Forbidden And Enslaved - eMMa

Signature Security = FAIL

2010-06-12T16:12:00.001+12:00

You suck. You couldn't organise a bonk in a whorehouse. I'm sick of dealing with your incompetence and are going with a different company. BYE!

Pantene - What the fuck have you done?

2010-06-08T17:17:00.003+12:00

So Rachel Hunter and her sprog with the old crooner Rod Stewart are staring in the new Pantene commercial. Good for them, shame the 'new improved' product sucks ass. I've been using Pantene for years and loved it. But there new product is horrible. It leaves my hair feeling sticky and full of product (even though I don't use product in my hair). My 11 year old's hair looks greasy and gross even straight after its washed.

The bottles went into the bin and for the first time in ages we've changed to something else!

I'm a little late but... Sebastian Stewart

2010-01-15T14:52:00.003+13:00

Born 26th August 2009 @ 4.03pm. He was 4kg or 8lb 13oz. He was 2 weeks early and born by c/s. He is now 4.5 months old and growing like weed.

Heeey! I remember this place!

2009-04-05T08:14:00.002+12:00

Well, a lot has happened since my last post...

First of all the big news... Stewart and I are expecting child number 2. He/She is due 7th September. We find out in about 3 weeks the gender of this one.

Stewart is no longer working for the petrol station. Hes now building limousines! Hes only had the job a couple of weeks, but seems to be really enjoying it.

Nicole is in her last year of primary school! This year for the first time she has a male teacher. She seems to be doing well in everything expect mathematics. Which isn't a new revelation. Next term she is going for her first ever school camp. And I'm not going with her!!

Though it won't be her first camp without me, she went to the Girls Brigade camp a couple of weekends ago without me. And totally enjoyed it.

Work is going well, I've got a lot more responsibility now for ordering stock etc. I almost feel guilty that I'm going on maternity leave in July or August. I plan to go back in about February 2010 when the baby is 6 months. Not sure if I'll want full or part time though. Will have to discuss that with the boss when the time comes.

That will do for now
Byez!

An awesome idea!

2008-09-09T22:42:00.001+12:00

Uplift Project

I think this is a great idea, so if you've got any bras in your drawer that you don't wear anymore, consider sending them on to woman who need them. All sizes are now welcome.

please send them to:

PO Box 103, Whangarei
marked
Project Uplift

Stewarts a QUITTER!

2008-08-15T20:43:00.002+12:00

Last Tuesday the 5th August Stewart became a non-smoker.

When we came back from Aussie he made the commitment to give up once he'd smoked the two cartons of tobacco he brought back though duty free. He got patches and gum though Quitline. He uses the patches whilst hes at work, otherwise he uses the gum.

Well done Babe, I'm proud of you!

Our engagement party!

2008-08-13T21:43:00.002+12:00

After much thought and discussion Stewart and I have decided to hire out the upstairs area of Worlds End Bar in Fraser Cove. We looked at other venues including Bureta Park which is practically next door to us, but Worlds End was way superior in both cost and general atmosphere.

So its drinks and nibbles on Saturday 18th October. We've invited about 25-30 people. If they bring their children the numbers will increase to around 40ish.

I'm so sick of being sick

2008-08-13T21:08:00.002+12:00

On Saturday I came down with aching joints, headaches etc that indicated the flu. I took Monday off because I still wasn't feeling too good. By Monday night I was wheezy and having trouble breathing. Stewart took me to the after hours doctor. He diagnosed me with influenza and a secondary infection. The secondary infection is 'an aggressive form of streptococcal pneumonia'. Fun.

During the day I feel kinda okay. I just get really out of breath when I do anything. Taking a shower and getting dressed is exhausting! But at night its horrible. I can't sleep because my breathing crackles and wheezes. And I cough and cough and cough. I hate it. Plus all the medicine is upsetting my tummy, and my whole abdomen and chest area hurt from coughing.

On another note the other week I took a page out of 'The Big Stuff' TV show and sorted out boxes in the garage. I bought 4 large plastic containers with lids. One has photos and documents we need to keep. One has ornaments and keepsakes. One has Island ornaments, shells etc. The fourth is still empty. When I'm feeling better its going to have tools etc in it.

This morning I rang Waipuna Hospice Op Shop and got them to come and collect about 6 boxes of stuff we didn't need anymore and our old computer desk. It feels good to be free from 'stuff'. Next step is to be free from illness!!

Crunch!

2008-07-28T20:28:00.002+12:00

This happened about 20 metres from where I work. The truck went wide to turn left round the roundabout. The car cut in next to the truck and got squashed under the truck up against the stone wall. The car was a little car before the accident, but it was a super compact after.

No one was hurt, an older lady was driving the car. She got grilled by the police when they finally turned up.

Goodbye Pork Pie

2008-07-19T22:43:00.002+12:00

A few weeks ago we bought Goodbye Pork Pie on DVD. Tonight we had the chance to sit down and watch it. I hadn't seen it since I was a child and Stewart hadn't seen it at all. Funny shit, especially seeing all the old 70s things.

One thing though... it wasn't suitable for children. There is no way I would let Nicole see it. It is amazing how times have changed, I saw heaps of movies that were probably very unsuitable for children when I was young. It was the norm then, at least in our family.

You've been tagged!

2008-07-12T21:00:00.002+12:00

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

I would have been about 5 months pregnant, working as a Science Technician at a school, battling with John and Christine's crap teenage behaviour.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

I'll say tomorrow as today is nearly over.

* change the sheets on both beds

* get caught up on the laundry

* make something yummy for dinner

* get Nicole to put away her papers and drawings from the lounge

* visit Nana

3. Snacks I enjoy:

Kabana (which unfortunately we don't have here), licorice, chili Philly with rice crackers, cherries, rashuns, the pringles chippies in the green tube.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Pay off the mortgages on these two houses, buy a house here and in Melbourne, move there but be able to come back here regularly, afford to have another baby/babies, have a wedding some place that EVERYONE we want can attend, pay for my Nana to move somewhere near Dad that caters for all her needs and is air conditioned (she wouldn't handle the summer heat in Aussie)

5. Places I have lived:

Tawa, Wellington, NZ
Karori, Wellington, NZ
Ngatangiia, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Avatea, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Karori, Wellington, Cook Islands
Cambridge, NZ
Tauranga, NZ

6. Jobs I have had:

Babysitter

Raspberry Picker

Commercial Cleaner

Accounts Assistant

Receptionist

Help Desk Operator

Data Entry Operator

Science Technician

Playcentre Supervisor

Pharmacy Assistant

7. 6 Peeps I would like to know more about (in no particular order)

Whoever would like to do it

My conversation with a MSN porn bot

2008-07-05T15:37:00.001+12:00

$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
Who are you?
jane82classy says:
hey, A/S/L?
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
Who are you??
jane82classy says:
hey whats up babe, U got a webcam? finally someone adds me, I am soo fuckin horny today for some reason lol
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
Ohh you're a whorish bot
jane82classy says:
listen hun, I'm just about to start my webcam show with jen, come chat me there in my chat room? We can cyber, I'll get naked if u do..lol!
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
Fuck off
jane82classy says:
I can show u how to watch if u promise not to tell anyone else how to do it???PLEASE
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
I don't wanna watch anything!
jane82classy says:
well since its the law that u gotta be 18 (nudity involved), u have to sign up with a credit card for age verification! BUT.. Once you are inside, just clikc on "Webcams" let me know what name you use to sign in with so I know it's you babe! 'insert some bullshit cam site url' fill out the bottom of the page then fill out the next page as well and u can see me live!
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
What a loada shit
jane82classy says:
Please dont mention anything about that in the chatroom once u get in ok?
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
Whatever
jane82classy says:
OH SHIT.. k I'm late to start my show, I gotta get off msn...I'll see ya inside my chatroom babe.. remember not to mention that I am upgrading u... You can use your msn name to sign in so i know it's you..
$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
Say what?
jane82classy sends:
"my new thong pic" - Declined

$1600 for a computer that breaks 2 days out of the box... PRICELESS says:
I don't want any fucking viruses!

