Fixin Me Up....Part 2

I managed to get an appointment for the ultrasound today.

The radiologist had trouble finding the lump by ultrasound due to it's location (right on my hip just about).
She called the doctor in and he had a look - he noticed a few small 'breaks' which apparently means hernias but these are further across from the lump - so it's possible I have both a hernia and a lipoma - just to be difficult.
The doctor wanted to review my film and will send a report to my GP.
So I'll call my GP tomorrow and see what he reckons.

It's been my experience that ultrasounds are as bit useless to be quite honest.
I've had many in the past and the only time they were of any use were when I was pregnant.
One I had for ruptured ovarian cysts that of course didn't show up on the ultrasound, but showed up on a CT scan with contrast.

So that's some of this section of events done.

I'll go for my blood test Friday maybe.

Someone is turning 37 on Saturday!
And PB is having a New Years/Birthday party at his house Saturday night.

37 - I feel like I'm 87 at the moment.
All this poking and prodding has left the lump site quite aggravated,
and I'm so darn exhausted (and have been for a while).
Still a lot to do though and it won't do itself.......

Ho Hum.

G
xx

Fixin Me Up....Part 1

Went for my doctors appointment today,
it came around pretty quickly!

I had three things to get sorted:
the pill
the lump on my hip
the food allergies

My doctor was great - he has given me four months of a new pill to try - he agreed I must have too much oestrogen, too much testosterone.
If it doesn't help after a few months we'll review it.

He found the lump on my hip without any problem.
He seems to feel it's either a Lipoma (benign 'fatty' tumour) or an unusual hernia (hernia are usually in a different area/muscle group).
So I'm off for an ultrasound to get it checked.
Either way he said it is pretty likely it will need fixing (removal or repair).
Thank goodness for private health insurance.

He has ordered some tests for allergies - he said it's best for me to eat normally up until the test - so no avoiding bread/wheat or anything else - except almonds of course!

So I may just get myself sorted out for the New Year.

Hope so!

In other news Z17 purchased a new car today - well not new but new for him.
He's thrilled with it.
He got himself a '93 Honda Civic - silver - alloys - air con - rear spoiler - cd player - all that jazz.
The guy we bought it from spent $1500 at a local Honda specialist rebuilding the engine about 2 years ago - and the car has hardly been driven since! He had all of the receipts as proof ~ a good purchase methinks!

So we released the savings account we have had for him (he was due to get it when he turned 18) and he paid the rest himself.
I'm so proud of him - not many 17 year olds have $3,000 saved on their own to go towards a car.

I'm pleased, I can teach him to drive in his own car now!

So tonight we are going down to the car wash to give it a wash and polish - it was clean when we bought it but you know how it is - ha ha!

So that's enough from me for one day,
I have to admit I'm stuffed now :)

G
xx

Lights Out....

We - he - he -ll !

Our three day party is over for another year - pppphhheeew!!

Nah, seriously it was all good, all fun!

Christmas Eve:
Day - was spent getting up at 6am to take Z17 to work by 7.15am.
Deciding to go into 'town' (the city) to Target to buy some clothes for Small Man (as one does Xmas Eve).
Feeling decidedly pleased with oneself for arriving 30 minutes before the store opened and getting a parking space 100 metres from the door (my knid of parking!).
Buying 3 x pairs of shorts, a belt and t-shirt. At 30% off - even better!
Driving out to the 'burbs to get essential supermarket items for Xmas day.
Arrive home at 9.30am to unload groceries, scull a quick milo then be out the door again at 10am.
Be chauffer driven (by the Big A) to the city again to test drive a Celica for Z17 - we had been past and had a look at it and it looked o.k. - under his price range so enough $$ left to tidy up a few dents etc
Come to the conclusion that Celica should be painted yellow as it was THE BIGGEST LEMON I'VE EVER BEEN IN!!
Canned the whole thing.
Went to the seafood shop and purchased prawns and scallops for Xmas day lunch.
Went to fruit and veg shop
Went to another supermarket to purchase items sold out at previous supermarket (choc ripple biscuits etc)
Went to bakery
Came home and unloaded again
Stewed apples for apple crumble
Made ripple cake (yes, another one...grrr!)
Collected Z17 from work

Night: Went to mums for Xmas Eve bbq tea.
Had a lovely night with Mum and SF (he's fine if you ignore him - ha ha!), my brother and his little girl, SF's sister, husband and 26 year old son who is home from Korea for a while (he's been over there teaching English and all sorts).
Ate lots of salad and some nice marinated chicken.
I skipped dessert (trifle - ha ha! I've seen enough trifle for a while too)
No presents involved, except for the kids who received their from Mum and SF
Finally made it home close to midnight
Boys went to bed while Big A & I wrapped all of the presents a few last minute things (I wrapped while he wrote on cards)
Finally in bed at around 1.30am

Christmas Day:
8.30am Small Man wakes us up :)
He opens his card and the few little things I had wrapped for him (they each received money from us this year) - no point waiting for Z17 to get up he'd be waiting a while
We go back to sleep for an hour or so
Get up again and start preparing for the day
Z17 finally surfaces, opens his stuff, watches me open my present, then goes back to bed
Big A zooms around with the dyson for 15 minutes while I tidy up
Big A puts together our scallop and prawn kebabs ready for the bbq - they were awesome!
I headed out to collect my brother and niece in the afternoon while Big A went to collect PB and his kids

We sat out the back for a while and had a few drinks (actually they had a LOT of drinks, I had one - ha ha!) preparing dinner in between
6.30pm and dinner is finally ready, except for - now wait for it - I F*#KED THE SPUDS - how on earth do you bugger up roast spuds?
I always pre-cook them in boiling water for just under 10 minutes then add them to the pan with the meat - I did this (as I have done for years and years) and I'll be stuffed if they weren't all mushy - so half of them were ruined - OMG!!! On Xmas Day!!!!!
So anyway we all survived that, the ones that weren't mushy cooked up fine and went down well
The turkey buffe and rump roast were magnificent
We had home grown broad beans and sweet corn etc etc

Mum had a whole pavlova left over from Xmas Eve, so I thought stuff making apple crumble, we'll have pav and ripple cake
Mum had trouble with the eggs when making the pav - now this is the woman that's made hundreds of perfect pavlovas - it wasn't whipping up properly so she added extra sugar - it was a bit too sugary in the end - so we had a disaster each.....

The night was lots of fun with Big A and PB having rather a lot to drink, and then trying to ski jump on wii fit - hmmm!
No presents involved except for the kids - we decided a few years ago to only buy for the kids - it's takes sooooo much stress out of the day for all of us - it's great!

We eventually finished up at 2am or something ridiculous!

