After a 40 degree day, a 30 degree day feels almost pleasant in comparison...
(That's in celsius, by the way, and zipping over to a temperature conversion page I see that 40C is 104F. Well, there you go. Hot, damn hot.)
Xmas was good, a relatively quiet and relatively stress-free bbq at Mum's with Soulsis and her chicks. I think everyone liked their gifts. I know I liked mine. My niece, Miss Raven, painted me a gorgeous picture of an otter! It's going to be framed. :) The cubs gave me the OotP dvd, and from their dad I received a pair of lovely blue/white fish-themed Japanese bowls. Mum gave me a gift voucher (cos that's what I said I wanted) plus a pair of bendy flamingo plant-ties. [grin] They might even be inspiration enough to plant some tomatoes or something. Eventually.
Not sure if it's the same in other countries, but here in Aus the tending of the bbq - the last of fire rituals - is generally a man thing. Well, for various reasons there were no men as such at our family xmas so Soulsis drafted one of her boys in to service. He did an excellent job, no charred meat and only 2 sausages lost to the ground! He was justifiably pleased with himself but I'm not sure if he realises that now he's going to be the man-elect for future bbqs.
After the bbq the cubs and I stayed overnight at Mum's, but only overnight as they were most anxious to get home and play with the new xbox their dad had given them. [rolls eyes] I've given them fair warning that they have to brace themselves for separation from the machine cos we'll be going up to visit Mum for a few days later in the holidays...
Now for a small socio-political rant. Feel free to skip.
At the cubs' school graduation thingy the chairperson of the Parents' Association got up to say a few words. Those words however, got right up my little proletarian nose. In effect he was congratulating us - the parents, students and teachers - because some of the kids were going on to private secondary schools.
Grrrr...
It was an implication that first, it was somehow an unusual effort for a government-funded school to produce such quality and second, that it was some sort of achievement on the part of the students.
Bollocks!
Those kids are going to private schools because their parents can afford it. There were no scholarships won: believe me, we would've heard about it if there was! True, the private schools have 'standards', whereas State schools can't refuse anyone, regardless of their academic results, but bloody hell, just cos a child's been accepted to one of these elite institutions does not automatically speak of an innate superiority! [ruffles feathers] Hmph.
Is it just sour grapes? If I had the means would I send the cubs to a private school? I don't know. Their dad would, but then he's a grammar school boy himself and the effects of the differences in our socio-economic backgrounds has been a subject we've mutually skirted-around for years. :) If anyone tells you Australia is a classless society they're talking out of their arse.
Okay, </rant>, now that I've revealed my leftist pinko tendencies.
HappyLucky New Year's Eve!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Xmas. Yes. More amusing details later, I suppose, when I could be arsed but right now here's a photo of the knee rug I knitted for my Mum. I started it while she was in hospital over a year ago and she finally received it this xmas. :) It's about 1 metre square.
([blink] Is that a really big image? Might have to go and dabble with Photobucket and see if I can resize it. Tch, Flickr's much easier to use but Photobucket doesn't have the same sorts of limits.)
([blink] Is that a really big image? Might have to go and dabble with Photobucket and see if I can resize it. Tch, Flickr's much easier to use but Photobucket doesn't have the same sorts of limits.)
Monday, December 24, 2007
So, xmas eve, eh? You know, I think I've just about had enough of chocolate...
Awww... My little geek cubs' fingers are streaked with paint from where they've been preparing their new Warhammer 40k figures for play. They've got one of the starter set kits, that they paid for themselves. Sort of - a combination of a small amount of accumulated pocket money and trading their big plastic D&D Blue and Black dragon figures to their dad.
Their dad meanwhile - who's been assiduously avoiding the WH40K money trap for years - has thrown himself in with equal enthusiasm. The three of them have been happily researching and planning their armies. :) I can see I won't be getting much table space for the time being.
Couple of interesting dreams recently. In the first I was helping someone dismantle the top storey (or just their bedroom?) of their house. This was interesting because the person was the teacher I liked who has just retired.
In the second dream I was revisiting houses/places that I know from previous dreams. There were 3 this particular time, two of which were the most fascinating, but impractical dwellings...
Though thinking about it now, the 3 places are linked, not logically, but in that way only in dreams things can be related.
Heh, and in another part of that dream I was following a pilgrimage of sorts, performing almost-forgotten fannish rituals, the details of which came back to me as I worked my way along the route. (Rolling in a mud puddle? Ookay...) Though there's nothing particularly deep about that section, I know exactly what triggered it. I'd just finished reading Dianne Wynne Jones' Deep Secret. A good chunk of the story happened at a Sci-fi and Fantasy Convention and though it's been years since I went to one the book jogged my memory about the sorts of ritual peculiarities one can encounter. [grin]
Awww... My little geek cubs' fingers are streaked with paint from where they've been preparing their new Warhammer 40k figures for play. They've got one of the starter set kits, that they paid for themselves. Sort of - a combination of a small amount of accumulated pocket money and trading their big plastic D&D Blue and Black dragon figures to their dad.
Their dad meanwhile - who's been assiduously avoiding the WH40K money trap for years - has thrown himself in with equal enthusiasm. The three of them have been happily researching and planning their armies. :) I can see I won't be getting much table space for the time being.
Couple of interesting dreams recently. In the first I was helping someone dismantle the top storey (or just their bedroom?) of their house. This was interesting because the person was the teacher I liked who has just retired.
In the second dream I was revisiting houses/places that I know from previous dreams. There were 3 this particular time, two of which were the most fascinating, but impractical dwellings...
Though thinking about it now, the 3 places are linked, not logically, but in that way only in dreams things can be related.
Heh, and in another part of that dream I was following a pilgrimage of sorts, performing almost-forgotten fannish rituals, the details of which came back to me as I worked my way along the route. (Rolling in a mud puddle? Ookay...) Though there's nothing particularly deep about that section, I know exactly what triggered it. I'd just finished reading Dianne Wynne Jones' Deep Secret. A good chunk of the story happened at a Sci-fi and Fantasy Convention and though it's been years since I went to one the book jogged my memory about the sorts of ritual peculiarities one can encounter. [grin]
Sunday, December 23, 2007
... why did Firefox start up in Spanish today?
The cubs' father spotted this on a t-shirt:
Dear Santa,
I can explain...
And so Badger and Rocket's primary school days come to an end. I did get a little emotional at the final assembly but not in connection with the Grade 6s. One of my nephews, Tinny [snerk], is a sympathetic vomiter - seeing someone vomit sets him off. I, on the other hand, am a sympathetic cryer. Two of the teachers leaving got emotional, and well... yes. It didn't help that one of them I really liked and had worked closely with this year.
I was very glad when the assembly finished. I hung around long enough to exchange very brief goodbyes then I fled. Yep, I'm such a wuss. Besides, it's not like I'm going away forever - I'll be there helping out in the library at least one afternoon a week next year.
I picked up our 'xmas lay-by' the other day, the one that's been lurking since June. It came in a huge box which, naturally, the cubs couldn't fail to spot on the front passenger seat of the car. Perhaps I should've prevaricated when they asked what it was, but they were enthusiastic when I asked if they wanted to open it now as an early xmas present. Which was all to the good cos it meant I didn't have to a: remember who had what, and b: try and find somewhere to hide it all. :)
The cubs' father spotted this on a t-shirt:
I can explain...
And so Badger and Rocket's primary school days come to an end. I did get a little emotional at the final assembly but not in connection with the Grade 6s. One of my nephews, Tinny [snerk], is a sympathetic vomiter - seeing someone vomit sets him off. I, on the other hand, am a sympathetic cryer. Two of the teachers leaving got emotional, and well... yes. It didn't help that one of them I really liked and had worked closely with this year.
I was very glad when the assembly finished. I hung around long enough to exchange very brief goodbyes then I fled. Yep, I'm such a wuss. Besides, it's not like I'm going away forever - I'll be there helping out in the library at least one afternoon a week next year.
I picked up our 'xmas lay-by' the other day, the one that's been lurking since June. It came in a huge box which, naturally, the cubs couldn't fail to spot on the front passenger seat of the car. Perhaps I should've prevaricated when they asked what it was, but they were enthusiastic when I asked if they wanted to open it now as an early xmas present. Which was all to the good cos it meant I didn't have to a: remember who had what, and b: try and find somewhere to hide it all. :)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"I'm here. Let joy be unconfined."
[snerk] That's a quote from Dougal, of the Magic Roundabout.
I've always had a soft spot for the show - even as a five year old I knew it was ludicrous, but I loved the simple flowers, and Ermintrude. :) I remember in one of my children's book Annuals there was a 'make your own Dougal' craft project. It involved the inside tube of a toilet roll; a ping pong ball; quantities of yellow wool; a felt-tip pen, and glue. Ah, good times, good times...
Imagine my horror, then, when I discovered there'd been a CGI movie remake! [Shudder] I saw a picture... And then... and then I read the 'plot' and ran away screaming. It seemed to be the same sort of buggering attempt at an 'update' that'd made the Thomas The Tank Engine movie such an eye-watering abomination.
[...and now, an awkward segue...]
But speaking of movies, I saw a good one last night. My niece, Miss Raven, won tickets to a preview of The Golden Compass and invited me along.
I read the books last year for the first time and was bowled over. The movie...? It was a good, if scant, overview of the world but felt rushed and consequently the subtle, slow build to horror was lost along with the layers of almost incidental information that made this such a rich read. Great cast, though, and fantastic spfx (love the bears! and the dirigibles!) The cubs want to see it now, and I have no objection to watching it again.
180SXY
That was a numberplate I saw today, on a flashy sort of sporty car. The ambiguity made me laugh. Was it sposed to be an '18 oh, sexy!' sort of statement? Because it looked to me like '180[degrees]sexy', which would the complete opposite of sexy, wouldn't it?
[snerk] That's a quote from Dougal, of the Magic Roundabout.
I've always had a soft spot for the show - even as a five year old I knew it was ludicrous, but I loved the simple flowers, and Ermintrude. :) I remember in one of my children's book Annuals there was a 'make your own Dougal' craft project. It involved the inside tube of a toilet roll; a ping pong ball; quantities of yellow wool; a felt-tip pen, and glue. Ah, good times, good times...
Imagine my horror, then, when I discovered there'd been a CGI movie remake! [Shudder] I saw a picture... And then... and then I read the 'plot' and ran away screaming. It seemed to be the same sort of buggering attempt at an 'update' that'd made the Thomas The Tank Engine movie such an eye-watering abomination.
[...and now, an awkward segue...]
But speaking of movies, I saw a good one last night. My niece, Miss Raven, won tickets to a preview of The Golden Compass and invited me along.
I read the books last year for the first time and was bowled over. The movie...? It was a good, if scant, overview of the world but felt rushed and consequently the subtle, slow build to horror was lost along with the layers of almost incidental information that made this such a rich read. Great cast, though, and fantastic spfx (love the bears! and the dirigibles!) The cubs want to see it now, and I have no objection to watching it again.
180SXY
That was a numberplate I saw today, on a flashy sort of sporty car. The ambiguity made me laugh. Was it sposed to be an '18 oh, sexy!' sort of statement? Because it looked to me like '180[degrees]sexy', which would the complete opposite of sexy, wouldn't it?
Sunday, December 16, 2007
All right, I have to admit that the xmas music being piped through every bloody shop is starting to even get to me. It must be hell for grumpy people.
"... don't you know that it's christmas...!"
No, it had escaped my attention completely, thank you so much.
Twat.
It helps somewhat that a lot of what I'm hearing has been covered in various South Park episodes. Having images of Santa and Jesus doing a duet alleviates the grrrness. :)
Badger and Rocket now have their own email addies. I thought it was time I organised that, before the school year ended, so they can keep in touch with the friends that are going to different schools.
"... don't you know that it's christmas...!"
No, it had escaped my attention completely, thank you so much.
Twat.
It helps somewhat that a lot of what I'm hearing has been covered in various South Park episodes. Having images of Santa and Jesus doing a duet alleviates the grrrness. :)
Badger and Rocket now have their own email addies. I thought it was time I organised that, before the school year ended, so they can keep in touch with the friends that are going to different schools.
Friday, December 14, 2007
I enrolled today, to study Library and Info Tech full-time next year. Go me :)
A couple of the lecturers recognised me from my previous attempt a couple of years ago, and seemed pleased to have me back. Always an encouraging sign.
What did amuse me, though, was how much one of the admin staff reminded me of a Blythe doll. Seriously - skinny little body with matchstick limbs; a 'bobbed' hairstyle that made her head look huge on that skinny body; and large, slightly protuberant eyes that seemed waaay to big for her face. O_o I tried not to stare, and honestly I think I did very well resisting the urge to whip out my 'phone and take a photo...
[giggling] Penny sent me these:
Christmas Carols for the Disturbed.
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -- - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
9. I can identify with 9.
And 5. :)
A couple of the lecturers recognised me from my previous attempt a couple of years ago, and seemed pleased to have me back. Always an encouraging sign.
What did amuse me, though, was how much one of the admin staff reminded me of a Blythe doll. Seriously - skinny little body with matchstick limbs; a 'bobbed' hairstyle that made her head look huge on that skinny body; and large, slightly protuberant eyes that seemed waaay to big for her face. O_o I tried not to stare, and honestly I think I did very well resisting the urge to whip out my 'phone and take a photo...
[giggling] Penny sent me these:
Christmas Carols for the Disturbed.
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -- - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
9. I can identify with 9.
And 5. :)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Trooped off to Badger and Rocket's school xmas concert last night.
This was the cubs' last primary school concert and I think their father and I deserve kudos for not having missed any of these... events over seven years. Well, kudos to me for not having missed any of them - or the bloody 'Twilight Sports'. No, no shirking of parently duty on my part, no crying off attendance or leaving early cos of 'work'. Hmph.
Anyway, back to last night's entertainment.
....
Okay, I've seen worse, but I can't honestly say our school is bursting with musical talent. Penny commented how it always seems to be the tone-deaf kids who end up closest to the microphones.
The program was late getting started and it did drag a bit - by 8.30 we were only half-way through. It probably didn't help that, for some reason, all the school awards and things were dealt with last night instead of at the year's final assembly. I was very restless by the time grade 5/6 finally got 'round to performing their versions of 'Have yourself a merry little xmas and 'Feed the world'. But, I did video all of it on my woodgie wee camera phone so the cubs' father can see what he missed. [smirk] Or hear, rather. The vision's not very good but thetone-deaf melody is excruciatingly clear...
This was the cubs' last primary school concert and I think their father and I deserve kudos for not having missed any of these... events over seven years. Well, kudos to me for not having missed any of them - or the bloody 'Twilight Sports'. No, no shirking of parently duty on my part, no crying off attendance or leaving early cos of 'work'. Hmph.
Anyway, back to last night's entertainment.
....
Okay, I've seen worse, but I can't honestly say our school is bursting with musical talent. Penny commented how it always seems to be the tone-deaf kids who end up closest to the microphones.
The program was late getting started and it did drag a bit - by 8.30 we were only half-way through. It probably didn't help that, for some reason, all the school awards and things were dealt with last night instead of at the year's final assembly. I was very restless by the time grade 5/6 finally got 'round to performing their versions of 'Have yourself a merry little xmas and 'Feed the world'. But, I did video all of it on my woodgie wee camera phone so the cubs' father can see what he missed. [smirk] Or hear, rather. The vision's not very good but the
Saturday, December 08, 2007
A mystery. I has one.
I picked up a set of 4 glasses in an op shop the other day. The glass is vaguely green - always a winner with me - and they're a nice shape. I think they're also quite old, 70's at least perhaps, but I didn't notice 'til I got home that they had a logo or something printed on them. The print is completely missing on 2 of the glasses and partially obscured on the others. What I could make out though, was it appeared to be a crest of some kind with the words "The -arwhal Rifles".
Neat!, I thought, The Narwhal Rifles. Could be a Norwegian regiment? Which is silly, cos surely then the text would be in Norwegian?
Google failed me - admittedly I couldn't be arsed doing an indepth search so that was probly my own fault - but I'm still curious. Are the glasses military memorabilia? Souvenirs? Hell, I don't know, The ?? Rifles could be/have been a gun club; a theatre company; a joke! (No comments, please, about the last two being so very similar.)
I might ask the resident military expert for his opinion. Or I could keep searching, checking every letter of the alphabet against that missing one. That should waste me some serious time...
On Thursday I donated blood for the second time: the first time was over a decade ago.
Aside from experiencing a fleeting moment of 'wrongness' when my vital essence began to flow, it was fine. No faintness, no nausea. Mild boredom for having to sit there for 10 minutes with nothing to watch but Oprah, but on the whole it was a doddle. Didn't enjoy the experience, especially when instructed to squeeze a rubber ball. That action made the muscles in my arm move and I could feel the needle under my skin (are you still with me, soulsis? :) but even so it was nowhere near as bad as having an IV put in to the back of my hand. [shudder]
Afterwards I was rewarded with an orange juice and a couple of cheese portions. I reckon I could do this regularly, if only for the cheese.
Yay! My Snupin Santa gift has gone up on the site! 'Gold Moon'. 's very cool. Thank you, mystery writer. :)
And lastly, Soulsis found this site - Free Rice. For every word you get right, you donate 20 grains of rice. The vocab levels go up to 50 and I've cracked 48 [is smug]. Mind you, that would be noticeably lower if I wasn't as widely, and eclectically, read as I am!
Be warned, though, it's addictive. Just one more word then I'll do something else... oh goodness, I've been here an hour...
I picked up a set of 4 glasses in an op shop the other day. The glass is vaguely green - always a winner with me - and they're a nice shape. I think they're also quite old, 70's at least perhaps, but I didn't notice 'til I got home that they had a logo or something printed on them. The print is completely missing on 2 of the glasses and partially obscured on the others. What I could make out though, was it appeared to be a crest of some kind with the words "The -arwhal Rifles".
Neat!, I thought, The Narwhal Rifles. Could be a Norwegian regiment? Which is silly, cos surely then the text would be in Norwegian?
Google failed me - admittedly I couldn't be arsed doing an indepth search so that was probly my own fault - but I'm still curious. Are the glasses military memorabilia? Souvenirs? Hell, I don't know, The ?? Rifles could be/have been a gun club; a theatre company; a joke! (No comments, please, about the last two being so very similar.)
I might ask the resident military expert for his opinion. Or I could keep searching, checking every letter of the alphabet against that missing one. That should waste me some serious time...
On Thursday I donated blood for the second time: the first time was over a decade ago.
Aside from experiencing a fleeting moment of 'wrongness' when my vital essence began to flow, it was fine. No faintness, no nausea. Mild boredom for having to sit there for 10 minutes with nothing to watch but Oprah, but on the whole it was a doddle. Didn't enjoy the experience, especially when instructed to squeeze a rubber ball. That action made the muscles in my arm move and I could feel the needle under my skin (are you still with me, soulsis? :) but even so it was nowhere near as bad as having an IV put in to the back of my hand. [shudder]
Afterwards I was rewarded with an orange juice and a couple of cheese portions. I reckon I could do this regularly, if only for the cheese.
Yay! My Snupin Santa gift has gone up on the site! 'Gold Moon'. 's very cool. Thank you, mystery writer. :)
And lastly, Soulsis found this site - Free Rice. For every word you get right, you donate 20 grains of rice. The vocab levels go up to 50 and I've cracked 48 [is smug]. Mind you, that would be noticeably lower if I wasn't as widely, and eclectically, read as I am!
Be warned, though, it's addictive. Just one more word then I'll do something else... oh goodness, I've been here an hour...
Monday, December 03, 2007
Blimey. It has been a while...
Yesterday I watched a DVD of the BBC's 1978 teleproduction of Romeo and Juliet.
I wonder, is Mercutio always played as a bit of a poof? The best Mercutio I've seen was Harold Perrineau in Baz Luhrman's version of the play. So playful and cute. :) Not a whiney brat who - after receiving a mortal wound in a duel they goaded someone in to - goes all wangsty and casts curses with his dying breath... For god's sake, you started it!
Oh, should I put a spoiler warning here?
Too late.
And speaking of Tybalt (which we were, honestly, 'e's the one wot dun for Mercutio) he was played by Alan Rickman. A very young Alan Rickman who was nowhere near as attractive then as he is now, with a haircut that was pure Romulan.
Nice long legs, however, even if his arse wasn't the best I've seen. Ah, costume dramas - men in tights. [snerk] Sometimes it works, sometimes... it doesn't. Like the 'fight' scenes! They're enough to make you weep!
Realistic? No.
Choreographed? Laughably. [shakes head] Seriously, I giggled during those bits...
Heh, the end of the school year looms. Next year, when Badger and Rocket start High school, I'll be going back to full time study as well.
Gosh, I finally have an excuse for the kilos of stationery I always buy in the 'back to school' sales.
Yesterday I watched a DVD of the BBC's 1978 teleproduction of Romeo and Juliet.
I wonder, is Mercutio always played as a bit of a poof? The best Mercutio I've seen was Harold Perrineau in Baz Luhrman's version of the play. So playful and cute. :) Not a whiney brat who - after receiving a mortal wound in a duel they goaded someone in to - goes all wangsty and casts curses with his dying breath... For god's sake, you started it!
Oh, should I put a spoiler warning here?
Too late.
And speaking of Tybalt (which we were, honestly, 'e's the one wot dun for Mercutio) he was played by Alan Rickman. A very young Alan Rickman who was nowhere near as attractive then as he is now, with a haircut that was pure Romulan.
Nice long legs, however, even if his arse wasn't the best I've seen. Ah, costume dramas - men in tights. [snerk] Sometimes it works, sometimes... it doesn't. Like the 'fight' scenes! They're enough to make you weep!
Realistic? No.
Choreographed? Laughably. [shakes head] Seriously, I giggled during those bits...
Heh, the end of the school year looms. Next year, when Badger and Rocket start High school, I'll be going back to full time study as well.
Gosh, I finally have an excuse for the kilos of stationery I always buy in the 'back to school' sales.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
[sigh] No more Dr Who, or Torchwood for the moment. [sigh] (Impatiently waiting for the box set of Torchwood to be released...)
So, here we are almost at the middle of the school hols. Rocket's been sick so we haven't done much at all (a blessing in disguise cos there's a definite shortfall in cash this time) but we did get to see Surf's Up. I liked it, even aside from the inherent cuteness of penguins. There was nothing innovative in the story or characters but it was well cast, and funny, and did a good job capturing the spirituality of surfing. (Never surfed, never had much interest, but I can see how poking about with something that primal could engender the reverence I've seen in surfers.)
DVDs, from my library.
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! [snerk] I do have a soft spot for the old sexploitation films.
I'd heard a lot about this movie over the years so when I saw it on the shelves I grabbed it. Definite B grade schlock (sex! death! sex!). The acting is - to put it mildly - flat, and the dialogue...? [shakes head] Oooh, deary me.
But, I can see why it gained cult status. Not one I'll be adding to my collection any time soon though.
Finally got 'round to seeing Sin City. Wow. I'm impressed, thoroughly squicked but impressed. Haven't read the graphic novels - though I'm familiar with the style - and this is a fantastic adaptation of the medium. There was nothing extraneous and nothing I didn't find convincing - which is disturbing given the violence. Oh yes, the violence. Some of those images are seared in to my eyeballs. Even though the worst of it was rendered 'unrealistically', that didn't stop it being horrific. But, my gods, the overall style is amazing, this lives for me. Would I have been as awed without a love/knowledge of comic books? I don't know, but I am always pleased to see movie makers go beyond the ordinary.
Finally, 24 Hour Party People. Hm, not sure what to say about this one. It charts the musical history of 'Factory Records' (Joy Division, Happy Monday's etc) in Manchester during the early '80's, as told by its founder Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan). It's entertaining but... odd, based on real events but with an egotistical spin, even though Wilson says he's 'a bit player in his own story'. Probly helped that I knew something of the bands/music to start with or I could've got bogged down in the details. It was very sad, though, I came out of it with a sense of loss. Still trying to work out why. Heh, but as with most music films I've seen it's given me a new appreciation for the artists and their work. :)
So, here we are almost at the middle of the school hols. Rocket's been sick so we haven't done much at all (a blessing in disguise cos there's a definite shortfall in cash this time) but we did get to see Surf's Up. I liked it, even aside from the inherent cuteness of penguins. There was nothing innovative in the story or characters but it was well cast, and funny, and did a good job capturing the spirituality of surfing. (Never surfed, never had much interest, but I can see how poking about with something that primal could engender the reverence I've seen in surfers.)
DVDs, from my library.
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! [snerk] I do have a soft spot for the old sexploitation films.
I'd heard a lot about this movie over the years so when I saw it on the shelves I grabbed it. Definite B grade schlock (sex! death! sex!). The acting is - to put it mildly - flat, and the dialogue...? [shakes head] Oooh, deary me.
But, I can see why it gained cult status. Not one I'll be adding to my collection any time soon though.
Finally got 'round to seeing Sin City. Wow. I'm impressed, thoroughly squicked but impressed. Haven't read the graphic novels - though I'm familiar with the style - and this is a fantastic adaptation of the medium. There was nothing extraneous and nothing I didn't find convincing - which is disturbing given the violence. Oh yes, the violence. Some of those images are seared in to my eyeballs. Even though the worst of it was rendered 'unrealistically', that didn't stop it being horrific. But, my gods, the overall style is amazing, this lives for me. Would I have been as awed without a love/knowledge of comic books? I don't know, but I am always pleased to see movie makers go beyond the ordinary.
Finally, 24 Hour Party People. Hm, not sure what to say about this one. It charts the musical history of 'Factory Records' (Joy Division, Happy Monday's etc) in Manchester during the early '80's, as told by its founder Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan). It's entertaining but... odd, based on real events but with an egotistical spin, even though Wilson says he's 'a bit player in his own story'. Probly helped that I knew something of the bands/music to start with or I could've got bogged down in the details. It was very sad, though, I came out of it with a sense of loss. Still trying to work out why. Heh, but as with most music films I've seen it's given me a new appreciation for the artists and their work. :)
Friday, September 21, 2007
Yay, school holidays! Two weeks of not having to get up at sparrow's fart every day to chivvy the cubs out the door in time to catch the bloody bus...
[brooding] Tired. This term's been hard - too much stuffage going on.
But, on a more positive note, I've been rereading my manuscript in preparation for (eek) getting off my sizeable arse and starting the round of publishers and agents.
On a really positive note, however, I'm enjoying reading it. That's a good sign, right?
Oh, something else I loved about Hot Fuzz is the way the locals say 'London' like it's a foreign word...
Want to see it again. Have to get a copy of my own. :)
I don't belong to a video library, I get DVDs through my local (book) library. Sure, I might have to wait a while to get a reserved copy of something brand new, especially if lots of other people have got their name down for it before me, but then I've got the thing for 2 weeks, not just overnight, at minimal cost. Plus, when I pick a DVD off the shelf, it's free! Works for me. I've seen a lot of movies this way, old and new, without the hassle of having to watch the thing in a week or less, and feeling cheated if I don't manage it.
Libraries are our friends!
Took Badger and Rocket out of school on Wednesday so we could trek up to the hills with Mum to see their cousins' school concert. [grin] Was fun, actually. Not that the performances were any better than ours were, I think, but the play was more imaginatively realised. And of course, my nephews did splendidly.
Another lj meme:
INSTRUCTION: Bold the statements that are true to you.
Leave the fibs alone.
Then, tag 5 people to do the same test. We'll ignore this bit, but feel free to indulge yourself if you wish...
1) I miss somebody right now.
2) I do not watch tv these days.
3) I wear glasses or contact lenses.
4) I love to play video games.
5) I have tried marijuana.
6) I have been in a threesome.
7) I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
8) I have changed mentally over the last year.
9) I curse.
10) I am totally smart.
11) I've broken someone's bones. [I knocked someone's tooth out. Does that count?]
12) I am paranoid sometimes.
13) I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
14) I need money right now.
15) I love sushi.
16) I talk really, really fast.
17) I have long hair. [but it's thin and brittle. Should probly cut it...]
18) I have lost money inLas Vegas Clacton-on-Sea.
19) I have at least one sibling.
20) I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
21) I couldn't survive without Caller ID.
22) I like the way I look.
23) I am usually pessimistic.
24) I have a lot of mood swings.
25) I have a hidden talent.
26) I am always hyper.
27) I have a lot of friends.
28) I have pecked someone of the same sex.
29) I enjoy talking on the phone.
30) I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
31) I love to [opp]shop.
32) Enjoy window shopping.
33) I would rather shop than eat.
34) I don't hate anyone.
35) I am a pretty good dancer.
36) I am completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
37) I have a cell phone. [It's hot pink! And it takes photos!]
38) I believe in God. [Yes, but not yours...]
39) I am an adrenaline junkie.
40) I watch MTV on a daily basis.
41) I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
42) I have rejected someone before.
43) I want to have children in the future. [*laughing hysterically*]
44) I have changeda diaper nappies before.
45) I have called the cops on a friend before.
46) I am not allergic to anything.
47) I have a lot to learn.
48) I am shy around members of the opposite sex.
49) I have made a move on a friend, significant other or crush in the past. [That's a stupid statement. Of course you'd make a move on a SO, that's what they're there for!]
50) I have tried alcohol before.
51) I own the South Park movie.
52) I would die for my best friend.
53) I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
54) I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
55) I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
56) Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
57) I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
58) I am happy at this moment!
59) I am obsessed with girls/guys.
60) I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.
61) I study for tests most of the time.
62) I am comfortable with who I am right now.
63) I have more than just my ears pierced. [Well, nose, but not ears.]
64) I walk barefoot wherever I can.
65) I have jumped off a bridge.
66) I love sea turtles.
67) I spend ridiculous money on makeup.
68) Plan on achieving a major goal dream.
69) I am proficient in a musical instrument.
70) I hate office jobs.
71) I love sci-fi movies.
72) I think water rules.
73) I went college out of state.
74) I like sausages.
75) I love kisses.
76) I fall for the worst people.
77) I adore bright colours.
78) I can't live without black eyeliner. [Oh, piss off, emo-kid]
80) I usually like covers better than originals.
81) I can pick up things with my toes.
82) I can whistle. [But not well]
83) I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snakes slither.
84) I have ridden/owned a horse.
85) I still have every journal I've written in.
86) I can stick to a diet. [What is this 'diet' word? I confess it sounds familiar, like something I used to know...]
87) I talk in my sleep.
88) I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.
89) I have jazz in my blood. [Sounds nasty. You should probly see a doctor.]
90) Climbing trees is a brilliantpast-time way to break a leg.
91) I wear a toe ring.
92) I can't stand at LEAST one person that I work with.
93) I am a caffeine junkie.
94) I cosplay or know what cosplaying is.
95) I have been to over 15 conventions.
96) I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better. [No. I have standards]
97) I am anartist writer.
98) I only clean my room when necessary.
99) I like a person of the same sex.
100) I love being happy.
[brooding] Tired. This term's been hard - too much stuffage going on.
But, on a more positive note, I've been rereading my manuscript in preparation for (eek) getting off my sizeable arse and starting the round of publishers and agents.
On a really positive note, however, I'm enjoying reading it. That's a good sign, right?
Oh, something else I loved about Hot Fuzz is the way the locals say 'London' like it's a foreign word...
Want to see it again. Have to get a copy of my own. :)
I don't belong to a video library, I get DVDs through my local (book) library. Sure, I might have to wait a while to get a reserved copy of something brand new, especially if lots of other people have got their name down for it before me, but then I've got the thing for 2 weeks, not just overnight, at minimal cost. Plus, when I pick a DVD off the shelf, it's free! Works for me. I've seen a lot of movies this way, old and new, without the hassle of having to watch the thing in a week or less, and feeling cheated if I don't manage it.
Libraries are our friends!
Took Badger and Rocket out of school on Wednesday so we could trek up to the hills with Mum to see their cousins' school concert. [grin] Was fun, actually. Not that the performances were any better than ours were, I think, but the play was more imaginatively realised. And of course, my nephews did splendidly.
Another lj meme:
INSTRUCTION: Bold the statements that are true to you.
Leave the fibs alone.
1) I miss somebody right now.
2) I do not watch tv these days.
3) I wear glasses or contact lenses.
4) I love to play video games.
5) I have tried marijuana.
6) I have been in a threesome.
7) I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
8) I have changed mentally over the last year.
9) I curse.
10) I am totally smart.
11) I've broken someone's bones. [I knocked someone's tooth out. Does that count?]
12) I am paranoid sometimes.
13) I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
14) I need money right now.
15) I love sushi.
16) I talk really, really fast.
17) I have long hair. [but it's thin and brittle. Should probly cut it...]
18) I have lost money in
19) I have at least one sibling.
20) I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
21) I couldn't survive without Caller ID.
22) I like the way I look.
23) I am usually pessimistic.
24) I have a lot of mood swings.
25) I have a hidden talent.
26) I am always hyper.
27) I have a lot of friends.
28) I have pecked someone of the same sex.
29) I enjoy talking on the phone.
30) I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
31) I love to [opp]shop.
32) Enjoy window shopping.
33) I would rather shop than eat.
34) I don't hate anyone.
35) I am a pretty good dancer.
36) I am completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
37) I have a cell phone. [It's hot pink! And it takes photos!]
38) I believe in God. [Yes, but not yours...]
39) I am an adrenaline junkie.
40) I watch MTV on a daily basis.
41) I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
42) I have rejected someone before.
44) I have changed
45) I have called the cops on a friend before.
46) I am not allergic to anything.
47) I have a lot to learn.
48) I am shy around members of the opposite sex.
49) I have made a move on a friend, significant other or crush in the past. [That's a stupid statement. Of course you'd make a move on a SO, that's what they're there for!]
50) I have tried alcohol before.
51) I own the South Park movie.
52) I would die for my best friend.
53) I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
54) I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
55) I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
56) Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
57) I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
58) I am happy at this moment!
59) I am obsessed with girls/guys.
60) I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.
61) I study for tests most of the time.
62) I am comfortable with who I am right now.
63) I have more than just my ears pierced. [Well, nose, but not ears.]
64) I walk barefoot wherever I can.
65) I have jumped off a bridge.
66) I love sea turtles.
67) I spend ridiculous money on makeup.
68) Plan on achieving a major goal dream.
69) I am proficient in a musical instrument.
70) I hate office jobs.
71) I love sci-fi movies.
72) I think water rules.
73) I went college out of state.
74) I like sausages.
75) I love kisses.
76) I fall for the worst people.
77) I adore bright colours.
78) I can't live without black eyeliner. [Oh, piss off, emo-kid]
80) I usually like covers better than originals.
81) I can pick up things with my toes.
82) I can whistle. [But not well]
83) I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snakes slither.
84) I have ridden/owned a horse.
85) I still have every journal I've written in.
86) I can stick to a diet. [What is this 'diet' word? I confess it sounds familiar, like something I used to know...]
87) I talk in my sleep.
88) I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.
89) I have jazz in my blood. [Sounds nasty. You should probly see a doctor.]
90) Climbing trees is a brilliant
91) I wear a toe ring.
92) I can't stand at LEAST one person that I work with.
93) I am a caffeine junkie.
94) I cosplay or know what cosplaying is.
95) I have been to over 15 conventions.
96) I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better. [No. I have standards]
97) I am an
98) I only clean my room when necessary.
99) I like a person of the same sex.
100) I love being happy.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Nicked this BBC's personality quiz from Joules
This was my result:
Your answers suggest you are a Nurturer
Summary of Nurturers
· Care for the important people in their lives
· Strive for harmony and avoid confrontation
· Think of themselves as gentle, conscientious, and mature
· May have trouble making decisions that could hurt others
More about Nurturers
Nurturers are quiet people who believe in order and diligently look after the people they care about. They focus on the needs of others and establish routines to help them meet their commitments.
Nurturers are the most likely group to say they prefer a job where the same thing happens every day, according to a UK survey.
Nurturers remember details that are important to them, such as their friends' birthdays and anniversaries. People with this personality type value others' feelings and may challenge behaviour they think is insensitive.
In situations where they can't use their talents or are unappreciated, Nurturers may feel bitter and seek support by complaining to their colleagues. Under extreme stress, Nurturers may become preoccupied with the worst possible outcome and believe that they are heading for disaster.
Because they are so caring and loyal, Nurturers run the risk of being taken advantage of.
Weeellll, aside from the remembering birthdays and such... :)
Movies!
Cubs and I went to see Ratatouille. It was very sweet ([squinch] I love rats!) and the technical aspects were as good as I've come to expect from Pixar but it wasn't as captivating as some of their previous films. I enjoyed it, and I'll get the DVD when it's released but it failed to fire my imagination.
Tell you what, though, if you don't like rats you won't like this movie. The artists have captured ratty movements very believably. :)
Another movie I've seen recently - though only on DVD - was Hot Fuzz. Joules heartily recommended it, and rightly so, cos as a British spoof of US action/buddy films it's one of the funniest things I've seen in ages. Well cast, well played, with loads of in jokes - just my sort of thing really. Bit gory, but I can live with that, I know when to close my eyes now. [grin]
This was my result:
Your answers suggest you are a Nurturer
Summary of Nurturers
· Care for the important people in their lives
· Strive for harmony and avoid confrontation
· Think of themselves as gentle, conscientious, and mature
· May have trouble making decisions that could hurt others
More about Nurturers
Nurturers are quiet people who believe in order and diligently look after the people they care about. They focus on the needs of others and establish routines to help them meet their commitments.
Nurturers are the most likely group to say they prefer a job where the same thing happens every day, according to a UK survey.
Nurturers remember details that are important to them, such as their friends' birthdays and anniversaries. People with this personality type value others' feelings and may challenge behaviour they think is insensitive.
In situations where they can't use their talents or are unappreciated, Nurturers may feel bitter and seek support by complaining to their colleagues. Under extreme stress, Nurturers may become preoccupied with the worst possible outcome and believe that they are heading for disaster.
Because they are so caring and loyal, Nurturers run the risk of being taken advantage of.
Weeellll, aside from the remembering birthdays and such... :)
Movies!
Cubs and I went to see Ratatouille. It was very sweet ([squinch] I love rats!) and the technical aspects were as good as I've come to expect from Pixar but it wasn't as captivating as some of their previous films. I enjoyed it, and I'll get the DVD when it's released but it failed to fire my imagination.
Tell you what, though, if you don't like rats you won't like this movie. The artists have captured ratty movements very believably. :)
Another movie I've seen recently - though only on DVD - was Hot Fuzz. Joules heartily recommended it, and rightly so, cos as a British spoof of US action/buddy films it's one of the funniest things I've seen in ages. Well cast, well played, with loads of in jokes - just my sort of thing really. Bit gory, but I can live with that, I know when to close my eyes now. [grin]
Friday, September 07, 2007
Got tagged on LJ...
Seven things you don't want to know about me.
... seven things I'm willing to share? I've already got an extensive list of things I don't want anyone to know. Let's see...
1 - I really, really want a tyre swan. (Scroll down a bit to see examples, and instructions on how to make this icon of Suburbanus Australis.)
2 - My love of homoerotica started in my teens. My first slash pairing was Batman/Robin. Le sigh. A quick glance through my DVDs will show a distinct slashy interest, to anyone who knows what they're looking for.
3 - I can live without chocolate but have been known to eat sugar straight out of the packet - likewise, honey/jam from the jar - if there's no actual lollies handy.
4 - Gods above I hate angsty fanfic! Especially when the lads are forced to become OOC women. [gnashing teeth]
5 - There's nothing sexy about the undead, but werewolves? Shapechangers? Phwooaar!
6 - I'm sure the film clip for Laura Branigan's 'Self Control' had a profound effect on my developing sexuality. [shifty] I say no more...
7 - I actually don't like the Harry Potter books all that much - it was the Snupin that sucked me in.
Heh, okay, that's all pretty tame, really. [poke] Nothing toooooo revealing...
Seven things you don't want to know about me.
... seven things I'm willing to share? I've already got an extensive list of things I don't want anyone to know. Let's see...
1 - I really, really want a tyre swan. (Scroll down a bit to see examples, and instructions on how to make this icon of Suburbanus Australis.)
2 - My love of homoerotica started in my teens. My first slash pairing was Batman/Robin. Le sigh. A quick glance through my DVDs will show a distinct slashy interest, to anyone who knows what they're looking for.
3 - I can live without chocolate but have been known to eat sugar straight out of the packet - likewise, honey/jam from the jar - if there's no actual lollies handy.
4 - Gods above I hate angsty fanfic! Especially when the lads are forced to become OOC women. [gnashing teeth]
5 - There's nothing sexy about the undead, but werewolves? Shapechangers? Phwooaar!
6 - I'm sure the film clip for Laura Branigan's 'Self Control' had a profound effect on my developing sexuality. [shifty] I say no more...
7 - I actually don't like the Harry Potter books all that much - it was the Snupin that sucked me in.
Heh, okay, that's all pretty tame, really. [poke] Nothing toooooo revealing...
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Eeee! There was (were?) a pair of ducks in my garden when I got home this evening! Pacific Black ducks. So cute.
So I nipped inside, shut a rather confused cat in the kitchen, then went back outside to feed the ducks. :) Just some moistened bread, and when that was gone they went back to browsing my lawn for snails, bless 'em.
Cubs have been away on camp. Only for a couple of days, they'll be back tomorrow afternoon. It's been... odd, without them here. Not so much during the day but night times are quiet. Too quiet...
I have enjoyed the free time, though. One of the other mums asked me what I was going to do while the cubs were away. "Anything I want!" I cackled. Which isn't entirely accurate cos if I'd done what I really wanted to do I would've spent the past couple of days sleeping!
I took myself off to see Order of the Phoenix again. (That's what I was on my way home from when I saw the ducks.) It's better with a second viewing, I was prepared for the 'kin' what!? moments this time and able to pay more attention to the details, like just how shaggy 70's!Remus was in the old photo of the Order, and how the only other person taller than him was Hagrid. :) Or the light sabre sound effects there in the battle, or Ginny's glare of messy death whenever Harry and Cho were onscreen at the same time. Hee. [sigh] But there's still so much missing...
So I nipped inside, shut a rather confused cat in the kitchen, then went back outside to feed the ducks. :) Just some moistened bread, and when that was gone they went back to browsing my lawn for snails, bless 'em.
Cubs have been away on camp. Only for a couple of days, they'll be back tomorrow afternoon. It's been... odd, without them here. Not so much during the day but night times are quiet. Too quiet...
I have enjoyed the free time, though. One of the other mums asked me what I was going to do while the cubs were away. "Anything I want!" I cackled. Which isn't entirely accurate cos if I'd done what I really wanted to do I would've spent the past couple of days sleeping!
I took myself off to see Order of the Phoenix again. (That's what I was on my way home from when I saw the ducks.) It's better with a second viewing, I was prepared for the 'kin' what!? moments this time and able to pay more attention to the details, like just how shaggy 70's!Remus was in the old photo of the Order, and how the only other person taller than him was Hagrid. :) Or the light sabre sound effects there in the battle, or Ginny's glare of messy death whenever Harry and Cho were onscreen at the same time. Hee. [sigh] But there's still so much missing...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
We've been having some lovely weather lately. Too lovely. The sort of 'lovely' that makes me think that Summer's going to come galloping across nice and early. Hmph.
Aaaand, the cubs and I went to see the Transformer's movie again tonight. For the last time at the cinemas, I suspect, as it's coming to the end of its run. Unless the cubs ferret out a special showing at an independent theatre. They're just slightly obsessive enough to go looking, too. Eh well.
Seen the movie five times now. Unfortunately I did doze off for a short while - not for nearly as long as I did during the last Star Wars - but woke up refreshed in plenty of time for my favourite bits. :) Still dead impressed with the CGI.
The cubs' school concert was last week. I've seen worse.
No, it was fine, and the kids all looked like they were having great fun. One of the spotlights fell off the wall at one point, though, that was exciting - nobody hurt - and the Preps got to do their little dance twice cos the first time they forgot to pick up their cowboy hats...
It was a very late night, though. I'd picked Mum up earlier in the day, and then I had to drive her home. After an hour's driving we got there around 11.30. Cubs and I stayed overnight cos there was no way I was going to be able to drive back again!
Wellp, looks like I'm handing Mum's car back in a couple of days. Not feeling particularly gracious about the whole thing, but I knew it was only temporary right from the start. Been spoiled, being able to drive around for almost a year. [sigh] Could be worse, though, we could live in an area that had sucky public transport. See, there's an upside to everything.
Oh, almost forgot to mention the lunar eclipse this evening! Cloud obscured the view a lot of the time, but it cleared often enough for us to get a good look at the changing moon. Intriguing - it really was red for a short time there. :)
Aaaand, the cubs and I went to see the Transformer's movie again tonight. For the last time at the cinemas, I suspect, as it's coming to the end of its run. Unless the cubs ferret out a special showing at an independent theatre. They're just slightly obsessive enough to go looking, too. Eh well.
Seen the movie five times now. Unfortunately I did doze off for a short while - not for nearly as long as I did during the last Star Wars - but woke up refreshed in plenty of time for my favourite bits. :) Still dead impressed with the CGI.
The cubs' school concert was last week. I've seen worse.
No, it was fine, and the kids all looked like they were having great fun. One of the spotlights fell off the wall at one point, though, that was exciting - nobody hurt - and the Preps got to do their little dance twice cos the first time they forgot to pick up their cowboy hats...
It was a very late night, though. I'd picked Mum up earlier in the day, and then I had to drive her home. After an hour's driving we got there around 11.30. Cubs and I stayed overnight cos there was no way I was going to be able to drive back again!
Wellp, looks like I'm handing Mum's car back in a couple of days. Not feeling particularly gracious about the whole thing, but I knew it was only temporary right from the start. Been spoiled, being able to drive around for almost a year. [sigh] Could be worse, though, we could live in an area that had sucky public transport. See, there's an upside to everything.
Oh, almost forgot to mention the lunar eclipse this evening! Cloud obscured the view a lot of the time, but it cleared often enough for us to get a good look at the changing moon. Intriguing - it really was red for a short time there. :)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Thank you, Joules! I have my archives back. Though cos of Blogger's 'improvements' to a perfectly good system, they're not tucked neatly away behind a link.
Ten months after her stroke my Mum has regained her driving license. Yay for her an' all that but it means I have to give her car back. [grump]
Eh, doesn't matter - I used PT for years it won't be that hard to get back in to the swing of it...
Badger and Rocket have received their acceptance letters from the high school of our choice. :)
(Honestly, I would've been stunned if they hadn't got in - we live just down the road from it - but still, 'tis a good thing to have confirmation.)
And, oops, cubs are going on camp in a couple of weeks - better makes sure they've got everything they need. Soulsis, can I borrow the sleeping bags again, please?
And an honourable mention to Soulsis! She's been helping me find stickers for my OotP sticker books! Between us now I've only got 69 left to go. :)
Ten months after her stroke my Mum has regained her driving license. Yay for her an' all that but it means I have to give her car back. [grump]
Eh, doesn't matter - I used PT for years it won't be that hard to get back in to the swing of it...
Badger and Rocket have received their acceptance letters from the high school of our choice. :)
(Honestly, I would've been stunned if they hadn't got in - we live just down the road from it - but still, 'tis a good thing to have confirmation.)
And, oops, cubs are going on camp in a couple of weeks - better makes sure they've got everything they need. Soulsis, can I borrow the sleeping bags again, please?
And an honourable mention to Soulsis! She's been helping me find stickers for my OotP sticker books! Between us now I've only got 69 left to go. :)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
[frown] Where have my blog archives gone?
My anniversary here is coming up and I wanted to check the actual date.
Archives... 'not on this server'. [pout] Hm, I think I've got some of the earliest ones backed-up on my hard-drive. I think. Unless it was the previous hard-drive, in which case gods only know what's happened to them. Tch.
(Aaaand just checked and I do have a back-up of sorts. First post was August 26th, 2002. Five years, blimey. Maybe I should have a cake on that day? Heh, any excuse... :)
[grin] Cubs and I have seen the Transformers movie four times now and I'm still completely buying the illusion. If the cubs have their way we'll see it at least once more before it disappears from the cinemas.
I worked hard today, harder than I have for a long time, I think! Today was my first time volunteering in the kitchen at a local meals-on-wheels centre. Just for a couple of hours but my word there's a lot gets done. I'm sure once I get the hang of the routines I won't feel like I'm flailing quite so much.
Why am I there? Our caring, sharing government has decreed that, yea, should I still crave help from our most noble leaders, then unto them should I render a portion of my time, either to work or to look for work. At first the word came from on high, that, yea, volunteer work in an approved community activity could verily count towards my tithe but as the mystery was unfolded to me, lo, I discovered that this was not so. But, the downtrodden do still require volunteers and I did most solemnly declare my aid to be forthcoming...
Long story short: despite what I'd been told, volunteer activities don't count towards the 'work for the parenting payment support, you worthless parasite, look for a real job or you don't get any money!' 'initiative' but inbetween angsting and railing at the government I can spare a couple of hours a week to help out where I'm needed.
Not happy about it all, however.
Anyway, tra la la, could be worse...
My anniversary here is coming up and I wanted to check the actual date.
Archives... 'not on this server'. [pout] Hm, I think I've got some of the earliest ones backed-up on my hard-drive. I think. Unless it was the previous hard-drive, in which case gods only know what's happened to them. Tch.
(Aaaand just checked and I do have a back-up of sorts. First post was August 26th, 2002. Five years, blimey. Maybe I should have a cake on that day? Heh, any excuse... :)
[grin] Cubs and I have seen the Transformers movie four times now and I'm still completely buying the illusion. If the cubs have their way we'll see it at least once more before it disappears from the cinemas.
I worked hard today, harder than I have for a long time, I think! Today was my first time volunteering in the kitchen at a local meals-on-wheels centre. Just for a couple of hours but my word there's a lot gets done. I'm sure once I get the hang of the routines I won't feel like I'm flailing quite so much.
Why am I there? Our caring, sharing government has decreed that, yea, should I still crave help from our most noble leaders, then unto them should I render a portion of my time, either to work or to look for work. At first the word came from on high, that, yea, volunteer work in an approved community activity could verily count towards my tithe but as the mystery was unfolded to me, lo, I discovered that this was not so. But, the downtrodden do still require volunteers and I did most solemnly declare my aid to be forthcoming...
Long story short: despite what I'd been told, volunteer activities don't count towards the 'work for the parenting payment support, you worthless parasite, look for a real job or you don't get any money!' 'initiative' but inbetween angsting and railing at the government I can spare a couple of hours a week to help out where I'm needed.
Not happy about it all, however.
Anyway, tra la la, could be worse...