City of Tauranga Marching

2008-06-28T22:56:00.002+12:00

When Nicole was little my sister Christine lived with us. Christine belonged to a marching team called City of Tauranga in the under 16 grade. She marched for a number of years and came 3rd at the New Zealand Nationals in 2000.

Nicole brought home a school notice which included information on a new marching team being formed in the under 12 grade. Its called City of Tauranga. Its coached by a lady called Tracey who, and whose mother, marched for Christine's old coach. She used to have an under 12 City of Tauranga team a few years before Christine marched, but gave it up to have a family. Now her daughters are at an age where they want to march. So shes back again.

I talked it over with Nicole who was super mega keen and gave Tracey a call. We're going to take a look at one of their practices on Wednesday. The only problem is going to be my work. The practices are from 5pm till 7.15pm. But I finish work at 5pm and don't get to Hometime to collect Nicole till around 5.30pm. There is another child from Nicole's school who is in the team, so there may be a possibility of her mother taking Nicole and me picking up both children and dropping the other one at home. We shall see how it goes on Wednesday.

We bought a new computer!

2008-06-28T22:48:00.003+12:00

Processor: Intel Latest Q6600 Quad Core CPU, 2.4GHz x 4, 8M Cache

Motherboard: Asus Intel Chipset Motherboard, Supports latest Intel CPU

Memory: 4GB DDR2-800 Dual Channel

Graphic Card: Factory overclock nVidia G92 8800GT 512MB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0, SLI Support

**Factory over clock version**Output up to 30% Performance Boost
-Core Clock 675Mhz (original 600MHz)
-Memory Clock 2000Mhz DDR3 (Original 1800Mhz).
-Four heatpipe, Dual automatic speed/temperature control Fan, super quite
-Full Microsoft DX 10 support, Full HDCP Support
-PCI-Express 2.0 Support, provide up to 2x PCI-E 1.0 Bandwidth

Hard Disk: 250GB SATA2 7200RPM Hard disk.

Optical Drive: 20x Dual Layer LightScribe Super Multi DVDRW. Easily backup your data into DVDs.

Case: ATX Midi Tower Case w/500W Power. 9 x 5.25' bays, w/Front 12cm Blue LED Fan, USB 2.0, IEEE1394, audio front jack, Silver/Black Front Panel

Sound Card: High Definition 5.1 Channel

Network: 1000Mbps GbE

I have no idea what all that means, but it supposedly goes faster. I'm frustrated that I've had to download and reinstall my messenger and that it doesn't have my MIRC and favourites. But Stewart said he'll hook the old computer up tomorrow and burn them all to disc for me. I could do it myself, but I'm feeling lazy.

Our Australian Schedule

2008-06-21T22:02:00.003+12:00

Thursday
Arrive at around 9.30am. Collected from airport by Stewart's mother Lynn and little brother Brodie.
Drop Brodie off at home then go to visit Stewart's Aunty Denise and grandfather at work. They make delicious pestos!
Stopped at a Cole's supermarket for kabana and a few other things.
Arrived at Stewart's Dad's house. Tided up and sorted out a few things there. They were due to have a house inspection the next day.
Went to dinner at a pizza restaurant on Clayton road.

Friday
Nicole and I walked up to the shops and got our nails done at a Asian nail salon.
Stewart met us after and we took a train to see our friend Anne-Marie.
Hung out at her place for a bit then went for a look around Chadstone shopping centre.
Met up with Anne-Marie again and made our way to Rod Laver Arena to see WWE. It didn't finish till late and we then had to tram/train/taxi our way home.

Saturday
My Dad picked us up to go watch my little brother Mark play basketball at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. His team beat a team of older boys.
Nicole left with Dad, Sofima and Mark to do some errands. Stewart and I took the tram into the city and looked round a few shops. We bought some things at Target, which were having a sale.
We met Dad etc back at their house and got ready for Stewart's party at Topolino's resturant.
We had dinner, he proposed etc lol

Sunday
Nicole spent Saturday and Sunday night at Dad's house. We slept in, hung out round the house then went to an internet cafe nearby called CoolYa.
Stewart's brother Kristian cooked us a potato, onion and cheese pie and some weird skinless sausages for tea.

Monday
Was Stewart's actual birthday!
We went and hired a car from Rent-a-bomb. It was a heap of shit Toyota with a slow leaking front tire.
That night we joined Stewart's family at TGIF restaurant. Yummy food!
Watched Jeff Dunham DVDs and fell asleep in Stewart's arms on the couch. Woke up to everyone laughing at me because he was touching my nose and I was reacting in my sleep. What a meanie!

Tuesday
Nicole went up to the local 'strip mall' and looked around. They have pharmacies like supermarkets!
Stewart's grandmother came over to visit.
We went shopping at Southlands Shopping Centre. It was a lot easier to get around with a car. Though the traffic was really congested.
Went to Stewart's Aunty Denise's for dinner.

Wednesday
We went back to Southlands. I brought some clothes from Myer. It was more expensive than Target, but nice stuff.
I bought a new nose stud from Off Ya Tree which is the same place I bought my favourite nose stud from 3 years previously.
Took the car back. Tried to visit Anne-Marie again but couldn't get hold of her.
Took the train home.
Went back to CoolYa where Nicole discovered Achmed the dead terrorist on youtube.
Kristian shouted us McDonald's for dinner.

Thursday
Got packed and organised to go home. Kim, Stewart's stepmother dropped us at the Skybus on her way to work.
Ate McDonalds for breakfast at the airport.
Flew out at 12.00

My ring!!

2008-06-21T21:23:00.001+12:00

I'm still in shock...

2008-06-15T20:07:00.002+12:00

Last night was Stewart's 21st. It was at a restaurant called Topolinos. After Stewart had blown out his candles on his cake he made a speech. He then got down on one knee and proposed to me!!!!

I now have a beautiful sparkling diamond ring... oh and a fiance.

4 Sleeps to go!

2008-06-08T21:14:00.002+12:00

Only 4 sleeps to go until we're off to Aussie again. I started packing today but aren't feeling very motivated. Its all the little things that are doing my head in.

Stewart had a favourite pair of jeans. They were so worn that they'd developed holes. The waist band was falling apart. Today we went shopping and he bought two new pairs for $57. They were 30% off $40 each. So not a bad buy. He has a dark pair and a blue pair. I like the dark pair, I think they look hot! When we got home we had a moment of silence for the old jeans before I dumped them in the rubbish bin.

We're leaving Tauranga at around 1am, flying out at 7.30am and arriving in Melbourne 9.30am local time. I'm not sure how we're getting to Stewart's Dad's house from the airport. Stewart Snr and his wife Kim work nights so will be sleeping. We may have to take the Sky Bus and a taxi. We're going to be tired and grumpy that day.

On Friday we're going to see WWE Smackdown and ECW. My good friend Anne-Marie is going to be coming with us. Our seats aren't the best, but I think we'll be able to see more than we did at the Auckland show last year.

Saturday afternoon we'll be watching my little brother Mark play basketball for a Melbourne rep team. Then Saturday night is Stewart's birthday party.

I haven't made plans for the rest of the week, but expect we'll be catching up with Stewart's family and doing a bit of shopping. The weeks have gone really fast leading up to our holiday, I'm just hoping the week we're away won't go too fast.

Last night Stewart and I both had vivid dreams. Mine involved 3 cars having a crash outside our house and lots of people hanging around. Stewart's involved us having twin sons! Apparently we named them Justin and Jeff, and called them JJ. Go figure for a guy who's not ready for to have kids yet!

Anyways, I'll sign off for now, go take a shower and get ready for bed.

Money money money

2008-04-25T14:24:00.003+12:00

I've been furiously trying to save money for our Australian holiday in June. As of yesterday I had nearly $1000 saved. Money we need to have:
$320 - Shuttle to and from Auckland airport
$180 - Cattery care for our two cats. No, we aren't comfortable justing getting a neighbour to feed them. They get shut inside at night. I'm super vigilant about this now after Brock being hit by a car last year.
$50 - Airport departure tax
$300 - Nicole's ticket that we are paying for. Nicole is paying for this herself from the child support that her father has to pay and which I've had direct credited to her own bank account.

