Well, I've been and come back from my Day Dream Island Holiday. It was, to say the least, one of the prettiest places I have ever seen.

We were given a lovely room with an incredible view from the balcony and had yellow crested cockies come and visit us each day. I’ll tell, those things so so BIG....lol The wallabies would come out at night and play around the resort as well. It was very cool watching the wildlife do their own thing and they didn’t seem to care about the people either. I guess they really do become accustomed of their surroundings.

It is a VERY expensive place though. It cost an arm and a leg to buy anything over there. I saw a pair of thongs (flip flops) for $64 and a tube of Pringles chips for $9. I nearly fell over. Even a small chocolate like a Mars Bar cost $3.50.

I did an hour nature walk while there. It was fantastic. Mind you, I had to sleep with one eye open because, Lisa – who came with me, doesn’t enjoy that kind of thing where as I do. It took you through and around the Island – and no, it isn’t really that big to be able to do it in an hour. We couldn’t do the rainforest walk though. That was pretty disappointing, but they have had some extreme weather and it was closed.

Apparently we had the best weather for a long time while there. They told us that they normally have two great days and one or two bad and windy days and there was nothing but picture perfect weather. Wasn’t hot, wasn’t cold...it was just beautiful!

One thing that did surprise me about the Island was the beach. There was no sand....lots of beach, lots of water....no sand. The beach has nothing but shell grit, for the want of a better term. Still was/is very pretty though.

And the only problem we faced was when we arrived at Hamilton Island. From there we had to catch a ferry over to DDI. We got there, collected our luggage and went to find out about the ferry and found out that there was NO mention of us.....so the question was...why they hell not, how were we 'spose to get over to DDI? SWIM? We ended up having to pay our own way there....so $110 later, just a little bite from an already stretched budget, we got there....we had to pay the same to get home too....I wasn't happy! It would have been ok if we were warned, but  why send someone on a trip and allow you to get just about there and then leave you stranded??? Turns out that we were meant to have tickets for the Ferry but communication wasn't the best. We are having the money refunded - so it's all good.

Anyways, here are some of the pics that were taken....

 We woke up to this each morning.....I'd sit outside on the balcony with my coffee and cigarettes and just suck in the view

another view from the balcony

Me with two of the Three Brothers. Ledgend has it that they were turned to stone by Medusa (sp?)

The begining of a nature walk that I took....it was FANTASTIC!!

View from one of the pools.....

A stingray from the living reef by the resort

 One of the Cockies that came to visit on a daily basis.....some of these birds were HUGE!!

Well, that is a couple of snap shots from my trip.....

Hope you're all well and keeping dry......:)

OB

Sooooo, Hi!!

Things are ok for me - besides some B@stard stealing my ''brand new'' hand bag. I thought he/she/they had stolen it from my car....but after thinkingI'm pretty sure it was taken from inside my house...

You know when you go out and then on the way home all you can think of is -----TOILET-----.....or is that just me?

Well, I'd been out for coffee and then to the local shops for something for tea when I had this mad, intense need for the toilet....I got home, ran inside, dropped my milk, bag and keys on the cupboard by my front door and went straight to the loo....when I got out and washed my hands my bag was gone....

Money, mobile phone, flash drives, engagement ring...(I'd only taken if off that day because I had been doing arty things with the kids I was working with) that nights dinner was all gone in an instant. I was devastated....Poor Sandy (monarogirl) had to put up with me and my crying/hissy fit....

But ya know - you can't change what's been done...so I've moved on from that crappy experience...(secretly I haven't but if my brain thinks I have....well, then I may just start believing it...:)

I have just completed my third year placement and I had a total blast. I had an awesome teacher/mentor. She was incredible!!

My daughter came up with my Grandson a few weeks ago and I got to spend some time getting to know my latest Grandson...(I know I don't have to tell you....but....he's a total cutie)

Anyways, this was just to touch base with ya'll and let you know that I'm still alive and kicking and think of ya's.

I'm going to try and drop by a few lounges tonight - but if I don't get around to it...(sleep deprived and all)...just know I am sending you my love and that I'm thinking of you )

Take care

OB

Well – after what turned out to be a stressful, horrid year at uni – I passed, I passed well and I’m glad it’s over...

In the end I managed to get through the work load and injured at that...

