A Sentence a Day: Set

We start tomorrow.  

Perhaps a prompt or question or two wouldn't hurt.  

I know the readership on AGT isn't huge, but we will ask anyway.  Do you have any questions?  Do you have any topics that you think I should write a sentence about?  

Just in case you lot don't feel brave enough to comment and I happen to get stuck - I will also be checking out the usual writing prompt hot spots and news websites for inspiration.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve! 

A Sentence a Day: ready

I have been inspired. HA!

"A Sentence a Day" is a  simple concept.  Whether you fancy yourself a writer or you doubt your literary genius, everyone can write a sentence.  ALMOST everyone.  So, at the end of each day, or I suppose you could do it at the beginning, you write one sentence- about the day, a realisation you had, what you wore, who you spent the day with.  It doesn't really matter what it is about.  If you start with one sentence you will probably end up writing more, but, there are days when the expectation of writing a whole paragraph is too difficult.  Keep expectations small and when you exceed them you can be proud of yourself.

Apparently, a lady called Gretchen Rubin started a One Sentence Journal and has managed to continue- uninterupted for 5 years.  There is a book about it, which you can learn more about here, called The Happiness Project.  There is a website (I think it's a Word Press site) where you can start your own One Sentence a Day Journal online- click here to see that. Kikki K (an exclusive stationery store) has published a print One Sentence a Day Journal and related stationery line.  The Journal has 365 sentence starters or prompts, each with their own page ready for your 1 sentence (or more) response.

I considered buying one of these journals, but I decided it was a huge waste of money when I know that I have two blogs and a journaling app on my Windows Surface Tablet and none of those get a daily sentence.  The idea that a pretty new book with pretty new pens will change my writing habits is pretty ludicrous.  Did you see what I did there?

The new year is fast approaching.  I think I can handle one sentence a day.  Therefore, as of 1st January 2015, AGT will be the platform for my one sentence a day.  Sometimes it will be more. Often it will not.  

Now you know the plan.  If you feel inspired, I would love for you to share your thoughts in the comments or tick a reaction box below.

Thanks.

It's been a while

Catching up on all the news in one post would be next to impossible.  For the reason that I have probably forgotten much of it.  

Busy is good.  I suppose, busy is good.  

There have been Christmas celebrations, shopping expeditions, friendly lunches, family arrivals, sporting finals, introductions, farewells, surprises and birthdays. All since my last post which was very short.  Let's see if we can get you up to speed on the basics. 

1. I have a boyfriend. 

2. Nanny is here! 

3. The kids are good! 

4. I'm on Holidays!!! 

5. I'm now 31.   

I think that's it.  Now that I look, it seems a bit sad really.  Perhaps the truth of it is that I'm very succinct. 

Well, that's that then.  I'm back in the saddle.  

There is plenty more to come and you will see it soon.  

I have truly missed you AGT.  The joy of blogging seemed a luxury but perhaps I should make it a necessity.  

Love

6 words about How I feel...

Now who's a super silly girl??!!

Me, That's who! 

Just in case you don't understand what mutual weirdness is... 

*sigh*

P's and Q's

When I was about 12 years old, I read a children's book about manners.  There might have been a much more intricate story but the thing that stuck with me was an included anecdote about minding one's P's and Q's.

I don't know if this little tale is true, but it made sense to me when I read it so I might as well share it. Not very long ago the phrase, "mind your p's and q's" was common among mothers, teachers and anyone else who kept children in line.  The story goes that the P refers to the beginning of PLEASE and the Q refers to the sound that is made in the middle of THANK YOU (THAN-Q).  Therefore, when a child is told to mind her P's and Q's it is a reminder to say please and thank you.

I always thought that the saying meant more than using the 'magic words' but related to the broader concept of etiquette and conformity to social convention.  The context in which adults seemed to use the phrase indicated to me that grave consequences were brought upon anyone whom dared to forget a P or Q.

Did anyone stop to think that "p" and "q" look a like and it might just be a reminder that concentration while handwriting is imperative.  A good proof reader will rectify any careless errors related to the mixing up of p's, q's, b's and d's in any case, I suppose.

Only a portion of this was relevant to the original purpose of this post when I started typing. However, I think you have all learned something valuable... even if that is only "don't believe everything you read on the Internet".  

