I'm baaaaaacccckkkkkk!!!

Yes - it's true - I am still very much alive.
I had to shake out a few cobwebs on my return - wow - it's been a while.
Here's the last few years in a nutshell -

• took a two year break from Uni - needed some space - needed some money!!

• worked a couple of jobs - one mindlesss (admin for a construction company) - another very interesting (ASADA - Aust sports anti-doing mob - short term contract - good times).

• I now have two daughters in highschool - MissG in Year 10 (& now taller than me - eek!) - MissE in Year 7 - and little MissJ is in Year 3. All have great teachers - all doing really well. They are the light of my world.

• girls are playing HEAPS of sport - a mixture of netball, volleyball and Aussie Rules football / AFL!!

• last November I played a week of netball at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast. It was amazing - never thought I'd ever do such a thing - great team - great times - and I survived 8 games of netball in 5 days!!

• while in QLD I also got to finally meet my bio mother and two bio brothers! Weird, exciting, emotional, stressful - in fact every emotion under the sun. Needless to say - I now feel a peace that I haven't in a very very long time.

• did a few (some minor/some major) renovations on the house - put in an inground pool (woot!) and landscaped the back garden. (below is a peek....) Pool built by JS Pools. (local Canberra pool company - the link is to their yellow pages entry as they don't have a website - highly recommend them - we have 5 other friends who have used them). Lanscape design & labour by myself and Mr W. Hard work but REALLY happy with the results. 

• We're currently working on fixing up the study (looks pretties so far!!) - and the lounge-room. I'll add photos along the way to show you bits that we've done.

• I am now back at Uni - (Bachelor of Education - Primary teaching) - doing a full load - just want to get the flippy thing done!!! I should be able to teach from mid next year - with just one or two extra subjects to finish off by the end of next year. Love, love, love to teach - just bored with the studying bit - but need that bit of paper (the actual degree) - so will suck it up and get on with things!

• looking at starting a design company with my girls. The creative streak has flaired up once more with the return to Uni and the space to use my brain! We've decided to call ourselves stuff by us - and we'll have some crafty homewares - like quilts, paper craft, small home furnishing etc etc. Keep watching this space as I add pics of various pieces along the way. We're all very excited - this is going to be fun!!! (of course it's going to be a slow process - with Uni, school, sports, life - but hay - we have to start somewhere!)

• Molly - our Spoodle - is still doing very well. She's a joy to have around.

• MrW - still my rock. He deserves a medal most days. xx

• and I nearly forgot - I've lost almost 10 kilos!! Last year I went on 'Lite n Easy'- really great food. Have stagnated for now - can't afford the special food with the loss of my income. Have concluded that exercise would greatly help with greater weight loss!! (but it has been a few months - and I have managed to keep it off). Very happy.

That's all I can think of for now. Oh - it's been the stock-standard rollercoaster of life - with all it's ups and downs - but we've faired well - and life is - as always - GREAT!

Nice to be back. xxx

Bad Blogger.

So apparently I'm not too good with sharing my 3 Grateful Things (3BT) each and every day.
Yes - I can admit it. I'm a slacker.
But truly - life just gets busy at times - ya know?!

I think at this stage in my life - I have to remember to be gentle on myself.
I am NOT superwomen - even though I try to be sometimes.
I am just a women, that is figuring out her place in the world; a mother, that is trying to raise 3 gorgeous girls that show me more about love than I've ever known; a wife, that is not nearly as kind to her husband as she should be; a student, that is not very good at time management and seems to always end up finishing assignments during the wee hours of morning; a friend, that cares deeply but often doesn't show it enough; a netballer, that really isn't fit enough, and may even be an embarrassment to all that play with her - but is having a damn good time at it all anyway.

OK - Things that have kept me busy these last few days.

