Finally!

So, I have been waiting for some documents to come thru since NOVEMBER 2009.  Last year. Yep. There was a hiccup with some of the stuff, which proceeded in a wonderful panic attack for me and analysing my whole entire fate and all that jazz. There was probably a few new wrinkles, or stress lines added as well due to the pressure that was lurking from the wait time.

Well, I have feel as if I have a connection with the people on the phone line at ***-***-**** in the USA.  I have called so many times I know the automated voice in my sleep.. I can hear her telling which number to press to get me where.

I know the office hours of the department. I know the same 5 people who work there, handling the issue. I have even had in depth conversations with a few of them (ass-kissing, brownie points, in depth.. all the same).

So, I knew the documents would be sent on 10 March, according to Charlie at said department. Its been pissing down rain each day, and I couldnt have these documents getting wet. I also couldnt have them torn or damaged due to the postal system, so already with this added stress, I rushed home everyday to check the mailbox. I felt as if it was my birthday coming up, and I was turning 9 again, waiting to collect my goodies at the mailbox.

Each day. Nothing. I knew it was too soon, but still, I could not risk letting it sit there in the rain.  Today, I ran to the mailbox. I saw the normal folded up mail, a magazine, some junk mail, and a folded manilla envelope. It had to be it, right? But if it wasnt, I didnt know if I was ready to deal with waiting another day.

I waited til I got to my house to open it. I flipped it open fully and there it was.. return address just as I wished…

Hooray.. now its on to the next stage in this process which seems to be taking its toll on me. When this is all done, and that sweet residency stamp is in my passport, I think as much I want to party it up, I probably will sleep for days due to mental exhaustion.

How much does the FBI spend to send my 1 sheet of paper which I have waited so so long for?

Yep, a whopping $1.24.

At least now the next stage can begin. Yippee. As for me, Im off to bed, I think I have danced around the house in happiness enough tonight to finally wear myself out and hit the sheets.

Dabble & Dis?

Everyone seems to be so shocked at the death of hollywood stars lately who are in their 20-40’s.  Really.  I dont get what the shock factor is. Sorry you died, yes, I do agree. But, when you start popping pills like they are a fashion item, sooner or later, the chances of it catching up with you just might become reality.
I know, a bit of a hypocrite. I have dabbled. Too much. I saw things I wish I never in my life had seen. I have lost too many people to such horrible things. At some point, you become numb to it. You hear of another one gone. You feel sad, but at the end of it, you just thank your little lucky stars you escaped with your life. Then you kiss the ground and hope you keep on kicking for a bit longer.  Its gruelling to lose someone who has had an interest in your life, but thats how the dice roll sometimes.
Hollywood & money & pills. Seem to go hand in hand. I feel bad a mother lost her son. That a friend lost his pal. That a puppy lost its owner. But, if none of you wanted to do anything to help (and dont kid me.. I was there.. I may not have wanted help.. but an addict is not powerful unless you give them power.. so you can overcome them and provide help. Your just using it as a cop-out), anyway, I digress. If you wanted to help, you should have and you could have. Instead, I have to see how the people are killing themselves and then hear you feel helpless.
Are we all stuck on reality TV so much that no one can open their eyes to whats in front of them? Or, maybe we need to watch the reality of a ‘star’ go down the drain daily and then end up having a heart attack from the pills or lines or whatever… watch it on TV, every moment… then will people do something about all of this?

Ogoh Ogoh

There is a great tradition celebrated, called Nyepi day.  Last year, about this time, I had written about Nyepi day when we were in Indo.  The Ogoh Ogoh’s (one is pictured below) come out and scare away the bad spirits.

Now, believe in it or not.. up to you. Myself, I think if anyone or anything can help get rid of the evil crap lying around.. go for it.  You know those times when you find yourself taking up too much of your own time to weed thru every one else’s baggage, and then you realize your exhausted?  It would somehow be justifiable if it was your own crap that you were exhausted over, but when its someone else’s crap.. NOT GOOD.  We all do it. We all have taken on too much at times, or tried to help another and get overwhelmed, or realize that sometimes its just not your shit to deal with. You dont own it, therefore you need to OGOH OGOH is.. either way, its a fun word to say… try it. Ogoh Ogoh.  In fact, I can imagine one of uncles parading thru the house in a really deep voice screaming this out… ah… Ogoh Ogoh

Anyway, someone mentioned that it had been raining for 6 weeks already. Really? Damn.. that went rather quickly.  While I had my head buried in DVD’s of Weeds & MadMen the rest of society around here was apparently hating the rain. I thought it was a good excuse to kick back and relax. Now, they still want it gone. I still want to use it an excuse to nap. My knees hurt like something else and by the end of the work day the ache is just unbearable. My house is trashed, last night, I barely made it in the door after physio to call a few people, ate dinner (salmon) and then proceeded to drift off into la la land. Until 1 am. Shit… forgot to put the dinner away.. and went to the counter to find ANTS! everywhere.. scurrying around like they were on speed. I dont know if salmon has that effect on ants or if they were just nutz but holy sheet… I have never seen ants zooming around like that. And.. when its been raining here since goodness knows when, the ants are on a mission. I was kicking myself at 1 am this morning.. I knew better than to leave the food out with the current ant problem everyone is having (its not me.. Im not a messy icky person, the ants are EVERYWHERE at the moment).

I finally dragged my ass up stairs after taking the garbage out, killing ants, spraying the ants, and cursing at myself.

