Minding Ziggy has become a wonderful experience as we establish our little routines. We visit the cafés after music for baby chino and he charms the staff by being so friendly. His "hullo lady " greeting or his wave gives everyone a smile. Life is so much fun when you are confident and outgoing. My twins were way more reserved and so this is such a different experience.
His mum has gone to Africa for the funeral of her grandfather so Ziggy needs a few more days of my time and he misses his Mum. He is still happy but a little more prone to needing cuddles. He is two also and starting to assert himself more!
I am trying to write the 24 lectures for the library degree but it is going much slower than I anticipated. I won't finish before I go to Hong Kong and Cambodia that is for sure.
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Getting sick is no fun
This week started so well with art and Ziggy. He loves the Mini Maestros program we attend. I have to make an elephant trunk for one of the songs. I made it from grey tights and it seems pretty good. He certainly loves swinging it like an elephant!
I didn't wash some Rebs properly and gave myself a fearful bout of diarrhoea. I thought I was going to pass out. It took about three days to recover. It was a good warning about how to get an ambulance crew into the building . I followed up with the building manager to find out what the protocol is in an emergency. My place is like Fort Knox to get into!
Anyway I was well enough to join the tour of the wholesale fruit and flower markets I had booked a couple if weeks earlier. I needed to be up by 5:30 am and when we arrived at 6:00 am it was starting to get quiet. Peak activity is at 3/4in the morning. Soon this market will move to the outer suburbs and be less accessible. The group went to breakfast at a new cafe up the road from our apartment complex that gas started up while I was overseas. Very nice and very busy. A little inner city chic.
Flowers from Asia and Sth Africa
I didn't wash some Rebs properly and gave myself a fearful bout of diarrhoea. I thought I was going to pass out. It took about three days to recover. It was a good warning about how to get an ambulance crew into the building . I followed up with the building manager to find out what the protocol is in an emergency. My place is like Fort Knox to get into!
Anyway I was well enough to join the tour of the wholesale fruit and flower markets I had booked a couple if weeks earlier. I needed to be up by 5:30 am and when we arrived at 6:00 am it was starting to get quiet. Peak activity is at 3/4in the morning. Soon this market will move to the outer suburbs and be less accessible. The group went to breakfast at a new cafe up the road from our apartment complex that gas started up while I was overseas. Very nice and very busy. A little inner city chic.
Flowers from Asia and Sth Africa
ChillisWednesday, 5 November 2014
This creative life is wonderful
I have replanted and rearranged my balcony garden. What a satisfying task. It took me two whole days to complete. Imagine me astride a four foot Yacca plant feet clamped to either side of the planter pulling and pushing to little avail with dirt falling all around. In the end I had to hack at the roots with my trusty trowel to dislodge this giant plant from the planter. You know how it feels? Halfway through the job you wish you hadn't started but you've gone too far to turn back? I reminded myself I walked a thousand kilometres and more this year one step at a time, one day at a time. I can finish. I did and then cleaned up, and got rid of the offending plant.
When you only have a balcony you can't leave a mess! Next day more mess as I planted up my vegetables and flowers. I am a happy little gardener and the lettuces are coming on really well. I will be picking leaves pretty soon.
I started a drawing class which I have found so exhilarating. I just love it. The class is unstructured but the teacher is very good at giving individual instruction. I have faced my fears and drawn a portrait for the first time. It was very challenging but I was thrilled with the result. This class is a great way to start a week. I walk out so happy and I can see my drawing improving every week.
When you only have a balcony you can't leave a mess! Next day more mess as I planted up my vegetables and flowers. I am a happy little gardener and the lettuces are coming on really well. I will be picking leaves pretty soon.
I started a drawing class which I have found so exhilarating. I just love it. The class is unstructured but the teacher is very good at giving individual instruction. I have faced my fears and drawn a portrait for the first time. It was very challenging but I was thrilled with the result. This class is a great way to start a week. I walk out so happy and I can see my drawing improving every week.