Boxing Day:
We are woken at 6.30am by Small Man who had a frog in his bedroom (courtesy of George I'm sure)
We went back to sleep and were woken again at 9.30am by SF's brother in law to say we should go to their house for lunch today rather than to the river for a bbq
Boys decide they aren't coming with us (Small Man had reached his limit, Z17 stayed at home to keep him company)
We had a nice lunch with them, some beautiful salmon on the bbq and lots of salad for me
I had to pass on dessert because it was a: Christmas Pudding (full of almonds) b:........wait for it.....Chocolate Ripple Cake - ha ha ha!!!
I got to catch up with my brothers ex (my nieces Mum) who I still get on with really well - she was there to collect the little one from Mum (she stayed with Mum Christmas night because my brother had to work today)
We had to leave at 2.30pm to be home in time to get Z17 to work from 4pm til midnight (which is why I'm still up now!)
Big A also is working night shift tonight - so needed to get ready.

What a few days!
It's all been lovely, but tiring.
Next year I'll pace myself a lot better.
It didn't help that I was still buggered from the week before (started walking into door frames and stuff I was so worn out)......but I did enjoy myself.
Christmas isn't quite the same now that the boys have grown up,
but it was nice to spend those few days with family/extended family/ring in's/friends!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

G
xx

Procrastination......

Well....

This is not quite what I should be doing....

The should being....
Having a shower - being in my dressing gown at midday just isn't going to work today!

going to the post office to do a million jobs,

getting bread (somehow a whole loaf was eaten between 5.30pm last night and 5.30am this morning....),

picking up last minute stuff (wrapping paper, a few extra little gifts),

getting work clothes ready for the Hungry Jacks star,

stripping my bed,

cleaning the house so it's all shiny for Christmas Day,

continuing on in my quest to see the bottom of the dirty washing basket,

delivering presents to my ladies that were extra super organised and paid me in advance ~ trying to give me a week off,

marinating massive rump roast for Christmas Day,

taking Z17 to the Paediatrician today at 2pm (just for a check up/prescription repeat).

So I guess I'd better get cracking!

In a minute.......

Soon......

Bah!!

Just as soon as I've re-arranged the above list into highest priority - and what can be done tomorrow and Wednesday......then I might check my email, poke Lou on Facebook, make a milo.......ha ha ha!

Have a good day all,

Love,

G
xxx

It was PERFECT!!!

The weather - could not have been better.

The food - exactly the right amount. With a bit left over.

The company - I couldn't have asked for better - it was awesome.

I received an award and trophy for top District in the Tassie and South Victoria region for sales for the year!!! - WOO HOO!!! Go team awesome!!!

I was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a BIG tin of choccies - I'll have to hide them!!
This was a thank you from CM for putting on the party - seriously it was my pleasure.

I also received a beautiful gift from two of my ladies with a card saying that they appreciate everything I've done for them - a gorgeous liitle mirrored jewellery box with butterflies on and some nice smelling soap and loofah - I was gobsmacked, didn't expect that!

One of the other managers I have recently gotten to now gave me a mystery gift (I haven't opened it yet!) - how lovely, all beacause I put a few orders through for her.

I was amazed that a few of the partners came - one is very shy, rarely socialises, the other never comes to these things - and they were both there!!

Small Man took charge of the bbq and did a fantastic job, along with one of the other guys from PB's team.

After we had finished CM and her husband, Small Man and I went back to PB's house for coffee and a chat - I didn't get home until 10.30pm!

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon - mind you I did get a tiny bit stressed this afternoon just with getting everything packed up etc but everyone pitched in and helped - Big A bought a load of stuff down, Z17 helped me this morning to pick things up (bread etc), so in all it was a team effort.

I would love to go to bed, but need to pick Z17 up from work at a thus far unknown time - he's going to ring and give me 15 minutes notice....

Ah......now I can relax! Til Christmas day of course then it'll be back on!!!! Cooking, cooking, cooking!!!! Can't complain - I love feeding people!


G
xxx

Almost there.....

Just hoping and hoping hard for good weather tomorrow....

.....I mean today!!!

Gotta get some sleep!

G
xx

Quickly....

Just a quick post as I'm all schedule-ified to the max this week!

Big A turned 38 yesterday - we had a quiet one this year with a few visitors last night.

Received Z17's 'TQA' statement today (his results for the year)

- he passed everything (phew x 100000)
- passed his VET Cert II in IT (vocational course in computing)

AND received an Outstanding Achievement for English Writing - Yay!

I don't know if he'll still get an actual report - I assume so.

I was worried.......why?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lolly bags x 41 have been made for the party.

I now have......84 people expected on Friday........!

JJ has jumped on board and is ringing around re: the meat today to get us a good deal.
***Update he just rang as I was writing this - 100 burgers, 100 sausages $140 from a really good butcher - looks like I will do it on my tight budget - so there Big A!!! Never tell me I can't or won't be able to do something!***

He has Thursday and Friday off work (his other job) and so is able to help with getting cordial cold and transporting 10 million desserts etc.

It's going to be AWESOME - I can't wait!!!
Getting quite excited now!

So I may be a litle scarce over the next few days - I still have an order coming to be packed this week and my people to see, banking etc so...I better run!

G
xx

Lists, lists, lists....

So I am doing a bbq for the party.

Hamburgers and sausages, chicken burgers and chicken wings.

I am allowing 2 hamburgers per adult, one per child.
Same with the sausages I think.

So around 100 of each.

Not cheap shitty ones either - am getting these from the butcher.

I think that should be o.k.!

The chicken burgers are an extra - and the wings I'll have cooking when people arrive as a bit of an entree.

I'll do potato salad and coleslaw, and a lettuce salad with tomato/cheese/and stuff.
Undecided on beetroot etc as well.....

I'm getting ten loaves of bread.
Which works out to be approx 160 - 170 slices - more than two slices per person.

For dessert I'm doing chocolate ripple cake and trifle.

I have decided to make these up in individual tubs (like the small round tubs you get at the deli with salad in).
That way I can make sure the portions are even, it's easier to transport/refrigerate and more hygienic (think snotty nosed kids shoving their fingers in it).

If I get enough tubs within my budget I may even do the coleslaw and potato salad in these too - would save trying to cart big bowls of stuff to the venue.....

That's the only bit I'm stuck on.

Do I go 50/50 with trifle/ripple cake, or is one more poular than the other...hmmm!

With any leftover jelly/custard I'll do some jelly/custard tubs or cups for the little un's.

I am doing some lolly bags for the kids to take home as well.

So hopefully it will be all enough food, and all o.k.

And everyone will have fun and feel some Christmas spirit :)}

G
xx

No Way?!!

O.K.

I have counted up the RSVP's for our Christmas Party Friday.....which I am organising.

72 people!

38 Adults

34 Children

Oh my!

I still have some RSVP'S coming tomorrow.....

Talk about some 'records' lately,

this will be a record turnout for a Christmas Celebration.

It's amazing what happens when you organise an event at a location people actually want to go to, at a time that suits most - and with one certain 'element' that won't be present this year!

Woo Hoo!

It's going to be massive.....

And certainly the biggest crowd I have ever catered for.....

A steady supply of Rock Star energy drinks may be in order this week - ha ha!

G
xx

Part Two

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts on last nights post.

I was feeling pretty ill when I wrote it.

