ooops I wasn't logged on and they wouldn't let me in :?: I am learning something every day..I can't see any eggs alight at the mo so you must all be working, sleeping ...Or DECORATING!!! :dizzy: Did you hear that Mel!!!
Yes I am well and truly Christmased! I love it, although braving the stores is a nightmare. I went into one of those little $2 shops to have a look for knic knacs and ...uggg. I felt clostrophobic! I couldn't move and I am so glad I don't have any toddles around my feet. I would be worried I might take the worn ones home. I am so glad I am organised here ;) gloating a little.
Shad: thank you for your kind direction last night. Shame i didn't work it out until you were lights out. I will get with the program one of these days. I'm afraid I have truly BLONDE blood
Mel: Hey there. Your oldies sound super and I'm sure they had a wonderful time. It's so nice to be able to be a part of that...they are truly seizing their days!
Holly...hi, yes we need Cannucks and Kiwis and yankie doodles and poms and all sorts it makes us interesting, funny how we found the thread on the same day...must be a hidden wave length somewhere. It's so good to see you UP these days.
Linus. "hi" it's so nice to meet you and I am so sorry about you sickies! Uggg. Poor little thing. Big thing I'm sure ...poor thing anyway. i wish him well thoughts.
Everyone else : Who i haven't had the pleasure of. I hope you are all well and happy and able to enter into those moments you all sound like special people. I'm looking forward to "meeting" you all.

Toodles for now, kids about to burst home from school. I can't wait until the sun goes down ....lights camera....action! :lol:

I can't wait until the sun comes OUT We have had days of this rain. Days and days and days of it. Hey huey or whoever upstairs is in charge of the taps, a day or two to dry out a little would be NICE or is that too much to ask.

Little bro is in trouble again. He rung this morning to see if he could come and see me tonight. Wonder what he has done this time. Hope it's not money as there ain't that much floating around at the moment. He's got some of it, DS1 has some of it, DS2 has another hunk, I was off work for 3 months and the car is on loan. I can only do so much!!!!!
I can't work miracles or can I. Sometimes I am under the impression that for so long, I have done so much with so little that I am now qualifed to work miracles on nothing at all and it will be instant! 'snork'

I'll be back as big Arnie once said.

hmmm...I am in a quantry. I posted and it vanished ...very very strange.
Hope you all have lovely days , night and afternoons. I am so feeling like cheese and crackers right about NOW!

that's weird ...it's there now ...lol

hello shad ...your little light is glowing ...ugg on the money probs...I hope it isn't money. It would be so nice if they just wanted to SEE you . Chin up and I will be thinking of you ...be strong...I have a crazy cat not enjoying the rain, and a daughter who needs me :)

Can't Sleep
 

Morning Chickies,
Hello to the new girls on the block...so glad you joined us. This is a great group of gals and I hope you find inspiration for what ever your goals are here in this corner of the world. Welcome!
I can't sleep I don't know why exactly...too much good food ....went to my second Christmas dinner last night and had a lovely meal with the gals from my office. We weren't suppose to give gifts but I had to give each of them a video of Winged Migration. IT is an outstanding film.... I recommend it to all my friends.
Linus, I was thrilled to receive your card in the mail....thanks so much for thinking of me. It is so sweet to be remembered by my friends around the world..... I have something to send too....but it may take a while to get it in the mail. I do hope that the kids are feeling better and that no one else gets ill this holiday season.
Shad, I can so relate to the being able to live on so little and then even have some to lend...that has been my story since my divorce... I am so very very frugile but have to help my sons with school.... I am hope that everything works out. I do understand about dog not being there for this christmas and I am so sorry for your loss. I am trying to prepare myself for that day when Teeka is gone...she will be 10 next week on the 16th.... these animals that are in our lives are so wonderful. I am sure you are learning to live without him but never living without still loving him.
I find it so odd about my behavior and food.... in the winter I eat so much less that I can actually think I might try this dieting thing again.... I don't know if it is stress or what but even though I have been to two parties I have still been doing well.
It is going to be a long day since I have been awake since 2am..... now drinking :coffee: and waiting for the clock to tick away til I leave for work. At least it is friday and I can rest this weekend. I have an elderly friend who had surgery yesterday and the outcome is not hopeful for her future so that has been on my mind. I feel so badly for her.... no children and just cold relatives surround her.... I think they want her to die so they can divide up the goodies.... she has lots of friends here in our circle of ladies but it is still so difficult when we can be in the same town to support her right now. sometimes the circle of life sucks...ok..... I will stop now with the negative.
I caught my two little night time raiders who have been cleaning the traps clean and leaving little dropping beside the traps....I used sticky traps tonight and Tom and Jerry were both side by side in the trap when I got home tonight. I don't like those traps but the little devils were pretty good escape artists.
I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the peace of this season amongst the hussle and bustle of it all. I wish it would snow here and stay!
Peace,
Nae

Right okay, now for the not so good news.

