I must admit to feeling the pressure of  having to write and since I’ve slacked off somewhat, my life has been less stressful. I’ve been needing to take a back seat for awhile. It doesn’t mean my learning has stopped though. No Way! I’m reading, reading, learning, learning and doing, doing, but differently.

About Our Home Renovations

Now about those renovations which have been ongoing since moving into our current home. I had a vision for the kitchen to have  a more open plan set up between it and the loungeroom. If Charlotte is playing in the lounge and I am doing whatever I do in the kitchen, I’ve had to get out of  my chair to check on how She’s doing or to answer the myriad of questions that a now 5 year old can tend to ask.  Yes, we do need a break from one another and I don’t have to be with Charlotte for every question and for every moment but when we’re together in the house, I prefer to be more accessible.

A few weeks ago my handyman partner started chipping away at the walls whenever he could and it’s not only double brick for the outside, but you guessed it, the inside walls are brick, too. That means an angle grinding job which means, you guessed it again, lots of dust.

Chipping away before realising that angle grinding is the only way to do the job

A bit of time has lapsed since writing the above and the lounge and kitchen are much more open. It adds such a different feel to the place. It’s Winter and it feels colder although that’s psychological I’m sure but I like it a lot.

Before

There are the finishing touches to be done and the kitchen itself needs lots of work so I expect there will be more dust, but let me tell you it will be nothing compared to the dust created by the angle grinder. Peter commented that it is one of  THE worst jobs he’s ever had to do.

After

Thank goodness it’s added a positive element to our home and not the opposite so all the hard work was worth it. Well, that’s my opinion maybe not Peter’s. lol

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I know I am so proud of  Charlotte’s ability to articulate her feelings since She was able to talk and even before talking with her own style of sign language when I think about it. So here are some comments that have been particularly noteworthy.

Having said that, I tend to jot down most of  the things Charlotte says. Noteworthy to me, but maybe not always to someone else.

Whilst watching an animated horse show : “A talking horse? Jumping lollipops!”

“What do yabbies have inside?”  This and the following question were asked somewhat ‘out of  the blue.’

http://bit.ly/aNkLFI

“What do Barking Owls sound like?”

http://bit.ly/aAxxR6

“Scuse me, that’s my potty destination.”

“Darling, buzz off.”  (After we had been telling some bees to buzz off.)

Whilst playing with ducks in the bath and squeezing them : “I’ll squeeze some (water) out of the ducks vagina.”

“Come on, let’s go and get the process started.” Said to her Dad when going outside to blow bubbles.

This was our conversation instigated by Charlotte when the three of  us were in bed one morning :

C : “I love you, daddy.”

Daddy : “I love you Charlotte.”

C turning to me : “Do you love Daddy?”

Me : “Yes, I love Daddy.”

C : “We all love one another, don’t we?”  How gorgeous is that?

Since Charlotte could speak, She has turned to me in bed and said “Mummy, would you like a cup of  tea?” Upon saying yes, She would turn to Daddy and say “Daddy, Mummy wants a cup of  tea.” My girl definitely looks after me and so does Peter. I DO get that cup of  tea in bed most mornings.

And finally because I really could go on all day. Said to one of  our cats “Oops, sorry. Did I startle you?”

Our kids make us so proud and bring the most wonderful laughter into our lives and I think it should be shared around. So feel completely free to have a good old brag.

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Fun for Charlotte and her little friend on a cold, Autumn day. We had a ball just watching them play happily.

Time to visit 5minutesforMom to see what other WW posts are up. I haven’t visited in awhile.

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Now that there are only 3 buttons on the sidebar I feel so much lighter.  As blogs go, I wasn’t overly extravagant with things, but  it must have been crowding my mind all the same.

I’ve been having fun writing the odd blog post, but it suddenly dawned on me that yes, I did start blogging so as I could also make some money. I’ve been having so much fun (once I get down to it)  writing all about what’s happening in my life and forgetting to make mention of  some great programs I’m involved with. I’ve written about them here and there, but I really want to get the word out more because I do believe in them.

I’m not a pushy kind of  gal, but I do believe in promoting things if  I’ve had a positive experience.  And that goes for anything whether I’m going to make a buck from it or not.  A good analogy might be when I find a gorgeous item at an Op shop and I often do. I just can’t help blurting out to people that this lovely item cost me only X amount of dollars from the second hand store.