By the way, if you are interested in the true origin of the P's and Q's saying click here to see that there is no real agreement on the matter at all.  

I will simply have to write another post.

Happy Wednesday!

How to Get LOTS of KINDNESS sent your way!

Step One: Find out what 'day' it is.  For example: World Teachers' Day (the last Friday in October), but nearly every day on the calendar celebrates something.  

Step Two: Send a group text message to everyone in your address book, wishing them a Happy World Teachers' Day (or insert your own celebration).  This works especially well if you are a teacher and you send this wish of happiness to all the teachers you know.  But if it doesn't work quite so well, you simply need to tell your recipients that you are taking this celebration as an opportunity to tell them how much they mean to you, how wonderful they are... etc. etc.

Step Three: Smile.  Know that you have brightened someone's day and probably annoyed someone else.  

Before you put your phone down, someone will be sending you a thank you text and they will probably realise it has been so long that they have told you that you are Awesome!!  This will lead them to make up for it by describing your Awesomeness via text message.  If you send it to enough people, your inbox will be full before you know it! 

Yesterday was World Teachers' Day!  I'm so blessed to be a teacher and to have so many great teachers in my life.  If you didn't spoil your teacher or your teacher friends on Friday, you better make up for it on Monday!!! Comprende

FYI: My happy text was sent out because I wanted to appreciate my teacher friends.  I was just really lucky that they all agree that I'm just as Awesome as I say I am.  ;)

Kids' Book Review: Review: Stars in Jars

How much do I love poetry and rhyme?  Silly question.  


Check out this review of a new poetry book for kids, from KBR! 


Kids' Book Review: Review: Stars in Jars: This collection of short poems by award-winning UK poet Chrissie Gittins is a wonderful introduction to poetry for children, featurin...

Thursday Thank You Blob

My mother drives me everywhere I need to go.  She drives me to the train station, the bus stop, the dentist, the doctor, the physio, the shops, the airport, the vet, the pet shop, church, my sister's house, my friend's house and sometimes even school.   She drives me- nuts, crackers, bonkers, crazy and up the proverbial wall!

After 30 years of life on Earth I have come to the conclusion that it just wouldn't be the same without my Mum!  She is so much more than a womb or a taxi driver.  She can wash and clean and iron too.
I jest!!

My Mum is very important to me but sometimes I forget to tell her.  You would think that she would know by now, but when you are as fabulous as my mum it is easy to feel unappreciated.  I know that there are situations and times when I don't feel appreciated and it sucks!  I know a lot of adjectives and none of them capture how it feels better than the word 'sucks'.

This Thursday's Thank you is a Blob for Mum!  I love ya Mum. Thanks for driving me crazy and taking care of me.  I seriously couldn't do it without you.

Love Always

Big Girl Pants and Being Pretty

Just so that you know, when I say big girl pants, I'm not talking about the metaphorical ones that we pull up when we have to be a grown up.  Trust me, I would never pay for the 'privilege' of being a grown up!  I'm talking about the tangible ones that you pull up every morning and believe they will be the one thing that keeps you and your personals  covered in rain, hail and shine. Every girl knows that your big girl pants can make a difference between a good and an itchy one! 

Last week I went to town and did some good old fashioned shopping!  When I say shopping, I'm talking about the kind of shopping that spans city blocks, department stores and specialty shops.  This is the shopping that ends in exhaustion and sore feet.  Remember that scene in Pretty Woman, when Julia Roberts collapses into a chair, dressed up to the nines and surrounded by piles of bags and boxes.   My flop on the bed was far less glamorous and I was in sensible walking shoes and still had sore feet. Good thing I was staying in a modest hotel in the city.  The PJ's were on before the room service arrived. 

My expedition included a frantic search of the underwear department of (the ritzy and superior), Target.  Why was I frantic?  I need new underwear.  The situation is getting desperate.  Well, it was desperate last week. You see, I found an excellent line of underwear a few years ago.  It was pretty and fitted comfortably.  Undies are an important part of your outfit,girls.  I'm not shy about saying it.  I know that no one sees my undies but me and the laundry fairy but when I wear my granny undies I feel like a granny and there is enough going on, any give day, that makes me feel like a granny without my undies jumping on board.  So, when my favourite line of pretty panties were no longer available - discontinued - I could have cried!!! In fact, I might have cried. 

