Blogging Away

Last night I sat for hours on the computer while everyone was in bed asleep - writing about what a wonderful weekend I had - and how the weather was beautiful and how I got to spend time with my gorgeous family.

Mal is yelling from the top end of the house - go to bed you'll be tired in the morning. I'm happily typing away, type type type...enjoying the peace and stillness of our home in the wee dark hours of the night....

The writing just flows and I'm editing and re-typing and correcting....I have my finished master piece and WA LA....the computer crashed....

It was gone - my new post - down the drains and I hadn't saved one bit of it...I had sat there for two hours labouring over my words and perfecting my phrases... it was gone in less than a minute.....so I sat there absolutely shocked and rebooted the computer - nothing, zilch, finito - gone....

So I clicked on this game Get The Paper in the Bin and wasted more time before heading to bed with my tail in between my legs (my best score is 4 - try and beat that)....

When I told Mal what happened in the morning - he just larfed and larfed (thanks darl...NOT). Needless to say work was so busy today that I didn't have time to smell the roses....never mind think about being tired...

Australia in Shock

All Australians have been following the story of Schapelle Corby who almost 8 months ago was caught with 4.1kg marijuana in her boogie board bag in a Bali Airport.

We have watched numerous news and current affairs programs on wether she is guilty or innocent over this time. We have watched her cry and break down, pleading her innocence.

She has now been through the trial proceedings in Bali - her lawyers trying to give evidence that she is not guilty and that the drugs were planted in her bag by someone else.

Yesterday the verdict was to be revealed of her fate by the Indonesian Court. It was like a media circus and all of Australia stopped to await the news....

I was in the boardroom at work with all my colleagues watching the proceedings, waiting, whispering, praying, hoping...

I personally believe that Schapelle is innocent........

Then the verdict was announced "20 years imprisonment and a $10,000 AUD fine"

The boardroom was quiet with shock, tears forming in the staffs eyes as they watched her breakdown and then taken from the public eye back to the Bali Jail....

I will pray for Schapelle.......Australia she needs our prayers

How many Australians will now travel to Bali as a holiday destination?????? Not me thats for sure!!!!!

Schapelle Corby - THE VERDICT

Corby: The verdict'No! No! And then she looked upwards and seemed to be praying'

SCHAPELLE Corby was trapped like a tropical fish in an aquarium running out of bubbles.

She began breathing hard, blowing in and out, sensing her fate was sealed as the Indonesian judge in his red and black robes, sitting in front to the left of her, began reading from the foolscap pages lying on the green baize table in front of him.

Judge Langang Dauh's voice was harsh, strident and accusing. His tone never wavered.
It was 10.54am local time in the Denpasar courtroom. A solitary ceiling fan whirred ineffectually overhead in a cream-coloured steamroom.

Crammed through every open window, the television and camera lenses focused their goggle eyes on her.

Hair swept back in a black bun like a Javanese matron, modest, black high-necked blouse, ankle-length pale pink skirt. Pearl stud earrings and a plain watch on a broad band. Perfectly made up.

For an hour and a half she had maintained her composure, a contrite figure, black and pink, as the two other judges had read from their foolscap pages, reviewing the evidence against the woman accused of smuggling 4.1kg of cannabis into Bali last October.

She sat demurely, hands clasped in a triangle, forefinger to forefinger, thumb to thumb. The judges read on; their voices almost monotonous. She had glanced around a couple of times to see her family when she had arrived at the courtroom at 9.07am, carried along, almost running, between two lines of police who charged their way through a side door.

Her parents, Michael Corby and Rosleigh Rose, had arrived five minutes before, in another heaving media scrum.

They sat, sad-eyed, strained and uncomprehending with sister Mercedes and her Balinese husband, translating in the front row of blocks of five seats in this tiny courtroom. Other friends and Australian diplomats sat behind them.

Australian tourists handed Indonesian photographers their digi-cams to send pictures home. One middle-aged woman waved an Australian flag through one of the windows.

