STICKY: - 1968: - What a great year...

Oh dear, its now:

Its a '5 things' meme!!

Ok, I liked this a lot from ExPat Mom, so I thought I would do it as well...

Five things I didn’t see coming
Meeting my soul mate...
My accident resulting in spinal surgery!
Travelling overseas, I thought it would be impossible!
My engine blowing up in my car a couple of years ago.
Finding absolutely NOTHING wrong when doing the laundry renovation. We thought there might be something!

Five things I was doing 20 years ago
Performing on stage in an annual musical (singing AND Dancing, ekk!! and I have the videos to prove it!!!)
Doing both Trampoline and Gymnastics every night of the week...
Doing my apprenticeship as a gardener.
Going camping when I could.
Going on train trips as well when I could.


Five things on my to do list for today
Finish work!
Go to the gym and have a swim afterwards.
Finish preparing the door to the laundry, (sanding the underside and painting it).
Watch both LOST and Ramsey Kitchen.
Try and get a good nights sleep

Five things I will do when I am a millionaire
First Class to England flying either Japan Airlines or Emirates.
From Europe to Guatemala to visit Genesis!
Renovate the bathroom, paint the inside of the house (incl filling the cracks).
Get a new car!
Renovate the lawns with a topdressing and new turf (QLD Blue Couch of course).


Five things I will never wear again
Some of the costumes I once wore on stage!
Ugg boots in public...
Speedos when swimming (until I lose a bit of weight)
Flared Jeans.
A dress! (ok, it was for a fancy dress party, and I went as Dame Edna Everage!)


Five of my favorite toys
X-Box
Computer
Monopoly (ok, its a game, but it is a toy all the same...)
Playstation II
Jungle Party on PSII


Five banes of my existence
CSA. Only a couple more years to go...
Slow drivers in the fast lane! Don't you know there is a law against it!
People who mis-understand a light hearted comment, as something as being more than it is... Stay happy people!
Not being able to stay in touch with my friends as much as I would like to. I am sorry, I would like to see you, but we are sooooo busy at the moment...
Mowing the lawn then Macc does a you know what on it...

Ok, I have to tag someone new with this . . . YOU! If you´re interested, take up the challenge!

30 days : days 18, 19 & 20... Laundry Renovation cont...

Ok, so here is another update of sorts on the laundry...Day 18 saw the security come on board to safeguard the big 'unveil':

Laundry Security

Clearly he is busy 'guarding' something...
Then, as things were slowly slipping behind schedule, we had to get additional 'hired' help by way of an apprentice:

Laundry Apprentice

Clearly, unimpressed with being 'caught' sleeping on the job

Laundry Apprentice

And this is how she shows how unhappy' she is...

Laundry Apprentice

But, now for the big unveil (taken with our little camera for its wide angle lens)...

Laundry 19-02-2008

and with my camera...

Laundry 15-02-2008

30 days: day 17 The laundry, Its almost finished...

Well, progress has come on very fast this last couple of days, and whilst the final bits n pieces are done, here is a teaser...

Laundry Soap

Laundry Soap & Tap

30 days: day 16 Valentines Day

Well last night we went to a movie... Not any old cinema no no, that would be just to boring. Instead we went to where I work to the St George Open Air Cinema to see 27 Dresses! It is a truely beautiful night, watching a movie on a big scree that appears out of Sydney Harbour... You not only get to watch the movie, but also the changing lights of the city as office towers shut down for the night. Mind you, prior to that, we did catch up with some friends of mine for dinner at the Sienna Marina Restaurant in Wooloomooloo.

Valentines Day 27 Dresses

30 Days: day 15 (WW #20) Our Pets

Happy (younger) Macc

A smiling Macc with Foster dog 'Slow Joe'

Shy Jasmine

Joe and Jasmine Whats with the stairs?

wordless wednesday

30 days: days 12, 13 & 14 Laundry continues...

Ok, so here is a 'catch-up' post of days 12:

So, this is what it USE to look like...

Laundry 20 Jan 2008

Day 13:

Laundry Tiled

Laundry Tiled

And day 14, something 'L' will be enjoying soon:

Lemon Meringue Pie

Bali Hotel: Puri Bali Jimbaran

An abundance of Frangipani's were around and were collected during the morning. The better ones were used that afternoon on the bed pillows when they turned the bed down at night for you...

Frangipani at night

Our hotel reception, was very VERY nice... Througherly reccomend staying here, we will again!

Puri Bali Jimbaran Reception

Beach side restaurant at sunset. Fantastic food day or night!

Puri Bali Jimbaran Beach Restaurant

Looking from reception across the huge pool to the beach side bar and restaurant.

Puri Bali Jimbaran Pool & Bar

Continuing the linky love...