My brother has a gambling addiction. My brother although he wont admit it is in the depths of depression. He has also given up his job and is now umemployed and has too much time to dwell upon lifes imperfections. He is not entirely without redemption though. He has had enough nous to invoke a self exclusion on himself from the local TAB which is a start. I have yet to persuade him to do the same at the local pubs, clubs and the Casino which is where he went when he could no longer go to the TAB. The TAB is the government run (more or less) betting shops around town.
The better news is that he has not run up huge debts - they are big enough, but at the moment he only owes on a credit card up to it's limit and the outstanding amount of the loan I gave him last year. He has nothing left to sell or pawn or gamble against.

So I am now organising or trying to organise help for him. I rang a help place yesterday and the counsellor gave me a few ideas of where to go and what to do and how long I have to look forward to having my little brother depending on me for help! Thanks bro. I feel angry too! I feel that I have put up with the family sh*t for a long time, I've been there through all the splits, divorces, kids trauma, housing crisis, death and depression (including my own sh*t)and now just when I thought it was all over, it starts again. So I am fighting on two fronts, his and mine. I have yet to persuade him that a trip to the doctor is necessary. He is very depressed but doesn't acknowledge it. He doesn't want to go to Centrelink to sign on for unemployment as that is degrading! I think I need to ask Linda for a loan of the cattle prod.
I'll keep you posted because sometimes you people are all I have between me and the rest of this world.

This week also marks the anniversary of the death of my godson, and the deaths of two school friends who overdosed on drugs in some sort of death pact. It was those two who launched me into my first battles with addictions and the aftermath. I learnt a lot from them and I daresay I will learn a lot more from my brother!! None of it is good or what I wanted to learn.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. I'll try to keep my ravings to a minimum, but I guess there will be times when I will just break out again, like now.

The last of my overseas cards and letters are ready to post. Will wonders ever cease? And on a brighter note, the sun is out and shining at least for the moment. I am off to a Pilates class this morning and will post the cards, do the shopping, pick up the dry-cleaning and come home and do some housework. I now feel in the mood to pick up and throw things out.

Right so I best go and get on with the day. The house looks like a bomb hit. There are cards and wrapping paper and envelopes all over the dining room table. The floor is overdue for a sweep, the kitchen thinks no one loves it, and the roses in vases are long overdue to be replaced. Work calls. Mind you, sometimes it is the best medicine. The panacea so to speak.

Oh Shad, We have open ears and hearts. That just sucks.You are a good sister. I am assuming your brother is an adult.I am not sure my sib would bail me out.
Hope work lets you forget for a while. So sorry about your godson. I hope you are able to remember the good stuff.
HI Roseblush,nice to meet you. Hope you get some uninterupted sleep tonight.
Suzi~you Christmas angel you! How old are your kids?
Mel~ since you haven't been around today yet I am hoping you are relaxing!!

I have been sleepy all day. I am fighting a bit of a bug but it is not winning .
I had the 4 toddlers today which is nice because they all nap from 1-3. I love the quiet.
DD and I are going to a cookie swap tonight. I made peanut brittle.
It is an old friend from highschool and I that started it 5 years ago and the group changes a bit every year but there are few of us who only see each other there now. It will fun to catch up.
Tomorrow will be hockey and Santa parade. Sunday is a Sunday School party and skating. AND the never ending house work, of course.
I haven't done any cards yet. Gotta get my head around that one.
Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend!

oh shad im so blooming sorry i live in a family full of addicts drug alcohol and gambling and until they want to do something they wont no matter how much begging ,making sense or shouting at you do :mad: most of the time its the complete lack of money or sellable goods that bring them to a temporary halt :?: heres hooping it diesnt take too much out of you as from experince of sitting crying to myself that i now try and stay far away from it all so good for you for trying to help i just couldnt handle it anymore
craigs ate today and its stayed down i think this is just going to take time and me making him everything he likes to eat beef olives tonight mince and tatties tomorrow the good thing is he just cant resist my cooking {dont know why}strange kid but hey if it works :T :cp: :crossed: :crossed: :corn: going to dads tomorrow to pick up the xmas cards he always puts money in them and the kids know this so even they want to go :lol: adding to the temptation aunty kim has left there money envelopes there as well right ladies im off and ill speak to you all later
kirsty

Checking In
 

Race Results: The 5K last week on the beach was a difficult run for me. They advertised low tide, but it actually was rising tide. I stayed as close to the water as I dared but once I dared too much and drenched by a wave from the knees down. Of course this, was the first time that I've gone to a race and didn't take a change of shoes!! :o Beach runs are hard...so there weren't many people there. I came in second in my age group and received a hand-made plaque from the school that the race was supporting. The proceeds from the race will go towards playground equipment.

