I survived Xmas …. just !

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Dani

Dani has returned from the great hot and humid north ….. where she nearly sweated to death. Most of her blood stream has been left behind in the custody of the local mozzies, and whats left of her sanity …… is having a good lie down.

Well I survived people …… a few scars for sure.

My mother knows I won’t be back for a while, after spending three days punishing me over xmas. My dad enjoyed his xmas, but I doubt he will agree to coming again. He could see what was happening, but knew if he defended me at all …. a major argument would happen. Hubby was cranky because he was in the same boat as Dad.   Nanna Grey is loopier than ever …… and Poppa Greay hasn’t changed at all.   Overall I learnt an essential and valuable lesson ….. tell Charlie NOTHING !!!

We all have sore shoulders from playing the Wii ……. and I flogged everyone at ten pin bowling. It took 3 days to drive home (not pushing it) ….. and I am sick of motel beds. Will be glad to sleep in my own bed, wash all the cigarette smoke out of my clothes, and come back to a quiet household.

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The yearly xmas “laugh at Dani” ritual

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Dani

Tony and I do this every year.   He finds it amusing ,……. I suppose I do to.  😛

You see, I had a fairly poor childhood.  Xmas was a fairly slim affair, and if anyone missed out, it was usually me and my brother, because “we were the oldest” and therefore, could cope with it better.

Now in adulthood, this translates into a need to make xmas as big as possible for my kids.  Every year I aim to be smaller, and every year I fail dismally.   Tony and I go through this ritual, where I sort out and bag up santa sack and regualr presents, and plan who gets what.   I always worry myself silly about not getting enough for one or the other ….. but usually the one I am worried about, ends up being the one who gets too much.  And all through, Tony has a very big laugh at me.

This year, at least 4 presents have gone back into the cupboard, because if added they mean that the kids got too much.  Since Nanny Grey and my mother have the same insane approach to xmas, this is going to be a BIG  xmas for my kids.

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The finished product.

Posted on December 7, 2008 by Dani

Naomi asked me to make her year 10 formal gown. I agreed, and she chose 3 different patterns that she wanted. After showing her some fabric on ebay, she chose some gorgeous imported handloomed Korean silk brocade. This suited a particular design, which was luckily her favourite pattern.

So …… time for show and tell. Tongue poking out :P Please ignore my manky, weekend in the sun followed by sewing …. hairdo. And yes … the shirt is a favourite.

To start with, all you have is some unrecognisable strips of fabric.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3074255522_68220821a3.jpg

Next …… we set the fabric on the dressmakers dummy.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3074256550_b34dc2dd66.jpg

A quick try on the girl, because she’s anxious to see how it looks. Plus, I am worried I have cut it too small.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/3073421397_8e64992157.jpg

And finally …. the finished product.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/3088443597_9cd0740edd.jpg

Naomi in her dress

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/3088443185_8ef84777ff.jpg

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Doggie Gratitude ….. I has it

Posted on December 6, 2008 by Dani

Monstorboy has been limping for the day, and licking at his foot repeatedly.

So this afternoon, I grab his foot (no easy task, he hates his feet being touched), then dig my fingers in between the pads looking for the problem (not pleasant since he licks his feet a lot). I find …. a grass seed.

I pull it out. Thumbs up (tu)

Apparently this miraculous act now requires copious amounts of attention and affection, including lying under my feet, regardless of how hot it will make him. If I move, my legs get licked.

Well ….. at least the dog appreciates me. Tongue poking out :P

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OMG ….. It was a heart failure moment

Posted on December 4, 2008 by Dani

But thankfully, I didn’t need to have heart failure.

Put the dress on the child for the first time (or more specifically … the first time with all seams completed).  And it fits !!!! like a freaking glove  !!!!!   PHEW …… next …. hems and pressing.  And then the damn thing is done.

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*sigh* yet another year

Posted on December 2, 2008 by Dani

Just that …. another year.  So long now, it feels like I am the only one that marks the passing of time.

God I miss her.

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I am in withdrawal

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Dani

Yep …. hormone withdrawal.

My body was a bit broken by the time I had a hysterectomy, including my poor, scar tissue ridden ovaries, which were tossed along with the sorry excuse for a uterus I had.

So … I have existed the last few years with an estrogen implant, to help keep me from skinning hubby alive, stalking Johnny Depp, and torching the house.   Mostly it works fine, but oh god, when it starts wearing out ….. lord help anyone in my way.  I find myself thinking all sorts of nasty, vicious little thoughts.  Being kind and sympathetic takes way more effort than it normally does.   And if the stupid air conditioner at work doesn’t stop droning in exact time with my perpetual headache …. I may just torch the school as well.

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Inspirational TV

Posted on November 10, 2008 by Dani

Tonight we watched a special episode of Domestic Blitz …. Bianca’s Blitz.

http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=661460

A fantastic story, about a fantastic family.  Its wonderful to see the community and media rally around the family of children with special needs, and certainly Bianca’s family was in desperate need of help.   This sort of help does more than repair the physical damage caused by severe disability; it enables siblings to be considered and thought of, it allows parents to rebuild a relationship tested to the limits, and it allows the disabled person to move forward without constant reminders of the damage their disability caused.   Best of all, it provides visual proof that there is good will out there in the world.  And we all need more of that.

If you want to see more about Bianca …… here is the story on sixty Minutes.

http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=630300

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Hello world ….

Posted on November 9, 2008 by Dani

Oh well, at this point I am talking to myself really, but Tony has now created me a blog of my own.  I imagine I will post my innefectual ramblings and general whinges …. the usual fare of bloggers the world over.

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