High School Musical and Cars

Having been a long weekend, I saw both of the above. High School Musical is a great show for kids and adults alike.
It encompasses tweens and teens fascination with all things American, school angst, fame, sport and the subtitles of boy/girl relationships. It has the ever present nasty girl, Shar Pey and in lieu of the mucho bully you have her over achieving, lime light seeking brother, Ryan. You have song, dance and music, sport, competition, and songs linked to dialogue...Very Grease, very The Wiz, very Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat. The songs have been in the top 10 on Billboard for a few weeks and snippets have been playing for three weeks now in Australia as a promo. We downloaded the album for Miss 9 on Sunday plus the lyrics from the Disney site...Needless to say that the entire family know the words off by heart to many of the songs and they are not too bad either. I enjoyed the film, found little wrong with it...But the IMDb site lists boo boos for movies and the link above goes to that site, look at the boo boos if you are so inclined. I also don't mind singing the songs in the car with Miss 9!!!! Any one whose interested, the show replays this Friday 7.30 pm on Disney with a karaoke version ...yIPPEEE!!!!

CARS
We saw this together at the cinema on Monday, what a blast. Amidst many other families with kids, it was a real atmosphere. With the car races reminiscent of NASCAR and Days of Thunder, characters that stole your heart and one liners which; as with other Pixar movies; are way over the kids heads and require 2nd, 3rd and 4th viewings to catch them all; I LOVED IT!!! The detail that these imaginative people put into their work is beyond belief, flies in window panes that are VW cars, car garages that are like houses, every conceivable action and utensil that would be used by a "live' car was adapted and modified in such a rainbow of imagination that they must be geniuses!!!!!You need to stay about for the end credits, as with any Pixar movie; to see the drive ins showing "Toy Car Story" and other Pixar car adapted movies, best last line is Mack's ( John Ratzenberger of "Cheers") commentary about how they use the same actor for all the voices in Toy Story, Bugs Life Monsters Inc, etc ROTFLMAO.

Heeeeerrrrrreeeeessss...GUESS WHO?

OK, I cannot stand the emptyness any more , everyone needs to go and read this blog.
And then place it in your list of blogs visited or whatever and look in about once a week or so. I think it will work like Field Of Dreams..if you build it, they will come. So if you visit, comment and read, more will get written.

This person spends many hours formulating their posts and loading pictures and hogging the PC, so show some mercy and read, COMMENT and keep visiting if you enjoy the walk on the wild side.

Work choices or justice at Work?

Communities, unions and churches creating a fairer future. Weds 7th June Melbourne Town Hall.
6.30pm for 7.00pm-9.00pm(close 10.00pm)

Informative speakers discussing:

The new workplace and welfare laws The moral dimension-impacts on the most vunerable Building solidarity in the community

MC: Fr. Bob Maguire

Supported by Trades hall Council ( Vic) AMWU, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Melbourne Citymission, ETU, Melb. Catholic Commission for JUstice, Development and Peace,Angicare,Maritime Union Of Australia, Fairwear, Justice and International Mission Unit: Uniting Church Of Australia,Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, VCOSS, AEU, Federation Of Community Legal Services (Vic),ACTU, Union Solidarity, NTEU, Jobwatch, Victorian Council of Churches, TCFUA(Vic) Rail, Tram and Bus Union, AEA, UFA, Good Shepherd, Youth and Family Service, Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, ASU,CEPU, Emilys List, Australia, Yourrightsatwork.

Something which will affect us all at some stage and certainly will affect our children, I know I want my kids to grow up with a choice of being an employee with choices or an employer who values the rights their forebearers worked for.

With so many vast and varied bodies and advocacy groups involved a clear message is being sent via this meeting, it affects many in many ways and much of the impact will not be felt for many years after the instigators have long gone and are living high on the hog of tax payer funded pensions, superannuation and benefits.

We need to speak now and learn more about this mass social change.

Politically Me

Economic Left/Right: -5.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -7.08

I took a Political Compass test courtesy of Guruann.
Apparently I am in good company ,right in there with Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, couldn't ask for more.
Interesting, that I have never really had complete satisfaction with any political party since Hawke 's ALP and before that I was known as a Greenie Boshie at school. I supported Bob Brown and the Greens for the saving the Franklin in 82/83, I argued politics and policies with several members of the Young Libs continually in Legal Studies class much to the amusement of many as I was one of a few who supported things like Greenpeace, communal property, environment issues and social conscience and responsibility in secondary school.
I often do not vote as such but have my name ticked off in the roll and proceed to write a tirade about what is wrong with the candidates and/or their policies on my ballot card, thereby creating an invalid vote which cannot be counted; if you are not worthy, you cannot expect me to give you my confidence in ruling me and mine. My mother did the same for many years also.

I guess you could say I am a self related cause activist for want of a better term, if the subject is against my beliefs, my ideals, infringing on my rights or just plain wrong, I will speak out against it, refuse to support any thing to do with it ( EG: MBF closed the local hospital 4 years ago, I refuse to do business at Terry White chemists as they are a subsidiary of MBF) I act on principle and if it emits a response so be it, but I am happy enough to know I am doing what I know is right. Puddles form from little raindrops and rivers from them do flow.

I have been a unionist and shop steward and State representative of a union, I believe unions have a important place in our society to educate, promote safety and act as advocates of many. I have been in student unions, workplace unions and more advocacy groups I can to recall. I believe in the basic good in all people before I believe the bad. I do not agree with capital punishment, religion in politics, governing without accountability, perceived mandates without referendums, incarceration of asylum seekers and refugees, the holding without trial of peoples at Guatamalo Bay, the absolute governing of the USA and the apathy of the people to accept such governance when they have the power to veto it. I despise the killing of animals as sport, the joke that is Japanese whale research, the rape of the forests for the sake of profit and the commentary made by many uninformed about the benefits of nuclear power, etc.

I do believe in the right to a fair trial by ones peers, the right of freedom of speech, the right to support any one political party or candidate without repercussions, that elected officials need to be accountable and all actions of government be transparent and permitted to be questioned without limit. I support social justice and believe society has a resposability to care and support others in the community, NOT MATTER WHAT. No one person is more superior in rights than another. I believe in religions right to support and comment on political matter for debating and social conscience reasons, but not laws created from religious diatribe. I believe it is a woman's right to chose and government has no place in a woman's womb. I believe same sex marriages and relationships need to be recognised with the same rights as heterosexual relationships, inclusive of support benefits, tax breaks, superannuation allotments, etc., politicians were never elected to be the moral bullyboys of the minority.

Q: When is a grub, not a grub?

A: When it is Tony Abbot that uses the term in Parliament.

Duplicity and inconsistency dwells within many facets of our society, duplicity in declared alliances and true allegiances, inconsistency in what people say they are when it suits them and what they hide from the community when they feel it will affect a favorable outcome. Such factors are oft beyond the control of the average John or Joanne Citizen...However when it comes to the House Of Representatives, the so called Peoples House where the representatives of our electorate speak for us and in our stead the tone of equality and consistence needs to be unquestionable.

This was not the case on May 25th when Mr Abbott decried Mr Thompsons attempt to pass a motion in regards to debate about AWB shares held by and sold by John Anderson. Abbott requested moved a motion "that the snivelling grub over there be not further heard" and after outrage by the Opposition ,Abbotts response was "If I have offended grubs, I withdraw unconditionally". This set a precedent for motions about "snivelling grubs" and lowered the tone of the peoples house considerably,some action or reprimand shouldd have been made by the Speaker but he accepted the withdrawal of "If I have offended grubs, I withdraw unconditionally" WHAT A JOKE.

Yesterday, in a test of the objectivity and equalityty afforded in the House of Representatives; Julia Gillard, bravely and unbeatablyly, passed the exact same motion in regards to "snivelling grubs"and with the exact same worded withdrawal, she was consequently, suspended from Parliament for 24 hours.