For some who came here, it was almost like another episode of Big Brother. Another TV reality show.

But this was real life.

And now, after an hour and a half, as Judge Dauh got into his stride, the Indonesian media got ready. This was a real question of life and death, not a show.

The motor drives began clicking and the videocams rolled, and Schapelle looked at the local pack leaning through the windows by the judge's right elbow and she began to cry.

Now she was biting her lip, rocking backwards and forwards in her chair. She was mouthing "No! No!" And then she looked upwards and seemed to be praying.

At 11.15 an Indonesian cameraman alongside me translated the judge's firm utterance:
"There is convincing proof . . ."

She knew she was gone then. She was wiping tears from her eyes.

To her right, one of her Indonesian lawyers, Lily Lubis, knew she was gone, too. She slumped behind her desk, hands over her face.

It was getting worse. Schapelle was desperately trying to get herself under control, breathing in and out like a weightlifter about to attempt a record snatch and jerk.

Judge Dauh had finished. Now it was the turn of chief judge Linton Siriat. Schapelle was ordered to stand.

She straightened her skirt, almost stood to attention.

The courtroom began erupting into chaos.

As Judge Siriat announced the sentence -- "20 years' jail, 100 million rupiah fine" -- all hell broke loose as he rapped his gavel three times.

continue reading.......

Watching the Sunrise

This morning I woke up and it was still dark outside and our house is fairly cold as we have tiled floors and no curtains in our living area (we are surrounded by complete privacy) and when we bought the house we were told by the agent that it was insulated (NOT).

I have woken up and spent my time in prayer for my family, friends,church and community and also for my work situation. Everyday seems to bring new pressures and added responsibilities. There are times when I get down about working full time and wishing that I could spend the time at home taking care of the house and being there for when the girls came home from school.

There are two girls at work who work part-time and I feel jealous that they only work 3 days a week (larf larf). I stayed at home when my girls were born until my youngest started pre-school. So I have spent their formative years with them at home - I slowly went back into the workforce part time before going to work full time a year later.

I know that this is for a season only (how long Lord??) and I know that if I was at home full time that I would get restless very easy - I do find it hard to stay still - that is until I get home of an evening when I'm exhausted (lol).

I've looked out my windows this morning and seen the beauty of God - the colours in the sky as the sun rises - red hues and golden glows, the hint of blues and the rays shining through the clouds. I look out on my yellow roses that are starting to bloom (and my weeds) and I begin to praise God and thank him for the many blessings that he has bestowed on me.

I thank God for my working full time because it has helped us pay for the high mortgage on our home, to be able to provide clothes for the girls and to help pay for their violin lessons, netball games and for the fun outings we go on. I thank God for a supporting husband who helps me in every area of our life - for his provision and for his love. I thank God for my two beautiful princesses that are a gift from heaven and I am thankful of parents who help me with the girls after school - for their neverending love and support.

I thank God as I'm reminded of his word in Psalm 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path". He has given me everything I need to live life abundantly and it is in his word - Give thanks in all circumstances, Praise Him, Draw near to him.

This morning while I have been writing this blog I have made pancakes for my family - I usually only make them on special occassions. The girls usually eat breakfast together when they first wake up and Mal and I usally eat something in between showers, doing hair, packing lunches, tieing shoe laces. My family will wake up to worship music, freshly cooked pancakes, candles glowing and the table set - why? because they are all a blessing to me...

As I think about my day ahead - the complaints awaiting an answer, the staff awaiting answers to their questions, the meetings I have to attend and finding out how to cope with 3 staff members leaving in the next week because these people are not being replaced...

I read in my bible this morning in Proverbs 16:1-3 " We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands. We can always "prove" that we are right, but is the Lord convinced? Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed".

