Sunday, September 26

Time

Has been a while since last post.

My mood has been very good the last week. I think this is due to the fact that the weather is on the improve and that I feel stable in my life. Marriage is a give-take scenario. As long as it is all not 'take' it can only get better. Some days Ang does more and others I do. I have the monopoly on dishes / washing duties. I see those 2 chores as therapy (as sad as that sounds). I can really lose myself in the repetitiveness and go elsewhere upstairs. I don't know what it is about simple "put the square block in the square hole" jobs/tasks that I love. Maybe it's because I can forget about my worries/stressors/life and get some "Ben" time. By that I mean no distractions, no outside input. Looking after the kids by myself is sorta like that. I am in charge (to a major degree). I do like to be in charge but I also love to follow another persons lead at times. Gets back to the whole "give/take" situation.

Currently I'd rate our marriage as a 6.5/10 on the grand scale of things. Pretty good, could be worse and some room for improvement. The kids are the major stumbling block. Jess is a terror at times and Ava is just going into that whole being able to express herself vocally - so we will have to watch out. The terrible two's is an amazing stage of life and it has been a pleasure/nightmare to experience it all.

We are now 26.2 weeks pregnant. Still haven't pencilled in a name for gods sake. I like either Siobhan or Cora. Ang I think is trying to get me to decide. Eh..

I really love my anniversary present. We are out there each night smacking balls around playing 8 ball or Kellys Pool. Have had a few games of 9 ball and Snooker with Jai but he didn't like either.

We have painted both Sarah and Jessica's rooms. Purple and pink. Was fun doing it. Ang did the majority. Part of her pregnancy nesting response.

Tuesday, September 7

Royksopp ft. Robyn

Heard this on JJJ the other week.

Guess it means I'm into techno/synth/pop depressive music.

Emo anyone ??

Mood Graph (400+ days)

Tuesday, August 31

No More Car Trips

Decided to go away to see my parents new house near Ballarat (Creswick) and then onto Pops' at Wycheproof last weekend. Took Sarah and Jessica away with me.

Lovely 3.5 hour drive to Creswick on Friday night (only got lost twice near Ballarat). Nice house, big lot of land and huge garage. Both girls traveled well. Sarah was very chirpy and at times annoying.

Moved on to Pops' via St.Arnaud on the Saturday. 2 hour drive. Girls were fine. He's doing well but really starting to feel his age (101). I don't know how 70/80/90 or 100 feel different - but I suppose Pop does. He still has his marbles and talking to him is like stepping back in time. Jess loves Poppy and really enjoys his company. Sarah was a bit of a spaz at times and really wasn't interacting at all. The constant yelling at Jess and then Jess screaming at Sarah was starting to get to me. Left early on Sunday morning.


(Sarah and Jess at Lumper Statue - Wycheproof)

6 hour drive back to Gippsland punctuated by stops at Bendigo (lunch - McChuckas), Deer Park (Smack Converters), Hallam (Inlaws) and then home. I dumped them at Ang's parents as they were really starting to drive me bonkers. Fighting over a 5 cent toy, kicking seats, the constant "Cant-keep-still-itis", etc. I left and got 30 minutes to myself at Fountain Gate. The final 90 minute drive was hassle free (thankfully) as my eyes were starting to pop outta my head.

After getting home Ang fed us some dinner and then absconded off to Bingo. Ducky (Ava) went off tap until she got home and Jess then plastered the hallway with stinky vomit (carsick).

Had a good time. Was ultra happy to get out of the car and away from them.....

Thursday, August 19

Things

Quit my shit job 2 weeks ago.

On the last night I worked there I was abused by customers 50% of the time. This due to customers waiting 60 minutes (and in one case 100 minutes) for their food. A drunk native took the gold medal for the night when he called me a "fuckin' white cunt" and told me "this is not you fuckin' country" I came very close to throwing a few cut lunches at him. Adrenalin was pumping like a mothafucker but in the end I didn't because I was thinking about my job. What a waste... should of rammed his food into his face and punched him in the gonads. Got back to the shop and told the owners that I was going home. Didn't clean. Didn't mop. Just got my cash and exited. The following night I called in to say I wasn't coming in as I was heading up to Melbourne. Haven't been back since..... Nor have I even been called.

