Okay, so I'm of Chinese descent. I have black hair, dead straight. And for Christmas I asked for (and received) a hair straightener. My sister-in-law laughed her head off when she was told that I wanted one, and really didn't believe that it wasn't a joke. But I did want one, and that's what I got! "Why?" you may ask. Well, my wonderful hairdresser, Nathan, once used the hair straightener to give me the most incredible voluminous curls. They were bouncy and wavy and I loved them! Anyway, I've tried to do it myself with my own device but didn't have much luck - just ended up putting big kinks in my hair. I'll have to practise some more, or ask Nathan to show me next time I see him.
On the more geeky side of things, Dan got me a 300Gb external HDD for Xmas. It's got a USB 2.0 connection as well as a card reader (for all sorts of types). Hooray! I've been running out of room on my PowerBook (like, only a couple of Gb left) so I'll finally be able to move my iTunes library off the machine... once I'm sure that the HDD won't die completely. I mean, how do you back up that much data, cheaply?
Friday, December 30, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Big Spenders
Well, it didn't take us long. We went to Bing Lee today and bought a new TV! I really wanted an LCD or plasma screen - so thin! so light! so less dangerous for kiddies (I'm particularly worried about TVs falling on young children) - but they were so expensive, especially to get one about the same size as our current (dead) one. I was looking at the 76cm widescreen LCD which was on sale for $1900. Dan convinced me otherwise... for that much money we could get two CRT TVs as well as a Mac Mini!! The possibility of a new computer was too much for me. We got the cheap tele ($400). Even entertained the idea of getting two ("It's within our budget, considering you wanted the LCD", said Dan), only for about a second, though.
Then we decided to go to Ikea to buy a proper TV cabinet. Currently the tele sits on a couple of cheap Ikea "LACK" tables and I'm not too happy about the arrangement. The new set up will be all-in-one with shelves so we can stop piling things on top of the TV and video/DVD stack. Plus you can bolt the TV to the bench. Hooray!
Anyway, the credit card is feeling a little hotter after today's outing (especially after Ikea - they have so many little nifty things that are so cheap... but let me warn you, they add up! d'oh!) and the wallets are a lot lighter. But, hey, we would have got the stuff eventually. It's just that we bought it all on one day. Right? Right??
Then we decided to go to Ikea to buy a proper TV cabinet. Currently the tele sits on a couple of cheap Ikea "LACK" tables and I'm not too happy about the arrangement. The new set up will be all-in-one with shelves so we can stop piling things on top of the TV and video/DVD stack. Plus you can bolt the TV to the bench. Hooray!
Anyway, the credit card is feeling a little hotter after today's outing (especially after Ikea - they have so many little nifty things that are so cheap... but let me warn you, they add up! d'oh!) and the wallets are a lot lighter. But, hey, we would have got the stuff eventually. It's just that we bought it all on one day. Right? Right??
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Huzzah! Pressies!
Merry Christmas one and all.
Boy, it's not even 10am and I am exhausted already. We always have our traditional Burn family Christmas on Christmas Eve - works great for the in-laws (which is me). It was a stinking hot day yesterday - 35 degrees (C) by 8am and I think it got up to a maximum of about 38 or 40. Argh. We were madly trying to clean up the place as well as keep the kids cool. I was going to go to the Markets (at Flemington) to buy some nice fruit but my Ma said to go early. Seeing as I didn't get to sleep until after 2am the night before (wrapping presents) I changed my mind and decided not to go. Instead I just went to the local shop. Mama went early (8:30am) and she said it was a mad house. Cars everywhere, people everywhere, huge queues. I was a bit concerned because I needed to get stuff for dinner! Well, lo and behold, by the time I got going (after midday) the place wasn't that crowded at all! Plenty of parking, no queues. Amazing. I guess everyone had the same idea as Mama - go early to avoid the crowds! d'oh!
Inspired by Karen, I decided that we would make our own labels for presents. No time to make Christmas cards (no, I haven't even written them, let alone send them out... It's always so busy leading up to Christmas that I usually only get time after the event. I've sort of decided that this will be my usual modus operandi from now on!). We spent a happy couple of hours cutting, pasting and drawing. Dante was great! He was the "Assistant Vice-Principal In Charge Of Stickers" and did a really good job. He got a bit bored by the end but that was quite understandable. We were all a bit sick of it, I think. After all, there were over 60 of them to do!
Anyway, thankfully it cooled down in the afternoon. Incredibly, actually. It was 38 degrees at 3:30pm... by 4:30pm it was a pleasant 27 or so - fantastic! Lucky for us, too, since we were having a big roast for dinner and noone feels like eating when it's stinking hot. Dan's mother (with a bit of help from everyone, esp. Paul) cooked up a feast of roast chicken with orange gravy, roast potatoes, mushrooms, pumpkin, tomatoes, Yorkshire pudding (I made that!), and a really yummy beetroot and watercress salad. Yum! Grandma is a fantastic cook. Dessert was equally good - creme caramel, plus gelato, jelly, rockmelon and chocolate profiteroles.
Then of course there were the presents. The Burn family Christmas is always plentiful, not just in food. We spent the several hours going through and opening presents. Even though there were only 7 of us, the amount of gifts was tantamount to 20 people! Of course the kids faired extremely well. Dante's first present was a "Jedi Accessory Pack" which contained a cloak, light sabre, belt and hair piece. He could have not received any more presents for the rest of the night, he was so happy with it!
The poor kids got to bed very late - Dante was even asking to go to bed! I was up 'til 2am again, cleaning up. Hence my tiredness this morning. Over all, though, a fun time was had by all last night.