I went shopping with the intention of finding a new underwear collection and when I couldn't find anything at Target, despair was looming.  Fortunately, my frantic rifling into the backs and bottoms (no pun intended) and corners of the underwear racks finally uncovered a limited range of big girl undies that didn't look my Nan's.  It was more that a little disturbing that I was so delighted by a purchase of such a necessity, but that's how it goes these days. 

My romp in the city was a success.  I came home with new undies and a new pair of shoes.  =) 

 Nothing beats a comfy pair of undies.  But, if they're pretty, it's a bonus. 

My Cat the Diva

Very early this morning, while it was still dark, Dad got out of bed headed to the kitchen.  He checked his blood glucose level and took some medication, as he usually does. He tends to do this in dim light as he knows what to do and where everything is and it all sort of happens automatically.  

Shelly, the cat, demanded her pre-breakfast morning snack and Dad obliged by pouring some of her breakfast into her bowl, which he found by feeling the edge of it.  

Later this morning, while it was still dark, Shelly woke me up and demanded the remainder of her breakfast.  I got the cup from the bench and tipped the remaining breakfast portion (only three of four pieces) into her bowl.  She purred and ate them up.  I went back to bed.  

Only a few minutes later, Shelly was walking all over me and meowing in my ear.  I got up (AGAIN!) and went to the kitchen to sort it out.  I turned on the light and found that the majority of Shelly's breakfast was on the floor, beside her bowl.  Shelly stood beside her bowl with a look of expectation.  
"Mee-oow" she demanded. 
"Your food is right there." I replied, pointing to the pile of food beside her bowl.  
"Meo" she croaked back at me and sat down beside her bowl with that look I give my students when they ask if I'm serious.  That look of stubborn patience.  That look that says, I mean it and I will just sit here silently and wait for you to come to your senses.  

I sighed as I bent down and scooped the food from the floor to her bowl.  No sooner had the food had dropped into the bowl, was it set upon by Shelly's jaws.  She gulped and purred and purred and gulped as my small handfuls of food fell into the bowl.  It was exactly the same food that had been on the floor.  Exactly the same.  

I'm raising a princess! 

What I "learned" at Church today.

I put "learned" in air quotes because I already knew it, I just needed to learn it again. One of the newest members of our church, a beautiful baby girl called Eden Grace was dedicated to God during our service today.  Her grandfather led our morning worship service and reminded us that we are saved by the Creator of the Universe who loves everyone of us.  I learned it again.  I will keep learning it until it is finally something I won't ever forget.

The Key Question of the Message this morning was:
"What kind of Gospel is this?"

Linda Bond, General of the Salvation Army (Retired), said that the Gospel appears ludicrous and incredible.  What Kind of Gospel appears Ludicrous? The Gospel of Faith.  It demands faith.

This Gospel is life changing.  Simon Peter, Saul who became Paul on the road to Damascus, Timothy all changed dramatically when the Gospel was brought to them.  While there are many who are born into a Christian family and way of life, they may feel that knowing God hasn't truly changed their life.  But, what if they weren't born into such a family? Where would they be if they hadn't heard the Gospel?  What would they have done in their youth if they hadn't been at church?  What would they be doing now if they had not learned of God's grace in their infancy?  What kind of Gospel is this?  A faith-based, life changing Gospel.

While society seeks to label everyone, God does not label or condemn us.  Most children these days have some kind of 'label' that attempts to explain away their shortcomings.  Everyone is 'supposed' to fit into a box or fall into a group or role depending on the situation.  We have mothers, sisters, career women, stay at home mums, children, adults, CEO's, government officials, average people.  We have owners and renters and nationalities, socio-economic status, married and unmarried.  There are places and rules and considerations of justice.  The Gospel is for EVERYONE and ANYONE!  It doesn't matter who you are or where you have been; it matters that you Believe your life will be changed.  Your past doesn't exclude you.  The Gospel is not restricted.  The Gospel is not determined by your social status, bank balance, family, neighbourhood, education, race, appearance, marital status or employment.  What kind of Gospel is it?  This is a Gospel for you, me and them.  This Gospel is for everyone.