Ok, thanks 'ExPat Mom', you got me good and proper...

So, who will I tag? Have a look at the LAST five, your it!!

Start Copying Here*

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!The Strategist Notebook ~ Link Addiction ~ Ardour of the Heart ~ When Life Becomes a Book ~ The Malaysian Life ~ Yogatta.com ~ What goes under the sun ~ Roshidan’s Cyber Station ~ Sasha says ~ Arts of Physics ~ And the legend lives ~ My View, My Life ~ A Simple Life ~ Juliana RW ~ Mom Knows Everything ~ Beth & Cory’s Mom ~ A Mind Forever Voyaging~ enjoying the ride ~ Jennifer’s thoughts ~ Mom of 3 Girls ~ Amanda ~ Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys ~ ExPat Mom ~ Just Jessie ~ Wilson Six ~ Sandier Pastures ~ Burnt Offerings ~ Over the Moon with Joy ~ Are We There Yet Mom ~ Facipiers and Stinky Toes ~ Dackel Princess ~ Miles Away In France ~ That Girl ~ My House Is Cuter Than Yours.

There, I did it... Good luck!

*Stop Copying*

30 days: day 11

Bill's Tiling

floor tiles are in
progress is being made on the laundry renovation, the floor tiles have been laid, Monday the wall tiles go on. Tomorrow we will install the exhaust fan and fit the window frame.

30 days: day 10

Friday night markets

vege stall
a day off from work, so that I could be at home for the tiler to lay the sand and cement floor for the laundry. I sorted out paperwork, this took just about all day, so some fresh air and conversation was in order. Luckily it was the Epping Twilight Markets, where we had dinner followed by a visit with the favourite brother and SIL, and the nephews.

30 days: day 9

Rebecca Cool - Ginger-Cat

Last night we battled the weather to get to the opening of Rebecca Cools' art exhibition 'Hop, Skip, Jump' at the Paddington Contemporary Gallery. This is our latest acquistion. To celebrate our purchase, and because now we are broke, we had dinner at Harry's Cafe de Wheels.

30 days : days 6, 7 & 8... Laundry Renovation cont...

As you can see, we have been a little busy and as such, have not been able to complete a couple of days...

So, in an attempt to catch up here we have day 6:

Laundry Insulation Installation

Day 7:

First Waterproof Coat

AND, day 8:

What a great Bakehouse

What a 'Great Name' for a Bakehouse hey Genesis??
The tiler is coming back tomorrow to give it all a second coat, Friday to screed of a sand & cement floor so as he can lay the tiles on Saturday. It never stops here...

30 days: day 5 Snail on a Hoya

In continuing with this 30 day theme, yesterday when seeing L off to work, I saw this snail sliding down one of our Hoya carnosa. We have had a lot of rain over the last couple of days, which unfortunately, brings the snails...

Snail on Hoya

30 days : day 4... Laundry renovation cont...

Continuing on this theme of '30 days' (oh and yes, we did not do one yesterday as we were too busy with this work) I will continue with posting photos of the Laundry Renovation. Yesterday, I had the plumber here. He arrived nice and early, 7:15am, and got his tools ready. A petrol operated concrete cutter was the tool of choice for the morning!. For those who don't know what this sounds like, think of a chainsaw in a confined room! The living room was full of exhaust fumes which dissipated some 30 minutes later.

Laundry Reno PLUMBERS WORK

Now yesterday was a nice day, only 35 degrees C with very high levels of humidity. So, my task(s) for the day were to have a supply of cold water at the ready for him, and his son (with his friend as well). The 'boys' were given the task of digging the trench for the pipe to connect to the sewer, fun fun fun!!!

Laundry Reno PLUMBERS WORK OUTSIDE

30 days : day 3... Bali Bowl (WW No. 19)

Bali Bowl

We loved this bowl from the Bali Jimbaran. A simple seed husk from a Palm with Silver ends. Mind you, on the weekend, we had to make the base!
wordless-wednesday

30 days: day 2

a day in the life of Jasmine

Somebody has to be 'busy' I suppose...

30 days: day 1

Laundry Reno cupboards removal

Laundry Reno in progress

Laundry Reno tiles gone

Laundry Reno walls removed

save the whales

Mystery package (souvenir) revealled....... (Backlog & Mystery Post)

Save the Whales

The scandalous whaling program Japan is conducting in the Southern Ocean is getting quite a bit of well deserved attention in the media. I am going to take a personal stand, there will be no more Japanese fabrics purchased by me until they STOP!

