I am seriously on the verge of tears.... I went to open InDesign to add the ISBN barcode... and got this message:
"The licensing subsystem has failed catastrophically."
Now, this is what happened before... and I jumped through hoops for 2 days installing and reinstalling, and uninstalling, and running this program, then that program.
I don't think I have the heart to do it all again.
Adobe - you SUCK!!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Today I held a bound, printed copy of my book in my hands. OMG!!!! It's been years, and I didn't think it would, but MAN IT FELT GOOD!!!! No, don't get excited, it's not the published copy, just one I had printed and bound at Big Colour Works. Just wish Mum was here to show her - doesn't seem quite real until I've gloated over it with her. Mum's are great like that!!! You can share all your proud moments and know that it will thrill them, and you can revel in your happiness without feeling like a braggart.
Will take a photo tomorrow I think!!!
Emily and I had a nice kinda day together. I went up to work, to print my book, but the colour printer was broken. However, I was able to follow up on a couple of things that had been nagging at my conscience for the past few weeks, so that was good. We then went and printed out the book, and you could just see how puffed up proud she was of me, it was so ... oh, what is the right word?? Heartwarming, gratifying, special! You know, when your kid looks at you with utter awe?
Then we went and had Indian food together, and she helped me proof the page numbers between the book and the workbook - again, so nice to share this with her - made it a little bit more special. Of course I came home and showed hubby, and got the 'that's nice dear' attitude. He assumes I can do anything, which is nice, but a little excitement would be good too!
Even picked up some nice calligraphy pens for Allan - love it when he does nice writing - very artistic that way, my boy is!
Just back from Netball AGM - which can be very frustrating. People who have no vested interest in the outcome of something mocking your valid input - what do they care? And if they don't, shut up!
Ciao
Will take a photo tomorrow I think!!!
Emily and I had a nice kinda day together. I went up to work, to print my book, but the colour printer was broken. However, I was able to follow up on a couple of things that had been nagging at my conscience for the past few weeks, so that was good. We then went and printed out the book, and you could just see how puffed up proud she was of me, it was so ... oh, what is the right word?? Heartwarming, gratifying, special! You know, when your kid looks at you with utter awe?
Then we went and had Indian food together, and she helped me proof the page numbers between the book and the workbook - again, so nice to share this with her - made it a little bit more special. Of course I came home and showed hubby, and got the 'that's nice dear' attitude. He assumes I can do anything, which is nice, but a little excitement would be good too!
Even picked up some nice calligraphy pens for Allan - love it when he does nice writing - very artistic that way, my boy is!
Just back from Netball AGM - which can be very frustrating. People who have no vested interest in the outcome of something mocking your valid input - what do they care? And if they don't, shut up!
Ciao
Just blogging...
It's good to get back into blogging after such a long time away from it. I didn't realise how much of my 'life' I capture here that my poor ole brain could never retain. Things that you're certain you will remember forever, but can't even retell the next day... lol.
I've developed some VERY bad habits over the holidays. Very late .... errr... mornings... with very long sleep ins, and just blah habits. I'm keen to get back to work, truth be told.
Feeling a lot better now that I've got the Colour Book pretty much sorted. Just have to print it all out and triple check all the page references between it and the workbook - not too bad a job.
Of course, it couldn't all go smoothly - but I feel like Xena Warrior Princess who has done battle with InDesign to wring a half decent index out of it. Apparently it WASN'T me, it was InDesign. I don't know why it all stopped working, I suspect an update in Vista or something caused a chain event of errors. Still can't get Adobe Acrobat in full working order - but don't have the energy to play IT Girl anymore.
We went to see Avatar today - and, after the shock of the entrance prices - thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I was so glad to see that the 3D wasn't some corny gore splashing out at you, but a more honest looking 3D with everything on the screen layered out. The scenery in the movie is awesome too - I was wishing I could visit!! Loved the little lizards that take off like helicopters when you touch them - very cute! We did take the glasses with us though - we paid enough - so if anyone needs a lend... lol...
Mum and Jodie are in Melbourne - and I hear there's a heat wave there - how funny is that! I hope they're having a great time sightseeing and I know they'll love watching the tennis - lucky ducks!
Been playing with PhotoBucket again, and I wanted to do a little tribute to Dad - missing him more, not less.
I've developed some VERY bad habits over the holidays. Very late .... errr... mornings... with very long sleep ins, and just blah habits. I'm keen to get back to work, truth be told.
Feeling a lot better now that I've got the Colour Book pretty much sorted. Just have to print it all out and triple check all the page references between it and the workbook - not too bad a job.
