had crab sticks and chips with extra chicken salt. (So excited! I have randomly saw a fish and chip shops that does this in a pack like a meal. I LOVE crab sticks. Sometimes we get chips to go with dinner just so I can get them. I really need to stop this) AND I had it with salad so I am feeling very grown up, because the girls aren't even here to set a good example for;

(b) I have been in my pyjamas since 5:30pm;

(c) '27 Dresses' is on in the background; and

(d) now I am thinking about moving some furniture around. You know, as you do.

I could just curl up and get a super early night (except I want to watch a tv show later) or actually do some cleaning that needs doing or keep re-reading Harry Potter or catch up on some posts at Confessions of a Bookaholic, but I have a feeling moving furniture is going to be way to go. I am working on the theory, but when the urge hits you should go with it ... I will let you what (if anything!) I achieve later!

Oh and I should mention I will shower and change into a clean pair of pyjamas before bed! Just in case you were worried ;)

Rebellion?

Reanna was home sick yesterday with an earache. She has had reoccurring ear problems since she was 4 months old (this is a whole other story) and she'd already spent a couple of days at home in the last week. Luckily her dad was home then and it was some nice bonding time for the two of them.

As a "good" multi-tasker/glass is half full/super motivated (haha) type person I decided I was going to take advantage of a day at home (remembering I felt fine!) and clean out the kitchen cupboards. They really need doing and I have just got rid of a mouse in the house (also another whole story), but I haven't had the time to do it even though it is my 8-weeks-to-catch-up-on-three months-of-housework stage of the year.

I did not set foot into the kitchen all day (except to go to the fridge). I didn't even do the dishes. I did on the other hand cuddle Reanna and nap on the couch for two hours in the morning. I feel this was very important. Bonding, she was sick so it was important mummy time and also one thing I have learned is to take advantage of any extra napping time, extra sleep is always needed. More importantly (for the purposes of this story) I got half way through cleaning out (up!) the study. I can't really do anymore now until the playroom is done (part of the moving stuff around like one of of those annoying games things where everything has to be moved in the right order before the picture "works"). This has been a big, big job I have been procrastinating over doing but really, really needed to be done before uni goes back next semester and I am doing two units (this semester I only did one so could manage on the kitchen table). THEN later that night I went through a few of the drawers in my room while I was watching tv. So part of me was super motivated, just not to do what I was "supposed" to be doing.

But anyway .... Self set task, to the point I had messaged a friend in the morning (sort of) excited I was going to get to do my kitchen cupboards, and I didn't even attempt it! I am a little concerned I am showing signs of extreme rebellion, since I seem to be rebelling against my own orders. One facebook friend suggested it just meant I am super awesome at procrastinating. I like this better. Thoughts anyone?

De-Pea-ing

I don't know if anyone remembered I posted a few weeks ago that I hated vegies. I thought of this today as I ate my lunch at my desk. Yummy chicken satay rice thing. I was actually the person who made it, but I used a packet of rice stuff in it. I didn't buy the brand I usually get this time (I can't remember why) and this particular packet had peas in it. Peas are THE vegetable I refuse to eat unless I have to (having dinner with the Queen would classify as have to) and even then I just can't chew them. I can only swallow them. Anyway ... I am at work and before I ate my lunch I scooped any of the peas out, put them in my bin and proceeded to continue working and happily eating my lunch. Sad, but true. At least I am a non-whingy fussy person? Give me that much.

Ok, ok. I really do realise how sad this is.

I know it is Monday

Really I do, but it just doesn't feel like one! I will do my weekly facebook thing later at home. Mostly because I am really busy at the moment, but also because I wasn't organised enough to have a photo ready for photo of the week. (Like how I am assuming people care?!).

I just had to do a quick post though. For reasons I am not going into, I am not dressed today in my normal professional attire and I have even slipped my shoes off. Only in my actual area! So no-one can see me other then me. I am dressed appropriately before I come across as being totally unprofessional, but it still isn't how I would normally dress for work. I feel like a naughty kid! Having bare feet really does make me so very happy. Now if only I could sneak in wearing pyjamas to work.

So anyway, as I walked barefoot over to the window I remembered your solidarity in my earlier post about loving to be barefoot. So I just thought I would post and let my fellow bloggers know I thought about them today. It is also freezing. I am thankful for my heater! Today was not the day for bare legs, but I am still smiling!

Eight Random Facts

Oops. If you happen to be reading this from 'Blogs Tea & Me' I have managed to stuff up setting the link. Well it does find me, but I messed up the titling. Never mind! I will know better for next time .... or not. I will get there eventually!

Anyway ... my random facts

Strange book habits Not only do I love to read. I especially love to re-read. The fact in the last two weeks I have read fourish new books rather then re-reading books I already have is quite strange. I still buy new books. Well usually new-to-me second hand books but it can take me a while to read them. I need to be in the "zone".

