tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331812024-03-13T21:23:32.962+11:00thribblejust me and my stuffthribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.comBlogger1024125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-77447966397141023932019-09-15T18:01:00.000+10:002019-09-15T18:01:49.901+10:00Traveling Round EuropeAs we are spending three months traveling, this blog gets resurrected as my own personal diary. I have a terrible feeling I will forget what we have done over time, and I want to be able to provide recommendations or tips if I have to, so here we go.<br />
<br />
The flights were relatively easy. The only thing I would say to Singapore airlines is that your snacks during the 10 hour lights out period need to be improved - poor Dara was starving by the end of it, and whilst he's not fussy, dried peas are not his thing, nor are tuna sandwiches. He struggled to survive on one packet of pretzels.<br />
<br />
We landed and got our luggage relatively easily. The process at Heathrow is far more pleasant than the last time we endured that airport! The only issue was trying to get a lift down to the bus transfer level. What a nightmare. Tip for next time - use the lifts inside the terminal that go between departures and arrivals and "group travel", the same level as bus transfers - no queues, and no stress.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlsgPMxI-GE/XX3vXkDHaKI/AAAAAAAAAgE/C1v6a-vOVQ0cdOErVDMM-wyGFdza7FargCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/kew%2B2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlsgPMxI-GE/XX3vXkDHaKI/AAAAAAAAAgE/C1v6a-vOVQ0cdOErVDMM-wyGFdza7FargCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/kew%2B2019.jpg" title="Kew Botanical Gardens Temperate House 2019" width="240" /></a>The Ibis at Heathrow is fine, for what it is. The room is very small but okay for the couple of nights we are here. I will say that I think we timed breakfast very badly this morning - there were no clean glasses or spoons. I initially thought the cold bacon and hash browns were due to that as well, but when I saw the chef bring a fresh bowl of bacon out and went to get some fresh, that was cold as well. Now that is a skill, but not one I'm sure I'd celebrate!<br />
<br />
Yesterday's trip to the Botanical Gardens at Kew was a great idea though. It got us out into the fresh air, picking up our Vitamin D levels, and increasing our steps after 24 hours of immobility. I especially enjoyed the <a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/chihuly-at-kew-reflections-on-nature" target="_blank">blown glass sculptures</a> that are there at the moment - absolutely beautiful and well integrated with the plants. The boys enjoyed the freedom to run, and the sky level walks in the hot houses.<br />
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It was great to go from there to seeing some good friends at a running festival. By the time we got back to the hotel, Dara was well past needing dinner, and slept the 12 hours through until about 5am. Today we are heading out to re-visit the running festival and get a pub lunch. A real pub.thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-23487101062714798862016-06-09T08:53:00.000+10:002016-06-09T08:59:44.903+10:00A Week of FirstsI did my first Pilates class on Tuesday. Thanks to the instructor, Courtney, and to the class members for making it painless and not at all humiliating. Best of all, absolutely nobody was wearing Lycra! I felt great afterwards, no Achilles or calf pain, and just some "good" aches on Wednesday. I'll definitely be going back.<div>I've also had a week of missing running - I just haven't managed to coordinate my life properly and the week has got away from me. I have managed to do my long overdue tax return, have my hair cut, look after a vomity child, start packing the house up, meet a garden planner, and get to work mostly on time, so I guess I managed to adult!</div><div>Finally, I had my first significant near miss on the bike this morning. I managed to get my back wheel stuck in the tram tracks and ended up wobbling it out but taking me over to the other side of the road. Thankfully the oncoming car was far enough away and going slow enough that it didn't matter, but it certainly have me a fright. Probably the driver too!</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-5584909278244334922016-06-03T09:28:00.000+10:002016-06-03T09:32:28.349+10:00Amother Step ForwardThis week I was given the full okay not to bother seeing my physio any more. He's got me started on clinical Pilates, and I'll do a class or two a week of that. I'm also continuing with the C25K, and on week 3. I managed to run a whole kilometre for global running day.