Blog, that is. It's still another six and a half years until I have a teenage child.
I have been blogging since the 19th June 2006!
I know I never seem to post anything except book reviews these days, but I'll be back. One day. Maybe next year when Flynn starts kindy (can you believe it?) and I have some time to breathe and process.
Does anyone still read this?
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Fast Away 2018 Passes
I've revived the blog...for now.
I thought it fitting to end 2018 with a post.
This year has simply flown by. I know that is a cliche, but it's true. I'm struggling to rank 2018. Has it been good or bad...or just ordinary? I think all of the above.
2018 was the year I returned to the stage after a four year absence. We rehearsed from mid June until the first show in late October. At first, it was one rehearsal per week, then two as things cranked up. My initial disappointment and hurt over getting a small role turned out to be a great blessing. Even though I had a smallish part, I got on famously with the other cast members I had my scenes with, and I was relieved to have NOT got the part I'd so desperately wanted at the beginning. God really does know what is best for us.
My other highlights were doing Zumba each week while Flynn was at daycare, AND...drum roll.....getting to finally meet Meredith and Wendy. We had a lovely lunch together at Kings Park in Perth in November. I really miss the old days of blogging, when we all blogged regularly and had a really encouraging little community.
Another triumph was finally progressing with our garden. We've had no water supply to the garden since we moved here in December 2010, but FINALLY we have lawn, reticulation, some vegies in the garden...and a HOSE!
Rory has finished Pre-Primary - his first year of full-time school - and did tremendously. He is growing in confidence, loves school work, and can read simple sentences.
There were lows. One was our failed adoption (and therefore rehoming) of Shadow. Another was my diagnosis of PMDD. It all started in March and resulted in serious mood swings (white hot anger or floods of tears) and searing headaches which left me bedridden. The doctor has tried to help me, but there seems to be little to be done. 2019 will be a year of further investigation as I can't go on like this each month.
Another bitter disappointment was that I seem to be getting nowhere in my writing career. I've wanted to be a writer since I was seven years old, and now I'm seriously questioning if I have what it takes. My novel has been knocked back repeatedly and I haven't done any good in the short story competitions I've entered. The only option left seems to be self-publishing, but that will cost me and I'm not gifted at marketing my own work. The whole saga has left me quite depressed at times.
I've had several dear friends move further away from me this year. One from Perth to Broome, one from Perth to Victoria, one from the farm here to travelling around Australia, one from Albany to Alice Springs, and another is leaving Perth to move to Sydney in January. Even though I don't get to see them all the time, it's harder when they're even further away. Happy for them, sad for me.
There have also been some strained local relationships. I won't go into it, but Duncan has been having similar difficulties with the same people. It just shows that some people have issues and won't like you whatever you do.
As far as 2019 goes, our weekly routine looks like it will remain much the same - one child at full-time school, one child at home, husband working full-time and me doing a little bit of casual admin work from home. Flynn will go to daycare on Tuesdays and I'll have six precious hours to myself. It's nice to have a bit of stability.
To be honest, I haven't missed blogging. I really needed and enjoyed the break. I'll pop in from time to time, with a book review here or an opinion there. Now that Flynn is going to sleep by himself in the evenings, I may have a bit more time to write...maybe.
May 2019 be great, and may you know the one who loves us all, despite who we are, and died for you and rose again....Jesus.
I thought it fitting to end 2018 with a post.
This year has simply flown by. I know that is a cliche, but it's true. I'm struggling to rank 2018. Has it been good or bad...or just ordinary? I think all of the above.
2018 was the year I returned to the stage after a four year absence. We rehearsed from mid June until the first show in late October. At first, it was one rehearsal per week, then two as things cranked up. My initial disappointment and hurt over getting a small role turned out to be a great blessing. Even though I had a smallish part, I got on famously with the other cast members I had my scenes with, and I was relieved to have NOT got the part I'd so desperately wanted at the beginning. God really does know what is best for us.
My other highlights were doing Zumba each week while Flynn was at daycare, AND...drum roll.....getting to finally meet Meredith and Wendy. We had a lovely lunch together at Kings Park in Perth in November. I really miss the old days of blogging, when we all blogged regularly and had a really encouraging little community.
Another triumph was finally progressing with our garden. We've had no water supply to the garden since we moved here in December 2010, but FINALLY we have lawn, reticulation, some vegies in the garden...and a HOSE!
Rory has finished Pre-Primary - his first year of full-time school - and did tremendously. He is growing in confidence, loves school work, and can read simple sentences.