Book collections I collect early 20th Century girls' school stories. Probably not so odd if I was 50ish, but apparently very unusual for someone at 30. I have been collecting them since I was about 7, but have only gone public about it recently. In all fairness, no-one has really thought it was that odd, but everyone knows I love books. Anyone who has been surprised has been less surprised when I remind them I have a history degree.


(A pre-WWII Boy Scout book I was super excited to find)

I hate vegetables A lot. To the point where I sometimes pretend to eat them to set a good example to the girls. I do eat salad, but I just hate them cooked. I do eat cooked vegies sometimes, but not as often as I should. Example: Two of my daughters get super excited if I cook broccoli. Unintentional reverse psychology! I am also pretty fussy about other things. My 12 year old eats most things. My 10.5 year old is fairly fussy (but I make her eat things. So does her father). My 8 year old is a vegetarian. She eats pretty much all vegies and most other stuff but doesn't eat meat for ethical reasons. Her own decision when she was about 4.

Other food related habits I hate my food touching on my plate. Example: with a roast, my meat can't touch my potatoes and vegies and vice versa. I don't think this is that strange. My ex-husband disagrees. If they touch I don't eat them. I am mostly ok with foods that are supposed to be mixed.

Paranoia Apparently I come across as being super confident. This is apparently a good lie. I check with a million people over what to wear before I go places. I check on appropriate presents. I really struggle to make the first move to speak to people. I am constantly worried I have said or done something to upset someone. I just work on the assumption people don't like me. This does make it a pleasant surprise when they do!! I don't think I am this paranoid naturally. I think it is a learned behaviour in reaction to stuff that has happened. Or it could just be that I am egocentric. An overactive imagination also means I can only watch certain tv shows and movies on my own. It also means I am careful about what I read. The risk of nightmares for weeks is often not worth it! I also am constantly making up stuff in my head. I have always done this. One of these days I will write some of it down.


Shoes I would rather not wear shoes. In my ideal world I would be barefoot all the time. I always have painted toenails and I always wear a toe-ring. Since I do have to wear shoes most of the time I love high heels. Not that I wear them all the time, but I do love them. This is something which I appear to have discovered later then most people.



Hobbies It sort of worries me I don't really have any. I feel like I am the certain person who should have hobbies but I don't! I read and collect books, but I am not convinced this counts! I also knit teddies and sometimes do cross-stitch. This makes me feel boring, but I don't actually think I am.

Motherhood Most days I still don't really feel like I am a mum. Please don't tell the children this. I have a 12 year old so you think I would be used it by now. I adore my children and I always wanted kids and I always wanted them young, but I never thought I would find them as amusing as I do.

Phobia I have a phobia of dead things. A real phobia. To the point that if I have to set a mouse trap my wonderful daughter deals with it for me. Or my ex-husband will come around for a night and sorts it out. It isn't just like I dislike them, if I see something dead it totally freaks me out. I can't breathe and sometimes I can't move. I blame a cat I had when I was little that loved me just a little too much.

Wow! That was harder then I thought it would be. It is now really quite late here and I am sure I will think of hundreds of more interesting things I could have written about tomorrow! But never mind. It was fun! You should give it a go :)

Coming out of the cupboard

This post is going to be very brief, because I am fully aware I am procrastinating (hello uni books! I can see you!) .... but ... I have (yet another) confession! I have been a secret blog watcher for ages now. It has only been the in the last few weeks I have been brave enough to publicly follow any of them. Tonight's achievement was I actually posted a comment on one! I am very proud of myself.

Part of the reason I haven't followed was I was scared someone would actually read my blog and realise how bad it is! I love to write. I really, really do. I get so much enjoyment out of updating my facebook status (just in case you haven't noticed in my previous posts), but I just haven't found the right writing style for my blog yet. I think I am almost there.

In fact, I dislike some of my earlier posts so much I almost deleted them but I decided not to. It didn't really seem to fit with the spirit of things. I also think I was trying to be a bit too deep and meaningful. Along with blog writing style I still need to really work out what I am writing about!

So if someone out there is reading this, please stick with me! I will get better I promise :) and to all those blogs out there I have been secretly following - thank you for sharing your stories!

Stolen!!!

This post is stolen from my new blog 'Confessions of a Bookaholic'. The name really says it all! You may consider this lazy. Possibly with good reason! But I am going to call it good time-management.

"This really says it all! I love to read. I am not actually convinced there has been a day in my life in the last 25ish years where I have not read at least one page of at least one book. Usually it is a more. I read on the train on the way to work, before I go to sleep. I sometimes slip in a few chapters before getting out of bed, in the ads if I am watching tv or if I am stuck waiting somewhere.

I read all sorts of books and I have been known to boast that I have at least one book from every genre. This might not actually be true. I guess it depends on what sort of genres you can come up with! This said, some genres I like more then others as I am sure will become apparent.

