a Beer, a Whine and The Spirit

... but lots to show. Here's a week of pictures and not many words.

Posted by Renae at 9:00 AM Comments

Guess who just joined the local gliding club? (I'll give you a hint: It wasn't me. Or Chanbe.)

Hubs went gliding last weekend with our good friends Nathan and Cal. And he got hooked. Real bad. Can you see why?

Posted by Renae at 4:15 PM Comments

Well, one of them anyway... (and I may or may not have bought it in red, as well as black and white polka-dot :-) )

Posted by Renae at 9:02 PM Comments

Posted by Renae at 11:52 AM Comments

It may seem dramatic, but I'm officially writing-off the next 6 months. There is no normality in our lives; no consistency, no routine, no continuity. This may seem like an exciting way to live, but when you have an almost-11-month-old, it's not ideal. We're in Wang for most of October, in MB for most of November, going to Brisbane for December and January, and who knows what next year will bring. So instead of stressing about it, and trying to be normal in any way I can, I'm just going to fly by the seat of my pants and accept that this is our life right now.

I'm sitting here, at our friend's place in Wangaratta where we stay when we're here, listening out for Chanbe in case he wakes up, as he is on our bed instead of in his cot as he seems to have developed an aversion for his portacot, and my back just doesn't have anything left to be picking him up, putting him down (repeat repeat repeat), hoping he has a good sleep. He still doesn't sleep well, and there is nothing we can do while we are living this transient lifestyle: I've just got to go with it.

I'm devoting this time to catching up on my google reader, doing a bit of blogging, and reading trashy magazines that my friend buys. And hoping that this lifestyle we are leading won't impact too dramatically on our little guy.

Posted by Renae at 11:50 AM Comments

For a few months now, we have been teaching Chanbe how to "let go". Like when he grabs a fist full of my hair  and gives it a big tug, if we say in a firm, but kind tone "let go", he usually does. And of course we follow that up with "good letting go!" to encourage this behaviour.

If only it were that easy for adults. There are so many things that I want to "let go", and I wish all it took was for my Mum or Dad or Hubs to say in a firm, but kind tone "let go". Things like memories of times I've been hurt, or harsh words that I have spoken to people in anger or frustration, or things. So many things in our house I wish I could just let go, but hold onto just in case I might need them one day. Is it the same with feelings? Do I hold on to them just in case I need them one day? In case I need to remember the hurt; to punish the person who wronged me, or to punish myself for what I've said?

With all our to-ing and fro-ing we've been doing lately, I wish I didn't have to bring so much stuff with us, but I bring so much "just in case." Yeuch. It's something else I'm working on. So much work to do, so many distractions...

Posted by Renae at 1:52 PM Comments

While I was in Albury for the day a couple of weekends ago, Hubs took Chanbe for a play at the local park. They had such a great time, and Hubs took some great photos and video for me to see when I got home!

Posted by Renae at 8:30 AM Comments

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this much, but Hubs and I don't have a TV. We haven't had one since we moved to Melbourne over 3 years ago. Do I miss it? Sometimes. Would I watch it if we had one? All the time. Would it be quality TV? Probably not.

The only thing I really miss is watching the footy (or any sport for that matter), but every time I get the opportunity to watch tv, all I do is complain that there's nothing good on. You see, I hate reality tv shows, almost as much as I hate facebook, and when seemingly 80% of tv shows are "reality" (and I use the term VERY loosely, just as I would use the term "friends" on facebook) there doesn't seem much point in getting a telly.

Other reasons?

- I end up watching crappy shows that I don't even really like and feel shame afterwards.
- I find myself planning my whole day around what's on TV. (Friends is on for an hour between 10-11am, so I try and get Chance down for his sleep before 10am or after 11am. Shocking.)
- I get annoyed when Chanbe wakes up and I'm in the middle of watching Master Renovator's Dinner Date Idol.
- Infomercials. Need I say more? Yes I need. I bought something I saw on an infomercial the other day, and I'm not proud of myself for doing so. I just get. Sucked. IN!! (I haven't told Hubs yet - I'll "surprise" him when it turns up! Woo!)

Since we're in Wang for the better part of the next month, I'm sure I'll be watching a lot of crappy tv. I just won't be able to help myself!!!

Posted by Renae at 3:49 PM Comments