Whilst I do not want to advocate the drollness or disdain with which the motion was primarily made nor do I wish to heap platitudes on the actions which have succinctlyly pinpointed the inadequacieses of the House of Representatives speaker; I feel it is fair to say that a point has been taken and made. The Speaker needs to address the issue of the inequality of the decisions he makes, the Government need to act as adults, and govern with transparency and honesty, they need to accept that the questions and motions put to them are for the people by the people and the use of terminology such as "snivelling grubs" they are encompassingng all constituentsts in that realm. They are showing disrespect for the people they have been elected to govern and lead, they are showing ill regard for societes rights to question the roles and interests of their elected officials in illegal and clandestine activitieses.

Elected officials at any level need to be sorely reminded that their place is but by the grace of the people who elected them, forget factional in fights, branch stacking and the ever present corporate interest groups. It is the PEOPLE you govern and decide for, not petrol companies, big business, multi national corporations or the USA. We need people ,such as Julia Gillard, to stand up for what is right, what is unequal and to prove the inequalities, inadequacies, inconsistencies and duplicity where ever it is.

I went to church...And the place is still standing!!!

I went to church yesterday and it did not fall down about my ears, actually I went last week too and a few weeks ago before that...No I have not seen divinity rather setting an "example" for my kids( example of what, you may ask...Well...Me too but we digress) As Miss 9 is making her first communion this year, they tend to like you to attend Mass a bit ( funny about that) and yesterday was to celebrate the arrival of the Message Stick which was arriving in Sunbury yesterday, it is to commemorate the 1986 speech by Pope Johnnie Paul 2 in Alice Springs when he "called for all Australians to respond to the challenges of justice and reconciliation faced by our indigenous people" (OLMC newsletter 24/5/06)
Strangely enough, I found the incorporating of the indigenous culture and the catholic mass very relaxing and insightful. The Prayers of the Faithful included a prayer of sorry and apology for the historical wrongs against indigenous people, a prayer for world leaders to accept mistakes and apologise ( ARE YOU READING THIS JOHNNIE HOWARD!!!!!) Whilst religion and politics should remain separate, their is nothing wrong with religion making political comment. This was done so yesterday, as a community we have a responsibility to ensure social justice for all...Call me a social justice junkie but I think it is more than a religious belief but a grounding in being a person. It was interesting to see who was there representing the indigenous of our community and who wasn't. Miss 9 was in the choir singing the indigenous "Our Father" and she was presented ( along with every other child in the Parish who are undertaking their First communion this year) with a copy of the Our Father but which also has a copy of the indigenous version which goes as follows:

Our Father,
You are in heaven May we talk your name in a good way,
May you be boss in our lives,
May we follow your feelings here as they do above
Give us bread today
We have hurt your feelings;feel sorry for us
Others have hurt our feelings we feel sorry for them
Stop us from doing wrong
Save us from the evil one
Amen

I am 100% sure this was about years ago but can't be too sure where I read it. But I also thought it apt that we prayed to the points of a compass which represent different things indigenous people and for the sign of peace we used the local word for peace which escapes me. It was a learning experience and a welcoming experience and in so far as my limited visits to Church go over the past ...(ah ah thought I 'd give a number then, didn't you?) few decades it was one of the better experiences of my lapsed belief.

Some windows from my world

Term 1, 2006 artwork notice the Letterland characters? Annie Apple, Dippy Duck, Harry Hatman and Clever Cat.
This is the lake nearby with some of the homes that are being built on it ...YUK!!
This is a picture of some parkland nearby where 2IC takes the dog/daugher/Dad bike ride/walk on Sundays and his days off. nice is'nt it? He's so going to kill me when he finds I have lifted his pics LOL


This is the vision as seen by my boys most mornings when they open their curtains, if he's not there, he soon is after being called. He will lick the glass to kiss you and paw at the window to get in. For a working breed, he loves to be inside laying about being scratched or chasing the kids about. He is now able to clear the couch in one bound, from floor on one side to floor on the other. I am so glad we got Lawson as I truely understand the love I had for my friends Koolies/Coolies and why they are such a masterfully intelligent breed. You can see my kids cubby, yellow in the background which was green like the fences ( YUK) I painted it and painted a garden with craft paint, everyone says it is nice, I don't think 2IC has ever like the yellow LOL. The verandah runs the length of the house and is very wide, when it is rainy or wet the kids happily play on their bikes undercover.

Done it, Did it.

Well I completed my little tete a tete at the early intervention groups "Starting School" info night, there were three of us, one whose child has gone to Western Autistic School, another whose child goes to Sunbury and Macedon ranges Specialist school and me, whose Mr 6 who attends a Catholic school with funding for special needs. There were many questions and as in the years I have attended as a audience member and not as a speaker; the questions on their lips is always HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT DECISION? I was honest, had Mr 6 been diagnosed earlier and his sister not had started school at 4...I would have honestly looked to the State school system. Primary factor in the decision being I could not envisage Mr 6 without Miss 9 there to look out for him but nor could I pull Miss 9 out of school after 4 years there and ask that she cope in a new school. Secondary factor was size, it is one of the smaller schools in Sunbury. There was a lot of emphasis placed on the DET testing, an IQ score is not relevant to a child diagnosed with autism and if the child's "intellect" falls within the range for acceptance to a specialist school, the score is not reported to the parents. Too much emphasis is placed on such numbers, Mr 6 then only 5 scored IQ of 74 with deviation of 5 points which means he was possibly a 68/69 which is known as "dream line". His expressive and receptive language skills are below the WHO standard of 70 but not the Australian standard of 74...What makes Australia a world authority of language skills I will never understand.
So hopefully, the parents and grandparents present got something from the evening, I know that the counselor was trying to get one speaker to stop talking as she went on for over 45 minutes but people were listening and asking questions, there is so much you learn in that year before school and if you can help save someone some heartache, stress or just time I think it is worth being there for 2 hours talking. LOL

How do you.....

I have been trying to put into salient, unbiased and informative notes my experiences with Mr 6's long process of being placed in the school we chose. I have been asked to speak at the early intervention group information night, one is held monthly and has various speakers and information sessions; tonight's is preparation for primary school. Very well timed as schools commence intake and information nights this month and information is power ,I always say.

But how do you put the past 12 months into a condensed version whilst informing and (hopefully ) advising? I have done the presentation courses, chaired seminars, fluent in Powerpoint, overheads , you name it I have done it in the presentation format..How can I really make them see that apart from the seeming never ending frustrations, the insurmountable phone calls, the in decision that drives you crazy, the tests, the tests, always the tests...That there is a place in the education system for your child where they will prosper, learn and continue to grow and you WILL make the right decision regardless of what you may think or feel now.
I think I will do some point form notes and wing it, that along with Mr 6's speech book, some info I got from the principal of his school, Mr 6's writing and work books, will go a long way to showing that whatever decision you make will be the right one for your child. I am not going as a promo for the Catholic Ed system but as an advocate of a child funded in the Catholic Ed system, some people mistake the two but I know the differences of the two: my son recognises "god" as something akin to Buzz Lightyear, he goes through the process of "prayer" because he learns by rote and because it is a group activity and he may never fully comprehend the relevence of Catholicism which is fine by me, if he can speak his mind.

10 Ways To tell if Martha Stewart Is stalking your dog.....

I got this from my Koolie Forum funny pages and I love it because I quite like Martha (except her issues with Erica Jong) and I think its so believable......

10. There's potpourri hanging from his/her collar.

9. The dog's nails have been cut with pinking shears.

8. The dog toys are all stored in McCoy crocks.

7. The pooper scooper has been decorated with raffia bows.

6. That telltale lemon slice in the new silver water bowl.

5. You find liver and whole wheat dog treats stamped out with copper cookie cutters and decorated with royal icing using a #2 rosette tip.

4. Dog hair has been collected and put into wire baskets for nesting material for the birds.

3. A seasonally appropriate grapevine wreath adorns the front of your dog's crate.

2. Your dog goes outside naked and comes in wearing a thyme colored virgin wool hand-knitted sweater with matching boots.

AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY YOU KNOW THAT MARTHA STEWART IS STALKING YOUR DOG IS...

