August88's Minti Blog http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/ August88's Minti Blog Copyright 2009 Minti en-uk Bought my new diary for 2010! August88 Such a nice time of year. Some people are looking very exhausted though and are hanging out for holidays. Holidays actually make it that I have extra kids and usually gives me more hours. Anyway should be good as I have had enough holidays this year. I went to Port Hedland in June then over to Singapore and Thailand in ... Such a nice time of year. Some people are looking very exhausted though and are hanging out for holidays. Holidays actually make it that I have extra kids and usually gives me more hours. Anyway should be good as I have had enough holidays this year. I went to Port Hedland in June then over to Singapore and Thailand in September. Been a crazy time leading up to that don't want to mention the year I had in 2008 but hopefully 2009 is the turning point.

Tuesday night had a great night at the work Christmas party. There was about 15 ladies there. We had a nice dinner. A couple of the ladies made it, homemade quiches and chicken and asparagus pies and springrolls and salmon patties to name a few then they brought out the fruit platter and of course Chocolate cake and cheese cake. They did a Christmas quiz, then at about 8.30 this lady arrived with all her beautiful scarves and jingling costumes for all of us and we had a belly dancing class. So much fun! I could feel my hips yesterday so it must have touched muscles I don't normally use and I laughed all night. We each got a present from each other, mine was a box of chocolates and a pot plant. The card sticking into the pot plant reads, "A Symbol of our appreciation, For the way you've helped, The children grow this year". A good night.

The little girl I look after does horse riding and I go and watch her every week. I didn't understand much about horses before this job but now I help her brush them and saddle and beginning to overcome a bit of fear of them. They are so big but they are a little like dogs, just bigger with there own personality. That has been fun. She had her vaulting state competitions. Like gymnastics on a horse. Hadn't seen anything like it and was so happy to go and see her get some ribbons and a medal too! The whole club did so fantastic. Everyone was so proud of the kids. Tonight we are starting Karate. That's right I have joined up with her for a 4 month trial. Hoping to get some fitness. Been a little busy at the moment but feeling quite optimistic and looking forward to 2010.

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1079911/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1079911/ Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:15:13 -0800 Christmas Cheer! August88 I guess I have time for a quick blog. I seen my boys Saturday. Kiza drove them over in his new car. He bought a Commodore and drove us all to the Wildcats vs. Crocs game. Awesome game by the way and we won and all got a free Muzz Buzz, which is coffee for those not local. Nik moved ... I guess I have time for a quick blog. I seen my boys Saturday. Kiza drove them over in his new car. He bought a Commodore and drove us all to the Wildcats vs. Crocs game. Awesome game by the way and we won and all got a free Muzz Buzz, which is coffee for those not local. Nik moved in. He bought himself a 42 inch T.V for his PS3. They loved earning money but boy do they know how to spend it. Now he has gone to catch up with some mates. Kiza is living with Mark and his dad again. Anyway will see them on boxing day as that is when my mum does her Christmas lunch, and they spend Christmas with there dad as he is big on Christmas. This year James and I are going to friends for Christmas lunch. They are from the U.K and they have an open house every year as there family isn't here. Will be nice to spend it with friends. Will put in a pic of me and the boys outside Challenge Stadium. I took my camera but soon found out we can't use them in the stadium.

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1079463/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1079463/ Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:34:42 -0800 Getting settled August88 I went through the last box yesterday. I have found homes for everything and today I think I will sit back and appreciate the hard work. I've started working but only have about 20 hours a week and that is a good place to start I think. Anyway I just need to look forward and I can easily get used ... I went through the last box yesterday. I have found homes for everything and today I think I will sit back and appreciate the hard work. I've started working but only have about 20 hours a week and that is a good place to start I think. Anyway I just need to look forward and I can easily get used to living here. It actually puts a lot less pressure on me. It's starting to sink in how many less bills I will have to worry about for a start. Anyway last night we went out to the casino with some friends. Hadn't got out of the house for a while and nothing much has changed out there but it was good to get out and have a few laughs. There must have been some horse racing on yesterday because there were so many girls there fancied up in there race gear. A good night though. Tomorrow back to a regular work week but only 4 hours a day, Monday to Friday. May be able to call in a little more often now if I get bored. I love the new Janice and Marg group idea! Oh and I joined the on-line personal trainer at springday with the Take 5 Challenge and I am taking it seriously going for long walks every day. I managed to drag James out once too and I am getting lots of new recipes and trying to get healthy so everybody join in and let's get active! Take care, and have a great week! xx