<div>Now I'm full speed ahead on the running I need to get my diet in check and drop this weight. I've worked out that I should be able to lose 10kg before I turn 40... I just need to get my head straight!</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-29782915410614133702016-05-23T22:06:00.000+10:002016-05-24T22:25:23.383+10:00Couch to 5kA quick update - I started run training with the C25K app again. The cardio is ridiculously easy but I need to be gentle with the Achilles. The programme has me doing the 5km by the end of July. Fingers crossed for no more set backs.<div><br></div><div>Edit: if you're interested the run is here: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/585234170">https://www.strava.com/activities/585234170</a></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-43006692968273717702016-05-19T09:51:00.000+10:002016-05-19T09:56:28.853+10:00The Best Laid Plans...Earlier this year I had a conversation with some folks at parkrun. We were talking about our running goals. At the time I was feeling optimistic about my Achilles healing, and I said I wanted to to do the <a href="http://rapidascent.com.au/hokaoneonetrailseries/">Hoka One One trail running series.</a> Just the short distances, worst case, but ideally the middle runs. <div><br></div><div> The realisation that I'm currently allowed to run for 10 minutes max, no trails, and that the first race is on 5th June, so 2.5 weeks away, and there's no chance of me being there has just hit. Like a sledge hammer. </div><div><br></div><div> I don't think I've ever blown a goal so badly. I now have a constricted feeling in my chest and I'm not sure what to do about it. Mostly what I want to do about it is curl up with Netflix, The Arrow, and a packet or two of Oreos, but I doubt that would help. </div><div><br></div><div> If anyone has any smart thinking around coming back from this, feel free to let me know. Otherwise I guess I just pick myself up and drag my body towards 40, instead of sprinting there with a grin on my face.</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-22919031522311813262016-05-02T03:29:00.001+10:002016-05-02T03:29:12.124+10:00New startHello? Is this thing on?<br />
<br />
3:20am. I'm wide awake next to a (hopefully)almost asleep toddler. I haven't had a full nights sleep since D was born. I still have the heartburn his pregnancy brought me. I still have the weight too. It's been a year since I damaged my Achilles and it's not better because I'm terrible at following instructions. I'm exhausted.<br />
<br />
So what next?<br />
<br />
I need to take control. Calories down, Achilles work up. Accountability through this blog...thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-20816802362909309782013-11-20T19:26:00.001+11:002013-11-20T19:26:39.282+11:00An open letter to Metro Trains<div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I arrived at Flinders Street to get the 1722 to obvious delays. The upfield line was advertised as next on platform 4. I waited. A Craigieburn line came and went. An Alamein. A Sunbury. Another Craigieburn. I asked the customer service rep when an upfield would arrive. Whilst talking to him the 1722 was cancelled, at around 1735, with an announcement that the 1742 would be delayed. When I complained he helpfully said to contact 'them' via 'their' website.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>I got a tram and narrowly met (by 5 minutes) the deadline at daycare to pick my son up. <br>My complaints are as follows:<br>1. That Metro Trains consistently fail to update passengers with issues and explanations in a timely fashion, preventing us from making informed choices. This evening was no exception, with the cancellation being announced almost 15 minutes after the train was due.<br>2. That Metro Trains consistently treat the Upfield line as a optional service, running only 3 trains an hour at peak times and cancelling these to give priority to other lines.<br>3. That Metro Trains customer service representatives do not appear to realise that they work for Metro, referring to them as 'they', and that they are not even capable of (or empowered to make) an apology.<br><br>I would like:<br>1. A full, written apology for unacceptable service.<br>2. Written assurances that the Upfield line will be prioritised appropriately, considering the already woeful time tabling.<br>3. A written commitment to review peak hour time tabling for the Upfield line.