I have never trusted a fish'n'chip shop run by Asians. Don't know why... probably cause they can't cook greasy foods to save their lives.

Pretty happy to get away from that whole environment to say the least.

On the home front Jaiden and Sarah have been off sailing the high seas with Ang's parents the last week. On a P&O cruise to Noumea. They get back on Sunday. Jess and Ava have been a real fucking handful during this absence of older siblings. Ava caught Conjunctivitis from Daycare. Jess caught an ear, nose & throat infection. They have been ultra nightmarish overnight. Jess has been in our bed the last 5 nights. Ava won't settle at all.

Sleep... We're both due for some soon.
Won't happen for another 2-3 years or so until Bubs-to-Be is at least 18 months or so old. Strikes and gutters, onto the next frame....

We took Jess to see a Dora Live concert at Warragul yesterday. Was OK. She enjoyed it at least. A few hot mumma's about but I kept the eyes pretty much straight ahead.

I applied for a TAFE course today. Certificate IV in Mental Health. I think that's my field. Pretty much have a lifetime of experience BEING a psych patient. At least I think I can help a few people out that need it. And I think the whole psychiatric field of employment will be booming for the rest of my life as young and old wannabee's will continue to pop/inject/inhale whatever they can afford. Sad but true...

Smile. Today is over. Now onto tomorrow...

Friday, August 6

Mt.St Gwinear 2010

Took Sarah and Jess to the snow on Wednesday. There was about 20cms up there but it was very compacted and icy. Hired a toboggan for an hour or so. Had to leave when Jess cracked the sads after a bad spill going down the run with Sarah. I was up the top quietly chuckling to myself afterwards.

It put Sarah in a great mood for 2 days. She didn't shut up on the way there or on the way home.

Boy or Girl ?

Find out today (in under 2 hours) if we're having a boy or a girl at Xmas time.

Ang has plonked all her money on a boy. She has been sick nearly every morning since conception. I'm hoping for a boy too. But don't get me wrong, I would love another daughter.

This is our last child. If it is a successful pregnancy I'll be having the snip early 2011.

More Arcade Fire

Thursday, July 29

Musings

Yeh.

Last 2 nights has seen me sleeping on the couch with Ava. She is a bit unsettled during the nights and it is the easiest and quickest way to get some sleep by just grabbing her and plonking your ass on the couch for the night. At least Ang gets some quality shut-eye. Ava did sleep through the whole night twice last week and so far once this week. Hopefully she is turning a corner for the night. Please...

I was shitty as all fuck yesterday morning. Of course it was typically something so obscure and small that did my nut in (Ang taking forever and not being able to make a decision). To clear my head I went to the TAB, slapped $50 on a nag, got up, collected my profits and turned on my tail feeling much the better. If I do have a bet - I just back the favourite. No point reading the boards, studying form, etc etc. Yeah the professional punter can (maybe) make a living at the TAB but not some no brained donation freak like me. Smart money is on the fav - I'll stick with that. Has worked the last 14 days (I'm about $60 in front from 4 bets). And doing a George Costanza (leaving on a high note) to boot. Get a winner and get outta there. If I don't get a winner in 2 races - walk away. Money is tight so I'm not going to be collecting thick wads of cash.

Jaiden went for his learners yesterday. We bought him the book but he never studied it and thought he could wing it by just doing the online test at home. Wrong. Fail. He is going to sit again soon. Young people - they know it all.

Ang's phonecall with Paige last night didn't go to well. She was a wreak for a an hour or so until she had a chat with me. I told her - it doesn't hurt if you don't care. But that is all well and good for me. Ang carried her, nurtured her, raised her and all the rest. Paige basically stabbed her in the back and went to live with her father. When Paige is older it will really hit home. I see a cadre of psychological care for her down the road. But I might be mistaken. Never know.

Other than that things are going well. Can't really complain.

Saturday, July 24

Things

Has been a busy week or so.

