Argh! I'm feeling low today.
It's actually been quite a nice week at work. It's been a slow start, and is likely to get very busy, but I really think I'm going to enjoy it.
One thing that triggered me though was the things they gave me when I started. I mentioned before they gave me a new MacBook, and iPod Touch (they've now also given me a cool flip camera and a thumb drive) to use while I'm working there. Very nice, because as you know I like to play with technological toys.
But I looked at the iPod Touch, and because I've already got an iPhone, I was thinking 'what am I going to do with this?'. Oliver's a little too young, so I don't want to put it into his hands. If Sam was here, I would have let him use it. I think that's what made me sad. he would have loved playing with it.
But all in all, it was a very nice week. Great people, interesting stuff to do, nice working environment, all that. I think I'm really going to like it.
But towards the end of the week, things have gone a little south. Anthony and I had a big fight on Friday night (I won't go into details yet, but it's not completely resolved), and then today I discovered that someone's taken $90 from my VISA account (which is a debit card, so it makes things tough). Bastards! And I can't do anything about it until tomorrow! Argh!
Oh well, things can only get better, can't they?
UPDATE: Anthony and I have had a long talk, and have made progress in sorting things out. Things are looking up!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Another test I didn't want to take
On Saturday, I got the fright of my life.
I came home from the markets to find Anthony unconscious in the backyard; face-down in the mud.
Despite prodding, poking and yelling at him, I couldn't get a response, so I called an ambulance.
In the meantime my lovely neighbour, who is a nurse, came over and was doing the 'talk to me, move a finger if you can hear me' sort of thing, and generally reassuring me.
My parents also turned up, and went about looking after Ollie.
By the time the ambulance had arrived (about 10 minutes later), and moved Anthony into it (with the help of another paramedic team - two bloody ambulances outside my house! - 30 minutes or so later), he was still unconscious.
He kind of came to in the ambulance, but couldn't remember anything. It was another hour or so in the emergency ward before he started making any sense at all, but he was still sleepy.
Finally, after 5 hours, a CT scan and a lots of worried calls and messages from our family, I was able to take him home with a pretty nasty concussion.
It turned out that he had banged his head pretty hard on the monkey bars we have out in the backyard (we have a pretty amazing playground out there).
So, he was OK. A bit of a headache, but OK. But I've gotta tell you, I was a little freaked! It brought up a lot of memories, and was an extra worry I didn't need. But I guess it wasn't his fault.
But I'll tell you this, I don't need any more of those kinds of tests thank you very much! That's it! I think I've proved my worth now. Looking forward to calm times ahead...
I came home from the markets to find Anthony unconscious in the backyard; face-down in the mud.
Despite prodding, poking and yelling at him, I couldn't get a response, so I called an ambulance.
In the meantime my lovely neighbour, who is a nurse, came over and was doing the 'talk to me, move a finger if you can hear me' sort of thing, and generally reassuring me.
My parents also turned up, and went about looking after Ollie.
By the time the ambulance had arrived (about 10 minutes later), and moved Anthony into it (with the help of another paramedic team - two bloody ambulances outside my house! - 30 minutes or so later), he was still unconscious.
He kind of came to in the ambulance, but couldn't remember anything. It was another hour or so in the emergency ward before he started making any sense at all, but he was still sleepy.
Finally, after 5 hours, a CT scan and a lots of worried calls and messages from our family, I was able to take him home with a pretty nasty concussion.
It turned out that he had banged his head pretty hard on the monkey bars we have out in the backyard (we have a pretty amazing playground out there).
So, he was OK. A bit of a headache, but OK. But I've gotta tell you, I was a little freaked! It brought up a lot of memories, and was an extra worry I didn't need. But I guess it wasn't his fault.
But I'll tell you this, I don't need any more of those kinds of tests thank you very much! That's it! I think I've proved my worth now. Looking forward to calm times ahead...
New beginnings
I started my new job today.
It was very different to what I'm used to, but I think I'm definitely going to like it.
For a start, it was very nice to be treated as an equal by experts in the field. Straight away my contribution was welcomed, which was a very nice way to join in.
It was also very quiet and peaceful, which is something I'm not used to either. Hopefully that aspect won't drive me crazy! (actually, it won't, because it looks like I'll spend a lot of time travelling around and working with people).
The pace is very different too. It's refreshing to be able to go to the toilet whenever I actually need to, or finish what I'm doing without having to go on class or on duty. I can see I'm going to enjoy it!
