Maternity Woes

I love being pregnant! So you'd think that I would blog about the joys of being pregnant, yes? No! Blame my Pommy heritage but I am going to whinge!
Being pregnant brings out the best and the worst in people. Let me tell you about the worst. I went to a friends birthday party last night. I wanted to leave after about an hour! I knew that I would struggle to eat any of the food and drinking (alcohol) would be out of the question, so I ate something before we went and took my own bottle of water. Lucky! I couldn't eat anything but the vegies for the dip and the host kindly gave me a plain bagel (which was nuked so much it took 15mins before I could even contemplate eating it)and when it came to the drinks, I couldn't have anything. There wasn't even a juice that I could have (he only had a bottle of pineapple juice which not only do I not like the stuff, I am apparently mildly allergic to it!). As I said, I was prepared for something like this. I didn't know anyone there but the host and his best friend, an old friend from high school who happily spent the evening chatting away to us which was great as everyone else was dancing. Yes, dancing. I love dancing but it is not possible for this whale (said with affection) to be prancing around on the dance floor. So we were the only three (four) people in the room sitting and looking like party poopers while everyone else was shaking their tail feathers. The music was so loud (the host's brother has a pro DJ system) that baby wasn't happy and kept wriggling around so I suggested that we sit outside to get some fresh air and actually hear our conversations. This was all well and good for about five minutes until the first smoker came out. He insisted on sitting at the same table as us even though he had no interest in actually talking to us. So I went back inside, alone, sat down and looked like a party pooper again bracing myself and baby against the loud music. Then I went back out when said smoker came back inside. I was a little annoyed that I had to move for a smoker and that he didn't go somewhere else to light up (there was a whole backyard and front yard he could have used). I got another 10 minutes of conversation in and then the next smoker came out. Again, guess who had to go inside whilst this guy sat at our table. Its more than obvious that I am pregnant and I began to make it very obvious that I was leaving for the smokers. Eventually I ventured outside again and had a longer conversation with hubby and old high school friend. Then two women came out to smoke at our table. There was only one table outside but chairs in other places so these people could sit anywhere. I'd had enough. I went in for the third time, sat like a loser while the others danced up a storm and ate more carrot sticks. I wanted to go home. So when these two chimney stacks had finished I went out and asked to go home. Luckily hubby had been puting together our new kitchen during the day and was very tired so he was very obliging. But the question remains, why do people have to smoke near a pregnant woman? Or near anyone else at all but a pregnant woman? As I said, it is more than obvious that I am pregnant but why should i have to move? If I didn't they weren't going to and I'm not going to take any chances. People are so selfish! Its not the first time that I have had to move for a smoker whilst I have been pregnant (one woman was smoking in a smoke free area and I still had to take a wide berth so I didn't walk right into her smoke). Its not just the smoking that seriously bugs me. People try to push past you in shopping centres, they don't offer you their seats (although a lovely guy did today at Dome cafe), and don't even get me started on people touching my belly without asking and announcing what sex they think that I am having (yes, I am talking about complete strangers).
There are the good people out there too. The receptionist who put me before another patient when I was seeing my accupuncturist, the man in Dome cafe, students who help carry things for me (the students are the best!), the music receptionist who carried my basket all the way to my car, my husband for everything that he does (he is the very best!), my big boss for personally delivering instruments out to schools for me at the beginning of the year and my mother for puting out my washing for me when she struggles to do her own.
I love being pregnant. I just don't love some of the selfish and rude people out there that you meet along the way.

Maternity Fears

I was sailing through my pregnancy without any worries. I wasn't worried about the pain or the labour. I had even gotten over the morning sickness and was enjoying being pregnant. Then the obstetrician told me today that I had a "bigger than average" baby. Great!!! Now how do I get the thing out?! I was planning on doing it drug free. I might just atten the epidural seminar now..... How does one's baby get "bigger than average"? I'm no giant in height or stature, neither is my husband. I have barely put on any weight during this pregnancy. To make matters worse, I went shopping afterwards. I bought clothes for my stay in hospital and a maternity bra. Like that helped!! Not only do I carry a bigger than average baby but my bra size has blown out!! How did they get so big?? I have my own personal airbags now! And I had to buy larger sized clothes (thanks to my 2 large gifts from the maternity fairy). I love my pregnant body but holy cow does it change and in a hurry. The clothes I can deal with but getting my baby out when it still has time to grow and its already bigger than average, oh man! Maybe I should start drinking coffee again to stunt its growth!

