tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38902052012-02-17T04:59:35.386+10:00Current Residents: Mr Bear MizBear Chickabid & Fintyannohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comBlogger1681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-13393306218129031592008-06-19T18:24:00.002+10:002008-06-19T18:26:17.519+10:00

Hi Chances are you've come here via a comment link on a blog. Mister Bear, Mizbear, Chickabid and Finty aka Ladybaby moved to Typepad in March 2004, but some comment boxes don't let me put the new address in. Please come and check us out...and maybe leave us a comment to let us know you've been :) We are here

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1082509775508180082004-04-21T11:09:00.001+10:002008-06-19T18:27:49.249+10:00

Chickafinty has moved permanently to here... Please update your links accordingly.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079667246591185472004-03-19T13:34:00.000+10:002004-03-19T13:37:21.840+10:00

to here for the time being. See you there!

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079603002643863392004-03-18T19:43:00.000+10:002004-03-18T19:46:36.763+10:00

If you hate Pingu, you'll love this!

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079586961172771612004-03-18T15:16:00.000+10:002004-03-18T15:19:15.513+10:00

This a question I have been pondering for a while now and I think it's time to put it in print. When I left school I wanted to be an early childhood teacher, or so I thought. There was just no question of doing anything other than a career based course, so teaching it was. Now, I'm not even sure what it was that made me think of teaching because at tin tacks level I don't really enjoy working

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079574145646723512004-03-18T11:42:00.000+10:002004-03-18T11:45:39.356+10:00

Who's reading these days...no comments for ages. Hey, I love that you're reading, but I'd like to know you're there :)

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079573637611312232004-03-18T11:33:00.000+10:002004-03-18T11:38:57.123+10:00

How often do you grocery shop? Do you have a usual day or time for shopping? What's your budget for a typical grocery run? Generally Fridays when both my treasures are at playschool. Thankfully Chickabid hasn't cottoned onto the "Mummy, I want..." thing yet, but he does whine a bit and tries riding on the trolley, so it's better doing the groceries minus kids. Otherwise it has to be a whole

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079516023764806772004-03-17T19:33:00.000+10:002004-03-17T19:36:56.826+10:00

You're going to have to take my word for it that I actually cleaned out a couple of drawers because, quite frankly, you'd be bored rigid with the minutiae of the chuck. The drawers were full of what I call "bits of thing". For a definition see the entry dated 10th Sept 2003 in the archives. There's probablya tricky way of making the browser point to that site, but I don't know what it is. At

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079407571017102472004-03-16T13:26:00.000+10:002004-03-16T13:29:22.513+10:00

There's a challenge on the Flylady site (the Aussie one) for this month regarding all drawers in the house. I'm just about to tackle the ones in the study. Just to prove that I actually did it, I'm going to list a) items I'm keeping b) items I'm chucking c) items I am giving away Check back later to see how I did.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079407233653659722004-03-16T13:20:00.000+10:002004-03-16T13:23:45.200+10:00

Oh boy. I am sitting here with 14 pages of typed instructions from movabletype telling me how to install the aforesaid onto my computer so that I can beginning setting up mizbear.com Page one was a no brainer. It contained the index to the whole installation thingy and I had it scanned in like 30 seconds flat. But then questions began knocking on the inside of my skull. It says "If you need

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079391738681399972004-03-16T09:02:00.000+10:002004-03-16T09:05:30.153+10:00

mizbear.com is up and waiting for me to put something on thge site. This is so exciting! Big learning curve coming up.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079339858287927692004-03-15T18:37:00.000+10:002004-03-15T18:40:48.483+10:00

Just to let my regular readers know that I am in the process of setting up Mizbear.com This is mainly a forum to keep all our friends and relations in touch with what is going on when we move north in a few months. I am hoping to move ChickaFinty to the new site...still through Blogger but hosted by my server...where it will most likely be password protected. Don't worry - there will be an

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079311283991230692004-03-15T10:41:00.000+10:002004-03-15T10:44:33.700+10:00

and that's all I have to say about that.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079304329299602562004-03-15T08:45:00.000+10:002004-03-15T08:48:38.840+10:00

I don't know where to go from here. One of these days I am going to crack and it's not going to be pretty when it happens. I let Chickabid go outside to play, he teases the dog, the dog scratches him and he starts screaming. He comes inside and gets comforted, then goes outside and starts teasing the dog again. The odg scratches him and he starts screaming and my nerves which are already as

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1079243036790826422004-03-14T15:43:00.000+10:002004-03-14T15:47:05.436+10:00

Last night we tackled the study. Well, we until my meds kicked in and I was forced to head for the sofa. It feels good sitting here and looking around at order rather than chaos. It's rerally weird, but I've only just worked out that clutter and untidiness and stuff actually saps your energy, steals creativity and generally makes life hard. Some people seem to absorb these facts inutero, but