Our Whale is a weather vane purchased on our last trip to New Zealand, not the easiest thing to transport I can tell you. It took a bit of creative packaging that included a singlet of dad's (true), a pair of B's jeans that ripped whilst travelling, micropore (I always carry this, something about being accident prone, and an allergy to bandaids), recycled bubblewrap care of a photographic store in Nelson, and cardboard, again recycled care of a store in Nelson, and packing tape.

backlog

blogging, craft, housework its all backing up, and will continue to be ignored as we have started on a new project; the renovation of the laundry. More on the laundry another time. In an attempt to clear the backlog the following randomness is presented.

I finally have my own copy of 'Bend the Rules Sewing' a Christmas present ordered through fishpnd.com.au, thanx B's mum.

bend the rules

We're a bit partial to orange here so of course I couldn't resist 'Tangerine' when I saw it in the February issue of BH&G, I would have also liked 'Crabapple' but they had run out of some of the fabrics. I have my name down, and of course my fingers crossed, for if they can source some more.

tangerine

More fabric lovin, I have made a little progress on my planned picnic rug. I have cut through a number of pairs of jeans (recycled denim being a key feature of this rug /quilt), and chosen the fabric, clashy pinks and reds.

picnic quilt fabrics

I am doing good on the handmade pledge, this little guy was purchased from the Hazelhurst Gallery after reading this blog. He was being unpacked and placed in the display cabinet on a recent visit, and has been delivered to his new home, that of one year old Brody.

rabbit

The awnings over the kitchen and third bedroom windows are up.

And the mystery souvenier from New Zealand, read November 2007, has finally been unwrapped and installed, however, as a photo is yet to be taken, I will keep the suspense going, but only for a day or week or two.

I am thinking of joining these guys here, here, here, here, and here. I don't know where the '30 days' originated but I am liking it.

Wordless Wednesday # 18: - Jimbaran Bay Beach Soccer

Jimbaran Bay Beach Soccer

Photo courtesy Erika Engelhaupt, from EstBali who had borrowed my lens for this shot!

I know that this 'should' be wordless, but I feel I need to explain this shot...

Each morning out on the beach, the locals go out and have a game of soccer. The game starts around 5am, and is fascinating to watch. Look out for the next Beckham here!!

wordless wednesday

Where did the weekend go??

We had so much planned for the weekend:

• Gut out the Laundry, to make way for the renovations (2nd Toilet & Shower, re-tile and new cupboards)
• Lawns & Gardening, which have been slightly neglected since going to New Zealand!
• Computer issues, as we needed to install a Wireless Network Card so is it can pick up the new modem/router... (I actually got this done!!)
• Go and visit a Gallery over at Gymea (did this as well, and L will have to blog about her purchase... It is lovely, and in keeping of her 2008 goals)!

Then we had a phone call from the MIL. She was in tears as the FIL was in Hospital. His heart was the issue, again! So, with a friend in tow, we headed from one side of Sydney to the other to get to the hospital. He was on a machine with leads from his chest and apparently, his BP had dropped dramatically and his heart rate went through the roof (190)! Whilst we were there, he seemed to be in good spirits, although I think he looked tired. We left (me in the FIL's car as it was at the hospital and L in our car) to drop the MIL at home. By the time we got home, and made dinner (Spaghetti Bolognaise) it was now 9.30pm!

Sunday was not much better. in saying that we would get over to pick up the MIL at 9am, well were had just woken up, so we were running a little late!!! FIL was insistent that she go to the Antique Markets, a regular event for them, before going into visit him. When we got to the hospital, he was looking much better, his heart had a better rhythm and everything was looking OK. After a couple of hours, we left to go for a Iced Chocolate at Indulgence, when we got the call to come back to the hospital, this time, to collect him as he was being discharged! Home again around 6pm. No gardening done, the laundry was still the same, and after a couple of hours, I finally got the desktop PC to talk to the new modem/router. PHEW!

eight things for 2008

Wordless Wednesday, is next post down...

1. Make a Picnic Rug, the store bought one we used for NYE, is ugly and uncomfortable.
2. Laundry Conversion to be complete by the end of February.
3. Bathroom Makeover to be completed by the end of June.
4. I pledge Handmade.
5. I plan to 'Pay it Forward'.
6. Phone a friend a month, some of my friends have been so neglected, we didn’t even get out Christmas cards in 2007, this will not happen in 2008. Those of you who have stayed with us, I thank you.
7. Cook more dinners, I hate to admit it, but B carries more than his weight in this area. And it makes me feel real bad.
8. Work smarter, I gotta get this sorted for a more sane 2008.
   

Continue with 2007 resolutions to Stress Less, Blog more regularly, Read more fiction, go to the movies more often (the target being at least 1 movie per quarter), and oh, the baby thing.

Wordless Wednesday # 17 Images from Bali

WW 16 Images from Bali

1. Monkey Forest Lady, 2. Roadside Fruit Stall, 3. Monkey Rude, 4. Nusa Dua Market Stalls




wordless wednesday