What a wonderful 2 weeks we had on the Sunshine Coast and boy did it live up to its name. I know they have had some terrible flash flooding and heaps of rain, but apart from one night with a quick shower, there was no rain until coming home today.
We arrived on Monday afternoon, unpacked and relaxed. Tuesday was spent doing a grocery shop and having a look around Stockland shopping centre. Good to see nothing has changed there. Ryan and I went for a walk along some of the new paths beside the water and checked out the new decks in the park next to where we stayed. Can't wait until the path is finally finished all the way to the broad walk at Bullcock Beach. The markets on a Sunday will be an even closer walk lol.
Wednesday we went to Kings Beach Surf lifesaving Club for lunch. Lovely meal with a great view. Took some pics and we confirmed that we are going to get our ashes thrown off the point, which is where we had our wedding photos taken. Back at the unit we got ready for Steve and Cindy who were coming over for dinner. I had made some pumpkin soup the week before which I had frozen, so thawed it. I also made some bread and chicken sausages which was served with asparagus, broccoli and baby carrots. Cindy chose well with dessert of apple crumble cheesecake - 2 of my fav desserts in one. So lots of laughs, conversation and a lovely relaxed night.
For the first time ever we had carers on holidays. People don't realize that going away - which we love to do - means that it is a lot more work for us with Ryan. We don't have the help 4 nights a week and the 2 overnighters. It can be very tiring and a lot of the time we normally spend sleeping during the day in shifts. This time though was heaven. We asked the agencies down here if they could brokerage to an agency up the coast the hours we normally have. One (the one that comes out of our dsq package) said yes, and they were able to get a fantastic guy to come in the 4 nights a week. He was great with Ryan and fitted in with us very easily. He finished his time with us, by giving us his number and saying that anything he could do to help - if we wanted to go up and someone to spend time with Ryan or watch him for us to have a night alone up there, to just ring and he didn't want any payment for it. We would never take him up on no payment, but it was so lovely for him to offer.
The other agency (the one that we pay for ourselves) said no they wouldn't brokerage it out, so instead Queensland Council of Carers said they would help at no cost to us and had someone come in 2 nights a week from 10 to 6.30am. She was someone who was also a great worker. She picked it up very easily and did a great job.
Having them both come in, meant that we weren't tired all the time and more relaxed.
On the Thursday we headed up to Sunshine Plaza shopping centre at Maroochydore. I always get some great bargains there. I found a dress for my 50th, a beach towel on special at Myers for aqua aerobics and some pressies for friends. I also treated myself to San Churro.
Peter and Ryan came back home on that Friday as they had a football match to go to. They also went to the Gold Coast on Saturday for Ryan to visit his girlfriend Jade and see Peter's mum for mother's day, before returning to the coast on the Sunday.
I on the other hand spent Friday going to a party shop and getting some decorations for my party. On the Saturday I went to Noosa to have lunch with some friends who I went to school with from primary school. I love catching up with Tanya and Carolyn. We had a beautiful Thai lunch before heading back to Tanya's house. About 7 hours after we first met up, I headed back to the unit. As I sat down to dinner, fireworks were being set off just outside one of the windows (but in the distance) and it seemed like a show just for me.
Mother's Day and the wonderful Lawson family arrived to spend the day, just beating Peter and Ryan returning. Again a day of laughing, fishing, talking and more talking and another great day. It wasn't to end then however, with Jade and her friend Jess surprised me by turning up at 10.30 that night. They came bearing flowers and lollies and what was going to be an early night in bed - which is where I was when they arrived lol - turned into a nearly 1am night after yakking to them in the bedroom. A great way to end Mother's Day.
The next day I knew that Ryan's girlfriend Jade was coming up for a couple of days to surprise him. As I was leaving with the girls to Montville, I said that a friend would be turning up in an hour. Ryan said he was going to leave my friends to wait by themselves until I got back. We all laughed and said 'yeah I bet you don't'. On returning, Peter told us that when they went down Ryan was grumbling, but as soon as he saw Jade his face lite up.
We on the other hand went to Montville. I got some thank you lollies for my party. An outfit for our Jade to wear and some yummy choc macadamia fudge. On the way back we called into the cheese factory. Nowhere near as good as Hunter Belle Cheese, but the yoghurt I got from them was so light in your mouth, with a true passionfruit taste from the pulp littered through it.
Jess and Jade left after lunch. Throughout all this I got invited to go to the Ipswich Cup next month, so my mind was racing as to what I would wear. I settled on the dress I had gotten for my party and we again went back to Sunshine Plaza to try and find a hat. I found one that had a white flower, but pulling it off, I put on a black one, got some blue feathers and blue diamantes to dress it up and I had a one of a kind hat. So my $25 dress is going to 3 outings so far lol
We showed Ryan's Jade (see how confusing my life is with 2 Jades haha) around the coast. That night Peter and I went out for a meal at the RSL. Bloody awful meal, but at least the $176 I took out of the poker machine covered the cost.
Jade left to go back to work and Uni. I was able to get presents for the 7 birthdays we have happening in the next month, so that made me feel that I was organized.
Thursday we went to Golden Beach tavern for lunch. For $10 my meal of fish and salad was wonderful. The boys had steak and commented it was cooked to perfection. Well worth going to is your ever up that way.
Friday lunch and Steve and Cindy came for lunch and brought Steve's dad along so he could admire the view. Speaking of the view, it has an awesome reaction from people. When Jess and Jade came, it was night. The following morning Jess walked out and he first words were OMG. The same reaction from Jo the overnight support worker. She arrived at night and when it got light enough for her to see the view, she was awestruck.
Saturday was the Coffee Club for lunch. Its right opposite the beach and very relaxing to sit and enjoy a meal while watching the happenings on the beach. Another old friend Julie came over that afternoon for a catch up.
Peter and Ryan left Sunday afternoon and I finished packing. I also got to spend a couple of hours with Judy the manager of where we stay. We get along really well and enjoy catching up on how each others families are doing.
As I drove home this morning, it was with a heavy heart and a wish that it was time for us to move up there. Have I mentioned that I am gradually selling any excess items I have? I am culling so that all we have left will fit in a unit.
So for another 13 months, it is goodbye Sunshine coast, lots of fresh seafood and great friends and view.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Carers/Support workers
Carers are the people that keep us sane. They are the ones we trust to help us care for Ryan. Most are the most wonderful and caring person that you could ever meet. But if you have never had any experience in dealing with these men and women, here is an insight into this very special world.
Ryan was 9 when we got our first carer. We didn't really know too much about how it all worked except that someone would come into help. The first guy came, toileted and showered Ryan, then when he was finished, came into the lounge room, plonked himself on the lounge and asked where his cuppa was. We thought this must be normal. He would stay for another hour or so.
Other nights he would turn up when he wasn't rostered on because 'I can't come tomorrow night'. This I found unsettling. Due to it being a night when no one was suppose to come, I would be in my pj's relaxing. He was very touchy, feely with Ryan. Not using a washer in the shower and some other things that didn't sit right. When I rang up to cancel the service, they wanted to know why. I hesitated but they told me that 6 other families had rung that day as well. He was sacked and we were talked into letting someone else come in and show us that what this guy did, was not normal.
The next person was a young uni student. She was very outgoing and professional. We were sad to see her go when she found a job out west. It meant that we had seen, that carers don't expect us to wait on them and that they are here to help.
