Life goes on!

Ouch

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:50:00 +0000

I'm still here but having to restrict my time on the computer... I finally got my xray results back and I have got tendonitis in my right shoulder hence the pain in my right arm and neck. I start physio on Friday. So it is treatable and not caused by having some lymph nodes taken out. Hallelujah, I'll be able to get myself undressed without pain one day soon.

Saw the local surgeon today and he's very pleased with how things are healing. It was weird having someone touch it today cause when he pressed his finger against my new boob, it felt really numb... it's not real... yucky feeling.. hehe. Next Mammogram in July and see him again in August. I must say that follow up for breast cancer is absolutely amazing. But fair enough, as it seems to be the most common cancer this decade!

So if I'm on here this often girls, it's just cause I'm giving my arm a break... I have other stuff that's a priority like finishing a present for my sisters anniversary. And I'm on the computer most of the day at work so by night it's really burning.

Take care everyone.. hope you all do a lap in Relay for life.. I am sure going to, to honour everyone who has suffered so much with this crappy horrible disease... so much more than I have. And I'll light a candle for my pop who died of it 33 years ago next month, and my best friend Helen, who died after a long struggle with cancer in January 1991. I think it will be a really emotional day but I think I need it...I think I'll need a lot of tissues.. I'm so ugly when I cry!!!

Ants bloody Ants

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:10:00 +0000

Just had to take some pics this morning of the ant invasion. I bought some raid ant bait. It's been sitting on the bench all week waiting and waiting and this morning I got up to find hundreds of the buggers trailing across my bench. But they are eating it and going back and of all weird places going under the stainless steel bench. I can't see any sign of them in the cupboards, on the roof of the cupboard, no where so they are obviously going in under the stainless steel. So now I have to leave the ugly little blitters doing there job for the day so they take it all back to the nest. I hope I dont come home to a kitchen full of them.

Saved from Op Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Well, I never. I've been going to make a roman blind and today was the day!! (well its cut out.. that's a start). I'm just using my old lounge curtains to make a blind and a curtain for the ranchsliders in my conservatory. Eeeky fabric but it's only the conservatory and doesnt look too bad with a lot of light on it. They look a few years old as the lining is a little shaded.

But I needed more rings etc so of I went to spotlight. Shock, horror they had the exact fabric! I thought wow, this could be cheap.. save me cutting and redoing seams I'll buy a bit more for the blind but hello! $19.99 a metre?*! So back home and cut out the old ones. After all they are only going to fade given the amount of sun I get in that room through the roof.

And today it rained, in fact it poured for at least an hour. A friend came from the other side of town and said it was teaming down in town but it took an hour for it to reach us. So the gardens and lawns have had a drink and I didnt have to stand there and do it.

Where do weekends go?? I don't seem to have achieved much. I haven't done any sewing. I've looked through my mags as I have a challenge project to be done by mid March. I run a sewing group and gave everyone an assortment of bits of christmas fabric. The challenge was to use all the pieces and others if you wish and make something out of it. I think I've found something I could do with them all but embroidery???? Maybe I'll think of something different on the background fabric. I'll make it smaller too and give it to my mum next Christmas!

And I've been bad this weekend. I had a look on Trade Me and bought some gorgeous hydrangea fabrics.. in six different colourways. Can't wait for it to arrive. And good old Arthur Toye, god they love me in there, have heaps of fabrics for $5 metre. But I bought it for backing so that was useful. I also bought some for our Saturday sewing bee lucky dips. Gosh, I love fabric... sick or what!

It's raining at last!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:40:00 +0000

Finally it is raining in Palmerston North although sporadic strong wind then a heavy shower but enough to water my gardens and lawns. I just hope the wind goes away but the rain stays (at night anyway) for a couple of days. My son-in-law needs grass on the farm desperately!

The exciting news yesterday is that I am a "greatgrandmother". My granddaughter Olivia rang me to tell me she had a baby girl. It came out of her tummy. The baby cries when she wants a cuddle and luckily Olivia can breast feed too!! It's amazing though her baby doesnt have to wear nappies because she's toilet trained already!!! But yesterday she got really upset when they went to pick strawberries and she realised she'd left the baby home alone.

Olivia is nearly four! A friend of the family has had a baby recently. At Christmas time Olivia would pull up her tshirt and pat her tummy and tell me she had a baby inside her. I hope she's a little Margaret Fahy in the making...