Another 5K tomorrow: The Reindeer Run at Cape Canaveral. This may be another beach run. :faint: But THIS time I'll take spare shoes.

Mel ~ the Christmas card is beautiful! I've put it on my mantle. I really enjoyed your pictures. Can I tell you a New Jersey story? The Dearest Hubster was in the local grocery store and he passed a man talking on a cell phone saying in his very New Jersey accent, You won't believe it, Ethel, I'm standing here in SHORTS! :rofl:

kirsty ~ loved your card! It's on the mantle next to Mel's. Craig has been in my prayers. Have they decided the diagnosis is listeria?

nae ~ I wish we had a picture of your dead tree decoration... somehow that doesn't read right. :lol: I'll bet it really is pretty - it sounded very creative. This is definitely the time of year that somehow seems to bring the worst out in some people, particularly families! :yikes:

shad ~ sushi - yummm. Hurray for Certified Shad! I loved your wildlife story. Now THAT would be the life - sitting on the patio and watching the REAL world hop by! The Santa poem was marvelous - truly bonza. Jabba the Hutt is from the Star Wars movies. Sad news about your brother. Having a place to blow off steam is always comforting, though, I know.

Meadow ~ I always love your pictures, they really brighten my day. I can't even have chocolate in the house because I would just gobble it up. That was very scarey to read about it chasing you around the house!

teel ~ I hope you are mending rapidly!

Happy ~ moving over Christmas has got to be very difficult. I can't help but think that an even better house is waiting for you in Tennessee. We have moved so much - I know how stressful it all is.

suzi and Holly ~ Hello and Welcome!!

Dearest Hubster and I are going to a party tonight. I'd better get moving because I said we'd leave in a half hour and I haven't even showered yet! We went out to breakfast this morning and then for a 55 minute walk on the beach so I NEED a shower!!! :rofl:

?
 

Where are you Mel?????

My Sister shad I send all my love and hugs and anything else you need.....just ask. we are all here to listen and now it's your turn to rant! Hope the situationd straightens out and the Bro realizes he's screwing others up as well as himself. Sending prayers, good thoughts and fingers are crossed. I'll stay in tele touch!

Nae~ Poor tom and Jerry! :rofl: I hat those traps too. but you gotta do what you gotta do. Wish we could all run away and meet at your house for Xmas in the snowy woods! What a treat that would be! ((((((HUGS))))))) for your friend and nice of you to be even better to her than the family. Sorry I forgot to sign or write on the card! :yikes: :rofl: Just never turned it over and see the space!!! LOL Glad you liked it.

linus~ Here is hoping Craig can hold down the food over the weekend. My jen does best when she eats what SHE thinks she can handle. Usually tunafish and frenchfries believe it or not. Strange kid. don't know who she takes after! (((((((HUGS)))))) for craig and hope you and the rest of the family are well.

Teel~ can you come out and play yet?????
Ditto for Meadow

Tig~ You little racing devil you!! Got your card today!! Thank you. all my chick cards are on my shelf with some chick pics still. Might need another shelf!!! LOL Good luck with the run!! congrats on the beach run! That has got to be a tough one. Have a great time at the party but you may already be there! Cheers!!

Suzi & Holly~ Funny how you both cvame here together! :rofl: Must have been fate!!! Just in time for the holidays too. You can celebrate with the "family" now! :D Please PM me your address if you want so I can send a card. Or not if you don't wish. No offense is ever taken on this forum We are all free to pick and chose what we want to do and feel.

I had another exhausting day and still need to do Clara's Xmas cards tomorrow! :faint: If I make it to the new year I'll be lucky. Rainy out so no rides and the temps are dropping too. I fear Winter may be here for real this time!:( :rofl: I can't complain as I had a good run with the good weather. I have been feeling the need to change decorations here.....I mean like furniture arrangements. But where TF do you put 3 wheelchairs?? Not exactly like a conversational grouping in the livingroom! :rofl: :rofl: I just have that "I need a change" feeling coming over me. Sunday I really need to take the phone off the hook and put the old feet up and watch some Xmas DVDs or Harry Potter!!! I even bought healthy microwave popcorn for the anticipated occasion! :lol: Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and keep well. Sweet dreams and good morning Sunshine.