Today.. today I think I want Indian for dinner. Because I want to see what curry does to an ant… speedy or slow?

its mean.. i know

So, today I have had quite a bit of time on my hands... and I was hitting the "next blog" button and looking at random blogs.

And, I know, some of you might want to bash me for saying this.. but seriously, can you put up something other than your child on your blog? ANYTHING.   900 million photos of your kid is a bit much. I know.. kids are cute... watching them grow, watching them eat and be sloppy, taking a nap, new outfit.  saw it ALL today.

But heres the deal... would you want me to put 900 million photos of my cat on the blog? I can.. I mean, I think shes cute & all, but seriously.

If you want to use a blog for ONLY photos.. try something a bit more specific.. like, oh, i dont know.. shutterfly, or your local digital place, or that photo program everyone seems to use.. I know, its your blog,  you can do whatever you like.

But when you randomly decide to type a few words other than "boy eating porridge" and write some crap like "someone read me please" you have to wonder, does your audience give a crap that boy eats porridge?

I know, some readers might wander to my page and not like my blog, or content.. but at least there are CHOICES on my blog.. for f**ksakes... 900 million photos of your kid doing nothing is BORING.. and if you are related to said kid.. its still BORING.  Spice it up a little.. add something else. PLEASE.

Anyway, if your gonna bash me.. Im not printing your comment. Why? CUZ I CAN, its my blog!

What the?

I have lived in Australia for just shy of 9 years.. and still, to this day.. some things truly surprise me and make me rethink, “What am I doing here?”

I had to take a photo of this receipt for work… its to help start the crane.. we have something similar in the USA, but for the life of me, I cant think of the name… but I do know that its not called, “START YA BARSTARD”

And yes.. Australia seems to add and  S to some words, normally, in my native USA land, we would say things such as BASTARD or ASS.. but here.. its BARSTARD or ARSE.. apparently its less offensive….. which Im not convinced of. I mean really, if your going to mention my ass or call me an ass, I would rather you could enunciate it properly.

But, I have to admit, I did have a laugh today at this receipt.  Some days, this country can still surprise me.

The last few days

To catch you up on the last few days.. here are some photo shots to ‘entertain’

A random walk thru a friends garden:

 

Still getting on with my knees looking lovely in strapping!

Gorgeous color contrast in the garden…

Still dogsitting.. loving the joy when you walk into the room and they are so excited to see you!

Had dinner which consisted of yummy prawns, and invited mom & our visitor from the states over….

All the rain we have been having has brought other visitors to the house as well…

I was so pleased he turned his head for me!

The road to work… you would think this is a lake, but its actually cane fields.. mind you, FULLY GROWN cane fields (which helps you understand just how much rain came a-bucketin’ down…

This is a road between the 2 fields…

So, now you know the extent of my craziness.. lots happening, and the rain still hasnt stopped. Here’s calling out to you for a rubber duckie…

Have a great day!

Rain Rain Rain

Yes, there is a reason for 3 rains in the title. Its been raining for 3 days. Non-stop. Sunday afternoon, evening. Monday. All day & night. Tuesday. All day & night.

The roads are closed, the rivers are flooding, the wind is howling, and my hair is not looking its best. You cant do ANYTHING to your hair with weather like this. Blah.

I left work today after only being there 2.5 hours. I wasnt sure if I stayed any longer than that if I would get home. We had 25% of staff not at work today due to the rain & floods. I have sent the boss a text message asking if work is on.. but being that the rain hasnt stopped at all.. not even for a 2 minute pause, Im thinking I probably wont be making it to work tomorrow. The road I travel to work was just about to flood this morning, and Im sure with 12 hours of continous rain its flooded and drastic.

So, a day off. Sounds great initially. But, what do you do when it rains and floods you in. Watch movies? Did that today. Laundry? It wont dry all that well with all this rain, and with 90% humidity Im certainly not turning on the dryer.  I could read, clean.. do all those chores I have been putting off, such as get some pictures together for sending back home to my dad in the USA, send off this months birthday cards, etc... but really, all i can think of is just chilling out. Its been so long since I have had a day to do nothing. That the idea of a planned nap is very inviting.  Who knows.. the day will probably fill up quite easily without me thinking too much about it.

I had a great mix of emotions on Sunday.. we had a Tsunami warning issued.  I headed to my place (remember, Im house/dog sitting) and grabbed a few very important documents and my passport and the cat & dog and headed to my parents place on a mountain. I wasnt taking any chances.  But the feelings that come over you in a time like that.. thinking about your home.. will it still be there, everything you work for, your comforts, your memories, your life... and you have to just lock the door, and put everything important off the floor and hope for the best. Its an odd feeling to have.. I cant describe the depth of the possible devastation that you sit & wonder if it for real. In fact, there were many times thru the day where I asked myself if this was all true. A tsunami? Really?

Thankfully, everything calmed down, and by late afternoon they called off the warning. Originally, it was supp to hit us at 9am. I was overcome with relief that although my house looks like a disaster zone with everything unplugged, things on top of the benches & tables.. it felt great to walk thru the door and know things were fine, and I was okay.  People can say they are not attached to material things (sidenote: thats not me. I work damn hard for all my shit & junk & treasures, Im attached to them. Why wouldnt I be? They are a part of me & my personality.) not matter how much someone wants to believe the material things dont matter, they do, to each of us.  Its odd to have that feeling of helpless in your own life. To lock the door and walk away from everything, hoping nothing happens.  Afterall, how does one rebuild their life? Piece by piece. Problem is, Im not sure my emotional status could handle the piece by piece bit at the moment.

