Yesterday was a glorious day......sun was shining, it was nice and warm and it just was beautiful. Today is overcast, cool and just yuk. Seems to be the weather pattern at the moment, fine during the week and wet and yuk on the weekend.
Just 6 sleeps to go and we will go to Broome. I am hanging out for a battery recharge!! Its around 35-38oC over there at the moment, which reminds me...I must have a look at what of my summer clothes actually fit!! I may have to buy some new sandals for sure, and a new sundress oh and reclaim my bathers from Stef. I put a size 12 school dress on her yesterday...omg, she has grown so much this year. It seems a waste though to buy her new ones when she only has 6 weeks left at the school. We were lucky enough to buy her a new top and netball skirt at the opshop last week, so we may have enough to get her through until the end of the year. She really needs new clothes for Barwon Valley School though.
Stef was so smoochy yesterday and she had an awesome day at school. She really suprises everyone as yesterday her normal aide was away, but she had a good day anyway. Change does not bother her much at all which is a against the usual autism trait. I guess in this house things change all the time. When Brent was little he would have major meltdowns everytime we changed his normal routine, so we stopped doing anything the same way twice. Routines changed daily, furniture changed, plans changed, just everything in his life changed all the time. Eventually he got to the point where change was nothing to be frightened of and there were no more meltdowns. I know that Brent thinks I am flaky....that I can never make up my mind, but its what I have had to be for his sake. Routines were too comfortable for him...and the biggest difficulty was stepping out of the routine for him.
Tonight we are going to a cocktail party at a friends place. We havent caught up to these darling people for ages and we are so looking forward to seeing them both. I think steve was organising a limo for us (cheaper than a taxi to werribee). Its a pity we have to be home by 1am, but thats the way it is.
Anyways, onward. Lots to do...housework, rainbow club, jack has a mate's party and the Mt Washmore!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Day 22/100 day challenge
Its nearly 5am, after yet another night when I woke up at 3am. This sleeplessness is driving me crazy! On a good front though, I get a chunk of time to myself!
Im just planning our Christmas. This year, I am not going to do anything at the last minute. I want a stress free Christmas. My plan is to have everything organised by 1st Dec. Presents bought, cards done and food in the freezer. I really need to decide what I am going to give to the teachers this year. Maybe a box of christmas pudding rumballs. It adds up to quite a lot when you have aides, teachers, busdrivers etc to give to. I will also make up a plate for the teachers at Lara Primary, being on council.
This is my first day on my new activity plan...I have committed to 10 minutes of conscious exercise a day. I know it doesnt sound much, but its what I can commit to without excuses.
The decluttering, sproing cleaning is going well.....still working on the kitchen. One room at a time, and its getting done. By the 1st of December, I hope to have done every room in the house. So much stuff to get rid of! My theory is, if I havent used it in 12 months, it just doesnt belong or if it brings bad/sad memories, it just doesnt belong here. So many things that we keep "in case of". Stefs clothes really need going through. She has grown so fast, and a lot of her stuff just doesn't fit any more. Can you believe she has gone from a size 10 girls to a size 10-12 womens in a matter of 12 months. She is going to be very tall I think...maybe 5'10".
Lots of stuff to do today, banking and stuff for Rainbow Club, cleaning of course, and maybe I may go to work for half an hour or so to get stuff up to date and ready for the end of month. Its going to be 29oC apparently......a beautiful day. I love this time of year....not too hot, but some really pleasant sunny days.
I have set a timeline for the exit from Rainbow club too....1/1 seems like a good date. Its time to move on, before I get bitter and jaded (maybe I am already LOL) and it will be great to free up our weekends to spend as a family instead of working for the benefit of other families who really don't appreciate the effort.
Anyway....going to get organised to go for a walk this morning..then maybe a quick spa before getting the kids up.
Im just planning our Christmas. This year, I am not going to do anything at the last minute. I want a stress free Christmas. My plan is to have everything organised by 1st Dec. Presents bought, cards done and food in the freezer. I really need to decide what I am going to give to the teachers this year. Maybe a box of christmas pudding rumballs. It adds up to quite a lot when you have aides, teachers, busdrivers etc to give to. I will also make up a plate for the teachers at Lara Primary, being on council.