In the last 14 years, we have had people of all ages, races and genders. The youngest has been 17 and the oldest nearly 60. Some when they first come, have you thinking... 'if I saw you in a dark alley, I would cross the street and be worried'. There are kindly 'mother' type woman, tattooed bike riding girls, christian young men, muso's, long haired 40 year old ex meat workers - people from all walks of life.
One thing that amazes me with them, is that they can do this job. I know that I couldn't and have so much respect for them. A lot of people think that being a carer is an easy job for them. That they get to take people out to movies, shopping etc. Yes that is one side of the job, BUT there is this side. How many people do you know that would toilet an adult? Its not just sitting them on the toilet, but wiping etc. How many would shower another adult? Wash their hair, clean their teeth, adjust their body parts (how something that looks like a plucked chicken, can need so much moving, is beyond me lol ).
We have had one carer for over 10 years now. We have also only had 3 that we have had to get rid of, apart from the first guy. One guy had relationship problems. He would come here, cry for the hour and half and then go home. Meanwhile, we had to do Ryan because he was incapable of doing it because he was too upset. He also talked another client into giving him a car. He didn't get to stay in the job very long. Another guy, would not turn up for shifts because his wife wouldn't let him come. He also didn't get to stay too long.
The third was a woman who was really good at her job. We know that accidents happen and accept that. One night I was out and Peter was in the shed. He came down to find her gone and the kids by themselves. The kids when I got home were in a funny mood. It took a while but finally they admitted that something had happened. When hoisting Ryan, his penis had gotten caught and he yelled. The woman then told the kids they weren't to tell us that it had happened and left early. The accident is not what got her sacked from us, it was telling the kids to lie. That I just don't tolerate.
Carers are told they aren't to become close to clients. Sorry but when you are in someones home 3 or 4 days a week, you become part of the family. Any parties or celebrations they come too. They know more about us than our closest friends and family and we know all about them as well.
At first; well probably for the first few years, we would act like visitors were here. The things that you do when you get home from work like, ripping your bra off, having a shower and getting comfy in your jammies, laying on the lounge vegging out. These things we didn't do since someone else would be in our home. Now I do. Hell we have carers stay overnight 2 nights a week and they have the run of our home while I am asleep lol.
After reading all this and if you still think that carers have good jobs, then remember this. Agencies, as I have said, tell carers they are not to have a 'relationship' with clients or their families. Some of their clients are terminal and when they pass away, instead of the agency telling them, they will ring and say that the shifts are cancelled and the person is no longer a client. They don't tell them that the person has passed away, even if they have been with them for years.
These men and women are amazing!! We are blessed to call them friends and even some of the ones that have moved onto other careers are still friends with us. They have my respect and my heartfelt thanks.
Ryan was 9 when we got our first carer. We didn't really know too much about how it all worked except that someone would come into help. The first guy came, toileted and showered Ryan, then when he was finished, came into the lounge room, plonked himself on the lounge and asked where his cuppa was. We thought this must be normal. He would stay for another hour or so.
Other nights he would turn up when he wasn't rostered on because 'I can't come tomorrow night'. This I found unsettling. Due to it being a night when no one was suppose to come, I would be in my pj's relaxing. He was very touchy, feely with Ryan. Not using a washer in the shower and some other things that didn't sit right. When I rang up to cancel the service, they wanted to know why. I hesitated but they told me that 6 other families had rung that day as well. He was sacked and we were talked into letting someone else come in and show us that what this guy did, was not normal.
The next person was a young uni student. She was very outgoing and professional. We were sad to see her go when she found a job out west. It meant that we had seen, that carers don't expect us to wait on them and that they are here to help.
In the last 14 years, we have had people of all ages, races and genders. The youngest has been 17 and the oldest nearly 60. Some when they first come, have you thinking... 'if I saw you in a dark alley, I would cross the street and be worried'. There are kindly 'mother' type woman, tattooed bike riding girls, christian young men, muso's, long haired 40 year old ex meat workers - people from all walks of life.
One thing that amazes me with them, is that they can do this job. I know that I couldn't and have so much respect for them. A lot of people think that being a carer is an easy job for them. That they get to take people out to movies, shopping etc. Yes that is one side of the job, BUT there is this side. How many people do you know that would toilet an adult? Its not just sitting them on the toilet, but wiping etc. How many would shower another adult? Wash their hair, clean their teeth, adjust their body parts (how something that looks like a plucked chicken, can need so much moving, is beyond me lol ).
We have had one carer for over 10 years now. We have also only had 3 that we have had to get rid of, apart from the first guy. One guy had relationship problems. He would come here, cry for the hour and half and then go home. Meanwhile, we had to do Ryan because he was incapable of doing it because he was too upset. He also talked another client into giving him a car. He didn't get to stay in the job very long. Another guy, would not turn up for shifts because his wife wouldn't let him come. He also didn't get to stay too long.
The third was a woman who was really good at her job. We know that accidents happen and accept that. One night I was out and Peter was in the shed. He came down to find her gone and the kids by themselves. The kids when I got home were in a funny mood. It took a while but finally they admitted that something had happened. When hoisting Ryan, his penis had gotten caught and he yelled. The woman then told the kids they weren't to tell us that it had happened and left early. The accident is not what got her sacked from us, it was telling the kids to lie. That I just don't tolerate.
Carers are told they aren't to become close to clients. Sorry but when you are in someones home 3 or 4 days a week, you become part of the family. Any parties or celebrations they come too. They know more about us than our closest friends and family and we know all about them as well.
At first; well probably for the first few years, we would act like visitors were here. The things that you do when you get home from work like, ripping your bra off, having a shower and getting comfy in your jammies, laying on the lounge vegging out. These things we didn't do since someone else would be in our home. Now I do. Hell we have carers stay overnight 2 nights a week and they have the run of our home while I am asleep lol.
After reading all this and if you still think that carers have good jobs, then remember this. Agencies, as I have said, tell carers they are not to have a 'relationship' with clients or their families. Some of their clients are terminal and when they pass away, instead of the agency telling them, they will ring and say that the shifts are cancelled and the person is no longer a client. They don't tell them that the person has passed away, even if they have been with them for years.
These men and women are amazing!! We are blessed to call them friends and even some of the ones that have moved onto other careers are still friends with us. They have my respect and my heartfelt thanks.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
ANZAC Day
After an early start this morning, I got to cross something else off of my list.
I had set my alarm for 4 and a second for 4.05 in case I just turned the first one off lol. Up, shower, dress and in the car. I drove to Veronica's and collected her on my way to Amberley RAAF base.
I didn't expect to see so many people there. It was dark and cold which had me reflecting on what it was like for our diggers 97 years ago. How terrified some of them must of been and hearing of how many died and were injured on that day, so that we now, can enjoy the freedom and lifestyle that we lead today.
It was a very humbling experience and one that I hope to do again.
Thank you to Veronica for coming with me. This crossing off things is the way to get out and live and experience new things. It is stopping me from only doing the familiar and giving me a new zest for life.
1. Read50 38 books in the year. Doesn't matter what type but as long as its 50 and I will be able to keep track with my new kindle.