Today is my family's Christmas gathering - 19 of us this year. It will be chaotic and loud, but that's the way it's meant to be, right? I have a feeling it will be much bigger than previous years. There are three new kids (well, Abi was 9 days old last year) and the others are older. Should be fun!
Boy, it's not even 10am and I am exhausted already. We always have our traditional Burn family Christmas on Christmas Eve - works great for the in-laws (which is me). It was a stinking hot day yesterday - 35 degrees (C) by 8am and I think it got up to a maximum of about 38 or 40. Argh. We were madly trying to clean up the place as well as keep the kids cool. I was going to go to the Markets (at Flemington) to buy some nice fruit but my Ma said to go early. Seeing as I didn't get to sleep until after 2am the night before (wrapping presents) I changed my mind and decided not to go. Instead I just went to the local shop. Mama went early (8:30am) and she said it was a mad house. Cars everywhere, people everywhere, huge queues. I was a bit concerned because I needed to get stuff for dinner! Well, lo and behold, by the time I got going (after midday) the place wasn't that crowded at all! Plenty of parking, no queues. Amazing. I guess everyone had the same idea as Mama - go early to avoid the crowds! d'oh!
Inspired by Karen, I decided that we would make our own labels for presents. No time to make Christmas cards (no, I haven't even written them, let alone send them out... It's always so busy leading up to Christmas that I usually only get time after the event. I've sort of decided that this will be my usual modus operandi from now on!). We spent a happy couple of hours cutting, pasting and drawing. Dante was great! He was the "Assistant Vice-Principal In Charge Of Stickers" and did a really good job. He got a bit bored by the end but that was quite understandable. We were all a bit sick of it, I think. After all, there were over 60 of them to do!
Anyway, thankfully it cooled down in the afternoon. Incredibly, actually. It was 38 degrees at 3:30pm... by 4:30pm it was a pleasant 27 or so - fantastic! Lucky for us, too, since we were having a big roast for dinner and noone feels like eating when it's stinking hot. Dan's mother (with a bit of help from everyone, esp. Paul) cooked up a feast of roast chicken with orange gravy, roast potatoes, mushrooms, pumpkin, tomatoes, Yorkshire pudding (I made that!), and a really yummy beetroot and watercress salad. Yum! Grandma is a fantastic cook. Dessert was equally good - creme caramel, plus gelato, jelly, rockmelon and chocolate profiteroles.
Then of course there were the presents. The Burn family Christmas is always plentiful, not just in food. We spent the several hours going through and opening presents. Even though there were only 7 of us, the amount of gifts was tantamount to 20 people! Of course the kids faired extremely well. Dante's first present was a "Jedi Accessory Pack" which contained a cloak, light sabre, belt and hair piece. He could have not received any more presents for the rest of the night, he was so happy with it!
The poor kids got to bed very late - Dante was even asking to go to bed! I was up 'til 2am again, cleaning up. Hence my tiredness this morning. Over all, though, a fun time was had by all last night.
Today is my family's Christmas gathering - 19 of us this year. It will be chaotic and loud, but that's the way it's meant to be, right? I have a feeling it will be much bigger than previous years. There are three new kids (well, Abi was 9 days old last year) and the others are older. Should be fun!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Disaster strikes
Oh no! Our TV died this morning - just as I was leaving for work. And just before two weeks' holiday from "school"!
Actually I don't know whether to be happy or sad about it. I'm already worried that Dante watches way too much tele and that's partly due to our laziness - not spending enough quality time with him. So having a TV that's dead will be good because it forces all of us to do other activities.
On the other hand, the TV is dead! None of my favourite serials to watch (I'm watching "Grey's Anatomy" at the moment), no "Play School", no DVDs. boo hoo!
Luckily my parents have THREE in their house (and there's only two of them living there). I'm sure they'll let us come over to watch stuff there. What a relief!
Actually I don't know whether to be happy or sad about it. I'm already worried that Dante watches way too much tele and that's partly due to our laziness - not spending enough quality time with him. So having a TV that's dead will be good because it forces all of us to do other activities.
On the other hand, the TV is dead! None of my favourite serials to watch (I'm watching "Grey's Anatomy" at the moment), no "Play School", no DVDs. boo hoo!
Luckily my parents have THREE in their house (and there's only two of them living there). I'm sure they'll let us come over to watch stuff there. What a relief!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Hey, Hey, We're The Wiggles
I took Dante to go and see The Wiggles live on stage at the Entertainment Centre today. Wow, it was fun!
I picked him up early from childcare, which was exciting enough in itself, then told him that I had a surprise for him. All the other kids were bouncing up and down and begging to know what the surprise was as well. It was cool :) THE POWER! (maniacal laugh ensues.)
Dan picked us up and took us into town and I told Dante where we were going while we were in the car (I was running late, as usual). We got out at Chinatown and I had to restrain Dante from running over the light rail tracks. Inside the Entertainment Centre were hundreds of over-excited young children with Wiggles balloons, light sticks, glowing cups, Wiggles t-shirts, Dorothy tails and anythings else Wiggles-related. The atmosphere was incredible. We took our seats and after about five minutes the lights dimmed and the Wiggly Dancers came onto the stage. The screams were deafening! Then they appeared - four men in coloured skivvies riding in a big plastic red car. Parents cheered as well when they saw that Greg was there. I heard on the news last week that Greg had been sick and was in hospital for an hernia operation, and there'd be a fill-in for the live shows. But he made a special effort to appear for his home crowd! It was very nice of him.
The show went for about an hour and a half, I think. There was lots of activity throughout the theatre - both on stage and off. It shows how well they know their audience when the lights were only slightly dimmed around the seats. Lots of kids were pretty wrecked by the end - even Dante, who was one of the older kids, was getting a bit tired. We wandered down to the floor afterwards (he wanted to see the stage) and I saw one woman pointing to her child prostrate on some chairs, fast asleep, lamenting "Gee, I'm glad I spent that money on tickets...". Poor thing! They weren't cheap!