Slightly better today but the tiredness is creeping in big time at the moment - so I'm writing this to stay awake and focused - I have an order to deliver at 7pm - so please excuse the rambling!

I booked in to my GP today - the only catch is that he's away until the 29th December.
If I don't feel any better/feel worse before then I'll go with plan B.

Big A has noticed.

We talked about it today - he helped me pack my order :)
He saved me at least an hours work!
I told him what was going on and how I have been feeling etc - and about the hip thing being worse.
He doesn't want me to wait til the 29th.
So I'll think about it.

For a fresh opinion a different GP would be good - but then one of the worse experiences we had with Small Man was with a different GP.
This fill in guy who had never met us before in his life thought he was Gregory House I'm sure! (guess what mate you don't have the charisma to go with the attitude so just stop right there!)

He was quite rude about Small Mans weight (I felt so sad for my baby), and told me there was no reason he shouldn't be at school - in front of Big A who had trouble accepting the chronic fatigue thing (cos you can't see it).
Long story short Big A was furious with me and believed that Small Man was 'pulling the wool over my eyes' - which led to a massive argument I was so upset and angry I lost it.
Small Man and I were in tears, it was horrible.
These are the sorts of things that have put me right off going to the doctor.

So there is method to my madness.

Toni's GP sounds lovely, and I will definitely keep her in mind.

And I agree with what Nat said in my last posts comments about feeling rushed or 'like a loony' - that's exactly how I feel.

And I will definitely read up on the yeast factor Dell - I have though of that in the past as a reason for my fatigue.
This time the fatigue is different - before it was more a muscular fatigue, this time it's 'I must sleep NOW' like I don't have a choice.
Plus a myriad of other bizarre little things.
I just never know which ones to tell the doctor!


So anyway, all will be fine.

I had a nice day with Small Man today for his Distance Ed Presentation Day.
He has been sound asleep for the last hour and a half recovering (the 'day' only went from 10.30am til 2.30pm).

G
xxx

Running on empty

*Major Whinge Alert*

I'm not sure who I think I'm trying to kid,
seriously.

I've been really, really struggling for the last few weeks,
I mean barely getting through the day type struggling,
going to bed freezing and waking up sweating.

For the last few weeks I have fallen asleep on the couch for an hour almost every day, I start out o.k. but wear down rapidly in the afternoon.

It may sound easy - go to the doctor.
But it's just not that simple.

I'm trying to hide it from everyone and failing.

Even hiding it here, which is not what it's supposed to be about - my blog is a journal of my life, my children.....and everything else in between.

Don't worry, I get just as bored writing about it as you would having to read it.

Last year some time I found I had a lump a few inches above my hip - my GP had a look at it and felt it was muscular, but if it was still there in a few months he'd get it scanned - I forgot about it and felt it there again a week or so ago.
It's still there, and actually worse.
Harder to feel because my gut is so huge at the moment - I can't stand the sight of myself.
I have put on more weight but I'm barely eating.

There is no way they can try and say this is stress or depression because I have very little stress in my life at the moment,
Small Man is doing well at Distance Ed,
Big A is back on shift work so I don't have to do absolutely everything around here day in and day out,
Z17 is on holidays and has a plan for next year,
and not to mention the biggest stress factor EVER (the Almighty) moving away - and my work is going brilliantly as a result.

Yes, it's a simple matter of making an appointment - but if I get blown off it means I just have to keep suffering and trying even harder to hide it.
It's the mental hurdle I'm having trouble with.

But I do know I can't physically continue like this.
I have too much to do.

*sigh*

G
xx

p.s. We cracked $60,000 in sales for week 49 - looks like we'll be getting that party

What are you going to do?

With your 'Rudd Money'?

My overseas friends may be scratching their heads at this point wondering just what the hell I'm on about!

Basically - the government here is giving out $8.7 billion to pensioners, carers, lower income earners (which I think the cut off for FTB 'A' is $150,000 combined annual income, so most people I know should be eligible) in a once off bonus payment - approx $1000 per dependant child, $1400 for pensioners etc to try and boost the economy.
The full details are here

We are being encouraged to spend the money.

I have read some 'interesting' points of view from 'experts' on how the money will be spent - some say pokies and alcohol will be a big winner - ummm not in this house!
Personally I think they're just jealous they're not getting it!

Given the fact that we have really struggled for the last four years while Big A was undertaking his apprenticeship I won't be rushing out to buy anything straight up.

Also I work for commission and my January pay is next to nothing.
February not much better.
So essentially I get paid 10 months of the year - and work 12.

So - what do you have planned for yours?

You don't have to tell me - just curious!

G
xx

Better late than never ?!

MeMe - better late than never!


1. 5 names you go by.

*Mum

*Pook (Big A)

*Mrs K

*Boss

*Darling (Mum)


2.Three Things you are wearing right now

*Camo Pants

*White cheescloth shirt

*Pair of Big A's work socks


3.Two things you want very badly at the moment

*Small Man to get better

*Some time off


4. 3 people that will probably fill this out

*No Idea - I'm a bit late getting on this!

*

*


5. 2 Things you did last night

*Hmmm...very little actually -

shopped online,
that's about it nothing interesting.
Should have posted this yesterday, more to write!




6. 2 Things you ate today

*Chicken Burrito

*Licorice


7.Two people you last talked to on the phone

*Shirley Mac (one of my ladies)

*Mum


8.Two things you are going to do tomorrow

*Work

*Get Z17's interview outfit ready for an interview Tuesday


9.Two of the longest car drives you have had

*Driving to the hospital after getting the call that my Dad had died

*Taking George to the vet with a paralysis tick bite - first and last time he ever scratched me


10.Two of your favorite beverages

*Milo

*Coke


11.Two sports you watch on TV

*Sports?? Ha ha ha!

*


12.Three people you have on Speed Dial

*No-one - can remember everyones number



13.Five items in your wardrobe you never wear

*Maybe this could be the five things I DO actually wear.....I don't wear 80% of what's in there


14. The last 3 books you read

*House of Horrors

*The Dictionary of Bullshit (didn't read it all)

*can't remember the third one!


15. Three weird OCD tendencies you have

*Sorting my washing - I'm ridiculous with it

*Making sure my car is locked when we're out - it's never locked at home though

*Deodorant - you can never have too much - nor can teenage boys


16. Five presents you got from Santa as a kid

*A doll with a dummy that cried when you took the dummy out (I still have it!)

*Barbie Campervan

*Cassette player

*Clothes

*Jewellery


17. Three most visited bookmarks

*Blogs

*Work

*Facebook


18. Two items on your wishlist for Christmas

*See question 3 - answer 1.

*Wii fit


19. Five Things you can see right now

*Christmas tree

*Stack of orders I keyed in earlier

*TV

*Dishes on the kitchen sink that need putting in the dishwasher

*Box full of stock that needs to go in the shed


20. 5 things on your fridge

*Photos of my nieces

*Letter about Z17's interview Tuesday

*Invitation to Small Man's presentation day Wednesday

*Newspaper page with 'Pet of the week' - with a photo of George in it

*many magnets and menus


21. Two items you own more than 10 of

*Pairs of shoes - and yet I wear the same pair nearly every day.....
*Angels - I have over 20 in pictures etc my bedroom!