So, I’ll be shouting out a bit more often from here on in, about those things I’m an Affiliate for because I believe in them wholeheartedly. I’ll also shout out about just good ole bargains whether I’m an Affiliate or not.

So today’s shout out is for Mom Masterminds. One of the best WAHM (but not only) forums for me as a newbie and for those already established in their online business.

Currently, the savvy women at MM are having a Ten Day May Madness sale and it ends on the 20th May. Mom Masterminds have a great $5 deal for you and $5 is all you’lly pay for any of  the products. Hurry there before it all ends.

Editing : The 20th has been and gone, in case you haven’t looked at a calendar lately which I doubt, especially if  you’re a business person. lol  Sooo, the May Madness Sale is over until next year.

My disclaimer here : I might benefit financially if you do purchase anything through my link, but I wouldn’t be raving on if  I didn’t think it was all worthwhile, so it’s not just about the money.

photo credit: MyNameIsSQ

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They know their work inside and out and have a wealth of  good, sound information to share with you. So, hit the link here : Ten Day May Madness to see some of  the great deals on offer. Don’t forget, it only lasts from the 10th May- 20th May.

So why are these women offering these crazy $5.00 deals? It’s because these Mom Masterminds members are some of the smartest internet marketing mums you will ever meet – and turning you into a customer is never crazy. It’s Savvy Business Sense.

Wouldn’t you like to get to know these women better? Take advantage of the sale and join Mom Masterminds NOW. You will only pay $5.00 for your first month and then $44.97 a month to continue your membership instead of  the usual $49.97 per month. Now that’s a great deal!

Have fun and Happy purchasing

This sale is now over until next year, but I will always highly recommend becoming a member of  Mom Masterminds.

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…

Disclaimer : I appreciate you visiting my blog and you just need to know that if  you click and purchase through my links, I may receive a commission as an Affiliate.

Thanks for stopping by. Christine (aka gippsygirl)

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Earlier in the week I had my first Wordpress Orientation session with Kelly McCausey and I revealed my love for these icons to her expressing the desire to have them made public so, as part of  this Orientation program which helps me to understand how to ‘drive’ my WordPress blog more easily, Kelly popped the new icons onto my blog. I no longer feel unfaithful, so thanks to you, Kelly for hearing my story and helping me to come clean.

I urge all of you to take heed and if you have anything hidden in the dark recesses of  your mind like I did you might just need to chat to Kelly. She’s a whiz with so many things. Word Press Orientation being one of  them, coaching being another and it doesn’t stop there. I’m looking forward to learning more about Word Press. Now that I’ve paid the very low fee, it is ongoing. I can take my questions along or just listen in and learn from others at any of the sessions.

Hopefully, there won’t be too many other dark stories I need to reveal, so I can just concentrate on learning from now on.

Disclaimer : I won’t get any rewards monetary or otherwise for revealing my love affair with dawghouse design studio. However, should you click on the WP Orientation link, I am an Affiliate so I may earn a commission. Lucky me

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I was curious about the movie aswell with all the raves it was getting from people who said they weren’t particularly into sci-fi. So my curiosity got the better of  me. There were some interesting, almost touching scenes. I know for sure
that one quite powerful part would have thrown me into a full on panic attack on a big screen at the cinema because I could feel the signs taking place just watching on our small screen tv. It came after a particularly violent part of the movie which is another reason why I only ‘partly watched’.

This brings me to the reason for my blog post.

In Your Face Graphics Are Unnecessary

I am heartily sick of  violence in movies. The type that leaves nothing to the imagination. I don’t believe we need the graphics to be in our face and in fact a little mystery and having to use ones imagination can add rather than detract from a story. Yes, there are some movies that require some of  the graphics to tell the story particularly if  it is factual, but blood and guts for the sheer sake of  it and with complete abandon? Forget it! Absolutely not necessary.

It’s not only in movies. What about that news bulletin of yet another senseless murder where the cameraman decides to hover on the blood stain? It infuriates me. I know your response might be ‘Well you don’t have to watch’. I agree and as much as I like to be informed, there is such negative journalism that it’s just not worth watching anyway. Same with movies. Trouble is, some of  the movies have such a great storyline. ‘Shutter Island’ is one. I just had to close or avert my eyes so often, but the mystery got me in and the twist at the end was ‘worth it’.