Speaking of my emotional status: I called to check on my fingerprints for my residency. I have been doing this for many months now. Im praying for a positive outcome. It just has to be that way. Otherwise, 9 years of my life..... ack. it just has to be okay. Sorry, I strayed... so, i have probably called this particular office handling my prints every other week since November. Did you know this government office changes its codes for departments like every other week?  Serious. You know, one time I pressed 2 for this option, then 5 for the next, then 1 for the other option, all which lead me to Helpful Government Employee.  Then, I would call again, and this time I had to press 9, then 4, then  7 to get Helpful Government Employee. You can see the pattern here... I find it laughable that the same office has to change their options that many times.. and Im pretty sure they think Im stalking them as I have now spoken to that many people in the particular office cubicle, that Im sure I have spoken to all 11 employees. Opps, sorry, Helpful Government Employees.

Well, Im going to go to bed, its late, rainy, and frankly, Im exhausted. Im not really tired, but I think my mind just wants to shut down for the night. Could be that I have enough Ibuprofen (spelling incorrect, I know) in my body tonight after my phsyio appt to constitute a hazy mind thought, but I need to rest my legs, and they get so restless after not being able to bend, or straighten.. or anything. No matter what, its uncomfy. And yet, with the strapping it feels so much better than without it. Guess I never realized the true capacity of the pain I was in before until you start to undue the damage, or for a better term, try to lessen the damage in your knees. You live with the constant pain, and forget how bad it really is.  But, Im thinking this is working and my knees will be good again.. in time. Although I did think earlier while I was trying to sit down on a chair why those celebrities who get their kneecap skin reduced or whatever it is they do to their knees.. why would you willing sign up for the strain and inconvience? And, Im pretty sure they would be hurting much more than I am.

Gosh, its almost like a novel, with nothing important in it. You know, the ones you find in the airport marked down as its too good a bargain to not buy it for your 8 hour plane ride. Then, 20 minutes into it, you realize $5 was probably too much for it and leave it behind for the next sucker to pick it up.

Ah, blame it on the Ibuprofen hazy dazy head space. Its my blog. I can.

Oh, I got some cool photos of a green tree frog last night.. I will post them tomorrow!

Doing the Jig

It seems so many people lately are all about doom & gloom.. granted I can sometimes be ‘not so happy’ sometimes too.. but everyone lately seems to be highlighting all this shit thats wrong with their life.

You ask someone, ‘How are you?’ and its a 40 minute conversation on each detail of all the bad crap going on in their life. Directly or indirectly, it doesnt matter, but if they know of “a friend of a friend of a friend twice divorced once related to the birth mother of Ron who use to live down the street whose mother was the crazy lady who ate nuts  and she married her cousin, but they werent sure of all that cuz thats how things rolled back then.. well, his 2nd wife… she’s on a puree food diet.. is that horrible?”

I’m serious. Its been happening. Everywhere.

So, whats a girl to do? Well, I would like to smack the crap out of these people and tell them I dont give a Sh*t, that I really want to know how they are.. but then I figure I got enough of my sh*t in my head to deal with… so…

I just smile and do a little jig.. and try to shake the ugly away from me. 

C’mon people, lighten up a bit, we all have sh*t and know people with sh*t, but seriously man.. you gotta lighten up and try to smile and enjoy SOME of the day.  And if you dont.. you will see me walking away, smiling, doing a little jig. And yes, My Ass Does Look Good In These Jeans.

Update

Do you remember me talking about my Yantra Mat? Well, Im here to tell you that I am 100% convinced it has been worth every single dollar spent. Aside from having the best nights sleep in over a decade after my first few times using it, I find that I really look forward to using it, EACH day… its amazing to feel your body warm up due to increased circulation when your laying on it. As well, I have noticed that it really helps for headaches, and back & neck pain.

I have also been using it to stimulate the blood flow in my legs, as part of a process to help my knee situation and avoid surgery. Im of the belief that its working great for this too!


Not everyone will belief the hype of the mat. But, I do.. and thats whats important. I find that its beneficial for me, and, along with the benefits, its also so damn relaxing… man oh man!

So.. get one. Quick. I think you will like it!

12 of em.. 2 x day

So, thats 24 in total right? Goodness.. the good thing is the pills are bullet sized, which helps on the going down the throat part! But, I feel like my insides must look like this:

Good news: I have been following orders by my acupuncturist (whom I trust heaps) and have been taking these pills as directed for inflammation  as well as general tonic as she tells me.

Why?

Cuz she thinks that doing this pill popping of Chinese Herbs & treatments once a week, as well as weekly trips to the Physio at the moment will help, and possibly reduce any need for surgery.  Actually, the word ‘possibly’ isnt correct, shes under the belief that it WILL work, and surgery is a waste of my time, with little results at the end for my knees.

Why do I trust what she says? Well, the surgeon I went to see, just so happens to be hers as well. She trusts him, and he did a fantastic job on her knee when she busted it all to hell in a motorcycle accident. But, she also did a massive amount of acupuncture to her leg as well (even the surgeon cant believe how good shes walking again!) and she also went to physio. So, I figure shes a bit of an expert as well.

And, my physio is wonderful. Painful, but I think its helping too. So, combine everything together, and I am quite excited that I do not have to have knee surgery and be out of commission for at least 6 weeks on a ‘hopeful’ this will solve the problem.

Anyway, why not use up all your options before going to such drastic measures, right?