Decided on Tuesday that I wanted to go back to my old job. Rang up the old boss and asked if I could come back. Woke up Wednesday and knew I had made the wrong decision. Went into my current employer and told him what I had did. He wasn't happy. Told him that I had a bad day and made a hasty crap decision based on said bad day. He's OK about it now. The one thing I told him - at least I am honest about what I did.

Went and saw my pdoc on Thursday. I wasn't in a good mood at all. We had a great session - discussing my own problems and his own. I like Danny because I feel that we help each other. He has an ASD as well. His child died from cot death which prompted him to become a psychologist. He even praised me "I'm in awe of you" - which sorta took me by surprise. Whenever I go there in a bad mood I come out feeling heaps better. And vice versa normally.

Haven't called Byron in over 2 months. A bit scared now that if I get back in contact that it will throw the sidchrome set into the works at his end and mine. Very complicated situation indeed. Damned if I do and damned if I don't. Especially hard when he lives 5 hours away and I have a young family at home and wife is 17 weeks pregnant.

My random act of kindness this week was taking in a McD's happy meal to Sarah at lunchtime. Put her on cloud 9 for the day. My mother did the same for me when I was in primary school. Good memory. Just trying to replicate that with Sarah.

The monkeys in the house keep swinging from the branches. Big Daddy Ape just needs to swing in the branches with them at times and be ready to catch them when they fall.

Friday, July 16

Chest pains revealed no abnormalities in the blood work. GP (who I thought had as much compassion as Hitler on a bender) said it was probably just indigestion.

Got the new Camira on the road on Monday. RWC and rego'ed for $300 without any hassles whatsoever. The mechanic (A friend of Graeme's) was ultra impressed with how good nick it is in. VicRoads inspection was check engine numbers and walk around the car. So all up it has cost me 700 quid to have a vehicle with 6 months rego. Not too bad. Hopefully I get over 70,000 kms with it. The amount of money the previous owner spent on maintaining the vehicle was ridiculous. His loss, my gain.

Mood has been pretty stable last week. Not high, not low. Bit of a Special K at the moment.

Work is busy. Has been OK I guess.

Kids at home have been a bit full on. They are now at daycare an extra day (Friday's). Ava threw up all over me this morning at 3am (fun) and then we slept on the couch until 6am when Jess woke us up demanding I make her a bottle. Nice.

I am a little bit fucked to say the least....

Sunday, July 11

Thursday, July 8

Meh + Bo = Sna !

Had to take Jess to a skin specialist yesterday at Warragul. Turns out her spots are called Molluscum Contagiosum. She's had them for over 6 months now. Look like warts. They cover the back of her legs and her back. She has never seemed that bothered by them. A simple ointment will eventually clear it up. Otherwise she'll need them burnt off - that will be a nightmare because when we went in to see the doc Jess hid underneath a chair and then lay on the ground with her blanket covering her.

I've been having some chest pains the last week. Have been to the qwack and am awaiting blood results on Friday. Nothing too serious but I would like NOT to have a heart attack, thank you very muchly.

We knocked down the woodshed 2 days ago. Gonna build something for Jai so he has privacy and we gain an extra room.

My moods have been a bit sedate the last 5 days. Guess messing with my meds has Iggle Piggled it all. I'm not yet fishing from the roof, good sign. Just feel a bit detached and devoid of emotion. I'd rather that than jumping down everyone's throat. It seems little things set me off the most.

Tuesday, July 6

Monday, July 5

Trippy pic


(Looking west towards Yallourn North Power Station - 15 kms away)

Thursday, July 1

Happenings

Decided on the spot on Sunday to go to my parents house on Sunday. We stayed overnight. Kids were a nightmare. My parents seemed inconvenienced that we visited. To me it came across that we disturbed them from packing up (moving to Creswick in just over a month). We had Chinese (not as good as it used to be) and Ang and my Mother went to Bingo. I had the monsters for the night. Ava slept through the night but Jess was a freaking disaster. It was very cold though. We drove back the next day. Won't be doing that again anytime soon.