This is my first day on my new activity plan...I have committed to 10 minutes of conscious exercise a day. I know it doesnt sound much, but its what I can commit to without excuses.
The decluttering, sproing cleaning is going well.....still working on the kitchen. One room at a time, and its getting done. By the 1st of December, I hope to have done every room in the house. So much stuff to get rid of! My theory is, if I havent used it in 12 months, it just doesnt belong or if it brings bad/sad memories, it just doesnt belong here. So many things that we keep "in case of". Stefs clothes really need going through. She has grown so fast, and a lot of her stuff just doesn't fit any more. Can you believe she has gone from a size 10 girls to a size 10-12 womens in a matter of 12 months. She is going to be very tall I think...maybe 5'10".
Lots of stuff to do today, banking and stuff for Rainbow Club, cleaning of course, and maybe I may go to work for half an hour or so to get stuff up to date and ready for the end of month. Its going to be 29oC apparently......a beautiful day. I love this time of year....not too hot, but some really pleasant sunny days.
I have set a timeline for the exit from Rainbow club too....1/1 seems like a good date. Its time to move on, before I get bitter and jaded (maybe I am already LOL) and it will be great to free up our weekends to spend as a family instead of working for the benefit of other families who really don't appreciate the effort.
Anyway....going to get organised to go for a walk this morning..then maybe a quick spa before getting the kids up.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time to simplify and get selfish!
After making a decision to simplify my life, I have realised just how much of my time is spent doing things for others. Rainbow club is probably taking me between 5 and 7 hours a week. Steve thinks it is a lot more. School council is a little less at about 1 1/2 to 3 hours a month.
I think my family will need every bit of my time next year. Brent has a big year ahead.....VCE. He needs to get his learners permit and learn to drive. Melinda will be moving on to year 10 work and needs to learn how to organise herself. Stef of course is moving into puberty. All big things in their own right, and they deserve to have a mum who is there for every step of it.
Bit by bit, the house is getting a good spring clean. This week it is the kitchen. OMG some of it was so gross. I hit the floor running this morning, cleaning the fridge of all the science experiments and out of date stuff. Oh and I did a bit of ironing too. Its nearly 6.30 and I need to get MJ up soon.....then I am getting on the eliptical trainer for a while. I am going to make a concerted effort to do exercise daily on a consistent basis. Not a lot, just a little each day will do the trick.
Today I have to go to work earlier than usual. Steve is taking the little darlings to school. anyway, onward
I think my family will need every bit of my time next year. Brent has a big year ahead.....VCE. He needs to get his learners permit and learn to drive. Melinda will be moving on to year 10 work and needs to learn how to organise herself. Stef of course is moving into puberty. All big things in their own right, and they deserve to have a mum who is there for every step of it.
Bit by bit, the house is getting a good spring clean. This week it is the kitchen. OMG some of it was so gross. I hit the floor running this morning, cleaning the fridge of all the science experiments and out of date stuff. Oh and I did a bit of ironing too. Its nearly 6.30 and I need to get MJ up soon.....then I am getting on the eliptical trainer for a while. I am going to make a concerted effort to do exercise daily on a consistent basis. Not a lot, just a little each day will do the trick.
Today I have to go to work earlier than usual. Steve is taking the little darlings to school. anyway, onward
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Geelong cup day!
I worked Monday so that I could be at home today as all the kids have the day off school. I just don't understand why the teachers need to have Geelong Cup day. They used to at least give the kids a day off for the show, now, its all about the teachers and stuff the kids!
Today I have been working on getting my kitchen spotless. I find generally, that although its pretty clean on the surface (some of the time anyway)a lot of stuff just hasnt been done. Things like cleaning out the freezer, scrubbing the oven and benches....giving it all a damn good clean. I am also throwing out anything I dont love or dont use. I can't wait for the house to be completely decluttered!
Yesterday we went out for lunch, just Steve and I. It was great to just spend some time together. Then we went to the op shop and picked up a unit to put our stereo, cds and alcohol in our bedroom. Its a problem that we can't have any of that stuff in the general living area of the house...thats the price we pay with having Stef I guess. Its cool that we picked up one pretty cheaply in very good condition and it even matches our bedside tables. Ha, I even got a discount on it having a healthcare card on me for Stef.