<br></span><br></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Yours</span></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Disgruntled of Coburg</span></font></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-58383783808236682362013-11-11T08:16:00.001+11:002013-11-11T08:16:09.038+11:00LostI feel so disillusioned at the moment. I worked hard, lost a bit of weight, and in one week of holiday I've put it all back on again. I don't feel like anything I do is helping, and I don't know what to do next.<div>I don't feel like I have any kind of control, that I'm going through at the moment trying to make ends meet. Trying to work through my 3 year old's behaviour. Trying to sort out house, car and financial issues. Trying to agree a plan and getting nowhere.</div><div>I want to give up but something in me won't. </div><div>Maybe today will bring the inspiration I need.</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-82419973851764612542013-09-24T20:12:00.001+10:002013-09-24T20:12:10.203+10:00Working out how to work outToday I tried an experiment. After an awful commute I got to daycare to discover that Mr 3 had slept for almost 2 hours. I was pretty upset - this basically means no sleep until 9:00 at the very earliest. I decided right there that this was fate - somehow I'd been given back the time I'd planned to spend with him which had been removed by the commute. <div>So we went home, Mr 3 had dinner, then we went for a run. I thought he would want to ride his bike while I ran, but it turns out that what he likes is to run. He also likes to yell instructions to me. "Like this, Mummy!" "Faster, Mummy!" It's like having a mini personal trainer.</div><div>We'll be trying that again. I'm enjoying starting to run again. It clears my head much more than other forms of exercise.</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-6717474667993180782013-09-23T17:07:00.001+10:002013-09-23T17:07:57.776+10:00Bringing itI'm pretty miserable about the whole weight loss thing today. Despite my best efforts I've put on weight and can't see a light.<div>On the bright side, I got upset at training today but kicked it off and went for a run. Yes, a genuine out doors, in the sunshine run! And it felt awesome. I should do this more often.</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-22153975942613440502013-09-21T09:41:00.001+10:002013-09-21T09:41:27.690+10:00IndulgenceToday I'm having my hair cut. This is my 'me' time. I clock off from mummy hood for a few hours and go to the Westfield where my hairdresser is. I drink tea, have my hair cut, have lunch and chill out. Today it's extra special because I have a date with my hubby tonight!<div>Today's challenge therefore is to not over indulge during my indulgence day so I can indulge during the evening. So far I have resisted Laurent's croissants and a slice of toast with Eamonn, and it's only 9:30. It's going to be a long day! But not an unpleasant one...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZxCUueX9vAw/UjzdIyrsdEI/AAAAAAAAAIU/7GBs4SA-1E0/s640/blogger-image--1252992921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZxCUueX9vAw/UjzdIyrsdEI/AAAAAAAAAIU/7GBs4SA-1E0/s640/blogger-image--1252992921.jpg"></a></div><br></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-23620991391001603022013-09-20T20:16:00.001+10:002013-09-20T20:16:03.619+10:00ZooperwomanFinally seeing some movement on the scales and its going the right way.<div>I hope it keeps going. Today's exercise consisted of walking around the city then dropping off for a quick impromptu visit to the zoo. Which lasted for 2.5 hours and covered every single animal except giraffes. When we got out of the zoo this omission was noted and a tantrum narrowly averted by promising a return visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1khjsLdkeaE/UjwgYI8mScI/AAAAAAAAAIA/OIcU5b5mF7k/s640/blogger-image-1021919040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1khjsLdkeaE/UjwgYI8mScI/AAAAAAAAAIA/OIcU5b5mF7k/s640/blogger-image-1021919040.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">At least it kept my legs moving! And tired Eamonn out so much that I can watch re runs of The West Wing.</span></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-5044194851366037462013-09-19T12:35:00.001+10:002013-09-19T12:37:17.649+10:00At Home DaysYesterday's training session turned out to be a one on one as the rest of my class didn't turn up. Not a bad thing, except I did 100 squats and can't walk today. And.. Still no movement on the scales. This is all pretty down heartening so I looked into the 5:2 diet. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_AeNsGHjEGw/UjpjW3zgzpI/AAAAAAAAAHw/slkI5pQcasQ/s640/blogger-image--1983247990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_AeNsGHjEGw/UjpjW3zgzpI/AAAAAAAAAHw/slkI5pQcasQ/s640/blogger-image--1983247990.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I've downloaded one of the books on the subject (by Kate Harrison <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AFYX78I/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1379502929&sr=1-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL85">http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AFYX78I/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1379502929&sr=1-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL85</a>) and started reading. I don't think it's going to work for me at this point in time, but it's still am interesting read. I guess I'm stuck with calorie counting for now.<div>Which is pretty hard on my stay at home days. There is temptation everywhere and a small boy who loves to bake. This afternoon we're going to make burger buns because I can't bake yet more biscuits and cake and not eat them!</div><div>I haven't worked out how to get any cardio in today yet. Maybe I'll get out for a run this evening... If I have the energy after a day with a 3 year old.</div></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-11640093003794878672013-09-18T07:12:00.001+10:002013-09-18T07:15:37.487+10:00Harvesting the HeartI've borrowed Jodi Piccoult's book, Harvesting the Heart, from my local library via their ebook service. At some other point you may have to listen to me rave about this service, but not today. Today I'm struggling to read. The book is typical Jodi Piccoult - well researched and feels accurate as you see life from the characters' perspectives. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X3c0m8DIOwM/UjjGdHLVAxI/AAAAAAAAAHg/AJJdkCjHj7Q/s640/blogger-image--238585546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X3c0m8DIOwM/UjjGdHLVAxI/AAAAAAAAAHg/AJJdkCjHj7Q/s640/blogger-image--238585546.jpg"></a></div>Unfortunately it's about PND. I thought it would be interesting but I find I'm actually scared of the book. I almost daren't open it. Maybe I haven't come as far as I thought.<div><br></div><div>Yesterday I stuck to my calorie goal. That's two days in a row and nothing on the scales to show for it. Pretty depressing for a child of the instant gratification generation. Today is another exercise class and yet again that damn calorie goal. Come on, body. </div></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-49381498526305590822013-09-17T08:04:00.001+10:002013-09-17T08:04:14.852+10:00FitspirationFirstly, yesterday's recap - I did my exercise class and even volunteered to do running outside rather than bike inside. It was the first time all day it hasn't been raining and the serendipity was strong! I stayed under my calorie goal too, although I struggled. <div>Today I have spent some time hunting out an old photo for what some people call 'fitspiration'. Not 'skinnyspiration' or 'hotspiration', which is good because I'm neither of those even at my peak. But fit I can do.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5yuo5vEz5c4/UjeAWtP7BtI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/xYbUIp3CN-Q/s640/blogger-image-1416727894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5yuo5vEz5c4/UjeAWtP7BtI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/xYbUIp3CN-Q/s640/blogger-image-1416727894.jpg"></a></div>This is me (on the right) and a colleague before we set off to run a 5k. There are no after photos because Jen pushed me so hard that I ran my fastest ever 5k time despite walking for 1km. Around 24 minutes, in answer to your question.</div><div>One day I want to run again. It gave me great freedom to sort my mind out. So here's the plan - when I get through this round of exercise class I will start running 1 lunchtime a week.</div><div>Today I've already done 60 push ups so as long as I'm under my calorie goal again I'll count that a win!</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-6996720903375888762013-09-16T08:03:00.001+10:002013-09-16T08:03:29.687+10:00Fitter, Happier, HealthierAfter my battle with depression was won, I realised that it was just one battle in an ongoing war. I am off the anti depressants, and I feel better than I have done in years. However, I keep focused on making things better because if I don't, I feel them getting worse again. I guess after time I will either get so good at this that I won't notice I'm doing it, or I won't need to do it. Until then, I'm working on it!