Of course, it couldn't all go smoothly - but I feel like Xena Warrior Princess who has done battle with InDesign to wring a half decent index out of it. Apparently it WASN'T me, it was InDesign. I don't know why it all stopped working, I suspect an update in Vista or something caused a chain event of errors. Still can't get Adobe Acrobat in full working order - but don't have the energy to play IT Girl anymore.
We went to see Avatar today - and, after the shock of the entrance prices - thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I was so glad to see that the 3D wasn't some corny gore splashing out at you, but a more honest looking 3D with everything on the screen layered out. The scenery in the movie is awesome too - I was wishing I could visit!! Loved the little lizards that take off like helicopters when you touch them - very cute! We did take the glasses with us though - we paid enough - so if anyone needs a lend... lol...
Mum and Jodie are in Melbourne - and I hear there's a heat wave there - how funny is that! I hope they're having a great time sightseeing and I know they'll love watching the tennis - lucky ducks!
Been playing with PhotoBucket again, and I wanted to do a little tribute to Dad - missing him more, not less.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What would I do with my life...
If I didn't spend so much time on the computer!
Hmmm..... paint, craft, read a good book, do a Wasjig.... have lots of coffee!! Of course, spend time with the family.
It's been a very long time since I printed off any photos, so I thought, while I wait for Adobe to update AGAIN - after updating it all twice already - I will use my time to sort out some photos to print up ready for the upcoming LSBS Cybercrop. Emily and I are looking forward to scrapping that weekend, and I've been visiting Ang's blog - and am loving what she is doing with paint on her layouts!
I do have quite a bit of paint spare here... lol....
I've been scrapping up a storm lately actually - just getting back into the swing of things. These are done through my quicky background method where you make up a heap of backgrounds, and THEN embellish with photos and the like.
OK... computer is telling me it wants me to restart (of course) so that's all for now!
xx
Michelle
Hmmm..... paint, craft, read a good book, do a Wasjig.... have lots of coffee!! Of course, spend time with the family.
It's been a very long time since I printed off any photos, so I thought, while I wait for Adobe to update AGAIN - after updating it all twice already - I will use my time to sort out some photos to print up ready for the upcoming LSBS Cybercrop. Emily and I are looking forward to scrapping that weekend, and I've been visiting Ang's blog - and am loving what she is doing with paint on her layouts!
I do have quite a bit of paint spare here... lol....
I've been scrapping up a storm lately actually - just getting back into the swing of things. These are done through my quicky background method where you make up a heap of backgrounds, and THEN embellish with photos and the like.
OK... computer is telling me it wants me to restart (of course) so that's all for now!
xx
Michelle
...and it continues
OK... so I updated, revised, and sorted everything, and now all I need to do is revise the index.
Went in, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be - even added a few more entries.... but NOW every time I go to revise it, it bloody well closes InDesign down!!!!
Grrrr..... Arrrrggggghhhh....
Oh a happier note, Emily has been humming away happily, covering her school books with a bit of creativity. Nice to have a happy family member!
Michael is putting his name out for jobs - we need a reliable source of income - not what we were getting last year.
OK... signing off to go and battle with the computer again. I think a reward will be in order if I ever get this thing done!
xx
Me
Went in, and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be - even added a few more entries.... but NOW every time I go to revise it, it bloody well closes InDesign down!!!!
Grrrr..... Arrrrggggghhhh....
Oh a happier note, Emily has been humming away happily, covering her school books with a bit of creativity. Nice to have a happy family member!
Michael is putting his name out for jobs - we need a reliable source of income - not what we were getting last year.
OK... signing off to go and battle with the computer again. I think a reward will be in order if I ever get this thing done!
xx
Me
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Life, and computers are difficult sometimes!
Why aren't things a little easier? I've been working hard over the past week or so to revise the book I've written "The Colour Book" so that it can finally be published. Busted my butt!! But, it seems that hard work isn't always rewarded.
To start with, I had to battle with my computer for 2 solid days, just to get it to install my Adobe suite of products after they decided that they would have a 'catastrophic' error!! Finally got them up and running, and went out to buy new cartridges for my printer.... much money later, I find out that it's not printing because it needs a service, NOT new cartridges. Sheesh!
Anyways, spent about 15 hours slaving through changes and updates to the book, with a nagging feeling that I'd done all this before. Got to Chapter 11 (of 12 chapters) and opened an old pdf to compare the new words with the old ones... only to see that YES I HAD made the wonderful changes I was making AGAIN! Now these were not easy, fix that typo, changes, they were rebuilding graphics to go with the text, which I was also changing.
So where did these pdf's come from, if I don't have the original InDesign files on my computer. I've already pulled my Matisse hard disk drive from storage to check there - and nope, not there either. Finally found the files on ANOTHER external hard drive!!!
