Google has done a special banner just for today!
P.S. I wrote “our story” for Whiteknot.org last night, and this morning it’s on their site!
Category: Useful Things I did Today
Since becoming in-valid…. I am really excited by every little thing that I can get done. No dishes yet, but I can stack the dishwasher!
Service is The Rent We Pay For Living
Today I went to an ABA meeting to learn about how to become a breastfeeding counsellor or community educator (the people that give talks at Child Health Centres, ante natal classes, etc.).
During the early days of my breastfeeding journey, the support of the ABA was invaluable. Firstly, having done the course that they run for expectant parents gave me the confidence to know that I was doing my best, and that I would be able to succeed if I persevered. Secondly, when things were still not going well after 6 weeks of struggling, I knew there was backup available when I needed it. And when I did contact them, the support and information I got was exactly what I needed to hear at the time, and I will appreciate the time the counsellor took to help me out ’till the end of my days.
I’ve been thinking about furthering my education for a long while now, but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I have an interest in far too many things to be able to narrow it down to a particular field of interest, and I’d need to be passionate about whatever I study to make sure that I actually do the homework! The course is structured so that all study is self directed, there are no exams, only assignments, and there are training sessions run once or twice a month where modules are examined in detail. Kids are welcome at the training sessions, and you can do the training at your own pace. And when you finish, you have a government recognised Certificate IV, the same as if you had studied at TAFE, and useful as “Prior learning” if you decide to do further studies in a related field.
So this opportunity is a bit of a no-brainer. I get to give back to an organisation that has given so much to me and my little family, and I get to ease myself gently back in to the rigours of formal education.
Blood
Mark registered to give blood recently (my brave, darling husband), and was unable to get an appointment over the phone, so I suggested her register online. He received a response, thanking him for registering, and asking him to be patient, and to please donate in a few weeks time.
The blood banks are full right now, but the patients who have burns from the fires will still be needing blood and blood products in the weeks and months to come. So don’t be put off by stories of the blood bank having all the donations they need – in the weeks to come when the fires are no longer front page news, you’ll still be needed.
P.S. Since I married him, I haven’t doubted for one second that he was the one for me. I may rant about finding his dirty socks on my pillow, or cereal bowls under the couch, but I am still convinced that he is the love of my life. Tonight, he proved it once again, and I will reveal why tomorrow…
Timor Package #2
Another thing to take our minds off the devastation in Victoria.
Last week, Kerry’s partner Adam met her in Darwin, and they travelled together back to Timor for a weekend break. Adam was able to take our old baby scales (now that we no longer have to worry about Inigo’s weight, I thought these could be used by the child health nurses in Timor), exercise books, textas, pens and crayons for the kids at the pre-school, and some much needed money.
We ended up with $70 US, and another $50 AU that Adam was able to change at the airport. Kerry tells me that this money will be spent on food for the kids, Mana Kassian feeds the kids every day. I imagine that for some of these kids, that meal is vital.
Care package for Timor Preschool
Of course everyone is thinking about what we can do to help Aussies in need, but it’s also nice to see direct action. Kerry is going to let me know how much it costs to feed these kids each week, and we are going to try to work out some form of ongoing support.
We knitters love a raffle!
It’s simple. Make a donation here.
Go into the draw to win stuff!
I’ve sent in the receipt from my (small) donation already. I’ve also sent it to Mark, his company is matching donations! They are also paying an employee who is a RFS volunteer while he is in Victoria fighting fires.
I promise, sometime soon, I will post about something other than the fires. As soon as I can stop crying every time I hear/see/read news…
Confessions
1. After giving blood this week, I decided that I was invincible, and took on the top shelf of our fridge, which has not been cleaned/sorted/organised since we moved in in August 2007. Brilliant.
I discovered some miso paste that expired in 2005. Two years before we moved into this house.
2. I discovered a some really, really sharp knives a few years ago in an Eastwood $2 shop. As a big fan of sharpness in knives, I now have quite a collection, and give them to friends as housewarming presents.
Apparently, I also left one in reach of a small child, and then turned my back for 15 seconds. I turned back to find the kid holding the very, very, razor sharp knife in his meaty little fist, with about 4cm of the blade INSIDE HIS MOUTH.
No babies were harmed today. Touch wood.
2,000 comments!
Sometime in the next, um, week or two, we’ll hit 2000 actual (not spam) comments!
To celebrate, the 2000th commenter will get a little something from me.
And in previous competitions, I am pleased to announce the winner from my last foray.
And the winner is…
Absolute bias and not a random number generator was used to pick…
Who has just entered the Sydney property market. Pop on over and wish her luck!
