Falling off the wagon and hauling my arse back on again.......

So confession time.  My grand plan of not drinking for the entire month of January dissolved in a torrent of "are we there yets?; I'm feeling sick; I'm BUSTING" en route to our camping holiday.  By the time we had the tent up, the Farmer was choking in my dust as I lead footed to the nearest bottle store for beer and wine.  And may I add that both the beer and wine, never tasted so good.

The camping holiday was awesome (after the first 6 hours of nerve-racking-annoying-whining from my precious children) and we all came back feeling refreshed and with stories of sand castles, boogie boarding antics and fleeting sightings of dolphins.

The Farmer and I made an executive decision that even though we weren't  away we were "still on holiday".....so the wine and beer was enjoyed .....and drunk with gusto.......but after falling off the wagon (with a THUD) it's now time to climb back on again.

New rules. No week day boozing.  Friday and Saturdays only.  For at least the duration of February.

I'm sure we'll survive this time.  We both have a list of things we need to do so even though we haven't got TV we have limited our "box" time (DVDs from Fatso are a wonderful thing) to one night a week.  I'm thinking by this time next month I'll be so gosh darn organised I'll be unbearable to live with.

My halo has been restored and is gleaming with pride.  I just hope temptation stays FAR AWAY, my rubber arm is my weakest link!

10 reasons why Johnny Depp and I would never work

It's been playing on my mind a bit recently with that Johnny Depp and I just aren't suited - so in logical fashion I thought I'd make a list to work it out.....


1. Obviously the main issue would be that ....... well he's older than me.......really at my age I'm just a spring chicken, not saying he's "old" but the gap perhaps is just too wide?  Crap does that rule out Keanu Reeves as well?!

2. We both like wine

2. We are both SO exceptionally good looking the paparazzi would hound us for photos all the time

3. There would be huge pressure to have a brood of good looking children

4. I like travel, he travels alot.....

4. He earns more than me, I don't know if I could manage being a kept woman.....

5. He's the person I'd most like to meet on my bucket list.......implying that I'm about to kick the bucket which I'm not......perhaps I could remove him from my bucket list and live happily ever after?!

6. My friends would probably be jealous.....

6. I'd have to make new friends

7. His wardrobe is probably far more extensive than mine

8. I don't know if he has any good room on his fantastic skin to "ink" left for me.......

9. He has is own island, which is somewhere hot and sunny and I'm really worried about my fair skin.....(doh I could wear sunblock.....)

9. He smokes

10. I'm married?!! (although the Farmer and I have always maintained that our out clause is Johnny Depp for me and Penelope Cruz for him........Ha liked he'd have a chance with her!!!)


So you see, it mightn't work out, but hey I'm an optimist and I think that in all fairness to Johnny (God I would hate to break his heart....) I'll try to make it work.......that just the kinda girl I am.

What is creativity?

I wonder sometimes about being creative and what that means.    

I like to let the kids be "creative" and I guess that means with their drawing, art and creating.  They both have scrap books (not like albums just the old fashion sort) and I leave them to it.  I'm not one of those mothers who insist their books are to be precise and tidy, they are theirs to do with as they please, and hopefully look back and think I did this.

I have some remarkable creative friends.  One is a WOW (World of Wearable Arts) winner.  She has a mind that thinks so far out of the the box it's unreal.  Another is a superb painter.  She has a talent for a number of things but her paintings blow me away.  The Crafter, well she can turn her hand at anything!  She has the patience of saint for all things fiddly and beautiful.

The reason I am thinking about what creativity is all about is I've heard it used such a lot when it comes to food, photos, writing and well just generally.  It's one of those words that can mean so many things but what strikes me is the amount of people who say they are not creative. 

Surely everyone has a bit of creativity.  Obviously there are lots of different levels and for those of you baulking at the idea and thinking you don't have any - in my humble opinion, your wrong. 

Can you appreciate a beautiful photo? Admire a work of art even if it's not your cup of tea? Enjoy the meal that you've just had....perhaps not the type of thing you'd cook....so in trying something new, you've appreciated someone else's creativity.

We can't all be painters, poets, songwriters and musicians.  But we can recognize the value of their work.  And this in turn makes us creative.

This is my challenge to you, the next time someone says how creative you are, absorb the compliment and say Thank You.  The next time you appreciate something, it may be as simple at beautiful sunset, acknowledge the fact you've just seen the creative beauty of the changing world we live in and it makes you creative too.  It feels good, it makes you humble and that can't be a bad thing.

Getting my groove back!

Thank goodness for holidays! 

It's my first day at home since, well at least this week and it's just lovely!

Okay so the washing has been hung out, kitchen tidied and I'm about to start packing for camping but seeing as it's just me and Miss Four today we are going to do some scrapbooking together.  Love it!

I've got lots of scrapbooking to catch up on and with the new camera lots of photos that I want to scrap so bring on the creative groove!

I've feel the most relaxed I've been in ages!  And it's so nice to be back to myself.....

Lesson for the year....I'm important too!  A break is the best medicine ever!

So no fantastic resolutions about weight loss, lists of things I MUST do or people I MUST see  Just take the time to be good to me which in turn will be good for my family and will flow on to all other parts of my life.

Oh yeah.....my groove is totally back.  Look out 2012!

(and looks like Johnny Depps relationship is on the rocks so basically I 'm in.......wicked!)

Thank Goodness for friends!