Week one of the new routine
Monday I started my drawing class. Confronted with a blank page I nearly fled. I remember that feeling from my first ever lesson and acknowledged the fear, then put it behind me. My first lines on the page were a bit average and then I just let go and focused on looking at the objects and trying to remember the things I learned last year. At the end of the two hour class I felt so happy! I had managed a pretty decent representation of the lemons and the horrible/difficult shell and leaves. I felt such a sense of exhilaration and exhaustion. That is a good way to start the week.
Tuesday I took Ziggy to Mini Maestros a kids music program. Our little extrovert loves music and was eager to participate even though it was his first time. He will end up playing an instrument for sure and he loves to dance. It was such fun though I am the Grandma amongst the mums.
Ziggy made me laugh when he waved to the sparrows and said hullo with such conviction I almost thought he might have seen Peter's spirit. When I walked the Camino Frances I often felt Peter ( my husband) was with me when little birds sang as I walked along. They always sang when I felt tired or a bit discouraged and never flew away until I passed them.
Life away from the Camino is so very busy. It is rich in relationships and activities which are interesting and fun. I miss being out doors though. Perhaps I can walk more in the parks around home.
Tuesday I took Ziggy to Mini Maestros a kids music program. Our little extrovert loves music and was eager to participate even though it was his first time. He will end up playing an instrument for sure and he loves to dance. It was such fun though I am the Grandma amongst the mums.
Ziggy made me laugh when he waved to the sparrows and said hullo with such conviction I almost thought he might have seen Peter's spirit. When I walked the Camino Frances I often felt Peter ( my husband) was with me when little birds sang as I walked along. They always sang when I felt tired or a bit discouraged and never flew away until I passed them.
Life away from the Camino is so very busy. It is rich in relationships and activities which are interesting and fun. I miss being out doors though. Perhaps I can walk more in the parks around home.
Monday, 6 October 2014
All my good intentions are flying out the door
It has been four weeks since I posted any news. Not having a regular schedule for writing is not good. I have to admit I am still in return and catch up phase but that came to an end when I returned from Queensland. Mum came down for Ziggy's second birthday which was a lot of fun and she had a few days helping me babysit as well so that was a bonus for her. It was touching to see Ziggy and my ninety year old Mum together.
He is a budding footballer and they were sharing the kicking of balls. The actual party was a stellar affair and Ziggy handed out cake to all without dropping any which I think is quite amazing for a two year old. He has hit the 'It's mine' phase so we are reminding him about sharing all the time. Then it was back to Queensland and catching up with cousins: Tracey who completed the Camino Frances while I was on the Via de la Plate, Jan who I travelled with in Croatia and Diane who is the ex travel agent and font of wisdom. This whirlwind visit left both Mum and I weary. I forget she is ninety and I think I finally started to come back to earth.
My return to Melbourne and a quiet week at last allowed me to post gifts to France, book the car for service, get my medical check ups sorted, complete my Tax return, finalise my Hong Kong Cambodia trip and travel insurance and finally, ATTACKED the DESK! It is a daunting job because I need to throw out stuff and dispose of the old computers.
Strangely I found an overwhelming desire to wash the filthy windows and outdoor furniture instead. Procrastination lurks everywhere even in virtuous tasks. The windows look amazing and the desk is clear. The lounge room is cluttered with detritus from the desk but I can't stand it so it will go quickly.
What I faced this week was no social engagements and I was a bit lost. I needed to get to this though, because I need to find the balance between fun and repose. It was peaceful and I reminded myself I want quiet time too.
How to spend my time is interesting because work takes up so much of it. I am aghast at what I managed to fit in before and know I was semi manic. I love the calm I feel these days and just keep reminding myself I will get to everything on my list in good time. I wanted to take up drawing again and I need to get started on the writing of the library units. They are a priority now.
He is a budding footballer and they were sharing the kicking of balls. The actual party was a stellar affair and Ziggy handed out cake to all without dropping any which I think is quite amazing for a two year old. He has hit the 'It's mine' phase so we are reminding him about sharing all the time. Then it was back to Queensland and catching up with cousins: Tracey who completed the Camino Frances while I was on the Via de la Plate, Jan who I travelled with in Croatia and Diane who is the ex travel agent and font of wisdom. This whirlwind visit left both Mum and I weary. I forget she is ninety and I think I finally started to come back to earth.
