Beautifully Glossy

Good example, Bad example?

2024-05-22T19:54:00.003+08:00

You know those days when you wonder what you're teaching your children and if you're setting a good example?

I had one of those recently.

Chai had something happen at school and when he was telling me about it he said, "I did what you do Mum, I didn't back down. I stood my ground even though I was scared and they were yelling at me."

Hmmmm. Clearly my behaviour has left an impression. I'm not sure if it's good or bad though.

We all need to stand our ground, but knowing when to stand your ground and when to walk away is crucial. Hopefully I've taught the boys that too.

When I think about it, I've stood my ground more often than I've walked away. I refuse to be bullied or intimidated. Hopefully that's what my boys have learned, not be to bullied or intimidated by idiots who think they're tough.

He then went on to talk about a particular incident where a man was screaming at me at the park. The man was so brave that he bought his son (who looked about 12) with him. Problem was, the guy was yelling at the wrong person, which he would have known if he'd bothered to supervise his younger child whilst they were at the park.

I'll explain.

We were at the park (the boys and I). There were 5 other boys there and a toddler who looked no older than 2. 4 of the boys where there with their Mums, one other boy and the toddler appeared to be there alone. I couldn't see the parent of the 2 kids who appeared to be alone and was considering calling the police because we were there for 2 hours with no parent in sight.

My boys were playing up one end of the park, the other children were playing at the opposite end. The toddler was annoying the 4 boys who where there with their Mums (the Mums were chatting and too far away to see what was going on with their children). The toddler kept on getting in the way when the 4 boys were on the swing so they deliberately pushed the swing really hard into her head. Luckily the swing hit her on the forehead, if it'd gotten her in the face it would have done a lot of damage.

I was walking over to help when I saw her brother smack and yell at her for falling over. As soon as I saw that I went back to watching my boys.

The 4 boys who'd hurt her ran over to their parents and they left as soon as they saw the man start screaming at me.

A man comes along (with his son) and starts screaming at me that I should take better care of my children so kids don't get hurt. Initially I was polite, I just told him he had the wrong person and pointed at the swiftly departing kids who'd hurt his child.

Undeterred, he continued to scream at me. He was over the other side of the park, overweight, with no way to get to me. I had at least 3 safe exits, there were people around and could get myself and the boys to the car without going anywhere near him.

Knowing that, I happily screamed at him for about 3 minutes, until he gave up and walked away. I kindly told him that he should get his facts right and that if he'd bothered to supervise his child she wouldn't have been hurt. I also told him he was setting a terrible example for his child by screaming at someone who'd done nothing wrong and that next time he should actually supervise his kids at the park so they don't get seriously injured. Dickhead.

Clearly this left an impression on Chai. It was at least 6 years ago. We have not discussed it since it happened (other than the debrief in the car on the way home from the park).

I made sure to tell the boys that I only yelled at him because I knew I was safe and that if it hadn't been safe I would have ignored him and we would have left.

I really hope that when my boys stand up for themselves they do it in a safe manner.

Update

2024-05-19T14:22:00.002+08:00

Hello beautiful people! How are you all?

I am still here but I have no brain capacity for blogging or instagram. Life is taking up all of the energy I have and some.

I hope you are all well and happy. If you want to chat send me a message on instagram. I'm there every day, I just don't have the energy or brain power to take photo's and when I do I forget to post them, heh.

Hopefully life will ease up sometime and I'll be back to blogging and instagraming. At the moment it just all feels too difficult.

Sad

2024-05-07T19:27:00.001+08:00

Every now and again one of my kids will say something that is heartbreaking.

Today was one of those days.

Chai told me he feels like a little kid trapped in a big kids body.

My poor boy. He's obviously noticed that he's not as mature as his peers. I knew this day might come but I was hoping that it wouldn't.

I feel so sad for him. It must be horrible feeling so different from everyone around you.

This world can be so cruel to people with disabilities.

Thoughts of the week

2024-01-14T05:00:00.018+08:00

1. We're halfway through the school holidays. I'm ready to go back to work but not ready to go back to the school routine. I much prefer our relaxed holiday mornings and the mornings when I go to work and the boys stay home.

