tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25686980442570830332024-03-13T15:50:03.167+08:00Sorting Everything InsideClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-81337127419118213232011-03-28T11:39:00.006+08:002011-03-28T14:57:54.665+08:00When life gives you lemons...Part 3 at last!The rest of Christmas day came and went in a blur of tests and visitors and that night I happily fell asleep and slept like an absolute log until sunrise. Shortly after the breakfast trolley had rattled its way around the ward I was visited by the "theres no tumor" doctor and the consultant neurologist of the ward, Dr Blacker. They each pulled up a chair and sat themselves down all the while asking how I was feeling etc, the usual chitchat of doctors. Dr Blacker then wanted to go over the MRI and Lumbre Puncture results with me and explained that the findings picked up in both were that of what they usually saw in people with Multiple Sclerosis. He went on to explain this, that and the other and I sat there totally oblivious to what they were, in the nicest possible way, trying to tell me. Out of the whole "the findings picked up in both were that of what they usually saw in people with Multiple Sclerosis" sentence, the word my brain had decided to focus on was "<em>usually</em>". I can't really remember when in the conversation the penny finally dropped for me but I remember there being a pause, at which point I said "so are you saying I have Multiple Sclerosis?" When I received an affirmative answer I swear the whole world just stopped momentarily. There was no sound, I could not speak, I could barely breath. Then came the tears. I cried whilst the doctors sat there in uncomfortable silence. I looked up to see Dan and Kye standing in the doorway, the smile on Dans face instantly replaced with a look of concern. Quickly wiping away my tears I patted my lap and beckoned Kye over to come sit with me. Dr Blacker led Dan out of the room to explain what had just happened. I sat holding Kye while he happily chatted away about his Christmas presents and I pretended for all the world that there was nothing wrong, that my world had not just been turned upside down. Dan reappeared in the doorway a short time later looking shocked, I could tell he had been crying and had also wiped away the tears, for Kyes sake but I think mostly for mine. I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on the 25th December 2003. My sweet doctors chose not to tell me until the next day. That afternoon I was started on IV steroids to reduce the inflammed areas in my brain and spine as quickly as possible. The MRI had picked up 8 areas in my brain and 3 to my spine. The steroids seemed to work quite quickly and within a couple of days the complete numbness in my legs was replaced by pins and needles. This was a good thing. I could feel again. In all I spent 6 days in hospital and was home just in time for New Years Eve. It took around 6 weeks but I made an almost complete recovery with some permanent residual weakness in my right leg which I have to this day. It's my lazy leg and foot, the kind of foot that will trip over a blade of grass! I've been lucky...very lucky and apart from living with mainly sensory symptoms like pins and needles, tingles, occasional numbness and fatigue I have not had a major relapse since diagnosis. I do still live with uncertainty however, MS is a buggar like that, it's an unpredictable disease with no known cause and no cure although there are plenty of drugs to help manage the disease now as compared with just 20 years ago. Twice as many women as men are affected and it hits mainly between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age. My diagnosis changed my life in many positive ways, many more positive ways than negative (there are a few!) but it truly helped me to sift through the important and not so important stuff in life, it helped me to let go of some baggage but also to confront and deal with other deeply buried emotional stuff. That is still a work in progress. I am more resiliant and more compassionate and much more patient than I was before MS. Not my ideal Christmas gift but in many ways it has been just that...a gift.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-33608124732230580912010-12-31T14:29:00.002+08:002010-12-31T17:10:07.854+08:00When life gives you lemons Part 2A gentle knock on my hospital room door announced the arrival of 5 or 6 of the "white coat" brigade. Okey dokey, now I was really scared. Why would I, little ole' me, need to be seen by so many doctors? This was starting to look a little too serious for my liking. My stomach started to churn.<br /><br />One of the doctors stepped forward introducing himself as the consultant neurologist on duty that day. I swear to God his introduction nearly made me throw up. I now understood that I was on the neurology ward, the "going's on" of the night before becoming oh so crystal clear. <br /><br />I sat on my bed and tried to answer his questions without falling apart emotionally. There was the distracting whispering back and forth between the other attending doctors after each of my answers and there seemed to be a look of growing concern on the face of the neurologist. I was asked once again to perform a number of physical tasks, failing miserably at each and by then I could no longer hold back the tears. Understatement really. I was a sobbing, crying mess.<br /><br />I didn't ask what the neurologist thought. I don't think I wanted to know or could handle knowing at that point. I was just plain scared.<br /><br />An hour or so later an orderly arrived to take me away for some tests. A chest x-ray to begin with apparently. I don't exactly know why but this freaked me out. Totally. What the hell did a chest x-ray have to do with anything? What were they looking for? I lay on the bed, in the lift and vomited from pure fear. I vomited until I was dry retching and did not care who was there to see or hear it. I have never been that scared in my whole life, before or since. I had now convinced myself that "they" knew what was wrong, that "they" knew I was dying and the chest x-ray would just be confirmation of my demise, confirmation of what "they" already knew.<br /><br />The whole x-ray thing was, as expected by all concerned, an ordeal. I had no sense of balance, had virtually no feeling in my legs and was trying to recover from a 10 minute bout of uncontrollable vomiting, retching and crying. I was scared out of my mind but yet had to stand up, stand still and hold my breath while the x-rays were taken. <br /><br />I'd always thought I would be one of those stoic souls, one of those people that when faced with their own mortality would quietly go about their business without complaint or fear. Yeah right!<br />Apologies to the radiology staff and especially to the poor orderly left mopping up my puke...on Christmas Eve!<br /><br />I was not back in my room long before once again I was taken for tests. An MRI this time.<br />I'd seen these tunnel like machines on many a medical show but had no idea how narrow the "tunnel" actually was. I remember saying something like "well that doesn't look too claustrophobic haha" when I entered the room but had no idea what sort of grief I was about to cause the MRI staff too.<br /><br />Head first into the machine I made it about half way in before having a full on claustrophobic panic attack. I've never really liked small spaces but had no idea just how much until I had my first MRI experience. This was something else entirely.<br />I was pulled out and tried going in feet first instead. Nope.<br />I was put back in head first and was given an oxygen tube to blow cool air on my face. Nope.<br />I'm going to sound like a right royal pain in the arse again but no matter what they tried I just could not go into that machine. Once again I was a hysterical mess and now not only did I feel terrified, I felt guilty and was also bitterly disappointed in myself. I felt I was messing everyone around, wasting their time and now it also meant that I would not be going home. It was Christmas Eve and I would not be with my family.<br /><br />Once back in my room it was confirmed that I would not be going home. An MRI by general anesthetic had been booked for the following morning - Christmas day. My symptoms were progressing at a rapid rate of knots and the MRI was crucial for both diagnosis and treatment.<br /><br />By that evening my speech had begun to slur. I was slurring like a drunk but without the fun bit! I found I could not concentrate for long and would loose my train of thought easily and also began having difficulty finding the right word to use in a sentence. I felt like I was loosing my marbles!<br /><br />My family spent Chistmas Eve with me and I cried for hours after they left. I lay in the dark that night alternating between crying and praying my heart out to a God I hadn't prayed to since I was a kid. A couple of years beforehand the mother of my husbands friend had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and as I lay there it struck me that maybe this is what I had and that absolutely pertrified me. I prayed and prayed and I wheeled and dealed with a God I no longer knew, that if He could spare me from MND I would accept anything else...anything else...just as long as I wasn't going to die. It was a long, long night.<br /><br />Christmas morning finally dawned and once again I was wheeled down to the MRI department. This was it. When I awoke I would know my fate. I felt sick. Again!<br /><br />"There's no tumor" were the first words I heard upon awakening. This was not said to me but in passing from the registrar neurologist whom I'd previously met to someone else in the room. He had a big smile on his face so this was good news. Very good news.<br /><br />I was actually on a high once back in my room. A natural high from sheer relief that the MRI was actually over and that the news was seemingly very good. I relaxed for the first time in days.<br /><br />The "there's no tumor" doctor came to visit me a little later on and explained that the test showed some little areas of inflammation on my brain and spine but not to be concerned, it was treatable and that no, I was not dying (one of my first questions!). This WAS excellent news. Then he informed me that he would be performing a lumbar puncture as my cerebospinal fluid needed to be tested. All par for the course apparently! The idea of having a needle shoved into my spine and having CSF drawn out while I was awake did not thrill me to bits but I really didn't care anymore due simply to the absolute relief I felt that I was not going to die.<br /><br />to be continued...Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-65595390166953429452010-11-29T10:19:00.012+08:002010-11-30T10:41:21.445+08:00When life gives you lemons... Part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h2alKwyisNYOWa8xjsqj6nliY29I9E3-9-ux0EGGRBWUtE0lDapVumdp3HsIoWva5AYjStIsMp0btHq8Z89Fkcx_xPT8Erd8-6d0efi1kRxCoS7E4S4GtYF4Zrjp-4oXciCpEyqujHo/s1600/juice.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544830106847798690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h2alKwyisNYOWa8xjsqj6nliY29I9E3-9-ux0EGGRBWUtE0lDapVumdp3HsIoWva5AYjStIsMp0btHq8Z89Fkcx_xPT8Erd8-6d0efi1kRxCoS7E4S4GtYF4Zrjp-4oXciCpEyqujHo/s320/juice.jpg" /></a><br /><div>About 9 or 10 years ago I noticed something very strange would happen each time I took Kye out for a walk.<br /><br />The area we lived in at the time was very "hilly", so pushing a stroller complete with bag full of all the bit's and bob's you need for a toddler emergency was no mean feat.</div><div><br />I noticed that at about 15 minutes into the walk my little toe on my right foot would go numb, completely numb. Once we were home and I'd had the chance to sit down, cool down and rest for awhile the numbness would dissipate. I really thought that my runners were to blame and swore never to buy cheapies again.</div><div><br />Over the next 2 or 3 years I had quite a few weird little "goings on" like this. There was the time when my right leg had constant pins and needles from my knee down for almost 3 weeks. Then it went away. My right shoulder blade went completely numb too which I was unaware of until one night I asked hubbie if he could scratch an itch on my back I couldn't quite reach. He was scratching away (Heavenly!) and once he reached my shoulder blade the scratching sensation suddenly changed. I couldn't feel it. I could feel the pressure of his finger tips but that was it. The only way to really describe it is to think what it's like when your leg, arm, whatever, goes to sleep, that complete numbness you get just before the pins and needles kick in, that's what it was like.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRjLC2xnt7Coo-15cYYjYsSEfoPdROvsmZYhKZH1NIAWBhI-QKIj-igzU-dhOble6OLstfvOFmsQo83-Rc98DGY8RJer_ynXbB9XG7jf9AtG7Bjm0snZI7B4eD2WX1m1u1Lsc9q7fyNI/s1600/9_out_of_10_doctors_agree_that_tshirt-p2352544389999904703g32_400.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544832858930273506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRjLC2xnt7Coo-15cYYjYsSEfoPdROvsmZYhKZH1NIAWBhI-QKIj-igzU-dhOble6OLstfvOFmsQo83-Rc98DGY8RJer_ynXbB9XG7jf9AtG7Bjm0snZI7B4eD2WX1m1u1Lsc9q7fyNI/s320/9_out_of_10_doctors_agree_that_tshirt-p2352544389999904703g32_400.jpg" /></a> I saw my GP on quite a few occasions, usually something to do with Kye and would casually mention these weird little incidents I was having. Because I'd had a few back problems over the years he would always put it down to that, pinched nerves or whatever and would look at me unsympathetically and blame my "problems" on being overweight and unfit. It was my fault.<br /><br /><div>2 days before Christmas in 2003 hubby and I headed out for a walk with Kye. It was a stinking hot day but we thought if we went early enough the play area at the park would be shaded by the huge Gum trees. Kye could have a little fun before the heat of the day got too much.</div><br /><div>In the days preceeding this I'd noticed that the numbness in my little right toe had not gone away, it in fact was spreading up and over my foot. By the time we made it to the park I was feeling slightly odd, a bit spacey, not quite with it. I sat myself down under the shade of the trees while watching hubby and Kye play. I was rubbing my foot with my hand and noticed that this numbness had started to creep up my leg. I was now worried. This was not normal, this wasn't going away, this was getting worse.</div><br /><div>I phoned my Mum (as you do) when we got home and told her what was going on. She was immediately concerned and told me to make an appointment with my GP for that day. If I didn't do it, she would. She was going to phone me back in 5 minutes to make sure the appointment had been made. So I made it. If I've learnt anything over the years it's not to argue with my Mother, alway's a losing battle! My usual GP was not available however, so the appointment was made to see another, one I had not seen before.</div><br /><div>My appointment wasn't until about 5.30pm so we had the day to kill and so we headed off to the local outdoor swimming pool for a dip. As I lowered my legs into the cool water I realised that my left leg felt the sensation of the water for what it was...cold. My right lower leg seemed to think that the water was hot. I was instantly scared and amazed at the same time.</div><br /><div>I headed off to the doctor's later that day, the numbness now having slowly crept right up to my knee. I was feeling nervous and also a bit silly. What if this is my fault? After all, I'm overweight and unfit.</div><br /><div>As I drove I realised that my left foot was not fully co-operating on the clutch whilst changing gears. Every time I had to hold my foot down on the clutch it would go into, what I can only describe as a spasm. Thank God the medical centre was only 5 minutes drive away.</div><br /><div>The wait wasn't long and the man who was about to become my GP for life (God bless his little socks) called my name. I explained what had been going on and he listened intently.</div><div>I described the drive there and my misbehaving foot and he had me hop up onto the exam' bed. He pressed his whole hand against the bottom of each of my feet in turn. Each time he did so both would go into full spasm. He then explained that he was about to phone through to the emergency department of Sir Charles Gardner Hospital to tell them to expect me. He spoke directly to the Head of that department, explaining his findings and my history, age, etc and all was arranged. I was to go straight home, grab my hubby, arrange a baby sitter and <strong>be driven</strong> straight to the hospital. Bloody Hell, I remember thinking, it's from one extreme to the other in this medical centre. He explained that when I got to the hospital they would more than likely run tests to see if I <strong>a.</strong> <em>had a tumor</em> <strong>b</strong>. <em>had MS</em> or <strong>c</strong>. <em>I was in shock by this stage.</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEqTtN-_qBL8bqaHaOgueX38Qln5rtHqPt5ceTnECa9RXwHr6x3DiuLlmUBwy3cpRmVFjLW_HyKwgiyGg1oJ7tUHvehtez8ysF31-AeaE8oPON-GYGNXVygeJJNC_bvafKbyqNX2GyDc/s1600/monkey.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544834623763499586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEqTtN-_qBL8bqaHaOgueX38Qln5rtHqPt5ceTnECa9RXwHr6x3DiuLlmUBwy3cpRmVFjLW_HyKwgiyGg1oJ7tUHvehtez8ysF31-AeaE8oPON-GYGNXVygeJJNC_bvafKbyqNX2GyDc/s320/monkey.jpg" /></a> Stunned, I drove home. By the time I had explained my head spinner of a doctor's appointment to Dan we were both convinced that this doctor was nuts and completely overreacting. Feeling slightly calmer I convinced myself that my back was indeed the culprit. Maybe a nerve was trapped, that's what was causing all this mayhem. Mum arrived to take care of Josh and Kye and we were off.<br /><br /><br /><div>Into the emergency department waiting room which was, as they usually are, a pretty busy place. It didn't take long to be called as they were expecting me (thanks doc) and through we went...to the other side! I was given a bed and told to wait, someone would be with me soon.</div><br /><br /><div>It was around 7pm by this stage. I'd being seen by this one and that one, going over my symptoms again and again. I was poked (literally) with sharp little needles to gauge the numbness that had now crept half way up my thigh and was starting on my left foot. I performed all sorts of balance tests, with eyes open and eyes closed and was soon to discover that I could not stand up with my eyes closed without falling over. </div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZbUi2KJn5ourJaz86TGdcEETU5F7rNJfXcy5yp-rtiJmd9fruGFerqn7R3Dyc7kZadYu1KIMwS4KEHRlC41kVlZkKj82OugLuRzyRep2yr-LrXOsmg4n6_cDOUMqAfMZjPCRyaozfa4/s1600/elephant.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544836116751562738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZbUi2KJn5ourJaz86TGdcEETU5F7rNJfXcy5yp-rtiJmd9fruGFerqn7R3Dyc7kZadYu1KIMwS4KEHRlC41kVlZkKj82OugLuRzyRep2yr-LrXOsmg4n6_cDOUMqAfMZjPCRyaozfa4/s320/elephant.jpg" /></a>At around 11.30pm was told I was being admitted. They needed to perform an MRI but could not do so until the next day. There had been a car accident involving multiple people, the MRI machine was working overtime . Dan went home and I reluctantly stayed. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve I thought, it'll be over and done with just in the nick of time at least.<br /><div>I was transferred to another bed and wheeled down a million corridors and into a lift up to God know's what ward. I was settled in by a lovely nurse and that was that. I was in hospital and it was now officially Christmas Eve and now I was scared, very scared. </div><br /><div>I spent a sleepless night listening to other patients of this ward screaming out, yelling and moaning in what sounded to me like fear and pain which only intensified my own fear. I eventually cried myself into a fitful sleep as the sun rose filling my room with welcoming daylight.</div><div></div><div>The clitter clatter of the breakfast trolley woke me and I sat myself up on the edge of the bed still in disbelief from the horrors of the night before. "Where the hell am I?" I thought.</div><br /><div>I gently placed my feet on the floor soon realising that I felt nothing at all when I did so. The rough carpet under my feet did not compute with my brain. I stood up and took a step forward, then another and realised with shock that I could not properly control what my legs were doing. It felt like there were oranges inside my calf's, they were hard and stiff, my muscles were fully contracted and would not relax, my gait was clumsy and my balance was so off I needed to hold on to anything and everything so as not to fall over on my way to the bathroom. </div><br /><div>Grateful just to make it to the loo without going arse up I sat there in total disbelief. What was happening to me? Jesus Christ, what if I was dying? By now the numbness had made it's way up waist high on my right side and was half way up my thigh on the left side. I could not feel almost half of my body.</div><br /><div>I was about to find out that my bladder was also affected, urination was stop, start, stop, start, stop, start, stop, start.