So now this means I need to go through chapters 1-10 and check both documents to see what's different, and combine any changes I've made. I've saved chapters 11 & 12 over the older files, as I hadn't checked them, and in doing so, realised I'm missing FONTS. Grrr.... ARRRRGGGGHHHH!
Please, please, please, can something just work? It's so damn frustrating to be redoing everything from scratch! I seem to be constantly sorting out one thing so that I can find the next thing that needs fixing. I just want to DO IT!!!
On a positive note, the magic 8 ball says I can be confident that the book WILL be published.
To start with, I had to battle with my computer for 2 solid days, just to get it to install my Adobe suite of products after they decided that they would have a 'catastrophic' error!! Finally got them up and running, and went out to buy new cartridges for my printer.... much money later, I find out that it's not printing because it needs a service, NOT new cartridges. Sheesh!
Anyways, spent about 15 hours slaving through changes and updates to the book, with a nagging feeling that I'd done all this before. Got to Chapter 11 (of 12 chapters) and opened an old pdf to compare the new words with the old ones... only to see that YES I HAD made the wonderful changes I was making AGAIN! Now these were not easy, fix that typo, changes, they were rebuilding graphics to go with the text, which I was also changing.
So where did these pdf's come from, if I don't have the original InDesign files on my computer. I've already pulled my Matisse hard disk drive from storage to check there - and nope, not there either. Finally found the files on ANOTHER external hard drive!!!
So now this means I need to go through chapters 1-10 and check both documents to see what's different, and combine any changes I've made. I've saved chapters 11 & 12 over the older files, as I hadn't checked them, and in doing so, realised I'm missing FONTS. Grrr.... ARRRRGGGGHHHH!
Please, please, please, can something just work? It's so damn frustrating to be redoing everything from scratch! I seem to be constantly sorting out one thing so that I can find the next thing that needs fixing. I just want to DO IT!!!
On a positive note, the magic 8 ball says I can be confident that the book WILL be published.
Friday, January 08, 2010
2009 - a year in retrospect
Hi all (and probably just me - LOL)
It's been a very long time since I've updated my post, and a lot has happened since then. 2009 has been a pretty tough year for me emotionally, with some pretty low points happening, and just not being able to 'deal' as well as I would have liked.
Looking back, I hadn't realised how much my job at the Uni was depressing me, and really chewing up my confidence. While I was finding success at the end of my time there, it was more about learning how to do things the 'right way' according to my boss, but it really conflicted with my natural way about doing things. I was fighting against myself to succeed, determined to get the A+ from someone who didn't believe in giving them.
But, like a bad relationship, it's not until you're out that you realise that how bad it really was - and although I'm just as busy in my new job - I'm a happy busy. I like being busy!
Losing Dad in May, after he was in hospital for a while made a whole lot of the things happening that much harder to deal with. I love my Dad. There's always been part of me though that wants to look after my Mum, and while losing Dad was hard, I am so glad I could be strong for her and help her through. I conducted Dad's funeral, and organised all of that - and I think that purpose, and the determination to make it something that helped to set my family on the path to peace drove me for a while there, and I just couldn't let myself fall apart because Mum, especially, needed me to stand up for her.
I still don't think I've given myself time to grieve for my Dad. It's still really hard to believe he's not there, or moreso, very easy to pretend he is. It's like I've got this shield that flashes up whenever the memories get too painful, and then I'm kinda one step removed from it all.
Starting my new job has been the upside of 2009 - and I'm grateful to find somewhere where I can thrive and grow. I've had some huge successes there, in the short time I've been working there - and the warmth of the office is really great.
I think though, family needs to be more of a focus, and I'm cutting back this year to allow me a bit more time - to use however I need to.
Anyway, that's all for me now... let's see if I can keep this up!
xx
Michelle
It's been a very long time since I've updated my post, and a lot has happened since then. 2009 has been a pretty tough year for me emotionally, with some pretty low points happening, and just not being able to 'deal' as well as I would have liked.
Looking back, I hadn't realised how much my job at the Uni was depressing me, and really chewing up my confidence. While I was finding success at the end of my time there, it was more about learning how to do things the 'right way' according to my boss, but it really conflicted with my natural way about doing things. I was fighting against myself to succeed, determined to get the A+ from someone who didn't believe in giving them.
But, like a bad relationship, it's not until you're out that you realise that how bad it really was - and although I'm just as busy in my new job - I'm a happy busy. I like being busy!