My parents are a bit of a disappointment to me. My older brother gets 3 days/nights a week with my Mother living down the road from him. He lives in Wycheproof (3 hours north of Melbourne). She is supposed to look after my 101 year old Pop. The guts of it is - he gets it all, we get a 3 hour monthly visit. He is a school teacher. His wife is a School Principal. They have a rental in inner Melbourne (Yarraville). Now tell me - how much $$$ are they on ? I'd say well over 100 K a year. I know I know, bit of sour grapes from my part, poor middle child syndrome.

I fuckin' hate it though. My family and kids miss out because I don't have rainbows blooming from my arse. My younger brother even had it better than me up until a few months ago. He could smoke dope in their house without fear of being booted out. Me and him got an ultimatum from our mother 7 years ago. We broke the rules, I left and never returned, he continued to do whatever the fuck he liked. Yeah - sour grapes again.

I all can say is that I'm not going to be jumping through hoops when they get older, more crinkley and infirm. My Pop always tells me not to worry about it and that everyone gets what is coming to them in the end. He laughs when I tell him my woes and says "Don't worry son, they'll be old one day". Yeah - good advice.

I'm up early today (4AM) because of bad dreams (happening of late) and an unsettled stomach which is due to last nights pizza. Work is becoming more of a hostile environment. One of the owners is a Nazi. And I think that's being unfair to Nazi's. Time to be getting myself a daytime job. I think 3 years of working nights is enough.


(Looking East towards Loy Yang Power Station - 25 kms away)

Thursday, June 24

Sunday

Had a very interesting day.

Got a sleep in till 7am (Hasn't happened in a while) - FTW
Thought leaking coolant problem in Leaky the Camira was fixed - FTW.

Getting a Canary on Leaky the Camira for having a dull number plate and 1 baldish tire - F$#!. Leaky the Camira then blowing a head gasket on Sunday night at work - Double F#@!!!

Mixed day indeed.

Bought another fuckin' Camira on Tuesday from eBay for $398. Later model (88) so hopefully it goes for longer than 6 months. I'd be happy with that. Needs a RWC and then to be registered. My friendly backyard mechanic thinks it looks OK on first inspection. Fine comb still to come.

I've gotta think up a name for it. It's Gold coloured so I'm liking GoldDust, GoldFrapp, GoldFinger, Bond, etc etc. Not sure yet.

We had to fork out $300 today to get the Ford Exploder some new ball joints installed. And I've been driving it for work the last 2 nights. I don't like it that much personally as I'm over 6ft tall and have some weight issues likened to a habitual seal eating walrus.

Apart from that things are looking somewhat more pleasant than what it did a few weeks back.

Thursday, June 17

Mood Up

Has been a good couple of days lately. Think it's due to me doubling my meds. I only take a low dose and with the constant sleep torment found that low dose not working as it should be. Since doubling it I have been calmer, more relaxed, sleeping better (due to kids being more settled overnight) and slightly more happy. The other day I said to Ang that I wished that I was dead, that I hated my life and I could happily walk into a State Forest and never come back. Thankfully things have improved.

Been watching the World Cup when I can. Usually see the early game and the last 30 minutes of the late game. The fuckin' horns ruin the viewing spectacle. I'd rather hear foreign chants and curses to the sound of European wasps having sex with Africaan killer bees. Found this good (annoying) website with those fuckin' horns.
Vuvuzela Game - How long can you stand the noise ?
Turn the speakers up and see how long you go. I last 2 seconds and that's it.

On other news Leaky the Camira is on its last legs. I reckon it's going to do a head gasket in the next few weeks/months. I need to get the RWC to VicRoads in early July. I have decided to get another el cheapo car with rego and piss it off. Has been a disasterous money-eater from the day I got it. Fuckin' stoopid cars. Alas, I need one for work. A guy I deliver to wants the Magna in the backyard. I told him last night that he could have it for $200. He'll let me know next week.

Jaiden turned 16 on Tuesday. And Ava turned 1 yesterday. It has been a busy few days. Jai got a few clothes from expensive Surf shop and some coin. Ava got crap that is useless. I think she was more impressed with the wrapping paper.