2. I'm becoming more and more invested in Taylor Swift's relationship. I think he's the one. They're so cute together.

3. I would like a dark green glitter eyeliner pencil.

4. Also, after watching Teresa Madelyne I really want to get some Glaminatrix eye shadows. If I could figure out which ones have cool toned shimmer (not gold) I would have bought some by now, but every time I look at the website I get confused so give up.

5. We're in the midst of a heatwave and I'm not here for it at all. In the meantime my friends in the US are in the middle of a cold snap and dealing with temperatures of -12 to -24. I can't even imagine what it'd be like to be that cold.

FFS Friday - Oops

2024-01-12T05:00:00.009+08:00

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? Happy new year!

I'd really like to be more consistent with my blogging this year, however I'm not going to feel bad or put any pressure on myself when I'm not consistent.

In all honesty I'm completely overwhelmed at the moment and I'm not sure when that feeling is going to go away. I don't think it'll be any time soon.

Chai's conditions are escalating as he approaches puberty. I'm pulling back on a lot of his therapies and trying to ease up on my responsibilities to give both of us more down time.

At this stage I'm not sure how I'm going to ease up on my responsibilities but I'll give it my best shot.

Trying to keep Chai calm and balanced is such a difficult job. Trying to make sure his challenges don't damage Eljay is extremely difficult. Trying to balance my time so I'm giving enough to both boys whilst also maintaining some level of sanity is near on impossible.

Being the parent of a neurodiverse child is fraught with challenges that parents of neurotypical children don't even think about. Like clothing, routines, food, friendships.

It's the little things that I have to keep on my mind 24/7.

This year is all about reducing demands. I'm going to pull back from as many commitments as I can and do everything I can to make life simpler for the kids and I. Less therapies, less demands, less meeting and appointments. Less of the stuff that causes stress.

I have committed myself to more than I am capable of keeping up with. A few years ago those commitments were fun, now they feel like chores. I just don't have time for obligations that feel heavy.

Let's hope I manage to swiftly extract myself from said obligations.

And whilst we're talking Swiftly, I've never been overly interested in Taylor Swift before, however I'm loving her new romance. I think he's the one.

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people. Never forget how awesome you are.

2023 Happenings

2023-12-31T12:00:00.192+08:00

January

After seeing in the new year we were straight in bed. New Years Day was nice and quiet.

We celebrated Poppy's 75 birthday.

That same day there was a fire in the bush behind our house. We went onto alert and chose to evacuate. Thankfully I was home alone. I packed up all our things, got Shelby and went to my bff's house. Luckily the emergency services got it put out really quickly so we were back home that night.

Tiger had a week off so we went to Mandurah for a few days. It was nice to spend time with Mum and SD. We saw three of the giants they were amazing. We'll go back when it's cooler to see the other two.

We discovered that the boys love the beach so spent a lot of time there.

T turned 40. We went to his surprise party, it was lots of fun. He had no idea!

There were some really hot days so went spent a bit of time at the beach which was glorious.

Chai lost a tooth.

I went back to work on the 25th.

The last few days of the school holidays were spent at the beach and relaxing at home as it was quite hot.

February

School went back on the first of the month.

Eljay started year 4 and Chai started high school. Despite their nerves (and ours), they both had a great day.

Tiger took the first three days of term off so that he could get Chai to and from school.

I worked full time for the first two weeks of school, it was soooo busy but fun.

I'm working three days a week this term.

Chai lost another tooth!

There are still food and grocery shortages. It's funny the random things that were out of stock. Capsicum was one. Chai was out of stock for ages, then corn chips and then cheese. So random. You never know what you're going to find when you head to the supermarket.

Eljay went to a birthday party at a friend's house and stayed there on his own whilst I went home. He's slowly getting more confident.

March

It's still quite warm. The nights and mornings are cooler which is nice.

Food shortages continue to be an issue.

Great Grandma turned 105. We had a family zoom call with her.

Chai turned 12! We all had the day off, it was lovely spending the day together. We met Poppy for breakfast and had pizza dinner at the beach.

Nanna turned 72.

I worked full time for two week.s

Scrampy stayed with us for a few weeks whilst he was helping renovate Aunty and Uncle's house. It was nice having him here.

It's still quite hot. The temperatures haven't been high but it's been really muggy.

April

School holidays!

Chai has now finished his first term of highschool.