<div>The one thing that frustrates me at the moment is my inability to shake the weight I put on in my down days. Somehow there's nothing quite like chocolate cake to get you through the day! But enough is enough and this is the first of my 'accountability' posts. I solemnly swear that I am up to some good and that I'll tell you all about it.</div><div>Today is the first day of mission weight drop.</div><div>The plan is to do something every day. Gym class, walking, tabata... And when it's not exercise I'm going to be low cal. Not quite the rigour of 5:2 but a little something to kick start my metabolism.</div><div>So today I'm going to my gym class for the first time in 2 weeks after a virus laid me out. I expect it to hurt. That's good, right?</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-72507886837678728242013-07-22T20:08:00.002+10:002013-07-22T20:08:49.783+10:00Three TodayI missed Eamonn's second birthday on this blog, and I feel like I let him and myself down. At the time I was incredibly worried about a family member, and had booked flights back to the UK for Eamonn and I when he was 2 + 1 day. For the record, he was a star on that trip. He slept for 10 hours on the first leg and was a little angel the rest of the time.<br />
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So now, here we are, as he turns 3. As I said in my last post, I've battled through the depression. In the last year I have admitted I needed anti-depressants, taken them, felt better, and, within the last few weeks, come off them. I feel much better and I credit both counselling and coaching with that. (If anyone needs coaching then I can't recommend Dean at <a href="http://melbournecorporatehealth.com.au/" target="_blank">Melbourne Corporate Health</a> highly enough).<br />
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Eamonn has grown and changed. It hardly seems possible that only a year ago I was concerned that he was a little behind in developing his language. A trip to the UK and time with his cousins changed that and now he doesn't stop talking. We have far fewer problems because of that - he can communicate what he wants and needs pretty easily. However, we do have the terrible threes. Eamonn is a very determined child and knows his own mind. Where that disagrees with mine, we hit problems. We're both very stubborn people and don't like to back down. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember that I'm the grown up here!<br />
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However, he's also grown into a very caring child. Eamonn desperately wants a little brother or sister, and has taken to wrapping his teddy like a baby, rocking it and singing to it, and he always goes and checks it's okay before leaving the room. He struggles, like all 3 year olds, with sharing, but he understands the concept and when he chooses to share it is one of the cutest things I have seen. He loves to cuddle and kiss, and long may that last. He has close friends who he is excited to see, and runs up and hugs them. They don't always play perfectly together, but they're pretty good!<br />
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Eamonn loves to sing and accompany himself on the guitar, or to dance along to the stereo, me singing, or hymns in the church! He loves to bake and cook. "Big kicks like James" are a huge thing, and it's a real effort to remind him to do them outside. I'm not sure whether he is heading for Union, Aussie Rules or Soccer, but I can't see him reaching adulthood without playing at least one of them reasonably well.<br />
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So I'll leave you with this, from Penelope Leach; Your Baby and Child (1977). It is very true of Eamonn and something I live with every day. Sticker charts cannot change the fact that he is 3, not 13 or 33, thank goodness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Your toddler will be "good" if he feels like doing what you happen to want him to do </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>and does not happen to feel like doing anything you would dislike.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-42674662641812276642013-01-01T21:36:00.001+11:002013-01-01T21:36:37.732+11:00New Year 2013This new year has felt like the end of a very very long year indeed. There have been high points, but it has been a long road to December 31st this year. In the first few months I finally accepted that I have been suffering from Post Natal Depression. I won't talk in detail about this - it's too difficult for me to fully communicate in writing how hard it was and how much of a relief some of the recovery has been. I asked my GP for help and received it. I went to counseling and was feeling better, but after a few bad days I accepted that I would at least try anti-depressants. I cannot recommend these drugs highly enough! They have made me feel normal for the first time in a long time.<br />