And again I've done nothing tonight. My arm gives me the jip! The results of the xrays don't come back for a few days but I think I'll go and see a physio anyway. I have got so much to do and so little time!! haha. I was going to take an extra day off this week but before I thought of blocking out my calender I had two extra appointments haha. So I really need to get my a into g. But for now I'm off to snuggle down in bed, do a code cracker and get some sleep. Life is so hard some days!

Technology!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:34:00 +0000

Or lack of.. where would we be without mobiles. I haven't had a landline since Wednesday night... telecom came yesterday and said they'd fixed it. But when I got home the line was still dead as so for four hours today I've had two rather lovely technicians in my backyard and under my house! Rather lovely they were.. new to NZ... and half my age haha but very nice to look at!!!.. Who needs the fireman's calender?? They eventually had to dig up the back lawn and put a new cable in. Seems the people who built on the conservatory may have built over the phone lines.. mind you they're probably stuffed by now or eaten by ants around here!!!

Today started off well but still I have achieved nothing. I went shopping for shoes and a new iron but instead I HAVE finally bought a hose reel thingy so I don't have to worry about tripping over it, I HAVE bought a long handled car brush as my right arm is still not right after surgery and I can't reach... I HAVE found the right vacumn cleaner bags after searching all of PN and I bought a sprinkler so I dont have to stand and water the garden every night.

BUT Bloody But... I have also bought some fabric paints... do I need another project.. oh my god NO! I saw this gorgeous absolutely fantastic book that my friend Rhonda is making using fabric and paints etc etc and I've decided to make my sister one for her 30th wedding anniversary (in 8 weeks time)... with photos of the wedding and their children and Israel where thy love to go every year etc etc.. beads, buttons, trimming... ideas are flowing..
But today has been a blow out and I've achieved nothing cause the 'garden' needed my attention hehe.. (oh my is this me thinking like this!!! geez I must be getting well??) Settle Petal!

Well a friend and I are going out to Breakers for dinner cause I'm sick of eating the same old things and I have all day to recover tomorrow if I get sick! I'll probably only have the roast of the day cause I never cook a roast for myself but that's the beauty of it, it's my price and I don't have to stand in the kitchen for ages. And I've bought diastop now and it works so I still get the pain but not the 'crap' so to speak haha

And the amazing thing we had some rain last night. It lasted all of 3 minutes and didn't do any good but hey, it's proved it can still rain in Palmerston North.

All about George today

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:27:00 +0000

George is staying with me this weekend and this afternoon he's painting a mural for the back of his quilt which I haven't quite finished yet. George arrived yesterday on the bus. We went to Meet the Spartans at the movies.. what a stupid, stupid movie but so funny! It was a real farce but I actually enjoyed it. Last night we played 'Arne' a card game I got from one of our local $2 shops.. Its a deal. Talk about clever and addictive. And a bargain too!

Today we've been to the bike shop.. to look and dream! George is into mountain biking in a very serious way. Geez, my car cost less than some of their bikes!!! His one cost $1300. Told him he needs to do well at school, get a good job and then he'll be able to buy the expensive bikes and go in all the rides. Of course, I told him he'll have to make a choice between a bike or a bird... one could get jealous of the other maybe.

And so now he's finished the first canvas as they say. It's done in fabric ink so just needs to dry the first coat before putting the second lot of colours down (trees and bush he says). We're trying a technique a friend did and laid a few things on top which should leave an impression or a shadow on the fabric.

Years ago George painted a picture at school which I really loved. It cost me $10.00 ??? Talk about scrooge haha but thats a good sign. He does save his money well. But I'm hoping that one day I'll copy this painting onto fabric and build a quilt around it.

While it drys we're off to the Lido. George not me! I do have to start going to the pool as hopefully it will help my arm. I still can't get undressed, open the door or reach in a certain position without pain. I thought it would just take time but it's getting more painful. I talked to another cancer patient last week who's post cancer 5 years and she still has to get undressed 'the man's way'. Not me.. I've got to get it right!

And then after dinner oh dear, I'm going to Stockcars!!!!! I don't think I've been there since I was 16... God help me. The things we do for our grandchildren. I'll be deaf tomorrow.... haha.

I've decided to see the doc about the possibility that menopause may have crept up on me since the op.. some days I just don't cope at all with the silliest little thing.. I feel like I'm going nuts! Or was I already???

But Stew, the ex Boss is back in the office for a few days so that will be really good. It's just not the same. But then hopefully we will find out who our new boss is this week and hopefully it will be a 'good' person!