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1078887103383884482004-03-10T12:51:00.000+10:002004-03-10T12:54:46.496+10:00

Ok, so when I left off I was feeling rather bleah! Now I'm not. Why? Couple of reasons...well, amybe several, and here they are... * dr has halved my meds ergo I have more energy, no grogginess and am still anxiety free for the first time in my life. Did I mention that before? Ok, it's true. I have been completely anxiety free for over six weeks now and it is magic! * I have some new

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1078389677155506862004-03-04T18:36:00.000+10:002004-03-04T18:44:12.966+10:00

I am fed up. Fed up with being fat Fed up with being slobby Fed up with never being able to find anything, finish a task, look good, have clothes clean and ironed Fed up with not wearing make up Fed up with my faithful slingback shoes that I've worn almost every day since the summer of 1999 Fed up with sloppy clothes which are supposed to hide the flab, but actually just make me look like a

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1074275005386958522004-01-17T03:43:00.000+10:002004-01-17T03:46:28.890+10:00

100 movies; bold the ones you've seen. 1 Godfather, The (1972) 2 Shawshank Redemption, The (1994) 3 Godfather: Part II, The (1974) 4 Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) 5 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002) 6 Casablanca (1942) 7 Schindler's List (1993) 8 Shichinin no samurai (1954) 9 Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) 10 Citizen Kane

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1073200301766997762004-01-04T17:11:00.000+10:002004-01-04T17:13:18.420+10:00

Vintage:: wine Longing:: feeling Specimen:: science Mock:: tease Shit:: poo Friday:: TGIF Cruel:: Intentions Insufficient:: money (tee hee) Pessimistic:: me Grin:: Chickabid

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1073185096208370802004-01-04T12:58:00.000+10:002004-01-04T12:59:51.950+10:00

Not bad going so far :-) Reading: The Falls - Ian Rankin (actually just finished it this morning...not sure what is next) Watching: The 4th Test, Steve Waugh's last hurrah Eating: Marmalade crumpets, homemade fries and for dinner, homemade burgers Doing : finishing my crafty kids demo kit Special Moments: Chickabid describing what will happen to his fries after he's eaten them ;-)

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1073107258686675962004-01-03T15:20:00.000+10:002004-01-03T15:22:33.826+10:00

What one thing are you most looking forward to . . . 1. ...today? Pancakes for dinner 2. ...over the next week? Final preparations for the business launch 3. ...this year? Fintybaby's first birthday, another visit from my sister 4. ...over the next five years? Continued health for everyone 5. ...for the rest of your life? Spending it with Mr Bear

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1072980477599986622004-01-02T04:07:00.000+10:002004-01-02T04:09:30.936+10:00

Thinking: - hope Guy wins World Idol - why did Michael Jackson get the 5 star VIP treatment when he's been charged with child molestation unless this is a new rule that applies to everyone - how are we going to get through the next 13 days - why does God love me? - how come it's so hot at 5am - why have I been awake since 2.40 this morning - only 25% of Britons believe in a personal God,

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1072935451551130262004-01-01T15:37:00.000+10:002004-01-01T15:39:03.920+10:00

Reading: All the Rivers Run - Nancy Cato Watching: Teletubbies (again) Eating: Maramlade toast and coffee, salad - as for dinner I have no idea Doing : preparing my crafty kids demo kit Special Moments: Chickabid singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Dadddy's got a motor car" complete with theatrical ending Fintybaby pulling herself up to her feet while hanging onto my shoulders in order

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1072935046167675342004-01-01T15:30:00.000+10:002004-01-01T15:32:18.593+10:00

1. I will blog every day 2. This will be my last year of "large" 3. I WILL NOT worry about things that I cannot change or personally do anything about 4. I will be a better listener, lover and friend 5. I will speak out - doormats are for doors :-) 6. "Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones come every day 7. We will pay out the Mastercard and be in the black

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1072123864876304172003-12-23T06:11:00.000+10:002003-12-23T06:12:25.106+10:00

I can't believe how excited I am about Christmas this year. For a few years Christmas has been a bit ho hum for me...lots of reasons for it, but my festive spirit has been thoroughly squashed. Others would talk excitedly about decorating their homes and wrapping gifts and all the other stuff and I'd think - great! Time to get tangled up in those old fairy lights again. But this year is

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1072007002693998232003-12-21T21:43:00.000+10:002003-12-21T21:44:40.716+10:00