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1064773/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1064773/ Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:31:43 -0700 Almost done! August88 Everything is out. James hired a truck on Tuesday and all the big stuff is gone. As a matter of fact there is now just an empty house. I cleaned everything yesterday, every wall and every wet area. Now there is windows, sliding doors and the outside to do. Liz, you so helped me telling me of the pick up ... Everything is out. James hired a truck on Tuesday and all the big stuff is gone. As a matter of fact there is now just an empty house. I cleaned everything yesterday, every wall and every wet area. Now there is windows, sliding doors and the outside to do. Liz, you so helped me telling me of the pick up coming up in your area. That is where the containers are so we piled everything in the truck, took off what we decided to keep and took the rest up the front and left it on the verge. Granted we probably would have saw that when we were coming as people are starting to leave stuff out now but not too many. Made me confident to throw it all on though and tell James we could leave stuff on the verge. The next door neighbour helped out so much with the heavy stuff at my place and he needed a washing machine and fridge so he took those off our hands as well as heaps of other stuff, bookshelves, books etc. His kettle had even blown up he was saying so he helped us offload a bit. I let them go through whatever they wanted that was going to the salvos and they have really been helping out. Anyway, better get back into it. It is Mark's week and the poor thing has had all this to do. Tomorrow I have a doctors appointment though and I have promised him we will have a day in the city. I will take him out for lunch so have to go get stuck into this cleaning today. Mark set all of this computer up last night. I was too tired, I went to bed and I wake up and it is all magically together and looks great! I'm working on the weekend but I will still have time to do stuff in between I am sure if needed. I want to be able to hand the keys in Monday but will have to see when the carpet cleaners can come. Going to ring now. Have a great weekend everyone. Very sad to hear that Lui has gone. Not a nice thing to turn my computer on to! xx

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1061506/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1061506/ Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:15:23 -0700 Last night was my last in this house! August88 Well mum came over and helped me pack on Tuesday so a lot was done that day. I have put my notice in and I have rang up all the companies to cut off the utilities. Luckily yesterday was a nice day so that I did a fair bit of weeding and will get out and do some more this ... Well mum came over and helped me pack on Tuesday so a lot was done that day. I have put my notice in and I have rang up all the companies to cut off the utilities. Luckily yesterday was a nice day so that I did a fair bit of weeding and will get out and do some more this morning. At 2pm I am leaving to pick up James from the airport then we will only come back here to clean and move stuff. I will be glad to have him back. Although I have been busy it is pretty lonely here by myself. I have met some lovely families and all the paperwork should be ready so I can start next week. Sunday was a perfect day for my babysitting of the twins too. We had so much fun, spending most of our time out at the park and I took them to McDonalds for lunch which was a winner. They wanted me to stay over another night, unfortunately the packing boxes were calling. Should have most of it out this weekend then it is just cleaning. The weeds are out of control so have to get back out there now. I filled the whole bin up and now I am going to get it from the kerb and you can bet I will fill it again today. I have been really bad with my garden. What garden? lol Ther is only beds of weeds. I will have to set my computer up in the boys room at James house. Room is going to be an issue. I have a lot of furniture to get rid of. Only some stuff we are taking to put in the sea containers. Hoping for a kerbside collection soon which just reminds me to ring the shire. OK just rambling now! See you all in the other house! xx

