and now...

I'm not sure I've had the chance to tell you all about my latest discovery - MUSCLES!!!! Yep! The other day I was on the phone (Skype) and I was doing something and I looked down at my arm and thought... hmmm... that's weird... why is there that hollow area in my arm?

So, I touched it wondering what it could be, and all I could feel was a lump. I looked again, flexed a little, and realised what it was!!! I have bulging, gym going muscles!!!! I quickly dashed to the bedroom and stood in front of the mirror and had a good look - mainly to see if it was noticable enough to show everyone - to make sure they could see it.... and yes, very noticable!!

So, anyone that has come near me has had to admire the bulge on the correct side of my biceps - cause I'm very proud of them!

On the weekend I was a bit of scrapping frenzy. Not normally that motivated unless there's a cybercrop on somewhere - but I just wanted to create!!! I got 5 layouts completed!!! WOWSERS! Granted I had some parts 'prepared earlier' and they were fairly simple - but I still enjoyed myself and made a grand mess everywhere!

So, here are the final 3. I got to use up some of the Kindyglitz lettering I'd made up - which was kinda cool. I think I'm going to have to do a LOT more scrapping though - as I will be getting most of the Bohemiem (sp?) range in - and will need to make room for those.

Might even have to have a 'photo shoot' so I've got some new photos to match (how pathetic!)

I was asked today to do some projects up to create 'make it myself' sheets for Spotlight using Kindyglitz - and the new 3D Kindyglitz to help launch it in their stores.

Now, I generally don't get to Spotlight, and tend to spend my scrapbooking money with ... well, I DO get around, but I like the scrapbooking stores. BUT, I knew for this project that I would have to use products easily bought from Spotlight - so I tried to pick a time when I thought they wouldn't be too busy (school hours) and went in. I was so surprised at the little amount of raw chipboard they had! And the lack of most of my *favourite* types of things for scrapbooking. Made working out what to buy SO much harder - so I hope the project works out OK.

Allan is off to the school camp you have when you're not having a school camp - you know the sort - the one where they still stay home every night - but get to go on daily excursions.

Oh, and I forgot to mention - Happy Birthday Pappa Bear!!!

Night all!

Been creating

I scrapped today... with LOTS of PAINT! Very enjoyable. I love hand painting my own papers - it's like making an abstract artwork.

I hand painted some papers the other night, and today I got two layouts done using them. And if I must say so, I like them very much! Don't you just love Kerry's hat???


As promised here are my two layouts that I did with Ngaire. I did some tags too - but I have to finish those off yet. I really enjoyed these workshops, and I think it has helped me get back into my scrapbooking again.

A funny story for you about Ngaire's class. We were starting the layout about ourselves (which left quite a few people uncomfortable) and Ngaire starts talking about how, if we want, we can change things to suit our photos etc, not to stress about getting things exactly like hers.

She then went on to emphasize that there was one thing she was going to insist upon. That for the first layout we HAD to use the text she used on hers - Me, Myself and I - Perfect Just as I am. Ngaire said that she knew a lot of ladies would have a problem writing those words - but they HAD to do it - and she went on to explain why it was so important to her. It was quite nice - like an affirmation actually.

The layout was passed around the entire classroom for everyone to have a look at. It got to the second last person, who then asked if "PEFECT" should have had an "R" in it.... talk about a laugh! Poor Ngaire!!! But it was just so funny that she was "PEFECT" just as she was. I'd call that a Freudian slip... wouldn't you?




So, what's new? Had a delightful day today. The kids got up and cleaned their rooms while I slept in a little (not too much though) and I got up and pottered a little. Mum came over (as she does on a Saturday) and Allan went off to play a Yu-gi-oh tournament - 4 hours for $3 - well worth the money - and literally just around the corner, so he can walk there himself.

Emily and I went downstairs and scrapped together for a while and then Mum, Em, and I headed out to Demedios for a coffee and lunch (Char grilled Chicken - YUMMO - and ultra friendly to my diabetes). My Aunty Gail called at the last minute and joined us - so we had a really nice time. Emily then headed off (with a little help from me) to a birthday party.