I thank you Lord for this day - I thank you that no amount of worry or stress will make the work easier but I commit my work to you, I commit my family to you and I commit my life to you. Thank you for your love, blessings and abundance for my life and for my family. Amen

THIS WEEK

Woohhooo - its the weekend.... What a week....I've been limited to blogging for only a half hour each night this week as Mal has needed to use the computer for work and for preparing his Sermon for this Sunday on Leftovers are Important Part 2.

This week I've:

* Went to the gym once

* Cooked dinner everynight this week (oh except Tuesday)

* Posted 2 blogs (about to post a 3rd)

* Found the bestest hot chocoloate ever from Nestle called Double Blend (seeing as I don't
drink tea and coffee)

* Attended 16 mindless meetings & listened to 2 "fall asleep" teleconferences

* Answered approximately 20 questions per hour per day

* Went up and down in the lift at work 32 times

* Filled up the lollyjar at work for the staff (and me - with all my favourites)

* Was scared to death and almost died when a spider was found on my shoulder

* Played one practical joke on a staff member and now I will have to watch my back

* Didn't have to play netball as the opponents forfeited (yeh another win on the board)

* Drank 40 glasses of water and went to the toilet after every 3rd glass...larf larf

* Went late night shopping with my mum and youngest daugher (almost tempted to buy a
gorgeous Velvet Victorian Jacket - the colour of sage green - might go and put it on layby)

* Only picked up my books to study once - and I just picked it up and looked at it

* Took 30 photos on my camera

* Played with my girls and spent time doing girlie things like blowdrying their hair...

* Slept, snored and dribbled

* Consumed endless amounts of chocolate

* Watched American Idol with Mal (Go Carrie or is it Go Bo??? - can't decide)

* Surfed the net when I could sneak in a minute or two

* Watched my beloved Saints get beat again

* Sat through almost 3 hours of netball - watching my girls play

I think there's something missing from that list somehow????? Oh I know what it is - HOUSEWORK....

Well I better go as I'm meeting my mum.....

WEEK AT THE GYM: ONE MAN'S STORY

Today myself and a work colleague were "umming and ahhing" about whether we should go to the gym at lunchtime today or go for a coffee instead when I received an email today from another fellow gym enthusiast.

You might have already read this before but I thought it was quite hilarious and wanted to share it all with you.....

Dear Diary,

For my fortieth birthday this year, my wife (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since playing football 20 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservation with a personal trainer named Vanessa, who identified herself as a 26 year old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swimwear. My wife seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY
Started my day at 6:00am. Tough to get out of bed, but it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Vanessa waiting for me. She was something of a Greek goddess with blond hair; dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo! Vanessa gave me a tour and showed me the machines.

She took my pulse after 5 minutes on the treadmill. She was alarmed that my pulse was so fast, but I attributed it to standing next to her in her lycra aerobics outfit. I enjoyed watching the skilful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my work out today. Very inspiring, Vanessa was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This was going to be a FANTASTIC week!

TUESDAY
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door.
Vanessa made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air, and then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Vanessa's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the
counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a CEO in the club parking lot. Vanessa was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Vanessa put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Vanessa told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other stuff too.

THURSDAY
Vanessa was waiting for me with her vampire -like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes. Vanessa took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the men's room. She sent Lars to find me, then, as punishment, put me on the rowing machine, which I sank.

FRIDAY
I hate that woman Vanessa more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, little cheerleader. If there were a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Vanessa wanted me to work on my triceps, I don't have triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like a drama coach or choir director?

SATURDAY
Vanessa left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrill voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven hours of the Weather Channel.


SUNDAY
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year, my wife (the COW) will choose a gift for me that is fun - - - like a root canal or a vasectomy.

Leftovers Are Important

Yesterday Mal preached at church. I have heard him preach so many times over the years that I am able to seperate him from being my husband to being the preacher - allowing God to speak to me through the word and what has been spoken. I find myself going "amen" and "thats great" and "fantastic" out loud, not because he is a great preacher (he is though) but because God is speaking to me.