So I guess we're almost sorted! Stewart will be paying some of all the bills too.

I'm thinking of getting him tickets to WWE in Melbourne for while we're there. It'll be his 21st birthday present from me. I'm just waiting for my Dad to get back to me about whether my little brother Mark wants to come too.

And I've finally paid off my car. No more weekly $60 payments!

Some people should be neutered!

2008-04-22T19:30:00.003+12:00

A week or so my father's ex wife rang up wanting my half brother and sister's phone numbers. She rabbited on about getting custody back of her 16 year old son(Jimmy). CYPS has had custody of him since he was 5-6 after he was abused by more than one of her boyfriends/mates. I took her phone number and passed it on to my brother.

Tonight my brother called round and he had Jimmy with him. Apparently his mother has sent this kid up to live with John or Christine. She had only just gotten him back and now shes palming him off on someone else. She should never have had any of the children. Tauraki was raised by first his grandparents and then an aunt. I had John and Christine. Jimmy by foster parents. And the youngest, Harry, by his father.

John and Christine are in their early 20s with young families of their own. They really shouldn't be raising a 16 year old with many social, emotional and psychological problems. I know from first hand experience that its tough.

For my own sanity I've remained distant to the situation. It actually feels almost good that for once its not my problem. John and Christine are adults and whilst I can offer advice when asked, they're the ones making the decisions for their families and are the ones who have to deal with the consequences of those decisions.

Banging my head against a wall...

2008-04-20T21:07:00.002+12:00

I'm feeling rather low at the moment.
The problem is this:
Two people working full time on conflicting shifts. Not seeing much of each other. We had the opportunity of spending a morning together. I had two extra children for the day as well. I suggested we go for a walk down to the park so the kids can play on the playground and we can have some quality time. He refuses so he can stay home by himself and play computer games. Just one more incident in a long line.

Apparently I'm not alone in this. I met my sister-in-law at the park. My brother keeps making promises of family time, yet when the time comes plays golf, watches tv or sits in front of the computer. Sounds familiar.

Woman's Lifestyle Expo

2008-04-05T17:08:00.002+13:00

Last year Nicole and I went to the Woman's Expo in Tauranga. We had a great time and enjoyed it throughly.

This weekend was this years Expo. It was another awesome event. We got a goodie bag. In it were:
Nina EDT by Nina Ricci
Detangle Spray by Tresemme
Hard as Nails by Sally Hansen
Sheer Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner by VO5
Apricot Scrub by St Ives
A Prestige Vinylwear lip gloss
Pure Cashmere Shower Creme by Palmolive
Bio Oil
A New Zealand's Woman's Weekly magazine
A selection of Dilmah tea bags (yuck!)
Moulten Caramel Puddings by Betty Crocker

We met Bob Clarkson the National MP for Tauranga. He gave us a key ring that lights up in the dark. 'Its something practical because hes all about practical solutions for Tauranga's problems'. -cough- Okay then... lol.

I also bought a new body scrub called Bush Essentials. I've been looking for a nice exfoliant, and this one impressed me.

RIP Pam Kinghorn

2008-03-23T11:42:00.002+13:00

My neighbour and tenant of the house Nana used to live in passed away on Good Friday. She has Motor Neuron disease. On the Wednesday she went to Waipuna Hospice with breathing difficulties and went downhill from there.

She is survived by her husband George, two adult sons, their families and a 19 year old daughter. I identify so much with Suzy as I was the same age when I lost my mother.

RIP Pam

Travelling celebrations.

2008-03-17T22:11:00.003+13:00

Stewart turns 21 in June. His Dad has offered to pay for us to travel to Australia for the occassion. We just have to pay for Nicole's ticket. So we've got the tickets booked. We'll be there for a week.

They are arranging a party at his Dad's work. He works at a restaurant by the way. All of Stewart's family will be there and I think they're inviting my Dad, his wife and my two brothers. Its being held on the 14th June which will be the 3rd anniversary of Stewart and I meeting face to face.

Nicole is highly excited about the whole trip. It will have been two years since Nicole and I last went to Aussie. Stewart went for a week in July last year. We've all been talking about the stuff we are looking forward to in Australia. So far the list is...

Seeing family and friends
Kabana
7/11 slurpies
Riding on trams
Dr Pepper
The ability to stock up on Australian pharmaceuticals

Stewart and I have been talking about having a party here when we get back too. At my nephew Jake's birthday party yesterday I was talking to my brother John about it. He was all keen to organize a yard glass for Stewart. I had to explain what a yard glass was to Stewart. It must be a kiwi tradition.

Ouchy

2008-03-07T20:40:00.002+13:00

I got hit by a car today!

That probably sounds a lot more dramatic than it actually was. I was on my way back from the bank for work today. I was standing on the side of the street waiting for a break in the traffic so I could cross. A car pulled in just down from me and a lady got out of the passenger side. I was concentrating on the traffic coming from the other direction. Next thing I know the car had backed into me and sent me flying. I'm not seriously hurt, though I've got a few nasty bruises coming up. What annoyed me the most was the driver continued to back up even though he must have known he hit me. What a fucking wanker!!

Ha. You know you've spent too much time on the internet when...

2008-03-02T15:06:00.002+13:00

It matters whether you're in other people's myspace top 10.

Bugger em. I can't be bothered dealing with people's multiple personalities.

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-15T07:44:00.002+13:00

Boobies!

2008-02-10T14:27:00.000+13:00

I've got a pierced nipple. I've had it for around 5 years now. At the moment I'm deciding whether to keep it in or take it out. I have no pressing reason to do either, just a random thought thats come to mind recently.

On another note... some sadistic bastard turned the power switch off on my electric tooth brush. Left me very frustrated.

DI

2008-02-10T14:05:00.000+13:00

Nicole and I spent 3 days in hospital the week before last so she could undergo an water deprivation test. I was to be the final step in diagnosing diabetes insipidis. Well, the test showed that she doesn't have diabetes insipidis. However she is somewhat bizarre as she took over 20 hours to dehydrate. Most normal children of her age would have taken under 16 hours. She now has to have a kidney scan and more urine tests.

Nicole was in a room with 4 beds. The child next to her was a girl who goes to Nicole's school and whose mother attended tech with me last year. The first night the bed opposite was occupied by a teenage girl who's father appeared to be in the black power gang. The nurses moved her out into another single room after her father visited at around 11pm and kept everyone awake with his colourful language. The bed was then occupied by Claudia Billinge. She is one messed up little girl. All she seemed to do was cry.

Too tired

2008-02-10T14:01:00.000+13:00

Been off my iron tablets for about 3 weeks now. I'm due to have another blood test this coming week to check my iron levels. Judging by my level of tiredness... its very low again.

New House rules

2008-02-10T13:53:00.000+13:00

After getting increasingly pissed off at spending around an hour after work picking up and cleaning up after everyone else I decided some house rules were in order. I attempted to sit everyone down to discuss rules that would be fair to everyone. However everyone seemed less than enthusiastic about changing status quo. So the rules are set, without much input from the others. Too bad.

My new duvet!

2008-01-01T15:41:00.001+13:00

Isn't it awesome!

I fucking hate gardening!

2008-01-01T15:35:00.001+13:00

Yesterday Dad had a guy come and remove some trees and cut some other ones back. He left a hell of a mess. Plus there was heaps of dry leaves that used to sit underneath the trees. I spent an hour outside bagging all the crap. I've now got 23 supermarket bags full of rubbish sitting along next to the front of the house. Guess what Stewart and Nicole are doing later this week when hes got a couple of days off? My arms are now all scratched and itchy.

Nicole got a scholarship!

2008-01-01T15:26:00.001+13:00

Nicole goes to a before school, after school and holiday care program. Early december we went to their Christmas party. They announced they were giving away 3 $300 scholarships to full time attendees. It consisted of a $50 note that the child can spend on whatever they want. And $250 held by the owner in trust for 2008 school, music, sports fees etc.

NICOLE WON ONE!!

