I’ve been vaguely contemplating allowing Mr Tasmania to view the blog …..

I know others allow people to view theirs but no-one knows I do this (except our resident web superstar, Miss Deeleea, who nagged me into starting it!) ….

I’m pretty sure I’ll let him see it … eventually … when is the question.

Anyone with any ideas/experience/traumatic stories/fantastic stories?

I’m not traumatising myself with this decision, it’s just slowly percolating away in the back of the head ….

thanks

yes, odd title … but that’s kinda my weekend. Late dinner at Ribs and Rumps (a phenomenal steakhouse in Manly, located on the beachfront), where the Man Magnet and I felt very good after our 250g rump steaks … and The Diva was still hungry(!) after a 650g T-Bone. Yes, you read that correctly, a 650G T-BONE STEAK. I’m going to leave that one right there …..

Saturday was a bit blah, domestics etc, and bad news from a close friend about his sister – prayers for her would be great right now, she was in a coma Friday night, has since been responding but is still very very ill with a bad prognosis … but that’s doctors right, and we’re overcomers in Christ etc, so believe and pray for the healing is what I’m doing.

Sunday was lovely actually, we went to The Bather’s Pavilion at Balmoral Beach for a belated birthday breakfast (how’s that for alliteration?) for The Incredible Shrinking Flatmate. Always a beautiful place, but when the sun is shining and sparkling on the gorgeous water, you have a lovely French Waiter (we love you Patrice!), the nippers (very junior lifesavers) are running around outside, and the scrambled eggs are to die for, it’s hard to beat

A phenomenal storm last night, thunder, lightning, torrential rain … I’m a bit hacked off with the flatmates. I know two of them were awake when I went upstairs, unwillingly, to check if the doors/windows were closed – I’m a little disappointed for two reason. Firstly, that they didn’t think to check that windows etc were closed, and secondly, because I KNEW they wouldn’t have checked … and that’s a bugger. They’re all professional, intelligent woman … they can’t put two and two together? ie when I went to bed to read/watch TV in comfort all the doors / windows were WIDE open, now there is a torrential downpour, possibly adding those two together may mean that the carpet in the lounge and dining rooms will be soaked, dripping, almost to the other side of the house? Obviously a bit too much neuron activity to expect on a sunday night ….

Sorry, I’m a little cheesed. Probably because if I had a perfectly justified rant at them they’d all give me injured looks and feel like I was being mean ….. can’t win really.

ah well …. only four sleeps to go and my wonderful man will be here for the weekend … i will be more cheerful by then

i will also be more cheerful after the week of red meat, green leafy vegies, and orange vegies/fruits I will be eating to get my depleted iron levels up again … will I ever learn?!?

I have finally put together my new lights in the bedroom … the various bits and bobs have been floating about since before Christmas … and yes, I did have two weeks off over that time but nothing at all got done really … which I guess is the point of having a holiday! Anyhoo, The Incredible Shrinking Flatmate and I went Kerb Surfing in July (council cleanups … in the wealthier suburbs people come out with trailors to see what they can find!) and found a globe made of squares of mother of pearl, a lovely golden beige colour … she took it but then decided she wouldn’t do anything with it and gave it to me.

I have subsequently been to IKEA and picked up a small lamp (basically looks like a hockey puck) which fits nicely into the hole at the bottom of the globe … so it’s now sitting on my bookshelf and looks lovely – not strong enough to read by but a lovely pale gold glow.

The second set of lights are a string of party lights (usually made up of flowers or origami cubes or some such thing) made up of globes approx 2inches in diameter (5cm for the metrics!) which made of tiny silvery gold beads in rows – quite heavy but lovely. i’ve put up the 3M hooks, so will hang them tonight and hopefully it will work!

Now I’ve got those done I’m feeling very virtuous and self-satisfied, so will (hopefully) now be able to move on to the cleaning out of the wardrobe, which is the next project … look at Vinnies, there could be a truckload of clothes coming your way!

I’ve started knitting again which means, in my personal calendar, that Autumn must be just over the horizon – yippee!!!!! I’m pretty sure I mentioned a while back that I had been hanging out for the Summer heat, which is INCREDIBLY unlike me … and I have loved this Summer, it’s been fabulous in so many ways.

Now, though, the air is starting to take on the slightest hint of crispness, briskness, feeling more alive, that I associate with Autumn and Spring – my two favourite seasons. I’m looking forward to cooler nights, crispy mornings, putting the fan away!, new clothes , looking up my casserole recipes and trying out a few more, being able to bake in the kitchen without melting into a little puddle, all the wonderful things that cooler weather brings.

Not to mention spending time with my boy in Tassie at Easter, which is not that far away.

Ah Autumn … I think this change of seasons will bring more than just a change in the colour of the leaves this year for many people …

And the knitting? I have a cap to finish for The Sheriff (which i started last Winter) … and I will make some sort of headcovering for The Deputy and the Wunderkind as well … I’m working on something which could be a scarf, may be a cushion cover, but is most likely going to turn out to be a lovely snuggly rug. I also have ambitions to try my hand at socks … which could turn out very badly … but I’m sure my parents will wear them around the house quite happily! I have many other projects to work on as well, including some leadlight projects – I’d forgotten how much I love playing with glass – despite the cuts!