Losing Dad in May, after he was in hospital for a while made a whole lot of the things happening that much harder to deal with. I love my Dad. There's always been part of me though that wants to look after my Mum, and while losing Dad was hard, I am so glad I could be strong for her and help her through. I conducted Dad's funeral, and organised all of that - and I think that purpose, and the determination to make it something that helped to set my family on the path to peace drove me for a while there, and I just couldn't let myself fall apart because Mum, especially, needed me to stand up for her.
I still don't think I've given myself time to grieve for my Dad. It's still really hard to believe he's not there, or moreso, very easy to pretend he is. It's like I've got this shield that flashes up whenever the memories get too painful, and then I'm kinda one step removed from it all.
Starting my new job has been the upside of 2009 - and I'm grateful to find somewhere where I can thrive and grow. I've had some huge successes there, in the short time I've been working there - and the warmth of the office is really great.
I think though, family needs to be more of a focus, and I'm cutting back this year to allow me a bit more time - to use however I need to.
Anyway, that's all for me now... let's see if I can keep this up!
xx
Michelle
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Untitled
(you might need to click on the photo to see the full story/piccy)
Yep, us girls made it into the newspaper today! I think the reporter was most impressed with Mum though - as we all are!!! Isn't it nice that this is something we all do together still? I love that Mum is still out there playing, and that Kerry is back to play with us again - and that Emily can finally join in after years of waiting!
2008 is going to be a good year!
:)
Blogged with Flock
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I GOT THE JOB!!!!
WOOHOOO!!!!
You are all now talking to the new Relationship Development Coordinator for Central Queensland University!
I got a phone call today offering me the job. I asked for feedback on my interview, and was simply told I was 'outstanding'. How wonderful is that???
She also said that it was obvious that I'd put a lot of preparation and thought into my application, and really understood what the job was about.
So, I start on the 25th March - just after Easter. I have SO much to get organised for Matisse before then - some big stuff, and some small stuff...
Got a bit teary at the thought of leaving Matisse too - I love this company, and the job is agreat opportunity - but I am excited in a scared silly kind of way to be taking on a new challenge!
I will post more later - we're going out to dinner!
xx
Blogged with Flock
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The unexpainable
At the moment, Emily, who is but a mere 9 years old, is listening to her newest most favourite song - You spin me right round, baby, right round, like a record baby, right round round round....
I'm not convinced if she even knows what a record IS!!! I have no idea why this song has become her favourite - but it is! Yes, it's from a 'hits of the 80's) type album... which we were listening to the other night... along with 'you think you're a man, but you're only a boy. you think you're a man, you are only a toy. you think you're a man, but you just couldn't see... you weren't man enough to satisfy me... '
Which, after a couple of wines, had me up and dancing - only to realise that Michael did NOT know the song!!!
And I have to confess, the past month or so, Allan has just shot up in height - and is really becoming a man now... he is nearly the same height as his Dad, and I have to be careful to make sure who's who when I see them out of the corner fo my eye.
And Kerry is HERE!!!! WOOHOOO!!!! Got plenty of cuddles from Baby Mitchell - and lots more from little Zoe - who is still a walking personality! She has gotten over giving us all the cold shoulder though - so that's nice - and it's so wonderful to hear her talking and saying 'Arr-an' and 'e-me-li' and Ahny Sally. Very, very cute.
For those that are interested, had my interview for 'Graduate Relations officer' at the Uni. It was an hour long, and I wasn't on the top of my game - but I think I did quite well. I know I hit some of the questions out of the ball park - and others - well I know I answered them all OK, just hope they weren't looking for specific phrases. They have one more person to interview next week, and then I find out.
I'm up to my neck again marking assignments at the moment (again!). I must say how much I appreciate the HD students - they make marking that much quicker - and more interesting!
And there was SUNSHINE here, and some of the good ole Rocky summer weather - which we haven't really seen much of all summer!
Just saw a draft of the netball draw... and my team has a BYE!!! That is SO NOT FAIR!!! The amount of work we have done to get the season up and going - I desperately NEED a hit out on the courts! *SIGH*
Now, I'm just procrastinating as I don't want to mark anymore assignments - perhaps I should make a reward up if I get them all done... but then I'll be too tired! LOL!
Happy happy chappies!
I'm not convinced if she even knows what a record IS!!! I have no idea why this song has become her favourite - but it is! Yes, it's from a 'hits of the 80's) type album... which we were listening to the other night... along with 'you think you're a man, but you're only a boy. you think you're a man, you are only a toy. you think you're a man, but you just couldn't see... you weren't man enough to satisfy me... '
Which, after a couple of wines, had me up and dancing - only to realise that Michael did NOT know the song!!!
And I have to confess, the past month or so, Allan has just shot up in height - and is really becoming a man now... he is nearly the same height as his Dad, and I have to be careful to make sure who's who when I see them out of the corner fo my eye.