2. Do another cooking class. At least 1 but hopefully 2. So far done 5, one of which was with Jamie Oliver and one on the ship
3. Go on a holiday, hopefully to Melbourne. I was last there in 1984, so just a few years ago lol
4. Go to a horse 'cup' day
5. Go down another 20kgs (gotten a bit stuck at the moment)
6. Get a lot more writing from my autobiography done - Been doing heaps of that
7. Have lunch or dinner at Bretts wharf or Aria Brisbane
8. Go through the glow worm caves at Springbrook hopefully when the glow fungi is out as well or the fireflies
9. Do a charity event - with not a lot of walking done today MDAQ walk
10. Have a tarot reading - have the name of someone really good in Fernvale
11. Go to a musical (booked for Jersey Boys in July)
12. Go to gold class movie
13. Go on a cruise
14. Get a fish - either fighter or gold fish or two. When I was single I had 2 goldfish, 1 black and 1 gold called Abraham and Lincoln lol (Ryan is giving me this for Mother's Day)
15. Go to a zoo
16. Go to brisbane city markets
17. Brisbane's koala and river cruise
18. Toowoomba carnival of flowers
19. Attend a dawn service
20. Go to Q1 lookout
21. Have a flying lesson - Changing this to do the flight stimulation first, then maybe a flying lesson
22. crystal castle at mullumbimby
23. do a cross stitch
24. have a facial Have had a couple now
25. have a massage
26. try a new food Tried dragon fruit and poppadoms and some vegetarian dishes so far and now macaroons
27. aqua aerobics classes. Done and going to do more
28. be part of a flash mob - now where does someone find these people
29. Drive a convertible with the top down and music blaring.
30. Get family tree in order - got heaps of this done
31. Go on a retreat
32. Go to the comedy club
33. Play blackjack at the casino - done and won
34. Swim in the ocean - haven't done this for many many years
35. Go to an opera or listen or an opera singer - don't know if I could sit through a whole opera.
36. Spend a night at maleny/montville
37. Hold a snake - to overcome a fear (Went on the Brisbane wheel to overcome fear of heights but had to get off, so only went around once. Never again lol )
38. Attend the good food festival
39. feed the homeless - was looking into this a couple of months ago but didn't do anything about it. (contacted agencies but none have gotten back to me yet)
40. do a belly dancing class - well I have enough belly to wobble haha
41. try a new drink tried lots of new ones now lol
42. queen mary falls walk
43. drink a cocktail
44. host a murder mystery dinner party - have the game here, now to organize
45. Put $5 a day into money box - use it for something special at the end of the year. - been doing this
46. Have a games night with friends
47. Put $50 on black at the casino for my first and only bet at the table. and won
48. Trike ride from Gold Coast to Mt Tambourine wineries
49. Ride on a carousel
50. Have a kick arse birthday party (venue, dj, food sorted. Decorations started)
I had set my alarm for 4 and a second for 4.05 in case I just turned the first one off lol. Up, shower, dress and in the car. I drove to Veronica's and collected her on my way to Amberley RAAF base.
I didn't expect to see so many people there. It was dark and cold which had me reflecting on what it was like for our diggers 97 years ago. How terrified some of them must of been and hearing of how many died and were injured on that day, so that we now, can enjoy the freedom and lifestyle that we lead today.
It was a very humbling experience and one that I hope to do again.
Thank you to Veronica for coming with me. This crossing off things is the way to get out and live and experience new things. It is stopping me from only doing the familiar and giving me a new zest for life.
1. Read
3. Go on a holiday, hopefully to Melbourne. I was last there in 1984, so just a few years ago lol
4. Go to a horse 'cup' day
5. Go down another 20kgs (gotten a bit stuck at the moment)
7. Have lunch or dinner at Bretts wharf or Aria Brisbane
8. Go through the glow worm caves at Springbrook hopefully when the glow fungi is out as well or the fireflies
10. Have a tarot reading - have the name of someone really good in Fernvale
11. Go to a musical (booked for Jersey Boys in July)
14. Get a fish - either fighter or gold fish or two. When I was single I had 2 goldfish, 1 black and 1 gold called Abraham and Lincoln lol (Ryan is giving me this for Mother's Day)
15. Go to a zoo
16. Go to brisbane city markets
17. Brisbane's koala and river cruise
18. Toowoomba carnival of flowers
20. Go to Q1 lookout
21. Have a flying lesson - Changing this to do the flight stimulation first, then maybe a flying lesson
22. crystal castle at mullumbimby
23. do a cross stitch
28. be part of a flash mob - now where does someone find these people
29. Drive a convertible with the top down and music blaring.
30. Get family tree in order - got heaps of this done
31. Go on a retreat
34. Swim in the ocean - haven't done this for many many years
35. Go to an opera or listen or an opera singer - don't know if I could sit through a whole opera.
36. Spend a night at maleny/montville
37. Hold a snake - to overcome a fear (Went on the Brisbane wheel to overcome fear of heights but had to get off, so only went around once. Never again lol )
38. Attend the good food festival
39. feed the homeless - was looking into this a couple of months ago but didn't do anything about it. (contacted agencies but none have gotten back to me yet)
40. do a belly dancing class - well I have enough belly to wobble haha
42. queen mary falls walk
44. host a murder mystery dinner party - have the game here, now to organize
45. Put $5 a day into money box - use it for something special at the end of the year. - been doing this
46. Have a games night with friends
48. Trike ride from Gold Coast to Mt Tambourine wineries
49. Ride on a carousel
50. Have a kick arse birthday party (venue, dj, food sorted. Decorations started)
Monday, 23 April 2012
My week of paradise
Wow, Wow and Wow!!! That is how to described my last week. I got to cross off heaps from my 50 things for 50 years list and met some amazing people.
Lets start at the beginning.
Thanks to some wonderful advice from Carolyn and Veronica, we set off on our big adventure well prepared. I had 3 boxes of kwells, 1 box of natural ginger travel sickness tablets, 1 box of stemitel and 2 cameras.
Troy dropped Peter and I off at Brisbane Cruise terminal around 9.30am. We checked our luggage in, then proceeded to check in, where we were given our cruise card - which becomes what you use for cash onboard. We were told that we would go on around 11.10, so headed off for a coffee and to take some photos from the viewing deck. For anyone cruising, you are given a time to go on, in order of arrival, so don't get there too late.
You go straight to your room where you find your key. We were also greeted by our Steward Devdat, who was just wonderful. Our bags were outside our room, so we unpacked then headed off to explore.
We made our way to lunch in the Burgendy restaurant and got seated at a table with 6 others. Straight away we hit it off with a lovely couple Neil and Marge. They were in their 70's but you would never have know it. They had been friends for 50 years along with their partners when they were alive and now were beginning to take their friendship to the next level. It was so sweet. They invited us to book into the Bordeax and eat with them that night. We ended up doing that every night except one.
After lunch and making our reservation we headed up to Lido deck for the sail away party. Being nervous about getting seasick, I made Peter take a kwell when I did and the ginger tablets as well. Two o'clock and off we set sail. Goodbye to Brisbane!
Cairns was so bloody humid. We went for a walk in the morning before our tour, but gave it up as a bad joke. When the time came for our tour, we were taken by bus up to Kuranda. Here we had an hour to look around and of course went to the butterfly sanctuary and then to some local markets. From here we went to the train station and caught the old rattler along with century old track.