She hasn't spend the $50 yet. She is saving up to buy a portable DVD player for her room. The cheapest ones are $200 from the Warehouse. Shes already got the $50 note, $40 Warehouse vouchers, $40 in change and Sofima gave her a $20 note when she left this morning. Plus Stewart's auntie sent a money order for $20AUD which we haven't had a chance to exchange yet.

Nicole's 9th Birthday

2008-01-01T15:22:00.000+13:00

William, Nicole holding Jake, Carrie and Aimee. The two girls stayed the night. I think they finally went to sleep around 11pm :|

Mark's Fish

2008-01-01T15:19:00.000+13:00

My little brother Mark went fishing for the first time whilst he was visiting. He caught two trout. One jumped out of the bucket. But here is the other one!

2007-12-30T20:28:00.001+13:00

A truth

2007-12-29T21:59:00.000+13:00

"You're a priority to me. If you're not happy... I'm fucking miserable!"

Oh what fun

2007-12-29T21:55:00.000+13:00

To be sober amongst a herd of moronically drunk young women. Fuck wits who power scull a couple of bottles of cheap wine then turn into amateur strippers. :|

Its interesting what I see at work...

2007-12-09T21:14:00.000+13:00

A elderly man wearing a sneaker on one foot and a pink ladies jandal on the other.
A dude in his late teens scouring the pavement for cigarette butts, picking them up, lighting and smoking them. EWW!
A woman came in to inquire how much it costs for ear piercing... when informed its $20 she said she'd be better off doing her daughter's ears herself. Great idea, she'd enjoy it so much more with non sterile practices and probably without the necessary equipment by someone who doesn't know what the fuck they're doing.
A middle aged man being arrested by the police over the road. It took 3 cops to get the handcuffs on him and into the car. He fought them all the way.
A woman coming into the pharmacy with a cut on her finger going right though to the bone. She wanted a plaster :|
A elderly man coming into the pharmacy with a cut on his hand dripping blood everywhere. On closer inspection it was discovered he'd sliced off part of his hand with a wood working tool. He wanted a plaster too, he got an ambulance instead.
A woman came in wanting a fake tanning product for her face. I told her only Loreal had a specific product for the face. She was really rude and bought a Nivea body fake tanning product instead. A week later she was back, turns out the Nivea didn't work so good on the face. She was nice as pie, went home with the Loreal product I originally showed her.
A very young teenage boy was loitering around the hair products looking very uncomfortable. When approached he sheepishly asked whether we sell the Emergency Contraceptive Pill. I asked him who its for and he answered his girlfriend. I told him his girlfriend needed to come into the pharmacy to speak with the pharmacist as he needed to ask her about menstrual cycles and the like. This seemed to embarrass the poor kid even further. So I suggested if she didn't feel comfortable coming in to talk to the pharmacist that she go to either the family planning clinic or the sexual health clinic at the hospital. I hope they did actually do something, crossing your fingers and hoping for the best isn't always the best move.
A guy didn't like the fact he had to pay $3 for his prescription so started spouting a whole heap of 'Heil Hitler' and 'Seig Heil' shit. He left without paying and without his medication.

A woman came in with a prescription for asthma pumps. The particular one she wanted requires a specialist number. Her specialist number had expired. The pharmacist could only dispense one pump as an emergency dose. She was told to ring her doctor and ask him to reapply for the specialist number and once that number was provided the pharmacy would dispense the rest of her pumps. She thew a hissy fit. A couple of hours later she came back with her husband. He yelled abuse at the pharmacist, threatened to go to the newspaper and created quite a scene. We ended up calling the police and got a trespass notice served on him.

And thats only with three weeks full time working. Theres some weird and wonderful people in Tauranga!!

An ecard I recieved that made me smile

2007-12-05T21:11:00.000+13:00

My one and only love,
our hearts soar and hover,
a reflection of each other
for all eternity.

My baby girl is a Senior now

2007-11-14T20:42:00.001+13:00

Nicole had her Girls Brigade badge ceremony last night. Shes been attending Girls Brigade since she was 4.5 years old. Even though the usual starting age is 5. When girls turn 9 they are promoted from Juniors up to Seniors where they stay until they are 13. At 13 they go to Pioneers for 4 years then they're done as 'girls' and can do leadership training if they wish.

Because Nicole has been at brigade since she was 5 she was promoted to Seniors with all 4 of her junior stars. The first year they get their blue, then their green, their red then finally their gold. Say a girl starts when shes 8 she only spends one year in juniors and only gets her blue star.

So anyways Nicole was very excited to get her gold star and to be promoted to seniors. She did get a bit sad when she realized that Mrs Steele would no longer be the leader working with her anymore though.

Birfdays

2007-11-12T21:46:00.000+13:00

Twas my birthday last Monday the 5th November. Pretty much a non event really. I had class in the morning, an exam (which I passed with 100% thus enabling me to pass the whole course with merit) in the afternoon. I then went home, cooked tea and that was about it.

Stewart = Prison Break 2 series on DVD
Nicole = made me a card and a picture to hang on the wall
Dad and co = Ecard and cash
Michael = text
John = text
Suzanne = text
Jimmy = Ecard
Manu = text
Stewart's Aunty Denise = phone call

Shit, my Christmas card list is tiny this year!!!

Whatever happened to cardboard cards? How come people don't do them anymore? Tis a shame, I always used to get satisfaction from seeing them all lined up along the wall.

Nails and tears

2007-11-12T21:40:00.000+13:00

Nicole has been a nail biter since she was about 3. It all started when she used to go to daycare. The daycare put the younger children down for afternoon naps. Around this time Nicole grew out of needing to take naps. She then used to lie on her bed chewing her fingernails off to entertain herself. Once I realized this was happening I asked the daycare to stop putting her down for naps. But too late, the habit was formed.

About a month ago I was doing manicures as part of my course. One day I practiced on Nicole (and Stewart minus the nail polish). Since that day she hasn't bitten her nails at all. They are getting quite long. Today disaster struck. She broke a nail for the first time EVER! She was so upset. Reluctantly she let me cut it before it tore and hurt her.

Some people make me laugh

2007-11-02T22:21:00.000+13:00

People who have emails with their boyfriend/girlfriend's names in them. eg someone loves someone or someones babygirl etc. ARE WE 12 YEARS OLD???

Thanks...

2007-11-02T22:12:00.000+13:00

I must send my thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat poop in the glue on envelopes because I now use a wet towel with every envelope that needs sealing.
Also, now I scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.
I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.
I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
I no longer drink Coca Cola because I've learned that it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
I now know that I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face...disfiguring me for life.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive packages from UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.
I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
Thanks to my many internet friends, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.
And thanks to the great advice, I will never pick up $5.00 I dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhoea will land on your head at 5:00 PM this afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbour's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician...
Have a wonderful day....

Grease is the word?

2007-10-27T23:32:00.000+13:00

I discovered the other day that Nicole hadn't ever seen the movie Grease. Tonight we hired it and Nicole, Abbey and Jaimee watched it whilst I gave them manicures. Abbey will probably be the only 9 year old at her school with a french manicure. It looks good though.

Oh... I got a merit pass on my manicure/pedicure practical assessment!

WWE Superstar Ink

2007-10-27T23:29:00.000+13:00

Current WWE Superstars talk about their tattoos and their meanings.

The final countdown

2007-10-21T22:10:00.000+13:00

No, not the 1986 Europe song. Though I must admit I liked that song.

Only 4 more weeks of tech left. I have two assessments yet to sit. The first is manicures and pedicures and diseases of the nails and the second is home health care. We've started the manicure/pedicure unit. Its hard going as we have to learn all the diseases of the nails, their causes and how to treat them. We also have to know the anatomy, bones, muscles, and arteries of the arms and legs. This is one exam I am going to have to study for.

We've done one manicure and pedicure in class so far. This weekend I practiced on my lovely volunteers Stewart and Nicole. This coming week we have old people from one of the local rest homes, students from one of the other tech courses and women from the women's refuge. Then we have to provide our own models for our assessments on Friday. My friend Suzanne has graciously agreed to come along and let me loose on her nails.

