People always stop me to tell me the girls look just like me. And I mean all the time, not just people I know or people standing next to me in the check-out queue, but random people will actually stop to tell me this. I mean they do look like me, but they are mine! But more to the point, I do find the concept of walking up to a stranger and stopping to tell them this is strange. I have decided to take it as a compliment though, because in my humble and highly biased opinion they are all very pretty. The girls I mean, not the strangers.
It is also funny, because despite their similarities, different people who actually know us will each have which one they insist looks the most like me. These opinions are pretty much equally divided up between the three girls. The consensus is agreed that they all look like me not their father though (with the exception of his step-mother which is understandable!). Funnily enough, the one strangers pick as looking the most like their dad is Erin, because they are both darker. However, she is not actually biologically his!
For all their similarities they are all quite different. I have always said the difference in their personalities showed most clearly in how they would react if they were upset or got into trouble as toddlers. Reanna used to just be devastated and would cry. Erin would sulk (and just for the record it is really hard to study with a two year old sitting behind you with her arms crossed and glaring at you). Aimee would have a massive tantrum. Her first through herself down and cry tantrum was the day she sat up.
Not that I ever expected them to be the same as each other or like me. However, I thought I had a few years left of understanding them (until we hit the teenage years). But they still continue to surprise me and the following are just a few reasons I don't think I will ever understand my children, and why I think they will never understand me:-
- Reanna refuses to write properly on facebook or in text messages. This drives me insane. And yet, she insists on writing "sad face" or "smiley face" rather then using symbols.
- That they all love sport and play voluntarily at school (and not just to get out of class) and they are all talented (not to mention co-ordinated) dancers.
-They can do cool things with their hair. My talents pretty much stopped at pony-tails and plaits. Yes, three girls were wasted on me!
-They don't love Enid Blyton - wasn't this what we all grew up reading? And Enid Blyton stuff was old when I was little. Admittedly they like her stuff, and they have more options these days, but still!
- Aimee doesn't eat meat. Enough said. Although I understand the ethical reasons.
- Erin has an amazing networking ability already. She can talk to anyone whether or not she has been introduced.
-Reanna wants to do a fun run. Really wants to do one. I have agreed but only under sufferance. When mu personal trainer was suggesting I start the C25K program he asked hadn't I always wanted to run a marathon. My answer was most definitely no. No urge whatsoever!
The big question is, if I don't understand them ... how is anyone else supposed to?
(This post is intended to balance out all my pround mama posts. I am a proud mama, but doesn't mean it is smooth sailing all the time! Admittedly this list isn't really life ruining, but it does make for fun conversations with lots of eyerolling).
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Kids say the cutest things
The girls came home and had a fabulous time! Aimee in particular was very glad to see me. When she came to give me a cuddle last night she whispered to me that she always gets a little bit homesick when she sleeps away from me, not for home but for Mummy. We came to the conclusion that this was Mummy-sick and that it was ok, but that going away was still fun.
Erin came home and informed me in all seriousness that they had done things like brush their teeth, go to bed on time and remembered to say thank you to Nanna and Grandad. The first thing she did was tell me that they had said to say hello to me.
Reanna made me laugh though! Their Dad told me this one. She informed him that her sunglasses were better then his. He was highly indignant (he didn't tell me this, but I know what he is like) and pointed out his were real raybands and that hers were only copies. Reanna pointed out that hers were only $5 and his were over $100 and that hers looked just as good. Therefore the natural conclusion was that hers were better. Daddy was speechless. One day he will learn ;) And long may Reanna continue to think this way! At least until she is buying her own stuff!
I missed my babies and I am glad they are home :)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
PS I love you
My children like to write me notes. Sometimes it is because I have gone out and they want to tell me something. Sometimes it is because they are supposed to be sleeping. Aimee in particular likes to leave me notes on top of a book asking me to please read it by the morning, because clearly that is what I want to do when I finally tumble into bed! Read yes, but not necessarily something picked by the 8-year-old. I made the mistake of letting them realise how quickly I can read their books and they are soooo disappointed if I don't!
But I digress. Next to my bed on top of my books is a favourite place for all of them to leave me notes. The other most favourite place in on top of my keyboard (I think they might be trying to tell me something). Or more conventionally, and for things not urgent, on the front of the fridge.