There were lows. One was our failed adoption (and therefore rehoming) of Shadow. Another was my diagnosis of PMDD. It all started in March and resulted in serious mood swings (white hot anger or floods of tears) and searing headaches which left me bedridden. The doctor has tried to help me, but there seems to be little to be done. 2019 will be a year of further investigation as I can't go on like this each month.
Another bitter disappointment was that I seem to be getting nowhere in my writing career. I've wanted to be a writer since I was seven years old, and now I'm seriously questioning if I have what it takes. My novel has been knocked back repeatedly and I haven't done any good in the short story competitions I've entered. The only option left seems to be self-publishing, but that will cost me and I'm not gifted at marketing my own work. The whole saga has left me quite depressed at times.
I've had several dear friends move further away from me this year. One from Perth to Broome, one from Perth to Victoria, one from the farm here to travelling around Australia, one from Albany to Alice Springs, and another is leaving Perth to move to Sydney in January. Even though I don't get to see them all the time, it's harder when they're even further away. Happy for them, sad for me.
There have also been some strained local relationships. I won't go into it, but Duncan has been having similar difficulties with the same people. It just shows that some people have issues and won't like you whatever you do.
As far as 2019 goes, our weekly routine looks like it will remain much the same - one child at full-time school, one child at home, husband working full-time and me doing a little bit of casual admin work from home. Flynn will go to daycare on Tuesdays and I'll have six precious hours to myself. It's nice to have a bit of stability.
To be honest, I haven't missed blogging. I really needed and enjoyed the break. I'll pop in from time to time, with a book review here or an opinion there. Now that Flynn is going to sleep by himself in the evenings, I may have a bit more time to write...maybe.
May 2019 be great, and may you know the one who loves us all, despite who we are, and died for you and rose again....Jesus.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Pre-Teen Blog
Today, my blog turns 12.
Yes, 12!
I'm still here. Even if every post is met with silence, even if so many other blogs are ceasing to exist, even if Facebook is taking over everything, This is what Sed said remains.
It's like my diary.
To celebrate, I've given it new birthday clothes:
And here is a questionnaire to show much my life has changed since 2006:
19th June 2006
Where I lived: A unit in the Perth suburb of Cannington with my friend Emma.
What I drove: 2004 Hyundai Accent.
What I did: I was a librarian at Curtin University, full-time.
Who had my heart: No-one :(
19th June 2010
Where I lived: A farm in Buntine with Duncan, Maya the dog, Ebony the cat, Russell Crowe the rooster, and six hens - Eglantine, Maple, Reebok, Winnie, Princess Layer and Mildred. We moved in December that year.
What I drove: 2003 Holden Berlina station wagon and the Hyundai Accent still.
What I did: I worked at a grower group, three days a week, as an administration officer.
Who had my heart: Duncan and the furry and feathered kids.
19th June 2014
Where I lived: The same farm we live on now with Duncan, Rory, Maya and Gypsy the dogs, Solomon the rooster, and a declining number of hens.
What I drove: 2005 Toyota Prado.
What I did: Stay-at-home mum to Rory and casual administration officer for a ram breeding group.
Who had my heart: Duncan, Rory and the furry and feathered kids.
19th June 2018
Where I live: A farm at an undisclosed location with Duncan, Rory, Flynn, Maya and Gypsy the dogs, Brewster the rooster, and three hens - Sheba, Dixie and Esme.
What I drive: 2005 Toyota Prado.
What I do: Stay-at-home mum to Rory and Flynn, casual administration for the ram breeding group and for Flynn's daycare.
Who has my heart: Duncan, Rory, Flynn and the furry and feathered kids.
Thank you for reading along here for all or some of that time.
Yes, 12!
I'm still here. Even if every post is met with silence, even if so many other blogs are ceasing to exist, even if Facebook is taking over everything, This is what Sed said remains.
It's like my diary.
To celebrate, I've given it new birthday clothes:
And here is a questionnaire to show much my life has changed since 2006:
19th June 2006
Where I lived: A unit in the Perth suburb of Cannington with my friend Emma.
What I drove: 2004 Hyundai Accent.
What I did: I was a librarian at Curtin University, full-time.
Who had my heart: No-one :(
19th June 2010
Where I lived: A farm in Buntine with Duncan, Maya the dog, Ebony the cat, Russell Crowe the rooster, and six hens - Eglantine, Maple, Reebok, Winnie, Princess Layer and Mildred. We moved in December that year.
What I drove: 2003 Holden Berlina station wagon and the Hyundai Accent still.
What I did: I worked at a grower group, three days a week, as an administration officer.
Who had my heart: Duncan and the furry and feathered kids.