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1059210/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1059210/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:24:55 -0700 Job seeking and moving August88 That's basically been my week so very tiring but I wish I could get motivated to do more. Feels like I am not getting anywhere. Have met 2 lovely families this week. As long as all the paperwork goes in then will be starting next week, fingers crossed. That is the worst thing about my job, I can start now ... That's basically been my week so very tiring but I wish I could get motivated to do more. Feels like I am not getting anywhere. Have met 2 lovely families this week. As long as all the paperwork goes in then will be starting next week, fingers crossed. That is the worst thing about my job, I can start now and they need me but all the processes have to go through and they have to agree on the money. And of course it is a long weekend so now I have not booked anything before Thursday. Luckily I am working this weekend with an old client. So exciting. I get to see my twins again who I worked with for 4 years. I am sure they have heaps to show me. They are in big school now! lol

I haven't heard from my boys for a while so will ring them tonight but they are both working full time up there and they are loving the lifestyle so they won't be coming back this year. If anything I may have to join them up there if the work dries up here, but so far so good. I really want to finish this course. Another thing I have to get to work on. Not as if I don't have enough! lol Anyway, can't wait to get out of this house now as the holiday is leaving me drowning in bills a little bit. All worth it I say! LOL Well long weekend for some here though technically I am working tomorrow but that should be fun! Wishing everyone a happy weekend!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1057741/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1057741/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:58:08 -0700 My holiday is now a memory August88 So 3 weeks has past already and I am back to reality. It was fantastic! I took that many pictures there so I guess I can choose a couple to show. In Phuket we went to a theatre show with dancing and elephants performing tricks. It was called Fantasea. As soon as you stepped out of the hotel people would ... So 3 weeks has past already and I am back to reality. It was fantastic! I took that many pictures there so I guess I can choose a couple to show. In Phuket we went to a theatre show with dancing and elephants performing tricks. It was called Fantasea. As soon as you stepped out of the hotel people would just pester you to buy things all the time. Walking down the street they had big lizards they want you to put on your arm. Eek! They want you to go in and see go go shows. lol They are always trying to sell you suits or massages. Every second tuk-tuk or taxi driver asks you if you need a ride. So noisy and busy and so many bars and dancing girls.

On Thursday we chose to go out to sea and see James Bond Island. A rock made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie "The man with the golden gun". That was nice and peaceful and we went canoeing and into some caves. So many different people of different nationalities on the cruise. There was one other couple from Australia on our cruise. The locals love to say G'day mate to us Aussies. lol

Also on the Wednesday we went on an elephant ride. We hired a taxi for a whole day. He only charged us 200 baht but I think why it is so cheap they must get kickbacks from there friends and they get stamps on there cards for petrol if they take us certain places. Anyway he says it is lucky to go on an elephant ride. I found it terrifying! LOL As soon as we left and got onto this little track up a steep hill with a big cliff drop down one side I started freaking out. I laugh now but at the time not so funny! The elephant could only go one way too so no good asking to turn around. He couldn't speak english anyhow! LOL Needless to say I kissed the ground on returning. We were also taken to a poisonous snake show and yet again I had a snake around my neck. Well very used to that now! Still the guy was crazy because he was kissing King Cobras.

No safety in Phuket. They drive around on motorbikes with no helmets, thongs and shorts and families can fit on the bike. The school buses are just like a open back with a few rows of wood and the kids are hanging out everywhere. We were blown away by the electricity lines too. Definately nothing there would meet Australian Safety Standards. One English guy we were talking to had gone on the speed boat Wednesday and he said it was terrifying because of rough seas. Luckily the day we went was calm and we chose the big cruise not the snorkelling and speed boat trip to phi phi island but we missed out on seeing the monkeys because of that. He had some great footage of the monkeys. Anyway back in one piece!lol