The train stopped at Baron Falls for us to take some photos before continuing on with commentary about the history of the rail and area. The views were magnificent. We saw 4 different waterfalls and wonderful countryside and at times could see right out to the Coral Sea. Its funny how in some things heights terrify me, but in others, such as this train, it doesn't bother me.
After we got off the train we had a short bus ride back to the ship. That night after dinner, we went to the Cairns night markets. $15 for a 40 minute massage, 2 bamboo shirts and a barmah hat for me -as Peter hated the one I had - and we walked back to have a well deserved cold drink and sleep.
To say we loved the cruise would be an understatement. Instead of us caring for someone, we had people caring for us. All meals made, bed made of a morning and turned down with chocolates and towel animals at night. Entertainment galore and even a massage on board. I only had 1 day where I had to lie down, but that was due to food getting stuck in my band. Plus as a bonus I got on the scales today and I had lost 1 kilo from when we left haha.
I would recommend it to everyone to do at some time in your life. This all wouldn't have been possible and extremely relaxing and enjoyable if it wasn't for Queensland Muscular Dystrophy and for the help from Ryan's carer agencies Alara and Focal plus my kids and their partners and Veronica and Doug. I cannot thank you all enough for all you have done. xxxxxxx
1. Read50 38 books in the year. Doesn't matter what type but as long as its 50 and I will be able to keep track with my new kindle.
2. Do another cooking class. At least 1 but hopefully 2. So far done 5, one of which was with Jamie Oliver and one on the ship
3. Go on a holiday, hopefully to Melbourne. I was last there in 1984, so just a few years ago lol
4. Go to a horse 'cup' day
5. Go down another 20kgs (gotten a bit stuck at the moment)
6. Get a lot more writing from my autobiography done - Been doing heaps of that
7. Have lunch or dinner at Bretts wharf or Aria Brisbane
8. Go through the glow worm caves at Springbrook hopefully when the glow fungi is out as well or the fireflies
9. Do a charity event - with not a lot of walking done today MDAQ walk
10. Have a tarot reading - have the name of someone really good in Fernvale
11. Go to a musical (booked for Jersey Boys in July)
12. Go to gold class movie
13. Go on a cruise - booked and leaving in April
14. Get a fish - either fighter or gold fish or two. When I was single I had 2 goldfish, 1 black and 1 gold called Abraham and Lincoln lol (Ryan is giving me this for Mother's Day)
15. Go to a zoo
16. Go to brisbane city markets
17. Brisbane's koala and river cruise
18. Toowoomba carnival of flowers
19. Attend a dawn service
20. Go to Q1 lookout
21. Have a flying lesson - Changing this to do the flight stimulation first, then maybe a flying lesson
22. crystal castle at mullumbimby
23. do a cross stitch
24. have a facial Have had a couple now
25. have a massage
26. try a new food Tried dragon fruit and poppadoms and some vegetarian dishes so far and now macaroons
27. aqua aerobics classes. Done and going to do more
28. be part of a flash mob - now where does someone find these people
29. Drive a convertible with the top down and music blaring.
30. Get family tree in order - got heaps of this done
31. Go on a retreat
32. Go to the comedy club
33. Play blackjack at the casino - done and won
34. Swim in the ocean - haven't done this for many many years
35. Go to an opera or listen or an opera singer - don't know if I could sit through a whole opera.
36. Spend a night at maleny/montville
37. Hold a snake - to overcome a fear (Went on the Brisbane wheel to overcome fear of heights but had to get off, so only went around once. Never again lol )
38. Attend the good food festival
39. feed the homeless - was looking into this a couple of months ago but didn't do anything about it. (contacted agencies but none have gotten back to me yet)
40. do a belly dancing class - well I have enough belly to wobble haha
41. try a new drink tried lots of new ones now lol
42. queen mary falls walk
43. drink a cocktail done and dusted
44. host a murder mystery dinner party - have the game here, now to organize
45. Put $5 a day into money box - use it for something special at the end of the year. - been doing this
46. Have a games night with friends
47. Put $50 on black at the casino for my first and only bet at the table. and won
48. Trike ride from Gold Coast to Mt Tambourine wineries
49. Ride on a carousel
50. Have a kick arse birthday party (venue, dj, food sorted. Decorations started)
Lets start at the beginning.
Thanks to some wonderful advice from Carolyn and Veronica, we set off on our big adventure well prepared. I had 3 boxes of kwells, 1 box of natural ginger travel sickness tablets, 1 box of stemitel and 2 cameras.
Troy dropped Peter and I off at Brisbane Cruise terminal around 9.30am. We checked our luggage in, then proceeded to check in, where we were given our cruise card - which becomes what you use for cash onboard. We were told that we would go on around 11.10, so headed off for a coffee and to take some photos from the viewing deck. For anyone cruising, you are given a time to go on, in order of arrival, so don't get there too late.
You go straight to your room where you find your key. We were also greeted by our Steward Devdat, who was just wonderful. Our bags were outside our room, so we unpacked then headed off to explore.
We made our way to lunch in the Burgendy restaurant and got seated at a table with 6 others. Straight away we hit it off with a lovely couple Neil and Marge. They were in their 70's but you would never have know it. They had been friends for 50 years along with their partners when they were alive and now were beginning to take their friendship to the next level. It was so sweet. They invited us to book into the Bordeax and eat with them that night. We ended up doing that every night except one.
After lunch and making our reservation we headed up to Lido deck for the sail away party. Being nervous about getting seasick, I made Peter take a kwell when I did and the ginger tablets as well. Two o'clock and off we set sail. Goodbye to Brisbane!
You see so many exciting things along the Brisbane River. The wharf full of cars and farm equipment, the swarm of jelly fish that I think lost their way from Bribie Island and even some dolphins. I was expecting to go over waves like you see at the bar at Caloundra, but no you don't. Its all very smooth sailing.
After exploring some more and trying to figure out just where along the coast we were, we got dressed up and headed for dinner. Going to the formal dining room, we thought this was expected, but soon learnt that on the top left of the Pacific Daily (your nightly newsletter that lets you know what is on the following day and what dress you can have while dining), that we didn't need to and shorts were allowed that night.
Dinner this night was interesting. We had lots of laughs with Neil and Marge, but it was another couple at the table that had everyone's attention. An older woman in her 60's who was a minister and telling us that she didn't want to be on this earth any more and that she didn't want to even be on the ship after watching 60 minutes with people being drugged and raped. We half expected that she would lock herself in her room the whole trip to stay safe lol. She was seen walking around though, but thankfully not at our table again.
Ugly Dave Gray was one of the acts and on the first night. Unfortunately by the time the show started at 9, I was already falling asleep in the chair. I left Peter with Neil and headed off to bed. It took a little bit of time to get use to the rocking, but I was soon out like a light. Oh and our bed was turned down by Devdat prior to getting back there.
Peter woke early and went to breakfast at the buffet, where he soon made friends with another guy named Gary. Later on in the cruise they had a marriage game. Peter and I put our names down but weren't chosen. I think we had a lucky escape lol. Gary and his wife Kerri were picked though. They had everyone in hysterics with their answers. First the women were taken away and the guys had to answer a bunch of questions. Sex was referred to as 'gardening' due to children in the audience. They had questions like - when was the last time you did the 'gardening'. A young couple we got to know on their honeymoon were in it and he had the answer as 20 mins ago, luckily his wife got that right as well haha. Gary and Kerri also matched with, on our birthdays last year haha.