1. The dog droppings in your backyard have been sculpted into swans.

Mothers Day 2006 ...My way

2IC returned from OS on Friday night with the usual DVD goodies for the kids and us. He got the kids a very nice ( I would have liked one too) leather like necklace with a marble tag inscribed with the kids names in Chinese characters and a saying or word that represents them. Miss 8's says "live the life you love, love the life you live" Mr 6's is "happiness" and Mr 3's is "freedom". I had given the two eldest money on Friday for purchases at a school Mothers Day stall for me and Nana. So I was getting SOMETHING. Mr 6 arrived home from school to show me the card and bookmark he had made in class despite Miss 8 yelling at him not to and that he needed to hide it from me. Mr 3 had made some flowers and a card at playgroup on Monday all of which got trampled and broken by visiting kids onThursday and Miss 8 and I put them back together and then she hid them for him. Sunday came about with the usual pre 0700 wake up of the boys and the information that it was morning, we sent them back to bed, which lasted all of about 1/2 a hour and then Miss 8 awoke all and sundry with her dulcet tones as she yelled at the terrible two to get out of her room. They then trooped in with various parcels and presents, Mr 6 got upset and had forgotten that he placed his card and book mark under my pillow the day before and the gift giving began. I got some very nice and well thought out things but I think I love the handmade stuff better then the bought stuff sometimes.
I lulled about in bed and 2IC made the kids breakfast, I am not one for eating in bed so I declined the stereotypical breakfast in bed, I had a late shower made my own breakfast and did the washing. 2IC had to visit his mother and as I had been with the kids for the week previous I decided I would stay home for some "me" time with "me". Call me anti social, call me selfish but its what I wanted and what I needed....I switched the TV to whatever I wanted, I snoozed, I read, cleaned, all without any one else about. I was enthralled in my umpteenth viewing of "The Way We Were" when the troops arrived home. Sometimes Mothers Day is about being happy in knowing you are a mother but not having to be one.

Your Rights, Our Rights; Animal Owners V Pet Haters

Everyone has rights, basic human rights, right of freedom of speech, rights to worship as they wish and, the right to live you life as you wish provided it causes no harm/injury or malice, the right to live where you want without persecution or vilification ..We all have these rights and more.

We all have the right to have pets, most do not live in a guarded, exclusive, lock down estates and we own our homes and are not restricted by landlords whims. You have the right to choose not to have pets, my right, your right. We have a right to expect that dogs will bark at intruders; that is part of their lifestyle; intruders may be right on someone's property line but intruders; that they are; to dogs. You have the right not to have to put up with CONSTANT and PERSISTENT barking. You have the right of complaint via various avenues and the right to expect that the complaint be looked at, we have the right to decency, due process and objectivity which would include the polite act of calling in and introducing yourself and politely mentioning something that may seem an issue to you, that avenues undertaken adhere to due process and do not facilitate unnecessary conflict.



You have the right to complain in a TRUE and FACTUAL manner, we have the right to expect truth and fact be the cornerstone of the issue., not vindication for someone's insecurities. You have the right to pursue your lifestyle choices be they sport, chainsawing, building additional buildings on your land, keeping poultry, using machinery at 0700 on a weekend...We have a right to pursue our lifestyle choices of playing with our children in our yard in whatever manner we decide, throwing a ball for dogs to fetch, training them to "speak". Children have a right to free expression in play, loud and boisterous, quiet and reflective, it is their right. You have the right to utilise whatever statutory authority you see fit to use, we have the right to bipartisan understanding and total objectivity from any such authority. You have the right to discuss any matters with whomever you wish, that does not make it right to collude in the details of any reports. You have the right to complain, we have the right to defend any such issues in any manner we see fit.

You have the right to anonyminity, ( apparently) should you so wish; we also have that same right but for the right reasons. You may claim the right of "we lived here first" but that is not a right, it is an issue. We have the right to live where we wish. You may think you have the right to complain numerous times however unless you are willing to follow all guidelines to the letter, your complaints are tantamount to frivolous and will be treated as such. You may claim that there are too many animals in the area already, this is not a basis to target the most recent inhabitants. Your CHOICE may be to reside where there are no animals, that is your CHOICE, not your right. Live in a closed estate if you want that to be a RIGHT!!

Some dogs are meant to have kids.....

Some children are meant to have dogs, and some dogs are meant to have kids, Lawson falls in to the latter category. He was always meant to be with those he sees as needing him and regardless of often argued diatribes about working dogs and such; some dogs just have a sense of what they need to do when they have kids. I speak from the heart and from the knowledge that since Lawson arrived home with us in early December I have noted a remarkable change in the behaviours and speech patterns of our middle child.

From day one, when Lawson was taken on a “tour” of his backyard and its surround by this same child: I watched in awe as he spoke clearly and almost coherently telling Lawson the names of all the things about the yard. Lawson trotted along behind, diligently; as if he was always meant to be there. I have watched them sit for hours on the grass in the shade, Lawson having his ears, nose, feet and tummy inspected and dutifully enduring it, our son naming the body parts. Talking to Lawson and him responding in kind with licks to the face when it seemed appropriate. I have oft found Lawson in the boys’ bedroom, playing with a sock or such whilst they played cars with Lawson as a bridge. He has worn hats with aplomb, had his teeth looked at more times than I care to think of and all by his own determination. I would stop the kids from unusual or frightening actions, if I thought Lawson would be affected but sometimes a hat appeared upon him or socks upon his feet.( he must have sat still for it and felt it was ok as when he was wearing sock or a hat he trotted about as if he thought he’d should wear such attire every day).

Both of them lay and watch clouds float by; Lawson has taken to rolling on his back too. When they are all in the yard playing, Lawson follows the middle child, ALWAYS and EVERYTIME. When we arrive home from school, he seeks out the same child to greet, he jumps up to me and the eldest, bowls over the youngest but sits at the feet, on command, of the one he understands.

Now at seven months, Lawson is big and robust; he has adult teeth, the colours of his heritage, eyes of yellow and brown; alert and unwavering. He chews on a bone upon the verandah with our son beside him, telling him about Letterland and what he did in school today, his arm draped over the dogs back. Our son lays his head beside Lawsons and Lawson licks his ear and I know that some dogs are meant to have kids for a reason.

I hate football.....

Yes ,I am an anomaly, born in Australia, grew up in Melbourne and the Gippsland area from which many AFL stars are gleaned ( so I am told) and I HATE FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So there you have it, I despise the game and anything to do with it and all I know of the rules is you kick a pigskin between some sticks and it's a game for total wankers whose opinions of themselves far outweigh their brain to weight ration. Total tossers like Eddie Mc Everywhere and Sam Nobrain, make my blood boil with anger, especially the latter.I had to endure the Floppy Show last night as there was nothing much on TV and 2IC likes to watch meaningless dribble sometimes. I cannot believe the stuff they go on about, do all these clones attend the same elocution classes or what? They all talk the same, try and use the same phrases ( but in the wrong context) and slouch sideways in their seats like they are drunk ( hey, maybe.....) How can you possibly analyse something which is not even a national sport? A game which is a bastardised version of rugby? What can you possibly find to "discuss" ( I used the term loosely in regards to foopy) about who is playing where, what players are playing and such mundane , inane, silly stuff as that?
Add to that a lecherious, botoxed to the eyeballs, face lifted "What's that on your neck? My navel" old has been, Nobrain and any tone the show may have had just drops 50 feet underground. The session known as "Street Talk" should be called "Sleazy Stalk:" as that seems to be the main aim of the session. Someone needs to slap the old freak silly...With a brick.
It is not entertainment, nor funny nor even informative but caters for people who like to pretend they understand, who want to conform to perceived social norms ( should see the looks I get when I get asked who I barrack for and I say I hate floppyball) It 's a game,people, where two opposing groups of tetestorone driven alpha males combat for a pigskin and kick it between sticks to achieve mass social approval....Call it what it is...PRIMEVAL.

10 Whys of Government

I oft wonder ( as do we all or is it just me??) about why Govt do what they do? I mean, I know why they tell us they do it and I have a fairly subjective ideal about why 75% of the so called "representatives" of the people are doing it. But why do Govt really do things?I decided to put down all the "whys" and just see if any answers are forthcoming at all. Not that I really expect Jolly Johnnie, Smirky Pete or Dumbo Downer to reply personally but you never know in the big world of cyberspace maybe a local Govt representative would like to take it up??

