On Vortexs and Navel Gazing

March 12, 2010 · Filed under Just rambling · Tagged

I’ve spent this last week cloistered behind books and cursing my ad hoc wireless connection while a weary head rests. The vortex and navel gazing?? Just an academic reflection on three key turning points in my professional learning (must say I am enjoying the academic jargon as well as impressive vocabulary). Didn’t mind the navel gaze, now I need to match the gazing with some impressive academic types and work on my metaphor, the vortex.

While Dorothy has been lucid, this week has been about birthdays. It’s so hard to believe that another year has slipped through my fingers and she is three on Sunday. On that note I leave you with me on this day 3 years ago.

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My Spotty Dotty

March 6, 2010 · Filed under CT, Made by me · Tagged , ,

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved her muumuu but she grew and grew until it didn’t fit anymore…. It was a sad day for Dorothy the Dinosaur who had loved her little muumuu for 2 years. A request was made to the captain and after looking through patterns and a bit of a drafting, soon there was a zoom zoom zoom and in no time flat there was a very spotty dotty muumuu. 

The spotty pink dots have been in the stash awhile and I bought it with this lovely lady (ps I miss you heaps) almost a year ago. If I remember rightly I was going to make Dorothy something for her birthday using the dots.  Never mind if it was 10 months late, no? I found a coordinating print for the dots when I went to the beach. I decided that I wanted the breezy volume of a muumuu, a yoke and there was a request for big pockets. Seeing that Miss D is in and out of the pool it was also important to have a dress that was easy to pop on and off. I am very happy with our easy breezy muumuu and so is Dorothy. Please ignore the unhappy face. Dorothy was not amused that I was taking photos and not getting ready for Kindy.

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Like Captain, Like Dorothy

March 5, 2010 · Filed under Brisvegas, CT, Just rambling · Tagged ,

My Dorothy is growing up too fast. Surely her third birthday isn’t next Sunday??

As you can see, Dorothy still has curly hair but it’s now a stylish short bob. It was a combination of going to hair appointments with myself and Henry and the fact that it’s been one long hot humid Brisbane summer that prompted her to chop her locks. Now days, she likes to brush her own hair and has her own brush (yipee no more fights).

It’s no secret that Henry and I have been getting up with the birds, donned our bathers and doing water aerobics in the backyard pool. I’ve really enjoyed it and part of me wants to halt the coming cool change indefinitely. Over summer, Dorothy, has taken to the pool like a fish to water. She started swimming lessons at the beginning of the year. Initially she needed a swim vest, then kickboards (or any other flotation device) like the photo to the right and now she swims (below) though she still can’t lift her head out and take a breath with much success (usually it’s a huge gulp of water, grab the edge of the pool or grab an appendage of the nearest adult in reverse order). I’m so happy that she loves the water as much as I do.

Hopefully it won’t take me as long to make the next post. I’ve had a few connection issues (huge sigh) which has made all sorts of mischief for me (especially seeing the MASSIVE online component for my studies).

Oh I’d really like anyone’s 5 cents on Alain Ehrenberg, Michel Foucault, Louise Hay, Hosard Gardner, de Bono and/or the importance of learning through play. Many thanks for your thoughts in advance. Well I am about to go submerge myself in some more post modern philosophy to help me write my first paper. Tootle pip!

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Ch-ch-ch-changes

February 25, 2010 · Filed under bragging, Brisvegas, Just rambling · Tagged ,

Wow changes, ala that retro song (might I suggest you listen as you read?? because this what I am listening to as I type), mind blowing changes, positive changes have been happening around here….

What a year, a changes in domestic arrangements, changes in living environments, change in employment status (4 times over peeps), changes in the CT, changes in mind-set, changes in career… Lots of changes…. But all good!!