Oh, I forgot to mention that while we were out having lunch I ducked into Chandlers next door and bought a Sony Walkman - this cute little flash drive looking thing - and an armband so I can wear it to the gym and tune into the TV's while doing cardio.

Anyway... I digress... Mum and Gail and I came home and sat around the table with a coffee and worked industriously on the WASJIG. AND I FINISHED IT!!! YAY!

What a truly pleasant day. I hope everyone else had a good one.

New day, new me

Well, today I changed programs at the Gym, and got a new instructor with it. She's SO much better!!! I can tell, because I can barely lift my arms as high as the keyboard without them turning to jelly!

I'm happy to say that I've nearly lost 9kg's!!! Pretty happy with that... only 1.3kgs of my next target weight. Got a lot more to go.. but baby steps, 5kgs at a time.

What else has been happening? Ummm... nothing too exciting, I don't think. Oh, wait, yes there is! I've been asked to be part of the Design Team for the Little Scrapbook Shop - I'm their new paint specialist, and photoshop teacher. I will basically be doing classes each week - one on using paint, one on using photoshop. Later in the new year, I'll probably start doing some photography ones too. Should be interesting!

I spent last night painting up some paper for myself in anticipation of next week's lesson - or a future project... not sure which yet. So much to tell, I've got to pace myself!!!!

Now, I'm looking for a third person to tell me their pregnant. It normally happens in threes, and two friends have recently told me they are.... so there must be someone out there not telling yet... anyone?

OK... off to work.... ;)

Losing it!

Hi all

I went to see my diabetes educator yesterday - and yep, I'm definitely losing it! 6kgs in the 5 weeks since I saw her last - 5cm around the waist - and a whole point off my BMI thingy!!! She was very happy with my progress, and doesn't think I'll need medication, which is terrific!

Looking forward to turning the corner with my levels too - their definitely going down - now to keep it going!

I'll be starting a new gym routine on Thursday - more huff and puff - less weights - which is what she recommended - so we'll see. I have been feeling off the past couple of days - kinda like morning sickness - but without the whole PREGNANCY thing! Hopefully I'll be over it sooner rather than later!

Still need to take pics of my Ngaire projects - been in bed most of the past couple of days though. Hopefully soon!

Be good.

Back again

Hi all

Well, it's been a while - but not as long as it might seem - you see, I DID come back and write up, with LOTS of piccys... but Blogger seemed to think I was over indulgent with the pics... and it decided to wipe them all.... and then, in an attempt to get them back, I also lost long, juicy message I'd just written.

Grr!


But anyway, here I am! There's a bit of news. No, I'm not pregnant! But a couple of friends are! We'll see how many more confess, because there's always a group of people I know that are pregnant at the same time!




Firstly, the fam and I had a really delightful longer weekend away at the Gold Coast last weekend as you can see from som of these piccys... a very nice time indeed!

This weekend I spent Saturday with the delightful Ngaire Bartlem ..... well, me, and a couple dozen of my closest friends... well, OK... I didn't know most of them... but it was still great to get out there and scrap for a while. I will share pics in another post.

And the other BIG news is that I got my final results for Uni!!! I got High Distinctions for both courses - only just - but I'll take what I can get! That means that I will graduate with a Grade Point Average of 6.882 (out of a maximum of 7)!!! This is a much, much better result than my first degree, where I would have barely managed a GPA of 4 (pass level). So, for all those 'mature aged' people out there, thinking about studying - it is much more rewarding later in life - when you know what you want to do, and are more settled, and determined to do it.

I've also been tentitively asked to tutor a couple of courses next year for Uni - Contemporary Photomedia (photography), and Desktop Publishing. I love tutoring Desktop Publishing - and I think the photography one will be a great opportunity to really start thinking about my camera again - you learn so much more when you teach something!

My students all did well this last term in a web design course I taught as well, and I was pretty impressed with some of the work they put out. It's nice to see that your teaching has an impact.

Oh, and I've lost about 7kg's so far. No rush - and with my scales, that figure can fluctuate 2kgs anyway - but I go back to the diabetes educator on Monday - so I'll have a more official result then with her big scales.

Well, that's all folks! Hope you are all perfectly wonderful, and if you aren't, I hope it's only temporary!!!!