And Chris tell Stew he can have MY carpark! Hehe.

Nite everyone.

Warning everyone -

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:28:00 +0000

Be careful and make sure you do a virus check often. It's not a virus as such but some bright spark on On5.blogspot managed to get into my cookies and sent an email to his mates on my behalf. When you look at his blogspot it goes straight to a site about enlarging your penis. Well, can't say I have that problem but I believe I missed an interesting programme on tv 3 last weekend about what you can't do with 24". I got a mailer daemon on my email this morning (not the one registered here) saying that my email with his details couldn't get through and Norton's have picked up the infected cookies.
Smart bugger ah. Obviously his 1" doesn't keep him occupied!

The new car

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 03:40:00 +0000

Well, my new car got a clean bill of health with an Excellent from AA. So it was signed up after servicing on Thursday. What a dream to drive after my old bomb. I sold that for $50 minus the stereo which I will one day get put into the toyota. It needs a steam clean and a few touch up's but I'm sure I'll get it done cheaper than the extra $1500 they wanted. It is such a relief to have a better car. I couldn't lock the Mazda, the water pump was stuffed.. it was always stressful going anywhere. I was going to buy a new one earlier in the year but other things got in the way. Now, I can go for a drive and not have to worry about breaking down!
My sister has gone home. We've walked and walked around the shops, she's finished a quilt and fixed up some of my clothes that swim on me, and we've had heaps of laughs. Little sis came on Friday night too so we had all three of us together .. was wonderful. It's quiet now.. that horrible echo you get when you've had company ... but another day off tomorrow for Wellington anniversary so I can catch up with friends and housework and sewing of course. Then back to work for 4 days.. I love it. Work has been so busy, incredibly busy and I have to admit now it was tiring. But I've been better healthwise and only a couple of cricket days (Can't have my mum's crabapple jelly and no lettuce at all!!! grrrr). Still lost another 500g since Friday, so all in all now a total of 12.4kgs since September.
Well I'm off to tidy up and watch the tape of Doc Martin from last night.

My New Car

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:01:00 +0000

Yes, I've bought the car. AA report said it was excellent for its age and had been well looked after. So now I have a nice little car, that I can lock, that I don't have to fill up with water everyday and boy, am I going to miss that whine it makes! I can't wait but I have to wait until Thursday. It is due for a service check and an oil change so I HIT THEM UP for it. The salesman had to ask his boss but he said Yes. Fair enough I reckon. So on Thursday I will put a photo in of my new used 1996 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, just what I wanted. So it's mean't to be - it arrived at the yard on Friday, had gone to the painters yesterday when I rang. I asked how much if it wasn't touched up and groomed - saved myself $1500. I'll be cleaning it Thursday after work myself. It's got a few stone chips on the bonnet and sides but I'll get them touched up myself one day.
I need to have a double wake now. One for my boob and for the bomb as well. I wonder if anyone will take it off my hands!!

Weekends - .8 gone again!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:18:00 +0000

What did we do? We spent a few hours looking at fabric... and patterns and fabric. My sister is a dressmaker and got enough material to make 7 items for $70. She showed me how to use the overlocker I was given and I finished a couple of bed poncho's I'd started for the grandchildren. I tried on all my new-prior cancer clothes and we made alterations as they are all a bit big! Yay. I bought some fabric $4 metre to make myself a skirt. I haven't made clothes since 1987 but I'm sure I can do it!

And we walked and walked around car yard after car yard. What a nerve racking job it is looking for a car. I want a Toyota, preferably hatchback and has to be 4 doors! I think I've found one tonight, so I'll send it off to AA tomorrow and hopefully it'll pass the test okay. It's my price if I don't have it groomed or painted and it's just what I've been looking for. So fingers crossed everything works out.

As for weight loss.. another .8 gone over weekend but I have been crook again. Found a few more things I can't eat with IBS including cooked tomato's. This is no fun, I can't eat many of the good diet foods not even lettuce. But when I do eat I look like I'm ten months pregnant and feel it too!

Work was excellent again. My appointments are up to 101% and another 5 months till end of year. I love being busy.

Stress levels - I'm hanging in there. It's getting easier to give myself the right messages. I need lots of sleep and little stress. And it's been really good having my sister here because she listens and understands. Little sis couldn't make it over the weekend, she wasn't feeling well, but there'll be another time.

Off now - more sewing - boring huh? Fingers crossed this car will be okay.

Take care.