1. Why does this govt insist on changing systems which are in place and functional before they have a chance to prove themselves ( tax, social security)

2.Why do this govt need to know everything about us in every department (medicare no to centrelink, bank account details to ATO,)

3. Why do this Govt politicians hang about local areas before an election and disappear afterwards, never to be seen again?

4. Why does this govt see fit to ignore and remain silent about the constant,obvious routing of the petrol pricing system? Oh I know the answer to that BECAUSE WE PAY FOR THEIR BLOODY PETROL WITH OUR TAXES,IS WHY!!!!!!

5. Why does the govt believe everything the BUSH(IT) administration tells it?

6. Why doesn't it listen to the voices of the people who elected it when they say no to war, no it IR reform?

7. Why are all the "representatives of the people" barrister, company directors, doctors, plum in mouth tossers?

8. Why are not the people TRULY represented with teachers, drivers, cleaners,police, emergency services workers, nurses, aides, shop clerks, bank tellers, under 18 unemployed, those with disabilities, mothers?

9. Why do they pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for research and information from consultants about areas when they need only to ASK THE PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THOSE AREAS instead

10. Why does this govt treat the people who help to carry this country with such disdain and disrespect? The carers of the ill and disabled, the low paid worker, the stay at home mums, the single mums, the sick, elderly and infirm?

I guess after all that I do know the answer after all........................

Look here what I found................

Look what I found.
Don't ask how, I was a tad bored ok and mucking about on search engines....Yes, ok I was searching "rude words" .Bit like looking them up in the dictionary but 1 to the power of 6 BETTER. I know some people who would not need it at all yet they may have been the model for it even. LMAO .I seem to have time to do that but not fold the washing, or vacuum ( I hate vacuuming) I have been doing some eBaying and some writing and lots of work with Mr 6 whose numerecy is lacking. After 6 hours of school and then home reader and either numerecy work or speech pathology work...He's had enough most days. His temper is getting the better of him and he is yelling and shouting his disapproval with it all. His speech is very coherent during these outbursts my reply is "I can't hear you if you shout like that" to which he has taken as a cue to increase his pitch and yell louder.
He was Terrifc Kid a few weeks back which has fallen by the wayside as the other day I was called to the classroom by the teacher at home time and told that he had "exposed himself" ( her words not mine) in the yard at lunch time. He actually dropped his daks would be my term and I have no real issue with it; for not wanting to sound generalist; as it is a" boy thing". I think most; if not all boys and even girls to some extent; "expose them selves" to their peers some time in the pre school/ early primary school years. Its a form of protest anyway. LOLThe idea that she felt he was "bragging" about it later needs a lot of imagination as he doesn't even have the expressive skills to lie let alone brag. So I spoke to him in front of the teacher ( paying lipservice to what I think she wanted) as I saw no reason to re hash something he had already forgotten about.
Don't forget to polish your shoes

Easter Bunny, chocolate and what the hell am I doing?

Well ,the Easter Bunny has been and gone and left behind his trail of chocolate offerings ( and I do not mean rabbit poo) The kids got far more than they needed but 2IC (whoops, I mean the Easter Bunny) does so love to set up the egg hunt, so I let it go. He had to be very creative this year as the pup has magical climbing abilities (read no fear, no sense and the ability to jump straight up four feet) so the eggs had to be hidden somewhere almost doggie proof ( for those who are unaware chocolate is like poison to dogs and can kill them ) . All in all, everyone was happy with their score. Needless to say, the catchcry for lunchbox fare is chocolate and I only do this on rare occasions.
School life is moving along nicely and Mr 6's speech pathologist is doing a school visit next month, she is hoping to spend some time with him and his aide...However, to put a spanner in the works as Mr 6's funding came through in term 2 and there are other children with requirements, they are advertising the aide position, so the aide he has now may not be the same one he ( or any other child will have) in a few weeks. I blame myself, as I asked about the position being advertised with a view to one of his kinder aides applying so to eliminate establishing limits etc. Maybe they just kept the same person on year after year without advertising and then I ask about is being advertised....Who knows. There is so much limited information about the process for the Catholic Education Commission ( they now are known as the CEC not CEO) . Miss 9 has changed friends again, and seems to be doing a round robin of playmates, its almost seasonal...So long as she is happy. It is awkward when a mum asks why she hasn't had so and so over to play in a while, who am I to tell her what her child hasn't , that they no longer play together. Miss 9 ( I like to think) tells me most things and what she doesn't tell me, she tells Daddy...Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get out of her what's bothering her; but usually its straight forward.
Mr 3 , well what can I say...He counts, he draws, he paints, he likes to be read to, many of the things I feel I "missed" with Mr 6 at the same age. Don't get me wrong, I do not blame Mr 6 for anything, but at 3 he was ;actually he still is rarely; never still...From one activity to another until all the toys would be out whilst I was hanging washing, he would dump the contents of his drawers, pull covers from doonas all whilst you were preparing tea. Despite, Mr6's shortcomings, it makes me appreciate more Mr 3's growth...It has been ;and no doubt always will be ;a fine balance with the two boys.

Six Weird Things About Me

I am on a roll here ,as Superm0m tagged me not once, not twice but THREE times, so here we go again ( this might just cure my addiction to MEME's, but we will see)

1. I cannot see without my glasses and have been known to wear them in a pool, even to water aerobics...How else would I see the instructor???

2. I like my kids in clean clothes when going out, this stems from my father making us dress up to go ANYWHERE I think, but I do not make them wear good clothes to go out.

3. I do not wear dresses or skirts, high heels or women's shoes. I live in t shirts, shirts, windcheaters, jeans, roll ups, x trainers, and bare feet. I hate dresses I do not have the body shape for them, I have a problem with my ankles and have to wear orthontics which do not go well in ladies shoes, high heels but I go through almost 3 pairs of x trainers a year at over $100 each so I equate to most women's shoe wardrobes in price.

4. I like to smell perfume but not necessasily to wear it,
5. I suck Smarties one at a time but do not eat blue ones ( they are just wrong)
6. I like look at old diaries to see what I was doing on a certain day a year, two years, a decade ago..Then I get all melancholy.

Six people to tag: hmm..I may be pushing it here...Any one who wants to OK?
Don't forget to bring the washing in

Seven Songs

Another tag from my blog sibling( blogsib,LOL) in the US, Supermom

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they are any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

1. I might like you better...some rap chick/girl band???

2. Photograph: ummm dunno who sings it

3. Lucky : Melissa Etheridge

4. Save a Horse, Ride Cowboy...not sure some CW/ Rock outfit

5. Cold Hard Bitch: Jet

6.Summer Rain: Belinda Carlise

7. Our Lips Are Sealed: Gogos or more recently Miss 9's Duff sisters version

Hmm, lets see whom to tag....I don't know 7 bloggers :(
Guruann, Crritic, Jamie, Brian, any one else......

Four Things MEME

Can't help myself, I tagged Supermom and she tagged me, so here we go...

Four Jobs I've Had :
worked part time in the QV market
worked in a bank: marketing, teller, ledgers, (yuk)
control officer in a mechanical workshop ( Govt)
accident investigator/state insurance manger for the Govt and again for a private com

Four Movies I Can Watch Over And Over :
The Sweetest Thing
40 Year Old Virgin
An Officer And A Gentleman
Sneakers


Four TV Shows I Love To Watch :
Desperatee Housewives
Commander and Chief
West Wing
NCIS

Four Places I'’ve Been On Vacation :
Queensland
NSW
Tasmania
Portland


Four Tunes That Play In My Head :
Bananas In Pyjamas
If you go down to the woods today
I might like you better..
Photograph


Four Favorite Dishes :
Pasta (except with seafood or egg)
chicken( roasted, filleted, cold, hot,anyway)
salads (not egg or pasta but with lots of diverse vegies)
ice cream , yes its cheating but Norgen Vaaz,puleeze...