I went to the parent night and they said he's fitted in well and will have no problems finishing high school.

We had nice weather for some of the school holidays which was great. It meant we could get out and do things. The first week was pretty wet but the rest of the holidays were lovely.

The boys and I had gastro in the second week so it was a nice, quiet week.

The weather is cooling down so we've had the fire on a little bit.

The boys all went out wood chopping which they loved.

May

Eljay started the term with swimming lessons.

He passed stage 5 and is now in stage 6.

Chai got a merit certificate for having attendance above 90% for term 1.

Chai hasn't been sleeping very well since school went back, it's been rough.

It's been cold and wet, just how I like it.

Chai lost another tooth.

Chai's anxiety kicked into overdrive, not fun.

June

It's winter!

Chai missed a bit of school due to his anxiety.

Eljay run his cross country and came 2nd.

He chose not to go to the interschool cross country.

Eljay's class ran the assembly, Eljay had three parts and was awesome.

Tiger had a few days off work because they're assholes.

I worked a lot and finally got myself back to the gym.

July

After having problems for months, Tiger quit his job.

School holidays are here!

Poor Chai came down with that awful flu/gastro combination in the last week of term 2. He had the last four days off school and was sick for 10 days. It was horrible, it's the sickest he's ever been in his life. For the first three days he could barely stand up.

The holidays were cold and wet which was okay because we didn't want to go far with Chai being sick.

When Chai got better Eljay got a head cold. Thankfully it was only mild.

Just when we thought it was all over, two days before school went back Eljay got gastro.

Chai and Tiger were next, so they all spent the week recovering.

Thankfully Tiger was off work so he stayed with the boys when I went back to work.

At the end of the month Tiger started his new job.

August

Eljay turned 10! Double digits! We all had the day off so went out for breakfast (Poppy came too), then went shopping then spent the afternoon at home. It was a lovely day.

I worked five days a week for the whole term. It was fun but tiring.

We had an appointment with CAHMS but did not get help for Chai.

Tiger turned 50!

My hair is nearly down to my belly button. It's been years since I got it cut, so I got about 5cms cut off.

September

School holidays again.

This felt like a very long term, probably because I was working so much.

The weather started to warm up so during the holidays we went to the beach a few times.

We spent two days in Mandurah and saw the last two giants. They're amazing. It's a shame they aren't here permanently.

October

This month saw the end of the school holidays.

I'm back to working three days per week.

We went to the Bull and Barrel festival to watch the burning of the bull. My bff came with us and treated us to a lovely picnic dinner.

The warm weather is here. It arrived without warning.

Chai got a body board and the boys have been having a great time at the beach.

Tiger and Uncle J did a two week shut-down.

We went back to CAMHS and got some help this time. Chai started medication.

My hair is annoying me so I cut it to just below shoulder length. I want it shorter and easier to manage for summer.

November

Summer arrived with a vengeance. We went from low 20's to high 30's overnight and had a row of 8 days at 38 or higher.

The school year was slowly winding to a close.

It was a quiet month filled with work and school.

Chai was suspended for 2 1/2 days. I didn't find out the reasons until the day before he went back to school. He shouldn't have been suspended. If they want to suspend him next year I will not allow it until I get the full story.

So far we haven't noticed any changes from Chai's medication.

December

At the start of the month we had Eljay's school celebration night.

Eljay's performance was great.

I had to do a speech, it went well.

Eljay's teacher finished two weeks before the end of term as she need to have an operation.

I cut my hair into a bob. I asked for it to be collarbone length but she cut it above my shoulders. I'm not mad about it.

The school year ended. Chai has now completed his first year of high school!

I finished work the day after the boys finished school.

These school holidays will be different as we'll have Tiger home more which will be really nice.

Christmas was a quiet affair, but nice.

New Years eve was spent with friends who have become family, the perfect way to see in the new year.

Thoughts of the week

2023-12-17T05:00:00.004+08:00

1. It's school holidays!

2. Clarabelletoks on Threads is one of my favourite accounts. She's so funny, even funnier are her replies to people. If you need a good laugh, check her out here.

3. Poppy King has released another lipstick. She's recreating her Seven Deadly Sins range. First off the line is Indolence which is a gorgeous pinky, browny nude.