He spoke on "Leftovers are Important" - he based it around the scripture from John 6:1-13 but honed in on v12 "When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples - Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted". There have been times when God has touched us, healed us, we have seen a harvest of souls, watched his miracles in action, witnessed the power of prayer - and from this we need to gather the leftovers from these events - gather them up, store them up. He talked about "being full and satisfied" eating all that we could eat but using the leftovers or scraps for the journey ahead.

He talked about the good and the bad circumstances that happen in our life and with the leftovers we are able to take the positives and the negatives and use them for our gain in the future.

Something that really spoke to me was when he talked about "Brokeness is for Greatness" being fragements, pieces of broken bread - picking these up to be able to build God's kingdom. From my brokeness and the pain and suffering that I have lived in my life so far that the "leftovers" that I have stored can allow me to reach "greatness" in God.

He took us to the scipture in 2 Cor 11: 22-27 When Paul had been beaten, and shipwrecked and imprisoned and how these made him the person that he is today - he used these events of his life for the positive - he didn't become a victim of his circumstances.

Jesus was trying to teach his disciples and made it extremely clear that "IT WASN'T ABOUT THE BREAD” – it was about caring for people, loving them and helping them come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father – it was for the Disciples to recall the spiritual lesson on learning to live by faith.

In conclusion he talked about Mary in Luke 2:19 “she treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” allowing the events that had just happened to her to be able to be gathered, stored and treasured.

Lord Jesus I thank you for your word and for speaking to me. I pray that I will display love, peace, joy, kindness and patience to all that I associate with this week. I pray that the “leftovers” of my life will be used for your kingdom and for your glory. Amen

A collection of flowers from mum and dads garden

These are climbing thingy flowers from mum and dads garden

Another rose from Mum & Dad's rose garden

A rose from mum's garden that she picked and put in a vase

Dad

You've always tried to help make everything

right with my world.

You've been there to laugh with me, to be

proud of me, and to be happy for all the good

things in my life. And, maybe even more

importantly, you've shared my disappointments,

and listened as I worked out my thoughts

and feelings about so many things that

troubled me as I was growing up.

You're a very important part of my world,

Dad, so I want to thank you now,

and tell you that I hope everything will

always be right with your world, too...

because I love you.

Happy Birthday

Without You life would not be so Beautiful

What a blessed Mothers Day I had - so spoilt by my husband and daughters. I was woken to breakfast in bed and I was given an attachment for my phone in the shape of a fish - it jingles when you walk, some beautiful orchids in a vase, Anthony Calleas new album which has The Prayer and Bridge Over Troubled Waters, and I got some sweet smelling gifts and of course some beautiful cards.

The most precious thing was the tags that were attached to my gifts

"Without You life would not be so Beautiful" - I felt loved and adored.

Mothers Day Lunch - What a day!!! I cooked lunch for my mum - with all her favourite food. We started off with a nice Pink Champagne, Pumpkin soup with crusty bread, Lasagne and Salad and to finish it off Lemon Meringue Pie - our stomachs were full at the end and by the time mum and dad left - I had to have a bit of a sleep because I was so exhausted....

Boy Am I Wacked.....

I certainly got wacked tonight by 7 aggressive women...what the!!!! Last week we had a really great game of netball - it was goal for goal - an amical game - we won by 1 point on the buzzer.