Sniff Sniff.. Nose to Nose

So, at the moment Im dogsitting for my most favorite dog.  I adore my dear 4 Pawed Friend… Noody.  And, while Im dogsitting, I also have my little Monroe with me.  Now, they both do well, a little anxiety at first, testing the boundries and all for the first few hours when we are all together “playing happy family”.

Monroe tends to stand under the kitchen table, and sit on the chairs.. she likes to be at the same height as noody, and well, if she cant be, then she guards herself against the lean long legged dog.

Noody on the other hand wants check out what Monroe is doing. All the time. She is so concerned for and about her. Monroe isnt use to that (opps) and like a normal cat, likes to show independence. Noody, like a normal dog, likes to be the protector.

So… things are going well. The 2 fall asleep near each other without realizing it. The exhaustion of keeping an eye on the other one really wears them out at bedtime.

And, Monroe is really REALLY chatty. Shes not like this at home. Then again, maybe her and Noody have great conversations I just dont understand, cuz Noody seems to tilt her head and do this high pitched thing back.

I will get more photos, have gotten a few, but dont have my camera on me to download the photos. But, we are all adjusting… it just takes a day or two for the 2 of my critters to adjust.

And this morning? Progress… they both went up to each other and gave a sniff of the nose to the other.. and no puffy tail from Monroe, and no freaked out look from Noody. So… so far its a successful day! PROGRESS. and only 3 nights… see, why do people have such a hard time getting along? Cats & Dogs can sort out their stuff and live happily in 3 days. 

Crims & Mugs

So.. I stumbled upon a newspaper that puts the mugshots of those held in jail over the last few days.. sadly, the following people were ‘unavailable’ to their partners needs over Valentines Day.

A variety of people could have had a nice little chat on dress, hair styles, occupations…etc while getting to know each other in that lovely concrete room while they were waiting to be bailed out.

For instance:

I think they have made a booking mistake, I think shes the one who has been beaten up, but according to the news article, she is one tough cookie! The original mugshot shows bruising and a bit of wear & tear 

Or…

.

I think shes trying to scope out if the photographer has anything valuable in the bag that she can nab. Afterall, it just adds to the extensive list of credit card fraud and misc stealing charges which landed her the comfy spot on the bench for the night.

And…

Now, when your sitting in jail and posing for a MUGSHOT.. it is NOT the time to try to land that stripper job. This is not the arena to flash your looks of desire and lust to the camera person.. chances are if they are working for the police, they are much to busy to be having a second job of ‘prostitute portfolio’ or ‘dance lady’ snaps

As well…

“I’m here for failure to appear? Whats that? Im a good citizen, I always show for things.. Im here NOW arent I? Whatcha mean thats not good enuff?”

Lastly,

“I what? A warrant? Isnt that a band from the late 90’s with the big hair & makeup?”

 

Sorry to poke fun.. but you all dumbass’ landed yourselves there..and everyone needs a bit of humor, its raining outside for goodness sakes!

Really?

Now, since I have been living and working in this beautiful country, I have had to learn that things here in the ‘rural’ and often ‘backwards’ part of the country… anyway, they seem to baffle my little head sometimes. Whether its a tradition, or ‘thats the way we do it’ or whatever, sometimes I am completely surprised at how things are done. And, I shouldnt be… I should just learn to accept this things.. but sometimes they are so different from what I am use to that it just sideswipes me.

Simple example:

Answering the phone this morning at work and Mr Man asks to speak to one of the idiots, who we will call PA (also known as PissAnt).

I put Mr Man on hold and go tell PissAnt,that the phone is for them. “PissAnt, Mr Man from Company X is on the phone for you”

PissAnt goes to the phone, and Im not sure what happens next but tells me ‘hes not there anymore’

To which I reply: “well, it was Mr Man from Company X”

AND… I was met with the most stupid, dumbfounded look possible… you know the look of deer in the head lights.. blinded by the thought or suggestion … stuck on stupid… mesmerised... it was there

My thinking was this: Call Mr Man back.

PissAnt’s thinking: What? Thought? Where? Who? Me? Oh, what am I doing here?

So, needless to say Mr Man has called back 3 times to speak to PissAnt.. who somehow cant figure out how to use the phone.

In ANY business I have worked, if someone rang for me and I had their details, I would ring them back… to solve whatever the call is about.

Not this particular PissAnt.

Serious.

Pillow? Pills?

 

I just want to bury myself in a pillow and blanket.. and escape. But I cant.. I mean really, you have to just go with things, and keep playing the game of life…

But secretly.. I just want to pop some lovely pills which make life all okay and kinda warm & fuzzy.. and cuddle up on the couch and let the world slip by.. just for a few days….

I just feel exhausted

Whats a girl to do?

So, I feel as if I took about 10 step backwards toward a goal today. You might think that “oh well, pick your self up and get back on track”

Cant.

Today’s events were so out of my control its not even imaginable.

Feeling exhausted.

I feel as if I have been punched out by Mike Tyson.

Flat. Fucked. Fucked.

It was really nice in my dearest friend called and shared in my low point, gave me the much needed sympathy, and just listened to my story, and she felt for me. Its great to know that shes really a friend, a true friend.. she proves it to me so many times.  Cherished. :)

And my mom, she was great and supportive.. clear thinking and was like “ well, lets start again, we will get this done and wait again..”