19th June 2014
Where I lived: The same farm we live on now with Duncan, Rory, Maya and Gypsy the dogs, Solomon the rooster, and a declining number of hens.
What I drove: 2005 Toyota Prado.
What I did: Stay-at-home mum to Rory and casual administration officer for a ram breeding group.
Who had my heart: Duncan, Rory and the furry and feathered kids.
19th June 2018
Where I live: A farm at an undisclosed location with Duncan, Rory, Flynn, Maya and Gypsy the dogs, Brewster the rooster, and three hens - Sheba, Dixie and Esme.
What I drive: 2005 Toyota Prado.
What I do: Stay-at-home mum to Rory and Flynn, casual administration for the ram breeding group and for Flynn's daycare.
Who has my heart: Duncan, Rory, Flynn and the furry and feathered kids.
Thank you for reading along here for all or some of that time.
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
Fast Away the Old Year Passes
I blinked and 2017 was gone.
It was a year of steady progress in some areas, and stalling in others.
It was a year of adjustment for my family, as we entered the school arena. Suddenly we could no longer take holidays at any time during the year (bar seeding and harvest) - we were confined to term times, like many of our friends. Rory's Kindy days were Tuesdays, Thursdays and every second Monday. This made mid-week trips to Albany impossible. I attempted a few daytrips on Wednesdays and that was exhausting.
After a difficult start, the biggest little man did very well. His teacher was very no-nonsense and he seemed to adapt well to her approach. He did things for her that I could never get him to do. He started Kindy not able to hold a pencil properly. Due to this, his arm would become tired while trying to write. I'd been trying to correct his grip for ages, but his teacher and the occupational therapist who visits the school corrected it within weeks. He has discovered that he CAN use scissors and that craft can actually be fun. But Rory is still very much a 'minimal effort' kinda guy in this area. He'd much rather be running around outside or doing puzzles.
Dealing with his tiredness and resulting tantrums has been a challenge. Term 1 was the most difficult, but it did get a bit easier as the year progressed. Still, I'm kind of dreading full-time pre-primary.
This may seem strange, but my surgery was the highlight of my year. That (and actually reducing my anti-depressants) have made a huge difference in my depression. No longer have I been self-conscious going down the street. After I'd had the surgery, Duncan confessed that many people in town have been asking them if I was pregnant (he quickly set them straight). This reinforced that I'd made the right decision to have the surgery.
The other highlight has been surviving seeding and harvest on my own, without needing house-help. I've had short visits from my mum, but other than that, I had a routine happening and I managed on my own (with God's help, of course). I think if harvest didn't fall around Christmastime it would be a LOT easier, as the added stress of the million end-of-year/Christmas events (which all seem to require you to bring a plate) get a bit much.
Sadly 2017 has seen the slow demise of this blog. I seem to have lost my passion. Whereas once my head was bursting with ideas for posts, now I'm lacking both inspiration and motivation. By the end of the day, I'm so tired, I can't be bothered starting up the computer to write a post. Plus, I have taken on a small paid admin role for Flynn's daycare, so that has taken up some of my time. I think the fact that many other blogs I have enjoyed over the years have slowed considerably or stopped has been a factor in my own lack of enthusiasm.
What will 2018 hold? Well, it has already got off to a less than ideal start with the death of Solomon, but there are still 362 days left for it to be a good one.
It was a year of steady progress in some areas, and stalling in others.
It was a year of adjustment for my family, as we entered the school arena. Suddenly we could no longer take holidays at any time during the year (bar seeding and harvest) - we were confined to term times, like many of our friends. Rory's Kindy days were Tuesdays, Thursdays and every second Monday. This made mid-week trips to Albany impossible. I attempted a few daytrips on Wednesdays and that was exhausting.
After a difficult start, the biggest little man did very well. His teacher was very no-nonsense and he seemed to adapt well to her approach. He did things for her that I could never get him to do. He started Kindy not able to hold a pencil properly. Due to this, his arm would become tired while trying to write. I'd been trying to correct his grip for ages, but his teacher and the occupational therapist who visits the school corrected it within weeks. He has discovered that he CAN use scissors and that craft can actually be fun. But Rory is still very much a 'minimal effort' kinda guy in this area. He'd much rather be running around outside or doing puzzles.