4. Just over a week until Christmas and I haven't finished my shopping.

5. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

FFS Friday - Que?

2023-12-15T05:00:00.017+08:00

Sometimes I think Tiger and I are on a totally different thought stream. Or maybe his brain has just left the building.

Take this conversation for example:

Me: Do you know where our face washers are? I can't find them.

Tiger: What are you talking about?

Me: Our face washers. Do you know where they are?

Tiger: What?

Me: Face washers!

Tiger: Oh, you mean hand towels?

Me: No, face washers, the ones you use to wash your face.

Tiger: I don't use face washers.

Me: I didn't say you did, I'm asking if you know where they are, ours have gone missing.

Tiger: Why would I know where they are?

Me: Because you were the last one to put away the washing.

Tiger: I haven't seen them.

Me: Why was that so difficult?

Conversations like that happen all the time. I have no idea why. Maybe I'm speaking another language and I just don't realise. It's the only logical explanation.

Thoughts of the week

2023-12-10T05:00:00.012+08:00

1. One week to go until school holidays. I am equally anticipating and dreading them.

2. I have not yet done any christmas shopping.

3. I have no desire to do any christmas shopping.

4. I do have plenty of desire to shop for myself, but that's not going to happen.

5. Yesterday I chopped my hair off. It's now in a bob. Shorter than I asked for, but I like it.

FFS Friday - Ugly Kid Joe

2023-12-08T05:00:00.018+08:00

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

I've noticed something lately and it's been unsurprising and also disappointing.

For years I drove a station wagon. Around three years ago I swapped to a small hatchback.

Since swapping I am subjected to road rage and bullying from other drivers weekly. This rarely happened when I drove the station wagon.

I put it down to one of two things, neither of which are very nice.

It's either people think they can bully someone or something smaller than them, or they're abusive because the car is more likely to have a female driver. Either way, it's not a nice thought.

There's one particular road where it happens so often that I avoid going that way whenever possible.

People can be so ugly. Ugly on the outside and ugly on the inside.

I don't see why they need to behave that way. There's so many unhappy, hurting people.

I just ignore them, don't let them bully or push me around (both on and off the road) and go along my merry way.

That's all for today.

Have a great weekend beautiful people.

Kester Black Nail Polish

2023-12-06T05:00:00.028+08:00

I am very late to the party as I've only just discovered how wonderful Kester Black nail polishes are.

I am not a nail person. I rarely paint my nails as they chip within a day and I can't be bothered redoing them constantly. Knowing this, I have no idea how the Black Friday sales sucked me into buying a Kester Black nail polish. Actually that's incorrect, I do know how, I wanted to try their new lip balm so thought I'd throw in a nail polish whilst I was at it.

I purchased the shade Low Maintenance which is an opaque, shimmery white. They send a card with the order saying how to get the most out of your manicure. I threw it in the bin, ignored the instructions and hoped for the best.

The best is certainly what I got. With no nail prep, no base coat, no top coat and only two layers of polish, I got seven days with no chips. I'm not joking, seven days wear! Who would have thought? I expected to get a day or two, not seven days!

See how gorgeous and shimmery it is? My photo really doesn't do it justice.
As you can probably tell, I seriously neglect my hands, need to do something about that. My hands may be neglected but at least my nails look pretty!

Kester Black nail polishes cost $28 each. They are cruelty free, vegan, carbon neutral and free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, animal ingredients, ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate.

Have you tried Kester Black? What should I try next? I've got my eye on the skincare and lipsticks.

Thoughts of the week

2023-12-03T05:00:00.012+08:00

1. You know when you really want to talk but your brain has run out of words? That's me this week. My brain has left the building.

2. Who shopped the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales? I got two Holme Beauty primers, that's it. It's not cheap if you don't need it.

3. Two weeks until school holidays. I am looking forward to them and not looking forward to them at the same time.

4. I've got a few big house jobs that I plan to do on the holidays. I need to sort out the pantry, freezers and my wardrobe.

5. I'd also love to have a huge clean out but 90% of the crap in this house isn't mine and I refuse to clean up after anyone else, so that won't happen.