It was like when you were a kid, and you couldn’t wait to ride your bike.. you waited for the rain to stop, and you finally got out there. Day after day, your mom ran behind you making sure the bike didnt tip, and helping you get started with a push. And then she let go…. and you did great. Days and weeks go by and your doing fine. Then, one day.. today… I feel off the bike. Scratched my knee to hell, and cried like a baby with exhaustion. ( Metaphorically anyway, I wasnt really riding a bike).  Remember when your mom use to pick you up and dust the gravel out of your knee and then help you get back on after you wiped the tears.

Thats what my mom did today for me. She helped me up, wiped the gravel and off we went.. to redo the shit paperwork we already did.. but need to redo.  Im not sure if I could have handled it today if she wasnt there. Thanks mom!

To make it better.. we have a dear friend visiting.. and today is her first day of her vacation with us… and this was the hotspot I had to take her too…

And no, Im not in trouble.. just another set of fingerprints after waiting 3 bloody months for a particular agency to tell me that they were ‘illegible’ and I needed to have them redone. Seriously, I can not put my feelings to paper… there just are not words to translate how I am feeling. 

Anyway, thanks for those that were there for me today. Your kind words did help… and I cant wait to celebrate when this is all stamped & approved…

Reassurance

At present, my friends mother is in the hospital, waiting on news on whether or not a pacemaker can and will be fitted. As you can imagine, the feelings my friend is dealing with are full on.  You never want to see your parent in pain, and hopefully, the pacemaker will make things easier for her mother. As well, you worry about the stress and anxiety your parent must be going thru at this time. Top that off with all the pressures of worrying if shes okay each day, or will there be another episode and send her back to the hospital. So, as much as the idea of ‘hopefully something can be done’ its also got to be scary knowing the situation when someone elderly goes into surgery. 

 

My friend is dating someone whom I have never met. From what she describes of him to me, he seems like a caring and nice man.  My friend is in another state from where I live. My heart goes out to her with all this on her plate. But, its very nice knowing that she has someone near her, who cares for her, and who can offer support and give her a hug or make her laugh when she needs these most.

In previous years, she was dating someone who couldnt offer these things to her. He couldnt or didnt want to be there for her, well, not in the way you want your friends boyfriend to be there for them.  To say that Im thrilled that shes no longer with that particular person is certainly an understatement.

I guess in all this, its nice to know that she has found someone who is a decent person, who is willing to be there WITH her and give her a shoulder to lean on when needed.

My thoughts are with you my friend.

Oh my goodness

So, believe it or not I have used my new mat. I arrive yesterday to pick up the parents from their big trip to the city. I told mom that she would be for sure getting a ride home as she was kind enough to get my new purchase for me.

In sheer excitement, I wave to them in the distance, and upon seeing them face to face, my first words were something like, "Wheres my mat?" Afterall I have scoped them up and down from the distance and saw nothing like my mat being held, or transported.. panic set in.

Calmly, dad replies, "I have it, in my briefcase"

My only comment, "What, you think thats your guarantee for a ride home now?"

To which he didnt find any humor in it. No laughter. I of course thought it was funny, cuz thats what it was, a joke.. laughter moment.

So, we arrive to the house, and Im scarfing down my take-away dinner while mom pulls out my mat. She takes it out of the packaging. Lovingly, she displays it to me and touches it.. knowing that my hands are not going anywhere near it since Im eating dinner. And then she proceeds to lay down on the ground and try out my new mat.

IN FRONT OF ME.

Eh gawds... what are you doing woman? Im the one thats been anxious all day to get the thing, I have been researching it, dreaming it, shit I even blogged about it.

Get off my damn mat!

Nah, in all seriousness.. love the mat...serious. Go buy one today. I used it last night for 20 minutes (used it,... thats funny... I laid on the damn thing, and somehow thats considered 'using' it).haha. Anyway, I digress. So, I used it for 20 minutes on my back, and then laid on my stomach on it for 10 minutes. Then, put it away, and went to bed.

Aside from the best nights sleep I have had in about 5 years... my back feels amazing. Usually by this time of the day, Im twisting my back and putting weird things between my back and the chair to help massage the pain. I tend to get neck aches that make me want to detach my head. And today... nothing. Pretty pain free. So far.

I know, one day, one time of using, hard to believe right? Im with you, but trust me, I know my body.. and Im telling you, my back and neck havent felt this free of pain since oh.. lets say 1994 after my car accident. Serious.

Im convinced. In fact, i think i am in love, with my mat. So, if you end up buying on, let me know what you think of it, and if its worked for you.

Hello my new friend

 

This is the Yantra Mat.. I have been reading all about it and have finally gotten one today (thanks to Tilda who was out and about and discovered where they were selling them!). 

I cant wait to try it out tonight. I will keep you posted on how things are going.  Here is a little synopsis of what the Yantra Mat is all about:

• “If you are stressed out, sleep poorly, have low energy, tense muscles, stiffness, headaches, back or neck pains, or simply need a better, more complete rest, then the Yantra mat could be the best thing for you. When you lie down and relax on the Yantra mat’s flowers, you will feel some temporary pain. After a short time, the pain subsides and endorphins and oxytocin are released within your body. Your body’s rush of its own pain-relieving and happiness hormones will give you a real sensation of enjoyment and tranquility. After only a few weeks, many users experience fantastic results with increased well-being and improved health from regularly using Yantramattan.” (from www.yantramat.com.au)

So, from all that above, lets see: low energy? yep. tense muscles? yep. Stiffness? yep. Headaches? yep. back or neck pains? yep and yep. need more complete/better rest? Oh yep!  BRING IT ON BABY!

Keep you posted!