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>My God, I couldn't even <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>pee!</strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div>To be continued...</div><div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-7613639853818430082010-11-26T12:26:00.021+08:002010-11-26T17:05:44.682+08:00So what DO we do all day?<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPdGgC9BVnCbCbwMkh4AYzdulIowwi9HEuggptksRayzbiFlHsitQL470h6UYIQRR6fDDNcO7Bx5jWPxxOFIQ2pD3QrbXxubIh_Av4GTFRFd2g-sPbOnaHArfPduDU-F0b9LT-52eVYA/s1600/PB269174.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543720228241382898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPdGgC9BVnCbCbwMkh4AYzdulIowwi9HEuggptksRayzbiFlHsitQL470h6UYIQRR6fDDNcO7Bx5jWPxxOFIQ2pD3QrbXxubIh_Av4GTFRFd2g-sPbOnaHArfPduDU-F0b9LT-52eVYA/s320/PB269174.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>This used to be our home office area haha - Kye and I have slowly but surely taken over!<br /></strong><br /></span><div align="center">When we first started home schooling I didn't have a bloody clue what to do to be honest. I registered my intent to home school Kye with the Education Department, all was approved and that was that...off you go then, educate your child, teach him from these 8 areas of learning - Maths, English, LOTE, Science, PE, Society and Environment, The Arts and Technology and Enterprise and we'll see you next year... some time...good luck, see ya later!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a-HHoNtN9_nH9RVHy3epN1iSumJHXTcT_Lgy0vydqhI3MIAVvhXo8IMu9fPQ5c7NN114yaf6hOATgHpJSVsPtj612r4SdcyrbT3KZ6ztIzDNONchyphenhyphenEcI-iGYO6ebGi77Db0E1cGImyc/s1600/PB269175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543720410275344418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a-HHoNtN9_nH9RVHy3epN1iSumJHXTcT_Lgy0vydqhI3MIAVvhXo8IMu9fPQ5c7NN114yaf6hOATgHpJSVsPtj612r4SdcyrbT3KZ6ztIzDNONchyphenhyphenEcI-iGYO6ebGi77Db0E1cGImyc/s400/PB269175.JPG" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>What are we doing today? - So Kye know's what's going on and when and to remind us which bloody day of the week it is! </strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></strong><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong> </div><div align="center"><br /></div></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhSspIN92gKzbcmxbUqi5DsgrGxWmsdbb1mcxEWb2MryG_Yf8kHj4QJr1eLVbCXSLtsZsb2TCMFbMznZjs4KYeBTHY9XnD7ap4y3mod2zOdpwR5N5IePejNlsSDYPw9IcOK1FBkjT95s/s1600/PB269180.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543720746607321634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhSspIN92gKzbcmxbUqi5DsgrGxWmsdbb1mcxEWb2MryG_Yf8kHj4QJr1eLVbCXSLtsZsb2TCMFbMznZjs4KYeBTHY9XnD7ap4y3mod2zOdpwR5N5IePejNlsSDYPw9IcOK1FBkjT95s/s400/PB269180.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>The Happy Box - This is full of little notes just for Kye, from me, Dan, Kye's brother Josh and his Nani telling him how much he is loved and exactly why we each think he is so wonderful.</strong></span><br /><br /></p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The first couple of weeks were spent figuring out just where Kye was at. How far behind was he? What were his strengths? What scared him? How could I teach him in a way that built his broken little spirit way, way up again? How could I help him to truly believe in himself like he used to before his self esteem and trust in others was shattered to pieces?</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3h6F2Rx-YchXqMmhXFIk_qFd__qmS2EN5dc3oa6bLbhMWQGwqe9mhQwU0q1mf_VJ0FAgg-w2nLAI8FvKmw0OjiyNVgD0LuGiLeWs8Qt616Melp38CdvXL_aOldsr0XCqe9cOiYoZpbU/s1600/PB269179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543721110790735570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3h6F2Rx-YchXqMmhXFIk_qFd__qmS2EN5dc3oa6bLbhMWQGwqe9mhQwU0q1mf_VJ0FAgg-w2nLAI8FvKmw0OjiyNVgD0LuGiLeWs8Qt616Melp38CdvXL_aOldsr0XCqe9cOiYoZpbU/s400/PB269179.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Used to be my bookcase :)<br /></strong></span><br /></p><div align="center">We've come a long, long way since then. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisOiUGoNDa-nxSpd_oCNya_C0RgDhnVxdsC-18BVxYqPxT1R-Lqstoaw4hIwZpOUo2vlNAkqgPUdG01GIp5_4xpB5kiDPhZRLgiWJaUfWNdKM4CgOgnn0-Pf5Dfem5Q4UvCfjkpFmgRs/s1600/PB269188.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543721790733108226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisOiUGoNDa-nxSpd_oCNya_C0RgDhnVxdsC-18BVxYqPxT1R-Lqstoaw4hIwZpOUo2vlNAkqgPUdG01GIp5_4xpB5kiDPhZRLgiWJaUfWNdKM4CgOgnn0-Pf5Dfem5Q4UvCfjkpFmgRs/s400/PB269188.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">We like bright, happy colours.</span></strong><br /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X2fskUgLY5993GnT6iUb7rinidwjC0a8pGdhhI_hzLqfAfMnKcmaf3JmPJG6EilLYHJYamQkNae08vpQTK5lQKQ3ziTGozZD3Lm5yVu2g8MdK3zqyG-G_7qB0tTf3enghnICE-oNUgk/s1600/PB269192.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543722272912448370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X2fskUgLY5993GnT6iUb7rinidwjC0a8pGdhhI_hzLqfAfMnKcmaf3JmPJG6EilLYHJYamQkNae08vpQTK5lQKQ3ziTGozZD3Lm5yVu2g8MdK3zqyG-G_7qB0tTf3enghnICE-oNUgk/s400/PB269192.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a> <strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Makes life more interesting don't ya think?<br /></p></span></strong><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwpLcM-JSYOPNIZAccch-FmrxN884ujKZvAjDOXl4cJCjddnKK9OaGKAjD4W6uUFfkFoyfeWVj84DSP7XK3XQ_IEAXLL5mgW_xbNZbwscSd20uGjWd3nqd470xFJdpLEVfYPyZG7schw/s1600/PB269190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543722117352539138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwpLcM-JSYOPNIZAccch-FmrxN884ujKZvAjDOXl4cJCjddnKK9OaGKAjD4W6uUFfkFoyfeWVj84DSP7XK3XQ_IEAXLL5mgW_xbNZbwscSd20uGjWd3nqd470xFJdpLEVfYPyZG7schw/s400/PB269190.JPG" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">I wish my school books had looked like this.</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JPKR5yG5UlQv0gCBxu9rnINF8Hyw6VeK2rds_e__fscO49stcZbkjOuxlvLABJUK4EaSOOOz3zFvdu0zCfYgeBNY3aDlds1DjXzkzWp9Sv1PjozJEkE3SacrJkWOoqoShS7ZxDP4cCY/s1600/PB269193.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543722754125749954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JPKR5yG5UlQv0gCBxu9rnINF8Hyw6VeK2rds_e__fscO49stcZbkjOuxlvLABJUK4EaSOOOz3zFvdu0zCfYgeBNY3aDlds1DjXzkzWp9Sv1PjozJEkE3SacrJkWOoqoShS7ZxDP4cCY/s400/PB269193.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Here we are 15 months later, cruising merrily along, the fear of doing the wrong thing by the Education Department is long gone and our learning is now interest based, we do it our way, the way that works and has allowed Kye to shine again and laugh again and to slowly, slowly believe that he is worthy simply because he is here. He is loved and he is safe and he is learning successfully, the fear of failure having been removed. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSbcF9lZQ8qo8rtgymRE06f8yUkfFO5h7aWqYoMOKt76dUIB6Vzoby82UZBU0KQm55Cm0BeQNtE7MwwsreAS-WZH0BSbtI3zqIqd2vikcshsxEcG2D5c8-pU3b2bhh6HbnOceKO2doec/s1600/PB269199.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543723140600333282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSbcF9lZQ8qo8rtgymRE06f8yUkfFO5h7aWqYoMOKt76dUIB6Vzoby82UZBU0KQm55Cm0BeQNtE7MwwsreAS-WZH0BSbtI3zqIqd2vikcshsxEcG2D5c8-pU3b2bhh6HbnOceKO2doec/s400/PB269199.JPG" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:78%;">The Simpsons</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Each square has an mini biography of the character on the front.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">This was a lot of fun. The map in the cen</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">tre is Springfield showing where all the characters live.<br /></div></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmEUPjJ6Xl9-k4f5yrdbieKQBjXIhhjWYo6NbS5yRWNLIrN8Ubc0YTbBCTkOvak_Q2luGhukft4Q2zF4mOqJ7CBuWm5WGQdjbTOwvQZmHvOIJC4-U89z8uJaWnJgc0IFL5ypeZw1DxgI/s1600/PB269200.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543723636774162578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmEUPjJ6Xl9-k4f5yrdbieKQBjXIhhjWYo6NbS5yRWNLIrN8Ubc0YTbBCTkOvak_Q2luGhukft4Q2zF4mOqJ7CBuWm5WGQdjbTOwvQZmHvOIJC4-U89z8uJaWnJgc0IFL5ypeZw1DxgI/s400/PB269200.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Taking care of Kye - This folder deals with emotional health. So so important and so so overlooked in mainstream schooling. What could possibly be more important?</span></strong><br /><br /></p><div align="center">There are no tests to "prove" that he has "memorised" something, we simply do not move on to the next thing until he really gets it, really understands how we came to a particular answer (think Maths here). </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5vwHzB9xjj8By9ruLjxDESoxt5tWKeI2XYPyO3nTcqLlieEORbJqhaepXW07fzu-QLfg7O8uJyeynIe8kPNCHbdaemzykP0rbuWP07dngY_4UDYlxMp3BQupFxd4V9BOUmnPiTx5EKA/s1600/PB269205.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543724608501135874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5vwHzB9xjj8By9ruLjxDESoxt5tWKeI2XYPyO3nTcqLlieEORbJqhaepXW07fzu-QLfg7O8uJyeynIe8kPNCHbdaemzykP0rbuWP07dngY_4UDYlxMp3BQupFxd4V9BOUmnPiTx5EKA/s400/PB269205.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">New York - Kye's nut's about the place!</span></strong><br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center">There's no competitive pressure and there is certainly no belittling in our classroom. </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZodVQ3dFaERx0CX3eAPyb33FYRt3xphMVMdb9S1WHNcRQEGU08qix5Jhz-Pv8LcNHKNObXRcU6r3bfMpfKWPSUbxacCSTw4AHzmL0WruvkaBeoM2IWT3x3WWWHB2AJeHStWbHLhPkHw/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+200.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543725342980208002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZodVQ3dFaERx0CX3eAPyb33FYRt3xphMVMdb9S1WHNcRQEGU08qix5Jhz-Pv8LcNHKNObXRcU6r3bfMpfKWPSUbxacCSTw4AHzmL0WruvkaBeoM2IWT3x3WWWHB2AJeHStWbHLhPkHw/s400/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+200.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Windows to his Soul </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></p></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkbfnJcfiSque2W5nVycG47vwKIW1sY6LgzAkhSKEkPm6syU6SQyUgVuG_H_5xYaGtZBW18o7m7XP6IQz_RARmQP6830716llDNzYr5KdGwOzObM5U9ENwBULO8piazI5QzJvJE0tMS8/s1600/PB269176.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543769089790122850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkbfnJcfiSque2W5nVycG47vwKIW1sY6LgzAkhSKEkPm6syU6SQyUgVuG_H_5xYaGtZBW18o7m7XP6IQz_RARmQP6830716llDNzYr5KdGwOzObM5U9ENwBULO8piazI5QzJvJE0tMS8/s400/PB269176.