We were told this week that the technicians course has been canned by the Polytechnic. So next year my options are:
1. Get a job as a trainee technician and do the papers though correspondence.
2. Get a job as an assistant and forget about doing the technician papers for now.
3. Enroll in A.I.T and commute to Auckland to study. (Not a happening thing)
To be honest I'm kind of inclined to go with option two for now. I want money. I want to be the best assistant out there.

One of the technicians at the place I work spoke to me last week. She said I'm the most clued up Assistant shes seen come though there business in a long time. She also said that if I wanted to be up skilling within the industry, that that business was not the place for me. She said I should apply to one of the more progressive life pharmacies. I must admit I really enjoyed working at Bayfair Life Pharmacy a few months ago.

2007-10-15T16:17:00.000+13:00

6 QUESTIONS:

George Bush goes to a primary school to talk to the kids to get a little PR. After his talk he offers question time.

One little boy puts up his hand and George asks him his name.

"Stanley," responds the little boy.

"And what is your question, Stanley?"

"I have 4 questions:

First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN? Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes? Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?" Fourth, why are we so worried about gay-marriage when 1/2 of all Americans don't have health insurance?

Just then, the bell rings for recess. George Bush informs the kiddies that they will continue after recess .

When they resume George says, "OK, where were we? Oh, that's right, question time. Who has a question?"

Another little boy puts up his hand. George points him out and asks him his name.

"Little Johnnie" he responds.

"And what is your question, Little Johnnie?"

"Actually Sir, I have 6 questions:

First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN? Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes? Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden? Fourth, why are we so worried about gay marriage when 1/2 of all Americans don't have health insurance? Fifth, why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early? And sixth, what the F ..... happened to Stanley?"

LETS GO RACCCCIIIINNNNGGGG!

2007-10-14T00:11:00.000+13:00

Baypark speedway season starts next Saturday! I can't believe how much I'm looking forward to it!

Nikki and Mark's Wedding last weekend

2007-10-14T00:04:00.001+13:00

The wedding cake that I was responsible for with the kind assistance from a friend ex-Playcentre.

The happy couple. The bride is 19 and the groom is 20. Together they've got two sons: Jarrel who'll be 2 in January and Jeremy who'll be 1 in January. Nikki and Mark have been together for nearly 5 years.

Fake tan/ Real itch

2007-10-09T21:22:00.001+13:00

Argh! I bought some of this stuff to make my pasty pale legs and shoulders brown so I could wear a sexy dress for a family friend's wedding on Saturday. It worked well, I was nice and tanned.

But by Sunday the rash had started. It started on my legs and progressed everywhere. Its so fucking itchy!

I rang the Garnier helpline. The women was really helpful, she said my reaction is very rare. They are going to reimburse me for the product and for my medical costs because it got so bad I had to go to the doctors!

The active ingredients are:
Alcohol Denat, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dihydroxyacetone, Cyclopentasiloxane, DI-C12 Alkyl Tartrate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Tocopherol, Hydroxyisolhexyl 3-Cyclohexene, Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Alpha-Isomethylionone, Gernaniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Citral, Punus Armeniaca, Apricot Kernal Oil, Coumarin, Parfum/Fragrance (FILC21606/1)

FOR SALE

2007-10-09T16:53:00.000+13:00

Half price All Black's jerseys. BONUS... Buy a All Black's jersey and get a Holden jacket for FREE!

3 Little Monkeys?

2007-09-29T20:37:00.000+12:00

Nicole and her two school friends Rebecca and Carrie were playing monkeys in the plum tree this afternoon.

Stewart's tattoo

2007-09-26T13:43:00.001+12:00

Happenings

2007-09-22T20:57:00.000+12:00

Busy, busy times of late. I started my Saturday job at Greerton Pharmacy. I've applied for another job at Cherrywood Pharmacy. A friend of mine's mum has recently resigned from there. I've done work experience there, so I think I'm in with a good chance of getting the job.

Brock is healing nicely. Its been just over 4 weeks since his operation. I've got an appointment to take him back to the vet on Monday for xrays to check the healing. For the past couple of days we've been letting him out of his cage for half an hour or so to walk around the house. This morning however he decided that it might be a good idea to jump out one of the top floor windows. Fortunately I grabbed him before he was able to try it.

I've passed my big Cosmetology assessment with a merit. I've received merit passes for all my work experience rotations. I've passed most of my Pharmacy units with 100% marks. So all is looking possible for me to pass the whole course with merit. I'm also looking at top student.

We've just started two weeks holiday. The second week I'm working at my cleaning job. I'm working the Saturdays in my new job. And may work at Cherrywood if that job pans out.

Nicole's pediatrician appointment at the hospital is Monday afternoon. The dumbasses have made the appointment in the pediatric diabetes clinic. The clerk who made the appointment obviously doesn't have medical knowledge. What Nicole has is diabetes insipidus which is very different to the more common diabetes mellitis which is all about blood sugar levels, insulin etc. I tried to explain it to the clerk over the phone, but she wasn't getting it. So we'll just go see the doctor and see what he says. At least we'll have a foot in the door.

Stewart is getting his first tattoo on Wednesday. Its a cross with his late grandmother's name on it. I will post some photos of it after its done. The tattooist said I can even have a go. I'm not sure if he was joking. It'll be funny if he wasn't.

Nikki and Mark are getting married on October 6th. I've organized Aimee and Latoya's dresses being altered. And a friend of mine is making their 3 tier wedding cake. I'll post pictures of that occasion too.

Remember.. its all about the naughty nurses and yellow skittles make the world go round.

Christmas Shopping

2007-09-17T22:03:00.000+12:00

I hate it. I've done my Christmas and Birthday shopping for my nieces and many nephews. Their birthdays are all quite near Christmas.
August - Brooklyn 4
November - William 3, Aimee 10 and Nicole's 9th Birthday
December - Letrent 3, Aex 3
January - Latoya 2, Jarell 2, Jeremy 1
March - Jake 1, Mark 10

I only buy the kids presents not the adults. The adults can buy their own. Last year we bought Stewart's immediate family presents too. They didn't acknowledge us. So I'll spend my money on what I want this year.

I have a two part time jobs now. The cleaning one, and Saturday mornings at a Pharmacy.

Me = a very tired girl.

Nick the Dick

2007-09-04T19:03:00.000+12:00

Nicole received an email from her father today. He states hes moved to Wellington and has a new job that is earning him 'heaps' of money. Funny how my child support hasn't gone up at all since he was unemployed.

He also says hes met a woman and they are engaged and getting married in April 08. I'm really not sure how to react to this. Will this mean he'll have other kids with this woman? Will he be a real dad to them? What about Nicole? I doubt hes even told this woman he has a child. I feel sad that Nicole is pretty much forgotten by him and his family. She doesn't deserve this.

Brock on Friday, the day we brought him home

2007-08-28T16:54:00.000+12:00

Family time vs CASH

2007-08-23T21:46:00.000+12:00

I have the opportunity of getting a Saturday morning job as a Pharmacy Assistant. One of the other girls in my class had the job but has handed in her notice as she couldn't handle the volatile moods of the Pharmacist. I'm not really sure I want a job at the weekends as its the time I spend with Nicole, Stewart, Nana and the extended family at times. Plus I must admit I enjoy my sleep ins. Getting up at 6am really gets old after a while. So anyways I said I'd go and meet the Pharmacist and talk with him. It would be a foot in the door and apparently hes looking for a new retail manager and hes not adverse to the idea of someone doing their technician training though his pharmacy. Which may be what I'll have to do as it seems unlikely that the technician program will be run next year though the polytechnic. So maybe I can do this job for the 9 weeks we've got left at polytechnic and hope that he'll be able to take me on full time when I finish in November. Plus with a $1400 vet bill hanging over our head the extra money would come in handy.

Sorry about the long paragraph. I'm beyond tired and really don't care anymore.
Goodnight xx

Inlaws vs Rotorua

2007-08-23T21:17:00.000+12:00

With all the drama regarding the cat I haven't had a chance to type about the in laws visit. They flew into Tauranga a hour late due to bad weather. The landing looked very dodgy, but they made it okay.