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1056892/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1056892/ Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:35:46 -0700 Last weekend here August88 Have to wait til I get back for photos as can't work out uploading onto here. This computer wont do it for minti. Anyway, my stay here is coming to an end. This week we have been around the botanical gardens and the Singapore zoo. The zoo was amazing. We got to see the polar bear feeding and the sea ... Have to wait til I get back for photos as can't work out uploading onto here. This computer wont do it for minti. Anyway, my stay here is coming to an end. This week we have been around the botanical gardens and the Singapore zoo. The zoo was amazing. We got to see the polar bear feeding and the sea lion show. The orang utan was hanging over the top of people. A lot of the animals seemed to love the attention and were such show offs. We went on the boat cruise which goes around the zoo in the reservior, so Singapore's water supply. Battery powered boats to prevent contamination. Fantastic day. We had Maree with us. The guy we are staying with, his girlfriend came over from India but he has been working so we have been taking her out. We are going to Phuket on Monday. I think Maree will miss us around. She wants to cook us some Indian food today so we are going down to the market later. Hopefully Paul can get some time off while we are away. We are trying to recommend Sentosa Island for them a couple of days because there is so much to do there. We took Maree over there one day and watched the 3D movie. A roller coaster ride thing that Maree and I screamed all the way through. Then we did a shooting game thing and I got the donkey prize. LOL It was school holidays and even the little kids beat me. They flash your picture up on the whole screen. Very funny. James won the game. Show off! LOL Anyway, having a fantastic time and getting on the computer most mornings so that has been good. Got some study done too. Probably wont have internet in Phuket but it is only 5 days. Back home next weekend!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1053662/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1053662/ Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:39:47 -0700 Singapore and Sentosa Island August88 I have put a heap of pictures on facebook already. Takes so much time and have a zillion photos so hard to decide the selection to put on. Had a lovely holiday at Sentosa Island where we did a pile of museums and war history of Singaspore. So interesting. We went up many platforms, Tiger Tower (121m high) and the ... I have put a heap of pictures on facebook already. Takes so much time and have a zillion photos so hard to decide the selection to put on. Had a lovely holiday at Sentosa Island where we did a pile of museums and war history of Singaspore. So interesting. We went up many platforms, Tiger Tower (121m high) and the Merlion. Went to the butterfly Park. Seen Songs by the Sea, a spectacular light and water and fire show. Amazing! Stayed in a little hut. Had some great downpours although still very hot and humid. Is a fantastic city, so much to look at and see. Huge buildings. Air conditioned trains and buses that come so quickly. Been to Chinatown and Little India. Been on a river cruise. Having a great time over here. Beautiful city and lovely people. Teenagers sit around in groups studying at Starbucks or McDonalds. No graffiti. Nice place!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1051602/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1051602/ Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:45:01 -0700 Leaving for Singapore tonight August88 If I visit in the next 3 weeks it will be a bonus, but will have to say goodbye to everyone now and finish my packing and my cleaning. I'm going to go to the gym this morning one last time too, because since it is a night flight I would love to sleep all the way there. Imagine how ... If I visit in the next 3 weeks it will be a bonus, but will have to say goodbye to everyone now and finish my packing and my cleaning. I'm going to go to the gym this morning one last time too, because since it is a night flight I would love to sleep all the way there. Imagine how fast that would go then. I don't get over ther til 3am so I am sure I will get some sleep. Just want to wear myself out. I've been up since 6am so I am sure I will be tired. We are going to go to Sentosa Island for a couple days too and September 14th we are going to Phuket for 4 days we have booked. Then we get back to Australia 19th September. I am taking my budgie to my mums this afternoon. He is going to have a holiday too. Nearly ready. It has been so cold the last 2 mornings too so will be good to thaw out over there.