It's a miserable day here....wet, gray, windy but my friend (who shall be called 'The Crafter' from now on as she is just so gosh darn clever with all things crafty!!).....has lit up my day with her sunshiny personality!

The Crafter and I spent a lovely morning having High Tea at Port O Call in Napier.....china tea cups, mini sandwiches, Earl Grey Tea, chatting and laughter!  My mood went from crappy to chipper within a few hours.

The value of friends cannot be measured by any normal means.  In fact they are the biggest asset in your life and I am blessed with many fine friends.

Thank you to The Crafter and to the rest of my friends, who I value so dearly xx

Sucking Lemons?

You know that feeling......the sucky one, where you are holding on for the other person to "man up" but have realised if you want to move forward that it's got to be you...........well, that's the feeling I have right now.  And it's a little disappointing.

Especially when, given the bigger picture, they have been missing out on something special and things may never be the same.....insert large sigh here.

I think I will always be destined to be the one to suck it up.  And maybe in doing so, I am the better person.  However if that's the case why do I feel so pippy about it?!

Whats news for 2012.....

I've been contemplating 2012 for almost a week now.

No thundering flashes of lighting with premonitions from the sky, no winning lotto ticket and no booze!

Okay step back for a minute.....let me fill you in. 

I've been working in childcare for almost 2 years now and this year I am contemplating stopping work to study full time for 3 years to be an early childhood teacher.  Commitment, mega commitment.  I've been hoping that I would get a thunderbolt premonition to say - Yes, do it, it's your calling....or some such nonsense, but 6 days in and nothing. Feck.

As to the lotto ticket, well with winning from Christmas scratchies we went all out with a Triple Dip Lotto ticket.  The money was as good as spent.  Alas, nothing.  Oh wait I tell a lie, a bonus line on strike next week....hold the phones people.

And Booze?  No booze?  If you've read my blog at all you'll understand what an important part of my life is......a cold beer, big fat oaky chardy or stiff rum/gin/pimms can be for me.  However, all the extra appears to have relocated to my waistline (I reckon I'm carrying a keg there at the moment) so drastic measures have been taken.  Both the Farmer and myself are booze free for the month of January.  And so far, no worries.  No issue when it comes to who is driving, money in the bank and lots more jobs done....ie no blobbing on the couch vessel in hand.

So I guess OVERALL, not a bad start.....there is time for the winning lotto ticket, time to think about career pathways and certainly 11 more months for drinking......you never know I might stop all together...............nah, I don't think so!

T'was the night before Christmas.........

......and all through the house,
was the air of excitement & thankfully no bloody mouse!

The children are in bed, too excited to sleep
while I need the broom to give the floor a quick sweep.

For Santa there is some fruit balls and beer
while the lawn holds 6 carrots all ready for the deer.

The stockings, still empty, have been the focus for much of the day
and if they be filled with lots of things for play.

Both parents are tired, from the night before
and Mummy just about smothered the Farmers annoying snore.

The house is ready, food mostly prepared,
wine in the fridge and more in the shed.

Presents all wrapped all under the tree,
Camera all set to capture the glee.

"I think we are ready" Mummy confidently said
And with that she headed off to bed.


Thank you for reading my blog this year - it's been a good way for me to journal the ups, downs and sideways of Life.  I have had people read from all over the world and want to wish you all a safe, Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2012.

With love
Jane

3 more sleeps!

The excitement is building..... How will they last the distance?!? 

The magic of Christmas is alive and well within the realms of my home!  Cards made for Santa....Christmas music blarring....checking we have enough carrots for ALL the reindeer........

However, I'm still a bit upset at the kids for asking, 'is there another present?' while at a friends house swapping Christmas gifts. 

** Insert exasperated sigh **

I have two very lucky children who perhaps (even after serious amounts of 'schooling' from me) are failing to grasp that most people get just one gift, and are incredibly grateful.

Perhaps next year when they are likely to get just one larger item instead of 10 small things they will get it.  Perhaps.

Until then I will encourage they to be the ones to pass out homemade things, biscuts and the like to others and hopefully remember the lovely feeling they get from doing so.

Well it's worth a try!

The Meaning of Christmas

While sitting in PJ's I'm reflecting on what the meaning of Christmas to me....... meanwhile the kids are gluing, cutting and creating Christmas masterpieces.  There is glitter gracing my floor and I will use that as a festive excuse not to vacuum...cos it looks so gosh darn pretty!!

I've been drumming into the kids that Christmas is all about the giving.  The thoughts for other.  And that doesn't always mean a present.  Certainly they both have taken it on board and Master 6 3/4 has been wonderful in saying what can I do to help, all the time, which is great but sometimes the gift of silence perhaps would be better !!  (Remind me I said that when I say he doesn't do anything!!)

How much do I believe my party line?  Quite a bit I would have to say.  However the gift of giving, of time, thought and love can be hard.  Sometimes, with (or for) some people, it's quite draining.  But that's when you need to choose to be the bigger person, and keep going.  So I guess if you mean what you say and live by it then you are not just embracing the meaning of Christmas but the making yourself that person all year around.

Oh yeah people, that totally sounds like my shit don't stink.....but I am finding that my halo does seem to be shining today!

As for this Christmas.....we are well ready.  I'm happy with all the work done, the preparations for my children because lets face it that's the most important thing, for me and the Farmer - that they get to embrace, enjoy and live it.

Happy Christmas!  6 more sleeps to go!