Because we're women..................

Because women's work is never done and is underpaid or unpaid or boring or repetitious and we're the first to get the sack and what we look like is more important than what we do and if we get raped it's our fault and if we get bashed we must have provoked it and if we raise our voices we're nagging bitches and if we enjoy sex we're nyphos and if we don't we're frigid and if we love women it's because we can't get a "real man" and if we ask our doctors too many questions we're neurotic and/or pushy and if we expect community care for our children we're selfish and if we stand up for our rights we're aggresive and "unfeminine" and if we don't we're typical weak females and if we want to get married we're out to trap a man and if we don't we're unnatural and because we still cannot get a safe contraceptive but men can walk on the moon and we can't cope or don't want a pregnancy we're made to feel guilty about abortion and.... For lots and lots of other reasons we are part of the womens liberation movement. Joyce Stevens, Womens Liberation Broadsheet, International women's Day, 1975.

Thirty years on this piece remains as one of the icons of the women's lib movement, some of it still stands true today. I have had this piece for many years, it has been inside the cover of every school diary since I was given it when I was 14, it has been confiscated many a time by teachers who thought it wrong for it to be my personal mantra and guide. I had copies, lots of them. It has been framed in every workplace I ever slaved in and on the wall of all my offices. Given the questions now raised by women who believe they were "mislead" by their mothers about "having it all"..I had to resurrect this piece; given that it was my personal life guide; to see if it really affect my ability to "have it all" or at least my concept of having it all.
Yes I worked in male dominated workplaces where the "old boy" school reigned, but you don't have to be one of them to beat them. I worked in totally male oreintated fields such as insurance and vehicle repair...Many a contractor entered my office enquiring "where's the boss, love" or a solicitor would ask for the manager ( THAT WOULD BE ME, IDIOT) I reveled in their embarrassment and quite enjoyed my discussions about repair techniques etc. As far as "trapping" a man, well boy meets girl, both agree its not really heavy..no joint bank accounts etc and four years later boy asks girl to marry him...laws of nature. I don't expect community care for my children I have the option to stay at home and care for them, but many do not.. and until ALL the businesses of this society get their arses into gear and realise the untapped potential in all women and create some adaptive workplace practices in regards to hours and subsidised childcare, they that do not; are only missing out on the rewards. Women have freedom of choice even if that means the choosing to follow a religious creed which directs you to remain answerable to your husband/partner/significant other as long as that choice is made without duress or pressure, it remains their choice. As is with abortion, religious zealots aside; it is a personal choice made by that person (and perhaps their partner) for their own personal reasons..no one should interfere. I cannot claim to ever understand what it would be like to tetter on the edge of such a decision and think they that do, deserve others respect for their wishes..it cannot be an easy decision.
I think the concept of "having it all" a personal one...is to "have it all" to have it all at the same time...fulltime work, children, family life...it's really hard. I don't think our mothers and the libbers of the '70's lied to us ..they gave us the means by which to make the decisions so that we could "have it all" but perhaps they did not mean all at once... do the career thing,have the family, do the kid raising thing, change careers to suit the family dynamics, whatever. But no one was ever meant to have it all at once. We owe a lot to the pioneers of women's rights....they suffered the slings and arrows to make it easier for us...the fact that some think it made it harder is a fallacy created by their own inabilities to see the creed as many shades of grey and not just back and white.

Dog People

Having been a "dog person" but now reformed I find this little piece quite funny....I used to compete in Obedience not Show, but it still holds some truisms to both Show and Obedience dog people.

Dog People Are A Special Breed...

Dog people are a special breed not usually recognised by the public. They...

Think everyone has crates in their living room

Have messy houses..even thought their kennels are spotless

Can always fins a show catalogue from somewhere within arm's reach

Have kids who know more about the "birds and the bees" when they are 5 than most people know when they are 40!!

Drive trucks, vans ,station wagons especially equipped to haul dog crates

Can never be reached on weekends, they are usually at a dog show

Will drive 400 miles, spend $100 on petrol, $200 on a motel and $150 on meals to bring home a 25cent ribbon

Have kids who regard "bitch" as just another household word

Have lush, green beautiful backyards...and have never bought a bag of fertilizer

Get up at 6 am to walk the dogs, can be ringside , dressed to kill at 8 am but have trouble getting to work on time

Will usually give up a $150,000 home in the suburbs to move to a shack on 10 acres, so they can have a $150,000 kennel

Never miss a closing date for entries-but pay the mortgage 10 days late

Would rather be audited by the Tax Office than investigated by the Canine Council

Use dog food bags for trash cans and 300 gallon trash cans for dog food

Talk for hours on the phone to another dog person in a language known only to dog people

Have parents who think they've lost their minds.

This is reflective of my life before children (BC), working, training, trailing,committee meetings, etc. Although we didn't do all of the above...Close to..I know many who did and still do. I think that people who have a extra interest outside of work and home life have something else to contribute to society and the world. If any of the beginners I help train 10 odd years ago, came away with a better understanding of their dogs or even went on to competition; I feel I accomplished something. If I learnt nothing more except persistence, I'd be surprised..I trained one of the most stubbornest dogs who had the most pleasant nature with people but could not stand Rottweillers or larger male dogs. He was attacked at the age of 6 months by a Rottweiller which is all we could put down his subjective aggression to.

He was the most wiley, street smart, ring wise, little SHIT you could imagine. Tolkien was an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) he would be 17 now we lost him when he was 13. He was the biggest brute of a heeler you'd ever see...True working dog stature. He would work and work and work for me, training and training, till we were almost foot perfect..In the ring he knew I could not correct him...So he'd play up.

We must've been the biggest joke in the obedience world...But I didn't care nor did Tolly..He was happy and so was I, we were doing something.

Gardening Mums

A friend gave me this years ago, after Miss 8, who was then Miss 4 and her friend picked every daffadil, freesia, tulip. and every petal from just about every plant in the backyard...I think its cute:

PRAYER FOR A GARDENING MOTHER by Debbbie Farmer

Dear God, give me the strength to grow a garden.

Give me the perseverance to find a portion of dirt in my backyard that's free from

old ice block sticks and sand pit toys, and not being used as a tricycle parking lot or a soccer field.

Bestow on me the ability to say names like "Acacia melanoxlon" and "Zanthoxylum braclayacanthum", since I am stuck living in a high -maintance planting zone that seems to be conducive only to unpronoucable flowers.

Give me the courage to face the fact that the crate of bulbs that took six weeks to be delivered and three hours of back breaking labour to plant , can be dug up in five minutes by a two year old with a toy shovel.

Guide me through the garden over plastic toys, irrigation systems, and wire mesh to untangle the dog from the watering hose for the fifteenth time.

Help me to accept that everyting in my garden is either expensive, high maintence, or unpronoucable, and the only thing that looks the same as it did in the mail order catalogue is the dirt.

Grant me patience when my daughter waters the bulbs with apple juice because "they looked thirsty".

Give me the strengthto remain silent when my husband puts saucers of beer around the backyard to get rid of the snails.

Comfort me when all the saucers are empty and the dog is staggering around the backyard trying to do the limbo under the low brances of the apple tree.

And when it rains (and you know it will ,God) give me the strength to spend all afternoon on my knees in the mud blowing the moisture off the new shoots with my hair dryer so they don't catch 'a fatal fungal disease'.

In your infinite wisdom, show me how to turn off the automatic drip irrigation system that has been on since sometime in mid November.

Grant me serenity when my son presents me with a bouquet of freshly ripped out daffadils crammed into an old plastic sand bucket-and the ability to smile when he tries to replant them.

And if I ask too much God, just give me the foresight to know that, no matter what I do, by the end of summer the flowers will be run over by rollerskates or sat on by the dog, the garden stakes will be used for goal posts, and the fertile soil will, once again, be filled with old ice block sticks and sand toys- and it won't bother me one bit.

Debbie Farmer

Five Things..............Bang...You've been tagged.....