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Ain't this the truth. I love this. Could be the next tattoo!</span></strong></p><p align="center"> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U6h8wrPhDe8UmKWrD7-4JcF3TjoKdh1XJI30ImorBoCLbU9ISwzjzQO-OQAu3FwTUW9jV3N1kKNs51nC01oKQtu3UeEtOUBS8ZhzhvQE4KzR0zgJsEZlj7gUV-3-8AcdXboQOC2aR2g/s1600/PB269181.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543721381001741410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U6h8wrPhDe8UmKWrD7-4JcF3TjoKdh1XJI30ImorBoCLbU9ISwzjzQO-OQAu3FwTUW9jV3N1kKNs51nC01oKQtu3UeEtOUBS8ZhzhvQE4KzR0zgJsEZlj7gUV-3-8AcdXboQOC2aR2g/s400/PB269181.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">My precious boy<br /></p></span></strong><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We simply try to have fun whilst learning something new, things that are interesting to us, places we want to go, experiments we'd like to try, thing's we'd like to have a go at making, photos we want to take, movies we want to make, interesting show's we'd like to watch, books we'd like to read etc. We are still learning from all 8 areas of the curriculum but are doing it "our way".</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DttEfITq-x211ARbxmNoSWLGWghpddrJTaaSS1ZkND_k-smfVCoC5NsFShDYrAEPs8_f0NGAPMIm98e1aukU3PxFtLvjFnnrTJppAQrGbRW7Hv_Eq1eZx5hPNyEoNDksMoT7RGrykpQ/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+441.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543727151408024962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DttEfITq-x211ARbxmNoSWLGWghpddrJTaaSS1ZkND_k-smfVCoC5NsFShDYrAEPs8_f0NGAPMIm98e1aukU3PxFtLvjFnnrTJppAQrGbRW7Hv_Eq1eZx5hPNyEoNDksMoT7RGrykpQ/s400/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+441.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Now he shines. Now he flys. Now he soars!</span><br /><br /><br /></p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-4200180461734125482010-11-25T12:10:00.018+08:002010-11-25T22:50:38.762+08:00Luceat lux vestra<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOFfx4XNrsyIUu2MJ9NQu1YsSCI1BWo_g5KU6kNbs7tNh7bjPIQtwTeLEevOx4oLKoMfisvLmcPrQ-8m3c0vz_agzRDyBKYcL4A79HkzrnOGsDl29938nOB_RETMd-2KiKElcHCFGvm0/s1600/PB259170.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543349010404889298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOFfx4XNrsyIUu2MJ9NQu1YsSCI1BWo_g5KU6kNbs7tNh7bjPIQtwTeLEevOx4oLKoMfisvLmcPrQ-8m3c0vz_agzRDyBKYcL4A79HkzrnOGsDl29938nOB_RETMd-2KiKElcHCFGvm0/s200/PB259170.JPG" /></a><br />I've pretty much loved drawing for as long as I can remember and since the age of about 13 I've been fasinated with drawing tattoo designs and cool album covers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytqhnEIGGEbO5ZG8oc00soxy86uD5bmX41UH0z9AF_QUooXZrjrFTjupA8XHrByR1_ug9TXftlvblBVNlAWFTKdmtXRP_l9KsbYIKVwdUGjiUyO5RjRoS52pcxtyoypfAIrz79ieNHNs/s1600/PB259171.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543350453071581410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytqhnEIGGEbO5ZG8oc00soxy86uD5bmX41UH0z9AF_QUooXZrjrFTjupA8XHrByR1_ug9TXftlvblBVNlAWFTKdmtXRP_l9KsbYIKVwdUGjiUyO5RjRoS52pcxtyoypfAIrz79ieNHNs/s200/PB259171.JPG" /></a><br />I spent hours locked away in my bedroom, music cranked, surrounded by pencils, charcoal, chalk and cartridge paper and I would draw for hours, totally absorbed and lost in my own little world of <span style="font-size:130%;">LOUD</span> music and pencil shavings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43opum0S6Q5fw1h4JPBvl7BR0Zx72dNOc5Op9o2tOu11AAo6XzXvuBRtX8AQ1inmI_sAzLbtd-T5CxD2mq8DXwrDB4-o-X9ZGZPfKfEOdEVDktysJx4Egb6jYZSqxWGy0BEsny8vzPhQ/s1600/PB259169.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543349237966476802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43opum0S6Q5fw1h4JPBvl7BR0Zx72dNOc5Op9o2tOu11AAo6XzXvuBRtX8AQ1inmI_sAzLbtd-T5CxD2mq8DXwrDB4-o-X9ZGZPfKfEOdEVDktysJx4Egb6jYZSqxWGy0BEsny8vzPhQ/s200/PB259169.JPG" /></a><br />For me, without really knowing it then, it was the ultimate in Zen and helped me escape from many a teenage angst for awhile. I still find that, when I take the time to put pencil to paper. Hours can go by and feel like only 5 minutes and none of that time is spent thinking about anything else other than what I'm doing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvf9tXeSsR2jvco-0E07r9SZDsAIfTsZiuo4sjSM380nfAkbk5hLqbul5oTvgKFQ3wAg3QEZBn7QbOjHRr86wG8-ZlxUsqWGsEMPalCItbBbzkqQB7B8wN00PBLaf8pYuQnhPDzCrpJM/s1600/PB259166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543349693670660626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvf9tXeSsR2jvco-0E07r9SZDsAIfTsZiuo4sjSM380nfAkbk5hLqbul5oTvgKFQ3wAg3QEZBn7QbOjHRr86wG8-ZlxUsqWGsEMPalCItbBbzkqQB7B8wN00PBLaf8pYuQnhPDzCrpJM/s200/PB259166.JPG" /></a><br />I've never attended any art classes apart from the obligatory lessons through my school years but it is something that crosses my mind from time to time, like a gentle little voice reminding me to go do the very thing that I love to do and be taught by someone that loves it too.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsN0coooG7upS9A1lsBTaY0BYPcCVG-oiAvTbG8vvypN-DRXzms0wlA0OWAT4JyMZMxySLG28_siLAiLeRYt_RKWolcpgHEMZKM8QIzxhib_HUpykTWV2D2EPJjaMh-L70dS26_bfy4c/s1600/PB259172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543350789462133362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsN0coooG7upS9A1lsBTaY0BYPcCVG-oiAvTbG8vvypN-DRXzms0wlA0OWAT4JyMZMxySLG28_siLAiLeRYt_RKWolcpgHEMZKM8QIzxhib_HUpykTWV2D2EPJjaMh-L70dS26_bfy4c/s200/PB259172.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeCfmQvaIwEmye1kYy4IMCzBAHE3NHvgKJDw4xG7tsO21ebo544i7qyO5lxYcfwANNoDVLmDUo-nZk0WmygXqAmSh-a_Txap2vHZZ6Ku1jyaZfaaLPCRUUNkl2nXlHXye7-l0tr4ezm4/s1600/PB259168.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543351162021031890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeCfmQvaIwEmye1kYy4IMCzBAHE3NHvgKJDw4xG7tsO21ebo544i7qyO5lxYcfwANNoDVLmDUo-nZk0WmygXqAmSh-a_Txap2vHZZ6Ku1jyaZfaaLPCRUUNkl2nXlHXye7-l0tr4ezm4/s200/PB259168.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6Y3GmF3EM9dD-lN3Xa-xlIWicwwKBvZbUz0fvyNcb6-8FfFjhPgYAIR1AV-L9EymCZP5RFKfCqLOdUFE06ZtQKauEOv7PMqgDW1wbgUdbgHf1iMqNpgSznKbVfTwyr8Yix7HO6qlIco/s1600/PB259167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543351412668307922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6Y3GmF3EM9dD-lN3Xa-xlIWicwwKBvZbUz0fvyNcb6-8FfFjhPgYAIR1AV-L9EymCZP5RFKfCqLOdUFE06ZtQKauEOv7PMqgDW1wbgUdbgHf1iMqNpgSznKbVfTwyr8Yix7HO6qlIco/s200/PB259167.JPG" /></a><br />Anyway, before we left for Bali I was secretly working up the nerve to finally go and get "inked" while we were there. How could I not ever get a tattoo when they have held such fasination for so long and anyway, getting "inked" was on my <strong>101 things I have to do before I pop my clogs</strong> list and as <em>they </em>say I could always get run over by a bus tomorrow!<br /><br />I'd done my research and had come across a cool looking little shop in Sanur with a great reputation, all very clean and sterile and because I happen to be a fan of Kat Von D's work, the shops name jumped out at me too...Sanur Ink! That's the place for me I thought!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbAGQIF3_TAhDMbB6Bz53FJwg1YGcP1k6_BLY4r2MmbsE7mR29TnGL-DbElwgyn3JMp2LrEh0ZAfEleVXVPRBUqpkas4YNlL9T8bEqQvDHav1NFkYaP2zDOtNtHZZUb1vRFZQRNV1dts/s1600/sanur+ink.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543353208857137426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbAGQIF3_TAhDMbB6Bz53FJwg1YGcP1k6_BLY4r2MmbsE7mR29TnGL-DbElwgyn3JMp2LrEh0ZAfEleVXVPRBUqpkas4YNlL9T8bEqQvDHav1NFkYaP2zDOtNtHZZUb1vRFZQRNV1dts/s200/sanur+ink.jpg" /></a> Apel "The Master" outside his Studio<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2g4FvsZyUkuWIpLUW9ht77fE9yrGwjsSV8qtMzRi3V96OHtzJw970UE_tjm8mYwrYrdXTba4rgi8xaU2edRCrGmjXorGXCaMJ4Jbk3CdzNVrrwuIuyAwvUaevcwC1xxkaNgJk7y1x6k/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+548.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543354721657134002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2g4FvsZyUkuWIpLUW9ht77fE9yrGwjsSV8qtMzRi3V96OHtzJw970UE_tjm8mYwrYrdXTba4rgi8xaU2edRCrGmjXorGXCaMJ4Jbk3CdzNVrrwuIuyAwvUaevcwC1xxkaNgJk7y1x6k/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+548.JPG" /></a> Me trying to be casual and as cool as a cucumber "pre-ink" when I was really about to loose my lunch over Apels funky chequer board floor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKXXp05f772wdEgXUWahB3Amz92PdMQ-70kyZduKL14jNBvIcNQD6-dp8qoYKJWHYf_NnGsUcwcCJFrFwMbK97dmVwb5PmpGO2fMB-biaaYDHrusscGneaxwzKz3KPG-6xJmtVVs_TZI/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+550.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543355003985963794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKXXp05f772wdEgXUWahB3Amz92PdMQ-70kyZduKL14jNBvIcNQD6-dp8qoYKJWHYf_NnGsUcwcCJFrFwMbK97dmVwb5PmpGO2fMB-biaaYDHrusscGneaxwzKz3KPG-6xJmtVVs_TZI/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+550.JPG" /></a> Mid ink - taken with much amusement by Kye<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zo2jfk-UVf78BD0-f4X0_oyo7iRDNa_bKtbnE_TXpsOLQQomEmFhOEP1xcmgfywvtri0HUMFFiUYho_VFa5D9YMf1gBkuEYSDRLKzjHKqIEH6Dcbtc8HOiblMOs64bSEJlBAzw-0M74/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+552.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543355238128243314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zo2jfk-UVf78BD0-f4X0_oyo7iRDNa_bKtbnE_TXpsOLQQomEmFhOEP1xcmgfywvtri0HUMFFiUYho_VFa5D9YMf1gBkuEYSDRLKzjHKqIEH6Dcbtc8HOiblMOs64bSEJlBAzw-0M74/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+552.JPG" /></a> Nearly done<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KjjRQhT13LuoUsbyHy_3k_24jonZvoQHlTn3GISsd1oH0kB59A8zZZjc8S8diPACZ8slsYifUcve6utWfZOkJepmxgpVQxz5bMaqIDDi5ukWha5CQynrFXEpjbodSHOcZJlXmuAhVic/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+556.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543355471788938978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KjjRQhT13LuoUsbyHy_3k_24jonZvoQHlTn3GISsd1oH0kB59A8zZZjc8S8diPACZ8slsYifUcve6utWfZOkJepmxgpVQxz5bMaqIDDi5ukWha5CQynrFXEpjbodSHOcZJlXmuAhVic/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+556.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>LUCEAT LUX VESTRA</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Let Your Light Shine</strong></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">AND it didn't hurt a bit!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Not even a teeny tiny bit.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I wouldn't even say that the feeling was uncomfortable.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I can't wait to get back there (hopefully in March next year) to get it finished off with some colour in the way 0f pretty little Frangipanis, to remind me always to let my light shine.