This week however was an entirely different story - after a hard day at work (yes I did work and didn't daydream too much and didn't surf the net at all and didn't chat for too long or go to the toilet 300 times because I drank so much flamin water....)

anyhoo..... as I was saying after a long hard day at work and a serious training session at the gym (and yes I did work up a sweat) and I'm on the treadmill running and one of the personal trainers comes up to me and says "glad to see you're back" - excuse me!! I've been back for the last couple of weeks - have you ever tried having a conversation with someone while you are running on the treadmill - you can barely breathe never mind run - and after 5 wks of not attending the gym your fitness level tends to drop - so I'm like trying to act all athletic like and pretend that I can talk meanwhile I'm praying "get lost and leave me to die on this machine"...

anyhoo...I've managed to digest again ooppss I meant digressed (is that a word - must ask Mal) after a hard day at work, serious training session at the gym our netball game is at 6pm - have you ever seen a woman in a netball skirt wearing stillettos??? sight to see I could tell you - that was me because the floor in the ladies changing room was disgraceful - trying getting changed without putting your stuff on the floor, bench or vanity top - I managed to juggle it all though - meanwhile I'm still in my stillettos trying to put my runners on and someone comes barging through the door - and guess who's standing behind the door???? ME!!! thats right I got "wacked" by the door and not only that I was pushed straight into the wall in front of me so my nose got severly squashed on the filthy slimy walls.....

anyhoo...I'm trying to tell you about the game tonight - we played against these "thugs" after my hard day at work, serious training session at the gym, fight traffic to get to the sports centre (now that is another story and we won't go there) and I get "wacked" in the ladies changeroom where my nose has been squooshed against a filthy wall and my opponent this week is a midget...however you spell it...one whack of my hips people usually go flying - not this midget - she was a rock statue - everywhere I went - there was the rock statue - she wasn't moving and I kept getting pulled up for contact - not my fault - she wouldn't move...

anyhoo....she reeeked of alcohol....beats me how someone can play with so much alcohol in them - you would think she would forget where she had to stand she had drank that much...

we were getting thrashed because they were so mean and pushy and rough and agressive and mean...and my temper was getting the better of me so much so that the spirit of violence was coming upon me....I'm praying real hard for the Lord to help me not to get upset "its just a game Jeannie - have fun" have fun when they were bulldozing us and tripping us over and being agressive

........and the rock statue wouldn't move so how was I supposed to get the ball and shoot a goal if the midget wouldn't get out of my flamin way....just as my elbow was about to be positioned in her ribs - the buzzer went and I thanked God for helping me from not committing the sin I was about to partake of..."violence"....needless to say "we lost".

soaked in sweat (I know you wanted to hear that) a girl from another team asked if any of us wanted to play an extra game - all she got was a glare and quickly exited the scene....

on the drive home I had to repent of my temper and all the bad thoughts I had about those thugs....I put on some music which helped my seething soul and thought about my precious family at home waiting for me - wanting to know how my day had been.

boy am I wacked.......

Happy Mothers Day Mum - I love you

IF I COULD BE A...

John from Scotwise has tagged me to play a game where I pick four of the following occupations and tell what I would do if I could be those things.

OK, I'll play. Here's the list:

If I could be a scientist... a farmer... a musician... a doctor... a painter... a gardener... a missionary... a chef... an architect... a linguist... a psychologist... a librarian... an athlete... a lawyer... an inn-keeper... a professor... a writer... a llama-rider... a bonnie pirate... an astronaut... a world famous blogger... a justice on any one court in the world... married to any current famous political figure.

Here are my answers...

If I could be a gardener..... my front and back yard would be filled with fragrant flowers that I could pick everyday and put in my home, I would make it weed free so that no weeds would ever appear, I would plant a liquid amber tree where my girls could climb the branches and have many adventures, I would create a rose garden outside my bedroom window and wake up to their sweet smell every morning

If I could be an architect.... I would build a Queenslander house by the beach where my family could come and go and make themselves at home. I would build a conservatory where the sun shone straight in with a peaceful flowing fountain in the centre, in this room there would be lots of ferns and greenery and a wind chime by the door. I would build a room for Mal and his books - a place where he could spend time with the Lord and write. I would build a room for the girls where they could play, dance and dress up and I would build a home theatre with a plasma screen where Mal & I and the girls could watch unlimited football and movies and listen to music

If I could be a chef.... I would cook pasta every day and bake lots of chocolate cake

If I could be a painter.... I would walk around all day wearing trakkies, and a spotted paint shirt. I would paint pictures of my family and pictures of flowers, lakes and sunsets.

