Creepy Guy and Pink Ribbons!

I woke up this morning all motivated for my first day as an AVON rep. I had got all my books and order forms ready and after dropping Grotbag at school I drove to my assigned 'territory' to drop so me books at some doors.

Ding Dong AVON Calling!

My 'territory' was one suburb over (apparently the whole of my suburb is the territory or just one person - go figure) and also right next to a train station so I parked the car, put Bugalugs in the buggy and off I set.

It was a beautiful day, really warm, a bit over cast but lovely and I was relishing the fact that I would be getting some exercise as well as (hopefully) earning a bit of extra cash for Christmas.

No sooner had I delivered about 10 books I saw 'creepy guy' coming down the road in the opposite direction. Now although it was pure daylight there really was no-one around. He looked to be talking to himself, looked like he hadn't washed in weeks and sported a beard that looked like it had things living in it. So I thought it would be safer to cross the road and the double back on myself. I saw him turn into a street and then saw him heading toward the train station. Phew!

Bugalugs had fallen asleep and I was enjoying the walk. I turned into a cul-de-sac and delivered a couple more books. I turned around and who should be coming down the cul-de-sac but 'creepy guy'! There really was no one around and as it was a cul-de-sac I had to walk right past him. He was looking around and then straight at me. So I walked straight past him and kept looking right at him staring him down. He eventually looked away and then said 'er..do you have the time" I told him no and kept walking. All I could think of was Bugalugs asleep in the pram. Creepy guy just kind of just stopped and loitered at the end of the cul-de-sac and I kept looking around to make sure he was still there. He completely avoided eye contact and I high taled it out of there. All the way back to the car I kept looking over my shoulder and got Bugalugs in the car quick smart. I had the eebbiie jibbies by then and just wanted to get home.

As soon as I got home I called the lady who had signed me up and left her a message telling her she could have the territory back!! Ain't going there again!!! (it's 9 o'clock at night and she hasn't called me back....hmmmm!)

After I came home and calmed down I tried not to think of what would have happened if he had come up behind me before I saw him coming down the cul-de-sac. I also realise he might live streets around there and so really don't want to have to maybe bump into him again. He may have just come on the train and was wandering but I don't want to take that chance. The thing is the suburb is a really good suburb so it wasn't like I was on the wrong side of the tracks.

Anyhoo....it kind of tainted my first AVON experience. I think I might give up having a territory and just stick to doing it socially among people I know. A lot safer that way! I am under no obligation anyway so can just quit anytime so will see if it is worth my while.

On a brighter Pinker note I am holding my 2nd Annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast this Saturday for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year I raised just over $550 so am hoping to double it this year. It really is fun day. All the girls come dressed in pink and bring a little something to eat and share. We have a raffle and basically chat and gossip the morning away!!! I will be sure to post some pictures of the day!

You can help me achieve my fundraising goal by making a donation, with all money raised going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation's research programs, It's quick and easy. You can make a secure online donation to my breakfast using your credit card by clicking HERE.

And even more exciting news...my Hubby is home tomorrow YAY! It's early as he is not supposed to be back until Tuesday but is attending a conference so they are flying him home earlier so we get a 'free' weekend together. Well, I am kicking him out while the breakfast is on....well no men allowed!!

Wordless Wednesday!

OK.....I can't keep quiet so this is not really wordless Wednesday but I took this photo of Bugalugs yesterday after his dinner and it keeps making me smile so it was too good not to share!

Blog posts are a bit thin on the ground as I have loads going on outside of the blogosphere including a Pink Ribbon Breakfast I am hosting on Saturday for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and also preparing for a mini break with the family.

I have also spontaneously signed up today to be an AVON rep in my area????? What the? Well I need to lose the baby weight but love food too much so have to move my butt instead, plus I can do it with Hubby working away and with the kids. Hopefully it will bring in a little bit of cash too which can't be bad so will have to wait and see.

Anyhoo, thanks for all your comments I have been reading them all and will eventually get around to replying to you all. Promise.....

Good customer service from a call centre...no, really I am serious!!

It's all very well to bitch and moan about bad service. I mean it happens quite a lot but just like anything that happens all the time you end up becoming immune to it and start accepting it as the norm.

However, every now and then there is a company that provides good customer service or has an idea in customer service that in my opinion EVERY company should adopt.

This morning I received a nice little email from my ISP telling me that I have reached my download limit for the month and so although I won't get charged anymore they will slow me down in the peak period. I was expecting this little gem as last week I got the preliminary email telling me I had reached the 80% - it was like a little 'whoa slow down sister or we will do it for you' message.