The question that had everyone just about wetting themselves though, was, where is the strangest place you have done the gardening. Gary went on to describe how they were at Fraser one day and wandered off and found a lagoon. With no one around they stripped off, got in and did the gardening. Kerri suddenly discovered that on the hill at the side, a bus load of Japanese tourists were standing watching them. Gary then showed how Kerri turned on her back and pretended to be swimming, all the while forgetting she was naked. They also matched on this answer and went on to win.
lol.
All the shows and organized events were fantastic. There was something to do from morning to midnight and after if you wanted to. There would be shows in the showroom each night, comedy club in The Terraces lounge, bands in another bar or on the top deck. There was duty free shopping, internet, a library, games, bars and the casino.
Ahhhh the casino. Now as someone who hardly drinks or gambles I was in a whole new world. On my list for this year was to place a $50 bet on black at the roulette table and walk away win or lose. We went in and I got my money changed to a chip and put it on black and won. True to my word, I walked away. I went and played a poker machine and took out $50 on top of what I put in.
The next day I played blackjack. Again on my list and again I came out ahead, but was giving money to Peter to play and he kept losing lol. I took another $80 out of another poker machine. I was then not going to play again, as I figured the odds of winning towards the end of the cruise would be less. However Peter and I were sitting having a drink in the promenade lounge on Friday. There were 2 machines that I told Peter were 'talking' to me. He put $5 in one and won nothing. He told me to play the other which I did and won the major jackpot. After playing it some more, I took out $180 on top of what I put in. I was happy!! Late that night - around 11pm - we went in again.
There was no one playing 3 card poker and the dealer taught me how to play. Its a bit boring though and I came away with what I started with. I went to the roulette table and put $5 on red and won, I then put $5 on 14 and won - 36/1 - I put the next $5 on 18, and won. A girl sitting at the table was flabbergasted and the croupier said she had never seen that before. She called the pit boss over to tell him. I then put $5 on black and won... 4 out of 4. I gave her a $5 tip and cashed in my $400. The only other bet I had was with a free $5 chip I got to use on even money bet. I won and used the winnings to put on a number. I lost on it though.
Cocktails, my other discovery. Now I haven't had a cocktail since I was about 17/18 and it was a fluffy duck. Bloody awful drink! My promise to Veronica was to have a Toblerone. I have never had Bailey's as I tell everyone I hate milk alcohol drinks. Well all that has changed. Toblerones are to die for. I also had a Long Island Iced Tea from Carolyn's suggestion. I loved it as well, but did wonder where the tea part was lol. I wasn't fussed on the Midori Splice and the Island Punch started out nice but got too sickly sweet half way through.
Mornings commenced with a coffee and I found I liked lattes. Nights ended with a hot chocolate, which I never have at home, but really enjoyed there. I had never tried a macaroons and thought they were just a cookie type of biscuit and didn't know what all the fuss was. OMG, how Divine are they, and they aren't like cookies at all. The only problem was, I told everyone about them and some days they ran out haha. Its funny but a lot thought the same as me.
We met people from so many different walks of life. I had the policy that if we went to sit and have a drink or to eat in the buffet, that we would sit with someone or a couple on their own. Then me being me, I would babble to them and they couldn't just sit and say nothing lol. Apart from those I have mentioned above, there was a lovely couple who now live on the Gold Coast but moved there 5 years ago from Russia. There was a family from New Zealand and the dad's job was designing the wheelchair entries on buses. There was April and her family from Victoria, who we got to know well. Jacqui who has a cake business on the Gold Coast and many, many more.
The staff were fantastic and very hard working. Above in the photo is Jhen and Jamari who were our wait staff in formal dining. They were a great at their jobs and in having laughs with us and we discovered they were a couple in real life as well. The only sad part to those working on the ship, was the uncertainty that a lot have for their future. Some know they are going to be working on the Dawn when the Sun finally goes to its new owners - it's becoming a casino in China - others don't know if they will be reassigned. It was also interesting that the staff told us that P & O don't hire Australians on the local ships. But there were a lot of staff in every area of the ship. You never had to wait for anything and it was all service with a huge smile.
When I woke up on the second morning feeling fine, I decided not to keep taking the sea sickness tablets and I was fine. The last day of sailing was rough. Peter felt a bit sick and went to lay down but I was fine. Although it has taken nearly a day and a half to stop swaying on land lol.
The tours I chose to go on were great. At Airlie Beach we had to anchor offshore. This meant that we got catamarans to the mainland. We were taken by bus to a camp site in Proserpine. We were greeted by 2 guides who firstly supplied us with a traditional Aussie morning tea - billy tea (swinging the billy around to separate the tea leaves) and damper cooked in a camp oven.
After that and a small talk on crocs we were loaded onto trailers and towed by a tractor into the wetlands. It was informative 2 hour tour on how the aborigines survived in the area, what trees were used for food/tools/shelter/medicines and some wildlife. Our guide was one of the youngest snake relocator around. He was trying to find one to show us all how harmless they can be. Did you know that more people die from vending machines falling on them, than by snakes, sharks or crocodiles in Australia? Makes you stop and think then.
We returned for lunch of bbq steak, sausages, chicken, barramundi and salad, followed by lamington. We then piled onto a boat and went up the Proserpine river looking for crocodiles. Now keep in mind that this is the wild, not a reptile park. We saw about 15 to 20 of them. The biggest was 5.5 metres long. We saw lots of babies. A female needs to lay 4 lots of eggs, just to get 1 crocodile that survives to adulthood. She will lay around 70 eggs. Only half will hatch, other animals will eat them and at 6 weeks of age, when the mother no longer looks after them, even she will eat them if they get in her way. For 2 hours we went up and down the river. The guides were great, but we had to get back to the ship to set sail to Cairns.
Cairns was so bloody humid. We went for a walk in the morning before our tour, but gave it up as a bad joke. When the time came for our tour, we were taken by bus up to Kuranda. Here we had an hour to look around and of course went to the butterfly sanctuary and then to some local markets. From here we went to the train station and caught the old rattler along with century old track.
The train stopped at Baron Falls for us to take some photos before continuing on with commentary about the history of the rail and area. The views were magnificent. We saw 4 different waterfalls and wonderful countryside and at times could see right out to the Coral Sea. Its funny how in some things heights terrify me, but in others, such as this train, it doesn't bother me.
After we got off the train we had a short bus ride back to the ship. That night after dinner, we went to the Cairns night markets. $15 for a 40 minute massage, 2 bamboo shirts and a barmah hat for me -as Peter hated the one I had - and we walked back to have a well deserved cold drink and sleep.
To say we loved the cruise would be an understatement. Instead of us caring for someone, we had people caring for us. All meals made, bed made of a morning and turned down with chocolates and towel animals at night. Entertainment galore and even a massage on board. I only had 1 day where I had to lie down, but that was due to food getting stuck in my band. Plus as a bonus I got on the scales today and I had lost 1 kilo from when we left haha.