I’ve had to quit going to my much loved ‘’Curves” as I’ve injured my shoulder pretty bad and it is going to be a long road for recovery...but hey, that’s life isn’t it. I just found out on Friday that I have, on top of injuring the shoulder, now tore a ligament in the shoulder...Wooo Hooo for me!!

I’m feeling somewhat disappointed with life. I am feeling somewhat disappointed with me. I’m feeling somewhat sorry for myself too.

I used to love this time of year. I would always go the full 9 yards. Decked out tree, exquisite gold and silver Christmas decorations and of course – windows full of Christmas lights and cheer.

Well, my Christmas has got up and gone on me - again. I have absolutely no Christmas spirit in me. I haven’t decorated my house, yet again, my once loved and used decorations are still nice and safely put away in their taped up and securely wrapped boxes which our housed in my roof...and my house looks like scrooges hide-a-way.

The only hint of Christmas – my cards and a few gifts I have bought for friends and family.

I am so sick to death of it already. I’m sick to death of hearing about how I should be making this huge effort for my Grandchildren – I just don’t have it in me anymore. I don’t feel it, see it and I haven’t for some time. I’ve just lost that once loved feeling I used to have.

When my kids were home, I only ever missed out on decorating the house once – and that was the year my Husband died. I tried to get out of it the year after, but guilt made me do it in the end – then when all the kids left...so did that little bit of spirit I had left. Thank God the Grandchildren are still too young to understand it all....

 I’m tired – nah, I’m exhausted....I’ve had it! And dare I say it – I HATE IT! I HATE CHRISTMAS!

It is commercialised, it is not what it once was. People measure their gifts by the dollar and not the thought. People look at another and worry about what they have spent rather than the thought they place in the gift.

TV sends Christmas up with unrealistic ideas of what to buy mum and dad. I mean, please....what

‘Real person’ can afford to go out and buy a $1000 ruby and sapphire ring for Mum, a washing machine or a fantastic and wonderful trip to some far away island resort? 

Where has that honest and true idea of Christmas gone? It seems to be replaced with – the dollar sign and how many pressies are under the tree. Love measured by how many pressies are waiting to be unwrapped – ahhh! I’m over it all.

Anyways, that’s enough Christmas cheer from me – for what it’s worth, I wish ya’ll a great one, a happy one and a “TRUE” Christmas. Make it count though – life is just too damn short to make about the all mighty dollar!

Well - I've just had my first 4 day week teaching and loved it!

I also received my first teaching evaluation and did really well. I received such a positive report - I was totally big headed and over the moon. Mind you, I came straight back down to earth when I heard - 'Mrs.C, can you explain....'

I've had to create my own lesson plans, resources and so on - and then teach it to a class. The class I'm in has 46+ students and the teachers are amazing...they joined classes together and team teach. Great experiences...

With all the bad publicity that you see in the media - I'm left wondering how many people actually know and understand a teacher role. I thought I was pretty well informed with what goes on - man was I mistaken! I knew nothing even close to what goes on.

Its only been since I've started this that I have an understanding of it all. So many people bitch and complain yet know nothing about what they do, what they go through or the rules and regulations they fall under. I'd like to see some of these people take a class for a month - a week even and then ask them what they think and feel about the job and role.

Anyways, I've taught a few lessons now and they have all gone pretty much to plan - I had to change a few things half way through and to suit the class but I managed to improvise and get through it. I've even managed a behaviour management plan that has proven pretty successful...thank god for that!!

I have been so close to quitting uni this year - I'd had enough of pretending that I was coping, I'd had enough of the stress and workload that is expected. I'd had enough of the people that are there, well some of 'em anyway, I'd just had enough and wanted a break. I'm so glad that I decided to hang in there.

What I'm doing at the moment - that has reminded me why I'm putting up with all the crap. I got in front of that class and felt so much at home. I felt that I had found my place, where I was and meant to be. So - it has given me that oomph I've desperately been needing all year - it's given me that little bit of energy to complete uni.

So - that’s me so far...I'm getting there and what would life be like if there were not hurdles and brick walls to bump into - hmmm, a sight lot bloody easier! LOL

Take care, be safe and look on the positive side of life - God knows there are enough negative things in life, we don't have to keep adding to it do we......

There is an email going around about this - I don't trust email alerts so I looked into it...and yeah, it is true.

There are reports of used condoms are  being recycled into hair bands. The bands originate from China have been found in markets and beauty salons.

