In my quest for a body that doesn't show my middle-age, I signed up to do pilates classes three days a week. After attending one beginners class and feeling a tad more advanced than the rest of the class, I mentioned to the instructor this morning that I had actually done pilates before and whispered, "Do you think I could move up to the intermediate class?" "I'll watch you and let you know at the end of this session", she whispered back.
Well, after breathing in to prepare, moving my thigh but not my hip, extending my leg with a straighened knee, holding my abdominals toward my spine, bringing my knees into tabletop making sure my feet aren't above my knees and my back is in neutral position, I decided I'd better just stick with the beginner's class for a while! This was further reinforced when I returned home and felt like I was climbing Mount Everest rather than the stairs and it was an effort to lift my arms above my head whilst having a shower! Yes, it's been a while since I've done any pilates but my class this morning emphasised my love for the exercise. I've missed it. Next stop, yoga!
Now breathe out...slowly.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Bring it on
TD's 1 & 2 both started back at school yesterday - both seniors, which is just mind-blowing. They came home yesterday with their timetables and new school diaries and I was a little more than evious of them to be back! I enjoyed going over their diaries which give them tips on revision and study practices, tick boxes for important tasks and inspiring quotations. I also enjoyed looking over their subjects - Drama, Legal Studies, Health and Physical Education, English!!!! I am the eternal nerd but I know my time is coming soon.
No. 1 son started this morning and I shed a silent tear as I realised my baby is in year 6 and doesn't really need me that much anymore. I went up with him to carry his new books and to help him find his classroom. I was the only parent there. Everyone else dropped their child off and left them to fend for themselves. It's time for me to start living my own life a little bit more. Bring on University.
I printed off my course outline for Film and Screen - I get to watch a movie before each lecture! Mostly Hitchcock - double"!!" I'm glad I decided to do 3 subjects this semester - it will be just enough to keep me from boredom but not too much to get my stress levels out of control (I hope). My study corner is still sans writing desk although I have found one (and some great accessories), I just need to get well enough to go out and get it.
Every mother at some time or another dreams of having a little more freedom from their children, usually when they're little but it all just happens so darn quickly.
No. 1 son started this morning and I shed a silent tear as I realised my baby is in year 6 and doesn't really need me that much anymore. I went up with him to carry his new books and to help him find his classroom. I was the only parent there. Everyone else dropped their child off and left them to fend for themselves. It's time for me to start living my own life a little bit more. Bring on University.
I printed off my course outline for Film and Screen - I get to watch a movie before each lecture! Mostly Hitchcock - double"!!" I'm glad I decided to do 3 subjects this semester - it will be just enough to keep me from boredom but not too much to get my stress levels out of control (I hope). My study corner is still sans writing desk although I have found one (and some great accessories), I just need to get well enough to go out and get it.
Every mother at some time or another dreams of having a little more freedom from their children, usually when they're little but it all just happens so darn quickly.
Homework - Seven things
I've been very remiss in my blogging due to illness (yes, again. Isn't it amazing that I could have 6 weeks holiday in a different hemisphere and not once get sick only to return to my homeland and be constantly ill!!!!). What a great idea this homework is - I really enjoyed reading everyone elses. Here are seven things I haven't mentioned on my blog -
1. I met my husband when I was 19 and it was love at first sight. All my plans to travel the world fell to the wayside and I decided all I wanted to do was have babies. No, I don't blame him in the least.
2. When I was 14, I was so sure I was going to be Michael Jackson's one and only true love!! We were going to get married and I was going to have his children.
3. My eldest daughter was born 6 weeks premature and weighed 3lb 7oz. She had to stay in the hospital without me for four weeks. Up until that point, it was the most traumatic thing I had ever experienced.
4. When I was a teenager, I was heavily into English pop - Culture Club, Duran Duran, Howard Jones...My very first concert was Spandau Ballet at Festival Hall. I was standing near the stage and Tony Hadley threw a glass of water over me. They are touring here this year and their support is Tears for Fears!!!!! I'm going.
5. When I was 18, I went to Great Keppell Island with two other girlfriends. We thought we'd be real rebels and sunbake - topless. However, when it came down to it, I felt so uncomfortable I put a hat over my face so no-one could see me...well, my face, anyway!