The world today can be a very scary place.  The news is a depressing part of anyone's day.  There are deaths, crimes, natural disasters, financial difficulties and wars.  One could be forgiven for wanting to hide away.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the Gospel of reassurance.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Nothing is constant or certain but GOD does not change. The truth of the Bible has not changed in thousands of years.  God's love is eternal.  This Gospel must certainly seem incredible because it is not dynamic.  It isn't relative.  It doesn't 'depend' on the circumstances.  This Gospel is solid.

What kind of Gospel is this?  This is the Gospel of HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE.  This is the Gospel that CHANGES the LIVES of anyone who BELIEVES.

Why would I believe in anything else?

Another Week and Another List of Happy

Today, I decided it might be interesting to write a poem instead of just a boring list. I am making an effort to accentuate the positive and, at least once a week, write about what makes me happy.  I want to focus on the good things that I am grateful for. I decided to write a Cinquain.  If you want more information about the poetic form, rules for the structure and tips on how to write Cinquains you could check out my previous posts on Cinquains or Google it (quite a few teaching resources are available too).  

Thanksgiving

Blessed, Loved, Safe.

Laughing, Playing, Learning, 

Peaceful in the Present.

Praise

Love

Today I'm Grateful For...

1. My laptop and my other internet enabled devices.  I'm not sure what I would do without the Internet.  I know there was a time when I didn't use the Internet at all.  I didn't spend nearly as much time in my pyjamas and I was almost always cranky.  True Story! 
2. My Dentist - while I don't like having to visit him, he is very skilled and often goes above and beyond my expectations when it comes to providing relief.  He is, of course, rather expensive. 
3. My job - the most important part of which, this week anyway, is the pay packet.  I can afford an expensive and excellent dentist because I get paid.  
4. My parents - I love my parents and they would do anything (within their power) for me.  Sometimes that includes telling me truth I don't want to hear or pushing me further than I want to go.  
5. My bed - It really is a very comfortable bed!! 

Postcards and Photographs and the Top of my Wardrobe

This morning, I decided to clear out a box, that has been sitting on top of my wardrobe, to make some space and make my room look a little less cluttered.

What a delightful treasure trove I found!

There were postcards from some little friends of mine.  When my tutoring students went on holiday I would set them homework which always included the task of writing me a postcard.  I would tell their parents that the student must be responsible for purchasing the postcard, writing me a message, addressing the postcard and mailing it.  I was certain that I was teaching them a life skill and I got the bonus of receiving a post card.

The sad thing is, people don't tend to send postcards anymore.  Why is that?

I used to love sending post cards and receiving them.  When the BFF goes to Canada, I will have to demand some postcards.  I might have to give her postcard money!

Among some papers and folders I also found some photos.  I love photos! I found a few Santa photos from several years ago.  The children were so small!! I also noticed things about them that I certainly hadn't noticed before.  It's amazing how children look so content.  There really is something magical about the innocence of childhood.  Other than that, I found some photos of old friends.  It was a bit of a spin out - you know a strange feeling- like travelling back in time.  We were so young! I was surprised at how much I remembered just from looking at pictures.  A simple photograph - or a dozen - sparked memories I had forgotten I had.  Doesn't it seem silly.

Meanwhile, I'm typing this collection of random thoughts while sitting on my bed, surrounded by old photos, little boxes, school resources, papers and M'n'M's.  Perhaps I should do something about tidying all this up.

Aside from a little dust, the top of my wardrobe is now clear and definitely less cluttered.  So, mission accomplished.  Although I'm not sure if it counts until the photos aren't scattered on the bed.

Cest la vie

Thank you for...

1. Mum and Dad.
2. My nephews and nieces and their glorious individuality.
3. Chocolate.
4. My 'smart' phone that has lots of pictures that I have taken of lots of lovely things. 
5. Shelly- my kitty friend.  She also has a beautiful  individuality.  

Today was productive and calm and the weather was absolutely gorgeous!  I hope school tomorrow is similarly calm.

Mum's Birthday... and my new gift giving policy

Today is Mum's birthday.  

You might know that we, in our house, have a lot of STUFF.  It isn't just Mum or just Dad or just me for that matter.  Shelly and Hagrid claim that the stuff was here before them, therefore they aren't actually responsible for it.  Meanwhile, Shelly rarely picks up her toys!  But I digress.  