Frustration

Why is it when you have some amazing things happening in your life, other people want to get involved?! I'm pregnant as my three readers now already and this is an amazing thing for us. But, why does a certain member of the family have to spoil it? (Not who you think guys). One member of the family firstly told other family members before we go the chance. Then they told extended family members weeks ago before I had even had my first scan. Again, we wanted to tell these family members. Now this person wants to find out the sex when we don't want to know! They want the specialist to write it down and put it in an envelope. I don't think so! How can anyone ask for this?! They cited that they may not be around in six months time. They are not dying of anything. This same person told my husband something on the day of our wedding that I was planning to surprise him with! I can just see them announcing the sex as I go into labour. Or buying baby items of colours that will give the sex away.
I am not happy about this request and I will not be bowing to it.

There is a first for everything, I was just hoping that this one would never happen....

So I know someone who unfortunately has some issues. She has been in and out of psych hospitals which didn't seem to have worked. She returned home only to continue cutting herself, even in public. I saw the scars on her arms and that will not be something that I am ever likely to forget. It is a tough situation, she is on meds but they either don't work or she is doing all of this for attention. So how on earth do you deal with someone like this? Do you go soft on her and give her sympathy or do you go the hard line and tell her to grow up and get on with her life and be everything that she can be?
I am torn between getting upset and crying over this situation and screaming abuse (not at her of course!) because she is doing really stupid things.

Why can't telecommunications companies communicate?

Why? I unfortunately am having dealings with a certain large telecommunication company in regard to connecting a landline to a home. I initially applied online for the connection and we were told that the number would stay the same. Easy enough!! Wrong!!!
The phone line is still not connected. It was supposed to be connected on Saturday, today is Tuesday.
I have spent hours, yes literally hours on the phone to this company. Some calls were made from my mobile! Why did I call from my mobile and spend a fortune, because there was no working landline!!
What the various people at this company told me.
1. The line is connceted
2. You can't ring that number from an opposing telecommunication company's phne
3. The line does work, it rings when we call it
4. It must be the phone itself not the line
5. It must be the socket, try another one
6. Use your mobile in the meantime (the person whose phone this is does not own a mobile!!)
7. The line is disconnected
8. There must be a fault on the line
9. There is no fault on the line
10. Actually there is a fault on the line
11. You have a new number
12. The line has not been connected

I decided to ring the Telecommunications Ombudsman about this matter. Funny enough, things seem to be moving alot faster now after that call and the people that I then spoke to at that company were very nice and helpful to me indeed!
But the phone is still not connected. And its raining so I can't send a smoke signal to the person without a phone to tell her what is going on!

My cyborg name

While I was gone.....

I learnt a number of things
1. Crosswalks (zebra crossings) mean different things depending on what part of the world you are in
2. Perth drivers are not very scary after all
3. That flying during a tornado warning means a bumpy ride
4. That when they say we might have turbulence on a big plane, its a lie!
5. That most people can actually survive without me - some obviously can't
6. Housesitters don't necessarily leave the house the way you like it
7. My life is worth living and others need to let me live it
8. Magic roundabouts are just plain scary!
9. My husband is the most wonderful man in the world
10. My priorities were all screwy
11. Its time for some changes across the board
12. I love spending time with my brothers and I realise that I miss them
13. Family is important (only if they are behaving)
14. I can relax and rediscover the things I used to like doing
15. Its a good thing to get out and see the world
16. And get away from things for a while to put things into perspective
17. I love squirrels
18. Italy does the best coffee - Illy coffee
19. I'm a snap happy tourist
20. You can waste too much time worrying over things, especially those that you can't control

Nerd?!?!?

Oh no........