They presented me with a MacBook Pro and an iPod touch to play with while I'm working there, which is kinda nice! I've just bought a lovely new iMac, and was going to give my old laptop to the boys to play with; so this will make it easier to relinquish the laptop!
All in all, I think it's a good decision. I'll keep you posted.
It was very different to what I'm used to, but I think I'm definitely going to like it.
For a start, it was very nice to be treated as an equal by experts in the field. Straight away my contribution was welcomed, which was a very nice way to join in.
It was also very quiet and peaceful, which is something I'm not used to either. Hopefully that aspect won't drive me crazy! (actually, it won't, because it looks like I'll spend a lot of time travelling around and working with people).
The pace is very different too. It's refreshing to be able to go to the toilet whenever I actually need to, or finish what I'm doing without having to go on class or on duty. I can see I'm going to enjoy it!
They presented me with a MacBook Pro and an iPod touch to play with while I'm working there, which is kinda nice! I've just bought a lovely new iMac, and was going to give my old laptop to the boys to play with; so this will make it easier to relinquish the laptop!
All in all, I think it's a good decision. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Feeling the Love
OK, so I'm loved.
It's still a little hard to comprehend, but it appears to be true.
My last day at school was quite lovely. Hectic, but lovely nonetheless. I had many kids give me cards, flowers, chocolates, wine and other pressies...and then of course there were the staff.
I got a lovely send off from the staff, with my (ex) boss offering some very kind and ego-boosting words (that I bring fun into the workplace, that I'm a 'glass half-full' person, that I take on lots of different challenges and manage to do them well).
All in all, it was a nice way to leave the place that I have worked for the last 3 and 3/4 years.
Mind you, I saw many of them again tonight, at a staff dinner that had been planned for a while.
We went out for some drinks and then a lovely Thai dinner, followed by more drinks and dancing at a pub. A great night of good conversation, great food, dancing, and a few more people telling me how 'awesome' I am.
I tell you, if this keeps up, I'm going to have a hugely swelled head! But as I said in the last post, it is nice to know people think so highly of me. It's hard to take, but it's definitely nice to know.
While I'm on the subject of awesome people, there were other events that made yesterday a very emotional day.
In the evening, Samuel's school had a tree planting and memorial dedication. His close friends had been planning it for a while, and they did such a great job.
We got there about 5:30, and the boys and Anthony and Oliver (I was taking photos which are currently trapped on my camera!) planted three lemon trees in pots that were donated by Bunnings. The boys then read out some lovely words they had written, with some great memories of their time with Sam.
After that, we went inside to the corridor adjacent to the courtyard garden where the trees are being kept. They have mounted a plaque there dedicated to Sam, with his photo and the words:
It's still a little hard to comprehend, but it appears to be true.
My last day at school was quite lovely. Hectic, but lovely nonetheless. I had many kids give me cards, flowers, chocolates, wine and other pressies...and then of course there were the staff.
I got a lovely send off from the staff, with my (ex) boss offering some very kind and ego-boosting words (that I bring fun into the workplace, that I'm a 'glass half-full' person, that I take on lots of different challenges and manage to do them well).
All in all, it was a nice way to leave the place that I have worked for the last 3 and 3/4 years.
Mind you, I saw many of them again tonight, at a staff dinner that had been planned for a while.
We went out for some drinks and then a lovely Thai dinner, followed by more drinks and dancing at a pub. A great night of good conversation, great food, dancing, and a few more people telling me how 'awesome' I am.
I tell you, if this keeps up, I'm going to have a hugely swelled head! But as I said in the last post, it is nice to know people think so highly of me. It's hard to take, but it's definitely nice to know.
While I'm on the subject of awesome people, there were other events that made yesterday a very emotional day.
In the evening, Samuel's school had a tree planting and memorial dedication. His close friends had been planning it for a while, and they did such a great job.
We got there about 5:30, and the boys and Anthony and Oliver (I was taking photos which are currently trapped on my camera!) planted three lemon trees in pots that were donated by Bunnings. The boys then read out some lovely words they had written, with some great memories of their time with Sam.
After that, we went inside to the corridor adjacent to the courtyard garden where the trees are being kept. They have mounted a plaque there dedicated to Sam, with his photo and the words:
Sam McLauchlan
Memorial Garden
1996-2009
You lived well, laughed often
and loved much.
Forever in our hearts
The class of 2011
Memorial Garden
1996-2009
You lived well, laughed often
and loved much.
Forever in our hearts
The class of 2011
It's very lovely (I'll post a picture if I can ever rescue the photos off my camera - or if I take another one).