I've been tagged by Caz mumontherun.blogspot.com, so here goes....................
A Lifetime is like a blink in eternity
5Years Ago, I had a baby boy who would not sleep and I gave up working
1Year Ago, we were trying to sell our house and changed agents
Yesterday, was the past and that's that
Today, can only be better than the day before because I am still here
Tomorrow, who knows? Its tomorrow don't wish the days away wondering what it will bring
5 Snacks I Enjoy:chocolate, fruit, potato chips, chocolate and Chocolate
5 Songs I Know all the Words to Even Without the Music: Two Outta Three Ain't Bad: Meatloaf(?) Why do Birds...:Carpenters, To Sir With Love: dunno who did original, cover by Kate Cerbrano, Angels: Robbie Williams, Cold Hard Bitch: Jett
5 Things I Would Do With $100,000,000: Pay off the house, do what we want to the house, pay off my friends mortgages (x5), buy hubby the car he wants (Astra Convertible but with that much cash he's gonna want a BMW or such maybe), set up school funds for my kids and all my friends kid for tertiary/vocational education.
5 Locations I`d Like to Run Away To: Daylesford, Ireland, Carribeannan,Tasmania, UK
5 Bad Habits I Have: eating chocolate, drinking Coke, yelling, leaving washing till the last minute, answering the mobile just because it rings
5 Things I like Doing: sleeping, reading, reading in the bath, playing outside with the kids, writing
5 Things I Would Never Wear: high heels, miniskirt, bikini, g string, designer label gear ($10 top with $100 name to it)
5 T.V. Shows I Like: ER, Last Man Standing, desperate Housewives,CSI (any and all),Cold Case
5 Movies I Like: Sweetest Thing, An Officer And a Gentleman, Oceans 11 and 12, any Star Trek movie, any Monty Python movie
5 Famous People I'd like to Meet: John Cleese, Richard Gere, Mr. Bean, Paris Hilton (to slap her silly ) Nelson Mandela
5 Biggest Joys at the Moment: my boy coping at kinder, my girl excelling at school, my baby's hugs and kisses, my hubby's cuddles, and chocolate
5 Favorite Toys: PC, bath bombs, mobile phone, Tamagotchi (bought it for the kids, honest)Dymocks bookshop
5 people to pass this tag on to : Guruann, More Australian Ramblings, Jen, Jenz, and whoever else reads this and may be interested

ENJOY!!!!

JOIIS : What it REALLY means....

Several bloggers and Internet junkies in Sunbury refer to a local, well mediaed, elected official as JOIIS (Jack Or Is It Steve) refering to his duality of names used in his two lines of public life. I have received information that JOIIS actually stands for The Joint Operations Intelligence Information System!!!!!!! Which is something to do with goodness knows what..I don't have time to look it up right now ...anyone else care to check. Sound like an oxymoron that the Defence Department or the US Military would use, don't it?

Too much, too little time

Have been busy,busy,busy...Mr. 5 has had to have a hearing test for the Program For Student With Disabilities(PSD) criteria...Nothing wrong there..So waste of time and resources. Mr 2 nearly 3 had croup and needed steroid mix (Predimix?) for 3 days, getting medicine into some kids is like getting expecting Donald Trump to be humble..Never gonna happen. So despite the fact that it had to be after food (directly) I had to mix it into juice (he usually has water with meals so he suss from the start)and then he tasted it and spat out the juice!!!! So out came the syringe and I just blasted the dose down...Sounds bad but not really, he is sooooo like his sister who will not take medicine either. Mr 5 will take all medicines and wants it even if not ill and someone else has it...Something to watch out for, believe me.

Have been floating about a new community forum http://sunburycommunit.10.forumer.com/ it is interesting even to the uninitiated of the Sunbury community and will get bigger and better with more following. It TRULY allows for comment not libel, on an equal footing for all users. Not sure who started it but have heard whispers (people talk on buses and others listen and tell )SAY NO MORE!!!

I have been a bit desolate lately as Mr 5's kinder teacher is away and he seems ok but asks about her a lot, I'm reluctant to tell him what I know as it was told in confidence, but he needs to move on and accept what's what..Maybe over the holidays.....I miss her as she was the rainbow to Denise's(asst teacher) sunshine and I'm sure the kids miss her more than the parents realise.

Hubby returned from OS with yet another supply of DVD's, Blade Trilogy (his thing not mine) Madagascar (for the kids) it's ok but nothing like Toystory or Shrek. We share the DVD's about friends and family, plus Miss 8's class gets to see it on Friday as a break up gift from the teacher. Speaking of which.. had parent teacher night last night and Miss 8 is a delight to have in the class, always helpful and caring and kind...was wondering if this was the same child who pinches. Hits and bite her brothers and takes their toys. She is very creative (gets that from her mum) and academically is advanced but it can't go on the report (but of course) Ohh well AIM assessments will occur in August and you get a report on your child's level in regards to expected level, State levels, school comparisons,. Etc so we will see then. Sometimes I wish I had looked at her IQ score when she was tested, but its a preconceived notion, bit like Briggs Meyers..If you know the expected score/grading, you r expectations change in regards to personality and achievement levels. Incidently, I am INTJ on Briggs Meyers scale and my IQ is........

FOR Caz, Thanks 

OFFICIAL ANNOUCEMENT

IT IS OFFICIAL, CAZ OF www.mumontherun.blogspot.com is a total, unequivocal, and great ......

LEGEND

All my links work now..I had to backspace in the " after the site address to the / makes sense...NOT!!!

Who cares Caz got it happening...And thanks the Guruann and OzRamblings for offering earlier in the peace but you have other important stuff outside of helping novices. So I dedicate the whole page to the LEGEND..................................................................................................................

And the beat goes on........

Nothing much today...It's been RAINING...But its ruining vegetable crops because there's hail in WA. Funny how if you're from a family in the primary industries of crops, dairy and cattle; you tend to be a bit of a whinger about the weather and when it comes and how much. Some of my friends just don't get it when I say its too much at once or the suns too hot after a storm....Farming is a fickle business and less and less family are going into it. Big corporations are putting the little ones out of business, our milk once went to Bayles to the butter factory, now it'd be collected by an agency who sells it (and everyone else's ) in bulk to Pauls or whatever. Composite buyers buy produce in bulk and resell it (in bulk ) to major corporations like Coles Myers, some corporations even have there own buyers who buy up big for the co. Edgell did it years ago for crops like asparagus...But you had a five or ten year contract and if your crop failed one year you were guaranteed the previous years money anyway, sort of a loyalty incentive as you sold NONE of your crop to anyone else.

Anyway enough of the basics in primary produce economics....We have no trains, the bus system seems to be working (kids are getting used to Daddy getting home later)there was an interesting article in The Age about the same rail system in the UK, but it was so boring I stopped reading it all. We are supposed to be getting the Macedon St duplication started (deja vu) but that will start when there's a good photo op. For whoever..Let's see I think JOIIS, Joanne Duncan and Batchelor or Bracks will get their heads in this one.

Speaking of JOIIS, he's BAAAAACK.. On SOLhttp://sunburyonline.com.au seems he has relented and is reiterating that he never received a copy of the electoral roll, never asked for one, etc....And I am being misquoted on GuruAnns http://guruann.blogspot.com blog in the Comments about same by InTheKnow ...For the record:
I have never said Medcraft used the electoral roll to locate my address and visit my home, he openly admitted to me at same uninvited visit that he "got my address from Jack Ogilive"..Which InTheKnow says came from an e.mail I sent to Jack O about another matter
So InTheKnow, you are InTheToilet with the CRAP you are talking.

I am STILL waiting for a certain Team Leader in Early Childhood Services to call me back regarding matters raised a week ago and phone call on Thursday (9/6) and e.mail on same day..I'd hate to have to go to the papers with it..although Alex loves a good story.

Mr 5 has brekky at kinder tomorrow, still trying to convince him that it'll be ok to go to kindy in his PJ's and get changed there..He's adamant that he's getting dressed here and having breakfast here too..Oh well suppose he could have two brekkies.