I only had to think about it!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:08:00 +0000

Just had to record my surprise on the scales this morning. 700g gone since Sunday. Hmmm sorry I'd be telling fibs if I didn't let on I've had two days on the cricket patch again but I'm gonna keep it off. I've been recording it since early November and lost 5 kgs since then.

Had a fantastic day today. Chris H came to use the loo but it was girl's break time so we had a great conversation and lots of laughs. I haven't stopped laughing since but not at you Chris, at the naivity that I never thought of my boss as... well you know. It's like your parents.. you never think they do either. I know that sounds dumb but you know what I mean haha.

As for your haircut be careful in the sun!! Have a great weekend together girl and thanks for making me laugh. I miss ya old... whoops young fella and the laughs we had in the office.

Today has been the best day at work too. I feel like I'm finally getting back to my old self. Been so busy busy and I COPED!! I really enjoyed it. A lot more soh too cause I'm feeling better and not playing cricket so much. Looking after myself with early nights or should I say earlier .. hehe.

Probably won't update now till Monday night. My sister is coming tomorrow and I am so looking forward to seeing her. We had a sisters weekend before my surgery and then they went overseas so I havent seen her since. She's a dressmaker and patchworker so we will scour Arthur Toye etc and oh boy, sad ah but I am so excited.

Oh and if I had a boss I'd ask him if I could leave twenty minutes early to go and pick her up from the airport haha but I never did ask boss before haha! Geez I miss that guy.

And now off here and get the housework done.. yes I was gunna do it Sunday.... did I say which Sunday????

2 years today

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:48:00 +0000

Well two years ago today I started work in my present job. Stew offered me the job just before Christmas and I started in 2006. Wow, what a lot has happened in that time. I remember thinking I'll never be able to do this legal stuff, the first few weeks were mind boggling but once I started it was a lot better. And I am learning everyday, heaps at the moment (why have I forgotten so much so quick haha). Every day is different but I've achieved more than what I ever thought I could, and met some lovely people.
This time two years ago my Dad was in hospital after having a nasty fall off the deck. He suffered a brain injury, spent nearly 5 months in hospital here. I was moving house the day it happened. So I spent the next few months going to work, going to visit him, home to eat and sleep then start again. Poor Dad. He was so frustrated and yet naive. But now, he has a go at everything. He's done everything he can to be independent and improve mentally and physically . Today is also his 73rd birthday.
Last year I thought I'd finally met the man of my dreams but soon realised that wasn't for me. Then I was diagnosed with the cancer, and now four months later I'm slowly getting back to being ME again. Crook again today.. trying to work out what I ate this time!
Today when I got home I opened my mail to find an appointment card for the oncologist. I nearly cried! I knew it would be coming but it reminds you that this is for the rest of your life. Great though that our medical system provides for these check ups so regularly but ...
I turned around to my fridge and saw a saying I've had on it for quite awhile. You know, its there but you never notice it. But tonight I read it and it's funny how moments in your day fit together sometimes. The saying reads
"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. the way you cope with it is what makes the difference." Virginia Satir.
How true!
And I will keep on coping because there are people a lot worse off than me and no matter how much 'crap' I've had over the past two years, I've had far more good things happen. Met great people, learn't heaps, achieved more than what I'd dreamed I could and I'M ALIVE!
This is another saying that Stew gave me recently which hangs on my office wall
"Destiny - though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending" - Carl Bard.

I've lost 11 kgs since my surgery and now I have to work at losing more. I'm still 10 kgs heavier than I was when I returned from Aus in 2004. It's not a problem keeping status quo with my on again, off again IBS but I'd rather be healthy and lose weight in a healthy way. So I'm actually writing down the foods that affect me and I'm going to use my old WW books to try and work out my diet sheet. Yesterday was raining here and I put my jacket on. I've never been able to do the buttons up before so it was really neat to do them up easily. So like Chris H I'm gonna work on 'being on track'. By June 08 I will lose 10% of my body weight. Thats another 11 kgs, easily manageable but a realistic goal for now.

Day Three - I made it!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:59:00 +0000

Well, three days of no runs! (thats not a cricket term). I'm feeling so much better, even the stress levels have been okay today and I have been so busy at work. People just coming in off the street. I was going to shift my office but where it is its opposite the main door so I think it could be some kind of good luck thingy! Haha.
I drew the diagonal on 134 1 1/2inch squares last night so now to sew them to the corners of the rectangles. I have three really good books to read from the library but don't dare read a page until I've got the sewing (whoops and the housework) done.
Well off to the other room (sewing room that is.. YES)

It's raining. I don't have to water the gardens in the morning. We have had sun for so long in Manawatu, it's been too good to be true. But a couple of days rain will be good for the gardens, lawns and especially the water tanks.