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea9H38GU-rHFi5BtvQPzCphMCH2Ym498CfPxAPa9q70ncd5ljXQWLffuWyvxJkxqINBI75ydOB4kDuNevyfqjJplckA_0sqd3ieZm4u1HEY4nJcoyiyMavHVF9KnsUhNziTi3-nt3AZY/s1600/frangipani.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543361796340209730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea9H38GU-rHFi5BtvQPzCphMCH2Ym498CfPxAPa9q70ncd5ljXQWLffuWyvxJkxqINBI75ydOB4kDuNevyfqjJplckA_0sqd3ieZm4u1HEY4nJcoyiyMavHVF9KnsUhNziTi3-nt3AZY/s200/frangipani.bmp" /></a>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-54727745167194566922010-11-24T12:00:00.011+08:002010-11-24T12:50:41.515+08:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;">BALI - October 2010</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dE8ZeBAY6gP96x4GvWagqjJq4xLq4mHZEbU4UV_-Fb73PcYw6jjhid-ImevtgFY7rRNrHYRFhBrh8NbtbEZV30zNQp-V2LhMC6smmF2VRgHSUa4vESLNw-fF2dVIFCVWqM_p1JbICD0/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+104.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542961783578866978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dE8ZeBAY6gP96x4GvWagqjJq4xLq4mHZEbU4UV_-Fb73PcYw6jjhid-ImevtgFY7rRNrHYRFhBrh8NbtbEZV30zNQp-V2LhMC6smmF2VRgHSUa4vESLNw-fF2dVIFCVWqM_p1JbICD0/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+104.JPG" /></a> So, in October this year we headed off to Bali, our first family holiday EVER!</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">To say I was a tad excited would be an understatement, it was only for 6 days but those 6 days were truly the most relaxing, peaceful and happy ones I've had in a long time. Well overdue!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">The pic above is me having my feet and legs nibbled by, what looked to me like the little algae eaters I used to have in my fish tank. Bit of a weird sensation but strangely addictive. Kye LOVED it and for a kid with a whole heap of sensory issues I found this strange but love it he did and was nibbled each of the 6 days we were there, sometimes twice a day!<br /></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmMFpBRwqwNGRDCKqeK7cvuLg1bWU_7FQqURSINTWA4Vtj1nlElM0vqTwkRNg8iC0kcQbQCpQhYD9n-l0vLIewSAHF9Q0nKlD3YJLuQVr9b5DK3yj2vKRTqXvYEFA75nGXvIyCIb52K8/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542966211596747346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmMFpBRwqwNGRDCKqeK7cvuLg1bWU_7FQqURSINTWA4Vtj1nlElM0vqTwkRNg8iC0kcQbQCpQhYD9n-l0vLIewSAHF9Q0nKlD3YJLuQVr9b5DK3yj2vKRTqXvYEFA75nGXvIyCIb52K8/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+036.JPG" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">There was of course plenty of floating around in the hotel pool and lazing on sunbeds, reading books and getting burnt to a crisp whilst sipping on obligatory ice cold Bintangs.<br /></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTILTUvu_7dpkkHUQ4frhAwQcEtXebbR3mEbsh-M9Ii473FZWcyNWNnKNyyQP666GoP_243YgTUZYJss-ldWPNBXIjOSlEWkk6s8wjNlt_hmHIFY4DjyV74Bzppglwk4P728q9f1dYHFo/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542967822342411522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTILTUvu_7dpkkHUQ4frhAwQcEtXebbR3mEbsh-M9Ii473FZWcyNWNnKNyyQP666GoP_243YgTUZYJss-ldWPNBXIjOSlEWkk6s8wjNlt_hmHIFY4DjyV74Bzppglwk4P728q9f1dYHFo/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+030.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmsROWKeiPl2uZuCr2l9u0bXCYebPyj_2Tgmec6bEd2W-vhYqp_U6K0l96nL66u7xKmIMGgow4pJRoxeUtON0VVf2S2ekVj6oibsAWDeoYPY1kY-WKY17AmBT_e7IEVQ93jpvyv6D2Oo/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542968873054240450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmsROWKeiPl2uZuCr2l9u0bXCYebPyj_2Tgmec6bEd2W-vhYqp_U6K0l96nL66u7xKmIMGgow4pJRoxeUtON0VVf2S2ekVj6oibsAWDeoYPY1kY-WKY17AmBT_e7IEVQ93jpvyv6D2Oo/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+021.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p align="center">Water Bom Park is a must when you go to Bali, whether you go with kids or not and we used up 2 of our 6 days there. We hired our own private gazebo both times and lazed about in the shade of the thatched roof when we needed a break from all the stair climbing. I'll tell ya, thighs of steel I had by the end of the first day. When you hire the gazebo you also have lunch, drinks, whatever you like delivered to you. I felt like Royalty for the day.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnhTkdAEI7U3tL8DC2PlWFyjSBMzOKGGJeQuDWoaKQrH9ZsVh2Fbkr3jfLDZO4FhvwblHf5b_wmW985qzijtdhCnBXyCMA5yfrVMJJEnoas2OfqDWhKtN85T0N_s5jsNwtI4r1HpVyRw/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+384.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542971042964950562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnhTkdAEI7U3tL8DC2PlWFyjSBMzOKGGJeQuDWoaKQrH9ZsVh2Fbkr3jfLDZO4FhvwblHf5b_wmW985qzijtdhCnBXyCMA5yfrVMJJEnoas2OfqDWhKtN85T0N_s5jsNwtI4r1HpVyRw/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+384.JPG" /></a> Some of the rides are seriously scary and one in particular none of us were brave enough to go on but there's always next time... This place was just brilliant and you can't wipe the big cheesy grin off your face the whole day. It was the best fun.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aJhulIFaBJP7s0mS-Gwr9NQrwbK2dR_xlwwXMILYP02HeAp34xl2-deAA8AK7mOaX4uTAaLbWpdpTkts8RHRYiyhVc6nX-mQuZGZTtYntrSu70fXag6bnTKWWxDNQE_XYBgfOwtW98I/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+418.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542971909879972562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aJhulIFaBJP7s0mS-Gwr9NQrwbK2dR_xlwwXMILYP02HeAp34xl2-deAA8AK7mOaX4uTAaLbWpdpTkts8RHRYiyhVc6nX-mQuZGZTtYntrSu70fXag6bnTKWWxDNQE_XYBgfOwtW98I/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+418.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p align="center">The Boomerang<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0AJwCBvJld73A0_zEnEKutpCNF8Ve2_ZacUxsCl0i6IdEMXqbbBLJ2faWNULIqDZ4L1ZMzx2dW3zxevugRGTbOH-yMs0PpknowD_13gSCm4vlEprbbwI18zYOTqxkN03NOcmO4rqkS8/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+411.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542972302850647234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0AJwCBvJld73A0_zEnEKutpCNF8Ve2_ZacUxsCl0i6IdEMXqbbBLJ2faWNULIqDZ4L1ZMzx2dW3zxevugRGTbOH-yMs0PpknowD_13gSCm4vlEprbbwI18zYOTqxkN03NOcmO4rqkS8/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+411.JPG" /></a> Lazy River</p><br /><p align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQaDQcKbppoPN2MBZYjCYVH3qve_u5550mQFQV66d77ajtuaAuUoW853GJhCGgCDzQo65Ctu7xe7vvv9Cywn7DwQydtpTmeifvqu01Fn5Vc0_PR0p-50-ECBckTSd7WuvzwelCtbbRMQ/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+432.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542973070382946066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQaDQcKbppoPN2MBZYjCYVH3qve_u5550mQFQV66d77ajtuaAuUoW853GJhCGgCDzQo65Ctu7xe7vvv9Cywn7DwQydtpTmeifvqu01Fn5Vc0_PR0p-50-ECBckTSd7WuvzwelCtbbRMQ/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+432.JPG" /></a><br />The Climax - the guy in the tube is going "up"! This was a seriously scary ride.</p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JE_9UkzdKNtbwUoX8uCBYTrhv4d95leJ0B4V65R2YWJ3J1UzJIB71Qqa4Zpa3heaRvQX86FbxhQjYZTVXHR4dhvx0yOxGh5kQ37frfwT5FS6wGnqXY5pej1vhMoIcMgNRO-w2gfCAzI/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+444.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542973685337948578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JE_9UkzdKNtbwUoX8uCBYTrhv4d95leJ0B4V65R2YWJ3J1UzJIB71Qqa4Zpa3heaRvQX86FbxhQjYZTVXHR4dhvx0yOxGh5kQ37frfwT5FS6wGnqXY5pej1vhMoIcMgNRO-w2gfCAzI/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+444.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a> Kye in the Sky!<br /></p><p align="center">More to come...</p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-85662411871329055822010-11-23T15:55:00.008+08:002010-11-23T16:21:07.248+08:00More snippets of 2010<div align="center">More snippets of 2010<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6oQatkbg6WD837mVELXI1XbzfWL4Gs3EfMmeazXWoMdTtJ65YRvK0Asn1wELepaeYvrvFg3QIeG0NHOaBbTVvwvnzFLljbLCZe2lYxfS5oJ1-b_k_Ko1knP_k_ll8nfiSpejg7e1ff4/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542652905155373362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6oQatkbg6WD837mVELXI1XbzfWL4Gs3EfMmeazXWoMdTtJ65YRvK0Asn1wELepaeYvrvFg3QIeG0NHOaBbTVvwvnzFLljbLCZe2lYxfS5oJ1-b_k_Ko1knP_k_ll8nfiSpejg7e1ff4/s200/009.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Me and Josh with Dave from The Umbilical Brothers<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BUEa0kEpu_DDmqwN3bsJGm1C0gJAIBn23NWdXXECOH0sMkhZ3-oqEw6LlLQceqRmzn3kVa3ZtOfXbApWALUBwh7aVy6CvgvFd-ZG7wmcqJ_ViY-pMKbRF-1VGPRqLtiVHOd5suhMr30/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542651604080973586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BUEa0kEpu_DDmqwN3bsJGm1C0gJAIBn23NWdXXECOH0sMkhZ3-oqEw6LlLQceqRmzn3kVa3ZtOfXbApWALUBwh7aVy6CvgvFd-ZG7wmcqJ_ViY-pMKbRF-1VGPRqLtiVHOd5suhMr30/s200/011.JPG" /><br /><br /></a>In depth conversation about the finer points of comedy with Shane from The Umbies<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgfdNW6zYKl2rS0xDKeKc81CdK91HpvYN5rajeuXofwxpc5XaEeN84Ayd9MPfdFtwyqa8feKL0Iyn6U-UEpWg5GlRPcLWEyqobMN01G2BCBUAWUyi7btRiubxA7kadc9nFBkszT5Q2sk/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542652183442228050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgfdNW6zYKl2rS0xDKeKc81CdK91HpvYN5rajeuXofwxpc5XaEeN84Ayd9MPfdFtwyqa8feKL0Iyn6U-UEpWg5GlRPcLWEyqobMN01G2BCBUAWUyi7btRiubxA7kadc9nFBkszT5Q2sk/s200/002.JPG" /></a> Kye and Shane<br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkpondGu127xRkyGhdCP4JFQ_AlQ7YOsmhRMrpM5S1MwzKXkC60ADEqUW5pWndQo6GYklpHEO7pvnaDauyRMdLSENGLc-QP_GONwULkBn8Zcru3jZ99WITXO9HEfexxDLK24PoMezlvU/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542653598997348098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkpondGu127xRkyGhdCP4JFQ_AlQ7YOsmhRMrpM5S1MwzKXkC60ADEqUW5pWndQo6GYklpHEO7pvnaDauyRMdLSENGLc-QP_GONwULkBn8Zcru3jZ99WITXO9HEfexxDLK24PoMezlvU/s200/008.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>If you ever get the opportunity to go and see these guy's...<strong>GO SEE THEM!</strong> That night was definately one of the highlights of 2010 for me<strong> and</strong> that particular night was being filmed for their next DVD...might get my 15 minutes of fame yet!</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><br /> </p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-47308800514721801392010-11-23T13:38:00.010+08:002010-11-23T16:25:35.881+08:00<div align="center">Here I am...alive and well and ready to blog again (thanks to a little gentle nudge from one of my all time favourite bloggers!).