A lucky daughter

Recently a couple of friends of mine have been a bit miserable because of family issues. I am such a lucky daughter to have the Mum I have! She's my best mate and we do so much together. I couldn't move town because I wouldn't want to be away from her. The support and confidence she gives me keeps me strong, and now that I've all grown up, I hope I keep her strong too.

Love you Mum!

Still going

Well, what a lovely weekend! What did I do? Bugger all of nothing - and LOVIN' IT!!!!

OK, well, I did do a couple of layouts for the Scrapbooking Top50 Cybercrop, and was going to do the Embellished Cybercrop as well, but ran out of steam... I've been way too tired lately. Feel I need a week off just to sleep... but I don't think that will even help.

So, here's what I did...
The first one is 'I wish I was a punk rocker' done with hand painted paper I painted with Derivan Students - just to use up some paints I'd had out for work. There's LOTS of Kindyglitz and Dimensional magic on there - unfortunately it's hard to photograph these!


These flowers were a plasticy foamy type one that I found at the the Warehouse - thought they were kinda funky - they definitely match the theme... lol!

The next one is a double spread I did with Allan and Emily. The whole challenge was to by simple - I think I achieved that. I'm thrilled at how this one came together, it looks very rich in real life.

I also completed quite a bit of a Wasjig... that's a backwards jigsaw - lots of fun. AND I finished reading 'As the Crow Flies' by Jeffrey Archer - very, very good read - but he's a great story teller. We watche 'Cars' and 'Over the Hedge' with the kids - preferred 'Cars' but they were both good.

Other news.... I've lost 6kg's!!! I've been to the gym a few times now as well - in fact, I'm just back from there. My chest muscles were SO sore after the last time, and my arms are like jelly again - my legs are definitely the stronger body part!

Oh, and I went shopping on Saturday morning - bought myself a heap of clothes..... wait for it.... a WHOLE SIZE smaller!!!!! YAY for me!!! Ok, nothing too exotic - there's not much point if I'm going to continue to lose weight, is there? Got myself a few pair of shorts (cheapies, but I need more for the gym, and summer in general). Also bought some boardies, and a tankini - that's a tank top/bikini - looks like a cut off pair of togs. Very good idea for the likes of me. What else... oh, some t-shirts. Like I said, nothing fancy.

We're going away next weekend to the Gold Coast!!!! Looking forward to it SOOOO much!!! Just time for us... nothing competing, no sharing, just family.

Talking of family, or nearly, my good friend told me the other day she's moving to France!!!! FRANCE!!!! I was pretty glum about it all, but then, I think it's a damn good excuse for us to save up to go overseas - I've never been overseas before!!!

OK... that's all for now... got work to do! Don't be good, be a little naughty!

Signed up!

Well, I've finally done it.... joined the gym that is!!!! I went with my sister (who's lost over 25kg's BTW) and got all signed up. The fellow I had to talk to had certainly been taught the sales pitch - Jodie thought I was exagerating, or at least being a bit over sensitive, when I complained to her how often he used my name.

Sure, we can do that for you Michelle
Just come over here Michelle
And how long have you lived in Rocky Michelle
I've spoken for a few secconds Michelle

But then when I finalised everything up, we could have played bingo with the number of times he said my name. I so much hate being 'sold' things. I'd much rather be spoken to by an earnest staff member who can tell me what I need to know in an intellectual manner. I was going to buy anyway... sheesh!

I did a quick 30 mins on the walking machine - which was pretty cool. Didn't push it too hard though... but everyone forgot to tell me that I'd walk like a drunk after being on there for 30 mins! It's so weird hopping off the machine you feel like you need to cling to something to stay upright!

Well, I go in this morning to meat the trainer and get a program... so wish me luck! Hopefully I won't be too big a sweat puddle by the end of it all!

Better go and get dressed!!!!

Michelle

Catch up

Well, it's been lovely lately just to do not a lot at all. I really need the break from the frantic 'must do' 'must fit in' timeframes I've had lately. I have about 8 assignments to mark, and that's the end of the Uni year for me as a student, and as a tutor. The good thing is that these assignments are pretty easy to mark - very clear, so that's good.