The Wiggles themselves put on a great show. Boy, they have a lot of energy. No wonder Jeff keeps falling asleep (although I'm sure he just has narcolepsy. He should see a doctor - there are pills you can take for that). Greg tried hard to restrain himself, but Anthony more than made up for him.
Overall, it was a great experience. I'm glad I took the boy. I think he was just the right age for this sort of thing - not too old to feel self-conscious dancing and singing, but old enough to stay awake throughout the whole show! We had a fun time, even though we didn't have the best seats (at the front of the back section, to the left side of the stage). Perhaps in a few years I'll take Atticus (if The Wiggles are still doing live shows by then)!
I picked him up early from childcare, which was exciting enough in itself, then told him that I had a surprise for him. All the other kids were bouncing up and down and begging to know what the surprise was as well. It was cool :) THE POWER! (maniacal laugh ensues.)
Dan picked us up and took us into town and I told Dante where we were going while we were in the car (I was running late, as usual). We got out at Chinatown and I had to restrain Dante from running over the light rail tracks. Inside the Entertainment Centre were hundreds of over-excited young children with Wiggles balloons, light sticks, glowing cups, Wiggles t-shirts, Dorothy tails and anythings else Wiggles-related. The atmosphere was incredible. We took our seats and after about five minutes the lights dimmed and the Wiggly Dancers came onto the stage. The screams were deafening! Then they appeared - four men in coloured skivvies riding in a big plastic red car. Parents cheered as well when they saw that Greg was there. I heard on the news last week that Greg had been sick and was in hospital for an hernia operation, and there'd be a fill-in for the live shows. But he made a special effort to appear for his home crowd! It was very nice of him.
The show went for about an hour and a half, I think. There was lots of activity throughout the theatre - both on stage and off. It shows how well they know their audience when the lights were only slightly dimmed around the seats. Lots of kids were pretty wrecked by the end - even Dante, who was one of the older kids, was getting a bit tired. We wandered down to the floor afterwards (he wanted to see the stage) and I saw one woman pointing to her child prostrate on some chairs, fast asleep, lamenting "Gee, I'm glad I spent that money on tickets...". Poor thing! They weren't cheap!
The Wiggles themselves put on a great show. Boy, they have a lot of energy. No wonder Jeff keeps falling asleep (although I'm sure he just has narcolepsy. He should see a doctor - there are pills you can take for that). Greg tried hard to restrain himself, but Anthony more than made up for him.
Overall, it was a great experience. I'm glad I took the boy. I think he was just the right age for this sort of thing - not too old to feel self-conscious dancing and singing, but old enough to stay awake throughout the whole show! We had a fun time, even though we didn't have the best seats (at the front of the back section, to the left side of the stage). Perhaps in a few years I'll take Atticus (if The Wiggles are still doing live shows by then)!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
That time of year
Ah, the silly season has arrived. Wow, we are so busy at the moment. Every weekend this month we have had something on, both days. It's crazy! Yesterday was the work Christmas party. Man, we put on a good party. Lots of good food and nice booze. I had a good time. Even had a couple of drinks (over the course of the afternoon).
Dan and I are trying to get our present buying done a little earlier this year. We're sick of leaving it to two days before Christmas - things aren't on special by then. A good trick we've done in the past is to go into a big bookstore (Dymocks, usually) with a list of people and just get all the presents in one go. One can never have enough books, in my opinion. (That reminds me to start sorting out our Library.) In fact I'm having a wonderfully quiet evening tonight because Dan has taken Dante to Auntie Bec's place for the evening while he goes out late-night shopping (not that late, though - the shops still close at 9pm. I think that will change next week). Atticus, the little angel, is in bed and so I get to spend some quality time with the lounge-room computer!
I also decided that the dots in the background were making the text hard to read, so I've changed the blog template. Much better! Also added a link to my home page. I haven't completed updating it (is that ever possible?) but at least it's up and working again. It didn't get transferred when the servers at work were replaced while I was on maternity leave. But I've finally managed now, so all is well.
Dan and I are trying to get our present buying done a little earlier this year. We're sick of leaving it to two days before Christmas - things aren't on special by then. A good trick we've done in the past is to go into a big bookstore (Dymocks, usually) with a list of people and just get all the presents in one go. One can never have enough books, in my opinion. (That reminds me to start sorting out our Library.) In fact I'm having a wonderfully quiet evening tonight because Dan has taken Dante to Auntie Bec's place for the evening while he goes out late-night shopping (not that late, though - the shops still close at 9pm. I think that will change next week). Atticus, the little angel, is in bed and so I get to spend some quality time with the lounge-room computer!
I also decided that the dots in the background were making the text hard to read, so I've changed the blog template. Much better! Also added a link to my home page. I haven't completed updating it (is that ever possible?) but at least it's up and working again. It didn't get transferred when the servers at work were replaced while I was on maternity leave. But I've finally managed now, so all is well.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Getting ready for Big School.
Next year Dante starts "big" school - he'll be in Kindergarten. It's very exciting, for me as well as him! We've been to the school for some introductory transition mornings and he's taken it very well, although we were late most times (doesn't bode well for next year!). I'm a bit nervous about it as well, I have to admit. I guess it's natural for parents to feel this way when their first-born starts school - it's a whole new era. Someone at work told me that our lives will be ruled by school holidays from here on in.