Oh, and shoes! I bought some … I think I’ve been in withdrawal and have just recently recognise the pangs were an overwhelming need to purchase shoes! Sad but true. Anyhoo, Diana Ferrari, green, flat! (I know, I know, but I have to have SOME flat shoes), ‘almost’ thongs … they look like a slide but have a tiny hidden thong under the strap, which is great for me as I have a tendency to kick shoes into the air and look like a nong … thongs are a lifesaver

And that’s it …. 10 sleeps ’til Mr Tasmania gets here … not that I’m making a big deal of it or anything ……

Are a pain in the butt … but also a blessing

I know i know, I’m drivelling again … but I’m not, truly, it’s just that being in this relationship, as in any new thing, is making me observe things in a different way, and I’m commenting.

By the way, on the high heels front, I’m currently wearing a pair of black 3 1/2 inch wedge stilettos – a lot comfier than they probably sound!

Ok, so commenting on the blessing of a long distance relationship …. I’m sure, as time goes on, the frustrations of a long distance relationship will result in one of two things: either someone will move therefore negating the long distance part of the name OR the relationship will fizzle …

The good part, as far as I’m concerned? At this point I’ve spent approximately 6 hours in physical proximity to my boyfriend … and approximately 60+ hours on the phone … not to mention emails and sms’s … and we haven’t run out of stuff to talk about . It’s not all deep and meaningful discussions, our talks are very wide ranging, but I still find him incredibly interesting, even when getting down to the minutiae of life ie how well he did playing golf with his boss last night, and is the weather warm enough to go for a surf (well, for Tassie, that means getting out a wetsuit regardless, but I guess warmth is relative!). I’d have to say I think we’ve got the communication thing down, nice and early – and I know far too many people who actually have nothing to say to each other so that’s got to be a good thing!

On another note – I am seriously HACKED OFF at the Easter eggs/bunnies/buns/bilby’s etc which have been on the supermarket shelves and next to the cash registers since 02/01/06!!! I have actually been moved enough to burst into print to a couple of the major supermarket chains in Australia and pointed out, very politely, that as a Christian I am offended by this obviously purely commercial loading of the shelves. Seriously, it’d be hard to get Easter any later, and they’ve put the stuff out straight after Christmas? Like anybody can even LOOK at a chocolate for at least another week or two!

They have informed me that there is ‘customer demand’ …. sorry, that’s a load of ****** (insert a word to suit yourself) … who on earth ‘demands’ hot cross buns in January!!! I’ve informed them I’m boycotting easter eggs and hot cross buns (except in the case of the nephews) … I know my poor effort will mean precisely nothing to them, but I’m hoping that others will actually put their money where their mouth is (assuming they also feel it’s a bit over the top) and inform their local supermarkets of their offence, disgust, or minor annoyance with the current practice.

I guess my basic problem is that Christianity is just overtaken by commercialism – I know, so is everything else, but really, this is over the top. I have no problem at all with the profit motive, making a buck off the religious festivals etc … just the blatancy of this is a bit too much – and I don’t think it hurts for people to realise that Christianity is not just a habit or convenience or ’safe’ religion – it’s a living faith and their actions impact on real people. Too many of us just drift along letting things happen – I’m not advocating demonstrations in the streets, just letting people know how you actually feel about things, in a polite and considerate manner

Ok, rant over … I’m off to lunch!

Mr Tasmania triumphs! A basket of Aussie Red Wine, Tassie brie, Tassie chockies, Tassie fudge and a book about Tassie (as I freely admitted I had no idea, as I’d never been there – I’m better on NSW, SA and QLD!) …. and of course the card … the card … well, we won’t go into what is written in the card, suffice it to say I’m still smiling nearly an hour later.

It didn’t take him long to cotton on that I’m not your classic dozen long stemmed roses kinda chick

Not bad for 5 1/2 weeks really …. I think I’ll keep him.

is not hard when your boyfriend lives 1200km away …

No, actually, what I’m talking about is resisting the temptation to be all bubbly and goopy and sloppily sentimental on Valentine’s Day! I could seriously go there … but I won’t (well, not on the blog anyway, aren’t you glad!).

One thing I have found fascinating in the last few years is the concentration by media types on the ’singles’ at this time of the year … it’s a seemingly endless examination of whether they are truly happy. Obviously, some aren’t, and I’m sure all of us would be happy to have a companion … but the scrutiny of the media types really seems to been focused on an almost overwhelming inability to believe that it is possible(!) to have a fulfilled life without a companion/partner/whatever. The trouble is so many women (and I’m sure men but I haven’t had this conversation with many) have bought into the myth that they can’t go through life without ‘the one’.

It’s actually one of my soapbox rants to be honest, when I get with a gaggle of Christian girlies (who are absolutely the worst at this) sitting around bemoaning the lack of the perfect guy, whinging that all the guys they meet don’t measure up to their ‘lists’, moaning about the things they haven’t done ’cause they’re waiting for ‘their guy’ – sorry, it just gives me a massive case of the S&#t*!!