FFS Friday - Of Mouse and Men

2023-12-01T05:00:00.020+08:00

You know that saying "the best laid plans of mouse and men"? That was me this week. It's been months since I had some quiet time with the house to myself. I've either had kids home or Tiger home. This week I was really looking forward to two days of nice, quiet time at home. I'm an introvert so desperately need the quiet time to recuperate. Unsurprisingly it didn't happen.

Monday Eljay got up and teold me he didn't think he could go to school because he had a sore belly and the runs. He then tolds me that he had it all day Sunday too but it didn't occur to him to let me know.

No worries, I figured Eljay is quiet so having him at home wouldn't be too bad. Halfway through the day I got a phone call from Chai telling me he wants to come home. I told him to get his teacher to call me. Half an hour later I got a phone call to say he's been suspended. WTF. FFS.

They suspended him for two and a half days. FFS.

There went my two peaceful days off. It also meant that I couldn't go to work when I was supposed to as Chai would be home. I called Mum to see if she could help but she couldn't, so I had to call work and tell them I couldn't come in because of Chai being suspended.

He was not allowed to go back to school until I attended a meeting with the school. I didn't have anyone to look after him so he had to come with me (despite not being allowed on school grounds whilst under suspension).

Their reasons for suspending him were ridiculous and as it turns out, due to his diagnoses he was unable to do what they asked, not unwilling so should not have been suspended.

I sorted it all out but it was just another thing to add to the huge pile of things I have to deal with. I'd planned to go shop the Cyber Monday sales on Monday but missed out on that. I need new work clothes so thought the sales would have been the perfect time. I'll have to wait for the new year sales.

There's always something isn't there? Something stopping life from running smoothly. It'd be nice if there was just a week or two where everything ran to plan and life was simple. I don't think it ever will be though.

Thought of the week

2023-11-19T05:00:00.001+08:00

I only have one thought this week. It's probably controversial but it needs to be said.

There's a lot going on in the world right now and it's very heavy. All over social media I see uproar and outrage (rightly so). I also see a lot of pressure being put on people to make a statement and take a stand. I'm here to tell you that you don't have to.

You don't have to educate yourself, you don't have to make a statement and you don't have to take a stand. If you do not have the capacity or the desire to learn about the awful things going on in the world, don't. It's perfectly okay.

I don't think that organisations and influencers speaking up about issues they do not really understand is helpful.

People who have a good knowledge or are affected, sure, make a statement. But don't say something just because you feel pressured to say something. You don't need to.

I've also seen people saying that we can't just ignore this, that if you ignore it you're condoning it. That is incorrect. Take me for example. I am at total capacity dealing with my life. I have no capacity to take on anything else. Small issues and setbacks feel huge to me. There is no way I have the emotional or mental capacity to read about what's going on in the world. I can't do it. It would tip me over the edge and send me spiralling. I know this, so I stay away. I have chosen not to educate myself and that's perfectly okay.

In situations like this it's okay to do what's right for you. Me sending myself into a downward spiral is not going to help or change the situation. It's only going to make life really difficult for me and my family.

So, if you don't have the capacity to learn, speak or make a statement, that's okay.

I'm back, again

2023-11-17T19:19:00.002+08:00

Hah. After saying I was back, I in fact have not been back. But I'm here now. How are you all? I am tired. Permanently tired. I've decided that's just who I am now, a permanently tired zombie.

So, what's been happening? I have been working (it's the highlight of my week), muming and that's about it. I have not been exercising. I have been looking after myself a little bit.

This is your reminder to get your checks done. I had my first mammogram last month. A few weeks later I had my second mammogram. It was a very scary time. When I had my first mammogram they told me that it's quite normal to get called back after your first test and to try not to worry. I got called back after my first test. I tried not to worry, it was very difficult not to worry. Waiting for the results of the second test was the worst part. Thankfully, there was nothing to worry about. Regardless, it was not a pleasant experience. Despite that I will continue to have my mammograms every two years as recommended. I'm also about to do the bowel cancer test that came in the mail. Then I'll be doing my pap smear. I've already had my skin check. Next after that is the dentist. So many checks but they all need to be done.

So, what's been happening? How are you all? Anything interesting to tell me?

We're counting down until the school holidays. Three weeks to go. I'm looking forward to the rest. To lazy days where we do whatever we feel like, no schedule, no rushing around. Just rest and relaxation.

That's all I have to say right now.