After that, we stayed for a concert the students were putting on. The first item was a song written and performed by Samuel's close friends Harry, Nick and Dave. These are the lyrics (with permission from Harry - thanks):
After that, we stayed for a concert the students were putting on. The first item was a song written and performed by Samuel's close friends Harry, Nick and Dave. These are the lyrics (with permission from Harry - thanks):
Harry:
You and I. We are worlds apart.
Things are different now, and I don't know, where you are.
I got caught up. I was livin' my own life.
Then I heard. That you left me, and when I turn around,
And your gone.
Farewell my friend. I wish you well my friend.
With all your travelling. And just how, you'll get through.
All:
We had some good times. Well that was another time.
The world keeps on spinnin' 'round. Oh and I'll remember you.
David:
Once I heard, that you were gone.
I didn't believe, but i was wrong.
Life right now, won't be the same.
Untill we meet, We'll all be in pain.
Farewell my friend. To the end my friend.
To the end. I will see you again.
Chorus
Harry and David speaking:
We laughed, we cried, we said goodbye.
But someone gave you, a license to fly.
I did not think, you'd be gone so long.
But it's 7 months and I'm still wrong.
Farewell my freind, we will meet again.
Farewell my friend, we will meet again.
Chorus
Riff
Chorus
Fade out riff.
"I changed it a bit to make it sound better. And in the last verse I'm gonna change the months every month."
You and I. We are worlds apart.
Things are different now, and I don't know, where you are.
I got caught up. I was livin' my own life.
Then I heard. That you left me, and when I turn around,
And your gone.
Farewell my friend. I wish you well my friend.
With all your travelling. And just how, you'll get through.
All:
We had some good times. Well that was another time.
The world keeps on spinnin' 'round. Oh and I'll remember you.
David:
Once I heard, that you were gone.
I didn't believe, but i was wrong.
Life right now, won't be the same.
Untill we meet, We'll all be in pain.
Farewell my friend. To the end my friend.
To the end. I will see you again.
Chorus
Harry and David speaking:
We laughed, we cried, we said goodbye.
But someone gave you, a license to fly.
I did not think, you'd be gone so long.
But it's 7 months and I'm still wrong.
Farewell my freind, we will meet again.
Farewell my friend, we will meet again.
Chorus
Riff
Chorus
Fade out riff.
"I changed it a bit to make it sound better. And in the last verse I'm gonna change the months every month."
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Another journey is about to begin...
On Monday I start my new job. I'm very excited about it (and a bit nervous), but also sad about leaving the school I've worked at for the past 4 years.
It's different when I am running an assembly or speaking to the school community though. I'm quite confident then, and take great pleasure in hamming it up. The kids generally love it too. But when it comes to receiving compliments etc, I find it quite tricky. I like it, but I get a bit awkward about receiving and responding to so much positive communication!
There's something nice about this 'outpouring'. It's a real ego boost and I really think it is going to help me in this self-improvement journey that I'm on.
Which is going pretty well, by the way. Since I started this health kick 9 weeks ago, I've lost almost 10 kilos, but it's more than that. On the health front, my skin and my hair feels great, I've got more energy, I am not having cravings for junky stuff. I'm actually enjoying exercise again, and feel sad when I can't get to my Zumba class!
I'm changing some of my other probably unhealthy habits too. I've been taking more care of my skin and hands, getting more sleep, keeping things a bit more organised and tidy, and doing more stuff just for me. This new job is going to take me in a new direction and I'm happy about that too. I'm even starting to get back a little of my creativity - the photos and (hopefully) the blog.
Sometimes I worry that I might be changing too much, especially for the people around me (that really seem to be standing still sometimes), and I guess that's something I'll have to tackle, but at the moment it's not a huge problem.
So tomorrow's my last day at school. I've got a feeling that it's going to be a nice day, surrounded by some really great people. I'll let you know how it goes.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Snow Day
On Sunday Anthony, Oliver and I went to Mount Selwyn for a snow day. It was a really lovely day - beautiful weather, nice easy drive up and back, and a fun day spent riding toboggans. 
We hired 2 toboggans, and had lots of fun racing each other, taking turns to ride with Oliver, and finding ways to go faster and faster. I don't think any of us have laughed so much all year.
Oliver and Anthony also went on the tube ride, where you sit on a big tire tube and hurtle down a very fast slope (I didn't have a go because Ollie was having so much fun!)
I wish we had more days like this.
More soon. I promise.
I wish we had more days like this.More soon. I promise.
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