So having decided that I cannot deal with slow Internet speed I called them (they are available 24/7 - yes people 24/7 it's Sunday morning here as I write this) - and as usual I find myself in a queue. But low and behold this was the message that I heard:

"Hi there, you must be really busy and not want to spend the next 20 minutes holding for the next operator so guess what....we will call YOU back. Yep just type in your number then press hash and tell us your name so we know who to ask for. And don't worry your little self about losing your place in the queue, we will save your spot and we should be able to call you in the next *pause* 12 to 19 minutes. So off you go, go hang your washing out, have a cup of tea or read a few more blogs and we will give you a call in just a mo!"

Well not verbatim OK .... I am inflicting artistic licence here but seriously is that good or what?

I don't know any other company that does this but all call centres should adopt it - think how much happier all us little customers would be.

So in the time I COULD have been waiting on the phone I put my washing away put another load on and put Bugalugs down for a sleep. And they called me back about 15 minutes later and they put me back on normal speed, changed my plan for next month all within a few minutes.

Ahhh what a way to start a Sunday morning....

Do you have any good call centre customer service stories? Any cool practices that you think others should adopt? Let me know in the comments...

...Because My Husband Works Away - Social Engagements

I have been planning to write a post about how I cope "...Because My Husband Works Away". I was reluctant at first as I know there are a lot of single mums, army wives and widows that might read my post that felt a bit wrong writing about it.

But then I realised that we all have our unique situations and we all cope with them differently and maybe something I write might help or give an idea to someone else. Plus it is a big part of who I am and my life that I wanted to share.

The thing is there are so many aspects to having your Husband home only one week in every three that when I started making notes I realised the post would be horrendously long and bore the pants of anyone who read it. So I thought I would start a little series and write about different parts positives and negatives of our family arrangement.

In this post I wanted to talk about how we deal with social engagements for us as a couple and me on my own. Last weekend when Hubby was home we had 3 party invites for the Saturday night. Apparently October 10th is a popular day for birthdays!

We had already made plans with another two couples to come to our place for a curry night, so had to decline the 3 invites we had. You might think that we would have cancelled or rescheduled our night but babysitters had been booked for the other couples and the plans had been made first and well in advance.

This often happens on Hubby's weekend home. We have quite a few different circles of friends (well aren't we the popular couple *she says sarcastically*) and we often 'book' in to see friends in advance so when other stuff comes up we usually have to decline.

This means that Hubby does miss out on quite a few social events on the 'other' weekends and depending on whether I can get a baby sitter or take the kids I pretty much go to almost everything I am invited to even if he is not home. I am so used to this that I have a little method of deciding what we go to and what we decline.

Weddings and Funerals trump everything. Regardless of previous plans made. I have never had either on the same day so haven't had to decide between the two. Hubby will always try and make them even if it means having a few days annual leave.

Previous plans take precedent over everything else. If we have committed to something we will pretty much always follow through with it. The exceptions are of course the Weddings & Funerals and also if we get invited to something that is a once off like a going away party where we won't get to see the person for a long time.

Special considerations are also given to BFF's and Family. Like on my Mum's birthday this year Hubby is away and I have also been invited to a going away party for a good friend of mine. So first I check with Mum if she has any plans for her birthday like a family dinner or anything. No, she is off to a wedding the next day so is heading off for the weekend. Bonus! I don't feel bad about having to cancel one or the other and as Mum has the day off work to get her hair done and pack I can see her during the day!

BTW if Mum had been planning something I would have tried to get her to do something the next night (I am an only child so no need to worry about siblings!) and no, I wouldn't have got her to babysit on her birthday - I'm not that bad...but if she had offered.....

I am very lucky that most of my friends are mindful of my situation with Hubby working away and so we try to plan book club when he is home or I will plan other things with the girls when he is home too as he acts as an instant babysitter. Or I will plan to have things take place at my house when the kids have gone to bed.

As with babysitters we are very lucky that we have a few people we can ask but I won't waste babysitting opportunities. I realise that sometimes we just have to say no!

Needless to say the week that Hubby is home we are both very busy, me having a bit of time with my girlfriends without the kids and catching up with couples or attending parties, going out for dinner.

The most important engagement though is Date Night with Hubby. We make sure we always have one night where we chill out together at home watching a movie and getting take away or we go out on our own for dinner and movie or something along those lines!

So, do you have filter system like me with your social engagements? How do you decide if it is worth getting a babysitter? Do you have Date Night with your Hubby?

It Only Takes A Second!