[Authors note: this blog would probably have been very much the same if I didn't have Mr Tasmania in my life - I have spent a lot of time over the years making sure I'm happy with myself ... regardless ...]

I have to say, flatout, who wants a whinger? Who’s going to leap into a relationship with someone who can’t stand on their own two feet and be happy with themselves and their lives? This is even more important if a person is older – nobody wants a 45 year old who is still ‘waiting’ to buy the perfect dinner set, or take the trip to Morocco, or learn to hang-glide, or not gone to see a movie ‘because they don’t want to do it by themselves’ … my response, hardhearted possibly, is ‘please, get a grip and grow up!’

Time for people to value THEMSELVES – you’re all beautiful (or handsome), interesting, kooky, mad, fun, romantic, fabulous people! What’s not to like about you? Give YOURSELF a Valentine’s card today, buy yourself chocolates, buy some flowers for yourself (or whatever boys like best) and love you! You are great – and if no-one notices this Valentine’s Day it’s their loss not yours

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Who’da thunk!

Yes, there is a beautiful Tiffany’s in Sydney, in beautiful Martin Place. I love it a lot. I may have mentioned earlier on that I went on a mission with various girlies [The Valkyrie, Chilegirl, Man Magnet, and the Incredible Shrinking Flatmate] to spend my birthday and Christmas gift vouchers + my work bonus on a beautiful ring. The ring had to be ordered in from America and I was told it could take up to 6 weeks

Got the call on Tuesday, and it’s in! Only 5 weeks, not bad.

It’s an Elsa Peretti open ring, rolled silver, with a ‘avant garde’ heart at one end of the ring (which sits on top of my finger, if you know what I mean), and a small diamond embedded in the other end of the ring. That’s a completely ridiculous explanation I know but that’s all I got! I’m pretty sure it’s not on the Tiffany’s site so I can’t even give you a link … it’s gorgeous though! It comes all wrapped up in it’s Tiffany blue pouch, in a Tiffany blue box, wrapped in a white Tiffany’s ribbon, then into a Tiffany blue bag. I was not dressed up to the nines, to say the least, last night, but a Tiffany’s bag means every shop assistant treats you like a queen … must remember that for future reference and just carry the bag with the empty box in it!

I must give the Tiffany’s assistants a mention as well – they’re lovely! All very gracious and helpful … The Valkyrie came with me and just about passed out over the engagement rings (by the by, Mr Tasmania is getting better and better – only 21 days ’til I see him and he’s the one counting down! – but the flatmates, various friends, and my mad sisters- in-law all have me married by the end of the year … this blog could get incredibly interesting all of a sudden if they turn out to have the gift of prophecy …). Miss Valkyrie wants a ‘huge rock’ in her words, diamonds all the way, and it’s kinda hard to get past the Tiffany’s solitaire’s … just simple, classic, and beautiful.

And no, they’re not paying me for the advertising

So today I’m walking around with my lovely silver ring. I’m not sure if I’ll wear it every day or just keep it for spesh …. I don’t know if I can bear to leave it at home though, so it’ll probably be worn most days!

I feel as if I’m on a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment – my life is zooming past, everything is moving at great speed, lots of good things are happening very quickly, I’m getting lots done, but I almost feel like I’m letting other things slip no matter how hard I try to get to them.

This may be because I’m spending half my life on the phone to the boyfriend … so stop whinging, I can hear you say! yes, point taken. no more whinging.

Life is very very good, Mr Tasmania is fantastic (and away from all forms of communication for 3 days so I can catch up on all the aforesaid things that have been slipping!), the family is going well (all of them), work is great, the household is chugging along swimmingly …

Life has been very social of late as well. On Saturday the BroBoss, Chilegirl, Wunderkind, SuperDad, Party on Legs and I went to Centennial Vineyard in the Southern Highlands for a lunch to celebrate the Party’s birthday (which is today) [I will add hotlinks after I have had a chat with Deeleea to work out how to do it so you can just click, rather than read the whole thing - she's a very useful person to know!]. It’s a phenomenal venue, looking out over vineyards with enormous mature gum trees (eucalypts for non-Aussies) in the paddocks (fields) … and the restaurant is huge and gorgeous. The staff are very efficient but also really friendly and the food (important!) is fabulous – I had veal with potato mash and snow peas and it was delicious, could easily have gone seconds (oink oink!).

Last night we had a roast lamb dinner at the House of Girl, courtesy of The Diva, in honour of the birthday of flatmate 3 [The Incredible Shrinking Flatmate]. Yum yum and did I say yum?!! Mind you, the potatoes she does are incredibly bad for you but divine! More yum!

Tonight it’s Chilean Lamb Casserole and probably far too much red wine with the BroBoss, Chilegirl, and Wunderkind … love it.

So, even though I whinge, life is good …. and i am looking forward to more events in the near future – catching up with an old friend in Canberra this weekend, and dinner with Deeleea and two other friends in a fortnight … then Mr Tasmania in 24 days [and yes, I am counting down ] … what a great year!

Well, now I’ve successfully stopped whinging, I’m going to lunch!

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