Right, now that I am finished, I can now tag three people, who will I tag? How about.....

Birthbabe, Living Lifeskills, and Bryans Nonsense

Marriage - a Testimony to the Unbeliever

While Mal has been away in Sydney at a Pastors conference this week I have had lots of time to think...think...think - I usually think about chocolate but tonight I have been thinking about Marriage - our marriage and the testimony that it is to Unbelievers.

Mal and I have been married for almost 13 years now and are going from strength to strength..

When I meet people for the first time their reaction to me when they find out that I've been married for this amount of time is amazing - the next reaction I get is that I have a 10 year old and 7 year old (people think I only look 23 - that is a compliment) however people are amazed these days that someone as young as myself can be married for that amount of time and still love each other deeply.

There are so many people who have been hurt through marriages whether it be their fault, their partners or a mix of the two. Today marriage only has a survival rate of 1 out of every 2. These are shocking statistics. People now live together rather than marry - their belief in marriage has dissappated - whats the point??

The only thing that has kept Mal & I together, because our personalities are so different and so extreme (they say opposites attract) is Jesus Christ and our deep love for each other. He is the head of our home and always will be. Not only that, but our committment to each other and the ability to work through each situation as they arise.

Unbelievers look at Christians and see how they behave - they make a judgement on whether we are true followers of Christ or whether we are fake and hypocritical. They know the difference. I want people to see our marriage as something more than just a concept, but rather seeing through it and finding what it is that binds us together.

There a few things that I see that is important to living out this testimony and some values that God is still teaching me, and these are:

be positive about each other in front of others

pray together

learn to laugh together

enjoy each other's company

find common interests

talk to each other

allow the grace of God to work on our imperfections

encourage each other

do not hold a grudge

keep intimate details private

forgive each other

learn to cry with each other

The list could go on forever but these are just some examples of living a marriage that honours God, honours our family and is a testimony to those that are searching for love.

We had, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 read out on the day we got married and not only do we believe in it but with Gods help, we try to live it out

"Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud,

never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do wrong.

It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.

If you love someone you will be loyal to them no matter what the cost. You will always believe in them, and always stand your ground in defending them.

Love never fails" (The Living Bible)

Is your marriage a Testimony to Unbelievers - can they see Christs love through both of you?

I love Roses

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

Angels in Heaven

Remind Me of YOU!

WACKY article of the WEEK

Sydney Prisoners to operate Jail Call Centre

Prisoners are to operate telephones for $35 a week at a call centre inside a Sydney jail.

About 30 female inmates will handle inquiries for government agencies within the next month before pitching for private sector campaigns in the future, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Prisoners at the medium-security Dillwynia Correctional Centre have already begun training.

The inmates will soon begin marketing CSI products, such as recycled ink cartridges and refurbished furniture, to schools and businesses.

They are then expected to take calls for government agencies, such as licence renewal inquiries normally handled by the Roads and Traffic Authority.

The initiative has generated a fierce union response, warning the local industry would be damaged if cheap inmate labour was widely used

Waiting...waiting...waiting...

I'm waiting for Mal to call me after the end of his meeting tonight - he's probably out with his buddies having coffee somewhere.

So while I'm waiting I thought I would update you on how things have been this week...

Extremely busy - I know when the staff need me to speak with a difficult client they go in this childlike voice "Jeannie..." I go YES????? can you speak to this lady - she's not happy and she wants to speak to my supervisor....

I put my adult voice on because sometimes when people ring me at home they ask to speak to my mum - what the!!!! I am the mum, anyhoo...... I got abused left right and centre by this neurotic woman who was podantic with every aspect of her mortgage - okay so one of the staff members made a mistake and I apologised profusely and fixed up her loan, but there is no need to carryon like a lunatic...after the phone call I put up a sign that says "don't bother me I'm cranky". When I wasn't looking someone took the sign down and hung it gently on my back - larf larf.....NOT!