Finally the weather has decided to catch up with the season here in Perth and today was a beautiful 't-shirt & thongs' warm Spring day in Perth. (Thongs as in Haviana's not Victoria Secret's!!)

Grotbag and I headed off one of his Kindy friends 5th birthday party today and as the weather was nice he was told to bring his swimming stuff so all the kids can go in the pool.

Bit too cold for me and the rest of the mums but we smothered the kids in sunscreen and let them swim standing around the pool watching them enjoy the sunshine! This was the first time I had let Grotbag go in the pool without me being in with him.

Now Grotbag has swimming lessons every week (and had been to a lesson this morning) but is a bit scared of deep water where he can't touch the bottom. Believe me he is no risk taker this kid except when you put him on wheels - scooters & skateboards are a preference then I have my heart in my mouth watching him.

Anyway he decided the best thing to do was hang out with one of his mates on the steps. All us mums were inside the pool fence watching the kids and chatting. No more than arms reach away from the kids. Everyone is having fun.

After about 20 Min's Grotbag decides he would like to have a go on one of the boogie boards, lay on it and have a kick around. I said he could but to be careful.

It happened in seconds, the boogie board tipped and he went under. He came up but panicked and forgot how to swim and so I jumped in and pulled him up (yes fully clothed).

He was OK! He cried! And rightly so he was spooked! So I sat with him on the step. I didn't want to make a HUGE deal out of it for him because I didn't want to create a bad association with swimming and pools. We live in Australia and swimming is a MUST here, the last thing I want is for him to have a big fear of water. So I just held him told him he was fine now and gave him a big cuddle. Within 5 Min's he was fine and back splashing. Mum to the rescue!

It only takes a second. And in that second I was so scared but also focused on getting him up, nothing else mattered.

He has never worn armbands or a float vest but I think I will be investing in one tomorrow and joining him in the pool from now on even if the water is a bit cold! The alternative is unthinkable!

So, have you ever had any close calls with your kids or family members? Has it changed the way you think or do anything to change the outcome next time?

Making Excuses.

She calls you at the last minute to cancel your plans together even though you thought they were set in stone for months. She says she 'isn't feeling great'. Regardless of the fact that you have organised a baby sitter had to for go having dinner with the family thinking you were grabbing a bite while you were out. And you sigh because this isn't the first time.


Later you find out she went out partying with someone else. A pattern she follows of more fun somewhere else!


No bother, you again excuse her poor behaviour because, hey, you've been friends for a long time and it's just the way she is.


She turns up at your doorstep and asks to stay. She has no where to go. You tell her 'just for a week'. She keeps you up every night while she's downing a bottle or two of wine (even though your not drinking) telling you yet again how broke and in debt she is, that her boss is picking on her, how 'That Girl' is a b**ch and how 'lucky' you are to have what you have.


Regardless of the fact that you have to get up at the crack of dawn and feed a baby. And that you too have to go to work because being 'lucky' means having to work part-time as well as being a mum.


Again you give advice knowing full well it won't be taken and you will hear the same story again in a few months because god forbid if she should change her ways. She says she's broke but hey, aren't they new shoes? And didn't you just buy two bottles of wine and instead of eating the dinner I made you, order pizza because now you have the munchies?


No bother, you again excuse her poor behaviour because, hey, you've been friends for a long time and it's just 'the way she is'.


You go out with her to a pub or a club even though that's not your scene anymore. She again consumes more alcohol than needed. She wants a 'man' but stand aloof and looks down her nose at any guy that comes along. You make chit chat with a guy standing near and all of a sudden she's not talking to you because you should have known telepathically that she wanted to get to know him. So you introduce them, she is all over him and he runs a mile. Apparently its 'your' fault. You want to go home and she says your spoiling 'her' fun. You get her inside and put her to bed while you 'don't' sleep on the couch. The next morning she wakes and says what an awesome night that was and you should both go out together more often.

Awesome?


No bother, you again excuse her poor behaviour because, hey, you've been friends for a long time and it's just 'the way she is'.


And then there the time that you had to go and pick her up after a incoherent phone call she makes to you doesn't know where she is so is wandering around. Of course you go and get her. She would do it for you. Right?


Or how she hasn't been able to hold down a job or keep the many 'acquaintances' she has had over the years because someone is always 'out to get her'. But she would be there for you too. Wouldn't she?

You listen to her whine and complain about some of her friends and you think to yourself "hey what is she saying about me when I am not around?" Couples are 'boring' but as soon as there is someone new on her scene you don't hear from her for weeks.

She tells you that you are the only one who 'gets her'. Actually your the only one who will put up with her crap.