• The girls had Book Week parade at school last Thursday. It's become an important tradition at our local school - and everyone from the Principal through to the grounds person gets in on the fun!! It's a hoot. Here's this year's effort from MissE and MissJ................(MissJ's very first Book Week Parade...my baby's growing up too fast)

MissE was a 'Fairy Godmother' and MissJ was a 'Princess' - obviously. Miss E put her outfit together herself - and luckily we found enough supplies for everything around the house and in the dress-up box. (thanks goodness for well stocked dress-up boxes - I say!!)

• Thursday was also a successful day for me - as I handed in an assignment for my counselling unit - on time. PHEW!! Apparently my brain does still function - dispelling all fears to the contrary. So - on to the next assignment I go - due next week - ICK!!

• Friday saw another wonderful day off. It's good to let my batteries recharge at the end of the week.

• Saturday was full of netballing madness.

Great news - MissG and MissE both had wonderful games - and they both now head into the finals. VERY exciting. (especially since last year - MissE's team didn't win a game all season!)
My game was a loss - and that's it for the season for us - but we had a GREAT time - my first ever season of netball - we're all planning on playing again next year. It was a hoot. Great friends, good laughs, no major injuries - all was good!!!

Here's MissG in action -

And here's MissE -

• Today - we had rain - lots of rain. It was wonderful to hear it falling on the roof - and being snuggled up and warm inside - with a fire for added warmth and visual pleasure!! (perhaps the fire was not so good for the environment - but I feel the cold - damn it.......). Our parched soils are looking kind of sad - so rain is good. I say - bring it ON!!! More rain please Mr Weather-Man!!

OK - I've stayed up far too late - once again.

Thanks for coming.

20Aug08

20Aug08 - Today I am grateful for -

• Finally catching up on past posts of gratefulness here. It got away from me - but I managed to get back up to date. YAY ME!!

• Getting major work done on my visual arts book. It's looking great. I am pleased!!

• Really getting into my Counselling unit readings and getting my head into things. I've been absent - just driving on auto pilot - but I can feel myself edging back. The arty stuff helps - I should keep it up - and keep it constant. I think my soul works best when I have a creative outlet. I just have to find a way to not get too manic on projects (as I'm prone to do) - and just plod along - getting the right amount of creativity to get me through!!!

16Aug08

16Aug08 - Today I am grateful for -

• An absolutely brilliant 4-page letter from my bio dad!! (the one he's been promising to send since December last year) Family medical history, a little bit of family history and a shared hope that one day we may meet. WOW. Some missing pieces to this adoptee's life - FINALLY!!!

• A day off from netball duties. MissG has a sore ankle and my game got called off - while MrW took MissE along to her game at 10am. It was nice to have a Saturday at home - out of the cold.

• A day of study, reading and research for Uni assignments. I'm finally getting knuckled down for the semester. (it's only week 4 - eeekkkkk!!!)

13Aug08

13Aug08 - Today I am grateful for -

• Finally getting my dishwasher back - fixed - and working like new! (added bonus - it didn't cost us a small fortune to get it fixed!!) We've been without it for almost 2 months. You think being without a computer/internet is bad? That's nothing compared to having no working dishwasher in the house!! We had a little field mouse in the house a long time ago - and it took a really long time to catch the bugger. Apparently he quite enjoyed nibbling at the power cord and internal parts of said dishwasher. Mouse + dishwasher = not a good match. Just a little hint for you to remember!!

• Olympic sports - that I never normally watch - EXCEPT when the Olympics are on. Crazy - I know - but cheering on the Aussie's in the green and gold is just the best during these once-every-4-year games. Today I've watched Water Polo, Cycling, Canoing - and of course - the Swimming. (yeah - I know - I should be studying - but it's only once every 4 years - ya know?!?!)

• My bed! Last year we finally outlayed a great deal of cash for a GREAT mattress. (after buying the last mattress over 15 years ago - ICK!!) This new one is so so so comfortable. SO very worth the money. We spend so much of our lives sleeping - it makes sense to buy a good bed to rest well on.

Just wish I could get my ass to bed earlier most nights - so I could take full advantage of the bliss that is my bed. I'll try hard to get to bed before midnight tonight - I promise!!! (oh - I hope I don't get trapped in another Olympic moment again!!!!!)

12Aug08

12Aug08 - Today I am grateful for -

• Leisel Jones finally getting her well deserved Olympic GOLD in the Women's 100m Breaststroke Final!!! She's come a very long way since she crashed on the Australian swimming scene at the young age of 14. Our nation is proud of you Miss Jones!!

• Better health!! My cold has almost dissipated into nothingness. YAY!

• Being around in the afternoons when my girls all come home from school. It's the BEST time to talk about what has happened in our day. My mum (being essentially a single mum - as my dad died when I was one) had to work - and was never there for that special time. I'm so very grateful that for now - I can be.

Internet Down - and Catching Up

 

How frustrating is it when the internet connection goes - and it takes 4 days to sort it all out with your ISP?!?!?!?!

AAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!

OK - I'm breathing again. Glad that's over. Lets get on with things.

So - I need to catch up on a few 3BT's - you know - those things I'm grateful for!!!

I'll think back - and try to make my lists. (and I'll go backwards from yesterday - so they sit right on the blog - 'cuz ya know that I need it to look right - yes??)

10Aug08 - Today I'm grateful for -

• Long sleep-ins....to allow my body some rest and recuperation from my head-cold.

• A family that allows me to have long sleep-ins when I need them!!

• Good friends for company as we laze the afternoon away watching the Olympic highlights from Beijing!!

............then.................

09Aug08 - Today I'm grateful for -

• Amazing peeps - both young and old - from Saturday netball - that make me smile and laugh - until my cheeks hurt.

• 10 gorgeous 12-Years netball peeps that I had the honour to manage this past Rep Netball Season - and their wonderful parents.

• Celebrations at the Rep Presentation Dinner - good food, great friends, fun times.

............then.................

08Aug08 - Today I'm grateful for -

• The start of the Beijing 2008 Olympics!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE me some Olympic viewing. (guess I'll be lacking some sleep over the next 2 weeks!!!) GO YOU AUSSIES!!!

• Molly after she's had her hair clipped!! She's just even more cute, cuddly and fluffy.

• MissE performing and getting an award at school today - and me being able to be there to witness it. She's one very talented little vegemite. I'm so very proud of all she does.

............and lastly.................

07Aug08 - Today I'm grateful for -

• My good friend and neighbour not being badly hurt - when attacked by a pedestrian whilst driving her car. The car is damaged. She's shaken. But she's OK. (weird things really do happen)

• Good friends and coffee shops. Couldn't live without them!!

• Friends who really do understand - or at the very least - TRY to understand - what being adopted really means to me. Their validation and unconditional support have helped me heal and grow - in more ways than I could ever describe.

PHEW!!! I did it.

OK - back to your regular programming now!!!!!

Thanks for checking in!

Holidays Over and New Semester Begins

WOW - where did that time go??

I haven't posted since 29June - how rude is that??

July just passed without even a mention?!?!

And I promised that I would be more attentive dear reader.

(I know there's at least one peep out there taking notice!!!! Thankyou!!!)

Where to begin??

Netball NSW State Age Championship's were held in Newcastle at the beginning of July school holidays.

It was amazing - tiring - exciting - a blast.

3-days of netball mayhem - never seen anything like it - but it was an absolute hoot!!

I had the honour to manage a wonderful team of ten 12 year olds.

The girls all played wonderfully - better than they have ever played before.

It was great.

Bring on next year!!

After State Age we took our time getting back home - spending nights at various friends homes - as we made our way back down to Canberra.

We were away a whole week.

Two nights here - one night there - it was super mad - but great to catch up with so many people that we haven't seen in a very long time.

We consumed vast amounts of champagne and red wine - talked up a storm - did 'Paddy's Markets', 'Yum Cha' in China Town and a Rugby League match all in Sydney (P'matta V Rabitohs) - and generally had a load of fun.

Friends are precious - even if you only get the opportunity for small amounts of time together.

All very worth the time.