And now I'm off to bed. What have I done tonight? Um absolutely nothing. I was so tired I fell asleep in my chair.. lucky I set my video to tape a programme for a friend. Geez what a waste of a night!

Progress?

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:21:00 +0000

Well I've cut out hundreds of 1 1/2", 2 1/2" 4 1/2" squares and 6 1/2" rectangles, quilting is so good for keeping your brain ticking I reckon. But exhausting too. I cut for 4 hours yesterday and again this morning but had to give up. My right arm just doesn't have enough strength in it since the operation.

So when I can't cut anymore I sew and lay out.. It looks nothing like the pattern... but when it gets the sashings and borders it will be beautiful. As for getting it finished by Friday when my sister arrives... we will see. I'm going to Carol's to spend a night sewing this week but I also have to make my roman blind and cushion covers (two more UFO's) - shame I have to work!

It's been an 8/10 day today. I've managed to hold everything I've eaten.. which isn't much.. but I'm going to try steak, fried spud and veges, and of course beetroot for dinner... safe foods!!!

And my daughter tells me Olivia (4 in March) has been sewing today. YIPEEEEEEEE. She has been making herself a dress ... more like a sari I believe but hey, neither of my girls are into craft at all so there's hope yet. My two big grandsons have both had a go and enjoyed it but I don't think they have time for it with mountain biking and motorcross riding. Olivia can be a master quilter or a dress designer... hehe.. yeah right!

This photo was taken before she tried to be a hairdresser and cut off her fringe before Christmas!

Spring Cleaning - Yeah right

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:34:00 +0000

Well its nearly lunchtime and all I've done is hang the washing, water the garden, do the dishes and sit on here for 2 hours looking for a pattern. I'm going to make a scrappy tablecloth and a roman blind this weekend to spruce up my house before my sister arrives on Friday. Well, both sisters are coming I think? I dont need to start a new project.

This is Grandson George's quilt. Needs sashings in between now and other stuff done. Won't take long .... hmmmmThis is a row by row challenge thats just arrived in the mail. I have to do a row and then send it on.

Also, I need to clean windows, floors, bathroom, make up the spare bed etc etc. And start looking for a car. My car can't be locked now and since its only worth $1 its not worth fixing it. But a pain when I want to go to town! Stressing about cars is not needed at the moment. I'm going through a post cancer depression thingy I think and some days I find it hard to cope with anything. It's weird. I haven't felt like it for 15 years but I'm told its just part of the healing process. Good old St Johns Wart or rather Elizac is my saviour. It is such a fantastic pick me up but sadly I can't find it in NZ anymore. I picked up a bottle in Aus in June 'just in case' but it will see me through.

Stew packed up his office yesterday. Shouted muffins which was beautiful, thanks Stew! And thanks for the effort to get the right one for me - didn't taste the arsenic at all!! Obviously it didnt work anyway.
I had thought of moving into his office but he left it in such a mess I can't be bothered haha. *Jok We decided (all two of us at work) to make a managerial decision and go home early as we are now in mourning. We are lost and forelorn - the guy in charge now is called Caspar - I'll say no more!

So hopefully we'll get a new boss soon - otherwise we could end up on stress leave..... haha but until then I have a CARPARK behind the office. And noone has stolen the car YET!
Right, now I'm off here and going to start cutting and piecing this tablecloth and pin up the roman blind and clean ... Tui!

Well its now 7.30 and I have cut out hundred's of strips of fabric and now am going to sort them into lights, mediums and darks. The phone hasn't rung today but my little grandson Cam texted me (geez, he's 8) to tell me he's called his doll Cuddles. I rang him then and my daughter told me he has taken it everywhere with him, to the beach even for New Years. He is such a sentimental little guy. The other two little grandies evidently showed their dolls off to Great Aunty Debbie (oh how I love to say that - she's only 41 hehe). I am so pleased I made them, I really enjoyed it but I think I should have started earlier. The late nights have not helped. So tomorrow it'll be sewing and cleaning of course!

And today's been 7/10 so early to bed tonight and taking care of myself - Hmmm Chris that's a HUGE black bag... hope it has a power pack!