But you know that one day, when yet again her crap comes a knocking you would have had enough. You will tell her the truth. But the truth is hard to swallow especially from someone who always looked the other way.


Will it matter to her that you always excused her poor behaviour or that you've been friends for such a long time? Will she give a crap that there is history there? Or will you just be chalked up as just another aqcuaintince in a long line before you.


But by telling the truth you will never get the phone call cancelling your plans, or drunk calls to pick her up. You will never 'annoy' her again by chatting to the guy she thinks is 'hers' or have to stay up late listening to her woes which she could change but never does.

Your shoulders will feel lighter but your friendship heart will hurt. Because instead of holding on to the one thing that was constant, she will, once she is told the truth, set you adrift.

So do you take the risk? Do you tell the truth or keep making the excuses?

'She' is a work of fiction, but if 'She' was real - what would you do?

The Lazy Blogger - Part Deux

Welcome back the The Lazy Blogger series. If you missed the first one click HERE.

Or not, suit yourself!

The recycled post below was the third post I wrote for my blog and is one of my favourites. It only received one comment. From someone I knew who had recently been to my house and gave me a beautiful bunch of yellow roses. (Hi Nic!!)

Talk about feeling guilty!

However, I still feel the same about the subject and feel it is worthy of bringing out again in the the The Lazy Blogger series. It is controversial (oooooohhhhh!) so I expect good comments!!

He Don't Bring Me Flowers!

Flowers.

This is going to be controversial in my opinion here but I have always been a bit funny/weird/bewildered by them. Don't get me wrong, I have had plenty of flowers sent to me for different reasons over the years and I truly believe the sentiment from the people sending them has always been heartfelt and I have appreciated every single bunch...but I just don't get it!!.

When I met my husband I told him straight away that I don't "do" flowers. He of course thought I was sending some strange female reverse psychology message and proceeded to buy me them and usually for no reason at all. And not just you run of the mill "picked up on my way home from the local BP" jobby's, these were beautiful bouquets from florists that cost him a fortune. And I think there in lies the problem. And please do not hate me for saying this but, I think they are a bit of waste of money. There I said it. Please keep reading....

Birthday flowers. I received flowers today for my birthday (which is tomorrow...more on that later) from my Uncle in the UK. They are absolutely beautiful, and a lovely thought. And it is the thought I am appreciative of because it means I have had someone think about me and remember me. However, as I do not receive flowers very often I didn't have a big enough vase for them and proceeded to hack at them, pulled a few bits out and arrange them in the shorter vase that I did have available. And arrange them very badly indeed. All I could think of was that my friend who is a florist would be horrified. So now I have this weird looking vase of flowers. They smell divine but I fear I may get a slight headache from the perfume. And I know that in a weeks time they would have all died (reminding me in the meantime that I am getting older) cause I wouldn't have changed the water. They would have dropped leaves and pollen which is impossible to remove from anything let alone the new top I got for my birthday which would have got a smear of the pollen on it from brushing past. And there will still be a smell coming from them, but it will be the smell of the rotting water. So then I will finally throw them out (after complaining about the pollen & smell everyday till they are thrown out) put the vase next to the sink to be bleached cause of the smell and the brown ring that has occurred and then that's it.

I feel the same about bereavement flowers, for most of the reasons above. But also, just them hanging around reminds you everyday of the awful thing you have just experienced. And then they too die. Flowers for babies...again no use, just have to try and find room in the car to get them home and its just more work for the new mum after the whole pollen falling etc has happened. New mums can barely throw away the pile of nappy bags piling up at the back door for the "big" bin outside let alone 6 bunches of dead flowers now smelling worse than the nappies!

But by far are the worst flowers are the "I'm Sorry" flowers! I told my husband in the beginning that if he really wanted to buy me flowers after I explained all my reasons above as to why it would be a waste, he should NEVER under any circumstances buy me flowers as an apology. The Sorry Flowers are usually sent, lets be honest, when something pretty big has gone down. And most women want to TALK about it not get flowers. A man who gave me sorry flowers would be chucked quicker than the flowers would be!

I know, I have read this back and admit that I do sound extremely ungrateful. I am really not. Honest. I just think at the end of the day they are expensive and something more original would be more exciting and memorable and preferably something that doesn't die. Maybe that's it...maybe I don't like gifts that die! Please if you are reading this and have ever sent me flowers don't think I have not gladly received them, I have and love you for sending them...even if the above was floating around in my subconscious.

Before my hubby and I were married we lived in a townhouse. And one day I came home and he had put m&m's all the way up the stairs in a little trail for me to follow to where he just hugged me and told me he loved me.