Dealing with his tiredness and resulting tantrums has been a challenge. Term 1 was the most difficult, but it did get a bit easier as the year progressed. Still, I'm kind of dreading full-time pre-primary.
 |
| Rory's Kindy 'graduation' |
 |
| One of the many Kindy creations - milk bottle top elephant |
 |
| One of Rory's paintings. Apparently it's a picture of Daddy haha |
This may seem strange, but my surgery was the highlight of my year. That (and actually reducing my anti-depressants) have made a huge difference in my depression. No longer have I been self-conscious going down the street. After I'd had the surgery, Duncan confessed that many people in town have been asking them if I was pregnant (he quickly set them straight). This reinforced that I'd made the right decision to have the surgery.
 |
| Flynn and I at a Melbourne Cup lunch |
The other highlight has been surviving seeding and harvest on my own, without needing house-help. I've had short visits from my mum, but other than that, I had a routine happening and I managed on my own (with God's help, of course). I think if harvest didn't fall around Christmastime it would be a LOT easier, as the added stress of the million end-of-year/Christmas events (which all seem to require you to bring a plate) get a bit much.
 |
| Flynn at the playgroup Christmas party |
Sadly 2017 has seen the slow demise of this blog. I seem to have lost my passion. Whereas once my head was bursting with ideas for posts, now I'm lacking both inspiration and motivation. By the end of the day, I'm so tired, I can't be bothered starting up the computer to write a post. Plus, I have taken on a small paid admin role for Flynn's daycare, so that has taken up some of my time. I think the fact that many other blogs I have enjoyed over the years have slowed considerably or stopped has been a factor in my own lack of enthusiasm.
What will 2018 hold? Well, it has already got off to a less than ideal start with the death of Solomon, but there are still 362 days left for it to be a good one.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Like A Queen
I'd been wanting to get my hands on this book for a while when I found it in an opshop last month for....the grand total of 20c. Bargain!For those of you who don't know who Constance Hall is, she is a blogger from Perth, who shot to fame a couple of years ago when her post about 'parent sex' went viral on social media. She could be classed as what you would call a 'mummy blogger', but she is more well-known for being a champion of the sisterhood, uniting mothers together and encouraging them to support each other, rather than tear each other down.
I realise this book will not be everyone's cup of tea, but there were some great things I gleaned from it. Part biography, part opinion, the structure of the book is frustrating as it seems to leap all over the place. I'd much prefer some kind of chronological order when she is talking about events in her life. And she has had a very interesting life! The saddest thing was that I read the book in hindsight....since it was published last year, she has split with her husband and is now engaged to someone else.
There are many opinions of hers that I don't agree with: I don't think it's necessary for every second word to be a swear word, and while there are many ways to parent, I don't think having an abortion is one of them. These differences come from having such contrasting worldviews. While some may be offended by how she writes openly about bodily functions, I have no qualms about it. I live in a house with all males...talk about bums, farts and poos (from the four-year-old) doesn't bother me. I loved out loud at some of the stuff she writes. She is a brilliant writer. Easy to read and her honest descriptions are hilarious.
Even though I don't agree with everything she says, I have always admired the way she focuses on what brings us together and that she practices what she preaches in trying to create better communities of mothers.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Limping Through The Blogosphere
I've heard/read a number of bloggers, who are mums, say that they found it much easier to blog when they had babies and toddlers, rather than older, school-age children. Their blogging patterns seemed to reflect that - long, thoughtful posts every day, or at least several times a week. Well, now I'm in that phase of life, I'm wondering in awe how they did it? How can they churn out magnificent posts with small children crawling over them? How they can concentrate amidst the fighting, screaming and whining? Wouldn't blogging be easier when all of their children are in full-time school? That phase of life seems tantalising to me at the moment. At least six hours, five days a week would be oodles of time to write something marvellous. And in peace and quiet, too! That doesn't seem to be the case, however, for many of these mum bloggers. Sadly, many of the blogs I once looked forward to reading with such anticipation are now no more, or sporadic at best. The tumbleweeds are a blowin'.
I'm guessing that many of them have returned to work, or have filled their child-free time with other activities. Coupled with busy evenings when the children return and there is little time for blogging. What smidgen of time is left for social media is taken by Facebook.
In case you haven't noticed, my blog is dying a slow and painful death. Not only am I running out of ideas for posts, I have precious little time to write them when I do have a bloggy brainwave. Keeping the blog chugging along was fairly easy with one child, but I am much too drained with two. I don't want to stop, but I'm struggling, and there are precious little readers left anyway.
Today is my blog's 11th birthday! Usually, I'd give the blog a new birthday outfit, but this year it can stay in the same clothes.
In previous years, I'd announce this blog's birthday with pomp and blare, but it's a quiet celebration here this year.
I'm going to keep going. I'd love to write more....and I will....one day.
HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY, THIS IS WHAT SED SAID!
I'm guessing that many of them have returned to work, or have filled their child-free time with other activities. Coupled with busy evenings when the children return and there is little time for blogging. What smidgen of time is left for social media is taken by Facebook.