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Because of the stigma associated with the drugs, in my mind taking them was admitting defeat, saying I couldn't beat this on my own. Of course I couldn't. I'd asked for help and why was I denying myself what was on offer? If I'd gone to the doctor and they had prescribed antibiotics I wouldn't have questioned it, so why was I questioning the anti-depressants. Mental health has a huge stigma associated with it, even in these so-called enlightened times and I let myself be sucked in by that. Therefore I talk about this when I can, because only by talking openly about what is happening can that stigma be removed. It's been amazing how many other people I know have been on, or are on, anti-depressants, and only talk about it when I say something.<br />
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So although my year has been long, I've learnt a lot, and I've made it to the end in much better shape than I started it in. I've had a wonderful trip back to the UK and was lucky to be at a beautiful wedding where Eamonn was catered for as well as any of the adults and the venue was perfect. I spent some time with my elderly grandparents, and some time with Eamonn's not elderly grandparents, and of course his aunties, uncles and cousins. I've watched my toddler become a little boy as his language has improved exponentially since August and his ability to think things through has grown. Although we have some epic tantrums, more often the days are full of trains and planes and automobile spotting, running through the house or the park, finding out about the world and last, but not least, numerous visits to the zoo to see giraffes, zebras, butterflies and tigers.<br />
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I can't help but feel that next year will be very different. There will certainly be a new job for Pete, and who knows what else will change. Eamonn will grow, and I will continue to be astounded by how fast that happens. I have realised that new years resolutions are pointless, but my goals by the end of next year are:<br />
<br />
- to be fitter and thinner than I am now<br />
- to stop taking anti-depressants<br />
- for both of us to be happy in whatever work we choose to do<br />
<br />
In the end, what I have learnt this year is that I love my little family how it is, and that we are resilient enough to cope with anything life throws at us, whatever and whenever it arrives.<br />
<br />
I hope you all have a wonderful 2013, and maybe at some point I'll come back and visit this blog again!<br />
thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-22347813837738014692011-08-04T21:39:00.005+10:002011-08-04T21:53:14.654+10:00What A Difference A Week MakesA week ago today I was freaking out at the thought of Pete being away for a week. Eamonn wasn't sleeping (in fact was screaming for hours on end over night) and I was exhausted. I've never been without family for more than 24 hours since Eamonn was born. More to the point, when Eamonn and I went to the UK without Pete, Eamonn woke up every hour overnight for the two weeks until Pete arrived. To say I was a little apprehensive about his sleep patterns changing would be a bit of an understatement.
<br><br>
What a difference a week makes. We sorted the problem with the sleeping (too much cows milk) and I've had a nice relaxed week. The mornings are easier as I don't have to worry about whether or not to bring Eamonn into bed with us at 5:30 or whether to battle him to sleep in his cot. Getting out of the house on time is easier, as Pete is NOT a morning person!! I've taken time out and enjoyed the sunshine, and made sure that Eamonn didn't miss his Daddy too much.
<br><br>
Don't get me wrong, we've both missed Pete and it'll be great to have him back, but this week has made me realise that I can cope on my own, and it's not all going to overwhelm me. Which is good, because I'm sure there will be a next time!
<br><br>
I'll leave you with this poem, by the famous poet "anonymous". I've seen it a lot in the last year, but it has captured my two SAHM days this week perfectly.