On Friday I had to be at work experience, so Stewart took them for a drive around Tauranga and showed them the sights. He also took them to Mills Reef Winery which they enjoyed. That evening my brother's two sons came over. 2.5 year old William was fine, but 5 month old Jake fussed and grizzled. They were supposed to both stay the night, but John and Amber ending up coming to pick Jake up as he kept waking up.

On Saturday we went to Rotorua. We went on the Duck. It was great fun though rather pricey. For lunch we went to the Pig and Whistle pub. I heard about this pub from Oswald on his blog. Everyone enjoyed their lunch. After that we went to Hell's Gate geothermal area. It was raining by then and had gotten rather dark so we power walked around there. Back in Tauranga we went to Wendy's for dinner on the request of Stewart's father and stepmother.

On Sunday we visited my Nana at her rest home then went to Bravo cafe for lunch. It was nice to play adults and eat somewhere that wasn't McDonald's for a change. Then they flew back to Auckland on Sunday evening. They flew out to Toronto via LA on Monday.

Oohh Stewart's getting his first ink! His Dad has given him the money for his first tattoo. Its going to be a cross with a Maori design around it with ribbons across it with his late grandmother's name. We've found a tattooist that we really like. His name is Richard and he owns Gravity Tattoos. When I have the money I want to get mine recolored and look at getting my Chinese symbol. I've also fallen in love with a bird tattoo that one of the Miami Ink guys did. I want to get it altered a bit so that it looks more Maori like. What we like about Richard is he designs his own tattoos following what the customer wants. He gets it perfect before even thinking of putting it on the skin.

Update on Brock

2007-08-23T21:11:00.001+12:00

Brock got transfered to Bethlehem Vets yesterday morning and underwent surgery that afternoon. We visited him yesterday early evening. He was still very groggy from the anesthetic, but recognized us and sat up. The vet has screwed a metal plate to the side of his bone. The vet said everything went well and they're hoping for a full recovery.

This morning I phoned to check on him and they were concerned that he was 'knuckling over' on his broken foot. The vet checked him out and is under the opinion that its temporary as a result of the bruising rather than permanent nerve damage.

I phoned again tonight and was told that he still hadn't eaten. I told the nurse that hes the kind of cat that likes company while he eats, she opened his cage and patted him... AND HE ATE! Good stuff. All things going well we should be able to bring him home tomorrow. He'll be confined to a cage for 6 weeks so he doesn't re break the leg.

My Brocky

2007-08-21T18:41:00.001+12:00

Last night I went downstairs to get ready for bed and found Brock our 10 month old kitten lying on the bedroom floor. I had to step over him to get into the bedroom. He then started rocking backwards and forwards. I watched him thinking that he was acting really strange. He rocked himself into a sitting position and I realised his left front paw was curled under. I picked him up and it hung limply. We put him to bed and took him to the vet first thing this morning.

It turns out hes been hit by a car and has a broken leg. He also has a minor head injury and bruising. So we had decide what to do. Its going to cost $1400 to fix his leg. Or we could have him put down. We've decided to pay the money and get the cat fixed. Hes due to be transfered from our vet to a bigger vets tomorrow morning then undergo surgery in the afternoon. The surgery is expected to take several hours. Everything going well we should be able to bring him home on Thursday afternoon or Friday. Hes going to need 6 weeks of total cage rest. Hes not going to be a happy kitty. But at least hes alive.

It was a tough decision and after my experience with Cindel, I'm really hoping we made the right decision for Brock.

2007-08-19T13:29:00.000+12:00

Is this me?

2007-08-12T11:28:00.001+12:00

Your Expression Number is 7

Very intelligent, you are usually thinking, introspecting, or analyzing.
You have a good mind, and you are especially good at finding out the truth.
Very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding.

You tend to obsess over wisdom and hidden truths.
You are likely to become a authority on any subject you undertake.
Operating on a different wavelength, most people don't know you that well.

Very logical and rational, at times you tend to lack emotion.
So much so, that you often have times coping with emotional situations.
You are not very adaptable - you may tend to be overly critical at times.

What's Your Expression Number?

Whos this?

2007-08-03T22:16:00.001+12:00

smtp.foodstuffs.co.nz (Telecom New Zealand Ltd)

Mhm thats it

2007-08-03T21:19:00.000+12:00

I bought a crockpot today! Its something I'd been considering for a while now. When I get home in the evening I hate having to stand around cooking dinner. This way I'll be able to put the food on to cook slowly during the day and it'll be all ready to eat when I get home. Some of the women at tech have them and swear by them.

I've found out why I'm always so exhausted. Blood tests have shown that I'm anemic. Now that I've got iron supplements, things should get better. I looked so tired yesterday morning that my tutor tried to send me home. I shouldn't be tired, I'm in bed before 10pm most nights. Its very weird and I hate it.

I've cruised though my last three unit standards at tech with minimum effort. I don't like it and its not normal for me. But it feels like its all I can manage at the moment. I'm not failing by a long shot, but I'm not doing my best. I know part of it is my total frustration and annoyance at a group of silly little 16-17 year old bitches who are in my class. They swan in several hours late, leave whenever the hell they like, don't show up half the time and when they do they sit their chatting with their buddies disrupting everyone else. But the thing that really pisses me off is when the tutor has to go back over stuff we've already covered just because they 'didn't get it'. Hello...IF YOU WERE HERE AND WERE LISTENING THE FIRST TIME, YOU WOULD HAVE GOT IT! They're selfish, rude, spoilt little cows. Theres one who regularly parks in the handicapped spaces and has received at least 3 tickets this year. Her father pays them!!! What a stupid man, hes bringing up another Paris Hilton. God help our city.

My nose is sore. Stewart and I were fooling around as you do. I bit him and went to push me away and ended up banging me on the nose. Don't get me wrong, he didn't hit me and it definitely wasn't on purpose. But it did bleed a little bit and is quite ouchy!

The in-laws are coming! They arrive in 2 weeks time. They're staying for 3 nights then flying off to America and Canada for 3 months. I'm not sure they approve of me, still, but its going to be interesting.

About Nicole... turns out she had a chest infection as well as a cold! On antibiotics now and feeling much better. The doctor was very responsive and is referring her to a paediatrician at the hospital. He also wanted a urine sample to be sent to med lab for testing. We did that yesterday. Nicole wasn't happy about doing it, but I promised to buy her some lollies if she just did it.

Bedtime
Night night xx

Diabetes Insipidus

2007-07-30T22:29:00.000+12:00

Last week I had a rather square and opinionated old Pharmacist as my tutor. For some reason the subject of diabetes insipidus came up. I mentioned that Nicole has it and it runs right though her father's family. The Pharmacist was pretty surprised that Nicole isn't on Vasopressin. He told me to go back to my doctor and request a referral to a specialist called a endocrinologist. They treat hormone disorders which this apparently is.

So... wish me luck. I'm going to do battle with our new doctor. Hopefully this one will not try to fob me off. Her face is so dry at the moment, which is a symptom of the disease. Not nice for a little girl. Especially as shes allergic to most of the moisturizing creams we've tried.

I've even emailed her father asking for more information. I know he'll not know much, but I'm hoping he'll care enough to ask other members of his family. Theres a lot of them who have this blasted disorder. I wonder what would happen if I called his father myself >:) All hell would break lose, probably. Its an option though.

You Dirty, Dirty People!

2007-07-30T22:26:00.000+12:00

I see you people web searching for animal sex sites! You should be ashamed of yourself! And how come most of you are from Korea? You give your country a BAD name!

Clearing out the clutter.

2007-07-12T11:30:00.000+12:00

While Stewart's away, other than working on my tech assignment and doing the school holiday things with Nicole... I've been doing some clearing out and tidying up. The other day I found a whole stack of old disks. They included old cyber convos and a whole bunch of xxx pictures that people had sent me. I didn't see any point in keeping them. Plus, as they were from before my relationship with Stewart, I'd rather he didn't find them and look. So they all got cut up and will go out with the rubbish tonight.

My assignment is coming along nicely. There's a few things I need to research at a Pharmacy, and some things I can't really do until we've actually covered them next week. This assignment has taken me a long time to really get into. Though once I was on a roll, it went well. I'm not looking forward to my exam on this subject which is on Friday next week. It'll be okay though.