My return to Melbourne and a quiet week at last allowed me to post gifts to France, book the car for service, get my medical check ups sorted, complete my Tax return, finalise my Hong Kong Cambodia trip and travel insurance and finally, ATTACKED the DESK! It is a daunting job because I need to throw out stuff and dispose of the old computers.
Strangely I found an overwhelming desire to wash the filthy windows and outdoor furniture instead. Procrastination lurks everywhere even in virtuous tasks. The windows look amazing and the desk is clear. The lounge room is cluttered with detritus from the desk but I can't stand it so it will go quickly.
What I faced this week was no social engagements and I was a bit lost. I needed to get to this though, because I need to find the balance between fun and repose. It was peaceful and I reminded myself I want quiet time too.
How to spend my time is interesting because work takes up so much of it. I am aghast at what I managed to fit in before and know I was semi manic. I love the calm I feel these days and just keep reminding myself I will get to everything on my list in good time. I wanted to take up drawing again and I need to get started on the writing of the library units. They are a priority now.
Monday, 15 September 2014
Third week back- how did I fit in work?
This week was a monster socially busy time. I haven't found a regular time for writing the blog so the week seems to whizz by and I am losing track of my thoughts and feelings about my new status. The two regular activities so far are minding Ziggy on Tuesdays and going to the gym in the mornings.
I have been challenged by the news of my cousin who has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. It has devastated us all. He is such a gentle, kind and honourable person that the thought of losing him is too sad. What is even more scary is he was so well before the diagnosis.
A reminder to treat everyday as special and to be grateful for what each day offers.
I caught up with a friend who is moving homes and we walked from her current place to the flat she is selling, then to the new place she has bought and back to where we started. We talked so much I barely registered where we went direction wise. We walked briskly so I had a good workout even with lunch along the way. I felt so good afterwards and we had walked 16.1 kms. When I heard that, I felt virtuous as well! No guilt over the brownie for afternoon tea. My body was loving the mini Camino.
I collected a pile of books on Libraries and the industry to research for the units I am writing for work. I need to get started on that task if it is to be finished by November.
I finally stopped umming and arhhing about mum coming down from Queensland for Ziggy's birthday and my returning to Queensland for a few days with her, and also the trip to HongKong and Cambodia. After my cousin's sudden diagnosis I decided life is too short and it will be a great opportunity to spend time with the extended family.
Friday morning I went to see Boyhood, the movie with a group of girlfriends. Several of us had sons so we related so well to the character and had such stimulating discussion about the movie and its themes that I almost ran out of time to make a salad for dinner with friends that night. My friends who live near and were also going to dinner offered to take me which was so thoughtful. During the evening one took ill and left early so I took a taxi home. Later I discovered she had been so ill they went to the emergency at the hospital and was diagnosed with a lung infection! She was sent home with antibiotics, but what a fright.
I was out again with friends on Saturday night celebrating my return with a fabulous dinner to which
we all contributed two delicious salads and discovered my host likes whisky. He has an interesting collection of single malts and varieties of whisky of which we had tastings. It was so interesting and tasty. I would love to walk the Whisky Trail in Scotland sometime. Needless to say I took the backstreets home just in case I got breathalysed. I felt fine but could have been close to the .05 limit.
Sunday dawned and I whipped. Around with the vacumn and cleared up the spare room for Mum who was arriving at 12:30 pm. After collecting her from the airport, a spot of lunch it was off to the hospital to visit my cousin. Anxious as we all are it was wonderful to see all the family. We spent a couple if hours both in the ICU and in the waiting room catching up then it was off to dinner with my brothers-in-law in Box Hill South at a great little Chinese restaurant. The food was delicious, the hostess was charming and very excited as they were going to China the next day for a holiday and food research tour to bring back new recipes for the restaurant.
Finally home. My ninety year old mother Edna was a bit weary as was I after such a busy week.
There hasn't been much downtime or time for reflection. This pace is too familiar and what I was wanting to avoid when I returned. I am able to pace myself better and 'real Life ' is much more unpredictable and consequently more challenging. These two factors will constantly test my resolve to be calm and peaceful.