In case you haven't noticed, my blog is dying a slow and painful death. Not only am I running out of ideas for posts, I have precious little time to write them when I do have a bloggy brainwave. Keeping the blog chugging along was fairly easy with one child, but I am much too drained with two. I don't want to stop, but I'm struggling, and there are precious little readers left anyway.
Today is my blog's 11th birthday! Usually, I'd give the blog a new birthday outfit, but this year it can stay in the same clothes.
In previous years, I'd announce this blog's birthday with pomp and blare, but it's a quiet celebration here this year.
I'm going to keep going. I'd love to write more....and I will....one day.
HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY, THIS IS WHAT SED SAID!
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
2016 Hopes: How I Went
Well....2016 wasn't a very productive year AT ALL!
1. RECOVER! I have a myriad of appointments to arrange and attend this year to aid my recovery - physiotherapy, chiropractic, counselling, hospital follow-ups, blood tests. It's doing my head in already.
I don't think I recovered much at all. There were so many moments during 2016 where I should have returned to hospital. I enjoyed counselling (I found a Christian counsellor in Perth that did appointments via Skype), but I'm not sure it's really had much of an impact. I guess it's just an ongoing and LONG process. I had physio regularly, but will need surgery to repair my abdominal diastasis.
2. Send my book to more literary agents and publishers.
I got my submission to Fremantle Press ready with just weeks remaining in 2016. Now, I just actually have to print and post the thing.
3. Have regular quiet times. We're only 15 days into the new year and I feel like I'm failing already. But maybe if I was succeeding I'd be tempted to become proud. Thank the Lord it's all about His grace.
My friend Amanda sent me a devotional for my birthday, which I found very helpful. If I wasn't part of a KYB Bible study, which required weekly preparation, I think I would have sadly neglected my Bible altogether. I think it shows where my heart is, that I don't see reading God's Word and praying enough of a priority. It's the being still part that I find hard, just enjoying God's presence without thinking about the next thing on my to-do list.
4. Declutter and sell things to raise money for missions or whoever the Lord places across my path in need of money. As soon as Flynn outgrows the baby stuff, IT'S OUTTA HERE.
I've sold a fair bit of the baby stuff so far and donated some to our biannual church missions stall. It breaks my heart to know there will be no more bubbas for us, so I try to list the stuff for sale quickly, so I don't think about it too much.
5. Read and comment on other blogs more. I failed dismally at this last year as I was too preoccupied in keeping my own blog afloat.
Sorry, I don't think I did very well at this at all.
Oh well, onwards and upwards....
Stay tuned for my 2017 hopes.
1. RECOVER! I have a myriad of appointments to arrange and attend this year to aid my recovery - physiotherapy, chiropractic, counselling, hospital follow-ups, blood tests. It's doing my head in already.
I don't think I recovered much at all. There were so many moments during 2016 where I should have returned to hospital. I enjoyed counselling (I found a Christian counsellor in Perth that did appointments via Skype), but I'm not sure it's really had much of an impact. I guess it's just an ongoing and LONG process. I had physio regularly, but will need surgery to repair my abdominal diastasis.
2. Send my book to more literary agents and publishers.
I got my submission to Fremantle Press ready with just weeks remaining in 2016. Now, I just actually have to print and post the thing.
3. Have regular quiet times. We're only 15 days into the new year and I feel like I'm failing already. But maybe if I was succeeding I'd be tempted to become proud. Thank the Lord it's all about His grace.
My friend Amanda sent me a devotional for my birthday, which I found very helpful. If I wasn't part of a KYB Bible study, which required weekly preparation, I think I would have sadly neglected my Bible altogether. I think it shows where my heart is, that I don't see reading God's Word and praying enough of a priority. It's the being still part that I find hard, just enjoying God's presence without thinking about the next thing on my to-do list.
4. Declutter and sell things to raise money for missions or whoever the Lord places across my path in need of money. As soon as Flynn outgrows the baby stuff, IT'S OUTTA HERE.
I've sold a fair bit of the baby stuff so far and donated some to our biannual church missions stall. It breaks my heart to know there will be no more bubbas for us, so I try to list the stuff for sale quickly, so I don't think about it too much.
5. Read and comment on other blogs more. I failed dismally at this last year as I was too preoccupied in keeping my own blog afloat.
Sorry, I don't think I did very well at this at all.
Oh well, onwards and upwards....
Stay tuned for my 2017 hopes.
Monday, July 04, 2016
10th Birthday Party Clothes
Nothing flash, but a change of outfit is always exciting.