Today at childcare they had a "lunch box and uniform" day for the kids starting school next year. It was so cute! The boys and girls looked so grown up and yet so small in their oversized tunics and shirts. They were happy comparing their clothes, swapping hats and looking at the different school emblems on their shirts. Two girls who will be going to the same school decided they were "twins". I wish I'd taken a photo of them all, or even Dante!
Today at childcare they had a "lunch box and uniform" day for the kids starting school next year. It was so cute! The boys and girls looked so grown up and yet so small in their oversized tunics and shirts. They were happy comparing their clothes, swapping hats and looking at the different school emblems on their shirts. Two girls who will be going to the same school decided they were "twins". I wish I'd taken a photo of them all, or even Dante!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Water skills for the Burn boys
I enrolled the boys into swimming lessons today. I'm so excited. They'll be going every Sunday in first term. 9am - I hope we can make it. I think it should be okay since we'll be doing it for school. And then Dan can have his morning sleep-in. I will be going in with Atti and Dante will be in a class of four on his own. I'm really looking forward to it. I've also enrolled the big boy in "Summer Intensive Lessons" which start at the beginning of the year (3rd Jan) and are four days a week for two weeks. I'm really looking forward to it.
My niece, Jasmine, has been going to lessons and my sister-in-law has had wonderful things to say about them. At first Jazzy was a little scared but the teachers were patient and kind and now she's brilliant in the water. I can't wait for Dante to be happy in the water, too. I mean, he's okay as long as we are around. We bought him a big floatie ring and he loves that, but still screams when water gets splashed in his face - even the tiniest bit. There's a lot of trouble when the two boys are in the bath together because Atti loves to splash.
Anyway, that's all our Sunday mornings 'til April!
My niece, Jasmine, has been going to lessons and my sister-in-law has had wonderful things to say about them. At first Jazzy was a little scared but the teachers were patient and kind and now she's brilliant in the water. I can't wait for Dante to be happy in the water, too. I mean, he's okay as long as we are around. We bought him a big floatie ring and he loves that, but still screams when water gets splashed in his face - even the tiniest bit. There's a lot of trouble when the two boys are in the bath together because Atti loves to splash.
Anyway, that's all our Sunday mornings 'til April!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
A stroke of genius
My eldest son is into Star Wars at the moment. He has lost his Thomas the Tank Engine obsession and moved on to a bigger world. My husband is quite pleased about it. "Divine retribution", he says. He was an avid Star Wars figure collector when he was a child. Another reason he's happy with Dante's latest interest is because he's able to answer the boy's questions.
Like "What are Obi-Wan's parents' names?".
Daniel gave brilliant answers: Obi-Quiet (father) and Obi-Hayve (mother).
Like "What are Obi-Wan's parents' names?".
Daniel gave brilliant answers: Obi-Quiet (father) and Obi-Hayve (mother).
Lots of thinking
I've been reading and reading the archives of Karen's blog this evening. She's such a pleasure to read. She has a very positive outlook on life, even through some very difficult times, and has a really nice way of expressing herself. I wonder just how huge her readership is - she's been winning some awards and getting a lot of publicity, so it must be pretty big. I found out about her through the SMH and I'll certainly pass her url on to people who I think will be interested.
It must feel weird to know that there are so many people out there who read about your life, look at pictures of you and your kids. That's one of the most endearing things about her site, though. She's quite candid and forthcoming about things. Makes me want to me more creative, too. That must be a nice thing - inspiring people to think and create. I know that's what she's done to me in these last couple of days. I mean, I'm awake in bed with my computer on my lap, typing these words, when I really should be sleeping so that I'll have the energy for my boys tomorrow.
I wish Atti would sleep through the night. It's getting to be a bit dull, waking up so often.
It must feel weird to know that there are so many people out there who read about your life, look at pictures of you and your kids. That's one of the most endearing things about her site, though. She's quite candid and forthcoming about things. Makes me want to me more creative, too. That must be a nice thing - inspiring people to think and create. I know that's what she's done to me in these last couple of days. I mean, I'm awake in bed with my computer on my lap, typing these words, when I really should be sleeping so that I'll have the energy for my boys tomorrow.
I wish Atti would sleep through the night. It's getting to be a bit dull, waking up so often.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Karen Cheng
Yesterday there was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald about a recent blog competition. I haven't looked at the winner, but was interested in the one that came fourth, Karen Cheng - Snippets of Life. I started reading it and can't stop now. I'm so impressed. She has a large readership. Her blog is cute, funny and fun.
What strikes me even more is that her situation in life seems to be so similar to mine. She's an Australian Chinese woman in her late 20s with two gorgeous Eurasian boys. I can relate to so much of what she writes. Except, her blog is so nicely designed - she's a graphic designer after all! She's inspired me to work on my web pages once again, if I have time some day!.
Anyway, have a look at her blog. It's great!
What strikes me even more is that her situation in life seems to be so similar to mine. She's an Australian Chinese woman in her late 20s with two gorgeous Eurasian boys. I can relate to so much of what she writes. Except, her blog is so nicely designed - she's a graphic designer after all! She's inspired me to work on my web pages once again, if I have time some day!.
Anyway, have a look at her blog. It's great!
Friday, November 18, 2005
Back to Work!
The inevitable has occurred. I have returned to work. boohoo!
Actually, it's not as bad as all that. I was very stressed and worried in the weeks leading up to the big day. I was worried because I am still breastfeeding Atticus and hadn't taught him to drink from a cup (instead of using a bottle - the nurses at the Early Childhood Centre suggested I try it). I was worried that he would play up a lot for his dad (who is minding him on the three days that I'm working). I was worried that everyone at work would like my replacement better than me and be annoyed that I've returned because it means he has to leave.