I have been challenged by the news of my cousin who has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. It has devastated us all. He is such a gentle, kind and honourable person that the thought of losing him is too sad. What is even more scary is he was so well before the diagnosis.
A reminder to treat everyday as special and to be grateful for what each day offers.
I caught up with a friend who is moving homes and we walked from her current place to the flat she is selling, then to the new place she has bought and back to where we started. We talked so much I barely registered where we went direction wise. We walked briskly so I had a good workout even with lunch along the way. I felt so good afterwards and we had walked 16.1 kms. When I heard that, I felt virtuous as well! No guilt over the brownie for afternoon tea. My body was loving the mini Camino.
I collected a pile of books on Libraries and the industry to research for the units I am writing for work. I need to get started on that task if it is to be finished by November.
I finally stopped umming and arhhing about mum coming down from Queensland for Ziggy's birthday and my returning to Queensland for a few days with her, and also the trip to HongKong and Cambodia. After my cousin's sudden diagnosis I decided life is too short and it will be a great opportunity to spend time with the extended family.
Friday morning I went to see Boyhood, the movie with a group of girlfriends. Several of us had sons so we related so well to the character and had such stimulating discussion about the movie and its themes that I almost ran out of time to make a salad for dinner with friends that night. My friends who live near and were also going to dinner offered to take me which was so thoughtful. During the evening one took ill and left early so I took a taxi home. Later I discovered she had been so ill they went to the emergency at the hospital and was diagnosed with a lung infection! She was sent home with antibiotics, but what a fright.
I was out again with friends on Saturday night celebrating my return with a fabulous dinner to which
we all contributed two delicious salads and discovered my host likes whisky. He has an interesting collection of single malts and varieties of whisky of which we had tastings. It was so interesting and tasty. I would love to walk the Whisky Trail in Scotland sometime. Needless to say I took the backstreets home just in case I got breathalysed. I felt fine but could have been close to the .05 limit.
Sunday dawned and I whipped. Around with the vacumn and cleared up the spare room for Mum who was arriving at 12:30 pm. After collecting her from the airport, a spot of lunch it was off to the hospital to visit my cousin. Anxious as we all are it was wonderful to see all the family. We spent a couple if hours both in the ICU and in the waiting room catching up then it was off to dinner with my brothers-in-law in Box Hill South at a great little Chinese restaurant. The food was delicious, the hostess was charming and very excited as they were going to China the next day for a holiday and food research tour to bring back new recipes for the restaurant.
Finally home. My ninety year old mother Edna was a bit weary as was I after such a busy week.
There hasn't been much downtime or time for reflection. This pace is too familiar and what I was wanting to avoid when I returned. I am able to pace myself better and 'real Life ' is much more unpredictable and consequently more challenging. These two factors will constantly test my resolve to be calm and peaceful.
The best intentions...
Monday felt strange not going to work. How easy it is to slip into the old mindset! On my list however I did make a start. I went to the Gym for an hour and added a walk around the block afterwards as well. I found a gorgeous young electrician parked in the driveway of the apartment complex when I returned. He had dreadlocks and a bit of a Johnny Diepe look and was willing to fix the transformer in the downlight today. It has been broken for 8 months and I just never got around to getting it fixed. Gosh if I was thirty years younger or a hell of a lot bolder I would have flirted shamelessly with him. Anyway he sent the apprentice up instead, who was also handsome but not quite so sparkling. Still both angels as far as I was concerned. Now there is light!
Then it has been a week of Ziggy. He has been off child care because of a funny tummy and I stepped in to mind him the extra days. We have had a great time and resumed a close relationship but it was tiring especially as I am not in my home but his.
I started to feel frustrated with not making progress on my BIG PICTURE plans before I regained my Camino perspective. I do not need to do everything today!
Then it has been a week of Ziggy. He has been off child care because of a funny tummy and I stepped in to mind him the extra days. We have had a great time and resumed a close relationship but it was tiring especially as I am not in my home but his.
I started to feel frustrated with not making progress on my BIG PICTURE plans before I regained my Camino perspective. I do not need to do everything today!
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