Thoughts of the week

2023-10-22T05:00:00.020+08:00

1. Christmas releases are starting to trickle out. So far I am underwhelmed.

2. I notice a lot of influencers are being called to speak out about world events. I disagree with this on so many levels. That's probably a blog post in itself. I'll stick with this one reason. Speaking out about something you don't fully understand is not a good idea.

3. Glossier are finally shipping to Australia. I'm tempted but have yet to place an order.

4. Get your boobs checked!

5. Eight weeks until the school holidays.

I'm back!

2023-10-17T05:00:00.001+08:00

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

It's been a while since I was here. Life has been busy. Working five days a week doesn't leave much space for anything else. Third term is over so I hope to be back on board soon. At the moment I don't have the brain power to string many words together.

Whilst I've enjoyed working five days a week, it'll be nice to have a little down time next term before the christmas holidays.

Life has been tricky lately. Chai has been struggling which means we've all been struggling. I am so worried about the long term affects on Eljay. It's not good for a little boy to live in such a stressful household.

I wish it was easier to get help and guidance. I'd like to take Eljay to the psychologist but he refuses. It'd be nice if there was somewhere he could go to talk about what's going on with him. Maybe he'll be ready to do that when he's a little older.

It feels strange not being at work every day, I don't know what to do with myself. So far I'm catching up on appointments and arranging coffee dates with friends I haven't seen for ages.

Also, I had my first mammogram. Here's your reminder to get your health checks done. Pap smear is next on my list of checks.

We've seen a psychiatrist for Chai, it was a mammoth effort to get an appointment but I managed. I really feel for people who don't have the knowledge or capacity to push for help like I did. They'd just have to suffer along without any help and that's not okay.

The first visit to the psychiatrist wasn't great. I wasn't impressed with him but he's our only option so we'll just have to stick with him and hope his service is better than it was last time.

The warm weather has arrived very quickly. It's gone from low teens to high 20's virtually overnight. It's been quite pleasant though so I'm not complaining.

That's about it. I'm planning to be back here more regularly now that I have days off again.

So, how are you all? What's been happening? Are you well and happy?

Thoughts of the week

2023-07-16T05:00:00.015+08:00

1. I'm back at work tomorrow.

2. We're toxic again, poor Eljay has gastro. I have no idea how he got it as we've barely been anywhere.

3. Billie Eilish has just released her second perfume. I haven't smelled it yet. If it's anywhere as lovely as her first one then I want it.

4. Has anyone else noticed how much Mecca's prices have gone up? They're so expensive now. Then again, everything is expensive now.

5. This is going to be a really busy term for me, here's hoping I get through it with some sanity intact.

FFS Friday - Rested

2023-07-14T05:00:00.023+08:00

Hello beautiful people. How are you all?

Did you survive the school holidays okay? I'm getting ready to go back to work, it's going to be a crazy term as I'm working full time for most of it.

Things are challenging here at the moment. Tiger is changing jobs so there's a bit of stress there and Chai is really struggling with his anxiety. Trying to get help for him is so difficult. Most providers have closed their books and the ones who haven't have waiting lists between one to two years. In the mean time I have to try to keep him coping which is not easy at all.

I don't understand how and why there is such a shortage of health care professionals. Surely this is something that should have been recognised and addressed years ago. Apparently no-one seems to care though. Let's hope that a politician's child needs a health care expert and can't get one, then maybe something will change.

Ah well, hopefully it'll all work out.

We've had a very restful school holidays. Chai was sick for the last week of school and the first week of the holidays, Eljay was sick for the second weekend and halfway through the second week which means I've spent a lot of time relaxing on the couch next to a sick child. It's been lovely. I've read seven books and got lots of rest.

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful people.

Thoughts of the week

2023-07-09T05:00:00.011+08:00

1. The first week of the school holidays is over. I've been very slothful and have had a wonderful time resting and relaxing thanks to the kids being sick. It's been lovely.

2. I've read six books in the last week and have now run out of physical books so am back to reading on Libby.

3. The Esmi lip balm is lovely.

4. There are lots of new lip balms that I want to buy, must resist.

5. Chai is finally better from that awful flu. I'm not sure if it was influenza but it was awful. It's the sickest he's been in his whole life. I can see how it would kill people. For the first three days he could barely stand up. I hate to imagine how bad it would be in someone with a weakened immune system.