<br><br>
<span style="font-weight:bold;">I Took His Hand And Followed</span>
<br><br>
My dishes went unwashed today<br>
I didnt make my bed<br>
I took his hand and followed<br>
Where his eager footsteps led.<br>
<br><br>
Oh yes, we went adventuring<br>
My little child and I<br>
Exploring all the great outdoors<br>
Beneath the sun and sky.<br>
<br><br>
We watched a robin feed her young<br>
We climbed a sunlit hill<br>
Saw cloud sheep scamper through the sky<br>
We plucked a daffodil.<br>
<br><br>
That my house was so neglected<br>
That I didnt brush the stairs<br>
In twenty years no one on earth<br>
Will even know or care.<br>
<br><br>
But that i've helped my little child<br>
To noble adulthood grow<br>
In twenty years the whole world<br>
May look and see and know.<br>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-56045367695205016622011-07-24T17:11:00.003+10:002011-07-24T17:24:16.330+10:00One Year DownEamonn turned one this week. I always knew that this would be emotional, but I didn't realise the depth and variety of emotions that it would stir up in me. I have written a lot about Eamonn in various forms this year - on Facebook and Twitter mostly, and often pleas for him to go to sleep. I think I owe him better than that, so this blog entry is for you, gorgeous boy.<div>
</div><div>
</div><div>A year ago I had no idea what was coming up. I held a tiny baby in my arms and stared in wonder at you. I was astounded at how easily you understood breastfeeding when I had no clue. I loved to watch you sleep. I still do. I hated to hear you scream. I still do.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>You always liked to see what was going on - being held upright you would push back and lift your head up to have a look around right from the start. You wanted to lift your head up, then you wanted to wriggle around, then crawl, and now you really don't like even to sit down. You love to hold on to something and stand and look, or even better have me hold you up high so you can see what I can see. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>You've always been determined. At first you were determined not to sleep so you could be part of everything, but with the help of the fabulous nurses at sleep school you've learnt that if you sleep you can see more when you're awake. You were determined that you weren't drinking from a bottle, but now you love them. Now I watch you determinedly working out how to get out of a door, or up the stairs, or into a cupboard, or any number of other places you shouldn't be. I love that you want to explore and nothing will stop you. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>We've had highs and lows. Lows so low I didn't think I'd come back, but the highs have been so high I thought I was flying. Every second has been worth it in the end and I wouldn't change you for the world. We've grown into a family together. This year has been unexpected, amazing, sad, frustrating, wonderful, beautiful and at the end of it I can look back with a clear mind and say I would do it all again for you. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>It wouldn't be fair to end this without mentioning Pete, who has kept me sane and held my hand through all of this year. Thanks Pete. I love you.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>And Eamonn, thanks for this year. Let's make next year less extreme but just as good! I love you, baby boy. </div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-89032396753566017752011-04-19T21:02:00.002+10:002011-04-19T21:09:14.770+10:00Bad Customer Service<span class="Apple-style-span" >I recently ordered some nappy covers online as Eamonn has grown out of his. I received a single woollen nappy cover, instead of two PUL ones. I emailed the company asking them to let me know how to return the wrong order, and to please send the right one. This is the email I received in return:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >-----
</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Good morning Kristy,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >We would firstly like to apologise for the wrong order been posted out to you. We actually had two K Johns purchase in the garage sale and it seems that stickers had been put on the wrong parcels.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >We are working on changing our current procedures so that this does not occur again. If you could post back to us the items that you did get as soon as possible and upon receiving these we will post you out your correct items.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Again we are extremely sorry for the inconvenience.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Kind Regards,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Tahnay Fleming</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Internet Administration Team</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); ">-----</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Can you spot the problems?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >First up, my name is KIRSTY, not KRISTY. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Secondly, I'm not paying to post your mistake back to you.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Thirdly, just send me the right stuff, it's your fault you screwed up.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >So I'm waiting on a response to my request for a pre-paid envelope. I won't pay to post it back. And I won't be using that company again.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); ">
</span></p></span></div></div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-87909772431558905242011-04-07T13:39:00.002+10:002011-04-07T14:19:03.579+10:00AGL - Dodgy DodgyI've just been door knocked by a representative of AGL, an energy supplier here in Australia. Apparently there have been "complaints of over charging in this area", so can he see my electricity and gas bills. I checked his ID, yes, he works for AGL.<div>
</div><div>Now this is spectacularly bad timing as I'd just started changing the baby's nappy, and I happen to know there's a gas bill on the stairs so off I go to get it. I come back and point out that our electricity supply is actually with Origin, not AGL. He says yes, he wants to check if they're on-charging the right amount. I'm skeptical... Our bill says 21c/unit, he says it should only be 18c and had I heard they're installing smart meters along here. Yes, I had heard that, but what has this to do with it? Well, apparently when the new meter is installed we will get our gas directly from AGL not from a supplier. Quote:</div><div>"Your next bill will be 19c/unit, so 20% cheaper."</div><div>
</div><div>Really? At this point I am so bothered by the whole thing I ask if AGL can please send me some info in the post that I can read when the baby <i>isn't</i> naked upstairs. He says no, that's not possible. I say in that case I am not doing anything, I will maintain the status quo. He says, quote:</div><div>
</div><div>"Either now or afterwards, you won't get from a supplier, it will come from AGL direct." </div><div>
</div><div>I have to fill in the paperwork now. I say no thanks, and he asks if I want to pay 20% extra. I point out that I have my electricity with Origin for a number of reasons, not just price, and go inside and close the door.</div><div>
</div><div>It seems very dodgy and even if AGL are cheaper, they will not be getting my business. If they can confuse me (alright, baby brain is at a high at the moment) into nearly signing my supply over to them with those tactics, I wonder how many others actually fall for it.</div>thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-25288450108722858482010-04-28T06:18:00.002+10:002010-04-28T06:20:57.342+10:00Letter to a Non-Pregnant PersonVia the email rounds... <br />
<br />
Dear Non-Pregnant Person, <br />
<br />
I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women, as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn’t mean me – then you should probably read this twice. <br />
<br />
1. The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is ‘Congratulations!’ with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you a jerk. <br />
<br />
2. Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father – not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase ‘my baby’.
