Tuesday, December 21, 2004

NationStates game

Okay GUK & GUF, have you seen this game and mentioned it to me?

I wonder if you are interested how I came upon it? I am finally scrolling through my backlog of emails from unschooling mailing lists [ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnschoolingDiscussion/]... another mum asked others
"I'm trying to recall the title of a book I read...mmm..about six months ago. The premise was a point in the future in which people were so dependent on corporations that employees took on the last name of the company they worked for (ie: Sheila McDonald's or Timothy Nike). One of the early scenes involves a kid getting killed at the mall over some fancy sneakers or something. I don't recall it in much detail at the minute, but it had an interesting premise that is related to a point I'm trying to make in one of my classes, and someone is wanting to read it if I can recall the name of it. "

(I'll have to check out her blog)

Naturally two or three others identified the title she sought and one pointed to the game. No, I haven't given it a go yet, I don't yet have sufficient online time. But I guessed one or both of my favourite uncles would have either tried it or heard of it?

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

catching up, unfortunately resorting to bulk method

Hi everyone

I know receiving an email sent to a bunch of people is not the most desirable way, however most of you may be aware that I have limited computer access these days and I'm finding that one hour at the library is insufficient time to catch up with everyone AND get work done, so I shall have to write one newsy-note at time and send to you all.

I am using the computer at Merry's house. Merry is a breastfeeding counsellor - I met her when I was in training and attended a meeting in Margie's home town.

Merry has been a wonderful support since I moved to town. She has taken me dancing, to an open garden, and now offered her computer for those things I can't seem to get done while at the library.

The boys and I went to Portland Boy's for his birthday - I didn't decide until Thursday. We had a wonderful time and I very much enjoyed talking with H&G over champagne after the party. "Cricket" and H,G&P-B's friend **** were kept playing cricket for almost the whole party, we also had a parachute to play with, H had a baseball theme game like "pin the tail", I took bubbles, we did a wheelbarrow race and generally had a lovely time.

I made sure to catch up with Pixie on the Sunday though I felt torn - wanting to spend as much time as possible with Helen, but also wanting to see Pixie while in Portland. Pixie played piano for me, empathised with my emotional stuff, made lunch and consulted me on ideas for the training review working group.

Yesterday I had my interview with Centrelink - Di put me on to the Pension Education Supplement, a possible grant to help with study and BRACE for help with job application/CV and otherwise seeking financial assistance to get a computer to help with study / returning to work.

I should not linger as my reason for being here is to see if I can retrieve examples of the spreadsheets/databases I created last year to hopefully get RPL for that part of the Use Information Technology unit in the library services course.

I may have mentioned the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Assessor's workshop that I have attended. If my CV is accepted for that I may get some assessing jobs next year. That and some relieving work at the library if I can ever get *that* CV finished I am hoping will fill any gaps between our needs and the combined contribution of parenting payment and child support, as well as generally keeping my hand in for that time when that support will cease.

Now, Cricket and Fish are watching a Land of Dinosaurs video. Cricket had been hoping to watch cricket, expecting it would be televised today but apparently it is not. Fish made a book yesterday (I wish I could scan it for our blog) and is planning more.

Fish swims on Friday with the homeschooling sports group. Cricket's age group had ten pin bowling this term, and next year he can take up lawn bowls, table tennis and basketball if he would like. Which reminds me, on our way home we shall stop at Margie's to make phone inquiries into badminton (which we all miss) and cricket teams.

Now I must go and have a cup of tea - I bought some beetroot dip to try today and I'm fairly sure I'm not enjoying the taste of horseradish!

I love receiving email from each of you. I really hate resorting to a bulk message myself but I hope you will forgive this as a temporary desperate measure until I am again online at home.

Thursday, November 04, 2004

Personal welcome to gmail

I wrote to Pen (who I was looking forward to seeing at nvc practice)...

I am feeling a little bereft (the boys are with their dad, and will be with him until Saturday), however I also feel determined to be strong (after a long hard bout of crying last evening) and am now at my second library internet booking, having walked here. I am proud of myself for expending time and effort to save money on petrol and by not having a home line. I am hoping that a side effect may be that I become healthier. We shall see.

I feel regret that I have been a bit of a grizzly bear with the boys over recent days, still expecting them to contribute more than they feel inclined. My growling (a tame description of my behaviour) at them does not meet my need for integrity or respect. This enforced absence inclines me to change my behaviour - I hope I can feel the same when they return.

Much as I am enjoying the process of talking about myself, I am aware of limited time to process my email so I'm going to get back to it.

I hope you enjoy gmail. See you Friday.

Saturday, October 23, 2004

Fourth room packed, five to go

I am feeling much relieved to have finally finished boxing up stuff from the "office". I do dread unpacking it at the other end - but then again, part of me hopes for an opportunity to sort through it all again! Is there a word for "one who loves stationery"?

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Moving house

I'm thrilled that an nvc trainer I admire has agreed to be available
to guide me in my nvc development.

How do you overcome worry or anxiety? In the shower, I contemplated
the unmet needs underlying my anxiety. Financial security and safety
seem to be what my fears are about. While I have worst-case backup
plans; and have carefully prepared a budget that should keep us sound,
the options I have for returning to a looser purse are possibilities
only - and all ones that might impose limitations on our choices that
we don't want. Am I spoiled, wanting so much ease?

Packing progress: Back porch packed on schedule. Today: Laundry.

Sunday, October 17, 2004

Just keeping in touch

This shall be an example of what I am going to write, just to keep in the habit of writing, when I don't have anything really WORTH writing!

My fingers and toes are cold, my missing slipper has still not turned up and I am getting through my own computer work as quickly as possible because Fish wants to play.

I feel disappointed that our family finances will not be as extensive as they should be. I am therefore inviting the universe for creative solutions to those things we desire that are more than we need: how can we each have our own computer? How can we have unlimited broadband internet access?

I'm being hurried up, so off I go to mow, and pack.

Thursday, October 14, 2004