Hmm...!

G
xx

Christmas Shopping?

www.tfoonline.com.au

This site has some beautiful, affordable, quality products.

I have ordered some gorgeous gift packs for my 7 ladies.

Postage is a flat rate of $4.95 Australia wide.

Thought I'd share it with you!

G
xx

Finally....

I have finally been able to scan these!
I have scanned a few photos recently and just might go through some of my favourites, scan them and burn to disc - you never know.

Small Man aged 13 weeks, age 1 (photo taken on his 1st Birthday/Christening - although he was looking a little solemn!) and then again at age 4.
I had planned to post them on his birthday recently...but stuff happened!

I can't believe my baby is 14 - but then he looks like he's 17 so.........
We had a fun night for his birthday, with friends over to stay the night, pizza and plenty of guitar hero rock band.
Our friends have been great friends for 15 years, they also have two boys the same age as our fellows - actually their younger son turned 15 the day after Small Man turned 14 - uncanny!
So they shared their birthdays!

The hubbys had a few beers, us girls had a few cokes, and a few coffees/milos and one glass of wine (actually half a glass for me...) - and Big A and I both ended up getting a reading done by my very talented psychic/artistic/reiki abled Mary.
Actually, we sat up and talked until 3am!

No internet for almost three days hasn't been fun!
We have changed back to Telstra a few weeks ago and have had 'issues' this week, way too boring to mention!
I had to do an emergency run to PB's house yesterday to pay my work account....ooops!
Big A had to sit through my 'shows' on Austar the other night - Americas Next Top Model just to name one - ha ha! He was so bored without his online gaming bizzo.

He has almost recovered from the flu - almost.
His work Christmas bash is on tomorrow night - but we're not going.
For a variety of reasons.
The dinner is going to be in the town where he works - he really doesn't feel like driving down there again this week - it's about 50 minutes away.
Hardly anyone that I know will be there (not that I really care mind you but he does).
Z17 is working tomorrow night, so Small Man would be home on his own for quite a while, he'd be fine of course but I often feel that he spends enough time alone.
Reviews from friends that have been to the restaurant (?) where the dinner is being held have been very negative with regard to the food.
Big A is doing a job for someone Saturday morning so needs to be up early....
So, it's a no go!


G
xxx

I'm having a festive moment - just thought I'd get in early!

Ha ha!

I may not keep it - let me know if it takes a gazillion years to load....

Since Captain Snot Box is off work with the flu and hogging the desktop - I have been posting on the laptop unable to scan photos to do my Small Man post......just yet...

G
xx

Ups and Downs

So, another week almost over.

Edging closer to Christmas........eeek!

I am still struggling physically.

I can't seem to shake it off.

Everything feels too hard at the moment - and I hate it.

I have all the stamina of a bowl of jelly - big time.

Big A has the flu - again.

Picked up at work from 'those that go to work with anything, and spread it around like wildfire'.
Don't they think?

It will be a miracle if I don't get it - poor thing has been coughing, and coughing, and coughing......all night.
Which probably has a lot to do with my current state - but then again it's been hanging around for the last few weeks.

I took Z17 to the GP on Tuesday - he informs me he is away next week - bugger - I'll ring and make an appointment for the following week anyway - but I'm SO used to being told there's nothing that can be done it's really off putting.
I will get the allergy tests done though - if I could ever get an appointment.

Mums retirement morning tea was lovely.
She was given a beautiful gold watch with a subtle touch of 'bling' (a few tiny diamonds - truly gorgeous and just the right choice for her), and a stunning gold bracelet also perfect for her.
The room was full - almost all of the staff came to the tea room to wish her well - some took it in turns manning the front desk.
Some of the ladies were in tears....it was really touching.
Her boss gave a short speech and said she was 'like a mother to everyone' that was sweet.

Mum gave a short speech also - she didn't need to use much of my speech as she had been and spoken with everyone she wanted to the day before, and thanked them personally.
In lieu of flowers she requested a donation to Ronald McDonald house in Victoria (they took such loving care of our family when Steph was in Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital) - I thought that was lovely - and very 'Mum'.

Small Man has had a slight weight gain this week - I knew it would be a gain - so was at least able to prepare him for it.
He seemed o.k. about it - I expected this after his Birthday, Pizza and Cheesecake! But then the gain may well have been greater without the Xenical.
Until this weigh in he had lost between 5 - 6kg (11 - 13lb) - which is pretty impressive!
That's o.k. - we are going to try harder this week, and catch up!

On the work front - BBB (big, big boss) has promised our region a huge party if we can exceed $60,000 in sales any week before Christmas - and....shhh it's not official yet.....we may well have cracked it this week - WOO HOO!!
Since I have already organised a big Christmas party for half of the state on the 19th December I would be happy with a contribution towards that!
And for BBB to attend of course - now that would be very special!
He is a lovely, lovely man - and our people would feel very privileged to be able to meet him.

Fingers crossed!

So that's about it from me - I'm hoping to find my spark somewhere.....SOON.

G
xxx

Very Mixed Messages.....

It occured to me last night whilst watching my usual gamut of programs on Austar just what mixed messages the collection of some of these shows are sending!

Starting with Supersize versus Superskinny - o.k. a good concept to pair up a supersize with a superskinny person - swap their diets for a few days and see what they can learn from each other. I watched this for the first time last night and thought it was pretty good.

Then there is that annoying 'poo' obsessed woman on 'You Are What You Eat' that in my opinion doesn't look that healthy. Yes the show is quite good and any change in lifestyle for some of these people is great - their diets are beyond ridiculous. There is much to be learnt about a healthy diet and exercise from watching this.

BUT THEN......

You get the "How To Look Good Naked" series - showing you how to dress regardless of your size and encouraging you to flaunt it.....hmmm.....in public....uh nuh!

AND THEN...

'Trinny and Susannah' and their series of shows on 'What Not To Wear' - also very imformative programmes on how to dress for you body type - what to wear to look slimmer etc. I like this show and have learnt a lot from it.......

BUT....

At the end of it I'm confused - am I meant to be losing weight.....or just throwing on some slimming undies and forgetting about it?????


Has anyone else noticed this....or do I just watch WAY too much Austar when I should be in bed??

G
xxx

p.s. Small Man had a lovely 14th Birthday Saturday - I didn't forget to post I just didn't have time to scan photos and do the post I wanted to - so will do a very special birthday post in the next few days xx

Would You....??

I was sitting in the car park at Hungry Jacks last week, after dropping Z17 off to work and was waiting for one of my ladies.

Two young girls were sitting in their car straight opposite me.
They finished their HJ's and sat there for a few minutes giggling and tooting the horn occasionally just be be annoying.
The next thing they wind down the passenger window and proceed to drop two HJ's paper bags full of rubbish onto the ground next to their car.
They then sit there a few minutes longer before driving off.