(If you're using a reader, click through to see).
(If you're using a reader, click through to see).
Monday, June 20, 2016
A Decade of Blogging
My blog turned 10 yesterday.
A decade since my first post was launched into the blogosphere back on the 19th June 2006.
So much has happened. So much has changed. Some views I considered sacred have become less important. Other things I rarely cared about years ago have risen to the forefront. My blogging policy is never to delete old posts, even if I now consider them cringeworthy. I'd like to think I've learnt a lot and matured a bit.
I'm thankful that I have this online record of the last 10 years of my life.
Stay tuned for new party clothes for the blog and a book giveaway very soon!
Monday, May 09, 2016
5 Best Posts From Other Bloggers in 2015
It's time to honour some wonderful bloggers out there....
1. Hope and Comfort - The Key to the Door
2. Clash of Parenting Expectations - On the Edge of Ordinary
3. A Mother's Decision - RodneyOlsen.net
4. Listening to the Word - Markedly
5. Consuming Education - This Fleeting Moment
1. Hope and Comfort - The Key to the Door
2. Clash of Parenting Expectations - On the Edge of Ordinary
3. A Mother's Decision - RodneyOlsen.net
4. Listening to the Word - Markedly
5. Consuming Education - This Fleeting Moment
Monday, February 29, 2016
5 Blog Posts on Parenting That I Can Relate To At the Moment
1. Ten Tips For Getting the Balance Right with Kids and Food - No Reading at the Breakfast Table
2. Slow Parenting - No Reading at the Breakfast Table
3. How I Won the Vegie War: Part One - The Key to the Door
4. How I Won the Vegie War - Part Two - The Key to the Door
5. A Question About Feeding Toddlers - In All Honesty
I wonder if you can guess which child is causing me the most grief right now....
2. Slow Parenting - No Reading at the Breakfast Table
3. How I Won the Vegie War: Part One - The Key to the Door
4. How I Won the Vegie War - Part Two - The Key to the Door
5. A Question About Feeding Toddlers - In All Honesty
I wonder if you can guess which child is causing me the most grief right now....
Friday, January 15, 2016
5 Hopes For 2016
I'm aiming for small things this year...
1. RECOVER! I have a myriad of appointments to arrange and attend this year to aid my recovery - physiotherapy, chiropractic, counselling, hospital follow-ups, blood tests. It's doing my head in already.
2. Send my book to more literary agents and publishers.
3. Have regular quiet times. We're only 15 days into the new year and I feel like I'm failing already. But maybe if I was succeeding I'd be tempted to become proud. Thank the Lord it's all about His grace.
4. Declutter and sell things to raise money for missions or whoever the Lord places across my path in need of money. As soon as Flynn outgrows the baby stuff, IT'S OUTTA HERE.
5. Read and comment on other blogs more. I failed dismally at this last year as I was too preoccupied in keeping my own blog afloat.
1. RECOVER! I have a myriad of appointments to arrange and attend this year to aid my recovery - physiotherapy, chiropractic, counselling, hospital follow-ups, blood tests. It's doing my head in already.
2. Send my book to more literary agents and publishers.
3. Have regular quiet times. We're only 15 days into the new year and I feel like I'm failing already. But maybe if I was succeeding I'd be tempted to become proud. Thank the Lord it's all about His grace.
4. Declutter and sell things to raise money for missions or whoever the Lord places across my path in need of money. As soon as Flynn outgrows the baby stuff, IT'S OUTTA HERE.
5. Read and comment on other blogs more. I failed dismally at this last year as I was too preoccupied in keeping my own blog afloat.
Monday, December 21, 2015
5 Best Posts From Other Bloggers in 2014
Wow, I am so behind in doing 2014's best posts since 2015 is nearly over! I will have to do the best posts of 2015 early next year.
1. My Year of Less is More - No Reading at the Breakfast Table (check out Jenny's whole Less is More series)
2. To Be a Soldier - In All Honesty
3. Memories of Rwanda - RodneyOlsen.net
4. The Gap is Wider Than I'd Imagined - The Key to the Door
5. Dear Well-Meaning-Anglo-Saxon-Australian-Christians - This Fleeting Moment
1. My Year of Less is More - No Reading at the Breakfast Table (check out Jenny's whole Less is More series)
2. To Be a Soldier - In All Honesty
3. Memories of Rwanda - RodneyOlsen.net
4. The Gap is Wider Than I'd Imagined - The Key to the Door
5. Dear Well-Meaning-Anglo-Saxon-Australian-Christians - This Fleeting Moment
Friday, June 19, 2015
Nine Years
Today my blog turns nine years old.