Reports come out end of this week, then parent/teacher interviews the week after, will be interesting to see what Miss 8's teacher says ,as she only turned eight this year and is in a composite class of 3/4, the eldest child being 11. Last year in Grade 2 she was reading at Grade 5 level and doing Grade 4 maths...Scary, have to wonder about it. I ;mean; yes she lives in a house full of books and the kids have their own bookcase which is chockas with books and we have read to them since they were babies...But I hated maths, but Daddy has one degree in Hort Science so the math comes from him I guess, still you have to wonder....................................And why can the teachers tell you this but are not permitted to put it on the report...Apparently the report can only indicted where your child is in the class in which they are placed..But the teacher can verbally advise you that they are reading above their level, but not put it in writing.

How Typical.....

How incredibly typical...Contacted council to lodge complaint regarding vilification of my child by parents (and their children) and requested that they send out a newsletter/info pamphlet advising benefits of inclusion for all children, also info regarding their stance on discrimination and EEO info. Got palmed off back to teacher for her to put it in the newsletter...

1. The teacher is on sick leave till the end of the week and the Team Leader would have known that when she spoke to me
2. The teacher has enough issues with the parents right now regarding their perception that the additional needs kids ( and parents ) receive more than their fair share of the teachers time...Her putting this in the teachers newsletter would really set it off
3. The incidents are occurring outside of the kinder jurisdiction...Pick up and drop off times, parents talking nastily about the kids elsewhere (remember six degrees of separation??)THEY ARE NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TEACHER.

I really have to wonder where they find such people...Talk about handballing. I will be calling this TL back and telling her how it is and what I want done..This is getting beyond a joke when kids are name calling in front of their parents without correction and I just get an inane smile and shrugs of 'what can you do?'...I'll tell you what you can do is teach your...nah lets not go there..

Mr 5 has a much improved pencil grip now and despite the fact he's yet to be tested and will probably not score in the range to qualify for specialist school...I am sure he'll be OK. I plan to commence him on learning to read phonetically (how we learnt 10-20 years ago) so he's ahead of the others at the start of school and if he lapses will not fall behind too much.

I FINALLY received a reply from DET regarding SLD funding, despite my letter being specific and not general. I received a standard "spin doctored" response which addressed none of my letters issues...After FOUR months and god knows how many drafts it's a wonder any one still knew what the original letter was about...Come to think of it ...

So I will be ringing (not writing) again for specific answers to my questions, like why is John Munro (Melb. U) cited as the person who developed the new whiz bang Language Disorder Program, but he refuses to comment on it and says "it has nothing to do with his work" HELLO..You supposedly developed a program which has placed thousands of SLD kids outside the realm of individual funding and this has nothing to do with your work....Yeah right because YOU ARE NOT A SPEECH THERAPIST OR PATHOLOGIST, you are an educator of educators , thrice removed from the realms of the REAL WORLD of teaching because you live within academia. When was the last time you stood before a class of kids and taught? And a class with SLD kids? YOU HAVE NO F%$#@$% IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a nicer note ..has anyone seen Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy ??(got DVD from os)or even into "the bard of the eighties"?? I thought it would be hard for anyone who's not read the book/s to follow but it was good to see it completed after all this time..hoping they do the whole series. I got Miss 8 into it and offered her my books which she says she'll try after she attempts the Harry Potter series.

Last Man Standing

Just wondering if any who watched the premier episode of Last Man Standing and thought it reminiscent of a male Sex In the City?? I like the show but the idea is a bit worn I thought, Candice Bushell did it first, people and it was a book before it was a hit series.

I thought it down to earth and funny, very "blokey", but then again I can recall a male colleague commenting to me when SITC commenced that it was about " women trying to be like men".( who'd want to) I think Australia will relate well to it as it is an Australian show.

Calm...calm...calm...calm...calm

As the title implies...I have calmed down enough to write again and not rave...I don't think any one really wants to read about my sleeplessness over a few narcissistic mums at a local suburban preschool...but if you do wish to read such rantings..feel free to visit but it will only be updated when I feel the need.

I am very very happy because Mr 5 has managed to get the idea of toileting....oooooh yuk you say...but he trained for bladder control 12 months ago and its taken another 12 months to get the "other" bit happening. If you have a child with additional needs you tend over look the stuff like toilet training as a small part of the bigger picture, but it shows what perseverance, a good psychologist and lots of big time bribery can get you.

I will be interested to watch the interview/show with Rod Astbury about Graham Kennedy...Derryn Hinch claims he will be vindicated. Still cannot agree with his "outing" of someone who chose to live "un known". If people wish their sexual preferences to be known they will let you know, if they do not, no one has the right to assume, insinuate or tell it like it is.

Miss 8 has created a reading corner in her room, it consists of a sari thingo Daddy bought her from a Malaysian trip, "Post It"'s on the wall telling you what it is and what book/s are currently being read there, cushions and toys...we will see how tidy it remains. Found it a bit hard to vacuum around, had to lift it all and replace it all...DRAAAATS.

All three had a lovely time at their "big" cousins 18th yesterday afternoon....don't care what anyone says but there were in excess of 8 teenagers there too (18 and over) all who looked out for the littlies, danced with them, played with them, and went out of their way to make them feel included....Thank you , Craig, Sarah, "Mosh", Wayne, for teaching Mr 5 to dance and helping him when he got discouraged. You are very special people, don't every change.

And to my niece..please no more piercings or at least don't tell me...MIL(nana) is at me and at me to tell what I know oh and ..........................................................

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, AMY

IN A FRIGGIN' RAGE TODAY...DON"T COME HERE

I am ROPEABLE right now and its 2 hours plus since I made my little discovery...apparently there is a parent/s (unsure of this fact) who has a problem with my son being in kindy and the amount of time she perceives the teacher is spending with him......FUNKELL ..I just want to call Early Childhood at council or confront them ALL at pick up time or what I just dunno. What problem could they have...The class has TWO aides who are there to help the teacher...Extra pairs of hands, so to speak, plus the regular teachers assistant. The aides are not exclusively for the use of the two special needs kids but for all the kids in case one of the S/N kids is undertaking a task with which they need one on one help. I did a letter at the beginning of the year to all the parents ; as my son's disability is not visible and invited them to ask questions..Why are they doing this??? I might put a sign up directing them to this site so they can read what I think and feel because I cannot trust myself right now or in one hours time to confront them without getting REALLY CROSS ( look I 'm typing in red and caps)I have a PSG meeting this afternoon and I really need to find out who the parent/s are/is but I'll not be told due to confidentiality.....FUNKELL (sorry can't bring myself to type F&*^%$ Hell so abbreviated/bastardised format) I just wish people would get over it...I don't think this is really aimed at my son but at the teacher and they are using the S/N kids issue as a fulcrum to their designs against the teacher, why I will never know.

But they'd better know that if I find out who they are...And I WILL they will be getting a mouthful plus I will lodge a compliant not only with council but the EEO for discrimination. Vilifying any one for any reason is illegal, let alone using the additional needs of a child who may not have your child's capabilities in your vain, silly, narrowminded,ill conceived,petty, illiterate,stupid,inane,F$#@ed UP little game is beyond me. I will find out who YOU are and you will be sorry to have crossed me or involved my child in your game. I think I will post this site address at the pre school and we'll see what we flush out...And I do mean flush because the person is SHIT!!

I apologise to all my regular readers for this little tirade; normal programming will return as soon as I calm down or commit manslaughter..what ever comes first!!!!

Gra-Gra, Gen X ers and When will the book come out...

Graham Kennedy passed away last week and his memorial "show" was yesterday..it was not a religious service but a celebration of his life and achievements. Funny how I , as a Gen X er, (didn't know this until someone told me I was) remember lots about some one who was a pioneer in the entertainment business. Perhaps because my mum had a bit to do in the industry for a while..She always seemed to know someone or something about the TV and radio personalities of the 60's,and 70's. I have re read a book of my mums by Mike McColl-Jones called "My Funny Friends" which encapsulates the memories and antics of people such as Gra-Gra, Dave Gray, Bert Newton, Mike Walsh, Don Lane, Nolene Brown, et.al during the 60's , 70's and 80's. I think I bought the book for my mum in about 1981 or 1982, so its old but a good laugh.