Four Websites I Visit Daily :

Koolie Club
DOL
Jamies and Brians


Four Books I Really Love :
A Separate Peace
Catcher In The Rye
My Place
Angelas Ashes


Four Places I'’d Rather Be :
Queensland with my cousins
At Webbers Plant sale
Ikea
reading in the lounge


Four Bloggers I'm Tagging :
Jamie
Brian
Not The...
Any one else????
Yes, I know I once promised NT6 not to be tagged agian but that was like a "at the govenors pleasure "reprieveive and it has now expired.
Don't forget to put the washing away

Prepositions, girly friends and ??????????

Today marked Mr 6's umpteenth speech pathologists visit, although its really only about his 6th or 7th. Just seems like he has been seeing Rhonda forever they just mesh. He did wondrously with his prepositions ( for those who forget ,that's where something is in relation to another thing: the bear is in front of the wall) He did really well in giving clues as to what something was in a game, clues like it's a form of transport, you sit in it, it has wheels. Given that in August last year he could only tell the testing psychologist from DET one thing about a car, I am very, very proud. And an added bonus this week is that he was made his classes "TERRIFIC KID". Which is a part of the "YOU CAN DO IT " program which is run in many schools. So , my terrific kid does terrific things and had no time outs this week at school.
Miss 9 has had a bust up with her "best friend of last week and had to have her at her slumber party", I stay out of her friend bust ups unless its obviously worrying her. She had a good friend from Prep to Grade 2 and although that is not long for an adult, for a child ;it is a lifetime commitment. For better or worse ,this child and Miss 9 had a falling out, whatever, ( I know what I was told by Miss 9 but I never heard the other side so will not comment)it affected her greatly and she has never really had any friends she stays with for any prolonged period of time. Does this concern me?? Yes and no, yes because I would like her to have what I had in school ( one very best friend) and no, because it can be difficult to make new friends if you have never had to ( like me) She's resilient, probably too much so sometimes. She's adorable and bossy (show me a 9 you who isn't) so I don't think I have too much to worry about.

I feel today I have done nothing but when I thought about it I have shopped ( major groceries once a month) taken Mr 6 to speech , discussed an upcoming school visit by his speechie with his teacher, fixed up some eBay stuff, had a very interesting phone convo, made dinner, found out 2IC was going to the footy and would not be home for dinner,folded washing, put it away, cleaned..So why do I feel I have done nothing?

I came out...................

Hahahahahahahh May you all look and gasp and read on with great interest, didn't I ? Don't deny it, you all did. All 3 or 4 of you. Well, I did come out in a way I guess, you see I was /am a "closet blogger" for want of a better term. Very few people who know me, knew I had a blog ( actually only one did ) and it was NOT 2IC!!!!
In the course of a convo about blogs and such, I told him something about blogging, not sure what it was and he asked how I knew, did I have one...So I said yes. It took another 10 minutes or so for me to tell him where it was and the site name and he had to promise not to laugh, comment or criticise...Not that he would but I had to be sure.

So now I am OUT but not the way you'd think. HAHAHAHAAHA
Don't forget to clean the fishtank.
Luv ya 2IC xoxoxo

Happy Birthday to my baby girl

Today is Miss 8 Almost 9's birthday, she will be 9 at exactly 2050 today. Today is day two of her camp and her brothers miss her terribly and there were no drama acts at dinner last night, no singing in the toilet, no drawings for the day at breakfast and no towels left on the bedroom floor...I miss her.

Miss 9 ( now as she will be known) was in utero for 42 and 1/2 weeks, they tell me I was so relaxed after starting maternity leave at what was thought to be the 37 week mark that my body slowed down and the hormones that start labor did not kick in. SO much so that my waters broke without labor that I knew of......
WARNING: IF GROSSED OUT BY BIRTH STORIES DO NOT READ ON
and I spent Easter Sunday that year leaking every time I moved ( yuk) on the Monday they put me in hospital and I had to walk about to try and bring the labour on..I had no labour pains at all but was 4cm dilated. At about 1600, (two hours before my ob. Told me he would) they had to put me on a synthetic hormone drip..Yes, I had a needle in the back of my hand (but the midwife wrapped my hand in a bandage so I did not see it as I began hyperventilating)and once that synthetic hormone kicks in ,forget what they tell you about labour building gradually...You go from zero to 9.5 straight away! So any way ,I went from 4 cm to 10 cm in 3 hours which they say is really bad , but it wasn't really bad if you just breath through the contractions and think nice thoughts and bite your partners arm. I did not have pain relief, did not have stitches and after she was born asked for the drip to be removed even before I held her, see , really,really HATE needles ( no go, there I needed to have antibiotics pumped in whilst in labour and they had to finish) So, I held Miss 9 and when I looked at her and into her face, I understood why I did what I did and why I faced my biggest fear and sat with an IV still attatched and nursed her. I looked into her eyes and saw the face of my mother smiling,I heard the voice I had missed for so long telling me I had done well and all was ok. I had a little girl and I was a mum.

What has he done???

Mr 6 awoke yesterday complaining of a sore leg/hip/groin, he was limping slightly and was having trouble telling us what happened. Bitch mother, that I am, sent him off the school as he was not limping that much and tends to overrate things PLUS it was Wednesday and last term Preps had Wednesdays off...I thought he was putting it on a bit. Maybe I was overzealous in my sending him to school because I had Miss 8 Almost 9 home all day the day before...who knows.
Anyway I went to school at pick up time and his teacher helps him out the door carrying his bag and I feel REAL bad, she tells he he has been hobbling about all day and complaining of the pain, now I feel REALLY BAD. I tell her I will take him to the doctors as he was not too bad that morning. I try and get a doctors appointment...nothing till the next day,( now I feel REALLY ,REALLY BAD) I pull rank a bit and tell them he cannot walk on his leg properly ( not a lie, I had to carry him the the car) so they tell me to bring him straight in. During the 45min wait after being checked by the nurse, we try and get out of him how he hurt it...it seems it is the hip/groin area and we find that Mr 3 either jumped or fell on him the previous night whilst I was at gym and 2IC was in charge. The doctor checks him out and rules out twisted testicles (OUCH) but wants an x-ray because his movement is limited and he has poor muscle tone anyway. So off we troop; yes, I had all three with me; to the Radiology section of the old local hospital, wait 45 mins, have an x-ray,then we are told that we could go, I told the technician that we were required to take the x rays back for the doctor to view, that starts the little bombasity about how I should have told the desk clerk that, I said I did not know that ,as there are no signs stating that and no one asked if Ineeded to return with the films ( HELLO, I am carrying about a 6 year old who cannot walk, does'nt that tell you something) So we are told to wait (lots of waiting going on today) and after 20 minutes we have the film and off we go to the doctors again. Wait in the treatment room at the doctors for another 30 minutes ( its not too bad as I consider us lucky to have got in and we are queue jumping)Doc looks at x rays, nothing broken, no infection in the joints, even though he has an elevated temperature, no fractures, no ruptures...needs to have a poo though(doctors words, not mine as a full bowel shows on x rays in case you did'nt know, too much info, too bad).

So after 2 and a half hours of waiting rooms, treatment rooms, x-rays and manipulations; there is naught wrong with Mr 6's hip but deep bruising which has yet to surface. At least his sister got off the camp today without too much of a hassle ***SIGH**

Gremlin fairies Or why I can't get out to get a pressie

Well,Miss 8 Almost 9 had a small filling yesterday morning, the intention was that she have the procedure and then return to school...But oh, no the little grimy, grotty fairies whom ruin the best intentions of mice and men, but more importantly...ME soon put that idea to rest. I really cannot blame the fairies and SHIT HAPPENS and I hate my plans being upset. Miss 8 Almost 9 had her filling without anethestic; the dentist said it was so small it was not warranted or needed. So, I took that as "expert opinion" and went with it...Apart from the fact I HATE needles and have had 8 fillings ( the most recent 2 weeks ago which was 5 sided , after a tooth got hit and cracked) all without anesthesia. Well, Miss 8 Almost 9 took it well, she put up her hand as told to when the discomfort became too much, only to be told by the dentist "just a bit more" after the second, "just a bit more" I asked him to give her a break, and he complied. She was very ,very brave. After she was happy and ready to go the school and whilst I was settling the bill ( $19 after the private health fund kicked in...yah yah yah) she went outside to wait, and promptly proceeded to THROW UP!!!! She was pale and looked absolutely awful, and in a matter of minutes she had gone from a little girl who had just had her first (minor) filling to a wrung out rag. She had no temperature and the dentist says it happens to a few kids when they have their first procedure apart from regular checks, its just nerves. Anyway, I kept her home from school for the day and was unable to proceed with my plan for birthday shopping for her 9th birthday this week. Mr 6 was devastated, I hear from his teacher, as he could not find her in the playground at recess or lunchtime.