Nine years ago was 2006.
In 2006, I was:
Single
Living in Perth
Sharing a unit with my friend Emma.
Working full-time as a librarian at a university.
Spending my days teaching information literacy classes to students and staff, answering queries at the reference desk, updating the library website, creating learning guides, choosing new resources for the library to order, going to meetings, wearing semi-nice clothes, getting lunchbreaks, having morning tea at the cafe, enjoying a decent salary, going to the gym, going to a night Bible study.
In 2015, I am:
Married
Living on a farm three hours south of Perth.
Sharing a farmhouse with my husband and son (and one on the way).
Working 24/7 as a stay-at-home mum, with a few precious hours here and there to do some casual admin work every few months and to submit my first novel to publishers and literary agents.
Spending my days picking up toys, preparing food, napping with my boy, going for walks with my boy and the dogs, gardening, packing and unpacking the dishwasher, wiping up spills, washing and folding laundry, going to playgroup, going to a morning Bible study, calming a tantruming toddler.
So much has changed over the years.
And this blog has recorded all of it.
Thanks for reading.
In keeping with tradition, my blog has new party clothes.
Nine years ago was 2006.
In 2006, I was:
Single
Living in Perth
Sharing a unit with my friend Emma.
Working full-time as a librarian at a university.
Spending my days teaching information literacy classes to students and staff, answering queries at the reference desk, updating the library website, creating learning guides, choosing new resources for the library to order, going to meetings, wearing semi-nice clothes, getting lunchbreaks, having morning tea at the cafe, enjoying a decent salary, going to the gym, going to a night Bible study.
In 2015, I am:
Married
Living on a farm three hours south of Perth.
Sharing a farmhouse with my husband and son (and one on the way).
Working 24/7 as a stay-at-home mum, with a few precious hours here and there to do some casual admin work every few months and to submit my first novel to publishers and literary agents.
Spending my days picking up toys, preparing food, napping with my boy, going for walks with my boy and the dogs, gardening, packing and unpacking the dishwasher, wiping up spills, washing and folding laundry, going to playgroup, going to a morning Bible study, calming a tantruming toddler.
So much has changed over the years.
And this blog has recorded all of it.
Thanks for reading.
In keeping with tradition, my blog has new party clothes.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Still Alive
I'm still here, I've just felt like a break from blogging.
I've been sick and couldn't attend a wedding we were invited to, which was very disappointing. Thank goodness for my mum and Duncan holding the fort. I'm feeling a bit better now though.
We chose to can our Perth holiday and go to Albany instead. Partly because of the heat and I just couldn't handle rushing around visiting everyone.
Rory chose to wean himself off his dummy (we bought him a new one and he chucked a sad because he wanted the old one). He only used it for sleeping, but this resulted in a lack of sleep for his mummy and daddy for a while. He seems to have adjusted for now, praise the Lord. I was afraid he was going to drop his day sleep and that would not be good.
Summer has just been so, so draining.
We are off to Esperance on Monday. When we get back, blogging will resume with some regularity.
I've been sick and couldn't attend a wedding we were invited to, which was very disappointing. Thank goodness for my mum and Duncan holding the fort. I'm feeling a bit better now though.
We chose to can our Perth holiday and go to Albany instead. Partly because of the heat and I just couldn't handle rushing around visiting everyone.
Rory chose to wean himself off his dummy (we bought him a new one and he chucked a sad because he wanted the old one). He only used it for sleeping, but this resulted in a lack of sleep for his mummy and daddy for a while. He seems to have adjusted for now, praise the Lord. I was afraid he was going to drop his day sleep and that would not be good.
Summer has just been so, so draining.
We are off to Esperance on Monday. When we get back, blogging will resume with some regularity.
Thursday, December 04, 2014
Wake Up Blogosphere!
It's waaay too quiet out there.
There are very few bloggers blogging, and even less people commenting. Page hits are way down.
Maybe this would be a good way to liven things up a bit.
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There are very few bloggers blogging, and even less people commenting. Page hits are way down.
Maybe this would be a good way to liven things up a bit.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Bloggy Break Time Again
I have a crazy, crazy week coming up next week, so it will be wise to take a bloggy break, me thinks.
I'll be out four weeknights out of five. Next Tuesday I have the dress rehearsal for my next play, then the first three shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Please pray that I get through the week alive.
I'll be out four weeknights out of five. Next Tuesday I have the dress rehearsal for my next play, then the first three shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Please pray that I get through the week alive.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Knackered
The play's over and it was a big success!
I'll be back with those promised photos, a detailed account, and lots of (hopefully) juicy posts after I take another blogging hiatus.