Twenty-ten changes?? Let’s start with new Sew What aliases inspired by CT. Here at Sew What headquarters, we have all embraced our inner Wiggle (though with much protest from the adults in the household) and Dorothy the Dinosaur (aka CT) has given each of us a secret Wiggle idenity.  I am no longer, Mummy. The new moniker in these parts is Captain Feathersword (or the Captain for short). Donnie is now Henry the Octopus,  Happy is the Purple Wiggle and CT is Dorothy the Dinosaur. If you do a little wiggly research (yes, there is new secret lingo franca to learn too), you may learn why we have new super secret wiggly identities.

You are probably wondering why my hiatus has been so long and it has nothing to do with the following photo:

A few might be thinking big deal you have dyed your hair. This is a first for me. A major communication brain fart between me and my new hairdresser. I love it, even though it took me a whole month to get used to the new colour. No more deaf, dumb and blonde for me. No way Jose. Can’t afford to use that excuse in my life for at the next 2 years. Why?

Might I introduce exhibit b (stage right)? Might I also say that each time I look at exhibit b, I feel like hyperventilating? Firstly because I look like an absolute pyscho kitten in the photo. More importantly though, I am a Masters Student (coursework not research)! I didn’t think I could pull it off!! At the end of last year, I realised 2 things a) I would struggle to find another teaching position as a Japanese teacher (too many teachers for too few places) and b) I missed working with “little people”. I thought it was too late to apply for first semester this year at uni, until I went to a street party and talked with a neighbour, which got this whole ball rolling. I wasn’t officially enrolled until the 15th of February (orientation was on the 20th and 21st) and classes started on Monday. Ah I am so excited about the study and the change in direction. It isn’t that I dislike Japanese teaching but I have changed. Ironically my first course paper is more or less about I came to this point. 

So the hiatus was more than a summer fling, I was so scared I would jinx this course. Naturally there has been making going on behind the scenes and there will be plenty inspired by this change in career direction. Apologies for being so super secret squirrel about it all but I couldn’t trust myself to let the cat out of the bag only to be tripped up at the final hurdle. Well must run, now off to find a qualitative research paper on a subject close to my heart regarding EC (Early Childhood) Teaching. So it is a cheery tootle-loo from me to you. :D

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Eghads!

December 11, 2009 · Filed under CT, Made by me · Tagged , ,

Eghads! I actually managed to sew something people. I haven’t sewn/cut out ANYTHING since I started back at work in July. It helped soothe me on that mental health day I took. Miss CT was in desperate need of pjs and I have had this lovely knit fabric in the stash since summer 2007. Originally, i planned to make CT a fancy schmancy onsie with ruffles out of this fabric. Ki the demon overlocker killed that idea. Seeing that we tolerate each other, I figured that trying any fancy moves was not a good move without Donnie the machine whisperer around.

So on Wednesday, CT and I found a new rhythm. The how mummy can sew while CT is awake. My cunning plan included a display book folder full of patterns, a pair of saftey scissors that cut nothing (it’s the thought that counts, no? Besides in CT’s world she was cutting out her pjs like a pro) and a pin cushion (because everyone needs a pin official, no?). The pattern is the same as this one but I didn’t have enough for a pair of pants, so the shirt is longer. I added pockets (it’s easier to see if you look at a larger size at Flickr) and used ribbing instead of elastic around the neck.  Gathering knit fabrics is not so easy but I like the overall effect and so does CT. Mental note to self, CT doesn’t pose for clothing photos anymore. The hair? Yes, she’s had a haircut last Saturday and it was all her idea. Sniff, I miss the pretty hair already.

OMG I just realised a month after I wrote the post, that I forgot to post it… EGADS alright!!