The kids had their school fair on Friday night, so we spent a few hours there, and they had a whole heap of rides like you have at the show there. We paid $19 per child, and they had unlimited rides - great value. Especially with Emily who we would see on one ride, get off, and then RUN to the next. All she did for 3 hours was run between rides! Allan got his money's worth too, but his class also had a stall spraypainting hair and putting on fake tattoos - he was quite the master - and even got his Dad a couple of tats... but couldn't convince him that blue hair was a good look! LOL!

One of the nicest things about finishing Uni is allowing myself the little pleasures, such as reading a book, playing cards and doing a jigsaw (actually a wasjig - much more fun). I've read two books lately - The Husband by Dean Koontz, and Cross by James Patterson. Both good easy reads, but nothing earth shattering about them. I also bought the latest Wilbur Smith book which has the Ballyntines meeting the Courtneys.... both family's stories I've enjoyed reading over the years.

Emily and I have started a new Wasjig too... they are so much fun. The picture on the front is just a clue to what the finished puzzle is, and the one we're doing is a then and now type one, so the picture shows the 'then' and the puzzle shows the 'now'. We've got the outside all done, but can't find ONE piece. I'm sure Michael will wander by and just pick it up out of the box... he's natty like that.

I've also been teaching Allan and Emily how to play Gin Rummy. I'd forgotten how much I loved playing cards as a child. We'd often pay Gin, Canasta etc as kids, and loved it. Too bad my kids are quick learners, because they're starting to beat me already!!!

OK... that's all for now ... back to assignment marking!

xx
Michelle

Complete and utter exhaustion

Yep, I'm totally worn out!! The past few weeks have taken their toll, and I'm knackered!

But, it's worth it. I always love the Open Day, and the day before to be with the consultants and touch base with everyone in the office. I thought I'd just show you some of my favourite photos from the Open Day - if you want more, just go to http://www.matisse.com.au/gallery and check out all the uploaded images there!

OK... this is the new facepaint toolkits I designed up - just wanted you to check out the cute kids on the front... these will be so good to get out at Allan and Emily's 21st birthday parties.... ;)



This is outside at the Open Day - Justine (my boss' wife) and their two children, David and Isobel, being very, very cute (habitual cuties that they are). Strutting alongside is Bismark - or Bizzy - who is happiest with his stick - loves walking around with one in his mouth all the time.


This is me with my great friend Sylvia - we've been long distance friends for such a long time - and it was great to see her IRL and grab a few hugs. Would have loved some alone time with Sylvia though (she's from WA) but I'll take what I can get - because everything I get is gold. Sylvia gave me a little mushroom gourd for Emily - which she LOVES - she will be nagging me to paint it with her until I do....

OK... I'm off to bed. Catch up on some sleep perhaps!

Michelle

Nearly home

Well, just a quick post to let everyone know I survived the Open Day - and had a great time - but BOY am I tired!!! We had the day before as well, which went well, with some great hands on stuff - including calligraphy - which I thoroughly enjoyed!! For those wanting to start, we used Speedball pens C1 - so much easier than the newsagency ones. I reckon I could do something half decent with them.

The day itself is all a bit of a blur - a big, happy blur.... so good. I got to meet artists I've only ever spoken to over the phone, or even by email.

Anyway, better go, I'm 'at work' in Sydney.

Michelle

Up, up and away...

Well, I'm off to Sydney for the annual Matisse Open Day. It's great fun for all and something I look forward to every year. Luckily too, Virgin have started direct flights to Sydney - so I can get there in only a couple of hours - which is brilliant - and only one take off and landing too!

So, for those coming to the Open Day - make sure you say hello!!!

Bye for now!

Michelle

This is what it's all about

Family!

Yep, if there's one thing I've learnt the past week is that my family are something special. Well, I always knew that, but it was nice to be remined.

This is a group shot of my Mum, Dad, brother and sisters, their children and partners (mostly).




This is me holding little man Jake - my brother's son - my nephew. I reckon this little fellow is what's known as a 'breeder' baby. They bring him out to make women (and in the case of my hubby, men) clucky. He is such a good child! Eats, sleeps, laughs and smiles. Gotta love that.