I would recommend it to everyone to do at some time in your life. This all wouldn't have been possible and extremely relaxing and enjoyable if it wasn't for Queensland Muscular Dystrophy and for the help from Ryan's carer agencies Alara and Focal plus my kids and their partners and Veronica and Doug. I cannot thank you all enough for all you have done. xxxxxxx
1. Read
3. Go on a holiday, hopefully to Melbourne. I was last there in 1984, so just a few years ago lol
4. Go to a horse 'cup' day
5. Go down another 20kgs (gotten a bit stuck at the moment)
6. Get a lot more writing from my autobiography done - Been doing heaps of that
7. Have lunch or dinner at Bretts wharf or Aria Brisbane
8. Go through the glow worm caves at Springbrook hopefully when the glow fungi is out as well or the fireflies
10. Have a tarot reading - have the name of someone really good in Fernvale
11. Go to a musical (booked for Jersey Boys in July)
14. Get a fish - either fighter or gold fish or two. When I was single I had 2 goldfish, 1 black and 1 gold called Abraham and Lincoln lol (Ryan is giving me this for Mother's Day)
15. Go to a zoo
16. Go to brisbane city markets
17. Brisbane's koala and river cruise
18. Toowoomba carnival of flowers
19. Attend a dawn service
20. Go to Q1 lookout
21. Have a flying lesson - Changing this to do the flight stimulation first, then maybe a flying lesson
22. crystal castle at mullumbimby
23. do a cross stitch
28. be part of a flash mob - now where does someone find these people
29. Drive a convertible with the top down and music blaring.
30. Get family tree in order - got heaps of this done
31. Go on a retreat
34. Swim in the ocean - haven't done this for many many years
35. Go to an opera or listen or an opera singer - don't know if I could sit through a whole opera.
36. Spend a night at maleny/montville
37. Hold a snake - to overcome a fear (Went on the Brisbane wheel to overcome fear of heights but had to get off, so only went around once. Never again lol )
38. Attend the good food festival
39. feed the homeless - was looking into this a couple of months ago but didn't do anything about it. (contacted agencies but none have gotten back to me yet)
40. do a belly dancing class - well I have enough belly to wobble haha
42. queen mary falls walk
44. host a murder mystery dinner party - have the game here, now to organize
45. Put $5 a day into money box - use it for something special at the end of the year. - been doing this
46. Have a games night with friends
48. Trike ride from Gold Coast to Mt Tambourine wineries
49. Ride on a carousel
50. Have a kick arse birthday party (venue, dj, food sorted. Decorations started)
Friday, 13 April 2012
My Kids
Sitting here reflecting on my kids.
While I have not always been the best parent - and lets face it, who has - I have must of done some things right, judging by how they have turned out.
They have great work ethics. Jade and Troy both having had jobs from the time they were old enough to. By the age of 20, both had more responsibility that people years older than them, would find hard to deal with.
They are there when we need them and know they would do almost anything for us and visa versa.
While Ryan and Jade are very outgoing, Troy is more reserved but none are ever nasty to others. If anything, they can more allow themselves to be used by others, than to make waves.
Yes they had periods of getting drunk, but that only happened a couple of times each. They never drink drive and none smoke.
I know they can be moody, pain in the arses at times and can give me grief, headaches and worries. After all I didn't bring them up to be perfect.
I worry about them, that's something I can't control. I only want the best for them.
I am proud of who they are and love them all, with all my heart.
While I have not always been the best parent - and lets face it, who has - I have must of done some things right, judging by how they have turned out.
They have great work ethics. Jade and Troy both having had jobs from the time they were old enough to. By the age of 20, both had more responsibility that people years older than them, would find hard to deal with.
They are there when we need them and know they would do almost anything for us and visa versa.
While Ryan and Jade are very outgoing, Troy is more reserved but none are ever nasty to others. If anything, they can more allow themselves to be used by others, than to make waves.
Yes they had periods of getting drunk, but that only happened a couple of times each. They never drink drive and none smoke.
I know they can be moody, pain in the arses at times and can give me grief, headaches and worries. After all I didn't bring them up to be perfect.
I worry about them, that's something I can't control. I only want the best for them.
I am proud of who they are and love them all, with all my heart.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
The frustrating and the fun.
Well as some of you know, I went and did a cheese making course last Sunday. I have to say that the description was very misleading ....Would a brie by any other name not taste as sweet? Would a cheddar from another culture not still melt your heart? Well, you can find out thanks to today's deal from Permaculture Realfood! For just $19 you can spend three hours learning how to make your own foods like cheddar, brie, kimchi, sauerkraut and more with accredited permaculture teacher Elisabeth Fekonia (normally $45). You can choose a time that suits you - either from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday 31 March or at the same time on Sunday 1 April, and not only that, but your ever-curious taste buds will also get to sample raw cheeses, kefir, kombucha tea, sourdough bread and more on the day. Would a deal by any other name not be packed with the same awesomeness and variety of flavour? It's fair to say that no, no it wouldn't.
Well not sure how a brie could taste as sweet or if the cheddar would melt my heart, we didn't get to try any. We were shown, well really half shown, how to make feta and we had tasted one that they made the day prior. We also did get shown how to make sauerkraut and kombucha tea.
Now I think something was a bit amiss with all that we did get to taste. Sauerkraut tasted like vinegar, sourbread tasted like vinegar, kombucha tea, which is just black tea with fungi, tasted like salt and vinegar. Kvass, well it was indescribable and certainly undrinkable haha.
The woman who taught the course, seemed to read about old recipes and then set about doing them her own way, so they didn't end up tasting like the original. She was also one who had read on one site how homogenized milk was so bad for you and ran with it.
Who has ever hear of Cleopatra bathing milk? We now have. We were told this was the best milk to buy to drink and not to worry that it has 'not for human consumption' on it. Its just the way of getting around the laws.
Our sourdough pikelets ended up with a small bite out of them and then were hidden in Veronica's McDonalds drink cup haha. We got no recipes, as you had to book into another class and would get them there. Sorry, but if you want people to book in, then have an interesting class to start with.
In the class there were probably around 40 people. All ages and manner of dress. One woman who gave me a giggle, for whatever reason seemed to pick us out to do her sprook to. She had a business selling plants that attracted butterflies. She was very animated in her sales pitch. Imagine a 5 foot tall, blonde dreadlocked woman, waving her arms back and forth, showing us how the butterfly tastes with it feet. Gave us a bit of a giggle.
It wasn't all a waste of time. We were able to connect with another woman there who runs a different cheese making course, and am going to access it instead. Plus met a lovely young mum, who is going to come over and get some plants from me for her garden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for what else has been happening.
We had it all sorted with carers prior to booking our cruise, but as we all know so well, Murphy's Law kicks in. One of Ryan's carers got a chance to start a new job teaching, so had to cancel doing the overnight shift to look after Ryan.
He told the agency and I waited for them to contact me about it... and waited... and waited. In the end, I rang them. I was told that the shift was going ahead with Wayne. I said 'No, he isn't able to'. Again told he was. I asked if they could check, as we really needed it all sorted. A lot of tutting and they finally agreed. They were going to ring me straight back. Yeah, yeah I know, I have heard that before.
Nothing from them until this week and yes he couldn't do the shift and what was my backup plan? Well my plan was to make sure everything was in place before booking. Could I find someone else from our other agency to do it? Well I had already rung them the previous week hoping to get Ryan's new Monday carer to start earlier that day, but they couldn't stay overnight and as it turns out, couldn't start earlier.
So off goes agency 1 to try and find a staff member who could do it and take over the shift permanently. They would get them to meet us and do double up shifts. In talking about the shifts that we had before going away, she said that we had cancelled Easter Thursday shift. Ummm no we hadn't. Someone had and written it was us who cancelled it.