I have to wonder, how many others of my generation, have such memories or was it just because my parents were older in comparison to my counterparts or was it because my mum took a genuine interest in the people she worked with; as people not celebrities.

Graham Blundell, who was in "The Odd Angry Shot" and "Dons Party" with Graham Kennedy has for years been working on a biographical piece on Kennedy..He has had an on/off relationship with the subject in regards to his (Kennedy's) wanting the book done and being willing to contribute; I think Blundell wanted him to have a say in it. I wonder what the final chapter will say but I bet it's on the shelves before the end of JULY!!!!

And to quote Stuart Wagstaff at the farewell...." Attempted the second Kennedy assassination of our time..." As did Derryn Hinch on his radio program...Although his column in Sundays HUN attempted to make amends, he still attempted to justify his "the dead are owed only the truth" philosophy by siteing instances he perceived to point to Kennedy's homosexuality. What you learn in a business about people should stay there, within that realm. If Kennedy was gay..So what...If he chose to keep it to himself, his choice; no one has the right to take that choice from someone by "outing" them after they are dead. The dead may be owed only the truth, but truth in fact not in innuendo.

Parallels, Justice and Strange things that happen

Funny how things pan out, today after spending a lot of the night before drafting a letter to Council about the fantastic kindy teacher we have...(the letter is on behalf of myself and 3-4 other mums of special needs kids who "hunted" down the teacher and badgered council to get them in a group with her...) I was thinking about all the good she is doing and how no one really knows or acknowledges her work and thought it sad.

Then today, whilst a friend was trying to get her DVD player to work, the special telecast of Schapelle Corby's trial decision came on...I had forgotten all about it. We watched as the film portrayed her actions and for about 2 minutes thought she'd been cleared, then realised something else had happened..Once we got the sound working...We found the sentence was 20 YEARS...TWENTY FRIGGIN' YEARS. I could not believe it, not only was the case flawed beyond belief but the chain of evidence was invalid, the reasonable doubt questionable and the whole case a farcical miscarriage of justice of such proportions that it is a joke. Here's a girl, who at 27 is now facing the best years of her life in a prison system which: if she survives; will age her beyond the 47 years of age she will be upon her expected release. The judge has a reputation as a hardliner, good in some cases but case by case and each on its merits..PLEEEEEEASE. I am no expert in Indonesian justice...But as a human with the logical, reasoning God gave me.. I know that this is so wrong. Why would you take drugs into a country where it is readily available on the streets of that country????It makes no sense.

And as for Johnny (I'm not saying sorry)Howard..His inference that we would not like another country interfering with our justice system reeks of hypocrisy...What do you call extradition agreements...Allowing a person accused of a crime in another country to be removed to that country for trial and viz a viz to their own country for trial in regards to criminal activities in another country...Such agreements work TWO WAYS!!!!

I'm cross, I'm sad, and I'm wondering why such stuff happens...You see the parallel is that my Dad called tonight to tell me my aunt has cancer of the liver, she fought and survived breast cancer 6 years ago, now she is in palliative care and the specialist says it'll be "sooner not later".
this is a woman who has an OA (but didn't even tell her family about it) has dedicated her life to her family(six children, seventeen grandchildren) and the church..Never asked for anything...Was always there for us and always helped anyone in the community without judgment. I have no regrets but its sad that I maybe will not see her again as I am never strong enough to visit sick family or friends, I don't go to funerals unless I have to (reading or such) and never ever attend the cemetery.

So much in the world is wrong tonight, I can't fix it, I can't make it go away or change it, cannot magically turn time about and change would haves, could haves and should haves into do, dids and done.

Lookee here.....Pratice What You Preach

Seems things have caught up with local Crs, have to question Nardella's motives (State involement in Local Governanace) but very nice to see that something is being done this possible misuse of facilities

http://tex.parliament.vic.gov.au/bin/texthtml?form=Hansard.adv

SEARCH under Medcraft

So now the Cr has to answer the question and maybe with the VEC amendments a new broom may sweep clean...if one can be found in the closet (hahahaha)Or under the wall paper perhaps!!!!

Put him on a plane and let him play...BY HIMSELF 

Meeeeeeemories LIke the corners of my mind....???

Never could remember the words to that song from the Strieisand/Redford movie...Anyway found a good site for locating old school friends in Australia. Most sites are US based and cost $$$. This one is Aussie and to get e.mail credits, you just refer the site to someone else...Right now you get 2 credits per referral. http://www.aussieschoolmates.com.au is the site and I'm unsure if the e.mail goes to your own address or relies on the site notification....I found one of my bus buddies on line (I caught two buses to high school, 1.5hrs each way)

But its a fun site and you can muck about and list other schools and look for other people too....On some you can list teachers too.

Also found Bravenet http://www.bravenet.com which has freebie bloggie stuff...Like counters and such ..And stuff I wouldn't try yet. Way Too Scary!!!!!Sound like I was in PC heaven last night...Well got on a roll once I worked out the template codes and went searching and surfing. But soon got tired and went nighty night..So better go now because my pal, Max (Maxine)who was supposed to be here at 0930 thought we had a date for 1200...Silly, silly. So she's on her way now

And watch out...Things should run in threes....Someone who is involved in Mr 5's education is pregnant( knew a month ago can't say who it is because its not announced yet) a friend from school who has had x3 children by IVF has fallen pregnant au naturale and now finds out its TWINS!!!!!!!

So watch out you could be next........oooooh hang about I know who no 3 is, its ok....I know who it is, NOT ME. Can't say who, too early.

Ta-Da,DUM DUM,DUM,DUM

Finally I managed to get the bloody, stuffin' links to this to work..If you can't see them or they don't work...Care Factor right now is negative 1,000,000,000 give or take.

So now all and sundry can look at the sites I like to look at too...Sharing is good, I tell my kids.

Won't tell you how I worked it out but suffice to say that Mr 2.5 have a BIG "nigh nigh" this afternoon and Mr 5 was playing trains and Supamum decide to give it one last go and looked at every resource I could find to teach my self how to write the template rather than the stupid cut/paste crap. (Which I now do in part)

Is the colour change driving you batty???? TUFF because I'm happy and colour make me happy and shows happiness...Because I mastered something(big deal to PC wizs but haven't self taught anything since Access, yonks ago)
No more purple for you,Jen..Too much will make you silly!!!

So now I understand it a bit more I am searching for some stuff to "hoon" up the site...See the counter at the bottom?? Did ya know you can rig them to a predestined number then load it?? Cheaters!!!

So HAPPY,HAPPY,HAPPY..Small things,huh??

Books, now let's try music....

OK last "tag" thingo was fun and learnt lots...Now let's try music, and show our age and preferences....

1. Best ever disco (cringe!!!) song? Hot Stuff: Donna Summer
2. Best guitarist: Mark Knoffler (Dire Straits)
3. Best percussionist (drummer): Phil Collins
4. Best song writer: toss up Bruce Springsteen and the fellow who writes for Meatloaf
5. Best Female singer: Cher/Belinda Carlise (GoGo's)Melissa Etheridge
6. Best male singer: Jimmy Barnes/Bruce Springsteen
7. Last concert you went to: Cher
8. Last band you saw live: can't remember...May have been Dire Straits
9. If you could take one album/CD/tape with you as the only music you could listen to forever, what would it be? Born To Run: Bruce Springsteen
10. If I could sing like any one I wished, I'd want a voice like....Melissa Etheridge

Bingo....Hit Shackin' Up with Caz, Guruann , More AustralianRamblings,Jen (sparkling,dangly, you know who you are) and Jen( who couldn't get on my site)

My World....Your nightmare

Got to admit, prior to having a child who is classed as "special needs"..I had no idea there was a whole other world of mums,dads, grandparents, etc out there. Sure, I had gone to school with a autistic girl who it was explained to us by the nuns was "special". One of my friends in high school became a paraplegic in an accident when we were in Yr 11 and did not to return to complete Yr 12 with her group but returned the following year. And , yes, family friends had a daughter, who in those days was labeled "retarded"...And I saw no difference in neither the child with autism or Roxy..Perhaps because I was a child myself then.