The next little man is Sam - my cousin Kim's first child (only child). He and Jake are only 4 days apart in age - and he's another cutie, isn't he? Lucky I'm all over beign cluckie, aren't I?















This is Zoe and Kerry (my sister) you wouldn't pick she's 8 months older than the other two, would you? She's lighter than both of them. Now, this little girl has TUDE. She acts a bit like a teenager - hot and cold. For some reason, she sometimes doesn't like me and will try to jump out of whoever's arms she's in if I try to take her - and other times she's all kisses and smiles. She does play hard to get - but you can't help but love her.

That's all for now - thought I'd share the happier side of things - a family coming together.

Oh, and I should say, I've now lost FOUR kilos - which is pretty darn good!!!!


Michelle

RIP

Well, today was the day for my Grandma's funeral. It was a simple gravesite service and I think Grandma would have liked it. My cousin and I did the eulogy - and I know our Mum's were really happy with how it all went.

It's all been a bit of a blur since Wednesday. Things have been so busy here - and the house has been like Grand Central Station with my family, including cousins all being here and us all trying to get things organised. I managed to scan and print a whole lot of old photos of Grandma and my sister put them into a pretty notebook. She even scanned (reduced in size) her birth certificate and other documents as well. Everyone then wrote in the book today - and it was so great to see my Uncle Les reading through it with a huge smile on his face. This is the same man who was literally sick when he realised his Mum wasn't going to make it.

I also made up an order of service - just a simple one (it was a simple service) with a few photos of Grandma in it. Of course I worried if I'd done it right (never done one before) but I overheard the celebrant saying how nicely it was put together - so I must have got something right.

But with all the rush and bustle here, I haven't had time to myself to truly think about what losing Grandma means to me, and I haven't cried for her yet. I know it will come, but I needed to hold it all together to be strong for Mum and Gail - and to just get everything done I had to do with more people in our house than we can manage most Christmas'. Even at the funeral I was worrying about the music being played at the right time, and everyone being sorted, and really making sure that the service was a happier place to be. During the time for quiet reflection, I can remember looking up, seeing Grandma's photo, and just feeling happy. Well, not happy exactly.... glad. Glad that she'd been in my life. Glad that we could share that with everyone. Glad that the rest of my family were together - if only for a few days. I can remember thinking when I looked at her photo - you did good, girl, you did good. And she had. Even at the end, the reflection of her was how the family came together and celebrated her life.

And that's how I want it to be for me - when the time comes. I want my family and friends to celebrate what I have done - not what I haven't done.

But enough for now. I'll leave you with the poem I chose for the service...


She is Gone

By Anonymous

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Gone

Well, Grandma passed away this morning peacefully. It still doesn't feel quite real - but I'm sure it will sink in at the funeral a lot more.

I've had various members of the family here nearly all day - our house is home base for everyone at the moment - which is nice actually. Mum and Gail have been organising everything and it's good that they can meet here and do it all. Makes me feel like we're contributing in some way.

I had to go out today to meet with the Diabetes educator - it took 6 weeks to get the appointment - so I desperately needed to go. It worked out well though, as it allowed Mum and Gail time alone with funeral director to organise the hard stuff. However, in typical Mum and Gail fashion, when I came home, the floors were washed and there were clothes on the line. But as Mum said - I wanted to do it - something I had control over.

Anyway, that's enough for today. I have to prepare the eulogy (sp?) tomorrow and create the book (what are they called - order of service or something?) for printing. Going to be busy.

Grandma

This is my Grandma and my Mum. I took these photos a couple of years ago for a Uni project I did for photography called Mother Mother.

I just think Mum and Grandma look so cute together here.

Which brings me to the sad news. My Grandma is in hospital at the moment, and they have told us that it's only a matter of time before we lose her.

Which just sucks! I spent most of last night up at the hospital with her, and went up again this morning - and this wonderfully strong, noble woman is gone. She's just this shell of a person - who breathes and doesn't do a lot else. I don't know if she is aware of anyone anymore, but if she is, she doesn't seem to be able to let us know. It's sad, but what's worse is watching my Mum. That hurts - Mum and I are great mates, and I just want to be strong for her, so she doesn't have to be.