I am particularly proud of Reanna at the moment. She has done some stuff recently I am not too happy about (I may blog about this another time, but for the moment let's just say teenage years are rapidly approaching! Please wish me luck!). But she was grown up enough to leave me a note saying she was sorry and what she was going to do about it. So very, very, very proud of her for taking responsibility for her actions. I left her a note in return (I was out when she left me the first note). I could have just spoken to her, I do realise this, but I wanted her to have it in writing. A physical reminder telling her how proud I am of her and reminding her how much I love her even when she does do the wrong thing.
The girls have gone away with their dad for a couple of nights. This involves lots of note writing. I have been finding them all over the place. Ones asking me to call people or washing certain items, you know the types of things. Ones reminding me to look after the pets. Apparently it is the rabbit's day to have fresh hay and carrots and the bird needs fresh water every day. Who knew?! (I am ignoring the fact that my darling children have NO faith in my ability and focusing on the cuteness of them wanting to take care of their pets. Humour me on this one!). However what concerns me the most is the location of the pet note. It was in the fridge ... on top of a block of chocolate .... hmmmmm ... just hmmm ....... horrible children!
PS I love them!!!!
But I digress. Next to my bed on top of my books is a favourite place for all of them to leave me notes. The other most favourite place in on top of my keyboard (I think they might be trying to tell me something). Or more conventionally, and for things not urgent, on the front of the fridge.
I am particularly proud of Reanna at the moment. She has done some stuff recently I am not too happy about (I may blog about this another time, but for the moment let's just say teenage years are rapidly approaching! Please wish me luck!). But she was grown up enough to leave me a note saying she was sorry and what she was going to do about it. So very, very, very proud of her for taking responsibility for her actions. I left her a note in return (I was out when she left me the first note). I could have just spoken to her, I do realise this, but I wanted her to have it in writing. A physical reminder telling her how proud I am of her and reminding her how much I love her even when she does do the wrong thing.
The girls have gone away with their dad for a couple of nights. This involves lots of note writing. I have been finding them all over the place. Ones asking me to call people or washing certain items, you know the types of things. Ones reminding me to look after the pets. Apparently it is the rabbit's day to have fresh hay and carrots and the bird needs fresh water every day. Who knew?! (I am ignoring the fact that my darling children have NO faith in my ability and focusing on the cuteness of them wanting to take care of their pets. Humour me on this one!). However what concerns me the most is the location of the pet note. It was in the fridge ... on top of a block of chocolate .... hmmmmm ... just hmmm ....... horrible children!
PS I love them!!!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I am turning into my mother
And not in a bad way. I just had one of those moments when I ate my lunch (at my desk!) yesterday, when part of my lunch was cold mashed potato.
Not that my mum has a fondness for cold mashed potatoes but, let me tell you a story ..... I was about 15 (I think) when I went in the kitchen and saw the toast had popped. When I called out to mum to tell her, her reply was she new but she was waiting for it to get cold before she buttered it and ate it. I was (I still think understandably) confused. Waiting for the toast to get cold??? This does not sound like something people plan to do! Mum shrugged and just said she got used to it when we were little and now she just likes it like that.**
Fast forward about 7 years and me studying full time with two babies, nannying for two of my little sisters, volunteering etc. I "got" it. And worked out why she enjoyed cold toast! It might be an acquired taste but if it is your best chance of getting to eat you might as well acquire it. It's not bad :)
Fast forward another nineish year and you get me today! Really getting it! I looove leftovers and I very often just eat them cold. But hey, you do what you need to do to survive and you might as well enjoy it while you are there!
But anyway ... I now get it Mum! I really do!!!
[**Family background: four of us in five years. Lived on remotish sheep station so she was our home tutor from when I was 5 until when I was 9. I am the oldest. Then she went back to full time study, while still having us at home with a governess and cooking for anywhere between 6 and 12 people, etc, etc}
Not that my mum has a fondness for cold mashed potatoes but, let me tell you a story ..... I was about 15 (I think) when I went in the kitchen and saw the toast had popped. When I called out to mum to tell her, her reply was she new but she was waiting for it to get cold before she buttered it and ate it. I was (I still think understandably) confused. Waiting for the toast to get cold??? This does not sound like something people plan to do! Mum shrugged and just said she got used to it when we were little and now she just likes it like that.**
Fast forward about 7 years and me studying full time with two babies, nannying for two of my little sisters, volunteering etc. I "got" it. And worked out why she enjoyed cold toast! It might be an acquired taste but if it is your best chance of getting to eat you might as well acquire it. It's not bad :)
Fast forward another nineish year and you get me today! Really getting it! I looove leftovers and I very often just eat them cold. But hey, you do what you need to do to survive and you might as well enjoy it while you are there!