I am not trying to work for world peace, or cure cancer, or move the hole in the ozone layer, I am just trying to cut four pieces of cardboard into precise 3.5cm squares and I CAN'T DO IT! I have been working on this all afternoon and some of this evening and it just won't work and I don't know why. Every time, one square is 1mm out. I have tried scissors, ruling lines, craft knives

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1071444107281211732003-12-15T09:21:00.000+10:002003-12-15T09:22:57.076+10:00

This has been a momentous weekend. For those of you who know me in real time, please keep this information to yourself for the time being. Mr Bear got a promotion this year to Senior Software Test Engineer at his company. This means that he knows belongs to the development team, all of whom work out of the Brisbane office. We were assured that this did not mean that we had to move to

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1071443838325078412003-12-15T09:17:00.000+10:002003-12-15T09:18:28.153+10:00

- the world is a slightly safer place this morning. - my business is up and running - the house is (relatively) tidy - most of my washing is already on the line

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1070948773891511422003-12-09T15:46:00.000+10:002003-12-09T15:47:15.873+10:00

And now for something completely different... - church - doctor's office - best friend's farewell luncheon (See you next Friday, Birdy) - the letter box - Christmas shopping - the work Christmas do - court - scrapbook superstore - job interview, except maybe for a position at a sleep clinic - nudist colony Check here next Tuesday for the list of Ten Things To Avoid Saying In Public

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1070353543334971102003-12-02T18:25:00.000+10:002003-12-02T18:29:39.903+10:00

Finty and I left Millers, somewhat disheartened, but as yet undaunted, we entered the realms of the Plaza. Hundreds, well, tens of shops all delightfully arrayed in garments soutable for the festive revilries ahead, but not one article that even looked a little bit nice. Nothing. Not a sausage. Zip, nix, nein. Nothing. I felt tears welling up behind my eyes in a most humiliating fashion.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1070178838015522442003-11-30T17:53:00.000+10:002003-12-01T18:33:40.966+10:00

Scrooge:: McDuck Ribbon:: Breast cancer Physical:: education Income:: outgo Dream:: imagine Notebook:: joy Disney:: land Combo:: meal Booty:: bum tee hee Skin:: rabbit

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1070178682688225882003-11-30T17:51:00.000+10:002003-12-01T18:37:02.653+10:00

1. Do you like to shop? Why or why not? It depends. If we are talking scrapbooking supplies, household renovation equipment, appliances or stationery the answer is yes. If we are talking food, clothes, cars then no, especially if it's clothes. 2. What was the last thing you purchased? A new kettle. Our old one began dripping boiling water from a crack in the handle so we bought a new one

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069999574873578442003-11-28T16:06:00.000+10:002003-12-01T18:37:38.606+10:00

About five weeks ago an innocuous looking email appeared in the old inbox. From Mr Bear it contained information about his works Christmas do, which incidentally is sort of my works Christmas do too because I kinda, sorta work there on and off. It sounded good so after babysitting arrangement were worked out, we fired off an accpetance. Bad move. Christmas do at fancy restaurant = shopping

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069892448800566622003-11-27T10:20:00.000+10:002003-11-27T10:21:35.000+10:00

The world seems to be divided into two separate camps. Those who have read Lord of the Rings and those who haven't. I am in the process of switching camps. Mr Bear has been encouraging me for seven years to read the books and I have had a couple of tries, but just couldn't "get into" it. Having watched a fair whack of the extended LoTR on dvd, I decided to give it another go and what do you

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069803865798901662003-11-26T09:44:00.000+10:002003-11-26T09:45:10.233+10:00

Farewell to Australian Test Cricket captain, Steve Waugh, who announced his retirement from the game just a few minutes ago. It is not often that a sportsperson gets a round of applause from the media upon the announcement of his resignation, but such is the esteem of this position it warrants the aforementioned response. The captaincy of the Australian Cricket Team is considered to be the

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069798195059140412003-11-26T08:09:00.000+10:002003-11-26T08:10:39.903+10:00

Humphrey or Humphrey B Bear as he is sometimes known is an Australian institution in children's tv. According to the official website Humphrey began in 1965 and that makes him 5 years older than me. I watched Humphrey avidly as a little person and loved him. Now I suffer a daily torture. Chickabid loves Humphrey too, but it is quite clearly pitched at the 2-3 year old and is pure agony for

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069578138611119352003-11-23T19:02:00.000+10:002003-11-23T19:02:59.140+10:00

I cannot believe that forty years have passed since the assassination of JFK. Being an avid collector of information trivial and seemingly unrelated, I visited the Sixth Floor exhibit/museum in Dallas, Texas ten years ago in search of information. I walked in wonder through the museum and I'll admit to getting the shivers looking through "the window" of the Texas School Book Depository. I wept

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069577871183276542003-11-23T18:57:00.000+10:002003-11-23T18:58:30.950+10:00

Concert:: sing Sydney:: Opera House Shower:: rain Patterns:: maths Market:: Salamanca Chair:: table London:: Kath Reception:: wedding Republican:: Richard Nixon Cough:: sneeze

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069571753672716042003-11-23T17:15:00.000+10:002003-11-23T17:16:33.920+10:00

and that's all I am saying. (waving at Ruthie lol) Mind you, it took the Poms 37 years to get around to winning something!