Just think about it...

We put these things in our children's hair, they/we hold them, they even end up in mouths......can you imagine what possible germs are being spread....

Its wrong, its illegal and its outrageous!!

Below are images of the hair bands and the deconstruction of one showing the condom....

The hair bands

The deconstruction of hair bands....

You can read the actual report here

The other day I was out the front of my Mum's house (its down the road from me) and I looked up the road to see a duck with a line of ducklings....very cute!!

The next day Mother duck and children came to visit me. They made themselves at home out the front of my house and then settled down out the back of my house. This really isn't something we see 'round here...

I know there are a few people that will shrug their shoulders and go 'so what' - but considering I have lived in this street as a teenager and then as an adult I have never seen ducks come into my street/suburb like this. Not without there being a lake or something next to me anyway....which there isn't...

Anyways, I made the ducks a little duck pond so they could have a swim and they have visited me every day since. They spend the morning and late afternoon with me and then leave when it starts getting on in the day. I've been having a ball with 'em.

They were pretty desperate for water when they got to me and I've had to scare the local cats away, something Mum Duck seems to be pretty grateful of as she has now let me feed her and briefly pat her....but when it comes to the babies...well, that's another story. She has chased me down my back yard a few times 'cause I've gotten a little too close to them.

Which is ok - but the babies seem to like me and want to get close....Mum doesn't seem to care too much who goes to who...she just chases me!!

Anyways, here are a few pics. There are 11 ducklings in total...

Here they are visiting me for the first time....Man, I really need to weed don't I!!

Settled down out the back of my house

Going for a swim - I just made a little area so they could get wet and have a swim....

Although it has just flown by - I've enjoyed spending time with Kat and I am beaming with pride. I am so proud of the woman she has become and the mother she is....mind you, I'm also a little on the down side - they go back home to Canberra tonight :(

Anyways, here are some pics. I'll be taking some more today at lunch - so I'll be getting some of Brodie and I - and may just share them here...:)

Hope you're all well - take care!

Brodie 5 months old

(Take note of the blanket Brodie is laying on - it is one that Kat made in highschool. She also made a pillow to match. It felt so good to be able to give it to her - now she can use it for her own children)

Kat, Brodie and Grant

I'm going to miss them when they go back - man, I really hate living so far away....*sniff*

In the past week, I have seen a side of people I really don’t like. I have been subject to so much negativity that I am beginning to feel negative in myself...and I don’t like it.

I want to bring back the old saying – ‘if you have nothing nice to say – SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!’

Why is it that some people prefer to be negative? Why is it that some people prefer to speak badly of someone, something...some place? Why is it that some people feel the need to bring others down? Why, so they feel important themselves? Are we now living in a society of professional victims and bad @sses?

I live in an area which is subject to continual bagging. It was once a rough suburb and I say the word once with great emphasis. I grew up in my suburb – so I think I know it pretty well...and in all honesty, after living in – well....some would refer to it as being the ‘’better’’ end of town...I moved back ‘home’. I did so after there was a shooting around the corner from where I was living. I did so after finding the people were unapproachable. I did so after finding the cost of living was more expensive and just because of the belief that I was in an elite part of town....I moved back home and bought the house I am in because I prefer what my suburb has to offer me.

Unfortunately, as with people, there are some that refuse to believe that things, people, and places can change, people who continue to reinforce the old saying...Mud Sticks.

This week alone I have not only heard how my suburb produces low quality people but I’ve had to listen to arrogant, foolish and ill hearted individuals pigeonhole the children of this suburb. These children, these kids...they’re the kids teachers do not like or want to teach.

I sat in a lecture on Tuesday night and listened to my lecturer subtlety speaking down about the students in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide. I sat there as she told someone how there are ‘some’ good kids at a particular school. I sat there as she laughed and said – ‘try teaching that to a student at ‘such and such school’. She said that in a way which not only put the school down but all the students of this school. This continued all through the lecture. No other suburb was used to illustrate problems; no other suburb was used to make a point regarding difficult students. Apparently, my area of town breeds nothing but unruly, unfriendly, illiterate degenerates that teachers would be better off avoiding.

Excuse me! I have raised my children here. I have great kids. I have worked in this area. I have grown up in this area. So what? My children are supposed to be pigeon holed like this too? I think emphatically not!