FFS Friday - Effort

2023-07-07T05:00:00.019+08:00

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? We're on school holidays, so far it's been lovely and restful (because I've had a very sick child.)

I've had lots of time to think lately and I'm confused.

Of all my friends, other than H and Lisa, if I don't call them I don't hear from them. That's okay, I understand that we're all busy and I too am terrible at calling people.

But here's where I'm confused. I'll catch up with a friend and they'll say something about us not having seen each other for ages but then they get annoyed if I point out that they can call me too. Like it's my fault I didn't call them? But they didn't call me either?

Here's an example of when I saw a friend recently.

Friend: I haven't seen you for ages.

Me: Yes, we've been so busy.

Friend: I've missed you.

Me: I've missed you too, it's nice to catch up.

Friend: You haven't called me for ages.

Me: No, I've been really busy. I'm assuming you have too because you haven't called me either.

Friend: Oh, it's like that is it!

Me: No, I'm not being funny, but you can call me too.

Friend: Okay well if that's the way you're going to be.

Me: You know you can call me anytime.

Friend is now annoyed with me.

Does that make sense to anyone else? It doesn't make sense to me. Why is it only up to me to call people? Why can't they call me too? And if they choose not to call me then what right do they have to get angry that I haven't called them?

It makes no sense to me.

That's all I have to whinge about today. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thoughts of the week

2023-07-02T05:00:00.016+08:00

1. How is it July already?

2. School holidays are here! I'm hoping I'll get a little bit of rest and relaxation so I'm ready for the madness that will be term 3.

3. Chai is really sick so that is helping in the rest department. Poor boy has that awful flu/gastro thing that's going around. I've never seen him so sick.

4. Illnesses now seem so much worse than they were ten years ago.

5. It's so cold and wet here at the moment, perfect hibernating weather.

FFS Friday - Broken

2023-06-30T05:00:00.014+08:00

Hello beautiful people. How are you all? Survived the week okay?

I have to tell you about our washing machine saga. Our old washing machine was on the way out so Tiger bought a new one. I'm not overly happy with it, he bought it without me and it has an agitator which I don't like.

Anyhow, we got it and when we first used it we noticed that it was quite noisy. We figured it was just a noisy machine and thought nothing of it. A few days later the noise got louder. It was only on the spin cycle so we thought the machine was unbalanced. We made sure it was balanced and tried again, however the noise got worse. It sounded like there was a coin stuck in the machine. We pulled the agitator off and looked underneath but couldn't see anything.

I ran a clean cycle, that didn't help. The noise kept on getting worse until day eight when it showed an error message saying there was a motor failure. Our washing machine that was only eight days old was stuffed. The warranty people came out, confirmed it was broken and ordered a new one. It took a week for the new machine to arrive and another five days until they could deliver it and remove the broken machine.

The only saving grace was that we still had our original machine (not the new one, the one we had before we bought the new one) and it still worked okay until the day before the new machine arrived when it decided to die completely.

So all in all it worked out and we now have a new machine. I'm just waiting to see if this one is going to die too. So far it's okay. It's been nine days with no problems so hopefully we're in the clear.

That's my first world whinge.

A look at my Lanolips collection

2023-06-27T05:00:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I talked about Lanolips. They're one of my favourite brands and a staple in my collection. The golden ointment is great for treating rashes and dry skin, the original 101 ointment is a brilliant all purpose product and the lip balms are heaven for dry lips.

As you can see from my photo I've been collecting them for years. Some of the products are over 10 years old yet they work as well as they did when I first bought them (having said that, I don't use the old ones anymore, I just kept them so I could take a flashback photo).

Have you tried Lanolips?

What's your favourite Lano product?

Thoughts of the week

2023-06-25T05:00:00.021+08:00

1. It's school holidays!

2. Tax time is nearly here, I need to get my paperwork together.

3. I am very tempted to cut my hair off and get a fringe. I think I'll wait till winter is over before I cut it shorter. It's been years since I went to the hairdresser. I'd love to be able to cut my hair myself.

4. I have a $75 Mecca voucher and no idea what to spend it on. Suggestions are welcome.

5. I forgot to tell you about the washing machine saga. I'll save that for next week's FFS Friday.