<br /><br /><br /><br />Been quite awhile since I was last here in my little bloggie home but it's nice to be back and this last year really has been so full of changes, some fantastic, others... hmmm not so great, but all in all it's been a really really good year.<br /><br /><br /><br />These will give you some idea of just what I've been up to!<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ35vE2FqEHmiG2fRRW93ybAzFZT1ZBaerEriEErQw8jxchDbRXifXLWRw6OrYyW95rS3ZzwgFWnW1FvvPUCiwJIwxK7ZxfH8Z4JtGLAYC2lnjwDSXivGZRGfGIuRWst714Y3oAjCe88s/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+248.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542617962888379234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ35vE2FqEHmiG2fRRW93ybAzFZT1ZBaerEriEErQw8jxchDbRXifXLWRw6OrYyW95rS3ZzwgFWnW1FvvPUCiwJIwxK7ZxfH8Z4JtGLAYC2lnjwDSXivGZRGfGIuRWst714Y3oAjCe88s/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+248.JPG" /> </a>Cute Balinese Monkey<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuxyVO_mrgYiZt7NXw3jXHzWmyq3fwaOUEj1Eu5sHKCkhuLrOU3UM_ZgDZMF375k3qW8pS2VFrbDUklhSFE-yQAm1J1YapIw6MhFIQkNl5Zd3NebY1cDuKUXSWRSmNffIgF43fMWAwSI/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+250.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542619016719741282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuxyVO_mrgYiZt7NXw3jXHzWmyq3fwaOUEj1Eu5sHKCkhuLrOU3UM_ZgDZMF375k3qW8pS2VFrbDUklhSFE-yQAm1J1YapIw6MhFIQkNl5Zd3NebY1cDuKUXSWRSmNffIgF43fMWAwSI/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+250.JPG" /></a> Seems friendly enough...<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj549iT496TN4xrJdN5Jzfyw8gv0V2k8HmbJJYjwBeVSlBkEazpdKp7k3mwwmr5-oHnw2RT6tv3EB8zhgx3dBgRxmM1Y8vMvwB_vujoeXKo2lw3YhUtSoql9gwWYVWzY5h8z9gNgdzMz6o/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+249.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542619901893964994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj549iT496TN4xrJdN5Jzfyw8gv0V2k8HmbJJYjwBeVSlBkEazpdKp7k3mwwmr5-oHnw2RT6tv3EB8zhgx3dBgRxmM1Y8vMvwB_vujoeXKo2lw3YhUtSoql9gwWYVWzY5h8z9gNgdzMz6o/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+249.JPG" /></a> I don't know what everyone goes on about...nothing to be afraid of...nope, nothing at all...</p><p align="center"><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3LVdyEceXticFFs4ENYYFP-Lm_nU5pwaclEYjZ8W3LyaIO1TGMlkEuG9FpzAmxircp3bRjEge9zHyNQx3k0ZzmwARyWGWd0zkbMidoBIs_oQbljEvT88BoP_dXSf8oBzo4D-zPNdAZ0/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+251.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542620845009451394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3LVdyEceXticFFs4ENYYFP-Lm_nU5pwaclEYjZ8W3LyaIO1TGMlkEuG9FpzAmxircp3bRjEge9zHyNQx3k0ZzmwARyWGWd0zkbMidoBIs_oQbljEvT88BoP_dXSf8oBzo4D-zPNdAZ0/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+251.JPG" /><br /><p align="right"></a></p><p align="center">Arrghhhhh! Arrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh! Waaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KjcT4ye00Np-dc6NU8qt9i6V8Hmg5cQn2tSJOMnDU09r33Stf3tPBlAMdC8kFsyG0yhehvbI7tMaW4HNc3VYY95CZl8ksfy5l7_GQ7cMV9HZLdg_IxfDLdLrOIh4wHmf6ofrz1fU-E/s1600/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+255.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542621390710874850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KjcT4ye00Np-dc6NU8qt9i6V8Hmg5cQn2tSJOMnDU09r33Stf3tPBlAMdC8kFsyG0yhehvbI7tMaW4HNc3VYY95CZl8ksfy5l7_GQ7cMV9HZLdg_IxfDLdLrOIh4wHmf6ofrz1fU-E/s200/Bali+Holiday+Oct+2010+255.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Get it off. Get IT OFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF! </p><p align="left">Bali - October 2010</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left">xxx<br /></p>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-88599331437247262642009-10-25T07:07:00.003+08:002009-10-25T07:39:08.057+08:00Where have I been?Well it's certainly been a long time between posts. So much has happened but so little at the same time. <br /><br />Still home schooling and into the swing of things now. I've changed much of what we were doing from when we first started as I have got to know my boy's learning style much much better.<br />Interesting to say the least.<br /><br />The big news is that after waiting 6 months to see a specialist pediatrician we have a diagnosis of both inattentive adhd and Aspergers which is a form of high functioning autism. No one the poor little buggar didn't stand a chance in school. It explains soooooo much.<br /><br />I'm sad and relieved at the same time really. Relieved because I finally feel validated that there was "something" going on with my son and sad because, well, who wouldn't be.<br /><br />My first little boy died when he was just 5 weeks old. Complications at birth left him severely brain damaged and without going into detail I was totally let down by the "system" and there was nothing I could do about it (or so I thought at the time). I've never felt the same about our "systems" since.<br /><br />When my son started having problems at school and the "system" was basically laying the blame at his feet my maternal heckles were raised. I have not stopped fighting for Kye and that is why we are now home schooling. I will not leave him in the care (non-care) of a system that is meant to cater for everyone but in reality only looks after those that fit, that aren't needy, that don't take up extra time, that just get on with things and don't rock the boat.<br /><br />I've trusted out "systems" (sorry about all the inverted commas haha) before but will never ever look at our educational system in the same way again. I used to think that because they were the so called experts then they therefore know what they are talking about. Biggest load of bollocks I've ever believed. Always trust your gut instinct. I was right all along.<br /><br />Can't half tell I'm a tad angry right ;)<br /><br />We've made some giant leaps of progress since learning from home. In a year and a half's worth of Italian at his primary school he learnt 1 word. We have been learning Swedish for only a few weeks now and he can count to 10, say hello, goodbye, good morning, good evening, please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, how are you, I'm fine and you, cockroach, bird, duck, dog, fly and a few others I can't think of right now. Hmmmm, spot the difference.<br /><br />I think I'm in love with homeschool :)<br /><br />On the weight loss front - haha, what weight loss. One minute I'm on board, eating well etc and the next I'm in and out that fridge quicker than a fiddlers elbow. <br />I know I need to take care of myself now better than ever before so I really really need to get in a good head space with it all.<br /><br />The other thing is back in 2003 I was diagnosed with MS. Know one would even know unless I told them and people are usually genuinely surprised when I do (mostly I don't). Another big, big reason to get back on board. It's a little scary now knowing that Kye really needs me to stay well, he REALLY needs me to stay well. <br /><br />It's funny, just typing that helps me see the importance of getting myself back on top the priority list.<br /><br />Today is another day, nothing like the present hey. I can start right now.<br /><br />I WILL start right now. :)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-90762170127009187892009-08-31T08:09:00.002+08:002009-08-31T08:44:57.215+08:00Back on BoardThe last few weeks have been very tough emotionally but I'm back on board thank God. Things sucked so badly I felt physically ill but it's over and I'm glad.<br /><br />My son is much much happier, he chats away and his mood seems much lighter overall. There are no more tears at bedtime and no tears upon wakening.<br /><br />Home schooling is proving to be very interesting ;) and is certainly challenging but I feel like my brain is really waking up and I find myself constantly thinking about how I'm going to teach this and how I'm going to teach that. My son is a very hands on learner rather than staring at a blackboard (which turns into staring out the window) so we have been doing a lot of experiments, cooking, using learning based computer games, maths puzzles, building things etc. All very cool and interesting. I would have loved this as a kid.<br /><br />The really great thing about it is that we are not confined to a room, we can get out and about a lot of the time and will certainly be doing more of that as the weather warms up.<br />We have a fantastic, huge, brand new (and very very funky looking) library, museum and cultural centre rolled into one opening up next week just 5 minutes from our place and I can't wait to get inside and have a look around. They are going to be seeing a lot of us me thinks!<br /><br />On the healthy living side of things all of my exercise and eating commitments went right out the window. All the goings on of late would have been a perfect opportunity to observe my feelings and sort through them or simply just let them be but old habits obviously die hard with me because I was eating anything and everything that wasn't nailed down. Forget the exercise, it just didn't happen.<br /><br />It's funny that when I need it the most, when I really really need tender loving care, I turn against myself. I do it all the time and I don't really know why.<br /><br />I guess the instant comfort that food can bring outweighs the lasting comfort a strong, healthly, light body can bring. Instant being the key word. So then am I impatient? Is that what's going on? I want it now, is that it? Hmmmm, food for thought haha.<br /><br />Anyway, I don't want to mope, I just want to get back on track and come up with a plan for those times when I'm feeling a bit low (and a lot low) and want to eat the leg off a chair. <br /><br />Suggestions certainly very welcome :)<br /><br />xxxClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-85087993959936543372009-08-12T08:13:00.003+08:002009-08-12T09:04:31.324+08:00Home SchoolingYesterday one of the biggest decisions of my life was made and that was to home school my 9 year old son.<br /><br />It was not made without lot's of considered thought, it was not an overnight decision and it was not one that I particularly wanted to make but made it is.