And Kerry is HERE!!!! WOOHOOO!!!! Got plenty of cuddles from Baby Mitchell - and lots more from little Zoe - who is still a walking personality! She has gotten over giving us all the cold shoulder though - so that's nice - and it's so wonderful to hear her talking and saying 'Arr-an' and 'e-me-li' and Ahny Sally. Very, very cute.
For those that are interested, had my interview for 'Graduate Relations officer' at the Uni. It was an hour long, and I wasn't on the top of my game - but I think I did quite well. I know I hit some of the questions out of the ball park - and others - well I know I answered them all OK, just hope they weren't looking for specific phrases. They have one more person to interview next week, and then I find out.
I'm up to my neck again marking assignments at the moment (again!). I must say how much I appreciate the HD students - they make marking that much quicker - and more interesting!
And there was SUNSHINE here, and some of the good ole Rocky summer weather - which we haven't really seen much of all summer!
Just saw a draft of the netball draw... and my team has a BYE!!! That is SO NOT FAIR!!! The amount of work we have done to get the season up and going - I desperately NEED a hit out on the courts! *SIGH*
Now, I'm just procrastinating as I don't want to mark anymore assignments - perhaps I should make a reward up if I get them all done... but then I'll be too tired! LOL!
Happy happy chappies!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
becoming.jpg
We are now finally moved in, and settled into our new house - although it was an extremely stressful time for us - and settlement was delayed after much ado! But, it's done now - thank goodness!!!! Having a housewarming party on Friday... can't wait to celebrate!
Tomorrow I am going for an interview for a great job out at the Uni - Relationship Development Coordinator. It is all to do with graduates, and keeping them involved with the Uni once they graduate. Would be right up my alley - and the pay is good - so here's hoping! I've nearly forgotten what it's like to interview - better bust out the refresher course!
I'm also going to be the course co-ordinator for a subject called "Marketing Promotions" - a bit step for me - but sure to be an interesting one.
Oh, and in a couple of days, my sister, Kerry will be moving back here - WOOHOO!!!
Kids are back at school, and settled in. Classes have resumed here for painting - and all is great. Netball is about to kick off next week - and it's great to see that we have 12 teams nominted this year - a 50% increase on last years! After all the stress and work, I'd really just like a game of netball now...
... that's not all... but I really don't want to get into the floods, water damage saga... today has had sunshine for the first time in ages... and I'm hoping it stays that way for a bit!
Hope everyone out there is doing great!
Blogged with Flock
Friday, December 21, 2007
A NEW house for us!
Guess what! We've signed a contract on a NEW HOUSE!!!!
Here's the details:
Here's the details:
- 352 Philp Avenue, Frenchville (Berserker Heights) Rockhampton
- 604m2 block
- 3 huge bedrooms upstairs
- 1 bedroom, one large office, and a rumpus room downstairs
- Large central internal stairs
- Harry Potter/storage room under stairs
- New kitchen
- Bathroom/toilet upstairs AND downstairs
- Polished wood floors throughout
- Security screens throughout
- Air-conditioning in all upstairs bedrooms, lounge/kitchen, rumpus/office
- Landscaped gardens with automatic sprinkler system
- 2 car garage - one with remote access (Open Sesame)
- 2 bedrooms with huge built in cupboards, 1 with a walk in wardrobe (not the main one either!)
- Gas hot water/stove top
- Long verandah runs across front of house - with access from lounge and 2 bedrooms
- Lovely large back deck
Have a look - settlement is 5 February 2008... WOOHOO!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Done and dusted!
Well, I could nearly cry... it's all over, and we're back home.
Firstly, before I recap anything, let me share with you my claim to fame...
It’s available to view on-line via the TVNZ website (free of charge): http://tvnz.co.nz/content/?o=&k=&style=tvnz&s=d&b=2007-11-31T00%3A00%3A00&a=2007-11-01T00%3A00%3A00&ct=video&ayear=2007&amonth=11&byear=2007&bmonth=11&q=finals (the story is titled ‘Netball quarter finals in sight’).
Word of warning, I don't 'normally' talk like that I'm sure... but I was very nervous!
Now, back to the recap.... as you saw from Mum's post, the Jamaicans nearly bumped NZ out of their Grand Finals chance - and were, for the most of the game, the better team. I was SO impressed at how they played - not anywhere near the normal brutal game - I always thought they'd be dangerous if they ever got some control - and they were! Luckily for both teams they also got the best umpires - which made the game about netball, not rugby, as Mum stated.
Not so lucky for the Grand Finals... what a nail biter! I heard there were 3 heart attacks at the venue - and I think that was just my heart stopping all the time! Kerry and I managed to choke the life out of FOUR of the Aussie clappers - and Mum ended up a blubbering mess at the end of the game. I'm sure Jodie has finger marks where Mum was sqeezing her!