I'm off to Albany with Rory for a few days R&R.
See you next week when, God willing, I'm feeling a little more with-it and a little less exhausted.
Friday, July 04, 2014
Weekend Away
Tomorrow Duncan and I are off to Denmark for a childfree weekend. CAN YOU DETECT THE EXCITEMENT IN MY VOICE JUST A LITTLE BIT? It's our first one since the little man was born.
Kudos to my mum and dad for having Rory. I'm guessing they'll be a lot tireder than us come Monday morning.
What else has been happening here lately?
I'm four chapters away from finishing the second edit of my book. Then it's off to a literary agent. I'm pretty happy with it now...I think.
Duncan had to put my hen Clementine down last week. I think she had Marek's Disease and she wasn't improving. I hate having to make awful decisions like that.
The play I'm in is just over a month away. I've almost learnt my lines, although I still worry I'm going to forget them on the night and look like a real doofus. I've dyed my hair darker in preparation to play my character, who is very different to me. The transformation will also involve piercings and tattoos...oooohhh!
It's time for another bloggy break. The blogosphere is starting to get me down again. There are a lot of people talking, but not so much to each other which I think is a great shame.
Adios!
Kudos to my mum and dad for having Rory. I'm guessing they'll be a lot tireder than us come Monday morning.
What else has been happening here lately?
I'm four chapters away from finishing the second edit of my book. Then it's off to a literary agent. I'm pretty happy with it now...I think.
Duncan had to put my hen Clementine down last week. I think she had Marek's Disease and she wasn't improving. I hate having to make awful decisions like that.
The play I'm in is just over a month away. I've almost learnt my lines, although I still worry I'm going to forget them on the night and look like a real doofus. I've dyed my hair darker in preparation to play my character, who is very different to me. The transformation will also involve piercings and tattoos...oooohhh!
It's time for another bloggy break. The blogosphere is starting to get me down again. There are a lot of people talking, but not so much to each other which I think is a great shame.
Adios!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
5 Blogging Trends in 8 Years of Blogging
HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY TO 'THIS IS WHAT SED SAID'.
It looks like I may (God willing) get to the magical decade after all.
Here are some of the trends I've observed in the blogosphere (well, among the blogs I read) over the past eight years.
1. Commenting is on the decline. Yet, the stats show that just as many people are reading. I've heard people say they're 'time poor', that they don't have time to leave comments. It's a bit like people saying they have time to read emails, but not reply. Odd.
2. Most people read via a reader. Therefore, they probably don't click through to comment as much.
3. Facebook is taking over. This is probably because it's quicker and easier and you can use it on your smart phone (although there IS a Blogger app, too). It takes less time to write a quick post about nothing, than it does to really think something through before you post it. It's easier to upload photos on Facebook. Nowadays it's almost like you need to link your blog to Facebook or have a Facebook fan page for your blog.
4. Most blogs have a short lifespan. The blogosphere is littered with abandoned blogs. It's sad when a blog I loved reading is no more. It's disappointing when the blogger announces they are going to start a new blog to replace their old one, but then that suffers the same fate.
5. Every business seems to have a blog. Personally, I don't read business blogs, but I've been involved with two through work.
It seems like my blog is a child, getting older and celebrating a birthday every year. In keeping with tradition, it has new party clothes to celebrate in.
Thanks everyone for reading over the years. :)
It looks like I may (God willing) get to the magical decade after all.
Here are some of the trends I've observed in the blogosphere (well, among the blogs I read) over the past eight years.
1. Commenting is on the decline. Yet, the stats show that just as many people are reading. I've heard people say they're 'time poor', that they don't have time to leave comments. It's a bit like people saying they have time to read emails, but not reply. Odd.
2. Most people read via a reader. Therefore, they probably don't click through to comment as much.
3. Facebook is taking over. This is probably because it's quicker and easier and you can use it on your smart phone (although there IS a Blogger app, too). It takes less time to write a quick post about nothing, than it does to really think something through before you post it. It's easier to upload photos on Facebook. Nowadays it's almost like you need to link your blog to Facebook or have a Facebook fan page for your blog.
4. Most blogs have a short lifespan. The blogosphere is littered with abandoned blogs. It's sad when a blog I loved reading is no more. It's disappointing when the blogger announces they are going to start a new blog to replace their old one, but then that suffers the same fate.
5. Every business seems to have a blog. Personally, I don't read business blogs, but I've been involved with two through work.
It seems like my blog is a child, getting older and celebrating a birthday every year. In keeping with tradition, it has new party clothes to celebrate in.
Thanks everyone for reading over the years. :)
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