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069489532843743122003-11-22T18:25:00.000+10:002003-11-22T18:28:18.670+10:00

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie Oi, Oi, Oi Aussie, Aussie, Aussie Oi, Oi, Oi Aussie Oi Aussie Oi Aussie, Aussie, Aussie Oi, Oi, Oi!

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069489161515056882003-11-22T18:19:00.000+10:002003-11-22T18:20:00.483+10:00

1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year. 1. Declutter the house with particular reference to the third bedroom and the kitchen 2. Lose another 4 kilos (9 pounds) by Christmas 3. Complete drawing up my own Flylady calendar ready for the New Year 4. Sort out all my craft stuff ready for beginning the new business 5. Make sure I read at least 3 stories to the

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069362397992498512003-11-21T07:06:00.000+10:002003-11-21T07:07:15.170+10:00

New Queensland holiday post up Check the entry for the 7th November. Sorry it has taken so long. Blogger has been playing silly buggers and I haven't been about to post for about three days to this site.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069362052397627042003-11-21T07:00:00.000+10:002003-11-21T07:01:29.653+10:00

I'm a bit annoyed here. A man is accused of molesting children, his home is raided and a warrant is issued for his arrest. For any other individual this means immediate arrest wherever and whenever. For Michael Jackson this means allowing him to come to the police in his own time, and incidentally in his own jet. He is arrested not in the public eye, not in front of all his coworkers or

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069066153018748772003-11-17T20:49:00.000+10:002003-11-22T18:26:53.966+10:00

FRIDAY FIVE 7.11.03 1. What food do you like that most people hate? Broccoli 2. What food do you hate that most people love? Chillies 3. What famous person, whom many people may find attractive, is most unappealing to you? J Lo 4. What famous person, whom many people may find unappealing, do you find attractive? Hmm, not sure 5. What popular trend baffles you? Body

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1069065174645314422003-11-17T20:32:00.000+10:002003-11-17T20:33:27.093+10:00

FRIDAY FIVE 14.11.03 1. Using one adjective, describe your current living space. cluttered 2. Using two adjectives, describe your current employer. demanding, theatrical 3. Using three adjectives, describe your favorite hobby/pasttime. absorbing, creative, fulfilling 4. Using four adjectives, describe your typical day. busy, messy, tiring, exciting 5. Using five

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1068989305283040932003-11-16T23:28:00.000+10:002003-11-16T23:28:52.530+10:00

Finally! It seems as though I have been away for months, but in reality it has been only ten days - just shows what a holiday can do for the system. For those playing along at home, here is a precis of the last two weeks. Just over two weeks ago I fell into a big depression. Thankfully not a serious "the world would be a better place without me" depression, but naty enough in itself. The

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1068245906496951432003-11-08T08:58:00.000+10:002003-11-08T08:58:46.106+10:00

Not able to write much but feeling better. Should be back in action within the week. Missing blogging, but just not up to it at the moment.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065597211290542422003-11-07T17:09:00.000+10:002003-11-21T07:04:41.356+10:00

Don't believe everything you read and that includes the date at the top of this entry. No it wasn't written on the 7th November, but rather the 16th upon our return from places North. We left Sydney around 8am on the seventh, heading for Gran and Grandpa's house in the Hunter Valley to celebrate Chickabid's third birthday. Following our little party we commenced our journey to the Gold Coast

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067977314212884782003-11-05T06:21:00.000+10:002003-11-05T06:22:10.263+10:00

no blogs until further notice too much pain sorry bye

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067916949695463032003-11-04T13:35:00.000+10:002003-11-04T13:36:04.623+10:00

In roughly 45 minutes, Australia will stop - literally - for about 5 minutes for the running of the Melbourne Cup. This is a horse race run at Flemington Race Course in Melbourne, Australia. It is probably the only good thing about Melbourne ;-). This race started about 150-something years ago and has grown into a nation wide event. The first winner was a horse called Archer, and our best

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067900394421464522003-11-04T08:59:00.000+10:002003-11-04T09:00:09.610+10:00

The abyss is deep bottomless and so frightening yet deeper and deeper into the abyss i sink with only a fingertip touch on reality a gossamer thread the bridge between me and the brink i have to live that's my only choice but i am so scared that the thread will break and i'll spin uncontrollably into the abyss yet again

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067809368737725442003-11-03T07:42:00.000+10:002003-11-03T07:43:02.123+10:00

for a while. Life is just one damn thing after another (Mark Twain) and right now I am not up to dealing with any of them. Be back when the clouds have lifted.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067760720074172122003-11-02T18:12:00.000+10:002003-11-02T18:12:13.013+10:00

Taboo:: verboten Poison:: rockband 1983:: high school Tim:: Fischer Groovy:: Brady Bunch Italy:: spaghetti Think:: constantly Penthouse:: magazine Shelter:: rain Twinkie:: what is it?