The umpiring was ... well... let me think of a more appropriate 4 letter words.... Nup, can't... we'll go with 'inadequate' and honestly, very lopsided. Bodies flew everywhere, not call, or worse, the WRONG call. Then, there was wee little hand brushes that WERE called! Go figure????
But the girls pulled through, battered but not beaten - we were SO proud. And, you're not going to believe this, but Norma GRINNED and waved to us!!! You could see this title meant the world to Liz as she tried to compose herself before being interviewed - she was nearly as emotional as Mum... nearly!
On the bus trip home, I was nearly in tears as I realised it was all over, and our little 'routine' was shattered. No more hot bread shop, no more date scones, no more cooked breakfasts... no more Aussie, Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi! No more time with our new friends.....
However, we did finish the trip off really nicely.... we got to NZ international airport about the same time as the team did - and at about the same place - so we got to cheer them off, and give Liz a huge round of applause as she came in with the world cup with her luggage! And then, they were all drifting around the duty free shopping while we were there.... so hard not to fun up and make a scene!
Well, that's all for now.... Back to reality.... and the Runaways AGM... *sigh*...
Firstly, before I recap anything, let me share with you my claim to fame...
It’s available to view on-line via the TVNZ website (free of charge): http://tvnz.co.nz/content/?o=&k=&style=tvnz&s=d&b=2007-11-31T00%3A00%3A00&a=2007-11-01T00%3A00%3A00&ct=video&ayear=2007&amonth=11&byear=2007&bmonth=11&q=finals (the story is titled ‘Netball quarter finals in sight’).
Word of warning, I don't 'normally' talk like that I'm sure... but I was very nervous!
Now, back to the recap.... as you saw from Mum's post, the Jamaicans nearly bumped NZ out of their Grand Finals chance - and were, for the most of the game, the better team. I was SO impressed at how they played - not anywhere near the normal brutal game - I always thought they'd be dangerous if they ever got some control - and they were! Luckily for both teams they also got the best umpires - which made the game about netball, not rugby, as Mum stated.
Not so lucky for the Grand Finals... what a nail biter! I heard there were 3 heart attacks at the venue - and I think that was just my heart stopping all the time! Kerry and I managed to choke the life out of FOUR of the Aussie clappers - and Mum ended up a blubbering mess at the end of the game. I'm sure Jodie has finger marks where Mum was sqeezing her!
The umpiring was ... well... let me think of a more appropriate 4 letter words.... Nup, can't... we'll go with 'inadequate' and honestly, very lopsided. Bodies flew everywhere, not call, or worse, the WRONG call. Then, there was wee little hand brushes that WERE called! Go figure????
But the girls pulled through, battered but not beaten - we were SO proud. And, you're not going to believe this, but Norma GRINNED and waved to us!!! You could see this title meant the world to Liz as she tried to compose herself before being interviewed - she was nearly as emotional as Mum... nearly!
On the bus trip home, I was nearly in tears as I realised it was all over, and our little 'routine' was shattered. No more hot bread shop, no more date scones, no more cooked breakfasts... no more Aussie, Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi! No more time with our new friends.....
However, we did finish the trip off really nicely.... we got to NZ international airport about the same time as the team did - and at about the same place - so we got to cheer them off, and give Liz a huge round of applause as she came in with the world cup with her luggage! And then, they were all drifting around the duty free shopping while we were there.... so hard not to fun up and make a scene!
Well, that's all for now.... Back to reality.... and the Runaways AGM... *sigh*...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Today's the day
There was some good netball played today and some good rugby. Australia was a bit scrappy in the shooting circle but this wasn't helped by some inconsistent umpiring. Jamaica defended, shot and used space very well. They pulled ahead early on, but, after a tactical time-out, the Kiwis were able to literally knock out one of their opposition in the shooting circle and gained the upper hand. The stadium was packed to the rafters and the atmosphere was electric. Tonight there will be standing room only. Aussies and Kiwis love their netball and look on their players as superstars. I only hope that it will be netball we get to watch tonight and not rugby as I really feel that any team which resorts to strong deliberate contact designed to take out players have not "won" regardless of their nationality.
We went to a good Japanese restaurant today, the food was beautiful and the service good. The cake shop around the corner from the restaurant is totally to blame for the weight we've all put on (maybe not for Kerry's) and we've never seen sandwiches and cakes so good AND cheap. $1.10 NZ for an apricot turnover, the same for a large date scone $2.20 for a really healthy sandwich.
The breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with Vicki Wilson was a great success. The food part of the morning was unhealthily greasy, but the entertainment part was great. The Australian netball team came along and said hello and Vicki told a few stories from the past. She held a netball trivia competition and Jodie won! Out of nearly 150 people! She was given an Australian netball cap signed by the whole team!
Jo and Shell went down to the pub to celebrate getting into the finals, and were shouted drinks. They were late back, had a marvellous time and have declared that we are all going down there tonight, win or lose, old or pregnant.
It is unreal to think we are heading back to Australia tomorrow. On one hand I would love to see more of Auckland but on the other I want to go HOME.
Bye, Helen
We went to a good Japanese restaurant today, the food was beautiful and the service good. The cake shop around the corner from the restaurant is totally to blame for the weight we've all put on (maybe not for Kerry's) and we've never seen sandwiches and cakes so good AND cheap. $1.10 NZ for an apricot turnover, the same for a large date scone $2.20 for a really healthy sandwich.
The breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with Vicki Wilson was a great success. The food part of the morning was unhealthily greasy, but the entertainment part was great. The Australian netball team came along and said hello and Vicki told a few stories from the past. She held a netball trivia competition and Jodie won! Out of nearly 150 people! She was given an Australian netball cap signed by the whole team!
Jo and Shell went down to the pub to celebrate getting into the finals, and were shouted drinks. They were late back, had a marvellous time and have declared that we are all going down there tonight, win or lose, old or pregnant.
It is unreal to think we are heading back to Australia tomorrow. On one hand I would love to see more of Auckland but on the other I want to go HOME.
Bye, Helen
Friday, November 16, 2007
More Netball stuff
Well, it's getting to the exciting end of things.... and the games are getting tighter! We've adopted the Botswana team - and our adoptees are proving to be VERY successful - we are very proud of them - and got a special thank you in their speech after the game.
The other big news is my shirt design... it's taken off! Yesterday we went to catch the free shuttle bus to Henderson mall (they have a bus there and back every day) ... and were told that the TV crew had been on the previous bus. We arrived at Laser Copy Design shop - which are the guys that have been doing our shirts for us... to find the TV crew in there, along with a THRONG of Aussie supporters all queuing up for their shirts.... MY shirts! WHAT A BUZZ!!!
I snuck into the corner and asked for my shirts.... but the people that were there being interviewed soon pointed me out.... and I was asked for an interview about the shirts by the TV crew - pretty exciting stuff... but very, very scary too! Didn't say half of what I wanted to! And then back at the stadium, they came and asked us for another interview about netball.... so all we need to do is find where it is online.... haven't had much success so far!
Apparently, as of yesterday MORNING they have had over 100 shirts done up. And that was without the Aussies that only came yesterday even knowing about it.... I'm SURE there'll be more! Good thing was that they GAVE me my 3 shirts yesterday as a thank you for all the business - and the publicity! Not that I asked - but the other girls did!!! It's so wonderful to see something that was just a little thing for our little group get picked up by so many people, and so many being so happy and thankful to be able to get some memorabilia of the netball.
Someone has also arranged to have our signs printed off in bulk so that come the Finals, we're a force to be reckoned with! Can't wait to see it all!v
xx
Shelly
The other big news is my shirt design... it's taken off! Yesterday we went to catch the free shuttle bus to Henderson mall (they have a bus there and back every day) ... and were told that the TV crew had been on the previous bus. We arrived at Laser Copy Design shop - which are the guys that have been doing our shirts for us... to find the TV crew in there, along with a THRONG of Aussie supporters all queuing up for their shirts.... MY shirts! WHAT A BUZZ!!!
I snuck into the corner and asked for my shirts.... but the people that were there being interviewed soon pointed me out.... and I was asked for an interview about the shirts by the TV crew - pretty exciting stuff... but very, very scary too! Didn't say half of what I wanted to! And then back at the stadium, they came and asked us for another interview about netball.... so all we need to do is find where it is online.... haven't had much success so far!
Apparently, as of yesterday MORNING they have had over 100 shirts done up. And that was without the Aussies that only came yesterday even knowing about it.... I'm SURE there'll be more! Good thing was that they GAVE me my 3 shirts yesterday as a thank you for all the business - and the publicity! Not that I asked - but the other girls did!!! It's so wonderful to see something that was just a little thing for our little group get picked up by so many people, and so many being so happy and thankful to be able to get some memorabilia of the netball.
Someone has also arranged to have our signs printed off in bulk so that come the Finals, we're a force to be reckoned with! Can't wait to see it all!v
xx
Shelly
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Image of aussiesupporter.gif - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Image of aussiesupporter.gif - Photobucket - Video and Image HostingAfter being bitterly disappointed at the lack of merchandising available to purchase at the World Cup, I decided to make my own! Here's the design that we're going to get put onto shirts, signs, etc. I got it put on a huge A2 sign - printed with a yellow background and green writing - and I now have about 1/2 the team signed it... working on getting more!