I ,finally, got out today to get her something. She has gone to school today as after a 2 hour sleep and some reading yesterday she was fine...Plus she goes to camp on Thursday and really wants to go.

I don't resent her being ill, I think if any of my plans; no matter how meaningless they are; get cancelled or messed about...I cannot cope. I mean, I got want I wanted for her today...So why did it matter so much to me that I did it yesterday??

Welcome to my world...Alphabetically

I got tagged by Jamie, this is a new twist on my old ABC of Me

Accent - Not sure, it's Aussie I know but in regard to States, I don't think people from interstate have accents here.
Booze of Choice - Absolute Cut, bourbon, or Brown Brothers
Chore I hate - dusting
Dog or Cat - two dogs, one cat. Cannot be without dogs
Essential electronics - mobile, PC
Favorite perfume(s)/cologne(s) – Angel, Oceanis
Gold or Silver? - either
Hometown - Nar Nar Goon
Insomnia? sometimes
Job Title domestic engineer
Kids? - three
Living Arrangement - big house on big block, with husband , three kids .
Most admired trait-don't know
Number of Sexual Partners - a lady never tells ( no one say I am not a lady or I will thump you LOL)
Overnight Hospital Stays - As a baby: 2 months in from birth, throughout childhood: too many to recall, after giving birth: no1: one week, no 2: 6 days, no 3: 4 days
Phobia - needles
Quote - " the decision to have a child means accepting the fact that you heart will forever walk around outside of your body" - unknown
Religion - born and raised a Catholic, became a questing atheist, a Jedi Knight and now lapsed Catholic who still questions the church's role much to the ire of many.
Siblings - one little brudder
Time I wake up - school days: 0630-0700, weekends: Sat 0800 Sun: as late as possible, school holidays: whenever the kids get up
Unusual talent/skill - mimic a dog barking and growling or a cat fight.
Vegetable I refuse to eat - asparagus
Worst habit - drinking Coke,being loud
X-rays - yep, dental too many to count, ditto with arms, legs, feet, etc
Yummy foods I make - cake ( any) , pasta, truffles
Zodiac sign - Leo, which is the reason I am such an BITCH :)Same as Jamie

5 People I tag are:
Guruann cause she hasn't' been chosen for a while
Crritic cause he just should do one of these anyway
The Curator they might wake up from their slumber of almost 6 months!!!
Whoever else would like to play

Don't forget to feed the birds.

You know how I know you're .........?

I forgot to tell all ( all 3 of you who read) about the funniest film I have watched in a long time. I mean, I list "The Sweetest Thing" up there as an all time side splitter and a few friends and I can do the "Your penis is too big" song word for word...After a few drinks. Well, I have met the male counterpart in "The 40 year Old Virgin" now, I am not one to usually like the Porkys genre of film for adolescents, but both of these are aimed at adults. One has an underlying theme that all women really want IS a serious relationship despite the front and the other says the same of men.
One of the BEST, absolutely best banters from 40 Y.O.V is the "You know how I know your gay?" volley. The out take is totally out of this world( and not for the kiddies) but the film version very ,very good indeed.
So with that theme in mind I have started a new tag:
You know how I know you are ........?
RULES:
1.Choose three people and tell them why you know they are ......
2. Be nice, if they are not out/in do not make this an outing/inning.
3. BE NICE, no really explicit stuff unless you absolutely know they will not be offended (like you have it in writing from them that its ok to say it)
4. BE NICE!!!!
5. The tagged people in turn, tag three more each and so on.

Now I will include myself because I can and it's my game OK!!!

1. Supamum: You know how I know you are straight? Because you have that photo of the "pool man" on your screen saver for your phone and you send it to everyone.

2. Jamie You know how I know you are loved? Because you have such an insight into life and a manner for looking on the bright side of things, who couldn't love you.

3. Brian You know how I know you are a brilliant writer? Because you already have gone to the trouble to have a book published which means you have the guts to write your heart and place it on a shelf. Which is more than you can say for some "writer"

Enjoy!!

What have I been up to...God only knows

Well, here we are in the second week of the school holidays and I have absolutely no idea where time has gone. I know some parents wish the holidays to fly but I have so much to do, so many people whom we promised to catch up with in the holidays and now here we are on the second last day of them!!!!
I have had the kids half yearly dental check ups done and Miss 8 Almost 9 needs a small filling which will get done next week. Mr 6 had speech pathology last week and was all over the room like a blue arse fly, his pathologist was amazed as the past appointments have been in the afternoons of a school day so he would have spent 4 hours in school before attending therapy and is obviously more settled then. She asked me half way through the session if he is always like that , my reply was "Welcome to my world" He was unable to sit through one work session let only the 3 she had planned, he was on the floor, under the table, wanting to go to the toilet, at the computer, you name it, he was into it. She told him he was making her dizzy. He has a pediatrician appointment next week and I will discuss it with her as it is something his teacher has noticed in the last week of term also.
I caught up with my pal, Maxine and her daughter who is the same age as Miss 8 Almost 9. And another friend visited yesterday after Maxine left, she has a daughter with Aspergers whom I have been helping with learning to read for the past two years. Stevie (as I call her) missed out on funding at school and the school placed the onus on her parents to facilitate her reading deficiency, so I took over for the second half of Prep and grade 1, then Mandy got a home tutor who specialises in special needs kids. Stevie is now only slightly behind her counterparts and the school tried to take the credit for it!! Any way, Mandy and her tribe of two visited yesterday and she looks very well and very in control considering her diagnosis of MS and the fact that her son has a partial diagnosis of "some form of autism spectrum disorder". It never rains, it pours for this woman. But we have been friends for over 20 years, she was bridesmaid and her husband best man at our wedding and she knows I am ALWAYS there for her.
Speaking of weddings, it was out 17th wedding anniversary last Saturday, there is no listing for what is a traditional gift and what is a modern gift for a 17th, so I gave him some Lindt choccies and he gave me some Jelly Belly jelly beans...So the official 17th wedding anniversary gift is now,chocolates and Jelly beans!!!And on the subject of celebrations it will be my da's 80th on Saturday but his party is on Sunday at our place.
I have been training the pup, I have not mentioned him much as when I first mentioned him; there was an issue raised in regards to our existing dog ; with council. This was done anonymously and in a very, very covert manner and also contry to councils guidelines in regards to accepting complaints. Suffice to say, the matter is with a higher authority and I am entertaining the idea of issuing a writ against the council for accepting and entertaining a malicious and vexatious compliant in in a manner contary to their own guidelines which therefore was vilifying of our character and statue in the realm of the dog world. You see, we are both accredited dog obedience instructors and long time trainers and dog handlers, we are both stewards and members of many clubs and affiliations within the dog world. Heads will roll, I care not who complained or why, I care that local authorities feel they can circumvent their own guidelines which are in place to stop this sort of un warranted harassment. Watch this space.
anyway, the pup, (who for privacy reasons shall remain nameless) has been wonderful; we have been to a local park ( off lead area) today with our friend from Portland who's dog sired him. He needed to learn a bit of respect for other dogs so his father gave him a "bit of what for" . I do not advocate dogs fighting but there are times when nature needs to allowed to run its course...And he learnt his place in the pecking order without any blood letting. Having a dog on a lead and pulling it back again and again, does little except teach them to try again. Let them do what nature intended and the younger will learn its place and respect for it elders...As did someone today. We are meeting up again later for another play session offlead and tomorrow is a local Obedience Trial at Riddells Creek which I think I will peruse. Mr 3 has a party to attend tomorrow afternoon so I have some four year old shopping to do and I am debating attending obedience club tomorrow or visiting the trial and catching up with some friends.