Here I sit, writing this blog. I am a product of my suburb. Therefore, I guess I am like this too. Yet here I am. I attend university. I am receiving high grades. I’ve received a merit of academic excellence, twice in fact. My grades are actually higher than many of those who live in the so called elite part of town. Again, I am a product of my suburb.

Yes, we have problems here. Yes, we do have children who are unruly...but correct me if I’m wrong...but doesn’t all suburbs?

I have requested to work this end of town – not because I live here...but because I believe in the people here, the children. I actually believe in them more today than I did yesterday. They also need teachers who believe in them and I hope and prey that I stay like this when I graduate. Apparently there are enough out there who have given up on them already. I refuse to be one of these.

I don’t know it all. I’m not a teacher yet and I know I have a great deal to learn. I’m also not stupid and I know that once you give up on the kids you are meant to teach...well, you need to find another profession.

People need to stop being so judgemental and actually open their eyes a little more. They may just be missing the most important, wonderful and giving people they’ll ever meet.

Ok, that’s my whinge for today...I just needed to vent some.

I will be spending 3 nights there

This is what I've won anyways!!

Return airfares and accommodation for two adults

Return launch transfers from Prosperpine to Daydream Island

Voucher for "The Daydream Rejuvenation Spa"

Full Buffet Breakfast

Free Guest activities include open air cinema, complimentary catamarans, paddle skis, wild fish feeding, tennis, gym, and rain forest walk

I'm so over the top excited!!

Love and Hugs to ya'll

I promise I will not delete this blog and cause others to think they are going mad....

I have just had my nerves settled today - I just received my final grades for last semester - I passed and I passed well!!!

I didn't think that I would to be honest. I had pretty much reached my limit this semester and wasn't sure if I had it in me. I was exhausted...it seemed so much harder than last year...probably 'cause it was lol

I also received some exciting news last night. As I wrote in another blog somewhere - I've been going to curves fitness centre. Well, they have been doing this challenge/competition called 'Curvivior' and it is to win a trip to Day Dream Island. Each Curves Centre chooses one person and they then go into a draw to win the trip. Well, I was picked - so next week I go to head office in the city, get a night out and go into the big draw. I also get to choose one person to go with me so I'm taking my good friend Lisa with me, she'll be going on the trip with me if I win too...

Its nice to have something positive like this happen. I'm so used to crap flung my way I just duck out of habit....LOL

Anyway, I feel like I have had a load taken off of my shoulders - with the grades that is. Its terrible feeling like you have failed - just the thought of it! More so 'cause I knew I had given my all - but 'cause I had struggled to keep on top with my studies...I just thought I had bombed out.

Not to worry - all is good.

Hope everyone is well, keeping positive and most of all - keeping safe and happy

Love and hugs

Lavinia

Its scary to think that we have no water left and the rains have passed South Aust by so often...

I feel for the farmers though...it must be hitting them the most....

Here's to more rain and a drought free future!!

I've also lost 30.50cm - Yayy for me. I've been going to curves. Love, love, love it!!

Anyways, here are my latest pics....

Brodie, Kat and Grant

Hope you have a great weekend...what's left of it

'cause the captions aren't really readable I've added them myself...but they're not mine....it was what was on them.....

But you said you loved me!!

You will Pay, as God is my witness, you will pay

Jesus, you call this water warm???

I don't think I like you anymore

YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

E.T Phone home......quick!

No impostor Good Little Kitty anymore!

Traction....I'm losing tractoin!!

I want my Hmmmmmmmmmmm!

No, no, no, no........nooooooooo

Yup - now that felt good...laughing that is...

I just can't help myself....everytime I look at these pics - I end up ROTFLMAO.....

LMAO

Luv and hugs

OB

They're coming to Adelaide soon - so I get to give this boy a HUGE Nanny hug...

I can't wait...

Well, this semester at Uni is just 'bout over - THANK GOD! It was a tough one....I enjoyed it though...

I just have one exam to do and re-do two assignments. I say re-do as I have to start them all over again. I lost them. I started my laptop up and the files just scrambled - now they are nothing more than jargon. One assignment, it was only 'spose to be 35 pages has ended up being over 5000 pages and over 27, 000 words long...can you believe that?

Thank God it happened in front of my lecturer....I doubt anyone would have belived me otherwise...

Anyways, I hope you are all well and life is going smoothly for ya'll...