Light Bulb Moments

Funny how death makes you think about things very differently. We are currently mourning the death of a prominent family member and things have been very interesting of late. Of course there is a great deal of emotion flying around which makes people do some interesting things and makes you ponder life in general. I have come up with some thoughts thanks to recent events and will leave them for you to ponder dear readers.
1.) Plan yours and your partners future. Don't leave this up to your children. Make your own plans now so that you can be financially and physically prepared. Look at how you want to retire and where you want to live. Save or put your money into a fund so that you have the money when it is needed.
2.) Think all big decisions through with care and advice. Don't jump into anything, as some people I know have and will now suffer the consequences. Get all of the advice that you can and don't feel pushed into making decisions. If you have any doubt, DON'T DO IT!
3.)Looking in the mirror frequently is a good thing. Try to see yourself as others see you, both the good and the bad. We don't always see or accept everything, we like to see what we want to see.
4.) Live your life for yourself not others. This is a hard one for many people including myself and once someone has a hold on you and your life it is often hard to break those bonds. But it is your life. Everyone was born with a purpose in life and you will never find out what your purpose is if you are too busy trying to please others.
5.) Live your life to the full whether you have longevity genes or not. We never know when our time is up so go for it! Its hard not to let everyday worries (and some not so everyday) get in the way but at the end of the day we get through, even those times where you can't see and easy way out. So go out and live!
6.) Don't take things for granted. Even the little things or the bad things. They are there to teach you something no matter how small the lesson. Listen hard.
7.) And finally, love fiercely. A world without love is not a world worth living in.

I'm Back......

I have finally finished studying!! It is a relief and exciting! I am definately ready for a break and some r&r. Today I had a huge compliment resulting from my studies. One of my lecturers, and colleague, popped her heada into my teaching room this morning. She had obviously spoken to my head lecturer who had said to her "Ozcyberminx should be a Head of Department". WOW!!! I wonder if it was before or after he read my final exam........

My 5 things

The 5 Things Meme

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Dating my future husband
2. Starting my teaching career
3. Waitressing
4. Getting a job as a casual in an orchestra
5. At the peak of my Double Bass playing career

5 things on my to do list today:
1. Study for my exam on Monday - not really happening
2. Do the washing
3. Send emails
4. See a doctor about my bite next to my eye
5. Do some online shopping

5 snacks I love:
1. Custard Tarts
2. Coffee - yes its a snack!
3. White chocolate
4. Chesse flavoured corn chips
5. Tim Tams

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Travel the world
2. Have investment properties galore
3. Buy my parents housing - separatley of course!!
4. Have lots of sponsor children around the world
5. Have the house of my dreams with a room just for bags and shoes

5 places I've lived:
1. Balga, Western Australia
2. Dianella, Western Australia.
3. Only two, I need a life!!
4.
5.

5 jobs I've had:
1. Waitressing
2. Double Bass teacher
3. Receptionist and office allrounder
4. Orchestral musician
5. Dance instructor

5 people I'll tag:
Five people I don't know enough about (or want to know more about).
1. Jolly tagged them already!!!!!!

This is worth blogging about....

I got 100% for a uni assessment!

Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye...

No I am not planning on hurting myself, or am I embarking on a long holiday. I probably won't be blogging for a long while as I have begun uni again and the work load is ghastly!! The reading list for one lecture for week one is one page long let alone the other units!!! So dear readers you must carry on your lives without my words of wisdom for the next nine months. I will be back but until then, its goodbye from him, and its goodbye from him.

Frustrated!!!!

So exactly when do you call it quits and throw in the towel?!?!?! Have I no suffered enough?!?!? I had my first day at uni today. It was all going well until, I went to the music department and found out that I had a lecture this afternoon that they "forgot" to tell me about!!!!! I had dance teaching this afternoon!!!!! In a nutshell, the lecturer's response was "well you have to be there" and "why hasn't the ed dept sorted this out?" It is not the ed dept's fault!!! Look a little closer to home. Anyway, I got out of today's lecture, rang the dance principal in tears because I was stressed and sick and tired of mucking her around. She was great. But I do have a great deal of re-organising to do for next week!!!!! This component of the music unit wasn't showing up on any of the timetables so it came as a real shock when two of us approached the lecturer involved about a completely different topic and he said "I'll talk about it more this afternoon"?????? He is going to have a very quiet class!!! And he kept running away during the conversation but we kept chasing him!!!!

Universities! humpf!