Goodbye 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:25:00 +0000

Well, Christmas has been and gone and another year starts tomorrow. I am looking forward to putting 07 behind me. It has been a roller coaster of a year for me from massive highs to all-time lows, emotionally and physically. After cancer and the infections from surgery, being busy preparing for christmas and travelling I am now so damn tired I am emotionally stuffed and have caught the grandchildren's tummy bug. I can't So no celebrating for me tonight. I'll be in bed early again. But I will wake up tomorrow having subconsiously kicked 07 in the butt, good riddance! On the positive side I am rid of the big C, I turned 50 and had a wonderful celebration with family and friends and I had a wonderful year at work. I achieved my targets, reaped the rewards and had a lot of fun. Sadly Stew the boss has left now and we will have to 'train' a new boss (when we get one) and so another learning curve to come! Stew is a legend and has been so kind and supportive during my "07 challenges" I really appreciate him and will miss his whit and sense of humour.

The Christmas presents were finished on time (last minute of course) but I was proud of my efforts and really enjoyed making them. Here is Cameron's doll in Motorx pyjama's and leather slippers (as Cam has been racing for the last 4 years).

Cam was sick on Christmas Eve and most of Christmas Day but he still had a smile on his face watching everyone open their presents.

Alex loves Thomas the Tank Engine and his one has teddy bear slippers. Olivia, well she loves pink, anything pink and her's has bunny slippers.

These were from a Patchwork & Stitching mag. I love this photo of Alex when he unwrapped his. He is a gorgeous boy ah. But only 2 1/2 years old.

Here is Olivia (4 in March) and Alex with big brother George (12).

'Tabitha' has been to the Dolls Hospital and received new eyes for Christmas. She has been lovingly bathed during her 33 years to the extent that she looked like 'chuckys sister'.

I 'borrowed' her from my daughter Annette, and after surgery I made her some new clothes. Annette was really excited to unwrap her on Christmas Day. Hubby thought she was nuts but she takes after her mum being sentimental (lucky she didn't get my dum brains).

Thank you to everyone who has given me support this year especially over the last 5 months ( wow, it seems a lifetime but it's all happened so fast ah). My love to you all and here's to a wonderful, successful and positive year ahead. 08 is a nice round number, no edges, no endings, so it's bound to be really smooth.

Happy New Year everyone.

The Rooster has landed

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:33:00 +0000

Project R is now complete and gone to a good home. We held a Christmas party/Farewell for the boss yesterday and Roderick the Rooster was presented to him in a couple of KFC buckets - REJECT - who wants to eat Rooster!

The joke was that Stew has been the head of the hen house, is a little cocky (quick witted) and never goes off half-cocked (we've never even seen him grumpy)... I'm sure he's not an android though.

Stew has some amazing shoes, really radical and out there but he was brave enough to wear them to work one day and staff gave him heaps so this is Roderick in Stews' shoes and this is Roderick in our staff room. I made a calender of all the places in Palmy I could think of including one with a couple of students at the capping on Friday and with his cousins down at the Duck Pond!

It was fun but the sad thing is my computer isn't happy.. I can't access the internet and yet the modem is working fine. Have checked it with xtra so sounds like it will be off to the shop. So I'll have to make this short and sweet cause I shouldn't be doing it! Wink nudge Chris you lovely lady.. shhh!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:25:00 +0000

I like this email so thought I would share it

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office,was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the counter clerk,

"do you have a job or are you just a ..?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman."I'm a Mum."

"We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation,

'housewife' covers it," said the clerk emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Medicare office.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.

The words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field ofChild Development

and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair andlooked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.

Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,

in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,

"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,

I heard myself reply,

"I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't)

In the laboratory and in the field,

(normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters,

(first the Lord and then the whole family)

and already have four credits - (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,

(any mother care to disagree?)

and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).

But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards aremore of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.

Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!

And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished

and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mum."

Motherhood!What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers

"Senior Research associates in the field of

Child Development and Human Relations"

And great grandmothers

"Executive Senior Research Associates?"

I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts

"Associate Research Assistants."

Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:09:00 +0000

Well, this week is one for birthdays. My mother's was on Wednesday, my grandson George was 12 yesterday and my brother-in-law today. I managed to get cards and presents off to two of them which wasn't bad considering I'm usually late. I rang the bro in law this morning and wished him a happy day.
I sent my grandson a chess set. It's a beautiful piece.. wooden box with mirror and opague tiles on the top for the board. The pieces were quite heavy inside the box with a velvet lining. He rang last night to thank me and he was so appreciative. He learn't how to play at school and his dad plays too so hopefully they will enjoy some quiet time away from Olivia who is 3 and Alex who's 2.
Today has been a mixed day. Tests show the bug is still with me but it hasn't travelled or caused any infection anywhere else. Which is wonderful. I think I am feeling better each time I have antibiotics but it hasn't killed it. So my dr has referred me to a Gastroentrologist but I may have to wait a few weeks so will start on probiotics in the meantime. Gotta give it a go ah.
Been busy at work this week which is really good for me. I love being busy and getting my targets up. I live on targets, and goals. Pissed off that one of the blokes is way ahead of me because I've had the time off sick!
Well Project R isn't cut out yet but my friend Carol has been around tonight and agreed the fabrics are cool. It won't take me long so I will cut it out tomorrow. One more week till the boss's farewell and then he'll be starting in Auckland with all the Jaffa's on 10th December. So only two weeks to make him sorry he ever employed me haha. Or that he'll never forget us in Palmy North**
Well off to bed. Was going there an hour ago when my friends caught me in my nightie.... Not a pretty sight.
Still the scales might move further in the morning. There has to be a bonus in all this because I haven't found a 'nice' toilet paper lately. Someone said to put it in the freezer????? Might try it haha.
Goodnight all.

Must be nearly Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:45:00 +0000

Geez, where are the weeks going? I have so much to do.. I have no time for being tired at night right now. Despite Vancomcin for a week the dreaded Cdiff is still with me so I'm going to give alternative medicine a go. I've read that probiotics can be effective.

Well only 4 weeks till Christmas and I haven't bought A present yet! and only 1 week till Project R has to be finished and I haven't even started!! Typical KJ always running late but it will happen!!

But the weekend was wonderful. I had one of my gorgeous grandsons to stay. He was sooooo good and I was so proud to be his nan. I took him to our sewing day on Saturday complete with material he could sew up, my older sewing machine etc. He had a ball and I am amazed how clever a 7 yr old is at sewing a straight line! He loved it and everyone loved him. He passed around the morning tea, had a conversation with everyone and admired their work! I took him for a swim at lunchtime to break the monotony and give the ladies some peace but he was more than happy to go back. I'm now quilting his rug together so he can have it. He also made fabric cornucopia's to put on the

tree with little presents or sweets in them. Two squares of fabric and a piece of cord. so easy but in Christmas fabric I reckon they'll look gorgeous on a tree.

Well no time for adding more tonight. Time to get Project R started!

Support Group

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:25:00 +0000

Wow, I've found a support group for Cdiff on the internet. It is amazing that so many other people have this although I'm only the second patient my doctor has ever had with it. And the first with recurring cdiff. But it is not unknown to have it for several months even years. Huh not me! Times up. I start vancomycin tomorrow (if I can find the hospital pharmacy) haha. Gave me directions for the back door this avo but I didnt have long before another appointment so will go there before work tomorrow and go through the hospital.
I've found some brilliant quilting blogs .. click onto lazygal if you're interested. If I didnt have so much other stuff to do like scrapbooking pages for a friends birthday, George's quilt... before Xmas, a special object to sew... 'geez I need energizer batteries!!!
I am so excited. I'm helping to organise a farewell and it is going to be so much fun. (for me anyway haha). And by then I'D BETTER BE ABLE TO EAT MORE THAN MASHED POTATO! Even though its going to be weird not having Stew around (the boss) I am really looking forward to our Christmas party/Stew's farewell. Now, dont tell him Chris or he won't want to come!!! Haha.
Well, off to bed. Coro Street has finished. Need my beauty sleep ..hmm maybe not! but can't feel pain when I'm asleep! and with the sleeping pills EVERYTHING else settles too. Here's a hint - if you have diarrhea eat white bread and marmite. It doesnt go anywhere! So you're safe at work!

Garage Sale Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:35:00 +0000

I forgot to say in my blog that I found some treasures at a friends garage sale yesterday. She was selling stuff for an elderly couple who had stored their own parents 'stuff' in their garage for many years. Some of the newspapers were 1974! I bought a set of crystal wine glasses (so now I can have 9 wino's around instead of 3!, a beautiful chess set for my grandsons birthday and some gorgeous little plates and bowls. But my best find was this gorgeous venetian glass decanter and shot glasses. I think its beautiful. Now I just need something nice and 'safe' to display it on!