But this other world of carers...Well, its like another place...Sure I have been at EIP for over 2 years, met tonnes of people, made lots of friends, but the strength of the network and the range it encompasses is AMAZING.

You go to the supermarket and your son is playing merry hell with everything from the lolly aisle( which we avoid like the plague) to the trolleys and the donut stand. Not just touching but spinning, pushing and "rearranging"...You have one toddler who you are trying to shield (hahaha) from this behavior (monkey see, monkey do), 3 litres of milk (which by now you don't care if you drop it all over the shop floor) and some vegies ( which I could've just tossed in the air and no one would have noticed because of the havoc around them).....SUDDENLY a heavenly voice says....

"I'll take him with me to the seat out front, you settle down and get your shopping"

Now I don't know this lady from a bar of soap and she explains her son is austistic and has language problems so similar to Mr 5 that she thought he was there (he's at school), turns out she visiting friends here and she's from the other side of Melb!!!!Now I am not in the habit of letting my child go off with anyone...But she understood and HAD BEEN THERE and was NOT JUDGING !!

It was one of those moments, you hear about...I instinctively trusted this unknown woman,could not tell you why...Even now as I write this..But I did. Now this is what I'm talking about...That there is another breed of people out there who understand, live it, know it and just are there. I did let this woman take Mr 5 to the seat inside the Safeway store, she chatted with him, told him about her little boy and when I got out to them, Mr 5 tells me about "hers boy same like me"...I almost cried.

We chatted about things in common, therapies, EIP,schools, etc....And after about 20 minutes parted ways...I never asked her name,nor she mine...We were just intrinsically linked by a common factor, she saw a need, offered aide and that was it...Another world.

Ten Reasons Why The Government Is Stuffed...

1) They sent troops to Iraq based on WMD info which do not exist and our people are still there

2) They kowtow to the Bush Administration

3) They really believe they have a MANDATE to do as they wish...SCARY

4) ministers are starting to bring religious and personal beliefs into Government legislating

5) They are starting to get into some scary legislation which will take us back to the Dark Ages...controlling women's IVF treatments, who can and who cannot

6) When was the last time (if ever) any of them worked for a minimum wage without perks?? They are out of touch with reality..OUR REALITY

7) They cannot control the departments they have, there is no accountability....If any one else SNAFU'd like Vanstone has in any other job they'd be hauling a cardboard box with their pens and paperclips home on the train.

8) Costellos swarmy smirky smile....YUK

9) John Howard....he who will always and forever be known as the one who can't say SORRY

10)They support the Bush Administration ..I know I said this already but its worth two mentions its SOOOOOO bad

NOW this is my personal opinion and site, so you can agree or disagree....

Books, Phone calls and paperwork

This is a fun questionnaire I picked up off Shacking Up with Caz www.aiyanati.blogspot.com, thought it'd be fun seeing how I'm a bibliophile and any one who wants, just add on. Caz tagged 5 people but I don't know any one really to tag unless...hmm , Guruann, OzRamblings, lemme see....hmmmmm...Jen?.....mmmmmmm that'll do, donkey, that'll do....

1)Total number of books I've owned: over 1,000
2) The last book I bought: Sex In The City, wanted to know how Candice Bushell REALLY wrote
.3) The last book I read: Needs to be more as I read 4-5 at a time Honour Amongst Thieves/Antiques and Collectables Price Guide/2006 Program for Students with disabilities Guidelines/Language Manifestations and behaviors
4) 5 books that mean a lot to me: A Separate Peace (how strong a friendship can be and how it can go wrong) Catcher in the Rye(teenage maladies at it best)Angelas Ashes(bog poor Irish/Catholic/alcoholic father scenario prevails against the odds) The Power Of One (how cruel apathied can be) Gardens Of Stone( brilliant writing) A Harp In the South ( Austrailan literature personified)
Tag 5 people and have them fill this out on their blogs: Did this already...Almost

So over the past few days I have been organising hearing tests for Mr 5, because even if your child does not have a hearing prob...You need to prove it with a test within the last two years; last one we had was 2002 just before his diagnosis. So we needed a new referral for that from the GP and we needed to change the pediatrician appointment so we can get the letter from her for the application...Then there's the PSG (Parent Support Group ) meeting for kindy staff and early intervention staff in early June...Because all this stuff has to be sorted before 15th July. Then there's applications to schools and visits and appointments with principals, and because we don't know what his test results will be 'dual enrolments,visits, interviews, etc. And then there's the INEVITABLE..."What school is he going to next year?" WHAT DO YOU CARE? I want to scream..All they are really worried about is that he may be a the same school as their precious little darlings and might hit them with a truck or spill water on them( he did this today a kindy and it was photo day!!!!) ha ha ha.

So if you really don't care, why ask?????It's too hard to explain that we might still decide to repeat kinder and go to school at 7, or do 3 days a specialist school and 2 and mainstream..Might just refer them to this site so they can read what it's really all about and I have it easy compared to some mums of special needs kids!!! AND whilst I'm VENTING..The mums at Mr 5's kinder really need to get a life and stop BITCHIN' ABOUT THE KINDER TEACHERS....If you are not happy, I could get people who'd give anything to have the two teachers we have...The parents of the four special needs kids in the 2 kinders they teach at "hunted" them down and badgered council to get their kids in a group with them...GROW UP AND GET A LIFE..ITS KINDERGARTEN AND YOUR KIDS HAVE TWO OF THE BEST TEACHERS THEY COULD POSSIBLY HAVE...PUT UP OR SHOVE OFF

AND whilst I'M ON IT...IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, STOP BAILING THE assistants UP TO ASK QUESTIONS..ASK THE TEACHER!!!!!!

BOY, THAT FELT GOOOOOOOOOD!

ALL DONE..LIKE THE PURPLE JEN??

What They Never Tell You.....

Yesterday Mr 5 had his bi annual check up at the pediatrician, he is at worse 15months delayed in some things and at best 12 months...Now the hurdles commence. His primary diagnosis is severe language disorder (SLD) which brings along with it behavioral problems associated with not being able to make himself understood; add to that Global Developmental delay, which gives you a five year old with the emotional level of a two year old, the gross motor skills no where near his peers and the fine motor skills of his 2.5 yr old brother. What a kabooosh!!!

So under Program For Students With disabilities (PSD) he does not qualify for INDIVIDUAL FUNDING unless we try got intellectual disability(he's have to score less than 68 in the cognitive part of the WISC test)...There is no denying his need of a aide at school, but the SYSTEM will not allow his behavioral issues to be allocated because they are part of his SLD. So we can hope that he FAIL the cognitive part of the test so he scores low in that area and qualifies for special school which would get him ongoing speech and occupational therapy...Sad, that you have to hope your child fail an IQ test to get what they need to get through school. If he qualifies, he'd go to special school part time and mainstream the rest of the time and gradually intergrate into mainstream.

Its a travesty that if he goes to a Catholic school and they get funding they can use it as they wish...So he may not get speech therapy, if he goes to a State school the Language Disorder Program (LDP) may not guarantee he gets speech either. Don't get me wrong...We are not welching...We have private health insurance but private health insurance covers only $600 per year for speech and at $90-$100 per session on a weekly basis it does not last long. Neither we nor Liam did anything to create this disorder and it affects many,many children...The Govt needs to take notice of the multitudes of families affected by disabilities from the severe to the not so severe, the while range.

Incidentally, the PSD application date has been bought forward to 15th JULY...Almost a whole term. Most childrens tests are organized for August/ September, so if you are up for funding again or need to organize specialists ...START NOW ( refer Section 3 and 4 of PSD 2006)

How Confusing.......

Seems I got Parenting Payment mixed up with FTB....DUUUHH.. See what happens when you read too many reviews and watch FOX News too much. Parenting is when your spouse is on Newstart/whatever.....FTB is what SAHM get for staying at home. Thanks to "YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE" for clearing that up for me last night.