Heard from the boys. There last job finished up and now they are doing some kitchen hand work. And they never did many dishes at home. Good they are getting the practice. I won't forget. lol Mum was saying the other day, well since all the family is up north now, how about we go to Broome for Christmas. Boy, can't think of that now. I think after this holiday I need to stay home and work. lol Anyway I will be moving out of my house when I get back. I think anyway. Huge decision and can't even begin to think of it yet or I go into panic mode. You should see how much is here and the boys wont be here to help. I have packed the boys stuff up in boxes this week as they want some up there but we have decided why have 2 houses now? Yikes! Big move but I will tell all my final decision when it gets closer. I can't even think now. Anyway, back to business and packing for holiday. Bon Voyage all!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1049037/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1049037/ Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:39:57 -0700 Been spoilt today August88 By my mum and dad. They took me out for lunch at the pub. It was beautiful weather for the ducks today. lol They also bought me a necklace and earrings in my birth stone. And bought me a cream cake. Very bad, have eaten too much but other then that, lovely. The boys called me and wished me a ... By my mum and dad. They took me out for lunch at the pub. It was beautiful weather for the ducks today. lol They also bought me a necklace and earrings in my birth stone. And bought me a cream cake. Very bad, have eaten too much but other then that, lovely. The boys called me and wished me a happy birthday. And mum gave me some of her left over stew to take home. No cooking tonight! Terribly spoilt but am very happy. James sent me tickets to Singapore. Leave 30th August. Yikes! So exciting though a little scary to be doing this on my own, but if Janice can do it, a 5 hour journey should be a walk in the park. Can't wait to get over there. Now to keep away from any nasties, keep the vitamin and fluid intake up and stop stressing for goodness sake! Eek! So much happening. Passed another unit. Have to go to TAFE Monday night too. Doing it externally but have a couple of night classes to go to. Also should be meeting Steve on the weekend and having my son Mark come over for that night too. Will be here in no time I am sure. Better get in to bed soon and do some reading. Work experience tomorrow at the child care centre. That is good fun!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1045844/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1045844/ Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:05:58 -0700 The boys have a job! August88 Already, both of them. Exciting because they do need the money since they got a flat on the way to Port Hedland out of Carnarvon and forgot to take the spare tyre and jack. Thank goodness for good samaritans in the world someone lent them a jack and took the tyre to Carnarvon to be fixed and found someone driving ... Already, both of them. Exciting because they do need the money since they got a flat on the way to Port Hedland out of Carnarvon and forgot to take the spare tyre and jack. Thank goodness for good samaritans in the world someone lent them a jack and took the tyre to Carnarvon to be fixed and found someone driving in the other direction to drop the tyre off to them. They dropped the jack back to this nice guy in Carnarvon. Anyway they made it safe and sound and called me last night for there tax file numbers as they have got a job lifting boxes or something. Pays better then I get! But it is night shift. Anyway now I am planning to go overseas earlier in September. So exciting. When I finally book my tickets and get my dates I will have to start a countdown. Cant wait because we are planning to travel around from there.

Tomorrow I start work experience at a child care centre for a few weeks every Friday. It is a "Reggio Emilia" centre so have to get on the internet tonight and find out all about this. Must mean it offers special learning like the montisori. I haven't heard about this one though. Anyway must get to work now before I am late. Have a great day everyone!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1040396/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1040396/ Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:38:07 -0700 The boys have taken a road trip August88 Waved my boys off today as they are heading up north. They should be in Geraldton tonight so looking forward to the phone call to say they made it safe and sound. It's going to be quiet around here for a while. I have been trying to do some study but have to have a break for a while. My ordeal ... Waved my boys off today as they are heading up north. They should be in Geraldton tonight so looking forward to the phone call to say they made it safe and sound. It's going to be quiet around here for a while. I have been trying to do some study but have to have a break for a while.

My ordeal with the dentist is over and my wisdom tooth is out. I am still a little sore. Took it easy last night and had a early one to try to get away from the pain. It is better then expected now. I haven't had to take hardly any pain relief today. I even went to my pilates class this morning and noone can tell. Feels weird to eat or drink. I'm sticking to soft food. So looks like a very quiet weekend.