Well, I've been back for two weeks now and am settling in. Everyone does like my replacement a lot, but they are also happy to see me return. I'm slowly getting my head around all the changes and getting back into the swing of things. I still miss Atti like crazy but it's also nice not having to worry about him too much.
Actually, it's not as bad as all that. I was very stressed and worried in the weeks leading up to the big day. I was worried because I am still breastfeeding Atticus and hadn't taught him to drink from a cup (instead of using a bottle - the nurses at the Early Childhood Centre suggested I try it). I was worried that he would play up a lot for his dad (who is minding him on the three days that I'm working). I was worried that everyone at work would like my replacement better than me and be annoyed that I've returned because it means he has to leave.
Well, I've been back for two weeks now and am settling in. Everyone does like my replacement a lot, but they are also happy to see me return. I'm slowly getting my head around all the changes and getting back into the swing of things. I still miss Atti like crazy but it's also nice not having to worry about him too much.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Huge Scariness
On Monday Atticus had a febrile convulsion. It was the most terrifying experience of my life and something I don't wish upon anyone. Thankfully he hasn't suffered any long term ill effects because of it and won't remember it at all. I, on the other hand, will not forget this quickly, if at all! I'm still feeling a little shaken by the whole thing even though it's been a few days now. Atticus has almost completely recovered now. He still had a very high temperature on Tuesday but yesterday it was better. Today he was much happier - a very different boy compared to Monday!
I'm a bit annoyed at writing this entry. I'd written one on Tuesday when I was still feeling emotionally exhausted and upset but I (stupidly) didn't save it and lost it :-( A symptom of my brain not working. I'm returning to work in less than two weeks and am quite worried about how I'll cope - Atti still wakes up during the night, at least once most nights, and he is very clingy at the moment. Hopefully when he's feeling better we'll be able to get him sleeping properly again. {sigh}
I'm a bit annoyed at writing this entry. I'd written one on Tuesday when I was still feeling emotionally exhausted and upset but I (stupidly) didn't save it and lost it :-( A symptom of my brain not working. I'm returning to work in less than two weeks and am quite worried about how I'll cope - Atti still wakes up during the night, at least once most nights, and he is very clingy at the moment. Hopefully when he's feeling better we'll be able to get him sleeping properly again. {sigh}
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Learning to sew.
My mother-in-law makes patchwork quilts. When I first started going out with Dan she amazed me with her creations! I was inspired but my total inability to sew was a bit of a stumbling block. Well I've finally worked it out and have started a few quilt projects of my own.
I think it started when my mother bought a new sewing machine. It is a nice portable one (Janome) that's easy to use and to borrow! Her old one was a huge clunky Singer that was attached to a big heavy table - industrial strength. I started by making some pillow cases for Dante (smaller than normal size) and then some sheets for his bed at school.
Then we went to one of those quilt and craft shows at Darling Harbour and I was blown away by the quilts that we saw - there was even one made by a five year old boy. It was pretty simple, but excellent considering who made it! I certainly couldn't have done anything like that when I was that age.
After some visits to Spotlight and some web research I had a design idea. Dan's mother bought me some tools - a rotary cutter, mat and ruler - and gave me a sewing machine of my own for Christmas! Since then I've been reading lots of quilting books, making lots of visits to Spotlight and other patchwork fabric shops and planning new quilts. I've now got several projects lined up and in progress. Question is - will I ever get around to making (and completing) them? I've finished piecing my very first top and have almost finished putting it all together. I've got lots of other projects ready to go - I've just got to wash and iron the fabrics first.
I need to use all this fabric that I'm constantly buying! I feel like I need to justify the purchase of new fabrics by actually making use of them, and then I can start buying more! I've put a ban on buying material at the moment until I have a proper need for some.
Perhaps when I finally finish some of my quilts I'll post some pictures of them.
I think it started when my mother bought a new sewing machine. It is a nice portable one (Janome) that's easy to use and to borrow! Her old one was a huge clunky Singer that was attached to a big heavy table - industrial strength. I started by making some pillow cases for Dante (smaller than normal size) and then some sheets for his bed at school.
Then we went to one of those quilt and craft shows at Darling Harbour and I was blown away by the quilts that we saw - there was even one made by a five year old boy. It was pretty simple, but excellent considering who made it! I certainly couldn't have done anything like that when I was that age.
After some visits to Spotlight and some web research I had a design idea. Dan's mother bought me some tools - a rotary cutter, mat and ruler - and gave me a sewing machine of my own for Christmas! Since then I've been reading lots of quilting books, making lots of visits to Spotlight and other patchwork fabric shops and planning new quilts. I've now got several projects lined up and in progress. Question is - will I ever get around to making (and completing) them? I've finished piecing my very first top and have almost finished putting it all together. I've got lots of other projects ready to go - I've just got to wash and iron the fabrics first.
I need to use all this fabric that I'm constantly buying! I feel like I need to justify the purchase of new fabrics by actually making use of them, and then I can start buying more! I've put a ban on buying material at the moment until I have a proper need for some.
Perhaps when I finally finish some of my quilts I'll post some pictures of them.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
So far so good!
I've started using cloth nappies again. Hooray! I feel very happy with myself for giving it another go. It is much easier now that Atticus is bigger and not dirtying every nappy! Plus the nappies are less bulky now so his clothes fit better. My mother showed me how to fold the square nappies for a larger baby and things are going well.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Argh! I'm so lazy.
At the beginning of this year (and this blog) I was so keen on using cloth nappies on my babe. I did a lot of research into it and decided that it was a great way to go. Argh. Six months later and I've given up already. It is very disheartening.
Why did I stop using them?