<br /><br />My little boy has never faired well at school, he struggles in the classroom and as a result of not being able to get the one on one help he so obviously needs he has fallen behind his peers in many learning areas. Of course this makes him a prime target for the bullies, throw in not being particularly sports oriented at a sports mad school and this makes for a pretty miserable school life. <br /><br />After seeing the principal (again) on Monday and having him excuse one of the bullies involved as being "competitive" rather than calling it for what it is (calling someone dumb, gay, stupid etc and pulling the hat off their head until the strap breaks is apparently competitive sport these days) that basically was the straw that broke the camels back. <br /><br />This is an ongoing situation in all areas of his school life and I am watching my child lose his confidence, his self esteem not to mention being failed educationally by a system that doesn't cater for kids that don't "fit the box" and label them simply as lazy rather than needing help.<br /><br />I have spent the last week crying and have just spent the last hour in tears typing up a letter of intention to register as a home educator. I wish it wasn't happening. I am so deeply hurt for my child but my maternal heckles are also well and truly up and I will do whatever I have to do now to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of my son.<br /><br />This seems off track a little but the other night I went for my fortnightly Reiki session (which I love, love, love) and thought it might be a good idea to take my son along thinking that if anything it might help him relax.<br />The place I go to has a number of Reiki students who can only be described as a simply gorgeous, highly intuitive bunch of kind, caring people. You basically go in, write your name down on a waiting list and wait to be called.<br /><br />My son was called and in he went and lay down. I was called next and ended up on the massage table next to him. The Reiki is all done very quietly, very peacefully in a candlelit room with relaxation music playing softly and nothing is asked of you. They just simply lay there hands on you and move around to areas they feel drawn to.<br /><br />My son finished first and went into the other room to wait for me to be finished. The lady that worked on him approached me after my session and asked if he was my son. Remembering that these people are very tuned in she then proceeded to tell me that she thought that my son was being rather badly bullied at school. She said that she felt that one of his teachers picked on him and that somehow he wasn't quite believed when he spoke up, that they weren't really listening to him or believing him. She said that she felt he was at breaking point, that he had the weight the world on his shoulders and needed help. She asked if he always had trouble at homework time (very very true) and did he have anger outbursts from anxiety and frustration linked to school (again, very very true). All of this blew me away and I was so glad I brought him with me. It just reinforced what I knew to be true.<br /><br />Anyway, today I register with the Education Department and will officially withdraw my son from the public education system. To say I am a little scared is an understatement but I know with all the support I have that I CAN do this. Me and my boy together!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-5109844818668753512009-08-05T13:43:00.005+08:002009-08-06T08:31:01.921+08:00Around my place today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLpW4OkuOvF3_VWV4MgnLC08_IBOJXJVC76OvW4QUvPlv7-LmolQyyPhHJWFq3CFClTLOIIOpIZ3r16H38XQa9oitQvnWFngFjFHyC69mHJU_O1dPdR6ewQmcaAEdjuxdKFfOqLNDe7U/s1600-h/P7283603.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366364897653745762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLpW4OkuOvF3_VWV4MgnLC08_IBOJXJVC76OvW4QUvPlv7-LmolQyyPhHJWFq3CFClTLOIIOpIZ3r16H38XQa9oitQvnWFngFjFHyC69mHJU_O1dPdR6ewQmcaAEdjuxdKFfOqLNDe7U/s200/P7283603.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEGH5ABUK4V1m8-UN6oijELvbhnPC236GoyYmPPo1JqdT8AGT8_T5jKkI6oDoRBefToU3L6k7Tpsl0PB9cArD9SUljvHW4ptWOO2mTXwq21wTw7AJp8t5nlQkXWN3ioFNaQfOOe40yTs/s1600-h/P7283602.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366364894795288210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEGH5ABUK4V1m8-UN6oijELvbhnPC236GoyYmPPo1JqdT8AGT8_T5jKkI6oDoRBefToU3L6k7Tpsl0PB9cArD9SUljvHW4ptWOO2mTXwq21wTw7AJp8t5nlQkXWN3ioFNaQfOOe40yTs/s200/P7283602.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhyphenhyphenMvbGC8olCyZc6QZ-verAy1wNZqi1np6SQ_JKLB8Aay8WepjHn6FHaOuYvpsezfW5_77_lEtE0TH0VLXc40mabu1bDbFQ0-_-c7gIhs9fTTksLYidtdqSp5XpPfWLD2AdSEbUsfBu8/s1600-h/P8053819.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366364885617790546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhyphenhyphenMvbGC8olCyZc6QZ-verAy1wNZqi1np6SQ_JKLB8Aay8WepjHn6FHaOuYvpsezfW5_77_lEtE0TH0VLXc40mabu1bDbFQ0-_-c7gIhs9fTTksLYidtdqSp5XpPfWLD2AdSEbUsfBu8/s200/P8053819.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuTn34Tvb4bqYMgrxlDi2A6uO27I1q3sLURjGeBSxleYyEfOydsTW8JQnPma3kBHAfWbEOqsVJmtv92fFa3Uq62eXJOJ5gd5PxsgV17brRDXyKhMUaKj0zlFtjHBuq-6upVQTzXfdoVc/s1600-h/P8053813.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366364876481394242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuTn34Tvb4bqYMgrxlDi2A6uO27I1q3sLURjGeBSxleYyEfOydsTW8JQnPma3kBHAfWbEOqsVJmtv92fFa3Uq62eXJOJ5gd5PxsgV17brRDXyKhMUaKj0zlFtjHBuq-6upVQTzXfdoVc/s200/P8053813.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfrpdbRKhkJpZkW-_m6L0bk0Zx88fmWcSR02LJ7DLLzXW9_fx85iISTCZqLuimRP8QWUfg5ZUwIeYjyT7uihjE5DEYqyTrGvG6lYe1sGixkT4dE2trnkdWUxMXfWrX6IxEeIIdOOWGOU/s1600-h/P8053812.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366364872624757490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfrpdbRKhkJpZkW-_m6L0bk0Zx88fmWcSR02LJ7DLLzXW9_fx85iISTCZqLuimRP8QWUfg5ZUwIeYjyT7uihjE5DEYqyTrGvG6lYe1sGixkT4dE2trnkdWUxMXfWrX6IxEeIIdOOWGOU/s200/P8053812.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0szOd-_J8D97FWgnQuObNAqG1BmBcpTOxLb3KH3PeWLW0Qb167MU0Pf8iUuJBCyy0IC9MeN_ZgY1WHutRXnWFePxf7z3_m8gMY2fEcNCtYBq5VKPkoOZZ2zu17PZXJ14i3wSORyCRUI/s1600-h/P8053808.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366362033347570562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0szOd-_J8D97FWgnQuObNAqG1BmBcpTOxLb3KH3PeWLW0Qb167MU0Pf8iUuJBCyy0IC9MeN_ZgY1WHutRXnWFePxf7z3_m8gMY2fEcNCtYBq5VKPkoOZZ2zu17PZXJ14i3wSORyCRUI/s200/P8053808.JPG" /></a> After walking my youngest to school this morning I decided to keep going and headed down the road to the lake. I pushed myself a little and ended up walking much further than I normally do - lovely on the way, slightly regretful on the way back :p</div><div></div><div></div><div>It was a beautiful morning however, and I really got into just how lovely the day was. I loved the feel of the sun on my face and the cool breeze was just right, just enough to stop me feeling too warm. There were lot's of walkers, joggers and cyclists out and about and I smiled and said hello and good morning to all of them. Everyone seemed happy. I think springtime is definately in the air. I've always thought people change, they seem lighter and happier when there is sunshine and warmth. <div></div><div></div><div>Once home and showered I got stuck into a bit of housework and then made a baby spinach, asparagus and orange salad (and a bit of apple) with feta cheese and an orange and poppy seed dressing. I had some left over vegi curry (a delicious recipe thanks to Phil at Skinny Latte) and wild rice in the fridge so had some of the with it. Really, really, really, really good!</div><br /><div>I've thrown in some pics of what's going on in my garden at this time of year. I just love the weather we are having lately and cannot wait for summer. I dream about floating around in pretty sleeveless sundresses and feeling light and feminine. If I just keep going, keep walking, keep eating well, keep thinking right, then this could well be the summer that it happens.</div><br /><div>Bring it on!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-5140153637265999872009-08-03T10:42:00.006+08:002009-08-06T08:03:31.100+08:00Belated Blog Introduction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKOxOwlqrpGBx2cnzDtfmRst-Fcsk4xXT6QcbeMbomeVtRXU4LWgiTJMBcENZD1AgudVB1mIJciGOQKmKyXwROHbZoNpkRCIgW2HuabIasRpry6ZOjLyFgQcqjlLRxTzS2gd5zNq9kFc/s1600-h/P8023714.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588697281354946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKOxOwlqrpGBx2cnzDtfmRst-Fcsk4xXT6QcbeMbomeVtRXU4LWgiTJMBcENZD1AgudVB1mIJciGOQKmKyXwROHbZoNpkRCIgW2HuabIasRpry6ZOjLyFgQcqjlLRxTzS2gd5zNq9kFc/s200/P8023714.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfTVOHK8CFa9V0mBvFykt4tvgPM4AGaAI5JlwQPGgtZk2bv5A7uM8RUURJKNE2Xrsvf74gk9TKiXcO2fqimVHsVTPh4LVE7xNBtXjjKKR05NmfDBj2EzOc1Qv4OqN7G7gWVwPlexNgpg/s1600-h/P8023778.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588688454702610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfTVOHK8CFa9V0mBvFykt4tvgPM4AGaAI5JlwQPGgtZk2bv5A7uM8RUURJKNE2Xrsvf74gk9TKiXcO2fqimVHsVTPh4LVE7xNBtXjjKKR05NmfDBj2EzOc1Qv4OqN7G7gWVwPlexNgpg/s200/P8023778.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog_4q4V0aegBS4ct-NoBmIlC76uo6lOrvnT0FjJ9bpNACfzZNWUiS7XdsU9qUVFubDfCdb2TuXJlh__LnOTn03OAztvowpi2WH-d3bLSdX7dmtx_kwcqk60I2PudkbVmmLaje-2KEST4/s1600-h/P8023721.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586242209955826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog_4q4V0aegBS4ct-NoBmIlC76uo6lOrvnT0FjJ9bpNACfzZNWUiS7XdsU9qUVFubDfCdb2TuXJlh__LnOTn03OAztvowpi2WH-d3bLSdX7dmtx_kwcqk60I2PudkbVmmLaje-2KEST4/s200/P8023721.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32Z-Dj5_IMaK0Hh0RnqeYPVI-uZkEZsXR-Gwn6oCUI7h4SeNr2DN-rWpg_fhOwNQdNNBkwxM0GQ7-PUxWwTcTZdH8nJeRyh2Fj6aigAJ283mSbjd5Oz8Lf8G042uRVsXzX0wxmA6oNvc/s1600-h/P8023767.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586236540441362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32Z-Dj5_IMaK0Hh0RnqeYPVI-uZkEZsXR-Gwn6oCUI7h4SeNr2DN-rWpg_fhOwNQdNNBkwxM0GQ7-PUxWwTcTZdH8nJeRyh2Fj6aigAJ283mSbjd5Oz8Lf8G042uRVsXzX0wxmA6oNvc/s200/P8023767.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkgpALptCBTLgSAA-sK05maBj26xuRwRUnTrd7_Ah2T-7VDMvrH4TWyBw2EbYcyECmbRr3niJinOrku_WNNF-2N4FJyKVyLyuVM9eAcf7CV8ARSAiVArT8h7eu-QUmKhGsQJ5gdhznBM/s1600-h/P8023769.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586234010093986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkgpALptCBTLgSAA-sK05maBj26xuRwRUnTrd7_Ah2T-7VDMvrH4TWyBw2EbYcyECmbRr3niJinOrku_WNNF-2N4FJyKVyLyuVM9eAcf7CV8ARSAiVArT8h7eu-QUmKhGsQJ5gdhznBM/s200/P8023769.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS54LyzeP0z9vDjAL8VRyZ2qAUlIOnmgut-AH5rqxw3v-8VeBsiBFxJxQ0iG8iZs95_vB81KUZDgp5PTbcUs5kio9f3aTmYtbx9Qw_M_A_0jYEWDP1AgqOzam9ckHVVcKmsqlPyHVzDs/s1600-h/P8023691.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586225016805394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS54LyzeP0z9vDjAL8VRyZ2qAUlIOnmgut-AH5rqxw3v-8VeBsiBFxJxQ0iG8iZs95_vB81KUZDgp5PTbcUs5kio9f3aTmYtbx9Qw_M_A_0jYEWDP1AgqOzam9ckHVVcKmsqlPyHVzDs/s200/P8023691.