Just in case you don't believe me here are some of my bookshelves scattered around the house.





And yes I do mean some. These were just the ones that were easily accessible and didn't look too messy! Clearly I also like ornaments and photos.

So ... stay tuned for more posts and reviews of what I have just read (or in many cases re-read)."

I am still not clever enough to post a link so if you are interested you will have to go via my profile!

Don't Touch That!

How many times has every parent said this to their children? Especially when they are little, and especially when they are at other people's houses or shops with very breakable stuff.

Today the message is for me. I am in the process of setting up an additional blog and thought I while I was at it I should change the look of this one too. It seemed like a good idea at the time! I have never quite got this one right. I shouldn't have touched. I know I am technologically challenged! And this was a spur of the moment thing when I knew I didn't have much time. Luckily I managed to make fix the disaster I turned it into! I will live with the way it is now until I have time to work out how to change it properly. I would like to say "lesson learned", but I think this would be a lie.

My new blog (in addition to 'Two Mummy Ducks') is a book review one. The girls and I are all avid readers and they are excited about posting their own reviews too! Other then at attempt at layout there isn't anything else there yet. But there will be!

A Right Royal Confession

It is the 21st century. I am 31 and I am Australian. These things really indicate I should be at least leaning towards republicanism, but I confess they do not. I wouldn't exactly say I was a "royal watcher". I almost never buy magazines, although I do read other people's and I do read any article on the web.

I managed to miss a lot of the pre-wedding hype for Prince William and Catherine, mostly I think because I was on holidays and not an the computer non-stop. However, to balance this out I hosted a princess party with one of my sisters, two of my girlfriends and a whole hoard of children. My sister and one friend very kindly feigned an interest. Lela and I dressed up and celebrated in style. This princess party was the final catalyst for another whole adventure of mine (and Lela's) that you can find on our other blog (Two Mummy Ducks - check out my profile to find it because I don't know how to add a link in yet!). We had party food, drank out of wine glasses, wore tiaras/facinators/hats as per individual taste and had a fabulous time. Have I mentioned yet how much the entourage and I love dress-up parties in general?

All this aside, I love the fairy-tale. I always have. I love that we witnessed history and I remember watching the wedding between Prince Andrew and Sarah when I was little. When I was about 10 I had a whole scrapbook filled with Royal clippings. I had read an article about a lady who had done it her entire life and I thought it was cool. Unfortunately someone found it and I was so embarrassed I put it in the bin. Realistically, I know the fairy-tale is an illusion but fantasy is fun.

My decision to support a Australia's remaining a constitutional is based a lot more then a romantic notion of the Royal family. It is based on a 'if it's not broken, don't mess with it' theory, the part of my that promised to not only serve my country, but also my Queen, my love of history and an honest admiration for how hard some members of the Royal family work. Clearly, times need to change in lots of ways, but I still think there should be a happy medium.



Above is some wedding memorabilia - the bouquet I carried as a bridesmaid for Lela's wedding, the tiara I wore at mine and the souvenir Royal Wedding edition of the Australian Women's Weekly (and the last time I bought a copy of this magazine I think was the souvenir year 2000 wedding!)

So until next time ... I am going to keep dreaming, keep believing in fairy-tales and, most importantly, I will be continuing to wish on stars.

My name is Catherine and I am a facebook addict

I admit it! I am a facebook addict. I update my status at least two or three times a day. Sometimes more. Even more scarily, I don't access the internet on my phone so all my updates are actually from a computer. I do have an office job though and I am studying at night at home so a lot of my time is legitimately spent sitting at a computer. The computer does sit on the table on in case I have sudden inspiration when I am at home though in what I like to call the "Mummy hours" (i.e. the time after I leave the office to pick the girls up from school to when they are in bed asleep. The time I spend driving them around, chatting about the day, watching dance classes, cooking dinner, helping with homework ... you know the sort of thing I mean).

But going back to facebook. I genuinely enjoy trying to think of status updates that are interesting, update and amusing yet still reflect me and my life. So I thought it would be fun to record and them on here as well in a weekly post .... so here goes ..... My week in status updates - 1 May 2011 to 8 May 2011 (this week has an 'extra day' the Saturday was 1 May so it seemed silly not to include it).

* Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! * Brunch with Rob and Tania (but no Chad!) .... now off to Brookton for the afternoon! * Baby lambs feeding are the cutest things ever! Their tails spin round in circles!!! And before anyone says anything I don't ever remember seeing a lamb feed when they still had a tail * Pot-luck dinner finished off a day which involved a lot of eating! * I can't believe there is only three days of school holidays left :( .... I could do with another week at least!! * Today was definitely a constructive day! So many little bits and pieces done! And finally sent the bags and bags of stuff off to the second-hand shop!! * *sings* Roller-skating, hide-and-seek, craft stuff and board games.These are a few of the girls' favourite things! (Well these have been the favourite activities when we have been at home these holidays anyway!) * I *love* lecturers who give good information about what to expect in exams!!!! * Today I am Thankful for flexible friends and for an increased sense of security thanks to the new lock on my fridge and being able to actually park my car in the carport! * Waking up in the middle of the night and being wide awake, but when the alarm goes off always still being super sleep. One of life's great mysteries. * Today I have lost one (at least for part of the day) .... but gained two .... baby-sitting my cousins :) Thanks to all my super understanding friends (and Reanna's)for changing our plans. Allegedly last minute baby-sitting duties earns me Platinum legend status and this can only be a good thing! * "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." --Martin Luther King, Jr.* After serious consideration on the matter, I have come to the conclusion 'A' names may be a jinx. Final reason for this conclusion? Little Miss Naughty A1 and Little Miss Naughty A2. * The girls might be giving Joel the 'Hair-Puller of the Day' award, but from me he is getting 'Cuddler of the Day'. * Off to training .... five kids in tow .... wish everyone luck!! :) * I never thought I would be so excited about a door!!! But I am :) * Last day of school holidays today :( .... back to reality tomorrow! * I would love a delayed send for text messages. For those times you think of something you just *have* to tell someone at a time when it is really not a good idea to text! * I am adding super cool stationary that aids procrastination to my list-of-things-that-just-makes-me-happy! * Lovely day to finish great holidays .... back to real life tomorrow!!! * I want minions!!! * Today I am Thankful for being able to spend school holidays at home with the girls, pain-killers* and friends who know me so well! * I just participated in an automated telephone survey that had the fastest talking voice imaginable! It made me sound like I speak slowly. * I ♥ Autumn, holidays, chick lit, sleeping children, surprises, purple toe-nails, fairy magic, crossing things off my to-do list, making pictures in the clouds and fun stationary * Back to real life and work .... and a wonderfully organised desk thanks to the lovely Tanya. And to my colleagues who are placing bets on how long this will last, the insder tip is Tuesday :oP * Dear Chaos,We meet again! Did you miss me? Apparently I missed you. Looking forward to a long and prosperous association. Let's treat each other nicely! Thanks heaps, Cath xxx * Today I am Thankful for the wonderful members of the school community who facilitate the Mothers' Day stall. The girls all came home super excited about the presents they had bought. Adding to the excitement is that they earned from Daddy so it makes it a Mummy-free process! Lots of smiles all round and I am anticipating lots more on Sunday!!!! * Parenting moment of the day: Trying to explain to Aimee why it is not a good idea for her to correct her teacher's punctuation (or spelling or grammar for that matter) on her assignment sheet. Even if the teacher was wrong. And even if she is right. The comments "no-one is perfect" and "everyone makes mistakes" earned me blank looks from the little one! * Having school, work and uni all start again on the same day feels a little mean! Or badly organised ......... Note to self: Think of this next semester! * Coffee machine is back! Hot chocolate is making me very happy :) * Today is Friday :) .... I feel this says it all! * The list of things to do this afternoon is getting longer by the second! I am determined not to forget anything this time. * I did not think the hairdressers would take so long! I have three very gorgeous (and much neater) girls now :) * I ♥ Autumn, rain, slushies, choc orange stuff, board games, champagne, surprises, wearing jeans to work, my beautiful babies, cushions, wishing on stars and crossing things off my to-do list * "If you think my hands are full then you should see my heart". * Find of the morning: "Land and Sea Tales for Scouts and Guides" by Rudyard Kipling, Commissioner, Boy Scouts. 1923 edition means Scouts were still using the (left-facing) swastika as a symbol. Massively excited about this (even if no-one else gets it) and the book makes the trip a success even if we didn't get what we actually wanted!!! * Enterprising daughters + Mothers' Day + craft stuff = surprises + (relatively) peaceful coffee catch-up time * When did Doritos get so yummy?! * I really want donkey-dragon baby pets! Dronkies? So cute! The minions could look after them. * Bacon and scrambled eggs by Chef Reanna, French toast by Chef Erin and beautiful serving by Miss Aimee. Showered in presents and set to bed to read for the morning. Perfect day so far! Happy Mothers' Day to all the mums out there. Hope you are having a lovely day! * I know it is really predictable but this doesn't stop it from being true so I am going to say it anyway! .... Today I am Thankful for my mother, my daughters, Terri-Anne, Jeanne and Nanna Jan. Also, for all my friends who are sharing the parenting journey with me! * The rest of Perth may be still in the grip of Beiber fever (well a certain demographic anyway), but this household* is concentrating on Miley Cyrus!


Wow! I didn't think that would be so long. I have also come to the conclusion I need to tone down on the exclamation marks.