I think the main problem was that I didn't have enough to use them constantly. I really only had enough fitted cloth nappies for a day and not enough covers. I'd use them for a day or so, then go back to disposables for a few days while the cloth ones dried. I wanted to buy more but the initial expense is just too high. Another problem was that they'd come off the line really rough - like sandpaper. Although I've solved that last problem - wash on a delicate cycle and use vinegar in the rinse!
Another thing was the size of his bottom! Clothes these days aren't really designed for big bottomed babies - i had trouble getting them to fit - but I guess that's easy to solve by getting bigger clothes!
So the final excuse is my laziness. I couldn't be bothered with the washing. Lame, Jen, lame. Well, I've convinced myself. Tomorrow I'll start using them again! I'll let you know in a few days when I haven't stuck to my guns.
Why did I stop using them?
I think the main problem was that I didn't have enough to use them constantly. I really only had enough fitted cloth nappies for a day and not enough covers. I'd use them for a day or so, then go back to disposables for a few days while the cloth ones dried. I wanted to buy more but the initial expense is just too high. Another problem was that they'd come off the line really rough - like sandpaper. Although I've solved that last problem - wash on a delicate cycle and use vinegar in the rinse!
Another thing was the size of his bottom! Clothes these days aren't really designed for big bottomed babies - i had trouble getting them to fit - but I guess that's easy to solve by getting bigger clothes!
So the final excuse is my laziness. I couldn't be bothered with the washing. Lame, Jen, lame. Well, I've convinced myself. Tomorrow I'll start using them again! I'll let you know in a few days when I haven't stuck to my guns.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
As I was saying...
I didn't actually complete the last entry in my blog, but posted it anyway... I was saying that I am often too ambitious, especially when it comes to organising parties! There were so many people that I wanted to invite to Atty's Mun Yit... I just went crazy. And then was majorly stressed out when the time came to organise it all. In the end we had about 70 people come. My parents, Dan's mother and her friend Laurel were amazing in helping me get it together. Everyone had heaps to eat and was happy. The only thing I regret is not thinking more about the speech. As soon as it was over I thought of a million and one clever, witty things to say. Typical, isn't it! Perhaps I'll post them here some day.
So, the last time I wrote in this blog my second son was turning four weeks old. Tomorrow he turns half a year old! Six months. Obviously I've not done much computer-wise in the last five months. In fact, when I look around and think about what I've actually done, there's not much to show. Except for a very healthy and large six month old baby boy who has grown to over 8kgs on nothing but breast milk. I find that amazing.
And tomorrow we embark on a new era in Atticus' life - SOLIDS! He has been keen for a while - watching us eat with eager eyes. Actually it has felt a bit cruel, eating in front of him. Well tomorrow he will get his first teaspoon of rice cereal. I have a feeling that it won't be enough but we will still take it slowly. My father is very excited by the thought. Ever since I bought the packet of cereal he's been asking me when I'm going to give it to him. This afternoon he asked me again. When I answered "tomorrow" he wanted to know what time! I have a feeling that he wants to feed the boy :-)
Anyway, that's all I will write for this entry. I'll try to get back into it again soon, hopefully. There's lots that I want to say.
So, the last time I wrote in this blog my second son was turning four weeks old. Tomorrow he turns half a year old! Six months. Obviously I've not done much computer-wise in the last five months. In fact, when I look around and think about what I've actually done, there's not much to show. Except for a very healthy and large six month old baby boy who has grown to over 8kgs on nothing but breast milk. I find that amazing.
And tomorrow we embark on a new era in Atticus' life - SOLIDS! He has been keen for a while - watching us eat with eager eyes. Actually it has felt a bit cruel, eating in front of him. Well tomorrow he will get his first teaspoon of rice cereal. I have a feeling that it won't be enough but we will still take it slowly. My father is very excited by the thought. Ever since I bought the packet of cereal he's been asking me when I'm going to give it to him. This afternoon he asked me again. When I answered "tomorrow" he wanted to know what time! I have a feeling that he wants to feed the boy :-)
Anyway, that's all I will write for this entry. I'll try to get back into it again soon, hopefully. There's lots that I want to say.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Big Parties
I think I'm too ambitious, sometimes. All the time! Today Atticus turned four weeks old. On Sunday we're having a big party for him - his "Mun Yit". The chinese celebrate the first month of their child's life with a party - "mun yit" is literally "one month". I'm not sure about all the customs that go along with it, though. I think it's 'cause you're not supposed to go out before the kid is that old. I can understand that - it's been bloody difficult sometimes!
But actually, overall he is a pretty good baby. He's not sleeping through the night yet, but he's very easy to settle at night - just wakes for a quick feed and then goes straight back to sleep. The days are another matter! I just can't put him down! Well, I exaggerate. Today he hasn't been too bad. The last couple of days he'd wake and cry every time I tried to lay him down. Even having my folks next door didn't help. My father is a wonder at getting young babies to sleep - and even he was having trouble.
Anyway, I digress. I guess the point was that I'm trying to organise to have this big gathering of family and friends (we're expecting around 70 people) and I can't even get organised enough to go shopping! I look around the house and see the millions of things which need doing - folding/sorting laundry, washing the dishes, getting rid of the ant PLAGUE in the kitchen...
But actually, overall he is a pretty good baby. He's not sleeping through the night yet, but he's very easy to settle at night - just wakes for a quick feed and then goes straight back to sleep. The days are another matter! I just can't put him down! Well, I exaggerate. Today he hasn't been too bad. The last couple of days he'd wake and cry every time I tried to lay him down. Even having my folks next door didn't help. My father is a wonder at getting young babies to sleep - and even he was having trouble.
Anyway, I digress. I guess the point was that I'm trying to organise to have this big gathering of family and friends (we're expecting around 70 people) and I can't even get organised enough to go shopping! I look around the house and see the millions of things which need doing - folding/sorting laundry, washing the dishes, getting rid of the ant PLAGUE in the kitchen...