Stewart will be back tonight. Hes been in Australia visiting his family for the last 8 days. He also went to the hospital and has the checkup he missed back in November because he was here. Everything is looking good. Hopefully he won't have a recurrence.

Kulim Park

2007-07-12T11:13:00.000+12:00

Its been raining and cold here for most of the last two weeks. On Sunday there was one rare sunny (yet cold) day. Aimee was staying and I wanted to get out of the house and get some fresh air. We went and picked up young William, packed a picnic and walked down to the local park. There we met my friend Suzanne and her youngest two children Abbey (9) and Jaimee (6).

We were there for close to 4 hours. The kids had a great time. They got covered in mud from rolling down a hill. I took William home at around 3pm. He asked to be put to bed! The others came back to our house for another hour or sos play. I text William's mum Amber at 5.30pm who said he was STILL asleep, but they had had a very peaceful afternoon.

Nicole and Aimee went to bed at 7.30pm that night. Which is pretty early for the school holidays. And I turned everything off at 8.30pm, took a nice hot shower, and was in bed by 9.15pm. I went straight to sleep and slept right through. Which was the first time since Stewart's been away!

Shrek 3

2007-07-12T11:09:00.001+12:00

A few weekends ago we were minding my 2.5 year old nephew William for the night. I decided to take us all to see Shrek 3. We'd been wanting to see it since it came out, and it sounded like something the kids would enjoy. William had never been to a movie before. He sat quietly watching for the first hour or so, then got a bit restless. I produced his bottle and he cuddled up to me watching the rest of the movie quite content.

As for the movie... it was good. But the first one was better!

Bridge to Terabithia

2007-07-12T10:55:00.000+12:00

On Monday Nicole, Aimee and I went to see this movie. It was definitely not as I'd expected. I expected it to be about the kid's adventures in Terabithia. It wasn't though, it was about the kids friendship and their use of imaginative play helping them deal with their day to day lives. Pretty much the scenes of Terabithia seen in trailers are all that there are in the whole movie. It was very sad for a kids movie too.

Kevin Bloody Wilson

2007-07-12T10:38:00.000+12:00

It was Stewart's birthday last month. For it I bought he and I tickets to see Kevin Bloody Wilson, an Australian singer, comedian and king of bad humour and dirty jokes. Stewart's been a fan of his for a long time. We were treated to songs like 'You can't say cunt in Canada', 'His cocks got ribs' and 'DILLIGAF'. DILLIGAF means Do I Look Like I Give A Fuck? Which is a saying Stewart has picked up on.... :|

Stewart bought a tour shirt and after the show Kevin was autographing them. By mistake Kevin signed it 'Wilson Bloody Wilson' so he gave Stewart another shirt for free. I was impressed. Stewart now has two shirts. If it was any big name rock star or something who'd done the same, I doubt whether they'd have replaced it.

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

2007-07-10T15:18:00.001+12:00

1. If you are choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down
your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.

2. Avoid cutting yourself slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold
while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the
sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a
few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a
timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from
rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be
afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't
move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct
tape.

8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

Daily Thought: Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything,
but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

I've grown weary.

2007-07-06T09:06:00.000+12:00

Weary of defending someone I care about to people who choose to go behind his back and fuck up his hard work when they know hes away. Then attack me on a personal level rather than be open to my points. Then to be dismissed as a 'bitch' by the person I'm defending in an attempt to placate the ones I'm defending him against. Fuck the whole damn lot of you. If I knew how to delete the whole fucking place, I would.

I knew reading to her from an early age was a good idea!

2007-06-30T13:46:00.000+12:00

I went to Nicole's parent teacher interview on Thursday. Her teacher had the results of the first nationwide test sat by Nicole. Turns out she is in the top 4% of children in New Zealand for reading. The teacher has never seen a child with such high scores in all her years teaching!

I'm sooooooooo tired

2007-06-26T21:21:00.000+12:00

Work experience at Brookfield Pharmacy last week sucked major donkey cock. They wanted someone to clean their fucken shop while they stood around gossiping and did each other's hair and eyebrows. What a fucking waste of time.

We're doing cosmetic services at the moment. I'm wearing 'day make-up' applied by one of my classmates. It looked good when it was originally put on. But now it looks like a cross between a hooker and a raccoon. My eyes are damn sore too. I knew there was a reason I don't wear makeup regularly.

A good idea or an invasion of privacy?

RIP Ariana

2007-06-14T21:46:00.000+12:00

A Christchurch man who stabbed his ex-partner to death in front of her toddler has been jailed for life with a minimum non parole period of 15 years.

24-year-old Ariana Burgess was stabbed to death in her car last September after being abducted from a house at knife-point.

21-year-old Tony Brian Norman admitted kidnap and murder charges, telling police he suspected Ms Burgess of infidelity.

The court heard that Norman suffered from severe personality disorder and lacked the self control of a normal person.

He was also sentenced to nine years for kidnapping and three years for aggravated burglary.

Ariana was a friend of a friend. As well as having the 2 year old little girl, she has a 8 year old son.

I GOT A SCHOLARSHIP!!!

2007-06-14T13:37:00.001+12:00

I saw this in the newspaper several months ago and wrote up an application, then didn't hear anything for ages so pretty much forgot about it. Then yesterday I had a phone call from Maryella Wakelin telling me I'd been successful. The scholarship is for $1000. There were 30+ applicants. I am one of only four successful.

The criteria was wide. Applicants had to be in their first year of study in a health related industry. We had to provide details of our age, current and professional qualifications, current studies, employment history and future goals.

When Stewart was awarded his scholarship I was talking to the lady who administrates all the scholarships for the Polytechnic. She said shes amazed at the amount of applications that come in with long suck up letters begging the committee to give the individual a scholarship, yet none of the details asked for provided. How hard is it to read what information they are asking for and provide it?

Ha! Theres Emma's guide to writing scholarships. In my lifetime I've applied for three, and have given them everything they ask for in a well written and presented format. And all three applications have been successful!

Note: Some details have been blacked out to protect privacy.

Aging

2007-06-14T13:31:00.001+12:00

My Dad came to visit for a few days. He is aging so much lately. His mobility is much decreased. Even his driving is now scary as he can't turn his head fully to look properly. It makes me sad to see him like this.

High School Musical

2007-06-14T11:50:00.000+12:00

Nicole LOVES the Disney movie High School Musical. On Saturday night Nicole, Stewart and I went to see High School Musical as a stage show. We all enjoyed it. It was really well done. It had the same storyline as the movie, but had some slight alterations to the scenes to make it work on stage. All the singers were amazing.

It was put on by my old high school Otumoetai College. Every year they do a drama play in the first term, and a huge musical in the second term. In the past I've been to see quite a few of their musicals. They always seem to do a good job of it. I can remember seeing Chess, Little Shop of Horrors, Fiddler on the Roof and I'm sure there have been others.

Wheres the emails?

2007-06-13T10:32:00.000+12:00

Re: the phone call Stewart got when I was out.

Hangovers n stuff

2007-05-27T21:22:00.000+12:00

Have you ever drunk so much that you've done something dumb?

Well that happened to me on Friday night last week. One of the girls from tech held a Sex Toy Party. Everyone drank heaps. And being women we got a bit bitchy about some of the other girls in our course. I said some stuff that I probably shouldn't have.

We then went into town. First time I've been dancing in ages. I was the first to leave. My nice warm bed sounded like the better deal. From the stories I heard, things got real interesting after I left. I'm glad I went home.

About the same time I went home a 20 year old guy was killed by two boyracers having a race. News story. It was pretty sad. But something like this was going to happen. Shit happens when you aren't in control. The majority of Stewart's mechanics class attended this guy's funeral.

Saturday was pretty much a write off. I haven't been that crook in a while.

Oh, Stewart passed his Restricted Drivers License test. We just have to wait until Land Transport make a decision on his exemption. Hopefully he'll be able to immediately sit his Full License.

I had an overseas phone call this afternoon thats confused me.