It wasn't very long ago that I decluttered the bathroom.  During this experience, I came upon a number of "gifts" that had been unwrapped but never actually used.  I have always been the kind of person who believes that your birthday shouldn't be about the gifts, but the experiences.  I would much rather attend a party (or a small gathering with a few very close friends or the family) and feel special, than get a bunch more stuff.  So, I suppose this is something that has been rolling around in the back of my mind for a long while.  Now, I have finally put all the pieces together and I have a plan.  

Once you get to a certain age- I'm thinking 15 years (mainly because that is the age of my eldest nephew and I don't want him or anyone else feeling as though they have missed out on anything)... you will not receive a STUFF type of gift from me!  No sir!  From me, you will receive an experience!! 

I have to admit that I like to give experiences and I have often - especially when the bank balance was low- done this in the past.  But, now it will be a policy. 

Here are some 'experience' gifts I  have given in the past and I have to say, I think they were the ones that have always meant more to those around me. 

• Singing happy birthday over the phone... or better yet.. having a bunch of random people you don't know sing happy birthday to you over the phone.  I have done this more than once for friends of mine... I hope they liked it.  
• Free Babysitting and a voucher for a movie or fancy restaurant- obviously a gift for friends who happen to be parents.  
• Paid for camp fees. 
• A day with M- this one goes to the kids, they get a whole day of me and they get to choose from a selection of activities that I know they enjoy e.g. movies, bowling, mini- golf, craft, painting, dress ups, picnics etc etc. 
• Spa Day- massage or facial, or a voucher to pay for a treatment of choice.
• Sending exactly the number of messages/ gifts as the age of the recipient.  Example= last year my boss turned 40 and he received a range of you tube videos, text messages, emails, post-it notes, cards and pictures wishing him a happy birthday and altogether they totaled 40! 
• A treasure hunt: again, 45 notes hidden all over the workplace for my 45 year old teaching buddy. 
• Decorated desks/ bedrooms - including birthday messages, "facts about the recipients date of birth" and other items. 
• Balloons hanging from the bedroom door (see the blog post about my BFF's birthday celebrations a few years back). 
• Holiday spending money. 
• A lunch/ dinner with your's truly. 
• A shopping spree! 

So, there it is.  Don't get excited about receiving stuff this year people... instead, I'm going to give you a memory! 

By the way... in case you're wondering... I gave mum spending money for her recent nautical escapade (she went on a cruise) and I sent her a photo of a birthday cake, because I don't want her to get fat.  LOL =) 

Love 

Another Thursday Thank you

It never really retired or left, it's just been silent.

Thank you for my parents, although they drive me mad.
Thank you for my job, although it frustrates me.
Thank you for my cat.
Thank you for my family- sis, bro, nieces and nephews, aunties, uncles, grandparents.
Thank you for Skype.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  I have so many reasons to be thankful.

Wednesday Words: exactly 6.

Ha Hee Hee Ha Hee

Enough Said! 

The Great Discovery of Decluttering

A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to de-clutter the family bathroom.  I called my mum (at work) and asked her if there was anything in the bathroom she didn't want thrown away.  She gave me a short list of items that were to be kept.  I had a few things that I wanted to keep.  I started sorting.

Some of the items I found were unexpected.  Some of the items I found were unexpected but not at all surprising to me.  Some of the items I found were not at all unexpected or surprising.  I haven't listed the regular bathroom items - well I listed some of them, so this is an almost complete list of what I discovered on Tuesday when I de-cluttered the family bathroom.

• 2 plugs for the bathroom sink.
• 4 ping pong balls- any cat owner probably finds ping pong balls in random locations in their house.  (Tell me you own a cat and have ping pong balls in random places!)
• 1 set square.
• 1 chisel
• 1 bottle of valve oil (used for brass instruments of the musical variety) - with a loose cap. 
• 1 screw driver
• 1 pair reading glasses - in the second drawer of the bathroom cabinet - because if you need a spare pair of reading glasses the first place you are going to look is in the second drawer of the bathroom cabinet (yeah, right!).  
• 11 disposable razors - why do I keep buying new razors?
• 5 storage baskets (some empty, some half full of random bathroom items). 
• 1 bag of cat food - not the brand that Shelly likes!
• 1 tupperware container (no lid).
• 2 large tubs of petroleum jelly.
• 3 pressure bandages
• 1 pair of first aid scissors
• 1 tube of super glue
• 1 colour swatch of the laminate that covers our kitchen bench

The bathroom items included (but weren't limited to) the following.