6. My father died three years ago and I still miss him desperately, every day and I think I will for the rest of my life.
7. I worked for the Justice Department when I was 15 and stayed there for 10 years because I didn't think I was smart enough to do anything else. I used to dwell on the years I wasted but now realise it was all part of "the journey".
Wow, this was almost cathartic!! I pass this homework on to brandywine.
1. I met my husband when I was 19 and it was love at first sight. All my plans to travel the world fell to the wayside and I decided all I wanted to do was have babies. No, I don't blame him in the least.
2. When I was 14, I was so sure I was going to be Michael Jackson's one and only true love!! We were going to get married and I was going to have his children.
3. My eldest daughter was born 6 weeks premature and weighed 3lb 7oz. She had to stay in the hospital without me for four weeks. Up until that point, it was the most traumatic thing I had ever experienced.
4. When I was a teenager, I was heavily into English pop - Culture Club, Duran Duran, Howard Jones...My very first concert was Spandau Ballet at Festival Hall. I was standing near the stage and Tony Hadley threw a glass of water over me. They are touring here this year and their support is Tears for Fears!!!!! I'm going.
5. When I was 18, I went to Great Keppell Island with two other girlfriends. We thought we'd be real rebels and sunbake - topless. However, when it came down to it, I felt so uncomfortable I put a hat over my face so no-one could see me...well, my face, anyway!
6. My father died three years ago and I still miss him desperately, every day and I think I will for the rest of my life.
7. I worked for the Justice Department when I was 15 and stayed there for 10 years because I didn't think I was smart enough to do anything else. I used to dwell on the years I wasted but now realise it was all part of "the journey".
Wow, this was almost cathartic!! I pass this homework on to brandywine.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Who's that girl...?
I've had my bed rest and now I'm up and about after laying low for two weeks. With all my new-found energy, I decided to take advantage of the extra daylight and have been taking Neglected Dog out for long walks. Being on holiday for six weeks my waistline has suffered a tad and so I can use up all that doggy energy and grab some much needed exercise into the bargain.No 1 Son is also feeling the waistline blues and so yesterday decided to come with me. As added motivation and to keep him occupied, I suggested he bring the camera and take some scenic shots along the way. Little did I realise he had been taking some shots which weren't quite scenic as much as horrific! As I was going through them tonight, I came across this little gem...and found myself wondering, 'Who is this short fat woman with the big hat?' - O...M...G...! Somewhere along the way, I've turned into a short, chubby, middle-aged woman! Oh, the humanity!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Conversations with myself
'Complete bed rest' is what the GP says, so a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do! It's so hard for me to sit still and these are the conversations I find myself having while bed-ridden -
Caz - I hope Teen Daughters No 1 & 2 are okay in the city by themselves. They've never been there alone before.
Mind - Well, if a 16 year old can sail around the world by herself, I'm sure your 16 & 14 year olds can manage in the city by themselves.
Caz - I can't wait to get a desk to go into that tired looking alcove but I won't just get any old thing. I don't want to feel as if I'm in an office.
Mind - Keep looking around and you'll find just what you're looking for. If you think it, it will come!
Caz - I wonder what Supportive Husband No 1 and No 1 Son are seeing at the cinema. I hope SH No 1 buys something healthy for No 1 Son's lunch.
Mind - SH No 1 is more health conscious than you are - I'm sure they'll have a good time.
Caz - I wonder how Student Mum's going with her assignment?
Mind - I'm sure she's doing extremely well.
Caz - If I only do two subjects this semester, will I be bored?
Mind - Enrol in three and if it's too much, drop one.
Caz - I have to get up and make TD No 1's 16th birthday cake.
Mind - You don't have all the ingredients, wait until SH No 1 gets home.
Caz - I wonder how Lola Life did in her exam?
Mind - I'm sure she did extremely well.
Caz - I'm getting so fat. I have to enrol in pilates classes this term.
Mind - I agree. Get on-line and do it now. It'll be just what you need.
Caz - I hope the girls are okay in the city. Maybe I should give them another call?