Now ask me if I remember any of the flowers he bought me.....

The Lazy Blogger - Part One

Another weekend where Hubby is home (remember I only get 17 or 18 of these a year) and as usual we have had social engagements rivalling Paris Hilton. Hence why my blog has been a bit sparce on content.


We had friends over last night and I cooked an Indian Banquet. 3 curries, pompadoms, chutneys, riata's, nann bread and rice. I even have the balti dishes and burners that they sit on all laid out down the middle of the table. So my post today was to show you this magnificent feast. But I forgot to take photos.


So if there is no proof (apart from left overs in my fridge) in blog land....did it really happen?


So in leiu of an original post I looked back on some of the very first posts I wrote. Back when I only had 4 people reading (and they all knew me) and before I pimped myself out to SITS.


I found two (the other one I will post tomorrow) that I really liked and would like my new followers and those popping in from SITS (Hi there!!) to read. Plus I have a million dishes to clean and to find some way to get the smell of curry out of my house, all while the Hubby has his ass fused to the couch watching Bathurst! My Aussie bloggers will know what I mean!


So enjoy part one of The Lazy Blogger series!



A HEAVY BAG.




Today, Hubby & I met 2 other couples for lunch at Feral Brewery in the Swan Valley. I love the fact that even though it is Winter in Perth the place was busy with people enjoying good food and drink even if it meant co-ordinating a scarf with your outfit. This was one of a few meals out we have been too while Hubby has been home.


The difference between our table and the majority of the other tables today were the addition of kids. Small kids. Three 4 year olds & two babies (and one on the way which doesn't count as they brought their own seat)!


A few years ago Before Kids (BK) lunch with friends just meant an impromptu phone call, picking a nice outfit, jumping in the car and spending a leisurely afternoon (and possibly evening) chatting, drinking and eating. Oh how times have changed. First you have to organise a date and make sure everyone is free. Especially for us seeing as my Hubby's job involves him flying in and out. So the date is usually set months in advance. God help me if it has to be changed!!


Gone are the days of spending an hour getting ready! I'm lucky if I manage to have a shower without an audience and its long enough to wash my hair (drying it may be optional!). There are 2 other people to get ready, well, 3 if you include Hubby. But luckily, although he can dress himself.


Then there is "The Bag" to pack!


"The Bag" has to consist of everything you 'might' need while on the outing. Basics includes, nappies & bottles and other baby stuff for Bugalugs plus a plethora of entertainment items for Grotbag to keep him occupied. Because inevitably if you are at a kid friendly restaurant the kids will be fed first leaving them to be completely bored by the time you receive your meal. Colouring books, ipods and handheld game consoles have become life savers in these times of need. I can never leave Hubby to pack the bag as something is always left out and I end up having to fold origami style nappies out of paper towels!


Once at the restaurant there is a shuffle of seating arrangement to accommodate prams, men and women and kids in between. Hubby hates to be seated in the wrong position making him privy to menstrual cycles, birthing stories, the latest on Masterchef and other such girly topics. Gone are the days of political banter and mixed sex conversations. Time is of the essence and plus, colouring in while talking about Kevin Rudd can be a bit distracting.


There is never all the adults at the table at the one time. They are either off supervising the kids on playground equipment or seeing to the younger set of babies. Food turns up and you eat it as quickly as possible so that you can take the baby off your partner so he can eat his dinner which is getting colder by the minute. Meanwhile ice cream turns up for the kids so you know that the meal is nearly over before you have even looked at your desert menu. Then you look at the time and realise the dreaded 'witching' hour is close at hand and the kids heads are going to start spinning round exorcist style spewing phrases like "I'm tired", "can we go home now", "I don't want to go home" etc etc.


So you say your goodbyes, and say that "you must simply do this more often, why do we leave it so long". Talk about how you should all "go away one weekend with the kids" all while trying to get your kids to say goodbye nicely and not run in front of cars in the car park!


The thing is, I love meeting my friends for lunch out and about with the kids. We all have a great time despite and because of all the things above. Going out for a meal may not be the same as a few short years ago, but I would rather go out and have to be a bit more organised than not go! How lucky am I that I have the opportunity to go and have lunch with friends? Having to do it differently is not better or worse than before kids, it just takes more organisation and more stuff.


In other words. Your bag just gets heavier!!

Honoured

I have been a very lucky little blogger and woke up this morning to see that overnight I had recieved some wonderful bloggy Awards!

Bob @ plainolebob awarded me the Kreativ Blog Award.