Now, if your partner loses his job, he gets Newstart and you were probably getting FTB A & B before when he was in work....If he's out of work, you get FTB A (old child endowment) and instead of B, you get Parenting (roughly equal to Newstart) this is where Pete gets you, you have to look for work too...Hip hip hooray. So both of you, have to attend inane mutual obligation seminars at Centrelink, attend interviews at Job search/IPA/whatever, and find childcare for the kids who were once happy at home with mum...Lets just muck up kids minds, shall we. Of course, Pete and Tanya's little darlings ,when they were young ,never had to worry about that...No, Mrs Treasurer was too busy at tennis backing the tax funded Tarago into bollards on a regular basis.

Had a nice swim session last night at SAC, few too many people not enough space...Need to expand the pool not he gym I think...Not biased I use the gym more than I use the pool, but first things first.

And another piece of info which may not be widely known...if you get Carers Allowance from Centrelink...Pete is giving another "one off" payment of $600 per cared for child/person. Seems the many campaignsby vast organisations are achieving their goals....it shoulod be made every year...such carers save the Govt millions in costs.

Here's Jack.......

EMAIL REMOVED AFTER ADVICE..I did not have author permission to publicise email.
Now Cr 2#gets in on the act and emails me to cast personal assumptions on my being better...nice to know people are reading the site though. Still have to question why it came up ages after the original posting. Here's my reply:
Gee and I thought no one read my site...put it in commetns _____ so all can see. Has nothing to do if "i"m better than that"...your opinion is yours, mine is mine. Its my site and I can say as I wish thats what democracy is about. If we're on the case of people being better why'd you give someone my address last year any way..thought you were better than that!!!!

I'd already suggested how the system could be better...simple matter of the right program/system....same as they use for rates/ animal regos, etc...like I said I don't have to show my rates receipt to the rubbish collector or my dog rego to the ranger.
Do stay in touch

Money,Money, Money

So another budget for Pete, number 10, never ceases to amaze me the spin they put on things to make it look good...Yes, some will get more $$ but then petrol will rise, private health insurance just did, school fees will increase, it'll cost more for the everyday stuff like bread and milk and HEY PRESTO, Petes gift that keeps on giving,IS GONE!!!!! Cynical , I know.

Then there's the getting people off welfare and back into the workforce rubbish for single parents and SAHM (Stay At Home Mums). Dunno about any one else but I don't feel like I 'm on welfare because I get $100 a fortnight for staying at home for my children. And 84,000 childcare places is not going to help!!!!

The HR and Workplace Relations needs to be OVERHAULED completely across the board to encompass an equal playing field for all. Why do Commonwealth employees have paid Maternity leave and hardly any one else does?? Why do some Federal buildings have children sick rooms and in house child care, subsidized by OUR TAXES, and Coles don't? All employers need to look seriously at flexible work hours, job share arrangements, parental leave, special leave instead of the bottom line. Your most important asset is your employees!!!!

We are talking about forcing parents in to the workforce which cannot sustain the influx, this would lead to an increase in casual/part time employees with little or no IR rights, workers in low paid unchallenging positions which they would resent (I WOULD) We need to talk about respect and self worth. So Pete, take my $100 odd per fortnight and shove it..Because my kids are more important..I'll go back to my REAL job when it suits me NOT YOU, and on my terms, NOT YOURS!!!

Pete's mate Tony, (or maybe they're not talking any more) needs to talk to his BIG BUSINESS buddies about REAL LIFE, you know, where we don't have nannies and au pairs, Botox and beauty treatments, the real world not the 4 car garage, Mercedes,4WD ,Porsche and SAAB life of must be seen parties and such.

Taking his bat and ball and leaving the building...

Finally someone has got to local Cr and told him to leave off the politics forum at SOL as he was damaging himself and others.

THEY HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING ....TWEET>TWEET,TWEET (sounds of silence)

I truly believe that they have done irreparable damage to themself and any one associated with them...The Leader needs to look at SOL and just see the rot that is sprouted about, print it and they're outta the running in an instant. Funnily, enough; another Cr emailed me, (27/4/05)about childcare fees; wanted me to call him..I told him I didn't use childcare, he said he'd "heard from another source" that I'd posted about childcare fees on SOL...He reiterated that he'd "looked at my comments " and still wanted me to call him about it. It was nought to do with child care but kinder teachers having to recheck receipts for each terms payments. I replied asking who told him it was me? (ONE GUESS) and that I knew two other SueH in Sunbury. He still wanted me to call him..I declined, given that the issue was raised many moons ago and that this interest in my issues came about after I posted on Evans WONDERFUL site..I think the discussion was going to be JACKSIDED.

On a nicer note, I had a lovely Mums Day with a sleep in, home made and school stall bought pressies (the best) and shop bought stuff . Went to MIL's and then to Bunnings (my fav place next to Dymocks, Collins, Borders, Dusk, BodyShop and Collectors Shed) to get a pot for tulips. YES, people it is time to put 'em in, BULBS..Luckily I dug up most of mine from the old house before we sold (don't tell the new owners they are about 30 bulbs less than what they saw in spring last year)but have a new order of tulips, freesias, etc to plant as well as 100 daffs.

My little sausage chops is getting bigger and speaking better, he sees his pediatrician on Friday and may undergo WISC testing (IQ, receptive/expressive language, cognitive skills). We'll see!! When you have a child who was unable to tell you he loves you till he was almost 3.5yrs; every little thing matters...Today I was told that Buzz LIghtyear is AWESOME, MUMMY. For any one unaware of Buzz, watch Toy Story, Pixar have been the lifesaver in Mr 5's case as he relates well to Buzz and inso far as superheros go, he's got manners and is not too violent.

And I 'd like to THANK my pal, Max (Maxine) for visiting today....We don't see enough of each other and I miss our loud laughs, silly, jokes about mundane stuff...But she coming by again in a few weeks so we'll catch up again then.

Daddy's Gone A'Shoppin".......

Hi de ho hi de ho it's off to the City we go, Dad with all three in tow... one who wants to stay with Mum, one who wants to go, and one who REALLY needs a sleep. (Thank You Jen!!!)

As always my darling has left shopping till the last, he's not forgetful, just BUSY!!! He often gets his Mums on Sunday morning on the way to visit!!! MIL is not PC savvy so no chance of her knowing this bit of trivia.

Speaking of trivia...Did you know that polar bears skin is black and the fur is clear not white??? There you go, learn something new everyday here.

So at least Madam has gone with Daddy and will take him to Body Shop and/or Dusk mmmmmm we like the same, my little girl and I, she's a bit too much into the pink stuff and not the fragrance but I can live with that for a while.

So I have cleaned house and entertained the neighbor's with Kate Cerbrano and me singing at full bore and now just filling in some time and checking what my pal ,Jen really wrote on my Blog!!! All whilst listening to Melissa Etheridge (not full bore)

So to all the mums...Happy Mothers Day

ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Trying to do these damn links for the side bar of this blog is worse then trying to work tables in Access ( all easy now but I did it the hard way years ago) Have used HELP, sent an email got a auto reply with site referrals, tried them all to no avail.....POO, BUM,WEE. I just know I am doing something REALLY dumb with templates (no have not forgotten to SAVE and REPUBLISH).

Guess I have to give up or find a DUMMIES GUIDE TO SIMPLE DUMB BLOG STUFF at Borders or Collins. Or wait for the Blogger people to get back to me. GRRRRRRRR hate it when I can't do something myself and need to get help......GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR :(

If any one is interested its
www.acd.org.au
www.sunburyonline.com.au
www.emailcash.com.au
www.blogspot.guruann.au
www.apraxia-kids.org/
www.dyspraxia.com.au
The last two include forums and list servers,info and support. Apraxia-Kids is US based but they are very welcoming and great to read. The other is NSW based support group for dyspraxia across the board.
That I view pretty regularly

Little kids, Big Voices

One of the things which Govt forget when changing funding issue..is those who is affects and those around them plus five. For every one affected by a funding issue, allow 3plus family members plus another 5 people who are also in the loop.