But anyway ... I now get it Mum! I really do!!!
[**Family background: four of us in five years. Lived on remotish sheep station so she was our home tutor from when I was 5 until when I was 9. I am the oldest. Then she went back to full time study, while still having us at home with a governess and cooking for anywhere between 6 and 12 people, etc, etc}
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
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?
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?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
What I love about me!
Welcome to Week 2 of "What I Love About Me!" hosted by Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun and Twingle Mommy!
Here's how it works -
Write a post about what you love about yourself this week and then add it to the linky list below. This is intended to be a time and place for each of us to stop criticizing ourselves for a few minutes and actually remind ourselves of the characteristics we are proud to own. So go ahead, look in the mirror, and see yourself through your loved one's eyes. Notice the beauty first. Here's your place to shine!
A few simple guidelines -
•Please follow the two hostesses. If you are a new follower, please comment so we can follow you too! :)
•We'd love it if you posted the button and the linky list, but it is not mandatory.
•Feel free to link to your homepage or your specific "What I Love About Me!" post. We want this to be a fun, relaxing hop so we'll accept all links as long as they are family-friendly. Thanks!
•The linky will be open all week so feel free to link-up on your own time.
Ok clearly the above bit is cut and posted from the blogs of the lovely hostesses. I really am working very hard on learning the 'tricks' of making the technical bits of blogging work! I managed the button and have finally worked out how to post a link (I think), but the list down the bottom was a bit too hard for me. I am very proud of myself for getting this far though! Check out Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun and Twingle Mommy for more blogland people who have joined in.
What I love about me!
1. I love that I love my life. I may not have always made the right choices and there are things I wish I had done differently/could do differently now, but over all I love my life. I am slowly learning not to beat myself up over things I have done that I now regret.
2. I love that I can nap pretty much anywhere anytime. This is very useful. Especially when I am so super busy that the only thing that gets me from 5:30am to 11pm is the 10 minute power nap. It is slightly less useful if it makes me snoozey somewhere important like in a meeting. It is also slightly less useful if I nap for too long and then can't sleep at night. But over all it is a fabulous habit and one I have spent many years perfecting ;)
3. I love that I am never bored. Except in times I have totally no control over the situation but this pretty much never happens. I can usually find something to do or someone to talk to or something to think about .... or I nap. I do love to nap. My mum told me when I was about 8 only boring people get bored. I believed her. Going by this theory I might be the most exciting person in the world! Sadly, when I used this same expression on the girls, Aimee cried for 20 minutes that I said she was boring. This wasn't actually what I meant. I don't think she ever quite believed me. The girls are amazingly good at entertaining themselves though so maybe it did work.
Hmmm ... that was a lot harder then I thought! Definitely worth giving a go though :) And can I mention again I am very proud of myself for working out how to put links in at last?!
Here's how it works -
Write a post about what you love about yourself this week and then add it to the linky list below. This is intended to be a time and place for each of us to stop criticizing ourselves for a few minutes and actually remind ourselves of the characteristics we are proud to own. So go ahead, look in the mirror, and see yourself through your loved one's eyes. Notice the beauty first. Here's your place to shine!
A few simple guidelines -
•Please follow the two hostesses. If you are a new follower, please comment so we can follow you too! :)
•We'd love it if you posted the button and the linky list, but it is not mandatory.
•Feel free to link to your homepage or your specific "What I Love About Me!" post. We want this to be a fun, relaxing hop so we'll accept all links as long as they are family-friendly. Thanks!
•The linky will be open all week so feel free to link-up on your own time.
Ok clearly the above bit is cut and posted from the blogs of the lovely hostesses. I really am working very hard on learning the 'tricks' of making the technical bits of blogging work! I managed the button and have finally worked out how to post a link (I think), but the list down the bottom was a bit too hard for me. I am very proud of myself for getting this far though! Check out Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun and Twingle Mommy for more blogland people who have joined in.