An so it goes...on and on and on. This is why I don't like sitting still!!!!! Thank goodness for Uni. I can't wait to get back!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Welcome to the real world
Well, the holiday's over and it's back to the real world BIG TIME!!
We've come home to six weeks worth of mail - among them report cards and stationary lists! I've got two weeks to get stationary, new uniforms, shoes, lunch boxes, drink bottles and a little bit of sanity before I have to worry about my own school needs.
After all the drama of trying to enrol in full-time semester courses, I'm now thinking of going back to a part-time load because at this stage, the thought of full-time feels a little overwhelming. I had a goal to finish my degree in four years but at the same time, I want to be able to give it my all. I think it's great to have goals but I think you should also be realistic and know your own stress and anxiety levels. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I know the stress of trying to do too much in order to complete my degree won't be conducive to getting the results I'm aiming for. At worst, staying part-time would mean finishing first year six months later and I can consider full-time in second year - hopefully by that time my mummy, wife and friend commitments will enable me to do this!
In the meantime, I'm trying to come up with places I can escape to during term so I can study in relative peace and quiet. I'm picturing a little sanctuary with a nice little desk, a lamp, a big comfy chair in a floral upholstury with curtains to match, a little mahogany bookshelf and a glorious view of trees, birds and flowers!
Unfortunately, I think my expectations might have to be honed down a little. So far, a place for my possible "sanctuary" consists of - 1. the walk-in wardrobe (yes, well...); 2. the garden shed (a bit of a stretch) and 3. a tiny little alcove in our master bedroom. We did come up with all these possibilities on an exhausting, sleepless 25 hour flight, so yes, two of them may have been a little bit far fetched! Upon actually inspecting the walk-in and the garden shed, we've come to the conslustion that my actual study time could possibly be marred by heat exhaustion!! Looks like I might have to lock myself in the bedroom.
We've come home to six weeks worth of mail - among them report cards and stationary lists! I've got two weeks to get stationary, new uniforms, shoes, lunch boxes, drink bottles and a little bit of sanity before I have to worry about my own school needs.
After all the drama of trying to enrol in full-time semester courses, I'm now thinking of going back to a part-time load because at this stage, the thought of full-time feels a little overwhelming. I had a goal to finish my degree in four years but at the same time, I want to be able to give it my all. I think it's great to have goals but I think you should also be realistic and know your own stress and anxiety levels. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I know the stress of trying to do too much in order to complete my degree won't be conducive to getting the results I'm aiming for. At worst, staying part-time would mean finishing first year six months later and I can consider full-time in second year - hopefully by that time my mummy, wife and friend commitments will enable me to do this!
In the meantime, I'm trying to come up with places I can escape to during term so I can study in relative peace and quiet. I'm picturing a little sanctuary with a nice little desk, a lamp, a big comfy chair in a floral upholstury with curtains to match, a little mahogany bookshelf and a glorious view of trees, birds and flowers!
Unfortunately, I think my expectations might have to be honed down a little. So far, a place for my possible "sanctuary" consists of - 1. the walk-in wardrobe (yes, well...); 2. the garden shed (a bit of a stretch) and 3. a tiny little alcove in our master bedroom. We did come up with all these possibilities on an exhausting, sleepless 25 hour flight, so yes, two of them may have been a little bit far fetched! Upon actually inspecting the walk-in and the garden shed, we've come to the conslustion that my actual study time could possibly be marred by heat exhaustion!! Looks like I might have to lock myself in the bedroom.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Roman holiday
What I miss about home -
1. Mum
2. Jukes
3. Bindi
4. Tigerlilly
5. Home-cooked meals
6. A good Aussie accent
7. Driving
8. My pillow
9. My doona
10. A boiling hot shower with a decent flow
What I don't miss about home -
1. The routine
2. Housework
3. The heat
4. Responsibility
5. Grocery shopping
6. The familiar
I actually thought I'd have a hard time thinking of things I missed!! Like all good things, my holiday must come to an end. It would be nice to be on a perpetual holiday, re-packing every 5 days and moving on, no time for responsibilities. We've had a pretty good run, though. We've seen some beautiful places and I've enjoyed listening to so many foreign languages. It makes me all the more determined to do it again soon!!
Happy new year to you all. May your goals be great and your successes be many in 2010!!
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