I was livid!!!

I took the registration number, make/model/colour of the car.

Don't people realise someone has to come along and pick that up?

Namely the young people that are actually getting off their arses and working,
this is the first job they have in the morning - to pick up all of the rubbish that slack, lazy, thoughtless idiots have dumped overnight.

I remember hearing about 'dob in a litterbug' so after much googling found a link, and emailed the correct contact.
They have replied with a form for me to fill out and submit electronically.
The only catch is that I have to agree to go to court if the need should arise, and sign an affidavit - which is fine, but court????
I haven't submitted the form yet.

Would you??

I would actually prefer to make them pick up rubbish for the council for a day/morning/whatever than a fine - that doesn't teach them much - lazy little cows.

The thing that got me the most is that there is a rubbish bin less than ten metres away.

Grrr!

G
xxx

Allergy....Intolerance...whatever...

The last few days have been terrible.

These food intolerances are getting worse, and the trouble is I have no idea what the latest culprit is.

The definite list is: Almonds - allergic: Eggs, Coffee, Avocado - intolerant :( I love avocado......

Wednesday night we had grilled steak, mashed potato, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots for tea.

An hour and a half later I tried to pack my order.

Within 20 minutes I was ill.

Sweating, pale, shaking, horrible pain in my stomach and really nauseous.

I had to stop packing or risk throwing up in one of their boxes!

So after lying down for an hour and a half, then picking Z17 up from work I managed to get it done by midnight.

This is getting ridiculous.

I felt like this only not as bad on Monday and Tuesday as well.

Now no-one can say it's stress, as my major stresser has gone, we are a bit better off financially, Small Man is doing well at distance ed, Z17 has finished college and next year is all worked out, work couldn't be better....

It can't/shouldn't be wheat, I had toast late Wednesday night after I started to feel better (bugger the weight I felt sooooo unwell), and have had chicken burritos twice this week (I had them last night knowing I was o.k. with them last time) and nothing happened.
Cheese must be o.k.
Lettuce and tomato must be o.k.

So.

I guess I'll have to give in and go and get allergy testing done.
I'm assuming my GP can organise this.

I felt so bad Wednesday night I was too scared to eat Thursday just in case (luckily I had a few meal replacement shakes left) - well, I could only do that for so long eh!

Whinge whinge......

It's just an awful feeling, like Russian roulette.....just eating tea - I don't do living on the edge - no thanks!!!

So there's another appointment for me to make - bah - have made a Paed appointment for Z17, a GP appointment for Z17, dentist appointments for both boys and organised a prescription repeat over the phone AGAIN (they hadn't done this one from over a week ago when I first rang....) and that's just this week.

Moan moan!

G
xxx

Speech......less

Mum has asked me to write a speech for her retirement - next Friday!

I have the basic gist of what I want to say - but I'm stuck on an opening.....

I know the opening should be some sort of welcome/thank you/good morning type thing but...how do I put it best?

I want to then go on to say something along the lines of "When faced with the challenge of summing up my time here in a few words I was....."

"I feel fortunate to have had such an amazing, diverse group of people to work with over the years, especially Mary/Joe/Bob etc for their humour/patience/entertainment etc and Brenda/Kath/Jim etc for being supportive/kind/thoughtful etc and so on.....

I'm not going to fill it all in, some of it needs to be Mums words.
I show/say how I feel a bit more than Mum does.
When AW left my team a few months ago I was hardly able to speak with emotion!
Mum is sweet, kind, gentle and caring but doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve if you know what I mean.


So any ideas would be greatly appreciated.......!

G
xxx

Home Alone

That right!

Yep

I'm here - all by myself!

And have been since 11am.

No big deal you say?

It is when it's the first time in months!

Big A is at work and not home until 8.30pm,
Z17 is also at work and not home until 7pm,
Small Man has gone to the lakes with Grandma until Sunday.....

And haven't I 'got some stuff done'

Many, many small jobs and extras that I need a clear mind to achieve.

I do miss my 'baby' though......and would never wish him away - but the break will be good for both of us.

He'll be 14 next Saturday.

I hope 14 is going to be luckier for him than 13 has been......

G
xx

Worrying

This week has been a major whirlwind - thankfully the lethargy didn't catch up with me until this afternoon.

Tuesday was all planned - new boss was due to arrive at around 11am - long story short her flight was cancelled and she didn't arrive here until 8.30pm - the team were all here and I'd organised the xmas function already - which she was thrilled about.
I then spent the rest of the evening with her, her luggage had been lost as well so she drove me to pick Z17 up from work at 11pm - we then ducked into Coles to buy her a toothbrush and toothpaste!
My order was delayed by 24hours on top of it all.

Wednesday morning I spent with new boss, then came home to wait for the courier while she went to Wynyard for the day.
Order arrived at midday.
It was pretty hot by then in my garage!

I was half way through sorting the order when the Big A came out to the garage with the phone in his hand - in tears.

His Dad has a brain tumour.

It's an acoustic neuroma - located in the ear region - and from what I can gather a 'better' place to get a tumour if you're going to get a brain tumour - BUT any brain surgery is a worry.
We won't know any more until next week when he meets with the surgeon.

While I'm not exactly close to his family (not by my choice) - I'm probably closest to his Dad, as is Big A.
This has dredged up a lot of emotions for Big A - and it hurts me to see him struggling with them.
Big A has planned to go over if his Dad is to have surgery (they are in Melbourne)- to keep things with his mother and sister 'under control'.


Wednesday night I met with new boss again - she took me out for tea and we finished everything we were supposed to do Tuesday. It's nice to have my opinion valued and to be able to just 'get on with it'. I stayed until 10.45pm last night - then went and picked up Z17 from work - he was running 3/4 of an hour late so it was another late night.

This morning was my usual trip to see my ladies for their weekly meeting.
By the time I got home I was hungry, tired and could feel a migraine coming (it's very overcast/muggy/trying to rain here today).
So I slept, and slept from 2.30pm til 5.30pm.

Small Man is going up to Mum and SF's shack at the lakes for the weekend.
It will be good for him to get out of the house for a few days.
Big A is on day shift - so it'll be just Z17 and I.
The xenical appears to have decreased Small Man's appetite (either that or it's that the weather has warmed up) - I can see that he is losing weight just by looking at him - weigh in day tomorrow - I am hoping for even a small loss weekly to keep him motivated....we'll see...

G
xx

I just saw a shooting star.....

Haven't seen one of those in a long time.....

G
xxx

Well...!

I managed to be up before 8am yesterday (Saturday) - and was up at 7am this morning - I know.....the horror! It's almost unheard of for me to be up this early on the weekend.....

I had one of my ladies coming to pick her order up yesterday - and it had to be by 9am...so....

I then spent a few hours tackling the wilderness that is my garden.
I managed to get a lot done (not that anyone else would probably notice), I worked flat out and was pleased I didn't get ravaged by snakes in the process.