What I love about me!
1. I love that I love my life. I may not have always made the right choices and there are things I wish I had done differently/could do differently now, but over all I love my life. I am slowly learning not to beat myself up over things I have done that I now regret.
2. I love that I can nap pretty much anywhere anytime. This is very useful. Especially when I am so super busy that the only thing that gets me from 5:30am to 11pm is the 10 minute power nap. It is slightly less useful if it makes me snoozey somewhere important like in a meeting. It is also slightly less useful if I nap for too long and then can't sleep at night. But over all it is a fabulous habit and one I have spent many years perfecting ;)
3. I love that I am never bored. Except in times I have totally no control over the situation but this pretty much never happens. I can usually find something to do or someone to talk to or something to think about .... or I nap. I do love to nap. My mum told me when I was about 8 only boring people get bored. I believed her. Going by this theory I might be the most exciting person in the world! Sadly, when I used this same expression on the girls, Aimee cried for 20 minutes that I said she was boring. This wasn't actually what I meant. I don't think she ever quite believed me. The girls are amazingly good at entertaining themselves though so maybe it did work.
Hmmm ... that was a lot harder then I thought! Definitely worth giving a go though :) And can I mention again I am very proud of myself for working out how to put links in at last?!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
And the week is over! Pretty much exactly as I am writing.
As I was still up studying (aka cramming. Yes I know I should have done more earlier and got a few good night's sleep before the exam, but you know how it is ....)
Note to self: Crying at the girls' school is on the list of things I have been banned from doing as a parent. * I am much, much better at tipping when I listen to the girls! Although it does concern me a little how good Reanna and Erin are. We will not be doing a family footy tipping competition any time soon! * Judging from the number of text messages I have received this morning, I think Reanna is worried I am going to miss her - or forget about her. * Today I am thankful for cold and flu tablets, a quiet day at work, back-up plans and text messages. * I am still Thankful for cold and flu tablets, a quiet day at work, back-up plans and text messages ... but now I am also thankful for Penny for starting a new Thankful group and for realising there was a bug in my drink before I started drinking it! * I ♥ rainbows, cushions, on-line shopping, super patient friends, my bed, creating happy childhood memories, my stripy purple witch socks, boots, wishing on stars, my bug mug and M&Ms. * This morning's wake-up greeting: "Mummy, will Reanna be on her morning walk now?". * The not-being-able-to-string-a-sentence-together effect may have an impact on numerous parts of my life. * Today I am Thankful for a job I love, the ability to be happy, microwaves, mobile phones, Daddy-dinners, friends who cook for me and long over due visits. * Argh! Enrolled for next semester. Still not exactly sure how I am going to work this one. * Curiouser and curiouser. * I am a little annoyed at Justin Beiber for tainting the phrase "never say never". * I am pretty sure if you catch a cold from a man that it makes it a man-cold. The whinging seems to be catching too. * Some things are nice ways to wake up, no matter what time of day or night. Some things are not nice ways to wake up, no matter what time of day or night. Some things it depends on the time. * I am hoping Reanna is having a fantabulous birthday even though she is spending it so, so far away from me! It is hard to believe this time 12 years ago I spent the day in labour ... today I am spending the day curled up in bed being sick and feeling sorry for myself. For some reason it just all feels a little ironic. * Aimee quote of the week: "It's Reanna's birthday today. This means we can get icecream without her!!!". * Today I am Thankful for cold and flu tablets, wonderful teachers, my beautiful daughters, clean drinking water, my couch and mobile phones. * There is nothing like long, drawn-out methods of torture. * I either just made a very, very good decision or a very, very bad one. * Reanna home from camp. Exhausted, but very happy!! She had a wonderful time and says thank you to everyone who sent her birthday messages. Currently she on the phone to someone she just spent a whole week with! It doesn't take long for things to return to normal :) * Apparently early mornings on weekends are all Aimee's fault. * *sings* Freo, way to go (then mumbles the rest) * The girls' highlights of the day: icecream, a phone call from Daddy and the train ride home. Erin did also point out going to the football is fun regardless. My highlight: Erin in the second saying "I am not tipping Fremantle next week" in a "I am not angry, I am just very disappointed in you tone". Lesson of the day: How to be a gracious loser. And supporting your team regardless of the performance! * Fabulous 24 hours or so! So much fun, but now so very much tiredness. * Just to prove me wrong .... we all slept for 10.5 hours last night and Aimee was the last one awake this morning. * I think that I am going to spend all day (between studying obviously) facebook stalking Lela and liking all the pages she likes. Just a feeling I am getting based on the last hour ....... * Exam time (definition) when you realise you have somehow managed to not learn anything in the last three months. Although,in my case, I did learn that spies in the UK have their own union, the Ombudsman is a person and that the back of the chairs in the lecture theatre are really, really hard. * Today I am Thankful for getting a good night's sleep, a (comparatively) free and accessible education, Chef Reanna, post it notes, computers, cold and flu tablets, open book exams, children who can entertain themselves and the ability to multitask. * I am excited my next pyjama day will be for dvd watching and lounging on the couch purposes not for study purposes. * Changing my profile picture because Aimee was a little insulted that I had a picture of me and Reanna up rather then a picture of me and her. Diva baby much? * I probably should be Thankful that Boris is keeping me company while I am up studying, but funnily enough I am not! :oP
I am very much loving my picture of the week this week!