Called agency 2 and asked if they had any luck finding someone to get Ryan out of bed while we are away. 'Oh I haven't, I will look into it next week.' 'No I NEED to know ASAP. I am trying to co-ordinate 2 agencies and make sure its all in place'.
Following day, Agency 1 rings with news that a young uni student is willing to take on the shift and that we will meet her Thursday afternoon and she will come in on Easter Monday night and the following Thursday for training. Fantastic!! one thing not to worry about.
That night one of Ryan's carers is here and I am talking to him. He is able to do the Monday morning and get Ryan out of bed, but hadn't been asked. So today I ring agency 2 and let them know that Clive can come in and has agreed to do the shift. Fixed up the days they had forgotten to cancel carers on and so hopefully now everything is right.
It's very frustrating that I have to spend hours trying to sort this all out, instead of those that are paid to do it. The poor carers get frustrated as well, by the lack of action and politics that happens.
Anyway, fingers crossed its all sorted and I can now spend the next week buying what we need and packing.
Now on a brighter note. Have a really beautiful friend coming to stay over Easter. I am sure there will be lots of laughter and fun. Plus the kids are all coming for lunch on Sunday and I have some new plants to put in.
Take care everyone and Happy Easter to you all.
Well not sure how a brie could taste as sweet or if the cheddar would melt my heart, we didn't get to try any. We were shown, well really half shown, how to make feta and we had tasted one that they made the day prior. We also did get shown how to make sauerkraut and kombucha tea.
Now I think something was a bit amiss with all that we did get to taste. Sauerkraut tasted like vinegar, sourbread tasted like vinegar, kombucha tea, which is just black tea with fungi, tasted like salt and vinegar. Kvass, well it was indescribable and certainly undrinkable haha.
The woman who taught the course, seemed to read about old recipes and then set about doing them her own way, so they didn't end up tasting like the original. She was also one who had read on one site how homogenized milk was so bad for you and ran with it.
Who has ever hear of Cleopatra bathing milk? We now have. We were told this was the best milk to buy to drink and not to worry that it has 'not for human consumption' on it. Its just the way of getting around the laws.
Our sourdough pikelets ended up with a small bite out of them and then were hidden in Veronica's McDonalds drink cup haha. We got no recipes, as you had to book into another class and would get them there. Sorry, but if you want people to book in, then have an interesting class to start with.
In the class there were probably around 40 people. All ages and manner of dress. One woman who gave me a giggle, for whatever reason seemed to pick us out to do her sprook to. She had a business selling plants that attracted butterflies. She was very animated in her sales pitch. Imagine a 5 foot tall, blonde dreadlocked woman, waving her arms back and forth, showing us how the butterfly tastes with it feet. Gave us a bit of a giggle.
It wasn't all a waste of time. We were able to connect with another woman there who runs a different cheese making course, and am going to access it instead. Plus met a lovely young mum, who is going to come over and get some plants from me for her garden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for what else has been happening.
We had it all sorted with carers prior to booking our cruise, but as we all know so well, Murphy's Law kicks in. One of Ryan's carers got a chance to start a new job teaching, so had to cancel doing the overnight shift to look after Ryan.
He told the agency and I waited for them to contact me about it... and waited... and waited. In the end, I rang them. I was told that the shift was going ahead with Wayne. I said 'No, he isn't able to'. Again told he was. I asked if they could check, as we really needed it all sorted. A lot of tutting and they finally agreed. They were going to ring me straight back. Yeah, yeah I know, I have heard that before.
Nothing from them until this week and yes he couldn't do the shift and what was my backup plan? Well my plan was to make sure everything was in place before booking. Could I find someone else from our other agency to do it? Well I had already rung them the previous week hoping to get Ryan's new Monday carer to start earlier that day, but they couldn't stay overnight and as it turns out, couldn't start earlier.
So off goes agency 1 to try and find a staff member who could do it and take over the shift permanently. They would get them to meet us and do double up shifts. In talking about the shifts that we had before going away, she said that we had cancelled Easter Thursday shift. Ummm no we hadn't. Someone had and written it was us who cancelled it.
Called agency 2 and asked if they had any luck finding someone to get Ryan out of bed while we are away. 'Oh I haven't, I will look into it next week.' 'No I NEED to know ASAP. I am trying to co-ordinate 2 agencies and make sure its all in place'.
Following day, Agency 1 rings with news that a young uni student is willing to take on the shift and that we will meet her Thursday afternoon and she will come in on Easter Monday night and the following Thursday for training. Fantastic!! one thing not to worry about.
That night one of Ryan's carers is here and I am talking to him. He is able to do the Monday morning and get Ryan out of bed, but hadn't been asked. So today I ring agency 2 and let them know that Clive can come in and has agreed to do the shift. Fixed up the days they had forgotten to cancel carers on and so hopefully now everything is right.
It's very frustrating that I have to spend hours trying to sort this all out, instead of those that are paid to do it. The poor carers get frustrated as well, by the lack of action and politics that happens.
Anyway, fingers crossed its all sorted and I can now spend the next week buying what we need and packing.
Now on a brighter note. Have a really beautiful friend coming to stay over Easter. I am sure there will be lots of laughter and fun. Plus the kids are all coming for lunch on Sunday and I have some new plants to put in.
Take care everyone and Happy Easter to you all.
Friday, 23 March 2012
From slow to go
Have had a very full and fun-filled couple of weeks.
Last week Ryan was in respite, so this saw me go out on Wednesday night with Colleen to a theatre restaurant. Saw a great show called Ghouls night out. As always with her, we had lots of laughter and even more talking.
I am trying to talk Colleen and another friend Jan into coming on a road trip to Melbourne in a motor home with me. I think I might be slowly wearing them down haha.
The next day Peter went in for some tests. Still don't have the results from that yet. Fingers crossed its all fine. While he was there I went shopping and ran into an old friend that I haven't seen for years. She came over the following day for lunch.
That Thursday night I got to cross another item off my list. Peter, Troy, Danielle and I went to the Comedy Club for dinner and the show. Very funny comedians and lovely food.
Out again on the Friday night for dinner with Ryan and Peter and I was going to sleep at the table.
Saturday off to the doctors as I have a touch of cellulitist in my leg. Antibiotics which I am still on and another trip back today and hopefully it will clear up soon.
Another item off my list on Wednesday, when Jade and I went to aqua aerobics. I had so much fun at it, that I went again today. Am going to try and go a couple of times a week, to the early morning class or Monday's lunch time when Ryan is doing his study with his carer.
Speaking of Ryan, he had lung and heart specialists in the last week and both have given good reports. He met his new carer and as of Monday will have 4 hours with him and will do his photography course.
I need to make sure I take photos of everything I do this year, as I am thinking of doing a book up of the items I cross of my list and memories.
Well this week coming I plan to get some stuff listed for sale on the net and next weekend I am also doing a cheese making class with Jan. Can't wait to catch up with the girls from school on Sunday for lunch.
hmmmm just noticed that one of our family of three geckos that live on the outside of our front window at night, is now on the lounge room wall. Have to go and get Peter to remove it.
Until next time :)
1. Read50 39 books in the year. Doesn't matter what type but as long as its 50 and I will be able to keep track with my new kindle.