Thursday, February 10, 2005
eBay
We've been using the few fitted cloth nappies that I bought on young Atticus, but since I've only got four we've had to supplement with flat terry nappies and disposables. I discovered that there is quite a market for them on eBay, and have spent a fair chunk of the last two weeks bidding in auctions. It's taken me a while, but I've finally worked out some better bidding tactics... I was bidding on lots of things and not winning a single item! Finally my brother told me that the main tactic is to bid at the last minute. I've been watching auctions since then, and that really is what most people do! Although, I can't believe how carried away some people get - they really want to win the auction, at any price. I mean, I have increased the amount that I'm willing to spend on each nappy now, but that's just after seeing the prices that they are going for: on average $20. I've seen nappies go for almost twice that (but usually not that much more)!
I've also bought some more nappies from the online stores - four came today! It's so exciting receiving parcels in the mail, except that the mailman drops them off so early in the morning. It's not any cheaper buying them from the stores compared to eBay, but at least I'm guaranteed to get them rather than waiting on an auction to finish. I can't wait to wash them and start using them. I would have done so today, but I had already washed all my nappies this morning and didn't want to do another small load. Plus it was pouring rain earlier - just enough to saturate me while I was bringing them in off the line. Of course it's been fine (but overcast) for the rest of the day!
Speaking of days - where did today go? Some days just seem to take forever to pass, but today just whizzed by. I guess sleeping for half of it would probably be the reason!
Anyway, I joined a discussion group, OzClothNappies, yesterday. I had to send an intro to the list moderator before I could be approved and she posted that to the list. There were immediately half a dozen replies from people saying "Welcome" etc. I couldn't believe it! What a friendly bunch of people! I haven't responded yet - I guess I should get onto it, but as I said, I've been spending my time sleeping :-)
I've also bought some more nappies from the online stores - four came today! It's so exciting receiving parcels in the mail, except that the mailman drops them off so early in the morning. It's not any cheaper buying them from the stores compared to eBay, but at least I'm guaranteed to get them rather than waiting on an auction to finish. I can't wait to wash them and start using them. I would have done so today, but I had already washed all my nappies this morning and didn't want to do another small load. Plus it was pouring rain earlier - just enough to saturate me while I was bringing them in off the line. Of course it's been fine (but overcast) for the rest of the day!
Speaking of days - where did today go? Some days just seem to take forever to pass, but today just whizzed by. I guess sleeping for half of it would probably be the reason!
Anyway, I joined a discussion group, OzClothNappies, yesterday. I had to send an intro to the list moderator before I could be approved and she posted that to the list. There were immediately half a dozen replies from people saying "Welcome" etc. I couldn't believe it! What a friendly bunch of people! I haven't responded yet - I guess I should get onto it, but as I said, I've been spending my time sleeping :-)
A New Addition
I've been meaning to update this blog for a few weeks now, but have had some distractions. Actually, one major distraction! I finally had my baby, after waiting so many weeks. I think I've said it before, but I was really expecting him to come early. In the end he came four days before my due date!
On Friday January 28th at 6:05am we welcomed into the world the newest member of our family, Atticus. He was a healthy 3.435kg at birth - I think that's about eight pounds in the imperial system. The labour and birth itself was so different to my first! I endured over 20 hours with Dante and so was expecting this one to be about 10 hours (as I'd been told that the second one is about half the length of the first, usually). Well, I must have been in pre-labour for a while and not really noticed, because I had my first contraction at 2:20am when my waters broke. When I called the hospital at 3:15am my contractions were already less than 10 minutes apart and when we arrived there at 4am they were 2 minutes apart. By that stage I was 4cm dilated. In the end, the official timing of the entire affair, including stage 3, was 2 hours 42 minutes. I was absolutely amazed! And the best part was that I felt really good afterwards - I was walking around a few hours later.
So, he is almost two weeks old now and we are doing pretty well. We are getting some sleep at nights - not a lot, but enough! Atticus is thriving. His "gor-gor", Dante, has been really good, too. We have our moments, but over all he has been really good and quite helpful, sometimes ("really useful", he'd probably say). I wasn't sure what he thought at first, but the teachers at childcare told me the other day that he is initiating conversations and telling people that he has a little brother, "and his name is Atticus". It made me so happy to hear this!
I can't help feeling blessed that I have such a wonderful set of boys. I was sure that I was going to have a girl, but it's good having a son, too! He looks almost exactly like his brother - it's eerie. On some occasions I actually feel like I'm holding Dante, and the last 3 and a half years were just a dream! I can't wait until Atti grows up and the boys can play together, but I also don't want to miss any part of this early stage - he'll never be this small again!
On Friday January 28th at 6:05am we welcomed into the world the newest member of our family, Atticus. He was a healthy 3.435kg at birth - I think that's about eight pounds in the imperial system. The labour and birth itself was so different to my first! I endured over 20 hours with Dante and so was expecting this one to be about 10 hours (as I'd been told that the second one is about half the length of the first, usually). Well, I must have been in pre-labour for a while and not really noticed, because I had my first contraction at 2:20am when my waters broke. When I called the hospital at 3:15am my contractions were already less than 10 minutes apart and when we arrived there at 4am they were 2 minutes apart. By that stage I was 4cm dilated. In the end, the official timing of the entire affair, including stage 3, was 2 hours 42 minutes. I was absolutely amazed! And the best part was that I felt really good afterwards - I was walking around a few hours later.