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1038479/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1038479/ Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:03:55 -0700 Dentists and taxes August88 What a fun week I have planned. Finally made the apointment to get my wisdom tooth out on Friday. Can feel it starting to make it's appearance and don't want to leave it to become such a big problem as last time when my whole jaw swelled up and I was in so much pain so may as well get ... What a fun week I have planned. Finally made the apointment to get my wisdom tooth out on Friday. Can feel it starting to make it's appearance and don't want to leave it to become such a big problem as last time when my whole jaw swelled up and I was in so much pain so may as well get that out of the way and seen as I am going to be miserable this week may as well get my tax done to see how much I need to pay this year and get that out of the way. I feel very proud I made those 2 appointments. I am feeling my muscles this week so I still have some, just need to get them used to this exercise.  So even though the title suggests I have a bad week coming up it is not going to be that way. I am getting so many things done I should have done a long time ago so that is a positive step to the future. So have a great and productive week because if you do the action, you feel way better about yourself!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1035659/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1035659/ Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:14:51 -0700 Joined the gym August88 This week I started again. It has been a while so need to get back in shape. Feels good too. Will be going to Singapore in a few  months so have a goal. Got all my passport application filled out and have an interview on Friday at the post office. At the moment so many changes happening but I am ... This week I started again. It has been a while so need to get back in shape. Feels good too. Will be going to Singapore in a few  months so have a goal. Got all my passport application filled out and have an interview on Friday at the post office. At the moment so many changes happening but I am feeling positive that I can deal with them all. One day at a time. Should all work out. It always does. Kiza wants to go up north and have a change of job. He gave his notice last week. But for now it is just the same old basically. Trying to keep busy and not miss my man too much. Didn't believe it would be this tough. I'm still doing my cert 3 too and really have to get my head back in the books. I've taken Fridays off but now may need that to get some units completed, plus I need to do some hours in a centre so must ring up and arrange that tomorrow with my lecturer. So much to remember to do. Anyway that is how it is at the moment. I feel a little bit in limbo!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1034837/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1034837/ Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:52:39 -0700 Back home August88 Had a great holiday. My computer is running really slow but I will attempt to put up some pics. We didn't take many but we really enjoyed the weather and the relaxed lifestyle up there. We went out fishing and took my brothers quad bike out too. We went out to tea and also went to the horse races one ... Had a great holiday. My computer is running really slow but I will attempt to put up some pics. We didn't take many but we really enjoyed the weather and the relaxed lifestyle up there. We went out fishing and took my brothers quad bike out too. We went out to tea and also went to the horse races one night there. We spent the Sunday night in a hotel in Karatha in preparation for the plane trip Monday morning. And did we come back to some wild and windy weather. It was a bit of a bumpy decent and when we landed the cabin gave the pilots a round of applause so you can imagine it was a little scary. Got back on Monday only to wave my partner off to Singapore Wednesday. He got the job so we are on our own for a few months. I have to get a passport now. Only looked at the forms so far. Looks full on. Rest of the week has been nice. Had my car in for a service and so catching buses and trains and shopping. Today Mark is coming for the holidays. Back to work Monday. Will be good to see them.

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1027631/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1027631/ Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:58:59 -0700 Going on a holiday August88 Hi guys, Just changed my avatar to something a little more recent. This one has all my boys in it. Today I booked a plane ticket for Nik and me. We are off to Port Hedland next Tuesday for a holiday. My brothers are living up there and they are going to show us the sites and we may catch ... Hi guys, Just changed my avatar to something a little more recent. This one has all my boys in it. Today I booked a plane ticket for Nik and me. We are off to Port Hedland next Tuesday for a holiday. My brothers are living up there and they are going to show us the sites and we may catch a fish! I will take a photo if I do. It's getting so cold here in the mornings now so I know I am going to love the weather. I had started getting Bowen Therapy every Tuesday too, and councilling on a Friday but I am sure all can wait for a week or two. Almost can't believe I booked the flights. I just asked my brother if he would mind if I came up and he was like, yes when? how? I will arrange time off. See you then. So that is exciting. Oh and I had to help Kiza buy another car because his engine went. Anyway this one really suits him. He loves it. It is a ute for his work. At least he will still be here to look after the bird while I am gone. And the house of course. Nik has never been on a plane before so he is pretty excited in his own way. I caught him smiling! LOL It is only a couple of hours so it is not too long to travel either.