Elton John - Benny and the Jets

So, I woke up with this song in my head this morning.. not sure why but it was there.

I went to find the video from 27 dresses movie to play it here for you, but I stumbled upon this one.. and couldnt help but post this video instead... I love to watch these people dance to white boys song on Soul Train.

I grew up with the Black culture highly influencing my life and often times much laughter occurred over a white girl trying to dance to "black" music.. but no more.. this shit is funny.

Im not trying to be disrespectful, or a racist, so dont take it that way... but if you have EVER in your life seen a white boy/girl dance to this song, you KNOW its VERY different than the video your watching now. My favorite is the guy in the camel colored suit who whips his hips back and forth to the piano keys.

Im sorry, Im just laughing to much.. I think I need to pee.

Ah.. my day is perfect after this!

Please stop

To put things in perspective here, at work we have separate toilets for the men and separate toilets for the women.  Here is the thing: there are 2 women in the office… and thats including me.

For some reason.. .the OTHER woman keeps walking in on me when Im in the bathroom. Serious.  Not like I have much to hide, but let a girl piss in private for goodness sakes. You can see the light from the bathroom under the door shining thru.. so its obvious Im in there… and I HAVE NEVER NEVER NEVER walked in on her… so Im thinking its not that hard to not walk in the bathroom while its occupied. Guess Im wrong.

She does this heaps. And, when Im saying “hello… occupied… excuse me….’ until she gets the hint and closes the door (or that fact that my hair is big enough she should be able to see it above the little wall space when she whips the door open) but no.. it takes a bit to sink in.. and then she giggles….

I dont think its funny bitch.

Plain dont.

Aussie Aussie Aussie.. Oi Oi Oi

Happy Australia Day…

I had hopes I would have been a legal resident by now.. but It hasnt turned out that way.. YET. Still waiting on paperwork. So, hopefully next year, I will be!

Either way, whatever your doing today… Im hoping its a wonderful day for you.. remember the reason your celebrating today, and make us proud.

Enjoy the day and please be safe!

Todays Idiot

So.. I figure I should do some segment called “Today's Idiot” as each and every day there seems to be someone whom you encounter where you just shake your head, or gasp for breath quickly, or want to punch in the head.

Here is today's:

Carousing the parking lot earlier today, one finds them self on the defence. Children running thru the spots; shopping trolleys / carts abandoned and left for the perfect dent; the car 3 spots ahead of you that cant decide left or right and then halfway thru decides nope, going straight';  You name it, the parking lot can be scary.

And so finally breezing thru thinking yippee… this idiot pulls out in front of me.. I was driving straight, and he decided to join my lane, which meant he had to encounter another lane of traffic before he came to the very front of my bumper. He is damn lucky I was looking folks, cuz he certainly didnt. His head didnt so much as turn in my direction at all.

Admittedly, there was a little bit that wished I would have gotten him.. ya know to teach him a lesson and all..but then I would have had a dent in the car and that would have really been bad for his health (he certainly wouldnt be alive now).

So hooray for me folks, I saved another idiot on the roads. So, when you stumble upon this idiot and his is oblivious to your vehicle.. you can thank me for not killing him today!

Stone Fisherman.. looks so inviting.

Ever have those days when you just want to sit and be in your space?

Thats the day Im having.. but the space I want to be in is a spot back home in the states..so not possible today, right? I want to lie in the grass amongst the trees and not worry about snakes and bullants and sandflies.. all that creepy itchy stuff. I want to be at one with the earth today… and I cant. I couldnt back home either.. its cold, snow filled ground wouldnt allow me to anyway.

Things are fine… I guess there is just so much in my head and I just want to be at one with it, and dump it… let my head breath again. I feel as if my head is about to explode with everything in it. It seems as the thoughts, pressures, ideas, everything is no longer tucked in its place into the crevices.. everything is pushing against each other and just wild in my head.

I need an escape from myself. And right now, the stone fisherman seems like a perfect escape.

So, Im off to officeworks for printer ink & paper & speakers. My speakers at work for my computer have shit themselves.. and I am really feeling the need to have music in the background at work.. its been killing me listening to the dead silence of nothing.

Then, to the beach for brekky, and then off to my world again. Unless I stumble upon that little spot to let my mind free. But somehow, I think the stone fisherman might be hiding today.

Securing his future

So, Prince William is here in Australia.. or he might be gone, I dont really know, as I couldnt care. But, I know he was here.. he stopped in Sydney, Melbourne, and I know he went to the areas affected by the devastating fires which killed many, and tormented the people of the affected areas. Remember the Black Saturday fires? Well, he went there on his trip to Oz.

I think its great he went to that region. Apparently, he was well received and everyone seems to think he is a  ‘nice young man’.  They appreciated him coming to there towns (according to media).

Other media states that everyone seems to be giddy with his appearances in Oz, that he is well liked, and very people friendly.

Great. Hooray. All that jazz.

As if hes going to walk in and be #1 prick… seriously. Australia is still under the monarchy. Granted, not in the same regard that it use to be ages ago, but it is still under the reign of the Queen. And, as the Queen isnt getting any younger, someday, Mr Prince will/might be the King. So, of course hes going to be showing all the nice behaviours.. hes securing his future.  If he showed up being an ass, do think he would get support? No. What if he snubs his nose at the country? No, support nilch. Come on… He is making sure that we all get baffled by him and want to support his lavish lifestyle and so forth for decades to come.

Ah, just my opinion.. but thats what I think.