So, he is almost two weeks old now and we are doing pretty well. We are getting some sleep at nights - not a lot, but enough! Atticus is thriving. His "gor-gor", Dante, has been really good, too. We have our moments, but over all he has been really good and quite helpful, sometimes ("really useful", he'd probably say). I wasn't sure what he thought at first, but the teachers at childcare told me the other day that he is initiating conversations and telling people that he has a little brother, "and his name is Atticus". It made me so happy to hear this!
I can't help feeling blessed that I have such a wonderful set of boys. I was sure that I was going to have a girl, but it's good having a son, too! He looks almost exactly like his brother - it's eerie. On some occasions I actually feel like I'm holding Dante, and the last 3 and a half years were just a dream! I can't wait until Atti grows up and the boys can play together, but I also don't want to miss any part of this early stage - he'll never be this small again!
Friday, January 21, 2005
Cloth nappies
I've just spent the last two days researching cloth nappies. Dan and I had our first antenatal refresher course on Monday and both picked up a brochure from a place called Modern Nappies. It was most educational. Most people's idea of cloth nappies are the typical terry-towelling squares which are big an bulky as well as cheap PVC pants/covers that you put over them. They smell, they leak and give the kid nappy rash. And you've got to soak them in lot of horrible chemicals and it's a lot of work. That was my impression, anyway. Nappy services take away a lot of the washing, but there's still the leaking problem.
Well, not any more. Now people use Hemp and Fleece fabrics which are really absorbent (the former) and water-resistant (the latter)... there's this new fabric called PUL as well which is water-proof but still breathable! And you can buy or make fitted nappies, so they're more like disposables in that you don't need to fold them in a particular way... They also say that they don't leak, especially compared to disposables, which definitely do leak (especially the cheaper brands). My head was in a spin after finding out all the possibilities out there. A good place to start reading is All About Nappies. (Note: these links are all Aussie-centric).
I'm quite keen to start using them (when the baby finally arrives, that is... why isn't he/she here yet??). I did a bunch of looking and I've decided to get some Tots Bots terry nappies, and some Hemp ones. Just a few to try them out - they're not a cheap option. About $25 per nappy! Although you'd make your money back soon enough.
Anyway, that's what I wanted to say about Cloth Nappies. I'm a convert and I haven't even received my packages yet. I felt really bad for using disposables with my first kid, so this makes me feel a lot happier!
Well, not any more. Now people use Hemp and Fleece fabrics which are really absorbent (the former) and water-resistant (the latter)... there's this new fabric called PUL as well which is water-proof but still breathable! And you can buy or make fitted nappies, so they're more like disposables in that you don't need to fold them in a particular way... They also say that they don't leak, especially compared to disposables, which definitely do leak (especially the cheaper brands). My head was in a spin after finding out all the possibilities out there. A good place to start reading is All About Nappies. (Note: these links are all Aussie-centric).
I'm quite keen to start using them (when the baby finally arrives, that is... why isn't he/she here yet??). I did a bunch of looking and I've decided to get some Tots Bots terry nappies, and some Hemp ones. Just a few to try them out - they're not a cheap option. About $25 per nappy! Although you'd make your money back soon enough.
Anyway, that's what I wanted to say about Cloth Nappies. I'm a convert and I haven't even received my packages yet. I felt really bad for using disposables with my first kid, so this makes me feel a lot happier!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Some funny things
I was sent this today. It's a pretty funny LOTR parody (a couple of animated gifs). Part one. Part two. I think it's been circulating the web, as these things do, so you may have seen it already.
Another blog which I enjoy reading is John Howard's one. It's a good read, but hasn't been updated for a couple of months.
Another blog which I enjoy reading is John Howard's one. It's a good read, but hasn't been updated for a couple of months.
And so it begins...
After seeing that my big brother has a blog I decided to follow in his footsteps and create one as well. Anyway, I'm at home on maternity leave (since Christmas) so I've got some time on my hands.
I'm currently 38 and a half weeks' pregnant. This is my second child. My first is a lovely 3 year old boy called Dante. He has his own website which I haven't updated for a long long time. Perhaps I will get around to it soon! Dante was born three weeks early, so he would have been a week and a half old by now. It's been frustrating that this second child hasn't come early. I really expected him/her to! My father keeps telling me "maybe tonight", but so far he hasn't been right. My mother has been helpful, though. Yesterday she decided that enough was enough and has started taking me on walks in the morning. Not too long, but exhausting enough for me! Especially since I'm carrying an extra 15kgs! Today's walk was particularly trying as the outside temperature is 30 degrees (Celsius). There is a nice path along a river near my house so it's quite pleasant walking with my Ma, despite the heat.
Well, I'll write more later - should get some work done around the house. If I don't write again soon, it could be because I'm at the hospital, giving birth. That would be nice (sort of). It also could be just because I'm lazy. I often like to start new projects and then never finish them.
I'm currently 38 and a half weeks' pregnant. This is my second child. My first is a lovely 3 year old boy called Dante. He has his own website which I haven't updated for a long long time. Perhaps I will get around to it soon! Dante was born three weeks early, so he would have been a week and a half old by now. It's been frustrating that this second child hasn't come early. I really expected him/her to! My father keeps telling me "maybe tonight", but so far he hasn't been right. My mother has been helpful, though. Yesterday she decided that enough was enough and has started taking me on walks in the morning. Not too long, but exhausting enough for me! Especially since I'm carrying an extra 15kgs! Today's walk was particularly trying as the outside temperature is 30 degrees (Celsius). There is a nice path along a river near my house so it's quite pleasant walking with my Ma, despite the heat.
Well, I'll write more later - should get some work done around the house. If I don't write again soon, it could be because I'm at the hospital, giving birth. That would be nice (sort of). It also could be just because I'm lazy. I often like to start new projects and then never finish them.
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