Bob's blog is a delight to read and is quirky and different in a sea of sameness (is that a word?). Please go over and say hi (and tell him I sent ya!)

So I have to:

1. Thank the person who gave the award.

2. Copy the award and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the blog that nominated you.

4. Tell your fellow bloggers 7 things they may not know about you.

5. Pass it on

Well here are 7 things you may not know about me.....

1) I auditioned for Big Brother (the first season in Australia) and got down to the last 20 in WA - Thank goodness I didn't get through!!

2) My son Oliver (Grotbag) was named after Jamie Oliver (my favourite chef) - although people think I picked the name but Hubby actually did.

3) I have been in an armed hold up...in a restaurant of all places!! Fortunately no one was hurt!

4) I always read the last page in a book. Terrible habit I know - I really am trying to stop this one!

5) I am not as strong as people think I am, which makes it hard when I have a meltdown!

6) I can give good advice but find it hard taking my own!

7) I wanted to be a butcher when I was growing up. The trade still facinates me!

Now I would like to pass this award onto Tonya @ Letters For Lucas a gorgeous little blog where Tonya writes letters to her little boy about the joys and disasters of his childhood.

I also recieved The Best Blog Award from both Amber @ Amber Page Writes and from Diggestive @ Writing About Everything and a Few Lists. Both of these are great blogs and I implore you to go and read and say hi from me!!

This one I have to:

1) To accept the award, post it on your blog, along with the name of the person who gave it to you.

2) Pass the award to other blogs you recently discovered and think are great! be sure to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

So I pass this Award along to:

MJ @ Whats The Matter Mary-Jane? - I have awarded MJ before and her blog is not new to me but her post today nearly made me wet my pants so to her it goes!!

Gretchen @ Wooden Nickel - Don't you just love that name and her blog is so beautiful I feel calm just popping over there!

Lisa @ Surviving Oz - Lisa writes about moving to Australia and her stories about combating our deadlist creatures cracks me up!!

Michele @ The Professionl Family Manager - Michele believes that you should treat being a SAHM like a career and has some very interesting views - I love reading her blog!

Katrina @ Katrina Chambers - her blog is sometimes about decorating and sometimes about random stuff but her decorating stuff in my mind is inspirational - she has a knack!!