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067292697541519462003-10-28T08:11:00.000+10:002003-10-28T08:11:43.343+10:00

* I feel really sick - nauseated, uncomfortable, sore throat, aching limbs * Chickabid is very noisy * I am dreading Chickabid's 3rd birthday party on Saturday * I didn't sleep much last night (too sick) and then the baby needed a feed at 4am * I've hit a weight loss plateau and it's very depressing * Hi5 have decided to feature bagpipe playing on this morning's episode. Great, not. * Why

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067240248056620552003-10-27T17:37:00.000+10:002003-10-27T17:37:32.843+10:00

Congratulations! You are reading this on the first Anniversary of ChickaFinty. I have been keeping a blog for a whole year - wow! I can remember, about a year and a half ago, Mr Bear saying that I should start a blog. I was intrigued by the word but Mr Bear refused to tell me what it was. I hunted out a copy of APC magazine and a whole new world opened up. A few false starts ensued and I

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1067145455277885852003-10-26T15:17:00.000+10:002003-10-26T15:17:38.810+10:00

Roadtrip::Queensland Honey:: Mr Bear Flanders:: Fields Vampire:: Hmm Justice:: Injustice Marine:: Corps Protractor:: School Rubber:: eraser London:: Bridge Jerry:: Lewis

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066865930519128552003-10-23T09:38:00.000+10:002003-10-23T09:38:50.336+10:00

Mike, aka Chickabid, is both the delight and the terror of our lives. At times he is the most beautiful little angel. He's so helpful and obliging. He's a snuggy little boy who loves giving and receiving cuddles. Right now he is in that uncomfortable place between babyhood and boyhood. On one hand he is a little boy, putting on his shoes and socks, playing independently, chatting and making

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066858628921235592003-10-23T07:37:00.000+10:002003-10-23T07:37:08.710+10:00

I am feeling very depressed. Not the clinical kind, just the normal. Mr Bear and I are still trying to lose weight and make changes to our lifestyle and the last three days I have really appplied myself to it. Doing more, sitting around less and certainly eating less, but with no result. It is so depressing. About 10 years or so ago, when I applied myslef I could lose weight at about the

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066774746224169942003-10-22T08:19:00.000+10:002003-10-22T08:19:35.143+10:00

In IT parlance this refers to the ability of Windows to just shut down mid-task. Mr Bear emailed me this courtesy of Kath in Brissie and I thought it worth sharing, although the "actual messages" bit may or may not be kosher... In Japan, they have replaced the impersonal and unhelpful Microsoft Error messages with Haiku poetry messages. Haiku poetry has strict Construction rules: Each poem

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066715580177706142003-10-21T15:53:00.000+10:002003-10-21T15:52:59.646+10:00

For every problem there is a solution. I think our solution might be ebay.com.au. Well, one of them anyway.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066713454560952162003-10-21T15:17:00.000+10:002003-10-21T15:54:10.770+10:00

Yesterday was a bad today. Today has been magic. Watch my halo shine as I list my accomplishments for today. (BTW the house is not perfect...do not ask about rooms/areas/jobs not on the list because, well, just because!) 1. Up at 6.45; showered, dressed, even had time for skin care 2. Hung out two loads that I washed last night, washed another two loads 3. Made all the beds;

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066691403268677982003-10-21T09:10:00.000+10:002003-10-21T09:12:36.773+10:00

Firstly, I am feeling heaps better this morning. The bug seems to have dissipated and I am filled once again with energy. Last week I rang Mrs G to talk to her about Crafty Kids as Mr Bear and I are thinking that this might be a good way of earning money without me having to return to teaching. Over the past 8-9 months we've been finding it harder and harder to make ends meet and with all

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066611579511795392003-10-20T10:59:00.000+10:002003-10-20T10:59:39.730+10:00

I've had such a long time of being generally well, apart from the usual of course, that when this bug struck out of the blue yesterday I was so unprepared. It began with a general unease that has progressed to a mild dose of flu. Mild, as I'm able to get by with four hourly Panadol, but nevertheless uncomfortable and nasty. This morning I felt awful and had no choice but to let Chickabid roam