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfZs75vwHz76_7svLilwpvmUFpVBqAIIM5pAYxRONZJEczK8P91M89l1A7ZDnfFT064IsaVVyG15zPYXD_qx0zYoNvwPXKgXAo4PxacXOjQAAicRGDi5rm3Ad6Sqr20Q92cSQd5mXUK4/s1600-h/P8023653.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586217553851810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfZs75vwHz76_7svLilwpvmUFpVBqAIIM5pAYxRONZJEczK8P91M89l1A7ZDnfFT064IsaVVyG15zPYXD_qx0zYoNvwPXKgXAo4PxacXOjQAAicRGDi5rm3Ad6Sqr20Q92cSQd5mXUK4/s200/P8023653.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>So 3 posts into this blog and I haven't even introduced myself and hadn't up until now decided what I wanted this all to be about. </div><div></div><div>I have so much inside that needs to be sorted our hence "Sorting everything inside" but I'm not really sure that blurting it all out here will be helpful and I guess reading about someone elses depressing old baggage does not make for a particularly great read.</div><br /><div>So, I have decided that this wee blog will be about what is great in my life, the things that make me smile and laugh and bring me joy whatever they may be. I hope that by concentrating my energy on the positive and what is wonderful about life the "blahs" I have felt lately will be gone. Positively gone!</div><br /><div>Okay, so here we go. I am a 30 something lass that goes by the name of Claire. I have 2 great kids, both boys, and a loving partner of 12 years that never fails to crack me up.</div><br /><div>I love cats, love, love, love um and have 4 of the furry little critters. All rescued!</div><br /><div>We also have 2 dogs, 2 birds and a fish pond out the back.</div><br /><div>So I guess you can say that I love animals.</div><br /><div>I draw alot and have done since I was a teenager. I used to get up to all sorts of mischief and was always getting grounded so I spent many an hour in my room with the stereo cranked right up and drew away to my hearts content. Many people have told me I should get into tattooing and I am now considering getting a tattoo gun and a heap (and I mean a big, big heap) of practice skins and seeing if I really could be any good at it. </div><br /><div>I love water. Swimming pools, the ocean, lakes, water falls, water slides, anything to do with water. It does me wonders mentally, I don't know why. Funny thing is I can't stand drinking the stuff. I find it very hard to get down. It's boring to me I guess and makes me pee like a champion.</div><div></div><div></div><div>I haven't eaten beef, pork or lamb for about 5 years. I still eat a little chicken but do not feel particularly great about so giving it up is on the cards. I still eat fish.</div><div></div><div></div><div>I am half English, half Irish and was born in Mauritius. I lived there until I was 2 and then lived in the UK up until the age of 11. We then moved to Australia. </div><div>I still have dreams from time to time about walking down the High Street in the little seaside town I lived in. Sadly I hear that half the shops in that street are boarded up and the town has gone to pot. Still, in my dreams it is as it was.</div><br /><div>My weight has yo-yoed up and down the scale most of my life and a lot of the time reflects what is going on in my life emotionally. Yes, I am one of those emotional eaters. A born worrier that can eat her way through the entire fridge contents when the shit is hitting the proverbial fan in life. My eating always seems much much more in control when things in life are sailing along. Which I guess is why I have spent most of my adult life overweight. Not a lot of my life has been plain sailing so I really want and need to understand what to do and how to feel and how to deal with emotions rather than stuff them all back down inside with food. </div><br /><div>Okey dokey, that's probably way to much waffling about me for one day. </div><br /><div>A few weeks ago I decided that my family had to take priority over me working on Sundays (yeah I know, it sucked) so I gave them up. I feel so much happier and love that we now go out and about as a family and spend time in the sunshine, walking, talking, laughing and eating ice-creams ;)</div><br /><div>We have a "you beaut" camera which I have never really learnt how to use so yesterday it came with us on our lovely day of sunshine. The place in the pics above is 5 minutes down the road from where we live. The sun shone warmly all day and the air smelt of freshly cut grass, I was with my little family and I was in Heaven.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-30427594160122976262009-07-27T11:41:00.005+08:002009-07-27T13:05:59.600+08:00Choosing peaceI used to think that "peace" was something that you seek, it was something "out there" to be found, some people had it and some people didn't. That everything in your life had to be lined up just right to enable you to truly feel peaceful. I didn't realise that peace already exists within you, that it is simply a choice of how to just be regardless of what is going on around you.<br /><br /><br />I've changed and grown so much on the inside <em><span style="font-size:78%;">and outside</span></em> ;) over the last few years and I have reached a stage where living a peaceful life has become really important to me.<br />I've lived through some pretty wild times and had many ups and downs in my life and now balance and peace is what floats my boat.<br /><br />The funny thing is as soon as I declared that peace was what I wanted my whole week turned to shite. It was like a test from the universe to see if I was serious and it felt like I was being pounded emotionally from all directions. I don't think I faired too well, in fact peace went right out the window at one stage but I have learnt some lessons this week especially about how important it is to stay calm and to remove yourself from certain situations that are about to escalate into something totally negative. I also learnt how important forgiveness is, of myself and others, how powerfully healing it is and how unfortunately sometimes you just have to let things go because there is no chance of resolution.<br /><br />So although not a fabulous week on the surface I guess it was a great one as far as life lessons and it's deeper meanings.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-30507698304353293912009-07-22T09:20:00.002+08:002009-07-22T09:45:47.264+08:00Peace in piecesHow do you stay peaceful when your child is being bullied?<br /><br />Trying to stay calm and rational and balanced when your heart is breaking for your child is near impossible. In fact it IS impossible.<br />My younger son is copping it at school and my instant reaction is to want to strangle the kids involved and that's putting it nicely. <br /><br />We are doing all we can to try and put a stop to this, we are working with the school, the teachers, the principal and with a child psychologist but most of this is to try and teach my son resilience and coping skills. We talk with him, we love him and we cuddle him but we feel so helpless. I'm so sick of my child having to be "taught" resilience, what about teaching bullies about kindness and compassion? <br /><br />I know that resilience in life is important. I believe I am a very resilient person due to certain life experiences but my child is 9 years old and this bullying has been an ongoing situation and will continue to be unless it is stomped on. I believe rather than creating resilience my child's little spirit is being crushed. He told me yesterday that he feels like the whole world hates him apart from his family. My heart broke right then and there.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568698044257083033.post-85907343752811604902009-07-20T10:39:00.009+08:002009-07-20T12:37:19.540+08:00Rainy Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95xJyeimesAh2bzwBycov97cdl4O68SW-uMNx4NJviQ_OCL7BbgCy0H5eTDVU8uzWW-NTKCbMtfD135xLuXYMxn7GqdkctkGEweVynbB8tQtEmqeGYDJ6D3CijvA7S0MHrzystaErvWU/s1600-h/P7203583.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360378705859245490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95xJyeimesAh2bzwBycov97cdl4O68SW-uMNx4NJviQ_OCL7BbgCy0H5eTDVU8uzWW-NTKCbMtfD135xLuXYMxn7GqdkctkGEweVynbB8tQtEmqeGYDJ6D3CijvA7S0MHrzystaErvWU/s200/P7203583.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br />It is a lovely, cold rainy day today and I am home. The heater is on and the house is warm and cosy and soon I will spend some time going over a few recipe books and picking out a couple of new meals I'd like to try and make. I'll head over to the shops, gather what I need and come home and put it away for later.<br /></div><br /><div>I want to spend some time with my son's today and we are off to the music shop this afternoon to check out the drums and guitars. I wonder if there is an ear plug section?<br /><br />It makes me so happy that my kids are into music. Sure it's of the heavy metal and hard rock variety but I love that my house is generally alive with music. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Their Dad plays guitar also and in his younger years spent some time as the lead guitarist in a band. They played around the local traps and once played a gig in front of a couple of thousand people but never went any further than that before disbanding. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I love that the man in my life is never scared to try and from him I have learned many lessons about "having a go". </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>He is in the process of learning to play <strong><em>Cavatina </em></strong>which if you have never heard, is a beautiful piece of music that always brings a tear to my eye. It is also an exceptionally hard piece to play. </div><div></div><div>Being the determined character he is, each evening he picks up his guitar and goes over and over the piece perfecting as he goes. What a treat it is to listen to this every night. </div><div><br />He plays all sorts of music but this new classical phase he is in is just so nice. I can see that he physically relaxes as he plays. I think learning to play this piece is the ultimate in Zen practice for him and you cannot help but be totally there in the moment yourself when the one you love is playing something so beautiful. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am trying to focus on all of the good and wonderful in my life and my partner and my boy's are certainly both, the fact that they fill our house with music too is just so awesome and I am so thankful.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Now, where are those ear plugs? </div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656696558035705545noreply@blogger.com0