So there you have, pop over to their blogs, tell them I sent you, and enjoy reading (and hopefully following) some new blogs!

~~~~~

Hubby is home at the moment so am not able to indulging in my secret blogging life as much as I would like. I don't know, something about not seeing him for 2 weeks and blogging YET AGAIN while he is waiting for a cuddle and conversation from me makes me feel a bit guilty sitting here!!

Toodles!!

Commitment Phobic

In July I wrote a post about how I was a Quirky Little Gemini. It was before I had stalkers..ahem I mean Followers as can be attested by the amount of comments left...er that would be zero!

Go ahead I will wait here while you read it.......

Can't be bothered? OK then....

Well in the post I touched on the fact that I am scared of commitment. Not the marrying kind of commitment (obviously as I have been happily married for 5 years...wow that went quick) but of committing to 'doing' something at the same time every week. I think it is why I never joined any clubs as a kid or did extra curricular activities that required me at 'training' or anything similar.

There are exceptions to my weird little quirky rule.

1. Relationships - I am committed to all relationships in my life to a fault sometimes.

2. Mum's Group - I relished meeting the mums every week and have made some awesome friends. We don't meet as an entire group anymore which is a shame but still keep in touch via Facebook or meeting more on a one on one basis!

3. My kids commitments - Well the only commitment Buglalugs has at the moment is sleeping through the night for mummy, but Grotbag does have commitments like school and Tae Kwon Do which is 3 times a week. I have only ever missed TKD a few times but that was due to illness, a storm and once when my brain was it's usual sievey self.

Now I am talking about regular commitments at the same time every week. Not social engagements or appointments (although I did cancel my dentist appointment two weeks ago) and I do not cancel one engagement because I another better one comes along. No, I am talking about regular commitments....like say....Meatless Monday.

Two weeks ago I started Meatless Monday. To much fanfare, I blogged about it and really love the ideology behind it. It was decided much to Hubby's annoyance, but I made a lovely Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni.

But...

Last Monday I forgot.

This Monday I have remembered but have suddenly gone all commitment phobic on the idea. Is this something I want to do F o r e v e r? It's hard enough figuring out what to have for dinner at the best of times let alone a decent vegetarian meal. And I do love a variety of veggie meals but have had salad with my meal for the last three nights and am a bit over it. I do not I feel like a veggie meal tonight.

And this is where the problem in my head starts. Having made the 'commitment' I then want to rebel and feel that I shouldn't have to do what I don't want to do. I start resenting the 'thing' I have to do so walls start to go up. It was the same with Weight Watchers and really any kind of diet (apart from when I had gestational diabetes I stuck to that diet but really that was a form of a commitment to my child not me). If you tell me I have to do something my initial reaction is to run the other way. It's a form of self sabotage I know and a flaw in my personality I am readily able to admit.

So how do I over come it and stop listening to the voices in my head? How do I really commit to something and stick to it without resenting and hating it?

I really would like to start doing some exercise. I need to do it. And that word need in itself is making me procrastinate and not start. Oh yeah, procrastinating is another personality flaw that I currently possess. Like I should be putting clothes away and not blogging.

What am I scared of in committing? Especially when there are benefits involved.

OK yeah I know I might need some therapy on this one because I really would like to figure it out. And it is probably more deep rooted than I think. But in the mean time I will just have a veggie meal when I want one not just because of the day of the week. And I better go and fold and put the washing away!

Well at least Hubby will be happy!

Are you commitment phobic about anything? Do you feel burdened by having to do the same thing, at the same time every week/fortnight/month?

Sneak Preview or Ramblings of a Busy Blogger

I didn't have a post ready for today.

I was going to use the time I usually spend blogging reading other blogs and searching out new blogs for me to follow.

I blame the fact that I didn't have a post ready is because I have 100 post ideas floating around in my head (literally floating!) but have absolutely nothing to say.

Sorry but the cupcake sugar has made me ditzier than ever!

So I thought I could write a post about my 'Get Ya Pink On' Pink Ribbon Breakfast I am holding in a few weeks with all proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation but I want to wait till closer to the time and not just 'bash our a post' for the sake of it.

Or

I could write a post about my 'To Do' list which is so long I have had to make another To Do list to remember to write the To Do list, but who wants to see another To Do List post?

or

I could write one of the four 'heavy' posts that I have been wanting to write about since starting my blog. About my Dad, my miscarriages, The IVF and the huge operation that Grotbag had to have on his head at 4 months old. But I don't have the emotional energy at the moment (see above re; To Do list) and want these to be great pieces of writing I will be proud of and so I need the time and head space to write them.

or

I could write about the fact that I miss my cousin Bling heaps as she has gone to the UK to visit family for 5 weeks. She left on Monday and I feel as if my right arm has been cut off. But it will make me too sad.

or

I could write about how I cope with my Husband working away 2 out of every 3 weeks with me being the majority parent to our two boys and how it works for our family with the pros and cons. But I know that there are single mums and army wives and widows and people that do it much harder than me so would feel a bit like I was preaching to the converted.

or

I could write about how much I love writing and blogging and that most of my day is thinking about blogs and what I can write about today with the words forming in my head only to leap out my ears by the time I am sitting in front of the computer screen. That I forgo doing washing, tidying up or rounding up the dust bunnies in favour of reading and commenting on my favourite blogs. I would love a WHOLE DAY where I could just write without interruptions and read every ones new posts and comment without watching the clock all day!

or

I could just write a post telling all who pass through that I didn't have a post ready for today and that as I sat down at the computer tonight the above is what I came up with. You could call it a 'sneak preview' or you could call it 'ramblings of a busy blogger'.

Either way ..... that's just ME!

Cupcakes Galore

I love cupcakes!


AB (BFF Anastasia Beaverhausen) called me a few months ago and said that a home ware store Matchbox, in our local shopping centre was holding different cooking classes. AB wanted to do the curry one but I couldn't get a babysitter for that night so we went with the cupcake one. To tell you the truth I wasn't sure how much I thought I would learn. AB is who we call the Cupcake Queen so if I have ever had any 'Cupcake Emergency' she has always been there to help.

Anyhoo, so we turn up for the class on Tuesday evening and there are 11 of us in the class. And the person running the class was pastry chef Sarah Brigden from Baby Cakes, in Tuart Hill. So knowing this I got a little bit excited. I had heard around the 'cake tins' about Baby Cakes but had never ventured there so, glass of wine in hand and camera in the other I was ready for my lesson.

Sarah was fantastic. She showed us two cupcake recipes (a base recipe and death by chocolate) which are the exact ones she uses at Baby Cakes. She also showed us a chocolate ganache (drool) and a raspberry swirl frosting (double drool). Also variations on how to use all of the recipes and tips galore about storing and ingredients. She made it all look terribly easy and the cupcakes tasted divine! The lesson went for 3 hours and then we were able to have a bit of a shop and the store gave us 10% discount on anything we bought that night. We also got a little take home gift (a whisk) and there was a raffle prize for one of us too.

So with my new recipes in hand I was ready to make some cupcakes. I mixed up a batch of the base recipe and was eager to get my cupcakes in the oven. I followed the recipe EXACTLY. To my disappointment my first batch rose too quickly so they spilled over everywhere.

Binned!

I had a slight feeling my oven may have been too hot. I had this same problem with my normal cupcake mixture. The recipe said 200 degrees but I have always done them on 180. Sarah's recipe was said 160 degrees for the little cupcakes so I turned the oven down to 150 degrees and had another go! Same thing happened but not so much.

Binned!

Not to be beaten (pardon the pun) and with AB on the other end of the phone we decided that I might have been filling the cases a bit too much. So this time I did not fill them so high but kept the temperature lower and cooked them for longer and....

Success!! Third time lucky!!

They were lovely and light and so I used up the rest of the mix and took them to the park today for the other mums I was meeting. They went down a treat! But unfortunately fellow bloggers I was so exhausted last night I didn't take pictures and when I thought of it this morning my camera battery needed recharging so I have no pictures of them :(

However, I will be having a go at the Death By Chocolate ones on the weekend and will take pictures to share with you all. Below are some pictures of the cakes that Sarah made and we all ate on the night. AB and I are hoping to book into the advanced class that Sarah holds at Baby Cakes which is hands on which I am looking forward to. Until then I will perfect my cupcakes and although you cannot taste them my fellow bloggers, just know that they are delicious!!!

Sarah Icing the Cupcakes

Death By Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcakes with Raspberry Swirl Frosting

Accolades & Cupcakes

I woke up to two lovely blog Awards today. Warm Fuzzy! Warm Fuzzy!

The first award is the Over The Top Award that was from That One Mum over at A Day in the Life; Chronicles of an Only Parent. We are new followers of each other but I am glad I found her blog. I love her Future Ex-Husbands - you will have to go take a look to find out what mean!! I graciously accept this award so thank you!






Anyhoo...So, the rules of this award are as follows:
~Answer the questions below using only one word (I cheated, well since when have bloggers been rule followers!)
~Thank the blogger who gave it to you (See above)
~Pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers (See below)

So, on with the questions:


1. Where is your cell phone? Kitchen
2.Your hair? Up
3. Your mother? Friend
4. Your father? UK
5. Your favorite food? Mine
6. Your dream last night? Weird
7. Your favorite drink? Tea
8. Your dream/goal? Fulfillment
9. What room are you in? Playroom
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
13. Where were you last night? Cooking Class
14. Something you aren't? Jealous
15. Muffins? Banana
16. Wish list item? Laptop
17. Where did you grow up? Perth
18. Last thing you did? Make a cup of tea (OK not one word but come on!!)
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pets? 2 Dogs
22. Your friends? Irreplaceable
23. Your life? Crazy
24. Your mood? Happy
25. Missing someone? Always
26. Vehicle? 4x4
27. Something you're not wearing? Makeup
28. Your favorite store? Kikki-K
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. Your best friend? AWESOME
33. One place that I go over and over? Shops
34. One person who emails me regularly? Best Friend
35. Favorite place to eat? Picnic


So now I have to bestow this award on 6 of my favourite blogs:


Cougar Tales - Love love love this blog...please go stalk!!
It's Complicated - I am expecting great things from this blog and I think all she needs is a bit of a push and some lovely followers!!
The Whiney Fairy - Another fellow West Aussie who I have just found that I love to read!
My LaLa Land - Amy has such a cute little blog and a wonderful way of looking at things!
A Hesitant Housewife - The title says it all this is a funny funny blog! Love it!
DrahDrahs Place - Found her recently and so glad I did!!


My other award is the "One Lovely Blog Award" from a wonderful blog Raising Z. What a cute award and I am humbled in accepting it.






The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are:

~Accept the award
~post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
~pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
~Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.


15 other blogs!!!! Well, I have decided to space this award out (see no rule follower here!!)
and I will bestow the award when I discover a new blog I want my followers to know about. I will link them back to this post here too! So you could say this post is a work in progress!!

I had a funny old day yesterday, typical in my life but it ended with a Cupcake Cooking class taught by one of the best cupcake makers in WA. Definitely a great way to end a weird day. Anyhoo check back soon to see the wonderful cupcakes and a fool proof cupcake mix. Here is a pic of some of the Mars Bar cupcakes that were made:

I know, they look and tasted awesome. I want to make my own batch first though before I blog about the awesome lesson so make sure you come back soon!!