Times Have Changed

I used to be able to watch and read all manner of  things, but over the years as the world has become ’smaller’ and more violence is reported, I just can’t do it anymore. Since becoming a Mum almost 5 yrs ago my desire to watch violent movies or violent television programs of any description has dwindled to almost nothing, but it is so hard to find a movie with substance that hasn’t got some form of  violence portrayed. Very often, feel good movies are just a bit too fluffy, but I think I’ll stick to more of  them if  I want to watch anything.

So, I have two questions for you.

#1. What do you think of  violence in movies?

#2. Has Motherhood or Fatherhood changed your taste in movies?

Happy viewing no matter what you choose

photo credit: Torley

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Looks like Charlotte has all the right moves.

Now the right move for you is to visit 5minutesformom to see more WW posts.

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Know what I mean? I’m angry, happy, sad, angry, happy, sad.  Anger usually just masks hurt so I’ve read, but it’s a toughie to express. Of all our emotions, it can be the most destructive or that’s how it feels to me. Just a few words or
a look can irreversibly hurt someone especially our children and I’ve thrown a few looks Charlotte’s way lately. Now add guilt into the mix. LOL  Let me balance it by saying those looks have come back at me, too. I am seeing Charlotte reflect my negative behaviour, which doesn’t please me.

Some Suggestions Are Ridiculous

Advice from others for anger is to go for a walk, take a drive, hit some pillows. PLEASE! I have a 4 year old, so doing the first two is not something I can be spontaneous about. Pillow hitting never worked. Too passive. Throwing a few plates and YELLING at the same time might help, but that’s out too. What can I do? Yes, walk away from the situation when possible and most of  the time it is. Oops! Better be honest here. I storm away, not walk.

It is oh so tricky to release my pent up feelings of anger and they are pent up because I can’t release them straight away. Catch 22. It doesn’t work to take a drive at some later date and yell and scream in the car because by then, I’m not angry anymore. From my chit chats to friends, I feel some solace in knowing this is not  just a problem unique to me.

Attempting To Figure It Out

I’m trying to figure out why I get so angry and let me tell you, hormones haven’t  been ruled out at my age. I can feel a visit to my healthcare practitioner or doctor coming on soon. I could give you a whole host of excuses as to why I’m angry reaching far back into my childhood, but that doesn’t help me to express it responsibly in the moment. I know why I’m sad. Many reasons for that one too including the recent death of someone special to me.  And of course working out why I’m happy, well that’s a no brainer.

Having some time to myself sure helps. Today is my second day only in weeks on end that I haven’t been around humans. I feel the benefits almost instantly and it’s a glorious day weatherwise which helps lift my mood.

What do you do with that burst of  anger or are you genuinely calm and have you always been calm?

By the way, don’t ask me to count to 10 either. I’m closed to that one, but open to other productive suggestions. If  I lived on a property that would open up some options, too but unfortunately I’m a townie. Neighbours to think about and my reputation. LOL

photo credit: jenlight

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Several days before the start of  this term, I started talking up the whole Kinder experience and everytime I was hit
with a brick wall. The subject would be changed rapidly as if  I hadn’t spoken OR her face would drop and Charlotte would talk about not having to or wanting to go. She looked genuinely worried.

Smaller Groups Are Best

This morning was going to be quite a battle and I must admit that it has been adding to my stress levels which are rather high at the moment anyway. So, I called the Kinder and had a good chat to the attentive, caring teacher. She perfectly understood my stance particularly regarding the large group. Not large by some people’s standards, but too large  for Charlotte to thrive in.

I know Charlotte well enough to know that it would be an ongoing struggle for her  and therefore an ongoing struggle for the two of  us. You know the saying ‘pick your battles’ ? Well, this one isn’t worth fighting.

I’ve got plenty of  ideas up my sleeve. There is a lovely little daycare centre fairly close by. Very casual, pay as you go and today we took a visit there with a friend of  Charlotte’s and his Mum, my good friend. She likes it, too and we will take it in turns of  staying with our children, so the other Mum can go off  and take a break. Eventually, who knows? We might be able to leave our children there and both go off for a cuppa, but that’s not an issue at the moment.

And so, I can now lay the Kindergarten story to rest. It has been an interesting  journey and I feel at peace with my decision.

photo credit: Elaine with Grey Cats

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