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066543743637407572003-10-19T16:09:00.000+10:002003-10-19T16:09:03.690+10:00

Yesterday we had to take the idiot dog to the vet and I drove. The idiot dog is not the world's best passenger so Mr Bear very kindly took charge of her in the car. Then we had a near miss with the fence over the railway line and I owned up to not seeing as well as I might. Long story to short story, I am getting glasses on Thursday. Big roll of drums. I'll post a picture in the gallery when

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066542280707347172003-10-19T15:44:00.000+10:002003-10-19T15:48:38.033+10:00

1. Name five things in your refrigerator. Deli meat; milk; tomatoes; cheese; bacon 2. Name five things in your freezer. Lots and lots and lots of lamb!; pizza bases; oven fries; frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn); homemade spaghetti sauce 3. Name five things under your kitchen sink. Kitchen spray; dishwasher tablets; creme cleanser; plugs; floor cleaner 4. Name five things

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-106654185093108612003-10-19T15:37:00.000+10:002003-10-19T15:37:30.590+10:00

Country:: Cowra G:: spot (tee hee) Offer:: Real estate Connection:: modem Quest:: Harry Potter Lighthouse:: the sea Sycamore:: tree and Zaccheus in particular Inhumane:: treatment of animals Sneer:: gibe Weapon:: gun

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066284456564653092003-10-16T16:07:00.000+10:002003-10-16T16:07:36.646+10:00

Just what you've always wanted...virtual bubblewrap

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066267383436979662003-10-16T11:23:00.000+10:002003-10-16T11:23:03.326+10:00

I've just had a chat with Mrs G about starting a business with Crafty Kids and it looks like a really good option. I decided last week to get proactive about my need for a job and this is where the path has lead so far. I am feeling positive for the first time in ages :-)

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066262049559577772003-10-16T09:54:00.000+10:002003-10-16T16:10:47.100+10:00

Here's the list for this morning. Oh, what fun! > - tidy lounge room > - dust LR > - vacuum LR > - Chickabid's room Sorted out his wardrobe > - tidy laundry Not a chance. Raining. Humph > - fold clothes DONE > - one basket of ironing > - clean and sterilise baby's bottles DONE Maybe, just maybe, have some scrapbooking time this afternoon. Fingers crossed on this one.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066199391309513622003-10-15T16:29:00.000+10:002003-10-16T09:50:57.930+10:00

Time to explain the "blah" of yesterday. Sometimes, like right now, I really feel like all I am doing is treading water. Not going up and, hopefully, not going down, but not making any headway either. Everyday I wake up with such good intentions, but like the SHE that I am, I get distracted and hardly anything gets done. Add to this the constant money worries, kid worries, job worries and

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066111706894523732003-10-14T16:08:00.000+10:002003-10-14T16:08:41.343+10:00

That says it all - blah. Somebody tell me something positive or happy or encouraging or something. Please.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066083713062053222003-10-14T08:21:00.000+10:002003-10-14T16:09:34.080+10:00

I thought that I'd left sleepless nights behind after Finty was born, but no such luck. Last night I took forever to get off to sleep, but then kept waking and when I woke I was AWAKE! Mr Bear is just lucky that we aren't the proud owners of "Youthful Innocence" (dermabrasion system) and an amazing set of knives that'll do anything, even cut through a pineapple in mid air. I can't actually

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066039481582965662003-10-13T20:04:00.000+10:002003-10-13T20:11:56.483+10:00

Monday is always the busiest, and the lonliest, day of the week. Mr Bear goes back to work after two blissful days at home, Chickabid is always a bit more enthusiastic little man on Mondays - see today's previous entry - and it is my major cleaning day. Put all those factors together and it is easy to see why Mondays get me down. Never mind, Tuesday's a comin' TODAY'S BIG WHINGE School

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1066005396433303752003-10-13T10:36:00.000+10:002003-10-13T10:36:36.130+10:00

Who might have dumped a cup of dirt on the middle of the bathroom floor this morning?