I'm just deciding on a timeline to get out of Rainbow club.....I am so sick of committees and the time committments that I have. I reallly want to simplify my life so that I get more time doing the things that I really love to do, ie sewing, cooking classes etc. I think its time I started looking after me too. There is always more stuff I can do to help Stephanie too.
OH and I had a conversation with Medibank Private about health coaching...interesting stuff, and they are sending me lots of info on portion control, and things like a pedometer to help me on my way. I am giving up doing Jenny Craig this week. Its expensive and I am so bored with the food. I think instead exercise and the Csiro diet again will keep me losing the weight.
Today I have been working on getting my kitchen spotless. I find generally, that although its pretty clean on the surface (some of the time anyway)a lot of stuff just hasnt been done. Things like cleaning out the freezer, scrubbing the oven and benches....giving it all a damn good clean. I am also throwing out anything I dont love or dont use. I can't wait for the house to be completely decluttered!
Yesterday we went out for lunch, just Steve and I. It was great to just spend some time together. Then we went to the op shop and picked up a unit to put our stereo, cds and alcohol in our bedroom. Its a problem that we can't have any of that stuff in the general living area of the house...thats the price we pay with having Stef I guess. Its cool that we picked up one pretty cheaply in very good condition and it even matches our bedside tables. Ha, I even got a discount on it having a healthcare card on me for Stef.
I'm just deciding on a timeline to get out of Rainbow club.....I am so sick of committees and the time committments that I have. I reallly want to simplify my life so that I get more time doing the things that I really love to do, ie sewing, cooking classes etc. I think its time I started looking after me too. There is always more stuff I can do to help Stephanie too.
OH and I had a conversation with Medibank Private about health coaching...interesting stuff, and they are sending me lots of info on portion control, and things like a pedometer to help me on my way. I am giving up doing Jenny Craig this week. Its expensive and I am so bored with the food. I think instead exercise and the Csiro diet again will keep me losing the weight.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Day 19 of my 100 day challenge
Ok, today is day 19 of this challenge. By starting a challenge on October 1, I finish the day of my birthday!
This whole challenge this time is about tidying up my life....finishing unfinished business and taking care of myself so much better.
I am in the process of losing 50 kg. I have so far lost nearly 40, but gained back 5kg in the last month or two. I got very bored with Jenny Craig food and not to mention the expense. Today I decided that I wouldnt do Jenny Craig any more, but would instead use healthier food and exercise instead. I am the only one responsible for my own health and well being. Heres to getting back on track.
I will have stopped smoking by the end of this challenge. Hopefully very soon. On day 1, I started on a drug called Champix which apparently stops cravings. For me, I had a massive anxiety reaction to the drug. It was very scary. Under doctors orders, I was told to cease taking it, and then in a couple of weeks try again using more conventional nicotine replacement.
Currently, I am way to involved in charity work and committees. My aim for this challenge is to simplify my life. So, one of them needs to go. I currently do about 5-8 hours a week on Rainbow club, and as much as I love the organisation, I really feel that I have done my bit on a far more consistant basis than any other member. Its time to put my family first.
I have 3 kids on the autism spectrum. I really need to find more time in my every day to give them far more of my undivided attention. Brent next year is in his VCE (like graduation year) and will need more support. Stef is on the verge of puberty and is learning lots of new things which I would really like to capitalise on. Jack just needs more time. Melinda also needs more time. Its time to clear my decks so that I can help my children in a more valuable way.
I will also be finishing up some work so that my timetable is clearer.
I am also striving to get more support for Stef. Its time to ask for more help and get as much support as I can. Its a good idea to get Stef used to the many support organisations that are available, such as residential respite etc.
This whole challenge this time is about tidying up my life....finishing unfinished business and taking care of myself so much better.
I am in the process of losing 50 kg. I have so far lost nearly 40, but gained back 5kg in the last month or two. I got very bored with Jenny Craig food and not to mention the expense. Today I decided that I wouldnt do Jenny Craig any more, but would instead use healthier food and exercise instead. I am the only one responsible for my own health and well being. Heres to getting back on track.
I will have stopped smoking by the end of this challenge. Hopefully very soon. On day 1, I started on a drug called Champix which apparently stops cravings. For me, I had a massive anxiety reaction to the drug. It was very scary. Under doctors orders, I was told to cease taking it, and then in a couple of weeks try again using more conventional nicotine replacement.