Traffic, Games, and the magic of surprise

So the Commonwealth Games opened last night here in Melbourne...My kids were totally fascinated with it all.
I was very impressed to see the EAD (elite athletes with disabilities) competitors as part of many contingents, this is a new era for the Games ;as these competitors are not only representatives of their countries; but the sports they are in are trail sports for future Games.

I thought it apt that Leunig's poem The Duck was used in the manner it was and that it was a person not normally seen by many in the community as a mainstream writer. Plus he's from Melbourne.

I wonder ,though, with all the traffic from the Games Village, and normal Melbourne traffic, how many people will be booked for driving in the now BLUE
LANES designated as GL (Games Lanes). We will see, call me a skeptic but looks like a bit of a revenue opportunity to me, what wrong with a "Hey mate, that lane's reserved for Games athletes travel only" "Oh sorry, I didn't know..There are no clear and concise signs telling me that"

Well, I am waiting for the hockey to happen, I am a hockey fiend. See the secrets out now. I love men's and women's hockey but not ice or skate hockey. Yes, I played for many years at regional and state levels, I wasn't very fast but I'm very strong and very deft, being ambidextrous helped too as I could play to either side by swapping hands. ( Why that pissed opposition teams off I will NEVER know LOL). Miss 8 was rapt to see her idol, Cathy Freeman carry the Queens Baton, and is very sad she has retired from athletics. Mr 6 was just enthralled by all the fireworks and peoples(sic). I did have to laugh that they had Ron Barrassi "walk on water" from the pontoons to the stairs....For those who are uninitiated to the religion known as football here...Barassi is thought to be the ultimate in footballs living legends as a player and a premiership coach. But I dislike football so would not know.

Don't forget to fix the leaking tap!!!

Miss 5 needs this type in the kids bathroom...LOL 

This is the type of toilet needed in my house!!!!! 

School Holidays, Commonwealth Games and ????

School holidays have been bought forward this year in Victoria( not sure about the other states) due to the Commonwealth Games being held here . So Term 1 was for a whole SIX weeks after a six week Christmas/New Year break, Term 2 will be 12 weeks with Easter off. I love how the Governments; State and Federal; just switch about the holidays to suit the multi media, mass production known as the Commonwealth Games. Now don't get me wrong, I don't work away from home, so it hardly effects me but if you have just split your leave between yourself and your partner to look after the kids during the summer holidays...What person would have accrued enough leave to have a further two weeks leave six weeks later???? And what employer ( apart from some PS departments) would allow you another lot of leave ,six weeks later????
Despite the Government paying lip service to "family friendly " policies...They counteract with the introduction of industrial relations laws which will strip away the right to even have the leave during school holidays let alone have all the entitled leave. Then they bring in this whammy...Yes, I know there are school holiday programs, which cost money and in some cases defeat the reason for going to work at all. The Government wants more women in the workplace, why? So we can be taxed more? So we spend more?Until the workplace becomes truly and equitably family friendly for ALL this will always be the downfall of any government.

Inso far as the Commonwealth Games goes, well, its great to see the countries of the Commonwealth get together for a who's the fastest/strongest/best/whatever competition, if that is your thing. It's nice to see the creme' de la creme' of their sports represent their country all trained to the nth degree of their fitness levels, what has been pushed to the background as oft it does is that the both the Special Olympics and Paralympics are scheduled for 2006 also.

I don't recall any advertising given to the SO or PO, those who attend are families and carers and others involved in the world of disability and special needs, I have yet to met a member of the general public who has ever attended a SO or PO just for the sporting aspect. As someone who has attended/seen both, let me let you in on a little secret..................
Wonderful though it was to see Cathy Freeman win the 400m in Sydney and the women's swim team win relays and the "Thorpedo" help bring back the glory days for Aussies in the pool....But for my sense of achievement and national pride, you will never, ever get over seeing Louise Sauvage win a wheel chair distance race or the joy on the faces of a relay team on the podium, or the utter disbelief of the winner of a 100m freestyle. For my money, these are the true sports people, they have no high octane sports institutes to attend, no high profile coaches and training teams, no real big name international sponsors, they do it because they love it, because they can and because they are grateful for what they have in life. So instead of buying that 10th ticket to see some sport you may not even like just so you can say you did, maybe look at attending the SO or PO this year, or make a donation to getting the PO team to Sorino.

International woman's Day

Today is International woman's Day(IWD), it is to commemorate the deeds of our foremothers and the selflessness of their actions to help women today achieve what they have. Little things such as the right to vote, the right of equal pay for equal work ( questionable, I know) the right to be not only a mother but an employee/employer or to stay home, the right to childcare facilities, freedom of choice in motherhood, relationships, sexuality; the right to say"no", the right of recourse via the legal system, the right to enter and serve in the armed forces, the police, the fire brigade, the SES, the CFA and numerous other protection and rescue services; the right to be whatever you wish to be; the right to education, be it tertiary or vocational; the right to serve on a jury, be the judge or magistrate, the barrister or the solicitor...........

In short, the women before us; be they our mothers, our aunts, our sisters, our cousins; gave us the rights and freedom of choices. How we use them, how we develop them, how we mix and match the product of our choices; is up to us. We need to ensure that they are not eroded by political agendas driven by guilt ridden rhetoric, that they are not cast into doubt by zealots who bring their beliefs to the parliamentary table; for they are our choices to be respected and unquestioned by anyone. Our foremothers did not suffer torment and ridicule, scorn and vilification for these steps ;they have made for us to rise above what they only were able to achieve; to be turned to rubble by those in society, business and politics who cannot accept the changing face of women.
We need to maintain the rage of our predecessors, fight for what we believe, what is our right, we need to smash the" glass ceiling" in the workplace in such a manner that the shards will be irreparable. We need to make it known;loud and clear; that to be a "stay at home mum" still makes us a worthy member of society, that taxpayers are not footing the bill for our leisure. That we are all of equal standing, be you working mothers or women who choose not to have children, or by fate, cannot have children, we are all united by a singular cause; that of furthering the rights of women; if not for ourselves; then for our children, our nieces, our god daughters , granddaughters and all who follow afterwards.

Play ball with the dog for chrissakes!!!!!!!! 

Weird, Strange and Random

I got tagged ( AGAIN, I am so excited by memes it's dangerous) by Jamie.
The rules are very simple and easy

1. Thank the person that tagged you.
2. List 5 random/strange/weird things about you.
3. Tag 5 other people.

SO THANK YOU, JAMIE.

1.I like to read crime/thriller books but cannot and will not watch them in a movie format

2. I have a pin in my ankle which hurts when the weather is going to get colder. This is real. Many people say this is a furphy..But I can say it's for real.

3.I like kids parties but I have to choke back tears at my children parties when I see them so happy and in awe.

4. I judge my writing by my own reaction to it, if a poem makes my cry each time; I know ( think) it's good, same with anything I write.

5. I read in the bath.

Now whom to tag....???/
No one likes to play such games about here very much, so I guess I will tag who ever wants to participate....OK.

Don't forget to play ball with the dog!!!!

Fair go for Dads ( and my little brother)

Now I realise the contraversy I will cause with this and am prepared to justify it with a true scenario. But I applaud the changes envisaged for support payments of non custodial parents , I applaud them for several reasons. One is because of my brother and his situation with his son and the other because it catches up with deceiving nasties as my brothers ex. Do not get me wrong, I do not have a good relationship with my brother ,we have different politics and ideals , and it is a wonder we even have the same parents we are so diverse. And I do not hate my brothers ex, we had the greatest time together and our children are only 14 month apart so we cemented out relationship in that process too. She chooses not to stay in contact, I still send her birthday cards, Christmas cards and cards for the kids(even her new kids) birthday. So there is nothing more in this than what I have experienced and saw my little bruver go through.