Spiderman 3

2007-05-20T22:16:00.001+12:00

We went to the cinema and saw this movie tonight. I found it okay. Not really my thing. Stewart enjoyed it and thought it was better than the first two movies. He didn't remember a sandman being in the comics though. I wouldn't know, I've never read any Spiderman comics.

Night at the Museum

2007-05-20T22:09:00.000+12:00

We saw this on DVD the other night. Its an awesome DVD. Ben Stiller is very funny as the main character and the way they make the dinosaur in particular come to life is awesome. We all enjoyed it. And it wasn't too scary for Nicole who's very sensitive to scary movies.

Firefox!!

2007-05-12T19:26:00.000+12:00

Arial Photo of Nicole's School

2007-05-09T10:08:00.001+12:00

Burnout Competition

2007-05-09T09:55:00.000+12:00

On Saturday afternoon we went to a Burnout competition organized by Simply Sideways Car club. It was held in the pit area at BayPark Speedway. This car was disqualified because he hit the barriers, kept going after being told to stop, then did some more burnouts in the back area. In the end he got banned from BayPark and the police got called to remove him. Haha what a chump!

Brock!

2007-05-04T08:55:00.000+12:00

Kia Ora

2007-05-04T08:32:00.000+12:00

As promised I took a photo of my skin model assignment. Its due on Tuesday next week, we have Monday off to finish them. Mines been finished for two weeks now. Day off!!! Yay! Though we've already been given several other pieces of work to do this term. And I've got a day and a half to catch up on from this week when I was with Nana.

Nana had two falls on Monday. The rest home got the doctor to come see her who diagnosed a chest infection. On Tuesday I had another phone call at tech saying they were sending her up to the hospital because her chest had gotten worse and she was now unable to weight bear on her right (non hemi) foot and they suspected a fracture. So I left tech and went with her to hospital. We got there around 3pm, she was finally admitted into a ward at 9.30pm and I got home at 10pm. At the moment the hospital radiographers are having a strike, so are only working between 9-5pm unless its life or limb threatening. Its taken until Thursday 4pm to get an xray of Nana's right foot. And because the doctors do rounds in the morning, she has to wait till today to hear the results. Other than that she seems okay. Not happy about being there, but what choice does she have? I hope shes gets better soon.

On Monday I was stuck at home because Stewart took the car to work and it was pouring with rain. I happened to look out of the window at one point and saw a Kereru. Kereru are native New Zealand wood pigeons. I think they're endangered, and to see one in a urban area is very unusual. I've only ever seen them in the bush. This bird was about the same size as our 6 month old kitten Brock.

Along with all the other drama that happened this week Brock was booked in for his neuter surgery. This happened on Tuesday. It went smoothly and he was ready to be picked up at around lunch time. We've kept him quiet the rest of the week, with today the first day hes been allowed out of the bathroom to roam around for any length of time, this is because I'm home.

Stewart passed the first part of converting his Australian drivers license to a Kiwi one. First he had to do the written test, and because hes only held his Australian license for 18 months, he has to do a practical drive. This is booked for later this month. That will give him a restricted license. Normally he'd have to have his restricted license for 18 months before he is eligible to apply for a full license, but because he's had the Australian license for 18 months hes going to apply for an exemption. This will take into account the time hes had the Aussie license. And allow him to apply for his full Kiwi license straight away. Well, thats the plan. Hopefully hes granted the exemption.

Yesterday I realized that Stewart and I have been together for exactly 2 and a half years. Wow...

For Fucks Sake....

2007-04-13T18:28:00.000+12:00

Out of the blue I received an email for Nicole from her father. He is full of excuses as to why hes not been in contact for the past three years, and lots of promises of keeping in touch etc. He has big stories about how hes got some big deal job in a events promotion company. Why is he only paying me $62/month child support then? I feel a need to call Inland Revenue on Monday to make sure they have his correct employers details.

I haven't shown Nicole the email yet. Shes not overly fussed about him. Hes never really been around for her to develop a relationship with. I guess I'll show her the email and let her decide what she wants to do from here.

HOLIDAYS!!

2007-04-07T10:53:00.000+12:00

Finally! Its the holidays! The 8 weeks of tech have gone quickly. The 7th week I spent on my first week of work experience. It went well. I even got to pierce a teenage girl's ear!! I'm having second thoughts about doing the technician course next year though, the technicians at the place I did work experience at weren't treated well.

Oh... for those who don't know I'm currently doing a Pharmacy Assistant and Cosmetology Qualification. I didn't think I'd be particularly interested in the Cosmetology part of the course. We started that part in week 8. I found it interesting. Who'd have guessed! Over the holidays I've got to do a skin model project. Up top is a photo of one of the models made last year. Thats the kind of thing I have to do. I'll take a picture of mine when I'm finished.

Stewart is doing well in his Automotive Mechanics course too. Hes passed all his assessments so far with good marks. Hes really enjoying his work experience.

Another Nephew!

2007-03-21T10:03:00.000+12:00

Congratulations to my brother John and his partner Amber, along with big brother William on the birth of Jake. Hes a huge baby at 10lb 6oz. All doing well. He was born on Friday 16th March at a little after 8am.

We had William to stay at our house that night. Hes 2 years, 4 months. It was interesting... He was a good boy though.

Pretty as a picture

2007-03-14T11:19:00.000+13:00

I went for a long walk along the beach today. I took this picture with my cell phone. Theres a flock of ducks feeding from something in the little area of water in the middle of the picture. There were alot of them.

The beach looked really beautiful too. The tide was out. It was quite windy though. I just smiled to myself and thought about my laundry blowing on the line.

Wild Hogs

2007-03-14T08:15:00.000+13:00

The other day we went and saw this movie. It had a great cast of actors in it. It was very funny. It was weird seeing John Travolta with a middle aged chest!

The Marine

2007-03-14T08:10:00.000+13:00

About a month or so I entered a competition to win tickets to the John Cena movie The Marine. I won a double pass. On Friday night we went to see it. It was set in America, yet obviously shot in Australia with a lot of eucalyptus trees in the background. The movie itself was okay. But I'm glad I didn't pay money to see it. We left the cinema with a 'was that it??' kind of feeling.

Nicole's new glasses.

2007-03-10T13:34:00.000+13:00

Its official! Nicole needs to wear glasses. Shes significantly short sighted. She has to wear her glasses when shes in class, to watch tv, and basically any time she needs to see distances. They cost $320. I asked the outlaws for help with the cost, they didn't even bother getting back to me with a no. Fuck them. We've been fine without them this long, we don't need them.

Busy, Busy!

2007-03-03T22:49:00.000+13:00

A week ago we had a power cut at about 2am Saturday morning. Stewart was using the computer at the time. The next morning we discovered the computer had been fried in a power surge. Took it into the computer shop and they investigated to discover that only the power supply was damaged. Whew! It only cost $180 to fix. I've made a complaint to Trustpower asking them to pay the $180. I think its their responsibility that the power surged like that.

On Saturday Nicole went and stayed at her sister's house whilst Stewart and I drove to Auckland to watch WWE Smackdown Road to Wrestlemania show. It was awesome. We had great seats right on the entrance ramp. I was close enough to touch C. M. Punk! I got a bit pissed off with a lot of other people who stood on their chairs though. I'm terrified of heights and refused to even think about standing on my chair.

I've been at tech for 3 weeks now and are starting to get used to the routine. We have to get up at 6am and be out of the house at about 7.25am because Stewart starts at 8am. On weeks that I work we're not home until 6pm. Its a really long day. I've had one assessment that I've not heard my marks for yet. I have my first major exam on Monday. Its on Legislation. I'm not looking forward to it, but think I've got a pretty good handle on the subject. I just need to find the time tomorrow to spend a couple of hours going over my notes and revising.

Don't mind my rambling, I'm very tired. We've spent 3 hours last night and 6 hours today at a communication course. Then went to the Speedway. Nicole fell asleep on my lap and we left before the final race. Something I'd NEVER normally think of doing.

I'm going to become an Auntie again within the next two or so weeks. My brother John's partner Amber is due with their second son. Exciting stuff. I love other people's baby's, I can give them lots of cuddles and then give them back when they start to cry or need their nappy's changing.