Love and hugs

OB

PS

OH MY GAWD! Marg ate VEGEMITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

and worst still a dear, loved and trusted friend took it ot her......tutt, tutt, tutt Janice!!! LOL

Love to you both

OB

Also, thank you all so much for the messages. It's nice to come onto minti and read them all. I only wish I had a little more time to answer the posts. Just know that I appreciate them and that I'm thinking of ya'll...

Anyways, on to the Nanny boasting I'm 'spose to be doing here.....here are the latest pics....aren't they just the most beautiful looking family!!

Yeah, I'm playing the pround Nanny/Mummy...

OB

Just thought I'd do a quick drive by and say hey to ya'll. Seems the only time I get to do it is in between celebrating a completed assignment...

I actually let my hair down the other night and went and saw an live band - and talk about FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!!! OH MY GAWD!! I tell ya's - if you live in Adelaide go and see the group HARVEST!! They really are worth seeing!!

I asked Carmel to come along with me and we had a blast - I'd go again in a heart beat too...

Anyways, here's a few pics....

Love & Hugs to you all

OB

81/2 pounds - 52 cm long

I'm a proud proud Nanny

Well, I’m on holidays for two weeks and thought I’d drop in and say hey to ya’ll... Things are going well at Uni, well...despite finding it hard to get back into study mode after such a long break over Christmas – but I’m getting there.

Ya know – I’ve had a taste of true friendship so far this year. I’ve also had a taste of how success can bring the worst out in others – others who call themselves friends but can’t handle it when you’re moving forward.

I received a letter from the uni a few weeks ago letting me know that I have been awarded a certificate in academic achievement and that I am in the top 15% of my division. So I was pretty happy with that. I’ve was also invited to join something called the ‘Golden Key’ - which is an international honour society. It has chapters in over 330 universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, South Africa and Malaysia and membership is by invitation only. 

I’m proud of my academic achievement. I’ve worked bloody hard to get where I am and it’s been a lot of hard work and sacrifice. So yeah, occasionally I toot my own horn but I don’t try and do the ‘Look at me’ thing...but I do and have done the ‘wow, I’ve done it!’ thing (know what I mean?).

I have three friends who go to uni too. They are in the same year level as I am but different courses. I’m doing my bachelor of education and their doing social work, but only one of these friends have been supportive or happy for me – the other is so over the top jealous they have done nothing more than try and rip my achievements apart. It’s incredible... I received a phone call from one of them asking for my help with their computer, half way through helping them they ask how I’m going at uni – so I tell them – I didn’t volunteer this info...they asked. Man, did I get smacked down in a hurry. I told them about the achievement award and invitation and get a response like this.... ‘Yeah, well so what. I don’t care and I’m not interested. My lecturer told me (blah, blah, blah)’ however, she then goes on about her computer and if I can help her out.

I just find it so sad when friends can’t handle others moving forward. I understand being envious – man , that’s been me most of my life. I’ve looked at friends in the past who have completed university and are working in the field they want – I’ve had to put all that on hold ‘til now...but my envy never got in the way of my friendship..I just envied them – not hated them for it. Each time I’ve shared something with them they’ve done the – yeah..well, look at what I’ve done. Almost like they think I’m rubbing it in or something. I stopped telling them things because of it. I didn’t want to do the competitive game. I just can’t be bothered with it... but I tell ya, their attitudes almost make me want to rub it in and do the ‘nah, nah, nah, nah, naaah’ thang...lol – but I won’t that’s just the ‘biatch’ in me coming out...

Anyways, despite the BS and jealousy...everything is going well. I also wanted to thank ya’ll for the birthday wishes... I had a good day. Luke cooked up a BBQ for me and I got to spend it with the those I’m close. Luke even made me a birthday cake – his a good kid/man...

Ok, well I’m off to do some lounge hopping.... Hope you are all well...

Love and hugs OB  

not just one, two or three - I HAVE A HEAD FULL OF GREY HAIR

Do you guys know what you're doing to me???? Hmmmmm

Check this out.....

THIS IS MY HEAD of HAIR - d'ya notice the grey???? IT LOOKS LIKE STRAW!!!

NO highlights - my hair so 'spose to be brown - mud brown.....

OH MY GAWD! This is soooo depressing and MUCH MUCH more important that anything else gonig on 'round these parts....

GREY HAIR PEOPLE - >......GREY......<