My brother has custody of his son for school holidays and alternating Christmas and birthdays, his son lives interstate where his mother took him when he was 9 month old, without my brothers permission or knowledge. My brother worked 14/7 to pay for the investigator who located his ex and his son, 6 months later....In another state. He then applied for custody/visitations rights etc...He was denied custody and visits without the ex about as she was still breastfeeding him ( my nephew was 20months old by this time)!!! He finally got visits in the state only when his son was almost 2years old...Until then my nephew hardly knew who his Dad was. At 3, they went to Court to sort out interstate visits and support benefits ( up until then and after his ex was receiving benefits from Centrelink but was living in a defacto relationship with another guy) the solicitors advised my brother and her that as the agreement; was amicable and my brother was paying above the accepted amount of support for his income bracket plus was supplying his son with new clothes at each visit; that there was no need to have the agreement ratified by the Court. Over the next 4 years, my nephew came over for school holidays (alternating or when his mum and new hubby were holidaying and needed a babysitter) often the hols did not fit in with the holidays here so we would get together for the kids on weekends at the beach or the zoo or such. Meanwhile, my brother was paying for airfares to travel to collect his son, bring him back to Melb, travel back with him and then his return. Once my nephew was old enough and ok with it, he traveled back and forth alone in the company of a steward/ess...My brother still paid for these trips each and every time.
About 8 months ago, Ex decides that marriage no 2 ( my brother and her were never married but in a defacto, I still considered her my sister in law) needs more money , hubby has his own flourishing business which is franchising out, they travel OS biannual, she has a daughter and my nephew attends a private school ( fees paid for by my brother) but she needs a cash injection. SO lets apply to the Child Support Agency( CSA) for support, forgetting the in excess of a grand paid into a bank account in her name each month for support, the school fees, the clothes and the paid airfares when they need a baby sitter. CSA, in their wisdom, check nothing but send my brother a bill (calculated retrospectively) for in excess of $20k. Then then wipe out his bank account. They also place a garnishee order on his salary. He contacts them, telling them he has receipts for all payments made to her account since the inception for the agreement, plus the agreement signed by both of them and witnessed by the solicitors for each party. No , sorry , you can show it to us in Court, agreement?? Was it ratified by the Court? NO? Sorry, means nothing.
What has happened is that little miss ex has told CSA that she has received NOTHING from my brother ever...So they hand over his $20k to her. Plus ongoing garnished payments for the next 6 months. I can talk about his now as the matter has been through the Court and resolved.
Under advisement from his solicitor, my brother did the following:
Firstly, my brother contacted Centrelink to tell them she was getting benefits when she was living with someone and he supplied copies of receipts for all the payments he made to her( she told them she was not getting any support). He sent copies to CSA also. Centrelink went after her for overpayment and CSA adjusted the amount my brother "owed" by the amount she had be overpaid by Centrelink ( ain't it grand the way Govt dept. work together, NOT).
After the matter went to Court, it was found that my brother was paying well above the expected amount of support and another agreement (very similar) was drawn up and RATIFIED by the Court. CSA refunded my brother his $20k plus his garnisheed salary, inclusive of interest. This money come from a special fund for cases like this when they have to give the money back, as Miss Ex spent most of the $20k, she has to repay CSA...Shame this does not work in reverse!!! She also had to repay Centrelink for the 4 years ( we thought it was only 2 or 3) of claiming single parent benefit, inclusive of rent assistance. Her husband wrote a cheque that day in Court for the money ( over $30k)

So now you see?? I realise that for every one of these horror stories for Dads there is probably 2 or 3 for a mum. But it is just so you realise it is not always the Dad who is the deceiver, the recalcitrant payer, the one leaving the kids without ( which is why my brother pays the school fees direct to the school and buys the clothes for my nephew himself instead of sending the money to her)
This is just another side to the story, another piece and as I said; my brother is no angel but he loves his son and deserves to be part of his life for as long as his son wishes him to be. This issue should not be about money inso much as equality and rights, the rights of child to see their non custodial parent, the equality of the sexes to share parenting and the rights of the individual to have justice done.

Let's play a game...............

Now this game is called "Ask a question, Answer a question" it works like this. I will ask a question which can be generic, and not even relevant to the person/s I link it to. They , inturn, answer the question and ask another of someone (or more ) else and so on and on an on and on ad infinite.
I actually picked up this idea from a forum I frequent and they have over 2000 questions and answers, last time I looked.
The questions can be silly like "what colour is you wallpaper?" and the answers equally so "I don't have wallpaper" and even create a thread "why not?" "I don't like it"
SO I am bored OK
Let's PLAY

WHO WOULD YOU BE IF YOU COULD BE ANY ONE AND WHY??

I PICK............
JAMIE
SUPAMOM
Crrtic

ENJOY AND PASS THE FUN AROUND

Term 4, 2005 artwork. I have been remiss and slack...no excuses 

My boy read me a book last night.............

For a child who I was told would struggle in mainstream school, Mr 6 is not doing too badly. He proudly bought home his first reader last night, titled " I Can Swim". It consists of about 10 pages with an animal on one page undertaking the action with the words beneath and the other page has the surrounding happenings. This is because the "new" style of learning to read is no longer phonetic ( sounding out) but using other prompts for word recognition's such as pictures, no longer do teachers say "sound out the word" but "what do you think he is doing". Close enough is good enough..If the child says splashing instead of swimming, that will do; it's still visual comprehension.

Anyway, my boy read me a book all about a crocodile who can swim and a monkey who swings and an elephant that squirts and a leopard who can run and all sorts of other animals and their antics.

My boy read me a book and recognised 3 of the ten vocabulary words in the back
My boy read me a book and told me all about what else was happening in the book
My boy read me a book and then re did the vocabulary words
My boy read me a book
My boy can read

Cattitude....

Carrying on from Brians ask that I create a post that shows my cattitude I will attempt to enlighten you all on the wonders of the world of according to mothers. Now I know I have often done this before , posting about my daily stuff, my routine stuff but today I will post the RULES which should apply to all and sundry as according to mums. Sorry to the working full time, kidless , colleagues, community members but think of it this as time and effort spend with our little Sebastians, Johans, Amelias and Siobahans means a more settled doctor, nurse, podiatrists, dentist, cleaner, optomertrist, funeral director for YOU in your later years...LMAO.

RULE 1: Any child can push past you in the supermarket if you are blocking the lolly/biscuit/snack area he/she needs access to. Even more so if you are chatting on your mobile about the newest wine or a new dress. You tosser, you.

RULE 2: When in a supermarket queue with a) two or more children under 3 b) children who are hot/tired/bored or been denied lollys/whatever or c)siblings who are fighting, mums will have right of way to go to the head of the queue and be served before all others.

RULE 3: The petrol bowser closest to the pay booth shall be designated PARENT PETROL and only be used by parents with children in the car so they can keep an eye on the children whilst getting fuel and paying for it.

RULE 4: It shall be illegal to sniff offensively, sigh, tch tch, roll your eyes or any other form of un accepting behavior should my children undertake something YOU deem offensive, of bad manners, or unacceptable. This offensive is punishable by having to play at Party princess or clown at a month worth of children parties.

RULE 5: Bosses shall allow employees time off for teacher meetings, parents day, tour my school/kinder, doctors appointments, etc without groaning and carrying on about the other employees....My son might save your life on the operating table one day and then you will be grateful I had that 2 hours off for parent teacher interviews.

RULE 6: On public transport; should I be silly enough or desperate enough to utilise it with three kids; you will show sympathy if not some empathy and offer a seat to the whinging child who wants a seat.

RULE 7: All restaurants who claim to be "family" restaurants will provide an enclosed play area with decent play equipment and real kids meals not just downsized adult meals

RULE 8: If I am driving too slow for you it is because I am in a "SCHOOL ZONE" (IDIOT)
I care little if you are late for work, get up earlier, I could give you a wake up call at 0500 if you like........

RULE 9: All kids can and will play ball with the dog, too bad if the ball hits the fence or OMG, the the kids sound like they are having fun, that's just TUFF!!!

RULE10: All children will be raised in the manner we see fit, regardless of what you "think" would be better, or what you "read" somewhere or what you saw on "Oprah/ Sally Jesse/ Dr Phil/ Super Nanny. We live it day to day ,every day until you live in our world, stay out of it!!!!!!!!

There attitude with a Molotov chaser..............
Don't forget to clean out the crisper bin in the fridge.