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065954743755197932003-10-12T20:32:00.000+10:002003-10-12T20:32:23.530+10:00

Timeshare:: rip off holidays Accounts:: overdrawn Temptation:: sin Hack:: computers Shadow:: boxing Infection:: ringowrm 800:: twice 400 Infidelity:: an incredibly bad idea Springfield:: the simpsons Gardener:: my grandpa

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065951700840095742003-10-12T19:41:00.000+10:002003-10-12T19:41:40.460+10:00

Twelve months ago today, Australia expereinced her own September 11. Two bombs exploded, 15 seconds apart, in the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar, Kuta Beach, Bali. 202 people died, 88 of them Australian. It was chaos, it was bedlam. It was families separated; some family members made it, others didn't. Some of those who survived the initial blasts were later defeated by an old enemy - infection.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065945843184825282003-10-12T18:04:00.000+10:002003-10-12T18:05:10.596+10:00

Someone from the Kindred list that I belong to emailed us this and it was too good not to share. It so totally describes my life. If you give a mom a muffin, She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it. She'll pour herself some. Her three-year-old will spill the coffee. She'll wipe it up. Wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks. She'll remember she has to do laundry. When she

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065781100306028842003-10-10T20:18:00.000+10:002003-10-10T20:18:20.266+10:00

1. Do you watch sports? If so, which ones? I watch swimming, with particular reference to the Olympic Games. I love the diving and if possible we'll be going to the diving events at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006. I like cricket and wouldn't miss a one dayer unless I had to. That's about it really. 2. What/who are your favorite sports teams and/or favorite athletes? The

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065780387733652352003-10-10T20:06:00.000+10:002003-10-10T20:06:27.853+10:00

This is a hard one to write, but write it I must. Last night there was a news story on the tv which sickened, firghtened and saddened me all at the same time and it went like this. Woman sleeps with man and falls pregnant. Man not only doesn't want the child himself, he wants to prevent her having it too. He hires two thugs and instructs them to beat her up, paying particular attention to

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065598384610765572003-10-08T17:33:00.000+10:002003-10-08T17:33:04.326+10:00

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065596964252025602003-10-08T17:09:00.000+10:002003-10-08T17:09:24.330+10:00

on clutter. With help from -- we interrupt this bulletin to announce that Chickabid has just done his first wee in the toilet. This is a momentous day as it spells the beginning of the end of nappies. By my calculations we have gone through an average of 6390 nappies at an average cost of $0.40 per nappy which comes at a total cost of, on average, $2556 on nappies in two years and eleven

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065495121219360222003-10-07T12:52:00.000+10:002003-10-07T12:52:01.500+10:00

I thought that I knew what stress was. Stress was a class behaving badly with the deputy principal in the next room. Stress was having to present a seminar in front of the staff, or doing playground duty on a windy day, or having three debates to adjudicate and nowhere near enough time allowed to get there. But that is not stress. Not really. It's stressful, certainly, and at the time it's

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065436988994144842003-10-06T20:43:00.000+10:002003-10-06T20:43:08.593+10:00

This is not for the squeamish or easily offended. You have been warned. Don't blame me if you don't like what you read. Got you intrigued? Here goes. Monday afternoon and a public holiday. Both babies in bed and both supposedly asleep. Mr Bear and Mizbear are occupied in the most logical way on a wet October afternoon. The dance is over and both Bears are relaxing in that

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065396277770495002003-10-06T09:24:00.000+10:002003-10-06T09:24:37.606+10:00

1. What vehicle do you drive? A car that I never thought I'd have - a Falcon. 2. How long have you had it? About four months. Our old car, a Holden Apollo, had to be replaced in June this year. 3. What is the coolest feature on your vehicle? The DTE reading on the fuel tank giving the Distance To Empty. For a person who habitually runs the fuel down in the car this is a God-send.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1065043357676569642003-10-02T07:22:00.000+10:002003-10-02T07:22:37.533+10:00

Comments are back up, thank goodness AND it wasn't just my site. What a relief.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064983673441242302003-10-01T14:47:00.000+10:002003-10-01T14:47:52.936+10:00

Today is the first day of water restrictions here, and it's raining. We are smack bang in the middle of one of the longest nastiest droughts in the country's history. We've had hardly any rain for about 2 years now, not long, soaking rain which our country so badly needs. Like I said water restrictions begin today and that means: - no sprinklers or sprinkler systems - no hosing of any

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064970328951581402003-10-01T11:05:00.000+10:002003-10-01T11:05:29.060+10:00

Oh boy. First thing this morning I got an email from Harry who is responsibel for the site that supplies my comment box. I am a little fuzzy on the details at the moment, but it seems that a virus attacked the code for my comments box and may have infected others. blogspeak is now completely disabled until Harry gets rid of the dodgy code. I am in the process of trying to find out exactly

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064970025292781422003-10-01T11:00:00.000+10:002003-10-01T11:00:25.486+10:00

Time: 1 hour Distance: 5km Calories: 294 Cumulative: 10km/588

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064888105264499132003-09-30T12:15:00.000+10:002003-09-30T12:15:05.270+10:00

Time: 1 hour Distance: 5 kilometres Calories: 294 Yayyy me :-)

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064871127193337162003-09-30T07:32:00.000+10:002003-09-30T12:13:20.320+10:00