Currently, I am way to involved in charity work and committees. My aim for this challenge is to simplify my life. So, one of them needs to go. I currently do about 5-8 hours a week on Rainbow club, and as much as I love the organisation, I really feel that I have done my bit on a far more consistant basis than any other member. Its time to put my family first.
I have 3 kids on the autism spectrum. I really need to find more time in my every day to give them far more of my undivided attention. Brent next year is in his VCE (like graduation year) and will need more support. Stef is on the verge of puberty and is learning lots of new things which I would really like to capitalise on. Jack just needs more time. Melinda also needs more time. Its time to clear my decks so that I can help my children in a more valuable way.
I will also be finishing up some work so that my timetable is clearer.
I am also striving to get more support for Stef. Its time to ask for more help and get as much support as I can. Its a good idea to get Stef used to the many support organisations that are available, such as residential respite etc.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Reaction to champix
I had to go off champix yesterday. Major reaction to the stronger dose made me feel so incredibly anxious and I had about 10 panic attacks. Panic attacks are awful. My heart was racing, I had the wooshing of blood in my neck and a really bad feeling all over. I stopped taking them yesterday morning and gradually I am starting to improve. The pain in my chest is getting less too. I rang the doctor yesterday and he advised to get off them straight away, and then to use alternative methods to give up smoking starting later next week when this should be out of my bloodstream.
Isnt the rescue of the miners in Chile just awesome! One by one they are bought to the surface and with each one a story.
Steve is home again.....thank goodness. I am so sick of him being away. I really don't sleep as well when he is not here, and of course Brent behaves a lot better when he is here.
Got our massive powerbill yesterday...OMG, $1400! We are just changing electric companies to one with a lesser rate and more discounts. We will sit down on the weekend and trim the bills somehow. We have a fridge in the shed that can go off.....and a freezer which we either need to fill up or turn off. Will also be putting Jack on the powerbill...then we can get the disability rebate which will help for Summer and Winter bills.
I have to ring Jack's Paed today. The longer lasting Ritalin really is having very little affect on his behaviour. Our previous tablets (4 hourly) were so much better. The school has asked to go back to the tablets so I need to get a new script for them. Even Jack says the capsules dont work at all.
Have to retreat the kids for the bugs today too. Hopefully, fingers crossed.....this is it!
Anyways...on with the day......work today.
Isnt the rescue of the miners in Chile just awesome! One by one they are bought to the surface and with each one a story.
Steve is home again.....thank goodness. I am so sick of him being away. I really don't sleep as well when he is not here, and of course Brent behaves a lot better when he is here.
Got our massive powerbill yesterday...OMG, $1400! We are just changing electric companies to one with a lesser rate and more discounts. We will sit down on the weekend and trim the bills somehow. We have a fridge in the shed that can go off.....and a freezer which we either need to fill up or turn off. Will also be putting Jack on the powerbill...then we can get the disability rebate which will help for Summer and Winter bills.
I have to ring Jack's Paed today. The longer lasting Ritalin really is having very little affect on his behaviour. Our previous tablets (4 hourly) were so much better. The school has asked to go back to the tablets so I need to get a new script for them. Even Jack says the capsules dont work at all.
Have to retreat the kids for the bugs today too. Hopefully, fingers crossed.....this is it!
Anyways...on with the day......work today.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Struggling with focus!
I'm just so unfocused at the moment. Not sure if it is the tablets Im on, or just ADHD, but I just am struggling to get anything done! I just feel my life is a total mess right now. So much unfinished business. I'm feeling very anxious a lot..Anyway, In a vain attempt to get my life back in order, I really am having to write lists and cross things off. Step by step, mouthful by mouthful, the elephant can be devoured. I just have to pare it down so I am doing one job at a time and putting my full concentration into it. Also using hypnotherapy to overcome the anxiety attacks. Not nice stuff.
Anyway, kids are all ok. Brent is being loud and painful and its affecting the other two a fair bit. He constantly rags Jack until Jack screams and then Stef screams because Jack is.
Anyway, kids are all ok. Brent is being loud and painful and its affecting the other two a fair bit. He constantly rags Jack until Jack screams and then Stef screams because Jack is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)