The happy one

all of us

 

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1019971/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/1019971/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:55:39 -0700 Happy 14th Mark August88 My youngest turns 14 today. We are about to make some muffins and I have made a booking for the laser gun place tonight for all of us and a few of his friends so about 10 kids. Easter was great, though quiet and I had Tuesday off so Nik and I went to the zoo. It was a beautiful ... My youngest turns 14 today. We are about to make some muffins and I have made a booking for the laser gun place tonight for all of us and a few of his friends so about 10 kids. Easter was great, though quiet and I had Tuesday off so Nik and I went to the zoo. It was a beautiful day and all the animals were out. It was awesome! Got some beautiful photos of the tigers and the giraffe, zebra, meerkats, monkey, elephants. You name it. It was a great day. Anyway hope everyone has a great weekend. Has been really busy here but going really good. Kiza bought a world tour pack for his x-box 360. If you don't know what that is it is a band basically. Drums, guitars and microphone. We have been having so much fun with it. I can actually play the guitar on the easy mode but it is fun!

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/992331/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/992331/ Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:33:12 -0700 Happy 18th to my son! August88 It's Kiza's 18th today and we are going out for dinner tonight to an Indian restaurant. Should be about 20 people there so should be good. He's pretty excited and is planning on going out with some of his mates afterwards. Everything is looking a lot better with less stress in me. So I am trying to enjoy the present ... It's Kiza's 18th today and we are going out for dinner tonight to an Indian restaurant. Should be about 20 people there so should be good. He's pretty excited and is planning on going out with some of his mates afterwards. Everything is looking a lot better with less stress in me. So I am trying to enjoy the present a lot more and worry less about the future. That's about the main thing that I am learning about me. Time to stop and smell the roses I guess and enjoy what is right here. I will try not to forget my camera tonight as I am terrible for that. Just wanted to say happy birthday. Important milestone. Such a responsible, hard working boy now a man, but will always be my little boy to me of course even if he now towers over me. LOL

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/980652/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/980652/ Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:57:17 -0700 The answer was inside all along. August88 Trying to get a grip on what I am learning in this course I am doing. Feelings- not something I do well. See my homework assignment is to constantly check in with how I am feeling. A scrap of paper with Happy Sad Fear and Anger look at me. How hard could it be? What do you mean there are ... Trying to get a grip on what I am learning in this course I am doing. Feelings- not something I do well. See my homework assignment is to constantly check in with how I am feeling. A scrap of paper with Happy Sad Fear and Anger look at me. How hard could it be? What do you mean there are no bad feelings? I'm allowed to be angry? Not too comfortable with that one. I am noticing a few changes in how more calmer I can be. Like when I was teaching Nik to drive, did you know I had a crystal ball that could see into the future and see all the bad things that could happen? When he was going out and I couldn't relax. Boy did these feelings change my whole perception and experience in life! This is not an easy thing to do. I hate looking at this, as I have so many beliefs and thoughts that have been put there through life. We all do. I was angry at Nik for putting me in this situation to start with. Why must I do this? You have the problem. You are the one not going to school, getting drunk with your friends, stealing stuff and getting in trouble. You need the help, right? I am happy I got to do this course now. I am learning so much about myself and how I am shaped and this is going to lift the focus from him, my "troubled" one and let me live! How awesome! How am I feeling? Bit scared but pretty happy. And sort of sad. I'm suppose to put a number on these but this is better then the numbness.

]]> http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/973159/ http://www.minti.com/members/august88/blog/973159/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:37:35 -0800