That is my darling baby asleep in a costume (made out of a box) at the end of a party. One of the things I will blog more about later!
I am sure I have said this before, but I update my status a lot! And sadly I am deliberately doing it less now I know I am uploading them here. It makes me smile though, and allegedly other people enjoy reading them. I can't see myself stopping any time soon ;)
PS So excited! Despite the time it says on the blog, I pushed the publish button at exactly midnight according to my computer clock. This wasn't actually deliberate but it made me happy. You know what they say .... small things amuse small minds :)
Note to self: Crying at the girls' school is on the list of things I have been banned from doing as a parent. * I am much, much better at tipping when I listen to the girls! Although it does concern me a little how good Reanna and Erin are. We will not be doing a family footy tipping competition any time soon! * Judging from the number of text messages I have received this morning, I think Reanna is worried I am going to miss her - or forget about her. * Today I am thankful for cold and flu tablets, a quiet day at work, back-up plans and text messages. * I am still Thankful for cold and flu tablets, a quiet day at work, back-up plans and text messages ... but now I am also thankful for Penny for starting a new Thankful group and for realising there was a bug in my drink before I started drinking it! * I ♥ rainbows, cushions, on-line shopping, super patient friends, my bed, creating happy childhood memories, my stripy purple witch socks, boots, wishing on stars, my bug mug and M&Ms. * This morning's wake-up greeting: "Mummy, will Reanna be on her morning walk now?". * The not-being-able-to-string-a-sentence-together effect may have an impact on numerous parts of my life. * Today I am Thankful for a job I love, the ability to be happy, microwaves, mobile phones, Daddy-dinners, friends who cook for me and long over due visits. * Argh! Enrolled for next semester. Still not exactly sure how I am going to work this one. * Curiouser and curiouser. * I am a little annoyed at Justin Beiber for tainting the phrase "never say never". * I am pretty sure if you catch a cold from a man that it makes it a man-cold. The whinging seems to be catching too. * Some things are nice ways to wake up, no matter what time of day or night. Some things are not nice ways to wake up, no matter what time of day or night. Some things it depends on the time. * I am hoping Reanna is having a fantabulous birthday even though she is spending it so, so far away from me! It is hard to believe this time 12 years ago I spent the day in labour ... today I am spending the day curled up in bed being sick and feeling sorry for myself. For some reason it just all feels a little ironic. * Aimee quote of the week: "It's Reanna's birthday today. This means we can get icecream without her!!!". * Today I am Thankful for cold and flu tablets, wonderful teachers, my beautiful daughters, clean drinking water, my couch and mobile phones. * There is nothing like long, drawn-out methods of torture. * I either just made a very, very good decision or a very, very bad one. * Reanna home from camp. Exhausted, but very happy!! She had a wonderful time and says thank you to everyone who sent her birthday messages. Currently she on the phone to someone she just spent a whole week with! It doesn't take long for things to return to normal :) * Apparently early mornings on weekends are all Aimee's fault. * *sings* Freo, way to go (then mumbles the rest) * The girls' highlights of the day: icecream, a phone call from Daddy and the train ride home. Erin did also point out going to the football is fun regardless. My highlight: Erin in the second saying "I am not tipping Fremantle next week" in a "I am not angry, I am just very disappointed in you tone". Lesson of the day: How to be a gracious loser. And supporting your team regardless of the performance! * Fabulous 24 hours or so! So much fun, but now so very much tiredness. * Just to prove me wrong .... we all slept for 10.5 hours last night and Aimee was the last one awake this morning. * I think that I am going to spend all day (between studying obviously) facebook stalking Lela and liking all the pages she likes. Just a feeling I am getting based on the last hour ....... * Exam time (definition) when you realise you have somehow managed to not learn anything in the last three months. Although,in my case, I did learn that spies in the UK have their