Baby Events

My dear friend, lets call her Candy Cane is pregnant.. with twins! Yesterday was the baby shower which one of her friends had organized, and surprised Candy Cane! It was great!

A milestone was reached yesterday for me. See, the invite stated that we needed to bring some nappies/diapers in a particular size… What a great idea! Def something that gets used, and now Candy Cane and hubby have an assortment of sizes for when the little bubs grow!  Well, my invite said INFANT size.  I head to the store, get prepared,and ask a friend who has worked with kids on helpful tips to buying nappies/diapers. It may sound funny to you, but never having bought this item before.. I needed to make sure I got it right.

So, Firestick J sends me to the store, and Im feeling a bit more confident… shes told me that there many different sizes: Newborn, Infant, Crawler, Toddler… the list goes on. Speaking of list.. I even wrote the word INFANT on my shopping list… I knew it might be daunting at the store… so didnt want to mess this up.

As I stand at the nappies section, theres a ton of varieties, brands, colors, sizes, numbers, weights, etc… Holy Shit… didnt expect this… pink, blue, green, yellow, purple… packs of 180, 32, 48, 60… shit.. all to many options.

So, I decide to just look for the size. I check the list again.. INFANT. I eliminate all other options on the shelf and find the ONLY pack of INFANT… check the list again, yep, INFANT… cool. Done. I have now gotten the last pack, the ONLY pack of INFANT nappies on the shelf. (Sidenote: Firestick J told me to not get the generic… so that helped the options decrease!).

I head to the store where Firestick J is and all proud I show the package and feel a sigh of relief as she nods in approval. I think I was sweating and elated that  the task was complete. A lady walks by and says “Did you get girl or boy nappies”. 

WHAT?

No one told me this… seriously?  After a moment of panic, I realize it doesnt matter as Candy Cane is having twins: and luckily, a boy and a girl. So Im covered…. at 34 years of age I have bought my first package of nappies. And, better yet, there not for me! I think IF I have kids one day, cloth nappies are the way to go.. damn those are spendy little things for a baby to just piss & poop in!

Thankfully, other women at the party who are childless seemed to experience a similar experience… good times. Guess I can check that off the list… purchase nappies, and survive the experience. CHECK.

I cant wait to meet my friends little bubs… and by the way, if we all looked as good as my friend carrying twins.. I think more people would willing be pregnant.. she looks FANTASTIC!

We all had to decorate a singlet for the little bubs… I made a Peace sign.. of course!

Candy Cane in her outfit prepared for the day. Rattle, bottle, bib, and custom shirt!

Isnt that the cutest belly?

Exhausted!

Such a great day, filled with laughter and heaps of excitement for Candy Cane & hubby! 

No thank you..

(photo from EONLINE)

Yes, its posted twice.. the photo.. I just wanted to make sure that once you threw up, you could throw up again... nice huh?

Theres a new movie out.. its getting rave reviews by the fans, but critics apparently hate it. Or vice versa.. dont really know, dont really care. Just not a fan of some of the people in the movie, so I cant really see myself going to see it for $14 anyway. AND, after spotting this lovely photo from the movie... NO THANK YOU. Yuck Yuck and DOUBLE YUCK.

ack.. thank goodness Im not a teenager anymore

I went to the pool today.

It was moderately busy, but soon dwindled to just a few of us.

Then, it ended up me with 3 of us. Me….doing laps (trying to get my knees better and apparently laps are good for it.. kills, but trying to work thru it!) and 2 teenagers (boy & girl).

It soon becomes obvious that the 2 kids in the pool havent met before today. While swimming I can hear bits of the conversation, which seems to be pretty boring.

However, I had to leave after hearing this:

Boy to girl: “I dont like coming up here (sidenote: i think he visits his dad who lives in my complex on holidays) because I always have to share with my little brother.”

“when I play the Playstation 3, he wants to play it. When I play the Playstation 2, he wants to play it. When I play on the Wii, he wants to play it. Even when I go to the computer, he wants to be on the computer.”

ARE YOU FRICKING KIDDING ME?

Listen to your options you spoiled little whining child… you have 4 entertainment options which apparently dont satisfy you.. you cant socialize with your little brother? Ack.. disgusting.

Whats worse, is I think this is the kid who continues to undress in front of my neighbor thru the window.. over and over.. and really, no 13 year old boy looks attractive to anyone over 14.

I had to leave before I told the ungrateful bastard to suck it up… geez..some kids really think they have it tough these days dont they?

Pathways

 

Sometimes we walk on the same path as we had walked it before. Sometimes we may skip on that path. Or run, okay, I dont run on my path.. but you can see where Im going, right?

There must be a point tho when your path connects with that certain someone at SOME point, right?

I guess Im still waiting for the crossover……

Im also still waiting for the local council to pave my path.. sometimes I could really use LESS bumps in my path. HA!

Oh, and for those in the know… I saw Black Ute boy today, and he had a shirt on.. first time I have really seen him with a shirt on.. I didnt recognize him.. how funny is that.. to NOT notice someone cuz they were fully clothed… gawd I love summer for that particular reason.. men wandering everywhere, half naked.

Path.. thats right.. Path. I dont know where this post is going.. or where its been.. its been an interesting year, full of ups an downs, and some smooth sailing as well. Someone asked me the other day if I made any resolutions for new years… told them simply, “No, I have commitment issues.”  I of course that it was joke of the day and found it very funny… I somehow dont think they did. Oh well. At least I made myself laugh.