Second week of the school hols were spent just lounging around at home, washing copious amounts of dirty laundry, watching films, catching up with home friends, and generally taking things nice and slow. (Poor MrW had to go back to work - so he didn't have so much fun - life returns to normal so fast!!)

21July saw school return for the kids - and back to Uni for me once more.

Already things are flyng past quick - we're already into to week 3 - I'm sure the rest of the year will now fly past before I know where it's all gone!!

Saturday netball has resumed in ernest.

School activities keep the girls all very busy.

MrW has had a couple of trips to Adelaide with work.

I have a heap of assignments due this semester.

And life rolls on as per normal.

Oh the joys of a busy life.

(wish this ride would slow down at times - to let me get my breath!!!)

Where Am I Going??

I'm almost at the end of another semester of Uni.
I'm so close to done - for these latest 3 subjects - but I just can't seem to get. myself. over. the. line.
Like this picture - I can see where I need to go - but I can't seem to go straight - and I can't work out why.
I keep putting off - what I NEED to do.
I've even considered doing ironing so that I don't have to even start what needs to be done.
(yes - I'm THAT desperate to NOT do the study)
Is there awards for 'best procrastination skills'??
If there was a degree in that - I'd already be done!!

OMG - I think it's time for more therapy!!!

So........I'm Back!!!

Yes - it's true - I am still very much alive.
I have apologized profusely to this blog - and after much consideration (and a complete make-over) - it has kindly allowed me to return - with full posting privileges!!
(can I just say......PHEW!)
I hope that I can do this blog, and you - my reader/s - proud!!

SO much has happened since I last wrote here - I have much to report.
Life has - as always - been far, far too busy - but I hope to neglect you all no more.

Rather than make one HUGE post - I shall make a few seperate posts - with some photos - to get you all up to speed (all you 2 readers out there in Blogland. You may be small in numbers - but you are extremely important to both this blog and to me!!).

So, I shall just say - I'm healthy, the family are all well (this week!!), we have a new family member (ooo - the suspense!!), I'm still studying (YES - still) and generally life is treating us all fine and well.

I shall return soon - I promise!!
Poss. xxx

And Another Set Of Holidays Flies On By.....

WOW - where did the holidays go???

So much for a long break from the studies and the books.

Uni started back this week - and I'm glad to say that my timetable is GOOD - and I'm really looking forward to ticking off another 3 subjects by the end of the year. Assignment workload doesn't appear to be too horrid - so all's good so far there.

The girls started back at school this week, and we're looking at another busy term for them.

We're looking forward to a visit in early August from Hubby's cousin from Holland - CousinR. We're very close to him - there has been numerous visits back and forth between us all - but it's not been 8 years since we've last seen him.

CousinR has various interests and occupations - one which includes skiing tuition on the beautiful white fluffy stuff - otherwise known as snow!! So - we're all going skiing together for 5 days - and the excitement bubbles are starting to grow.

We introduced the kids to skiing last year - and they had an absolute HOOT. So this trip should be a whole heap of fun.

CousinR will be staying in OZ for a total of 3 weeks.

So - for now - that's the news and reviews from House 'O Possum.

We'll now return you to your regular programming.............................................xx

Sick And Feeling BLAH

I've been a bit sick.

I was attacked by some rotten lurgy - and I've been in bed for the last 48 hours. Head pounding, fever, really sore throat, wicked cough - something this household has all come down with in various forms this last week - and it hit me HARD.

And it all hit after a very very busy week.

Last weekend I travelled by bus to Sydney with 2 girlfriends for a weekend away from the kidlettes.

It coincided with the Quilting and Craft Show in Darling Harbour - AND the many sales that mid-year Sydney retail produces.

We had a ball - lots of chatting, lots of walking, lots of shopping, good food, good wine, good company - a great weekend away.

Back at home - it's school holidays - and we have had a visitor staying for almost 2 weeks. My husband's 2nd cousin - from France - (MissC - 16yrs) - is in Australia for 6 weeks - and it was our turn to show her around our part of this big and beautiful country of ours.