Andrea, drop me a line and let me know what you’d prefer – some gorgeous silky black alpaca fibre, ready to spin, or some lace-weight from the stash.
Books!
The books that I gave Kerry for the Timorese pre-school have been translated and delivered. Here are some picture that Kerry sent of the kids.
I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of these kids. It’s not saving lives, or world peace, but it’s worth doing.
I’m still collecting books, crayons, pens, exercise books, and money for the next round. Money will be taken to Timor and spent locally, to benefit the local economy as well as the school, and any goods that I get above about 5kg in weight will have to be posted, as there is a strict baggage allowance on flights to Timor.
Thanks to Sarah, Emma, Lynne, Sally, Kate and mum, who have all made donations or promised help.
And if you have an urge to contribute, drop me a line, or leave a comment here 🙂 Donations need to be finalised within a day or so, I think Adam is leaving Sydney on the 30th.
One
Andrew and Inigo share a quiet moment before the festivities begin. Note “The Force is Strong in This One” t-shit – thanks Pru!
Everyone seemed to enjoy the pass the parcel – Leigh was one of the few “grown ups” to wear her ‘mo all day. You rock Leigh!
Nanna shows Inigo how to use maracas. I did finally get his birthday outfit made, though I was up until 1.30am the night before, it was totally worth it!
Inigo and his two cousins had a ball. And a maraca.
Or three.
Emmi gets in on the act. Emmi is my cousin Katie’s baby, she is about 2 moths older than Inigo.
Simone and the amazing moustache cake she made. White chocolate with chocolate icing. We got the leftovers, and if I lose any weight this week, it will be a miracle.
The Grandpa and Grandad show.
Some people didn’t need falsies!
And some had all the attitude without the facial hair.
Oscar had definite opinions about where the moustache should be worn.
Inigo savours his first ever taste of cake. There were smiles after the flavour was carefully considered.
Ella had her first cake too – she pretty quickly decided that cake was good.
Inigo meets Rex for the first time. Every kid should have a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a Cowboy outfit, don’t you think?
Oscar helps Inigo check out the loot.
Patrick is possessed by a cricketer from 1970.
The most appropriate gift ever? Thanks to Simone!
And for posterity, here are the words I wrote for the occasion – paraphrased terribly on the day…
One year ago, I was scared – worried about the birth. I had no concept of anything beyond the beautiful drug free birth I was going to have, I had no capacity to think beyond what was happening in that moment.
And in retrospect, that was probably a good thing. From his traumatic birth, his early health complications, breastfeeding issues, mystery lack of weight gain, my fight for a diagnosis, rapid recovery and transformation into a cheery, clever, beautiful and inquisitive little boy, its been a wild year.
Before his birth, my greatest fear was that he would be an unsettled baby, that he wouldnt sleep, and that I wouldn’t cope. Of course, the reality has been much worse than I could have ever imagined, but Ive been amazed at how well Ive coped. Due in part to loving him more than I thought was possible, but mostly due to the love and support I have received from all of you here.
I wont bang on forever, but I would like to acknowledge some special people whove been instrumental in getting me through the last year, and have made today such a great celebration.
First, Id like to thank Bronwen and Peter, my parents for being fantastic grandparents, ready to drop everything to help out when I was feeling wobbly. For letting us have the party at this wonderful house, which is so full of memories for me. I wish George could be here to see his great grandson (and namesake) turn one, but it is fitting that we should celebrate in his home. To dad for his special Old Farts Daycare service, and mum for her organisation and superb desserts. Without them this party would never have happened.
To Bev and Ted, Id like to say thank you for being the most amazing in-laws ever. Inigo is supremely lucky to have four grandparents who adore him and I cant believe how lucky I am to have married into such a wonderful family.
Mark, my adorable husband. We both knew that the bald tyrant would change our lives forever, and I am so proud of what a great dad you are, while still being the worlds best husband. I love you, and I am sorry Ive been such a grumpy cow.
Simone and Andrew, one half of Inigos Fairly Odd Parents. While we dont see them as much as we would like, I know that they will always be there when I need to be told to buck up you sad cow, nobody likes a whinger. Andrew made the amazing sign that beckoned us in from the road, and Simone is responsible for the most superb confectionery mustache I have ever laid eyes on. Of course, its the only one, but it is superb!
Miriam and Richard – also odd parents, but perhaps a little less odd. Miriam has been the best pregnancy and baby buddy I could hope for. Having the support of such a great friend who was going through the same things at the same time was invaluable – and I only hope I have been slightly helpful to her too. Oscar was born four days before Inigo, and I hope that they stay friends for a long time to come.
Thank you everyone for traveling such a long way to be here today. Youve all made an important difference in our lives, and I hope that you have a great time celebrating with us.
Disco Knitter 