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On Hiatus

December 11, 2009 · Filed under Brisvegas, flotsam and jetsom · Tagged

Hi, it looks like the hiatus is going to continue until the New Year. Mango Madness decended at work, my contract ended (darn it the person I was replacing is returning but my bosses desperately wanted to keep me) and I’ve been through the emotional wringer the last few weeks (Mango Madness and the whole oh-my-god-you-are-leaving-don’t-desert-us kind as well). I have ended my last day of school with a few of the brilliant bottles of red that I was given (shame these people were not here to join me among others) and feel even more teary. But all good things come to an end, I guess. I will really miss the people I was working with. I have never had such an amazing vibe in a staffroom (actually, the whole teaching/support staff were amazing as well). Good people who helped support me in ways they cannot imagine. Next year is uncertain (a big cyber hi to any potential employers of Japanese teachers out there and might I say pick me) but for the moment, it is time to return to the beat of the SAHM drum and enjoy CT (because I have missed that routine at the same time. Humans, funny things no?)

Promise to lurk (’cause there hasn’t been any of that over since the mental health day).

Cheers, Me

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A break in Normal Transmission

November 11, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized

Hi all,

Having a spectacularly challenging week and have lost my camera. Should be back tomorrow as I took a mental health day today and it did me the world of good.

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Belated Craft Show Round Up

November 4, 2009 · Filed under Brisvegas · Tagged ,

CT and I joined Donnie, Auntie Daph and Auntie Peg on a jaunt to the Brisbane Craft Show 10 days ago. We went last year too and we had just as much fun this time. CT will tell you the highlight was the chippies and quilts. The most embarrassing mummy moments were at quilt show as CT was determined no one would touch the quilts… Donnie stocked up on “Happy Christmas” (one wonders what CT will call Christmas next year); Auntie Daph Japanese fabrics and pretty hair for you-can-guess-who; while Auntie Peg and I wildly encouraged each other to buy yarn, hooks and yarn-type projects. Oh I also found these patterns from this lovely lady at this shop (will need to go in person) and secret squirrels… I really enjoyed the day out and have been steadily making progress on the crochet projects but not the squirrels. I need more time to concentrate on the squirrels and lately between work/mummy duties/project work, my brain has been too mushy to even attempt something that requires too much thinking.

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5 Pound Post

November 3, 2009 · Filed under Happy Mail · Tagged ,

This posts comes courtesy of the 5 pounds that Jen (of Painted Fish Studio fame) helped me find as part of her Halloween care package. How did I find 5 pounds?? Just ask CT as she started to unpack the wonderful surprises that were in that box. Naturally, none of the adults got a look in on the goldfish and what you can’t see is the massive packet of Halloween M&Ms which emerged not too long after the candy corn. Thank you Jen, for educating us as to what candy corn actually is. And to think that I assumed that my friends in the north east Pacific and beyond coated corn kernels in sugar for years. Thank you for solving that mystery for Donnie and me. I plead cultural ignorance.

Other delights in the box were a printed tea towel  which was immediately press ganged into service; that really groovy monster light which Donnie, CT and I love (CT has started a whole the sun is going down so I must turn on the light routine going); a matching monster Halloween banner (useful on Saturday night, one also hopes those poor wags who came to the door got over the shock of a dripping wet and naked tot); matching monster straws (most useful for CT’s tall enamel ware cups); Dora Halloween stickers (the mystery object in CT’s hands); the fab Halloween picture book (just in front of CT and is a hit) and finally a mixed media magazine (so many wonderful ideas and Jen, you need to learn some BASIC sewing. Honestly there are so many collages that I can see you making). Quite a small package, no?? Honestly Jen, you spoil us too much. The only downside about this parcel is that we opened it not too long before Miss CT’s dinner (not exactly an Einstein inspired moment). Needless to say that candy corn, M&Ms and goldfish were not on the menu much to an outraged side kick….

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We have a winner

November 2, 2009 · Filed under giveaway · Tagged

My apologies for the tardy on announcing the giveaway winner. I gave Donnie the magic buka basket and she pulled out lucky number 2. That would be Shannon who said: “Congratulations on your blogoversary!”

Also a big thank you to all who participated, I’ve been enjoying checking out your blogs. Thanks for the congrats to. Just to clarify, December will see my 2 year crafty blog anniversary. I defected to wordpress in October this year. So I guess there will be a 2 year blog giveaway too…. (Just to confuse all in sundry like….)

 

 

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