It was a delight to have her here - as she slipped into our fam quite easily. She just became the oldest sister - and my kids had an absolute ball.

Her English was far more coherent than our non-existent French - so communication was relatively easy - especially as having fun is a universal language - so that's mostly what we've done this last 2 weeks.

She's seen almost all of the sights and museums that Canberra has to offer - and we even managed a couple of days without rain. (and I'm NOT complaining about the rain - as we've been in drought for a few years now - and the sound of rain on our roof is music to my ears - let me tell you!!)

Today I had to say goodbye to MissC as hubby and the girls have all driven up to Sydney to drop her back to his family - who will look after her for one final week before she heads back home to Paris. Hubby has a sister in Sydney - with 3 daughters - so MissC fits in well there also - and she stayed there before her visit to us.

Anyway - I'm still at home - obviously - as I seriously couldn't get out of bed - and I really thought it best not to spread this lurgy around more than it needed to be.

The fam should be back home tomorrow afternoon - and in the meantime - I'm taking things very very easy.

The kids have one week left of holidays - and so do I.

So I intend to have myself a whole lot of rest - some good family time when they return - and I'm looking forward to getting 3 more subjects finished by the end of the year.

Never a dull moment in House Possum - that's for sure!!!

The Results Are In

Finally - I received my semester results for Uni.

PHEW - another 3 subjects out of the way. (Possum does the Happy Dance!!!)

Again - I had to drop one subject midway through this semester - and I will now only be taking 3 subjects each semester for the next 2.5 years.

Twice now I have tried to do the full load of 4 units - and have almost been put into the nut house on both occasions!!

This will bump my degree out to 5 years - but it's for the sanity of our wee family unit that has caused me to make this decision.

Trying to study full-time whilst trying to maintain some type of normality within one's immediate family - is just NOT GOING TO HAPPEN - especially in this 3-kidlette house.

The house looks constantly like a tornado has passed through the place / kiddy homework gets more and more stressful for us parents to cope with as each term rolls on / all contact with one's family and friends comes to a complete standstill (YES - we are still alive - we're just unable to string together any words into a coherent sentence) / and life seems to travel faster than the speed of light - and before you know it - I'll be finished this degree - but my children AND husband may well have left for greener pastures.

So - FIVE YEARS IT IS.

(surely that will mean that I'll be a smarter-er teacher in the end - huh??!!)

I'm not saying that anything will get better - as 3 subjects is still a heap of work - but at least that way we may actually get through it all in one semi-held-together-with UHU glue-piece.
Here's to December 2010 - that's not so long away - is it?????

All About Me

For those that don't know me -

• I am forever 21! (that's what I tell the kids - and that's what I'm sticking with)
  
• I am a wife to a wonderful, understanding, patient man - MrW - who has been my husband since 1990. He was a Navy man for 23 years (yep - the uniform did it for me) - but he now works for the Dept of Defence as a civilian.
• I am a Mum to 3 gorgeous girls (no bias at all!!), born in '96, '98 and '02.
• I was born & raised in Sydney.
• I attended High School at an Anglican School For Girls - and I survived.
  
• I was once an exchange student to Sweden. (yes - I learnt Swedish - and no - it's been of absolutely no use to me throughout my life - but the experience was a blast!!)
• I worked in the Travel Industry for 8 years - and travelled lots.
• I was an ENJO consultant for 3 years - and travelled some more.
• I now live in Canberra - since 2000 - and I really don't hate it nearly as much as I thought I would - hence - we're still here. (I kinda really like it)
  
• I am finally back at Uni to finish my Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching). I took a two year break to earn some $ and get my head back together - but now I'm back and should be teaching by mid next year.
  
• I love to let loose my creative streak every so often.
• I love to ski, scuba dive (although haven't done for some time), play piano, sew, travel, spend time with friends, drink champagne, create things, blog and breath!!

I'm looking forward to writing stuff about my life.

I hope you enjoy the ride.

Poss. xx