Right here's my moan...I have to put it somewhere...someone somewhere is trying to nab my Christmas Spirit....well they copped an earful this morning !
It was all supposed to go to plan. I was supposed to get the jolly appliances delivered and there were supposed to be installed today ...Nope!
Truck man rings me ...coming at 3-5pm! Not what time would you like me madam, coming then! end of story, someone told you the wrong thing...blah blah blah...well Suzi became unglued! I growled and growled. This is the last of a list of reasons why we haven't seen hide nor hair of our stuff! I ordered it in Oct and it was to be delivered 1st Dec, still not here....grrr. So i called, growled , asked why...it will be here 3..nope, 9...nope ...today ...nope.
My sparky wasn't too unhappy and said he had loads to do but still...I'm not sure when it's going to be done. The delivery man is coming today....and I might see it in tomorrow ...who knows. grrr....
After a cup o tea the Christmas spirit is still intact ...just!
The kiddies did love the lights and they do twinkle beautifully. I think tonight I will take the kids and me out! Just feeling a little couped up!
yaaay for pools which keep them occupied for a bit.

so there's my rant.!!!

Now to all of you...
Mel ...Thank you so much for your offer...fate is a funny thing. i believe there are reasons for everything

Holly...I would love to think I was an angel, at least some of the time...not this morning maybe ...LOL. My kids are girl 9 boy 11 and boy 12. They are scrumptios and I love them to pieces. Your cookie swap sounds amazing I would love to do something like that , if i had an oven!:P

Rosebud ( pretty nic) Thank you for the welcome, I look forward to getting to know you too :)

Shad...many thoughts out your way you precious thing. It is so hard to know why our brothers and sisters act up like this but it is good that he can come to you. I've put a couple of suggestions up on your journal. If you need numbers I could get these for you. I work at a community centre and we deal with ER ( Emergency relief ) clients all the time. They are people who have been passed onto us by Centrelink. Your brother might be eligible even though he doesn't have a benefit. I'm sure they have this system in your area. The Wesley Gambling Counselling is a good resource too. This is so difficult and hard for you to take on board. It is something that will not go away in a hurry. i hope that you are able to help your brother get the necessary help he needs.
He is so fortunate to have you!...
Toodles for now folks .

'Evening ladies,
Best to catch up now before I've got more pages to read than I can respond to.

Shad :grouphug: you are forever the rock that everyone depends on. Seems like you got the overabundance of sensibility genes in the family. I do hope that you will be supportive but not taken advantage of and that your brother gets the help that he needs. I also remembered from reading your post that the month of December is a difficult one for you and personal memories. Just remember that we are here for you whether it is to provide bats, cattle prods, big hugs or gentle nudges in a show of support. Both of us enjoyed speaking to you today, thanks so much for the call - it's always great to hear your voice. DH (and me too) are looking forward to your next visit (and landscaping advice ;) )

Tig, running on the beach. I mean not just running but running through WET SAND? I bow to your awesomeness! How fabulous! Congrats on a fine finish too.

Rose, sorry to hear about your friend and her surgery. It's a good thing she has a friend in you. Why do people have to be so cold and greedy?

Holly - hope you had fun with the cookie swap. It sounds like a lot of fun - the few people I know who are involved with them greatly enjoy them. It's always fun to get new recipes from people too.

Linus, glad to hear that Craig is on a bit of the mend there. Do you get one of those money stuffed cards for some fun bits for yourself too? :devil:

Mel, I think you do need a bit of some couch and movie time. Don't be letting everyone take advantage of you and give you the weepy peepers later on. There's far too much to do for you to let yourself get run down. So go kick the feet up and relax - then you can figure out some creative decorating of the wheelies in the room - a unique version of a Christmas train perhaps?

Suzi, good to hear that in spite of a valiant effort, you did not allow your Christmas spirit to be taken away. Often times I wish we could go back to a simpler time where we could enjoy the season for what it's worth instead of trying to be everything, do everything and getting totally stressed and overloaded at the same time. It's been a while since I really was able to enjoy Christmas. Next year for sure I promise myself. Will help I'm sure if I have a real fireplace to hang the stockings from.

Teel hope to hear from you soon along with Meadow's plans for an Antonio Banderas Christmas dream sequence :cloud9:

Time to run now (well not run quite like Tig and Shad but hurry along none the less). Catch you later chickies...

yes, well the day is redeemed. i didn't allow those nasty little people to steal it! :eek:
I got into a situation today which I don't like to be in ....conflict. :mad: I allowed it to grab hold of me for just a little while. Negativity does breed contempt. :headache: I felt cross, very cross and could have allowed it to really effect my mood for the rest of the day. The appliances are here...my man is coming to install them tomorrow and I am a happy camper! :)
I have had some lovely quality time with the kids, we ate popcorn, watched Garfield and laughed our heads off. It was a good movie and it lifted the spirit. :hungry:
A good walk in the afternoon did wonders too :cb: and I realised I hadn't walked for a few days. i do miss it when I haven't. Tomorrow walking will be on the agenda too. Exercise helps me focus when things are getting too much
I do hope you all had fab days.
Happy....it is very nice to meet you! thank you for the kind words ..I have refocussed :lol:
Have wonderful days today, and tomorow! :wave: