melbourne here "I" come

Well, it has been a LONG time coming but finally for the first time this mother of two is flying solo for 5 days to reacquaint herself with the adult world where people linger in shops (lots of shops) and then spontaneously decide to have a coffee and just linger there too. Oh Yes, I am going to a place where conversations can be had, heard and finished, where people go out for a meal in funky places where there are no children  - where people stay up late and sleep in and then decide to catch a film at the International Film Festival or drive out to the Modern Art Museum in a friend's vintage car 

and, 

all I need to pack and carry is what I need 

xxx

sickness and kids - what is that about ?

ooh it's all so quiet in the little wooden, cold, damp house while one sleeps 
(which is a miracle given the barking cough she has) and the other two are out getting their 'unidentified meat in a roll' fix at the super size me hardware factory.
Life has been it's usual roller coaster. To a backdrop of rain we have endured rounds of sickness and sick related symptoms that have left me feeling that providing endless care and sympathy to the little needy, snotty and downright difficult people in this house is a tough gig, and had me dreaming of places, lives, holes in the ground I would rather be - something I am not proud of - and makes me feel even worse about my situation - but (after a stiff drink or three) I honestly think is only a human reaction - isn't it ?
I never thought caring and nurturing and stroking foreheads would take so much out of me and leave me feeling, at times (usually about 5 pm) so hard done by. 
The mantra from older and seemingly wiser mothers is that the immune systems will be tough as nails by the time they get to school - which is just as well really, because at this rate they will need to be healthy to take care of their mother who will be rocking back and forth in the corner ....drooling.

This moment

i 'heart' crochet

The people you meet

Met a man at the Doctor's today - something about me and public places that always attracts those in this world that feel the need to share their views with me - when I used to frequent public transport I was always finding myself next to these sorts of people and those who wanted to share more than just their opinions with me ... anyway, I digress.

So, this man was a father of four, divorcee, marriage celebrant, relationships counsellor and something to do with mental illness (other's it seems ... not his own) grandparent and highly opinionated. 

Thought I should share some of his wisdom - would hate to be selfish ....

So, strollers are just stupid today and we should not spend so much money on them and our kids should be made to walk earlier; 

My daughter's name is obviously "made up" - because it is "ridiculous" and my son's was obviously "pulled out of a hat" but both names are just "typical" (not sure of what);

AND...

Mothers today (like me) are bonding too closely with our children and that's why we and our children don't sleep, why we don't hand them over enough, why we are all wrecked, have failed marriages or crap relationships with our husband, and spend our life at Ngala (whose advice we don't listen to - but should).

So there you have it folks

On reflection - I think I prefer the people who just expose themselves

Me: 'What are you doing ?' (child seems to be trying to sit on his head and do push ups at the same time)
Boy Wonder: "my exercises"
me: 'Why' ?
Boy wonder: "To shrink my head" ....
Fair enough

This moment

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.