own union, the Ombudsman is a person and that the back of the chairs in the lecture theatre are really, really hard. * Today I am Thankful for getting a good night's sleep, a (comparatively) free and accessible education, Chef Reanna, post it notes, computers, cold and flu tablets, open book exams, children who can entertain themselves and the ability to multitask. * I am excited my next pyjama day will be for dvd watching and lounging on the couch purposes not for study purposes. * Changing my profile picture because Aimee was a little insulted that I had a picture of me and Reanna up rather then a picture of me and her. Diva baby much? * I probably should be Thankful that Boris is keeping me company while I am up studying, but funnily enough I am not! :oP
I am very much loving my picture of the week this week!
That is my darling baby asleep in a costume (made out of a box) at the end of a party. One of the things I will blog more about later!
I am sure I have said this before, but I update my status a lot! And sadly I am deliberately doing it less now I know I am uploading them here. It makes me smile though, and allegedly other people enjoy reading them. I can't see myself stopping any time soon ;)
PS So excited! Despite the time it says on the blog, I pushed the publish button at exactly midnight according to my computer clock. This wasn't actually deliberate but it made me happy. You know what they say .... small things amuse small minds :)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Family Ties
People are often defined by their relationships. Whether it is by themselves or by others .... whether or not it is their choice. How often do you read in the paper "mother of two" as a description of someone? Or "local grandfather"? Or words to that effect. Relationships with others are part of what makes us people.
It was my mother's birthday the other day and so we all went out for dinner. It made me think. Despite the fact I have lived out of home for more then ten years, been married twice and have three children if someone asks me who is in my family I still list my parents, all my siblings, my children and my niece and nephew. In my head "extended family" includes my in-laws and cousins and people like that and my children are too closely a part of me that I don't need a separate term to define how they belong to me.
Similarly the term "mother" I find hard to place. I have never once put "mother" or "domestic duties" as my employment. I have always been a "student" or been in paid employment as well. This is not to say that being a mother is not the hardest job there is! Please don't get me wrong .. but for me it has never been my "job". I just don't think of it the same way I do as my paid employment or the various volunteer roles I have done.
I have been asked recently but a 16 year old friend what it is like to be a mum. Do you think I could answer? Instead I stared blankly. A girl a met at uni this semester found out I had school aged daughters was genuinely excited that it meant I got to do things like make school lunches. One comment that has always stuck in my head was at a party and someone saying to me it was good I could talk about things other then my kids because so many parents couldn't (don't get me wrong ... I still talk about them a LOT). I studied the full time through my first two pregnancies and part time through my third and over the years have spent so much time justifying my decision to work or to have kids to different people depending on what they thought I should be doing with my life ... or what they thought a "good" mum should be. I've done the juggling act and made changes as our needs have changed - mine and theirs - and most definitely had my fair share of guilt about the choices I have made. My babies are the centre of my universe, but I am not ashamed that they are not my entire universe. I am a mum, but I am also a friend, a sister, a daughter, a student. I work, I go out, I make choices, I make mistakes .... and finally, in the last few weeks I think I have come to a definition of what being 'mum' is to me .... for me (and this may not be the best definition for everyone) but for me being a mother is not my career, it is not my 'label' .... I would consider it more of a lifestyle choice .... and from now on I think that is what I will tell people... if nothing else it might help them think about what their concept of a being a mother (or indeed a parent) is .... and did I mention I wouldn't have my life any other way??