We left the design with the local lasercopy - and we're letting any Aussie that wants to show their support go and get it printed on a shirt that they buy. Looks like there's going to be a few.
We're off shopping this morning - Australia doesn't play today... but we'll be there. Botswana is our adopted team... :)
Anyway, must go and eat! I'm sure there'll me much, much more news on it's way...
xx
Shelly
Blogged with Flock
Monday, November 12, 2007
More Netball in Auckland
Hi all,
Our dream, which we've been planning for years, came to life on Saturday. Netball and New Zealand. What could be better? A world cup win for Australia, I hear you say? We have been talking netball, watching netball live, talking netball, and then watching the games again that night on telly, and then, of course talking netball again. Most nights are late nights. There are some real netball nuts out here and I'm not just talking about us.
The first game on Saturday was New Zealand and Malawi. For the first two or three quarters Malawi didn't play with their usual flair and enjoyment which was disappointing but they seemed to relax in the end and I enjoyed the last bit. The next day the games started in earnest. Vicky Wilson (my idol) came and sat with the Australian contingent near us, and was chatting away to everyone, giving autographs. The Australians were obvious in their bright yellows and green. You could also pick them by their enthusiastic support of whichever team was underdog.
I felt the South Africans have really improved and will give the other top teams a run for their money. The other favourites are Jamaica, England, New Zealand and (of course) Australia. Only time will tell which is the better team. The umpiring is occasionally weak, but when all's said and done, the winning team will have to play to overcome any miscalls. For example when a Malawi player obviously kicked the ball out of court and got the throw-in. And that was the chap who umpired the finals at the last Commonwealth Games.
The staff at Alpers Lodge have been absolutely marvellous! They have been courteous, friendly and helpful. This is great after all the frustrations we've had in the past few days. We even have a bottle of low fat milk labelled with our room numbers.
Kerry and Jo have gone out on the town this morning, or the CBD anyway. They'll be worn out tonight. You know the girls are always getting really embarassed about the way I umpire when watching games. Well they're still getting embarassed!! But, guess what? My lovely girls were umpiring too. I even heard Ker booing. Shell was coaching the weaker teams and the whole stadium groaned when one of their players did a massive step.
Touch wood, the weather has been beautiful. We don't even wear a jumper most of the time. No rain yet but it may be coming.
Our bus comes soon, so will go and catch you another day. We don't get back till late, so bye.
Helen/Mum
ps. Miss you lots, Merv
Our dream, which we've been planning for years, came to life on Saturday. Netball and New Zealand. What could be better? A world cup win for Australia, I hear you say? We have been talking netball, watching netball live, talking netball, and then watching the games again that night on telly, and then, of course talking netball again. Most nights are late nights. There are some real netball nuts out here and I'm not just talking about us.
The first game on Saturday was New Zealand and Malawi. For the first two or three quarters Malawi didn't play with their usual flair and enjoyment which was disappointing but they seemed to relax in the end and I enjoyed the last bit. The next day the games started in earnest. Vicky Wilson (my idol) came and sat with the Australian contingent near us, and was chatting away to everyone, giving autographs. The Australians were obvious in their bright yellows and green. You could also pick them by their enthusiastic support of whichever team was underdog.
I felt the South Africans have really improved and will give the other top teams a run for their money. The other favourites are Jamaica, England, New Zealand and (of course) Australia. Only time will tell which is the better team. The umpiring is occasionally weak, but when all's said and done, the winning team will have to play to overcome any miscalls. For example when a Malawi player obviously kicked the ball out of court and got the throw-in. And that was the chap who umpired the finals at the last Commonwealth Games.
The staff at Alpers Lodge have been absolutely marvellous! They have been courteous, friendly and helpful. This is great after all the frustrations we've had in the past few days. We even have a bottle of low fat milk labelled with our room numbers.
Kerry and Jo have gone out on the town this morning, or the CBD anyway. They'll be worn out tonight. You know the girls are always getting really embarassed about the way I umpire when watching games. Well they're still getting embarassed!! But, guess what? My lovely girls were umpiring too. I even heard Ker booing. Shell was coaching the weaker teams and the whole stadium groaned when one of their players did a massive step.
Touch wood, the weather has been beautiful. We don't even wear a jumper most of the time. No rain yet but it may be coming.
Our bus comes soon, so will go and catch you another day. We don't get back till late, so bye.
Helen/Mum
ps. Miss you lots, Merv
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