Our block is almost an acre, it is only partly landscaped.
We have a large fenced off section at the top of the block which used to be home to Banjo - our sheep.
We aren't planning on getting another sheep - so we are looking at our options for the area.
Three block slopes upwards and is on three levels - I'd like to dig into the top level far back enough to make a nice flat good sized area that could be decked or paved for 'outdoor living'.
We don't have a 'back lawn' only a front one - the back yard is currently a paved area between the house and a rock retaining wall - the yard then slopes up to the fenced sheep area, which is relatively flat.
This will take a lot of work to achieve - but that's o.k. with me!
Not to mention the excavation costs....

I am hosting a meeting Tuesday night for work, to plan our Christmas function etc.
So I have been having a little 'spring clean' catch up on dusting and bathrooms - just the vacuuming and a few little jobs to go - my most hated chore - vacuuming (even with a Dyson) where are those fairies when you need them?
At least I don't have to cook for two days prior to the meeting this time.
New boss thought my idea of Chinese takeaway or something was an excellent one,
and having the meeting at night time when people are actually available equally good.
We're going to get along fine.
It is so good to work with someone as like minded, realistic and flexible as she is.

This morning I was up early as Z17 started work at 9am - we leave home 25 minutes before he starts to ensure we are there 10 minutes before his start time, as they request.
He's finishing at 2pm today - so no late night trips out tonight for a change!

We have a few things to chase up for college tomorrow.
So we'll have a trip in there tomorrow to drop things off and enquire about next year.
Then Z17 can relax for a minute.
I am actually a lot more relaxed knowing that he's finished - just the report to be received - and I have no idea what to expect.......

So that's it for me, just the usual!

G
xxx

An erection...and things

Indeed!

We erected a fabulous new green 5m x 5m shade sail in the back yard today....
It will be great for summer!

I canned my last post....about naughty boys and websites about principals that caused a whole lot of trouble earlier this year....only for said websites to be resurrected within the last 24 hours.....I should add that Z17 was not involved this time.....

Small Man has now lost at least 2kg.
I say 'at least' because I had only weighed him about 10 - 14 days before the Xenical arrived, but hadn't weighed him since then, or actually on the first day he started the Xenical....so he may have lost more.
I will be happy if he continues at this rate - he's only taken it for 8 full days and two half days....
it says in the directions that weight loss doesn't usually start for approx two weeks!

Aside from erecting the shade sail I've had a much easier day today......


G
xxx

Arduous...

It's been a long and challenging day.

The phones haven't stopped, mobile, home phone, work phone - including an hour talking to one of Z17's teachers about 'things'....*sigh*

In the middle of this I had three meetings with team members, delivered and collected Z17 to and from college, dropped in to his work placement to collect his folder (which they hadn't filled in), read and replied to emails, got some groceries, did washing, made bed, talked to a friend of the boys that they hadn't seen in ages - he called around today in the middle of the chaos, returned a phone call that I wasn't able to take with one of my ladies here, cooked dinner (a few times - Big A day shift today gets home at 8.30pm), took friend home, went to post office to collect parcel, cleaned kitchen - not all necessarily in that order!....and am now cooking a late dinner for Small Man.......

I may go to bed early.
I think I've earnt myself an easier day tomorrow.

G
xxx

To finish the day on a good note.....(or it may actually be start the day as it's after midnight)....

Z17 was given a CA (commendable achievement) for his major project in 3D Computer Graphics today.

So it was well worth the 22 hours or so 'rendering' his ummm thing he'd made into a video.....with some subtle pushing from me to get it finished.

'Night All

G
xx

Off With Yer Head....

I should be updating more often....

But with frantic pre-Christmas sales, recruiting, mapping, Christmas functions to organise, meetings next week AND a stressed out 17 year old in his final week of college who leaves things to the last minute AND becoming a full time dietitian/executive chef....on top of the usual workload I'm finding reading everyone elses blogs enough to keep up with.

My reptilian friend (a several foot long Tiger Snake in fact) made another appearance on the Saturday.
Then he disappeared.
Big A went to try and find him.
Gone.
Sunday afternoon Zara (our Blue Heeler) was scratching around near a railway sleeper we have as a garden border.
I knew what she was trying to tell me.
She started trying to dig under the gravel.
If she had managed to get under the sleeper it would have been a disaster - the venom from a Tiger snake bite can kill in 15 - 20 minutes.
We would have Buckley's hope of getting a vet here within 15 minutes on a Sunday.

So it was going to be the snake or the dog.

These are a protected species unless they are a threat - I would consider this a threat, especially as it was only several metres from the house.
I bet Big A 'any money' if he went out and lifted up the railway sleeper the snake would be there - he didn't believe me of course but went armed with a shovel anyway.

Turns out I was right.

We no longer have a snake problem!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Small Man is still going well with the Xenical,
he is happy to take it and is enjoying the new menu of food I have been preparing for him.
This week he has had:
grilled beef kebabs with pepper sauce (the stuff that's like gravy with peppercorns in it),
chicken tortillas with ranch dressing and light cheese,
weight watchers oven baked chips with pepper sauce (he would never eat oven baked chips before, but loves them with pepper sauce)
Salami, light cheese and ranch dressing wraps
Butter less toast with Nutella

I'm not going to weigh him again until Friday morning - once a week is best I think.

So that's it for me today - I'm just waiting on my order to be delivered - and it's a bigger one.....and it's a day late due to the public holiday we had here Monday (so they reckon).....so I have to get it packed, go to the bank, meet one of my ladies, pick Z17 up from college with his work gear ready, drop him off at work, come home and pay my account and pack the car, deliver another of my ladies orders, come home and cook Small Man's dinner, cook Big A's dinner by 8.30pm, then go and pick Z17 up from work at 11pm - not bad for a fat lazy cow eh! Ha ha!

Love
G
xxx

The Plan

Day 3 and so far so good with the Xenical.

Small Man appears to be one of the lucky people that doesn't have many side effects from the Xenical (it can get messy, not going into detail here!).

We did have to miss breakfast and lunch dose yesterday because he had an excursion with school - he had a great day visiting the maritime college, having lunch at the seaport followed by a boat cruise.
In his usual Small Man style he'd made a new friend within the first five minutes!
It was kind of weird, because he'd never met his teacher in person, or any of his class mates!

We went on a shopping trip just for Small Man, to buy food that is going to be best for eating with Xenical. Whilst it works to remove the fat from what you eat - if you eat too much fat it can cause unpleasant side effects.

Day one first dose prompted some physical reaction - a clean out of sorts I think!
Day one second dose went very well.
Day two first dose was the same....and so on.
A toilet visit is required within 30 minutes of taking the Xenical, and the only thing I have noticed is that he's sweating a little for 10 - 15 minutes after...that's about it.

Our plan is for his main meals to be less than 15 grams of fat.
That is tricky when he can't eat salad or vegies.
So we are doing all sorts with chicken breast fillets - he's had sweet chilli chicken breast wrapped in a tortilla with a light sprinkle of fat reduced cheese,
last night the same sweet chilli chicken only in a sour dough roll,
for lunch today two bake in the oven rolls with a small amount of salami and a light sprinkle of fat reduced cheese,
tonight he ate a few chicken kebabs plain grilled with a handful of oven baked chips and pepper sauce...all of these calculated to be as close to or under 15 grams of fat - and he was full after.