Did I need them? No, but they look good!

Me and My New Mate!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:14:00 +0000

Well, I've got it back again. Third time around the clock. I've just found a support group online for Chlostridium Difficile and some of them had it for over a year, one lady four years. Uck! But I can pick up ideas about diet etc, though nothing much different from what my doctor has told me. I guess I'll have to go back but I'm afraid she'll put me off work "to rest" again. I can't anyway. Geez, I've done enough resting. I like being back at work... makes me feel human again! Bugger, I'm choking up thinking about this crap so I've decided not to get pissed off about it this time. I'll try and stay positive and 'handle it' otherwise I'm going to end up a mess if I have to put up with this for a year or two!!

On a more positive note I thought I'd put in here a couple of pics that are long overdue.

Firstly while off work and not having the energy to wander around the shops I made my friend Carol a doll for her birthday. It was quite fun having some hand sewing .. putting on beads etc.

So now I'm starting on a new project, though not as 'pretty' as a doll! But it is a lot of fun and I'm sure the reciepient will get a giggle out of it.

Well, I'm off to have a marmite sandwich (white bread) of course. Uck Uck.. whoops be positive Karen... how yummy!

Karen

November 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 07:12:00 +0000

Ha ha Helen, what a brilliant idea for a quilt. Can't think of a colour scheme though hehe. Uck!
Well I have finished the second lot of antibiotics but sadly Friday afternoon and Saturday were not good days. Rest of the week I thought the drugs had got rid of it, but will just have to wait and see what the next few days bring. fingers crossed. I am so sick of it! I've even had to buy more expensive 'softer' dunny paper! And tired, geez..... this isn't ME!
Some days I wonder why I even bothered to have this op... grr but I've said 6 months.... give it that long and I'm sure I'll be happy I went through with it.
Besides that the weekend was fantastic. Margaret came to visit again from Hastings/Auckland/Christchurch...( her job has taken her everywhere since my op) and it was so good to catch up. She is looking for another job and I hope it doesnt take her too far away ... too!
Today my girl Annette and her family came over and visited. Brendan did some of the heavy moving jobs I can't do yet but I will have to get some big boys in to move my computer desk and bedroom back to normal one day. I've just signed onto broadband and due to the lack of hotpoints I have cords going across the floor. What did we do before technology. Every hot point has 4 - 5 things plugged into it!!
Well early to bed, work tomorrow. Will try for a couple more hours but early nights are necessary. I DO NOT want to go back to the Dr this week!!! Geez, I'll have to give up my job if I dont get rid of it soon!

K

2007 - Crap

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 02:18:00 +0000

And so we go on. I finished the antibiotics a week ago, 5 days off them and the lovely Clostridium Difficile came back. Well, I'd just started work 2 hours a day, was supposed to do half days this week but am now back to 2 hours only because I said I had to! On more antibiotics but at least I can eat a little more than white bread and marmite. Oh joy! that was hard.
This bug makes me so tired.. I have never been so exhausted that I need an afternoon nap. I've been so physically exhausted even after doing the dishes! When I can eat and drink anything I'll be getting all the vitamins and asdophillus into me so fast!
And the next bloody pain in the arse is we're losing our boss! CRAP CRAP CRAP! He's so cool to work with, does and says what he means and is so much fun..... and now he's going to be a Jaffa! Well, all I can say is, if we end up with some boring old fart with no sense of humour, or ambition we'll be going to Auckland on convoy, wrapping one of his 1000 ties around his neck and bringing our funny boy back!! Thats not a threat, its a promise Mr H!
But it will be great for him and his family to be closer to relatives and back where they want to be ... and I'm sure there will be many emails going back and forwards. I'll never forget I'd been there 3 months and the first time I got the weekly report I said to Mr H, "if you put my results on there we'd be over 100%". He said you are on there! Turned out he thought my name was Karen Scott ??? and I've been Scotty ever since. Yeah well, beam me up mate! Haha
I have started some sewing at long last. I made a doll, a lot of it hand sewing so I could relax and do it. It was for a friends birthday. Quite keen to make some more one day but for now I'm hoping to make a bag for a lady I met in hospital who has to have radiotherapy. However I only have enough oomph for short bursts so not much is being achieved.
Then its time to make my grandsons quilt before he thinks his Nan doesnt care! He's been waiting a couple of years.
Well back to the lazyboy before thinking about dinner. Takes a bit of thought when you can't eat everything!
Karen