So, whatever Path you may be on.. make sure when yours comes near mine, or when we are travelling near each others path on the curve.. give a yell hello.. be friendly. We all need a bit more love & happiness in the world.

May your path tomorrow be free of clutter, full of life, and satisfying!

Survived

First day back at work and survived… wasnt as bad as I thought it could be.. whew!

In being fair, I had enough to do to keep myself busy, and felt very productive. Then again, nothing better than digging yourself straight into work and looking above the piles of paperwork every now and then.. right?

Back to the Grind

So, its off to work again. Tomorrow is my first day back at work after the holidays. I had a pretty good holiday, can always be better, but I really REALLY relaxed. I did nothing productive on my holidays. And, as a dear friend said to me about it.... its about time.. Im always busy, and dont really take the time to relax and do nothing.

Are friends not the best? They always seem to tell you just what you want to hear.

And tomorrow.. well, tomorrow I have to look interested at what my co-workers have done for the last few weeks, listen to the the stories of the holidays, hear how drunk they got (impressive I know) and all while I just want to keep the coffee coming while I plow my way thru weeks of work to catch up.

My goal tomorrow is to bust my ass to get at least 1 weeks work done.. in a day. Possible? Ack.. find out I guess. The thing is, while Im catching up on work, current work is still going on.. so I am imagining a Capt & Diet for tomorrow with a takeaway dinner.. yep, thats sounded like a great idea.

My lunchbox is packed for work: Cantaloupe, Grapes, Tuna Sandwhich, and Chickpeas & Garlic, and my coffee cup is washed & ready for tomorrow.

I just wish mentally I was ready for tomorrow. I am so envious of my cat right now... for I know she will be doing her daily routine without me bothering her... and she will napping... without me... and she will be waiting for me when I get home tomorrow. Still, Im envious she gets to go back to bed after the morning routine.

Parade Prep

Yesterday the girls who are involved in getting a float ready for the Australia Day parade all got together and continued work for our big day.

We are making a dog float… to go with our 4Paws theme…

I didnt get many photos.. but heres a few:

so much cutting to do!

 

 

lollie bags to be filled!

And.. Harry was nice enough to be our model for how the dogs will be dressed.. as for the humans… well, we were much too busy to get a photo!  The dog ears & dog nose for the float are done.. the stencil magnets are done… whew! Big day of accomplishments!

Take your chair please….

So, we all go thru life differently. Some of us learn things along the way. Others, well, others just believe that they are the lesson to you.  Sometimes they are, sometimes they arent. Regardless, there are people who believe they have nothing to learn from others.

Some people you meet in life think they have been so hard done by. Excuse me honey, but when you reach the age of 18… you are an adult. In most countries anyway. And Im sorry, but if you cant figure out how to wipe your own ass in a clean fashion, not my problem. You should have been more observant in life.

Fact is, no matter what you are, who you are… demographics, social standards, culture… facts are facts. At some point in life you need to stand up and take accountability and responsibility for yourself.

Do you hear me properly? YOURSELF.

Get off your woe is me crap and grow some nuts… or tits.. whatever which way you roll.

My life was not perfect. I am not going to claim it was. My childhood was probably unconventional by some standards. My young adult years were met with some stupid choices. And my choices after high school… well, not exactly choices to win gold with.

Regardless, I wouldnt trade it. Its what makes me ME. My life/childhood/adult years/decisions/mistakes whatever classification you want to give it.. its all made me ME. Each action has a reaction. I choose to learn from my life. Granted, some lessons I could have learned more quickly. And some lessons were self inflicted. But still, I choose to learn. And thats my choice.

Some people dont want the choice. They want to wallow in misery of oh I was so hard done by.

AS COMPARED TO WHO? The pope? Jesus? Mr. President? Brad Pitt?

For goodness sakes, the pope is seen in the same clothes everyday he is photographed. Jesus… well, I will give the man stamina points for his walking with heavy objects.. but dang, the man had many obstacles to overcome. And no, I dont think your path was as bad as the one Jesus had to endure.

And really, no one wants the Presidents job. Its just too much work and you cant make that many people happy in a year… so your already at a disadvantage.

Brad Pitt you aint. If you want to wake up next those scary lips and eyes of that thing he’s living with.. go for it… but really, Brad Pitt looks miserable in life lately. And fair enough.. at one time he was a hot sex symbol, now… hes living in France or some place where women dont shave their pits.. thats enough to make any man look grumpy.

Get over yourself. You aint that special. What do you bring to the table to offer? ANYTHING? Anything? A N Y T H I N G ?

Thought not. Thanks tho, but we dont accept your kind here. Please, take your chair… and go live your life amongst those who choose to be like you.

I will to continue to live my life like those who choose to learn from life. Who vividly embrace the goods and bads of life. The judgements of others, the self reflections, the looking inside, those who can grasp who they are, and those who are real.

My dear, I think your chair is a bit too shallow for this one. And WE DO Not, I repeat, DO not , hear me? DO NOT DO SHALLOW.

Lunch with friends

My best friend and I never get to catch up during the daytime hours… she has a few days off during the week, and works weekends.  I work the exact opposite. In the many years of our friendship, never NEVER have we been able to coincide schedules and the random day off we have together to be able to do something.

But… today we did!  Plans to do something in particular went out the window, and so, we went on a whim and drove to a beautiful area and had lunch. It was such a gorgeous time… it started to rain a bit, but even with the rain, the scenery was amazing. We ended up at an Irish Pub for lunch… yummy! It was great hanging out for the afternoon, chatting, eating, drinking, laughing…