In my last post, I whinged about the university changing my timetable around and causing me some grief. They have done it again!!! But this time they didn't bother to email me, I just happened to check the website. I have to rearrange things again! People are so not going to be happy and those who were all for me doing this are going to get annoyed that "I" am mucking them around. They do know that it is not me but that makes me unreliable anyway. Thank you uni!!!!!!

My toothpaste fell off the brush

I'm sure its happened to everyone. You put the toothpaste on your brush, look away, look back and its fallen off your brush into the sink. Great! Do you a)scrape it off the sink because it is a waste of perfectly good toothpaste. b) not trust the cleanliness of the sink and put fresh toothpaste on your brush wasting a glob by washing it down the drain. c) do neither and rinse with mouthwash because you just can't be bothered, you've already wasted time first thing in the morning.

So why blog about this? Its a perfect analogy for my life at the moment. You a re still scratching your head right? You think everything is going quite swimmingly and then bang! Something upsets the apple cart. In my case its planning my life for this year. I had it all planned out with uni and work and everything and then bang! Uni decides to change their timetable after I arranged work around it. So rude. So stressful!! My siblings would know that I was already under a "bit" of pressure already. So, do I rearrange my work again even though there is a chance that this timetable will change again. Do I leave it and hope it changes back. Or do I pack it all in because it is too hard??

What would you do with the toothpaste?

My new infatuation

When I have the time to indulge in this one who knows but it is fascinating! I am starting to dabble into my family tree. I never thought that I would ever be interested in it but once you start digging.... I know there is a lot of hype here in Australia at the moment about people's family trees but thats not what got me started. That is just coincidence. I am reading a fascinating book about one man's search for a branch of his family that died in Poland during the German occupation and how he is going about finding out what happened to them exactly. So I began creating a family tree on ancestry.com.au . At first you seem to find nothing that relates to your family and then when you dig a little further things start to look promising. The only problem is the important records like birth, death and marriage notices cost to look at. But eventually I will have to fork out but I just want to know that they are the right documents to look at. Anyway, I'll let you know if I find an axe murderer or something.

For the science boffins

Does DNA disappear?
I have been wondering this for some time. What happens to DNA? If one of my hairs or a fingernail fell on the ground, what happens to the DNA? Does it eventually just disintergrate or does it combine with the soil or something?
Yes!! I really need a holiday!!

I'm a legend!!!

Not to blow my own trumpet.....

So those of you in the know, are aware that I'm a busy person (really!). I am a musician, instrumental music teacher, ballroom dancer, dance instructor and I have gone back to uni part time. I have had assignments to do for uni which I have done between doing everything else and have started to get the results back. My first one resulted in a credit pass (about a B for those pre OBE or levels). I was happy as I am not aiming for topping the class. My next one came back today. A high distinction!!!! I hope that they don't have cameras in the lift or they will be showing my victory dance at the next Christmas party.
It is really hard work trying to be a superwoman and at times it gets so hard you wonder why you are even trying. But then you get a mark like this and everything is peachy! I ended up crying on the way to my school because I was so overwhelmed by this result (I told the students that the hayfever has been playing up...). I have one more to come back and a group presentation to do next week (the group should consist of three people but one is proving to be very elusive!! This saga deserves a blog of its own!).
I'm so happy!!!!!!!! I'm a legend!!!

A strange case of mistaken identity

Ever been in a situation where you received unwanted attention from the opposite sex? I had it happen yesterday at uni. The only problem was that it was very hard to tell them to leave me alone and they didn't seem to get the message no matter how many times I told them! You see, I don't speak peacock! Yes, peacock. I was on my mobile yesterday at uni and turned around to see two peacocks (male) circling me. I wasn't frightened but they were within touching distance and they were circling.... Anyway, I moved away a bit and they followed. I finished my phone conversation and moved into the arts dept courtyard. They followed. I rang my other half to let him know that he had competition just as one showed off his tail to me and the other began to squawk. I moved away again. They followed. I told them that they had mistaken me for someone else but that didn't work. I told them that I wasn't their type. That didn't work either. They didn't seem to notice my lack of feathers or the fact that I spoke a foreign language. And I didn't really want to offend them. Eventually my refusal of their advances hit home and they gave up and wandered off.
There is always a first for everything........