2. Do another cooking class. At least 1 but hopefully 2. So far done 3, one of which was with Jamie Oliver
3. Go on a holiday, hopefully to Melbourne. I was last there in 1984, so just a few years ago lol
4. Go to a horse 'cup' day
5. Go down another 20kgs (gotten a bit stuck at the moment)
6. Get a lot more writing from my autobiography done - Been doing heaps of that
7. Have lunch or dinner at Bretts wharf or Aria Brisbane
8. Go through the glow worm caves at Springbrook hopefully when the glow fungi is out as well or the fireflies
9. Do a charity event - with not a lot of walking done today MDAQ walk
10. Have a tarot reading - have the name of someone really good in Fernvale
11. Go to a musical (booked for Jersey Boys in July)
12. Go to gold class movie
13. Go on a cruise - booked and leaving in April
14. Get a fish - either fighter or gold fish or two. When I was single I had 2 goldfish, 1 black and 1 gold called Abraham and Lincoln lol (Ryan is giving me this for Mother's Day)
15. Go to a zoo
16. Go to brisbane city markets
17. Brisbane's koala and river cruise
18. Toowoomba carnival of flowers
19. Attend a dawn service
20. Go to Q1 lookout
21. Have a flying lesson - Changing this to do the flight stimulation first, then maybe a flying lesson
22. crystal castle at mullumbimby
23. do a cross stitch
24. have a facial Have had a couple now
25. have a massage Have had two of these so far, one being a hot rocks one
26. try a new food Tried dragon fruit and poppadoms and some vegetarian dishes so far.
27. aqua aerobics classes. Done and going to do more
28. be part of a flash mob - now where does someone find these people
29. Drive a convertible with the top down and music blaring.
30. Get family tree in order - got heaps of this done
31. Go on a retreat
32.Go to the comedy club
33. Play blackjack at the casino - must remember to take extra shirt to lose since I have never played it lol
34. Swim in the ocean - haven't done this for many many years
35. Go to an opera or listen or an opera singer - don't know if I could sit through a whole opera.
36. Spend a night at maleny/montville
37. Hold a snake - to overcome a fear (Went on the Brisbane wheel to overcome fear of heights but had to get off, so only went around once. Never again lol )
38. Attend the good food festival
39. feed the homeless - was looking into this a couple of months ago but didn't do anything about it. (contacted agencies but none have gotten back to me yet)
40. do a belly dancing class - well I have enough belly to wobble haha
41. try a new drink
42. queen mary falls walk
43. drink a cocktail - last cocktail was in about 1979 and it was a fluffy duck and its the only one I have ever tasted.
44. host a murder mystery dinner party - have the game here, now to organize
45. Put $5 a day into money box - use it for something special at the end of the year. - been doing this
46. Have a games night with friends
47. Put $50 on black at the casino for my first and only bet at the table.
48. Trike ride from Gold Coast to Mt Tamborine wineries
49. Ride on a carousel
50. Have a kick arse birthday party (venue, dj, food sorted. Decorations started)
Last week Ryan was in respite, so this saw me go out on Wednesday night with Colleen to a theatre restaurant. Saw a great show called Ghouls night out. As always with her, we had lots of laughter and even more talking.
I am trying to talk Colleen and another friend Jan into coming on a road trip to Melbourne in a motor home with me. I think I might be slowly wearing them down haha.
The next day Peter went in for some tests. Still don't have the results from that yet. Fingers crossed its all fine. While he was there I went shopping and ran into an old friend that I haven't seen for years. She came over the following day for lunch.
That Thursday night I got to cross another item off my list. Peter, Troy, Danielle and I went to the Comedy Club for dinner and the show. Very funny comedians and lovely food.
Out again on the Friday night for dinner with Ryan and Peter and I was going to sleep at the table.
Saturday off to the doctors as I have a touch of cellulitist in my leg. Antibiotics which I am still on and another trip back today and hopefully it will clear up soon.
Another item off my list on Wednesday, when Jade and I went to aqua aerobics. I had so much fun at it, that I went again today. Am going to try and go a couple of times a week, to the early morning class or Monday's lunch time when Ryan is doing his study with his carer.
Speaking of Ryan, he had lung and heart specialists in the last week and both have given good reports. He met his new carer and as of Monday will have 4 hours with him and will do his photography course.
I need to make sure I take photos of everything I do this year, as I am thinking of doing a book up of the items I cross of my list and memories.
Well this week coming I plan to get some stuff listed for sale on the net and next weekend I am also doing a cheese making class with Jan. Can't wait to catch up with the girls from school on Sunday for lunch.
hmmmm just noticed that one of our family of three geckos that live on the outside of our front window at night, is now on the lounge room wall. Have to go and get Peter to remove it.
Until next time :)
1. Read
3. Go on a holiday, hopefully to Melbourne. I was last there in 1984, so just a few years ago lol
4. Go to a horse 'cup' day
5. Go down another 20kgs (gotten a bit stuck at the moment)
6. Get a lot more writing from my autobiography done - Been doing heaps of that
7. Have lunch or dinner at Bretts wharf or Aria Brisbane
8. Go through the glow worm caves at Springbrook hopefully when the glow fungi is out as well or the fireflies
10. Have a tarot reading - have the name of someone really good in Fernvale
11. Go to a musical (booked for Jersey Boys in July)
13. Go on a cruise - booked and leaving in April
14. Get a fish - either fighter or gold fish or two. When I was single I had 2 goldfish, 1 black and 1 gold called Abraham and Lincoln lol (Ryan is giving me this for Mother's Day)
15. Go to a zoo
16. Go to brisbane city markets
17. Brisbane's koala and river cruise
18. Toowoomba carnival of flowers
19. Attend a dawn service
20. Go to Q1 lookout
21. Have a flying lesson - Changing this to do the flight stimulation first, then maybe a flying lesson
22. crystal castle at mullumbimby
23. do a cross stitch
26. try a new food Tried dragon fruit and poppadoms and some vegetarian dishes so far.
28. be part of a flash mob - now where does someone find these people
29. Drive a convertible with the top down and music blaring.
30. Get family tree in order - got heaps of this done
31. Go on a retreat
32.
33. Play blackjack at the casino - must remember to take extra shirt to lose since I have never played it lol
34. Swim in the ocean - haven't done this for many many years
35. Go to an opera or listen or an opera singer - don't know if I could sit through a whole opera.
36. Spend a night at maleny/montville
37. Hold a snake - to overcome a fear (Went on the Brisbane wheel to overcome fear of heights but had to get off, so only went around once. Never again lol )
38. Attend the good food festival
39. feed the homeless - was looking into this a couple of months ago but didn't do anything about it. (contacted agencies but none have gotten back to me yet)
40. do a belly dancing class - well I have enough belly to wobble haha
41. try a new drink
42. queen mary falls walk
43. drink a cocktail - last cocktail was in about 1979 and it was a fluffy duck and its the only one I have ever tasted.
44. host a murder mystery dinner party - have the game here, now to organize
45. Put $5 a day into money box - use it for something special at the end of the year. - been doing this
46. Have a games night with friends
47. Put $50 on black at the casino for my first and only bet at the table.
48. Trike ride from Gold Coast to Mt Tamborine wineries
49. Ride on a carousel
50. Have a kick arse birthday party (venue, dj, food sorted. Decorations started)
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