And, he's had a bit more energy in the last few days - maybe excited - may have been meeting some new friends yesterday.....when I say energy, I mean within himself, a spark I haven't seen in a while.
He still crashed early yesterday, and struggled to get up this morning.



The only thing I haven't been able to do is weigh him first thing in the morning - yesterday we were flapping around getting ready for his excursion - and he'd struggled to get up - this morning I wasn't here when he got up (off doing my deliveries to two ladies) - that's been the only problem, it's the days I have to be out, and don't want to be because this needs to be supervised - but we'll get around that.

But so far so good.

G
xx

Nag, Nag Continually and Ye Shall Receive...eventually....

Well I got mad and frustrated for the gazillionth time today....

So I called the Paed - AGAIN - and got the good secretary (the nice one, that knows me, knows Small Man).

Dr J himself called me back ten minutes later to say that the Xenical is ready to go with the hospital pharmacy - I can pick it up tomorrow.

I'd like to say YAY,
but all I can manage at the moment is 'bout friggen time'.....

Small Man's reaction was equally non-plussed.....
I hope he hasn't given up.....
I hope he wants to give it a go......
I hope....
I hope to hell it works......

G
xx

Many Things

Lots of bits and pieces in my head tonight.

This week has been a good one, pretty much.

Work wise we have kicked butt again - with sales that were double our target - this is good!
I think the government has done as a favour with these bonus payments they are offering - given the size of orders we are getting from certain areas - they're spending it NOW!
We have released our much anticipated Christmas catalogue - this helps!
I managed to sort out the little dramas of last week fairly easily.
It may take some time for me to stop panicking when something happens, now that the Almighty has left the building, new manager CM is very realistic, trusting and doesn't automatically blame me for everything that happens (or anything that happens actually!).
I ended up working most of the day today.
I had three different team members come to see me - it just worked out that way.
While I was between visits I managed to get quite a bit of weeding done in the garden - and didn't get ravaged by snakes which is always a bonus!!!

Still no news on the Xenical.
I emailed Matt and told him.
The first line of his email reply to me was "I'm very sad to hear....".
Me too.
I'm tired of the attitude we get from the Paed here.
Our GP is excellent - he'd have had Small Man in for a lap band 12 months ago - he knows.
So continuing Distance Ed for next year as well is looking like a definite, also he has not improved health wise - so it makes sense.
I'm used to Small Man being at home now.
It's only taken 2.5 years!
Actually - in March 2009 it will have been three years since he first contracted glandular fever.....

So it's THAT time of year again - to look at the 'summer' wardrobe.
And the realisation that clothes that didn't fit last summer - aren't going to fit again this year. Goody :(
I am continually frustrated at the clothing range available to Small Man - next to none.
There are very few brands that cater for tall/big teenage boys - very few.
I have a massive pile of clothes for him to shrink into - so transitional clothing won't be a problem!
It's just the 'now' stuff that I'm having trouble with.
We did buy a few t-shirts for him in Hobart last time we went down.
There are so many options in larger sizes for women - but for men/teenage boys - not much.
Target have a 'Mr Big' range - but the stuff is wide - not long - everything is almost always too short - bah!

Z17 is almost finished College.
I have been looking forward to his end of year 'ball'.
There wasn't anything on the 'important dates' list I have stuck to the fridge.
We haven't had any notice or letter about it.
I have asked Z17 a few times to ask when it is.
When I picked him up from college the other day he tells me.....the ball was last week or the week before.
Hardly anyone went - because no-one knew about it.
How disappointing!!!
I was looking forward to shopping for a new shirt, sorting out the hair and stuff.....
It seems pretty well typical of the communication from them.
At the pre sign up for college meeting we had they came across as all supportive and so on.....
PAH! Yeah right.
Z17's teacher that he started the year with, who took him for the majority of his subjects was great, but he moved to Hobart - and things went downhill from there.
I'll be glad when the year is over to be honest.
and really hope he can get himself an IT traineeship over the holidays - I'll be getting him to sign up with all of the job seeking agencies etc
His last day of work experience was Thursday.
When I went to pick him up he came out with a smile, and a plastic cake tray with leftover chocolate cake on it - how sweet, they had cake for him for his last day!
They must have been happy with his work - they had him building computers, installing programs etc after two days!

G
xxx

I was quite rude...

Twice recently - I know - tsk tsk!


I have had a woman working within my team on and off for years.

She is dishonest to the extreme (lies, cheats, steals), unreliable, and simply not presentable for customer service.
When I say not presentable I mean she appears unwashed, clothes are grubby and she is at least 100kg overweight (and I don't have a problem with anyones weight, but it is almost impossible for her to get around, so she makes her grotty grandchildren run around with catalogues - just not on, unprofessional).
She smells BAD and I mean 'lucky to shower weekly, if not fortnightly BAD' it's truly the worst smell I've ever encountered on another person....it's just constant and awful...it's one of those smells you can't get out of your nose for ages.

To add to the above 'attributes' she lies at every opportunity, especially with regard to the payment of money owing.
Every manager she has ever worked for has complained, often about the fantastic tales she'd invent as to why she couldn't pay them (and we're talking a few hundred dollars at a time, at least).
I have even accompanied a manager to her house at night to try and collect outstanding debt ($380).
After this we reduced her to having to pay for her order up front - no 7 day credit, and that she was not to have a territory to service, only able to sell to 'friends and family'......or leave....

To top it off I kept getting reports (from customers and agents) that she was collecting other agents catalogues in the area she lives in and taking the orders, to order herself, so that she gets the commission, AND that she was working for our rival company at the same time (the biggest no-no) she thought that by signing with them in her daughters name she'd get away with it.

I'm not kidding.

So I did some investigating.
I'm not one to be making accusations without proof.

It was all true, but the only proof I could get was that it was SHE that was attending the weekly meeting, SHE that was signing the receipt for the goods (signing as her daughter mind you, just a bit more fraud).
Weren't they (rival company) interested to hear all about it!!!
I simply asked the lady on the phone to describe the woman she met with every week, calling herself "Anna".
Daughter "Anna" is not 60 years old, with long black greasy hair, extremely, extremely obese with bad facial hair.

I knew I had her.

So in typical fashion she failed to collect her order for two weeks.
I had an opening.
She called PB (the only manager that'll have her) finally after two weeks wanting to collect the order.
PB "Nope, you can't, it's gone back into stock it'd been sitting here for two weeks - you're finished, you can't do it any more"

EB "Oh....o.k. then"

I thought that would be it - but the crafty old bitch rang head office the following week, they hadn't deleted her from the system, and told her "Oh no, you should be o.k. to order you're still active on the system"
That was good of them!
So she then rings PB, me, PB, me - we're just not answering.