I have been reading over a submission paper which is in the Education section of the Association Of Children With Disabilities website www.acd.org.au/advocacy/mentalhealththb.htm entitled: The Behaviour Challenge: Issues and Solutions For Children and Young Adults Exhibiting Difficult Behaviour. I have not completed it yet but any comments are welcome via the ACD website, just follow the links..the more comments the more that gets done. Like I said for every one person..there's more and its the MORE that need to comment to.

As I said in my letters to various MPs and our illustious Premier (who has yet to respond, 2 months and counting)

our children have a right to a voice, they do not have the right to take that chance from them

Schools, Forms, Information Nights

Days of phone calls

Evenings of discussions,

Nights of worry and wonder

Will he, won't he

Go to school next year

Not enough information, I fear

Can they do what they need to

In order to get him through

From one class to the next

without struggling, just doing his best

I really need each school to undertake my test...

I' d really like to conduct individual testing on all schools and staff to check their reactions to children with disabilities..Our children are tested to see which school, teaching program, etc best "suits their needs", what about testing the schools and staff for the same?

Testing for Suitability For TEACHING my Child

1) Are you willing to discuss with me and specialists alternative methods for teaching basic numeracy and literacy even if this may mean 2 lots of diverse curriculum?

2) If my child does not qualify for funding under any Govt aid program regardless of diagnosis are you still willing to undertake PSGs (Parent Support Group meetings) on a regular basis together with specialists and medical professionals?

3)Will you ensure that any anti bullying policy is strictly adhered to should my child be vilified by others at school?

4) Are you willing to conduct; in conjunction with the child's parents; an information session for interested parents of my child's classmates who may want to know about the condition/s of my child and the impact and advantages on the classroom?

5) Do you undertake not to discuss my child or their problems/issues with other adults in his presence?

6) Are you receptive to information from the parents, medical proffessionals and other specialists in regards to the child's abilities rather than you own impressions?

I could go on and on in regard to the many questions which parents have...If only we could test them the way the require our kids to be tested.

Pillow Fights, Glasses and Little Growing Girls

Now pillow fights may be part of growing up...You know whacking each other with pillows, an all in; in PJs as kids...Every one did it. Well ,ours got out of hand the other night...Mr 5 now has a black eye, Miss 8 a bruised leg and Mr 2.5 got out of it before it turned nasty..As well s Miss 8's glasses arm got broken...ohh, well, what's health insurance for!!!

She had a script of -0.5 or such ,very minor compared to her mother, and after yesterdays appointment I discovered a few salient facts
1) Kids have a growth spurt at age 7 which effects their eyesight also,whilst the physical growth may not be very obvious, the changes to eyesight is..So have you kids eyes checked regularly esp after age 7 if not before. My little "reading machine" is now in glasses half the power of her mums!!!!( -5)

2) If either parent has myopia (shortsightness) a child is more prone to it than a child of normal sighted parents...Great, just great,..... aren't the genes we share with our kids enough!!!

What the world is to me.... 

What to Do........

At a real loss about no.1 son and the possibilities of school next year or 2007 when he will be 7. He'd need special consideration from DET to start school after age 6, but it would be a given as he'd be in an educational environment such as kinder and EIP. Second year of funded kinder???well, being told its a given...but we'll see. He is doing SO well in some areas bit others he struggles...can't tie shoelaces, use scissors properly, no numeracy skills, not interested in the alphabet, he will struggle to read and write I know.

With the Bracks Govt. changes to funding of Students With a Disability by the withdrawing of SLD(severe language disorder) children from the program..I am unsure if he'd be better of at the State school now..with the funding he would have been..but now? The CEO (Catholic Education Office) has been very helpful about funding...very contary to the info we are getting from the Principal at the Catholic school. He claims that funding is limited, etc I really think he does not want special needs kids at the school..I mean they built a new building and got away with not putiong wheelchair access in, and we had one mum who is in a wheelchair!!!!

End of an Era

Well, its a sad day in freedom land when a great site like Medcraftwatch and Sunbury Politics closes down....Evan has sought legal advice and had to shut down what was one of the better forums I have ever visited.

Ohh well we all got to vent a bit and say what we wanted...including me. I just had to tell about JOIIS (Jack Or Is It Steve) arriving at my house not long after I started on SOL; with the misbegotten idea that I supported him...I support no politician as a politician!!!! I support people who may have the same causes as me or ideals; if the happen to be a politician; so be it. But would never condone or support their party.

I usually vote GREEN...depending on who it is and how they appeal to me..of late there has been no one so I just have my name crossed off and vandalise my ballot(my vote, my choice). You need to be worthy of my vote and few are worthy!!

So I guess all the memebers of Sunbury Politics Forumer will go back to SOL but how many will agree to the new rules and post under theirwhole names..I don't know. I don't like it as it can lead to villification just for expressing your views...plus who knows who's lurking in cyperspace..WATCHING, READING, ABSORBING, WAITING!!!!!!

More writings

This was written by a fellow mum of a child with dyspraxia, it make me cry when I read it but special too. Thanks Ami
Before you were born, you were created in Heaven through the eyes of God as a perfect soul. Ten fingers, ten toes, and two eyes that reflected Heavens light. Pure and untainted innocence illuminated you, and Gods grace encircled your every move.

One special day, God said to you, My child, it is time for you to choose your mother

Whats a mother? you asked.

A mother is a woman of unlimited love, God replied. The one you choose will carry you to life on earth, nurture you, care for you, and love you with every breath she takes. The one you choose would starve to feed you and would die to save you.

You and God walked hand in hand to an opening in the clouds where the rays of Heaven beamed down on earth. The rays encompassed every heart worthy of a child, making all the women glimmer from head to toe like gold. There were so many mothers to choose from.

They are all so beautiful! you exclaimed. How do I decide?

Your innocent curiosity pleases me, God said. Before you decide, you must know that I created you here in Heaven as a perfect soul, but on earth, you will face many difficulties as you grow. Some may see you as different. The path I have set for you will not be an easy one.

What will make my earthy journey difficult? Why cant I be like everyone else? you asked. How is this going to help me pick my mother?

God smiled and said, My child, you will grow and develop, and you will learn and be wise, but just not as quickly as other children your age. There will be limits to your abilities, and you will struggle to find your voice. On earth no one is perfect. I have given each life on earth a path of its own, full of challenges and triumphs much like yours will be. Have faith in me, little one, for I have plans for you. I did not create you without a purpose. As for your decision, God continued, it takes an extraordinary woman to care for such a unique and sacred child. You must find a mother who will see beyond your earthly imperfections, and see you as I do now, a perfect soul.

You sat on Gods lap and together made a list of everything you found and desired in a mother. You discovered a woman who can heal wounds with a single kiss and release warmth in a single embrace. You found patience and understanding, courage and wisdom as well as guidance, security, strength and gentleness. You desired faith and determination and most importantly, love, pure and unconditional. This mother would see you as Gods original creation and love you as nothing less than perfect.

"I think I have found her! She's right down there!" you cried out, pointing through the clouds. "Do you see her, God? Do you see her?" you asked God with unsuppressed excitement.

There, wrapped up in one single life, was a mother just for you. She possessed all your heart's desires. You were in awe at how flawless one human could be, and shyly questioned God, "With all my limitations, will this woman really see me as perfect?"

Yes, God replied. She will see you as more than perfect. She will see your birth as a miracle. She will see the rising and the setting sun in your smile. In your eyes, she will see the gleaming stars of Heaven. Your mothers favorite scent will be your breath as she cradles you to sleep, and her favorite sound will be your enchanting giggles as you dream of angels.

With anticipation, you wholeheartedly looked at God and softly asked, When can I have my mother?

Without a moments hesitation, God held you tight, closed His eyes and whispered, I will always be with you. Now go, my child. Your mother is expecting you. Wrapped within Gods holy embrace, you could feel the rhythm of His heart beating. Mesmerized by the sound of two hearts beating together in unison, your eyes fell heavy and you drifted down from Heaven to your mother.


Ami Cooper Price

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

Medcraft Watch

Have to hand to some enterprising, aspiring, freedom of speech type people( hmm sounds like someone else) the creation of Medcraftwatch not only gave a lot of us a "equal playing field" but a total outlet....many have vented (myself included) and are now getting on with our lives on line and off. Enjoying nice convos and debate on a really, really top site. Thank you Evan

Where are their brains???