I just read back in my blog and discovered that this diet/lifestyle change thingy has been going for 12 weeks, which means I am averaging the loss of one kilogram every two weeks. That's slow by any standard, but slow is good. Nothing good ever happens fast. Today's To Do List - make bed, including change linen DONE - unload dishwasher - pack Fintybaby's bag DONE - pack my bag DONE

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064830340373501682003-09-29T20:12:00.000+10:002003-09-29T20:12:20.406+10:00

The Parental Units have just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. As you would expect, we took lots of photos on the occasion and we got them back last week. I was, quite frankly, shocked at how I looked in the photos. Granted, in most of them I am standing side on and carrying a baby, and this is not the most flattering pose for any person, but the amount of "me" in the picture

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064810483355299762003-09-29T14:41:00.000+10:002003-09-29T14:41:43.240+10:00

I am not usually given to swearing. I was brought up in a home where bad language was simply not used. The Mother was even fussy about words like "Bum" which now have become part of our lexicon. I seem to remember going through a phase when I was about 16 or so when I let fly with a few naughty words, but they never felt at home in my mouth and I soon stopped using them at all. In labour I

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064357150468560872003-09-24T08:45:00.000+10:002003-09-24T08:45:50.016+10:00

4.27am Baby crying, not enthusiastically. She might go back to sleep. A few cranky, grumbly sounds, then silence. Good. Roll over, back to sleep. 5.28am Bladder full. Head for the loo. Beside alarm goes off while I'm there. Back to bed, spoon Mr Bear. 6.45am Can hear Mr Bear getting ready. Took my tablets late last night so now I have to deal with the corresponding jag.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064280339376689682003-09-23T11:25:00.000+10:002003-09-23T11:25:39.333+10:00

It was a Sunday morning and we'd forgotten to turn the alarm off on the radio by the bed. The news flicked on at 7am. "An Australian missionary and his two sons burned to death in their car in India". Then they said his name - Graham Staines. Immediately my mind flew to the picture of the family on Mum and Dad's fridge: Graham, his wife Gladys and their three children; Esther, Phillip and

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064270511380600762003-09-23T08:41:00.000+10:002003-09-23T08:41:51.160+10:00

There's a little man who lives with me Who's full of curisoity He has no fear, he has no doubt Barefoot and grubby he gets about I've just had to rescue his brand new shoe Dropped in the dog's bowl to see what it would do It didn't float, it sank right down His socks are wet, his face afrown But nothing ventured, nothing gained He's gone outside again to play He's wet, he's filthy,

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064234260025959342003-09-22T22:37:00.000+10:002003-09-22T22:38:06.220+10:00

From time to time I'll publish old pieces from previous sites. July 1st 2002 - 10:55 a.m. I have never done this before, bu the first of the month sounds like a really good time to start. As of tomorrow I am five weeks pregnant with our second child. I am elated but frightened at the same time. After our first angel was born I was very ill and experienced rejection of my beautiful baby...

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064233635404224652003-09-22T22:27:00.000+10:002003-09-22T22:34:22.100+10:00

I have heard of other couples having date nights and tonight it was our turn. Mr Bear wanted to go to the launch of the Corporate Games being held at a big city hotel. I went because it gave me an opportunity to wear my slinky black dress (well, the dress that would be slinky, except that I have more curves than a Grand Prix race track) and look like something other than the mother of two kids.

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064199523027062612003-09-22T12:58:00.000+10:002003-09-22T12:58:42.446+10:00

We have just had one of the busiest, but best weekends ever. The Parental Units had their 35th wedding anniversary this weekend and the Sister and I decided to celebrate it in style. We began with a barbeque lunch by the river - just sausages and salads, but the weather was perfect. We went to King Henry's Court for dinner and that was magnificent. Mum and Dad stayed the night at Panthers and

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1064117764128479782003-09-21T14:16:00.000+10:002003-09-21T14:16:04.060+10:00

HI WORLD, I'm new here. I've been around for nearly three years, and I'd like to share a few discoveries that I've made. - garden gnomes don't bounce. - when you scratch the baby, she bleeds and cries and you get to be really unpopular - the supermarket checkout queue is not the best place to throw a tantrum. - new shoes make you feel really good. - helium balloons float to the

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890205.post-1063946820883423142003-09-19T14:47:00.000+10:002003-09-19T14:47:00.393+10:00

1. Who is your favorite singer/musician? Why? 2. What one singer/musician can you not stand? Why? 3. If your favorite singer wasn't in the music business, do you think you would still like him/her as a person? 4. Have you been to any concerts? If yes, who put on the best show? 5. What are your thoughts on downloading free music online vs. purchasing albums? Do you feel the RIAA is

annohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597214483113869335noreply@blogger.com