But enough of the morbid stuff. Let me tell you why I love this pic on the left. This shows things just as I remember them. They've been this way since I was a little girl. Grandma at the table, with bottles and jars of lollies, biscuits, dried fruit - many things to feed you with.

At the back is the piano - I don't know if ANYONE could play it, but it is a great place for the photos. I love looking at the old photos - especially of Mum and her brothers and sisters. I love seeing their children in their faces. And of course, Les' paintings on the wall - pride of place. But best of all - a cuppa and a chat.


Can you believe this woman is over 80 years old? Where are her grey hairs? Up until a fall a bit over a year ago, Grandma was a very strong woman. She still mowed her yard, still did the groceries, still did all Uncle Les' washing.... it's shattering to see it slide so quickly.

Only the other day, Mum was saying that she hoped she didn't ever become a burden to me - and I told her that I hoped she lived long enough to be a burden to me, because the alternative was much worse.

And, as I said to Mum, Grandma's 86. This last year has been Mum's payment for having her in her life for so long. For being so lucky. Grandad died before I was born, and I know if Mum had the choice, she'd put up with the past year to have had him until he was 85 too.

Here's to Grandma. We are all secretly hoping you'll rally around and come back to us - we know it's not a rational thought... but it keeps us going.

Love you Grandma.

One down.... one to go!

Yep, I've handed in one assignment, and now only officially have one to go until I'm totally, absolutely, FINALLY finished my degree!!!!

Not sure how the one I did today is - really couldn't get into it... but the next one will be fun - it involves a bit of graphic design.

So, guess what's planned for this weekend....

;)

All done!!!

Well, yesterday was officially my very last class at Uni!! My very last tutorial!! I now only have to finish off the final two assignments and I will be officially finished! Ready to graduate! Isn't it exciting... except for the whole having to write the assignments. But that's not too bad. I'm 1500 words into a 2000 word assignment, and the other is a group project - which I'm doing all the final editting and design for... I actually think that one will be fun.

So... a slightly surreal feeling today to know I never need to walk into a classroom as a student again for this degree.

Won't be long before I'll have photos to share of me in a cape and mortarboard accepting my Bachelor of Communication (with Distinction).

Cool!

DT

For anyone that knows my husband......

He is the type of man that doesn't hold back when he laughs - and his laugh is LOUD! One of the problems is, is that sometimes, it takes a while for him to get a joke. Imagine being in a movie theature, everyone's laughing... the movie moves on.... and then..... someone beside you is slapping their knees laughing so loud!!! Hubby did this one day when he went to the movies with my Dad.... there was a particularly funny ad on.... and during the subsequent ad he got it and started laughing... but the next ad wasn't funny at all.

Last night, an ad came on, and I knew it was something DH would find funny.... and I also knew it may take a while... so I started counting after the punchline... 5.... 10.... nope, he just didn't find it funny.... then well into the SECOND ad after the one I saw he made a comment... And I mentioned to him that it was well past the time for making comments... and we laughed.

Then it happened again - and I told him that he seemed to be operating at a different time zone to us....

That's when we came up with his new nickname.... DT

Delayed Telecast

(Hey, HE said it!)

;)

Oh, I do love these two!

Just look at them! How could you not love these two! Allan actually let me take some photos of him today - this is one of my favourite.... And Em.. well... she loves a good photo shoot ;)

I don't know how two children could look so similar, yet be such different personalities. Allan hopes to be loved, and Emily expects it. Emily shows her love in so many ways - she is forever doing something beautiful and sweet, while Allan doesn't always express himself as openly. But I see it - I see it in the way he looks at me sometimes - and the way I am the first to see his latest Lego creation, and the way, every so often he just holds my hand or sneaks into my study for a hug. He is the one we've got to be careful of because he will back out of the limelight and be hurt by the shadows... while the light radiates from Emily. They're so different, and yet each so utterly loveable.

They burst my heart these two beautiful children.

Oh, and I should say... "Go the Broncos" for the man in my life... it was good to see him all kitted out in his new Jersey - and shorts he bought to match yesterday - his Broncos hat on and a XXXX Gold in his Broncos stubbie holder. Good to see he could wear it proudly... not that I watch much of the game!