I'm still waiting..........

On a positive note though my Manager came back on Tuesday - and said she would like to take me out to lunch and say thank you for covering her role while she was away - I was pretty shocked as I don't think she's ever said thank you for anything. It was a lovely lunch especially since I didn't have to pay (oops those Scot genes are getting out of control again).

Have you ever tried to push a wheelie bin across the yard after it has been raining for 10 days straight - in high heels and a long skirt????? (when are you coming home Mal) needless to say I didn't have time to clear the mud off because as usual I was running late....

Still waiting......

It has gotten cold here - after 9 mths of beautiful warm weather you can start to fill the chill in the air and if you don't wear a warm jacket in the office you will freeze to death because "they" don't know how to turn the airconditioning down.

So this morning I get one of my suits out that I haven't worn since last winter and notice the hem has gone on both legs at the bottom - I thought if I iron the seams in really hard that will keep them up - it appeared to work until I got out of the car and walked across the carpark - I saw these straggley cuffs hanging down - what the!!!!! so I get into work and ask if anyone has a needle and thread (as if) so one of the girls says staple them - so I stapled them and
wa-la it stayed up - no need to sew them up now... (ohhh please mum don't read this....)

waiting patiently.....

The day proceeded to go from bad to worse. I found out that the
G-Train has been suspended for 1 match - not for striking but the "intent" to strike - hello - give me a break. However, without him I know we can still win...I will pray anyway "support ye the saints"

Well looks like I'll call it a nite - can't keep my eyes open any longer......"ring ring" its the phone!!

I'm outta here

I MISS.........

He has been gone four whole days now and it has been extremely quiet without him....only 3 more days to go and he will be home....

I miss the sound of the front door opening while I'm cooking dinner only to hear the girls go "daddys home" and run madly to meet him at the door....

I miss his endless phone calls to me at work during the day.....

I miss him falling asleep on the carpet in front of the tv.....

I miss our conversations in the morning before the girls get up - catching up from the previous day....

I miss him saying "do you want me to go get you some chocolate"....

I miss him going on about endless facts and boring stories about sport.....

I miss our prayer time together......

I miss him taking the trash out, hanging out the washing and unpacking the dishwasher - oh and killing the spiders....

I miss him filling up my car with petrol....

I miss him telling me to drive carefully and not get involved in any more road rage incidents....

I miss his hugs and kissess (all 600thousand of them)....

I miss his companionship.....

Cry Baby Cry

It has been a while since I've cried......I don't like to be sad and I love to larf....but today I have felt like crying.....

This morning Mal drove off to Sydney this morning to attend the World AOG Church Pastors conference - he will be meeting up with his mates and all his Bible College pals....he will be gone for 7 days and he left before church and the girls and I were quite sad.

Before he left for the 10 hour drive ahead, we prayed for him and did a group hug (mind you I was still trying to wake up) CB did make me larf though because we were going through his checklist to make sure he remembered everything and she goes "did you remember your underwear - it would be terrible if you forgot those" and we all burst into fits of giggles -what a cutie....

But me wanting to cry is more than than him leaving us for a couple of days. I lead worship at church this morning and just felt the tangible presence of Christ with us - it was beautiful.

The sermon was about being humble - and oh how I felt humbled. It was around the scripture which talks about "whoever humbles himself like this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven". I have heard many sermons on "being humbled" you have to be the least to be the greatest but none have impacted me like this morning.

Maybe because I feel God is stirring something within me and I'm reminded of the scripture in

Phill 2:3-5 "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as beter than yourself. Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too and in what they are doing. Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ" (The Living Bible)

We have been on the Coast here for nearly 4 years and in that time - I have gone from full time ministry to working full time in the workforce - what is God speaking to me?? What are the gentle tugs on my heart - why do I feel like crying????

Just needed to get that out of my head....