Now ... I have no intention of spending all my time writing about various relationships ... but if this is about me writing about me and my life it sort of becomes relevent by default. That said I promise I will write about something more interesting next time .....
It was my mother's birthday the other day and so we all went out for dinner. It made me think. Despite the fact I have lived out of home for more then ten years, been married twice and have three children if someone asks me who is in my family I still list my parents, all my siblings, my children and my niece and nephew. In my head "extended family" includes my in-laws and cousins and people like that and my children are too closely a part of me that I don't need a separate term to define how they belong to me.
Similarly the term "mother" I find hard to place. I have never once put "mother" or "domestic duties" as my employment. I have always been a "student" or been in paid employment as well. This is not to say that being a mother is not the hardest job there is! Please don't get me wrong .. but for me it has never been my "job". I just don't think of it the same way I do as my paid employment or the various volunteer roles I have done.
I have been asked recently but a 16 year old friend what it is like to be a mum. Do you think I could answer? Instead I stared blankly. A girl a met at uni this semester found out I had school aged daughters was genuinely excited that it meant I got to do things like make school lunches. One comment that has always stuck in my head was at a party and someone saying to me it was good I could talk about things other then my kids because so many parents couldn't (don't get me wrong ... I still talk about them a LOT). I studied the full time through my first two pregnancies and part time through my third and over the years have spent so much time justifying my decision to work or to have kids to different people depending on what they thought I should be doing with my life ... or what they thought a "good" mum should be. I've done the juggling act and made changes as our needs have changed - mine and theirs - and most definitely had my fair share of guilt about the choices I have made. My babies are the centre of my universe, but I am not ashamed that they are not my entire universe. I am a mum, but I am also a friend, a sister, a daughter, a student. I work, I go out, I make choices, I make mistakes .... and finally, in the last few weeks I think I have come to a definition of what being 'mum' is to me .... for me (and this may not be the best definition for everyone) but for me being a mother is not my career, it is not my 'label' .... I would consider it more of a lifestyle choice .... and from now on I think that is what I will tell people... if nothing else it might help them think about what their concept of a being a mother (or indeed a parent) is .... and did I mention I wouldn't have my life any other way??
Now ... I have no intention of spending all my time writing about various relationships ... but if this is about me writing about me and my life it sort of becomes relevent by default. That said I promise I will write about something more interesting next time .....
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
It's All About Me
Defining yourself in a few easy words to people who may not know you is hard. Defining yourself when people do know you is perhaps even harder. Those are the people who know you and think they know how you view yourself ... and the question then is do you want to change that perception? My 'problem' with this is simply that with a blog I have realised I am writing to an unknown audience and this is one of the reasons I have procrastinated for so long about doing this. (Although in all fairness not the only reason! Mostly just procrastination for the sake of procrastination).
So why now? I have been meaning to do this for ages and decided now is the time. I went and saw the movie Julie and Julia (apologies if that is the wrong name!) and when everyone else left wanting to cook ... I left wanting to finally start a blog. Clearly I do not have a domestic side!
I am almost 30 and excited about this next milestone in my life. It seems to be a new beginning, the beginning of the next stage of my life which is full of opportunites and I am excited to see what is waiting for me around the corner. I am doing the single-parent thing for a second time and so very, very proud of my three beautiful daughters, studying a course I love, working a job I enjoy and am (mostly) at a stage of my life I am happy with.
My own little universe centres around my girls. They are the centre of it. Not my whole universe, and I am not ashamed to say that, but most definately the centre ... but my feelings on this one can wait until next time ......
So why now? I have been meaning to do this for ages and decided now is the time. I went and saw the movie Julie and Julia (apologies if that is the wrong name!) and when everyone else left wanting to cook ... I left wanting to finally start a blog. Clearly I do not have a domestic side!
I am almost 30 and excited about this next milestone in my life. It seems to be a new beginning, the beginning of the next stage of my life which is full of opportunites and I am excited to see what is waiting for me around the corner. I am doing the single-parent thing for a second time and so very, very proud of my three beautiful daughters, studying a course I love, working a job I enjoy and am (mostly) at a stage of my life I am happy with.
My own little universe centres around my girls. They are the centre of it. Not my whole universe, and I am not ashamed to say that, but most definately the centre ... but my feelings on this one can wait until next time ......
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