You really have to wonder about the mentality of some people...I mean to take the tragic death of a police officer,post it on a Local Politics forum www.sunburyonline.com.au utter garbage about Fr Norden (who is he and what has he to do with the price of fish)and social bleeding hearts, mix in some sexism and chauvanism and such, with the knowledge (unless you are dimwitted) that it would anger many people for many reasons...is just plain moronic. I had wondered why others had always got stuck into another local Cr. in the past..I thought it was political...maybe it is, but of late this person has proven his IQ to be substantial less than their shoe size. They are obviously bitter about an incident many years ago and should have some therapy or counselling, habouring this sort or resentment and anger is dangerous.

Time passes us by

Have just visited the MCHN (Maternal Child Health Nusre) for Mr 2.5 check up. These are the women who get us throught the first rough months of motherhood , the solids , the brave attempts at breastfeeding, the worries, the "what ifs" ,toilettraining and every thing in between. They are there for you the call if you have a query, visit for a teary, and have a cuppa or hello on the way to and from kindy in later years.
My MCHN (note the proprietry attitude)is leaving and retiring to Queensland, she has seen me through three babies from go to school, helped with my worries about my sons speech at 2,and has been there for a laugh for the eight years I have known her.

I'l like to thank, Marg Newman for all her advice,help, words of encouragement and friendship over eight years...it will be hard to replace you but then again I'm not having any more kids.

THANK YOU MARG..You will be missed!!!!

For my little man, my sausage chops

MY WISH FOR YOU…TO LIAM

I wish you could have told us sooner that you love us
I wish you could talk with other children instead of them shunning you
I wish we could understand you , first time, every time when you try a new word
I wish you did not have to try so hard to be understood
I wish you did not have to be tested and re tested for speech, autism, whatever
I wish I could take away your fears and apprehensions
I wish you could understand that the stuff you don’t like doing is helping you
I wish someone had listened to my concerns earlier
I wish you to make more friends in kindergarten this year
I wish for them to accept and love you for who you are
Not who they think you should be
I wish you did not have to be tested for funding for assistance at school,
That you could just go off to school next year with your big sister
Ready to learn
I wish you to be all that you can and all that you want
Most of all
I wish you a voice …loud, clear and pure..shouting “I am Liam and I are me”(sic)

How To Destroy America

Interesting...can't say I agree entirely...but its interesting
http://www.frostywooldridge.com

How to Destroy America
Article by Frosty Wooldridge
October 31, 2003
Published in MichNews.com.
In Washington, DC, several weeks ago, an immigration-overpopulation conference was filled to capacity by many of America’s finest minds and leaders. Writers, speakers, CEO's, representatives from Congress such as Tom Tancredo as well as former governors graced the podium. Bonnie Eggle, mother of the national parks ranger Kris Eggle, slain by Mexican drug runners last year on our unguarded southern border--gave a compelling speech that left not one dry eye in the place. Peter Gadiel, father of Jamie Gadiel, spoke powerfully on how the World Trade Center took his son and how nothing has been done since--to stop the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. Even with the facade of Tom Ridge's Homeland Security, 800,000 illegal aliens continue walking, crawling or tunneling across the Mexican border annually. Their accelerating numbers undermine America's ability to function.
During the conference, speaker after speaker astounded the audience with facts on how fast the present administration and congress continue dismantling the American Dream for average citizens. Mr. Rob Sanchez of Arizona, showed how H-1b and L-1 visas have ripped one million high tech jobs out of American worker's hands. Another speaker told a packed audience how 'offshoring' and 'outsourcing', fully supported by the president and congress have cost over three million American jobs in the past six years. His prediction was even more depressing: "In excess of three million more jobs will be 'outsourced' within four years. Those American jobs are headed to Mexico, India, China, Pakistan and Brazil."
Later, a brilliant college professor, Victor Davis Hansen, talked about his latest book, 'MEXIFORNIA', explaining how immigration, both legal and illegal, was destroying the entire State of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of the American Dream.
Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm, stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. The audience sat spellbound by the eight methods for destruction of the United States.
Lamm said, "If you believe that America is too smug, to self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall, and that, "An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide."
"Here is how they destroyed their countries," Lamm said. "First, turn America into a bilingual or multi lingual and bicultural country. History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar Seymour Lipset put it this way, "The histories of bilingual and bicultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension and tragedy. Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, Lebanon-all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons and Corsicans."
Lamm continued on how to destroy America, "Invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their own culture. I would make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal. That there are no cultural differences. I would make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds."
"We could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the ATLANTIC MONTHLY recently: " The apparent success of our own multi-ethnic and multi-cultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentrically and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together."
Lamm added, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural sub-groups living in America reinforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."
"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school."
"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology'. I would get all minorities to think their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority population."
"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other-that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation together. Look at the ancient Greeks: "The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greece took part in the Olympic games. A common enemy Persia threatened their liberty. Yet, all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors…local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus' instead of the 'unum, we can balkanize America as surely as Kosovo."
"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits-make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity'. I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century-that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate."
"Having made America a bilingual--bicultural country, having established multiculturalism, having the large foundations fund the doctrine of 'Victimology', I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: "That because immigration has been good for America, it must ALWAYS be good. I would make every individual immigrant sympatric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."
In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. A profound silence swept over the room. Finally, he said, "Lastly, I would censor Victor Davis Hansen's book 'MEXIFORNIA'. His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."
There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Every discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity'. American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as greedy corporations create a Third World in America-take note of California and other states-to date, 10 million illegal aliens and growing, fast.
It reminded me of George Orwell's book, '1984'. In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength." I sat there as one of this country's most patriotic Americans, Governor Lamm, walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy, are deeply in trouble and worsening fast. An invasion of diseases, clashing cultures, languages, balkinization, mounting environmental dilemmas accelerate by the day. If this immigration monster isn't stopped within three years, it will rage across the United States like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially the American Dream.

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Doin' nuthin' and everthin'

Well, it seems that the new Pope has condemned Spain for its same sex marriages and will not recognise it. Given that Benedict the 16th was in the Doctrine department formerly known as the Inquisition is it any wonder. That the Church is electing OOOOOOLD men to the role is ridiculous...We say the old of society are out of touch at times ..What of the old of the Church?? They have been cloistered away in their ecclesiastical lives playing a quasi politics within Vatican City...What the we need is a radical priest who really wants the Church to become the TRUE peoples church for all. Not against the Church...I'm Catholic and my children are being bought up that way too...But much like my mother, I will allow my children to be free thinkers and understand that they can still be Catholic even if they don't agree with all the doctrines of the Church.

Have enter a post on SOL regarding the relvance of the Papacy to todays world...stirring up a few souls within the local Mick community for sure

Silent Screams from the Suburbs

The roar within her head grows,
Squeals and squabbles are all she knows,
Whinging,sooking, fighting, screaming...before you know it one of them is bleeding
Who did what ...they don't tell
One can't talk and the other knows too well,
The one who did...just can't explain
What it is that causes his pain
Why he can't sit and eat like others
Why if hugged he feel he's smothered
Why he just can't understand
That is not right to stand on another childs hand
So as they fight and run about
I have given up shouting
Just screaming silently in the suburbs

Busy busy busy

Have been busy on line debating the values of taking children to a Bali prison to visit Corby. Some local "pollies" seem to think SOL www.sunburyonline.com.au is exclusively for polictical debate and their little realm. I think the local ALP Secretary should stay out of it, althought he does not tout the ALP line but his own, but he's doing damage.
The Association For Children with a Disability (www.acd.org.au) has been working hard to make sense of the States Govts changes to SLD (severe language disorder) funding. I am still awaiting a reply from Jacinta Allan, et al..it's been two months now. This is the sort of disdain that our political leaders treat us with.

My cousin sent me something very interesting titled "How to Destoy America" I think its poignant to todays world and us, will put it on here when I find it again