• various hair products - some used.
• almost empty deoderant bottles (men and women's)
• various make up products (all of which were at least a year old).
• 4 bottles of shampoo.
• 15 bottles of conditioner (small half full ones that Mum has been saving for... something). 
• 8 toothbrushes (all brand new)
• 1 hair straightener.
• 2 bottles of half full nail polish remover.
• children's bubble bath
• 2 large containers of sunscreen (1 very old and 1 almost brand new).
• 1 small tube of sunscreen - also brand new.
• a selection of first aid supplies such as sting goes, tea tree oil, peroxide. 
• 1 hair dying bowl and two brushes.
• a full set of hair brushes.
• 2 full sets of hair combs (all those different sizes for all those different jobs). 

The point?  You never know what you mind find when you de-clutter a room.  I have to say that our- my- bathroom is far more functional now.  You gotta laugh at this stuff! 

I finished sorting, throwing away the rubbish and working out was being kept.  Then, I trolled through my own pins on Pinterest and checked out some great pins from other pinners.  Have I mentioned that I love Pinterest? I used all the great ideas that I found to plan the next step in my process- redecorating the bathroom!  I'm not going to show you pictures, because it's boring.  Just trust me- it looks awesome.  I didn't change structure or tiles of the bathroom, I just organised it!  

The drawers are cleaned out and lined with scented paper (I received some for a gift so I figured I would use it- I would never purchase such a ridiculous item).  Everything that I decided to keep has a place and there is room for more of the bits and pieces that bathrooms tend to accumulate (extra tissues, cotton tips, hand cream etc).  The items I use daily are lined up on a shelf beside the basin and the other bathroom items that you want close by but don't use all the time are arranged in baskets and square shaped cups.  Mum was invited on the shopping trip and allowed to have final say on the purchased items (even though she didn't spend a penny and secretly it was what I wanted all along!), so she was happy with the finished product.  

That's that then!! 

School Holidays: the great sliding slope

It doesn't matter if it's June or December, January or September, my holidays follow a certain pattern that is simply impossible to crack.  

We all know that I have a medical condition that impacts upon many aspects of my lifestyle and wellness.  We all know that sleep is one of the big issues that come with this condition.  So, my dear friends, as intelligent people, you would also be aware that changes in routine tend to have a negative effect on sleep - regardless of your health status.  Of course, because I'm poor and sickly (cough, cough)* even the slightest routine alteration can spell disaster for my sleep and general 'on top of the worldness'... it is so a word.  

*note that I don't have a cough- nor is my medical condition specifically linked to coughing- however it seemed appropriate that someone who is ill would cough - therefore I inserted a cough- fake as it might be- I really am quite unwell.  

You might be wondering where all this is coming from.  You might not, but then, you wouldn't be reading if you weren't at least a teeny bit interested.  

It doesn't matter how hard I try to keep my routine as normal as possible, the holidays just mess everything up.  Shelly wakes me every morning somewhere between 5 and 6 am.  I get up to feed her and then usually feed myself - as is the custom during the school term.  But, when I'm on holidays, there is something inside me that knows I don't have to be anywhere at any particular time.  At the least, I don't have to be ready to leave the house at 7 am.  So, my body tells me that I'm exhausted and I really should go back to bed so I won't feel exhausted.  Since, my brain also knows that I don't have to be anywhere, it has no motivation to tell my body that staying awake and 'getting things done' would be far better for me in the long run.  Therefore, my brain and my body conspire to either lull me into zombie-like television viewing or convince me to head back to bed, "just for a little while."

If this happens on the first day, most people would be okay with that.  Most people would say it is a 'winding down' process that must happen during that weird transition time between working like a crazy person and being on a 2 week vacation.  Some people would say that it takes them 2 weeks to wind down and therefore, there is little point in winding down at all.  These people, are often those who need it most.  I did really well on Monday.  I woke up at 5:30 am thanks to Shelly and I made breakfast, watched Rookie Blue on television, showered and set about getting the house organised for a visitor.  I then hosted a planning lunch with my teaching partner and after she left I had a well-deserved nap.  That night, it was tricky to get to sleep.  