<br /><br />
3. On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth, and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it…
<br /><br />
4. The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone’s stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix, or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.
<br /><br />
5. Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight…ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is ‘You look fabulous!’.
<br /><br />
6. By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don’t need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes. Nor do we need to know how badly you will feel for us because we will be pregnant during the summer and how glad you are that YOU will not be pregnant this coming summer.
<br /><br />
7. There is a reason that tickets to Labour & Delivery are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL, or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. You weren’t invited to be there when the baby was created, you probably won’t be invited to be there when it comes out either.
<br /><br />
8. Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital, and the parent’s home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to ‘help out’. If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.
<br /><br />
9. If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules, and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.
<br /><br />
10. The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.
<br /><br />
Sincerely, <br />
All the Pregnant Women in the Worldthribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-63874128120583358732009-01-20T21:50:00.002+11:002009-01-20T21:54:57.274+11:001000th PostIt seems appropriate that for my 1000th post I tell you where you can actually find updates re my life - after all, it's clearly not here.
First up has to be <a href="http://www.flickr.com/thribble">flickr</a>.
Followed by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/profile.php?id=712471810&ref=profile">facebook</a> for status updates. To be honest, I'd rather you all looked at twitter - it saves me logging on to facebook and the status updates copy across anyway.
So there you are. This may be my last blog post. I can't even remember html anymore. Go find me somewhere else.
Or even better, email me or call me on skype!!thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133181.post-17246977061379269372008-11-14T11:19:00.000+11:002008-11-14T11:30:30.628+11:00Twitter<p>Those of you not following my status updates on <a href="http://twitter.com/thribble">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=712471810&ref=profile">Facebook</a> may not know that I'm in LA. This is because said status updates seem to have supplanted blogging. They're way easier, for one, and I don't have to think too hard about what to say. However, there are times when they just fall short. Like today, when I've done so much stuff I can't fit them all in. So here goes.</p>
<p>Kirsty:
<blockquote>
- has rented a convertible chrysler sebring<br>
- has had lunch on the beach - yes, as sandwich!<br>
- resisted the temptation of the "Aussie Special" - meat pie and any side.<br>
- listened to "The World's Greatest Wino" sing "jingle bells, jingle bells, give me some money so I can get drunk".<br>
- avoided buying a CD of "happy Senegal music".<br>
- narrowly resisted buying a T-shirt saying "I need more cowbell".<br>
- had the best value $12 massage ever and now feels a lot less pain!<br>
- got her feet wet in the sea<br>
- drove on the right nearly all the time :O but remembered just in time on the exception!<br>
- bought Oreos, the world's best biscuit. Sorry, cookie.<br>
- discovered that her hotel charges for parking. Cheapskates.
</blockquote>
That's all for now, folks!thribblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11054132635335840764noreply@blogger.com1