Some people will not take a hint.
By this time I am over it well and truly.
I have sat opposite her at PB's table and told her she's finished, and we get the tears and the whole works, and end up giving in - not again.
Her last warning was her last warning.

So I write a firm but polite letter to let her know her contract was TERMINATED due to failure to collect goods, ongoing unreliability, issues with account payment etc.
I also stated that this was my final word on the matter and not to call either PB or myself as there was nothing left to discuss.
I sent this to new manager CM to proof read first, she said it was great and to go ahead and send.

The letter would have arrived on a Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest.
Neither of us hear a word, and assume we were finally rid of her.
The agents she had been stealing orders and customers from were relieved when I informed them that she had 'finished' with us.
I had given her many many many chances - enough is enough.

Monday of the following week I receive a phone call,
I saw the number and it looked familiar but I thought ah whatever, I was in the mood!

It was EB.

She had 'just received my letter' ummm...we live in the same town, don't think it takes a week to get a letter delivered

She accused me of lying - ME!!!

I let her have it.

After all of the drama and crap with her - I'd finally had enough.

I said "Don't you dare talk to me about lying, you have done nothing but lie for years - to every manager you've ever worked for and I'm sick of dealing with it, and you"

She accused me of being gutless by sending a letter and not discussing it with her

I lost it - by then I was seeing red I said "No EB I wasn't being gutless I just wasn't going to get involved in another discussion with YOU, been there - done that - it never sinks in and I'm not a bit interested in entertaining your bullshit AGAIN..."

She then went on and on about sending my letter to head office etc etc

I laughed at this stage and said "Go for it EB - the letter was approved by head office before I sent it, but if that's what you feel you need to do - GO FOR IT"

She said she would, and kept going on and on.

So I hit her with the bombshell she wasn't expecting.

I said "While you're on the phone to them EB, perhaps you can take the time to explain why you're doing at the same time"

Dead silence.

EB "Oh nah thats me daughter doin that"

Me in controlled tone: "Oh o.k. so why is it that they meet with YOU every week, collect the money from YOU, give the goods to YOU...."

EB: "Oh thats cos me daughter hasn't got a car"

Me: "Really, so why is it you are signing as Anna then? Are you aware that's fraud?"

Dead silence.

Then she gets the snakey. nasty old mole tone to her voice "You think you know a lot dontcha"

Me: bright cheery voice "Yes I do actually" "I know the manager 'MH' REALLY WELL...." which, as it happens now, is true.

So she goes again "You think ya know everything dontcha"

Me "As far as you and your dishonesty goes, yes I do"

EB: "Yeah well I've got returns here, I'll have to post em to head office since I'm not supposed to contact ya's"

Me: "Exactly EB so why are you ringing me then?"

EB: Tries crapping on a bit more....

Me: "Don't EVER ring up here again"

Click.

She didn't get another word in. I hung up on her.

And it's now official, in the 11 years I have worked for the company I have never found it necessary to raise my voice - until now!

At least I know my managers are safe - they won't be running around in the middle of the night trying to collect money that's been flushed down the pokies (we know this for a fact too).

Small Man was in bed when I first took the call - he could hear me on the phone and got up to see what on earth was going on.

First thing he said "GO MUM - Whoa!!!"
Then - "Err...who WAS that???"
"Gee you told her didn't you Mum".

He he!

I guess I did - she hasn't called me again.
BUT she has been putting in huge orders with my current lovely lady that lives in her area - grrr. I can't refuse her orders, but we know she is getting orders from her friends, getting the goods from my lovely lady, and then delivering it to her friends and family, and charging them the $2.50 handling fee - hardly worth it.
I'd have to get proof of that but it would be difficult....
Some people just won't quit!

Thank goodness she doesn't have a computer or internet access - she has ripped off so many people - social clubs for fundraising money (eg kicked off the darts team),
owes money to different companies similar to ours that sell via catalgoue, she was even sacked from delivering junk mail - they found her catalogues dumped in the bushes and not delivered - WHAT???
Imagine what she could do online - I dread to think......

Anyway, another source of aggravation erased from my life.....

G
xx

Things are pretty quiet around here (in blog land!).

And here, at my place at the moment - boys are having a sleep in.

I have one fully recovered boy, one not quite.

Me, well I'd be better if I could ever get some rest - but I'm running at about 60 - 70% 'back to normal'. Just going to the op shop for 30 minutes and getting groceries knocked me out yesterday.
Annoying, very.

If you feel like a good read hop on over to Lou's blog and read this if you haven't already.

G
xx

Strangeness in the air....

There seems an unusual 'vibe' in the air at the moment,
and it's touching everyone.
Fatigue, depression, doubt, reflection, pain, physical illness - touching the lives of almost everyone I know.
It feels like some big explosions were about to happen, but the atmosphere sort of tipped slightly before it happened....or something....does that make sense?

So it's not just the economy struggling.

Both of my boys are now unwell.

Small Man had an ear infection, sore throat etc - antibiotics for him - I discussed with my GP and he felt this was pro-active at this stage - I agreed this time. It's only when he gets onto his 3rd repeat and isn't improving that I start to really question the antibiotics.

Z17 extreme fatigue - he slept for 20 hours out of 24!
He missed school yesterday, and missed work experience today - bugger - not great at this time of year - but his health comes first.

Me, well I just keep on keeping on - I would have loved to be able to sleep like Z17 did the other day.......*sigh*.......

Big A's the only one that's fine! Good to have one able body among us -
although he did almost break his foot at karate the other night....
"Nyyyaaarggghh....bloody beginners" was the problem - they don't know how to block kicks properly or something - so the old boy nearly breaks his foot on someones hand...tsk...

The full moon has had it's effect on the moods around here.
Not angry.
Well, maybe a little snappy.
Not me, the boys.
Small Man suffered the most.
He was talking to a friend from school (real world school that is).
He was down afterwards, really sad and down.
Reflecting on his life that 'was'.
It can be again too - just when he's ready.
Just when he's better.
At the rate things are going it may take a while.......

I ring the Paed here to ask how the funding for Xenical is going.
Receptionist takes the message, and says either he or she will call me back.
I thought right then - if it's 'she' he hasn't done it - if it's 'he' he'll be ringing to say he has done it, or has news.
'She' rang back - and guess what??????
I hate being right about things like that.
I realise it's not life or death - but far out it was two weeks ago that he told Dr Matt he'd organise it - and if he'd done it 12 months ago when I asked him for it we'd be half way there - provided it works - but then we don't know if it will work do we, cos we haven't got it........

Everyone I've spoken to has had a 'bad' week - even new manager CM has been sick, and hurt her back on the weekend.
A few niggly problems with team members cracking the shits over minor things - or arking up over things they usually wouldn't.....hmmm.
So I'll be sorting stuff out and smoothing over some cracks this week I feel.
That's me - Captain Crack Smoother-Over - ha ha!

Lets just hope everyone calms down, feels better, steps back from the situation and re-evaluates and starts the week rejuvenated, healthy and happy....

We'll see....

G
xxx