Tuesday, was the beginning of the end.  I got up early (about 5:45 am, thanks to Shelly), made breakfast and watched TV.  I had a bit of a headache and was very tired.  So, I headed back to bed - just for an hour.  An hour and a half later I woke up - thanks to Shelly- showered and went shopping with Nanny.  We had a lovely day out.  When I got home, I laid down for a little while.  I didn't actually go to sleep, I just laid down, I was tired.  We went out for dinner and came home.  It was another long process to get to sleep. 

Wednesday, yesterday, the wheels pretty much fell off the wagon.  Again, I woke up early - thanks Shelly- fed her and me and watched Rookie Blue.  Then I went back to bed for a while.  I watched some TV in my room and fell asleep with relative ease.  Several people woke me up to ask me questions.  Dad brought me the phone because my sister called.  Mum called.  Dad came into my room to get the phone off me.  He came in again to give me the Bible reference for the reading I'm doing on Sunday.  He came in again for something else, but I don't quite remember what.  Nanny came in to ask me a question about something.  I don't remember what that was about either.  Each time I woke up, I simply rolled over and went back to sleep.  So, when I eventually woke up on my own (Shelly was outside playing in the sun while Nanny did a crossword puzzle) it was about 12:30 pm.  I had slept half the day away.  I got up and did a bit of work - although not well- and we went to the movies last night.  It was very late when I got home. 

At 4 am today, Mum and Nanny got up to watch a Wimbledon tennis match.  They were making a great racket (aha, racket, get it?!) and woke me up.  I got up and then went back to bed until 5:45 am when Shelly woke me wanting breakfast.  I have managed to stay awake today - but only just- and so it goes.  I will do my best to dig myself out of this hole, but as you may have noticed, this slippery slope is one that I have slid down before.  As far as I can see, it is easier to wait until you hit the bottom before you start looking for the ladder that goes back to the surface.  Unfortunately, this time, I'm not sure I want to wait. There is far too much fun to be done.  If only, I could keep my eyes open to enjoy it. 

Holidays are important.  Resistance against the sleep monster is futile.  Let it be.  Hopefully, the world will still be here when you wake up. 

Time for a nap! 

Stupid Questions are Real!!

M: Good night, everyone!
Nanny: Good night, M.
Mum: Why? What are you doing? 
M: (looking surprised) I'm going to bed. 
Mum: What for?
M: Because I'm tired! 
Nanny: hehehehe


Stupid Questions, people!  They do exist! 

Love Ya, Mum!

Some More Great Words

After a short flutter on twitter, I often find myself on some random website reading some article or other.  New blogs are also discovered during these, 'down the rabbit hole' type of journeys on the internet.  This morning, I stumbled upon, this slideshow on Dictionary.com. 

After reading the first definition, I believe I am a logophile (this is a screen shot- click the link above if you want to learn more). 

I'm not an epeolatrist though - that sounds a bit creepy to me.  

We all know how much I love words and I'm proud of it.  A few of the words on this list will certainly be added to my favourites list such as: verbicide, litotes and the great sesquipedalian.  In fact, I think I might be a sesquipedalian logophile.  Now I understand why composing a tweet sometimes takes me so long that the conversation I'm tweeting about is yesterday's news! 

Oh, Dictionary.com, there are times when you're better than Google. Did I type that out loud?

That's That Then!

Great... Something

I wonder if you will be as shocked about this as me?

Nanny irons her pyjamas!!

True Story! 

If I didn't see it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it.  I suppose there is more to being an 'ironing fairy' than meets the eye! 

Shelly's 6 Words

EAT

Sleep 

 PLAY

and 

Be Meowy! 

My Great 6 Words for now... 6 Word Memoirs!!

The message of your 6 words, can change from day to day and with mood.  The 6 words website offers a space for a daily 6 words.  Here is a week's worth of 6 words from Me. 

It's a Girl - I knew it!  

(My sister gave birth to a healthy baby girl last week).

I just want to cuddle my niece.

Time for Bed, my little ones.  

Ready or not- here I come! 

(In order to give my sister and her hubby a chance to rest, we took some of the kids for the night.  The other kids went to see grandparents too.  We had a wonderful time playing hide and seek and building tall towers and face painting!)

Stop telling me what to do! 

(This was actually the summary my Doctor gave of my recent little meltdown)

More work than time - so busy! 

I think I'll take a nap! 

That's that then.  A week in 42 words.  

Love