Life, I think, has turned a corner for now. I just need to stop the mood swings. Although they don't linger like a smelly carpet (ie. Leaky the Camira) they are still a annoyance to myself and more importantly my immediate family. Hopefully the self induced med change helps.

Monday, June 14

Children under 3

Two words can sum it up = Pleasant Nightmare

Ava is a real fuckin' handful of late. She is going through the whole attachment-detachment phase of life. If you leave the room = tears. It is very annoying and stressful. You just can't seem to catch 5 minutes to yourself.

Jess is a tornado of destruction. Her batteries never die. I decided that I don't like this stage of her development.

Glad I have tonight off. Have worked 48/56 nights. I can see a holiday around the corner. Even if it's camping out in the backyard.

I shit you not !

Friday, June 11

Stress

Another 430am morning wake up. Jess beside the bed asking for her teddies and Dora. She then woke Ava by running through her bedroom. Bonus !

What are your stress levels like ? What are your main causes of stress ?

For me it's many things. Waking up before the sun is even likely to crest the horizon does not help. Being sleep deprived is a hard thing to catch back up on. Personally for me this has been going on since Jessica was about 6/7 months old. She was sleeping in our bed every night for over 12 months. So the backlog of lost sleep is a major concern. I'd take a 1 hour quality nap over 6-7 hours of broken fucked up shut-eye any day. It's something that you can never regain. I liken it to starting a car with a flat battery. And sooner or later (hopefully never in my case) it's all going to go pear shaped. I'm sure secret bunker type studies have been completed in this area. Currently it's a major force of torture in Gitmo. Yeah that's right - it's used as a weapon of war. For fucks sake. Guantanamo Bay would be like a holiday to Disneyworld for me. It is currently 70% of my main problems with my life. Can't see an end to it as well for at least another 3/4 years as Angela is 11 weeks pregnant with our LAST child together. We put our order in for a good baby - bit like buying a Powerball ticket hoping to win 1st division. Never gonna happen but you hope in the dark recesses of your brain that it does.

Another cause of stress to me is money. Not that we don't have any. Just the way it is spread out over things. I'm a tight ass. Have always been a good saver even when I had barely an income. I live on nothing - can go days without eating. I understand we have kids and their needs must be met. Just wish we could keep to a stringent budget come payday. I feel guilty when I spend $1 on myself. I'm sure Angela is the same. But our kids don't go without. We are both totally selfless. Even if we had decent coin - I think it would just cause MORE problems. We could tighten our belts in some areas (gambling, unnecessary spending) but some staples we can't go without. Having 2 in nappies doesn't help. Soon to be 3 later this year. Luckily Jessica is nearly toilet trained. FTW !

Another cause of stress is Sarah. She has ADHD. We liken it to having 3 kids under the age of 5 not 2. I met Sarah for the first time after she had just turned 4. In my opinion she was easier to 'handle' back then. I guess with time her illness is really starting to show it's true self. She is a lost cause in the mornings. Doesn't listen to any things that we tell her to do (unless we hand over $$$ to do it). I aint gonna be doing that. We have to take the easy and the hard roads with her at the same time. It is very confusing. On one hand you have to constantly bite your tongue as she spins around on the floor when told to do something and then on the other hand try and give her extra attention and praise so she comes out of her shell. Throw in her father and the dramas that have gone on in that situation - who can gauge what effect that has had on her in her whole enitre life. He wanted Angela to abort Sarah in utero. Dropped her on her head a few times. Etc etc. Then again I never saw all the negatives in her life. I hear it second hand from Ang, Jaiden and others. I believe all of it though. And the sad thing is that Sarah will not get better for many years to come. We just can't spend the time with her - not with the 2 little ones demanding all our attention. Catch 22 situation. Damned if we and damned if we don't.

I could go on for years on how my life sucks at the moment. But it is just specks in the ocean that makes my life suck at times. If I look at the whole picture - I am so happy to have a loving, caring wife, great kids, a house (mortgaged), a job (shitty) and that I am not in the Nut House.

Pro's - I'm alive.
Con's - I'll die one day.

Thursday, June 10

Birthday

I turned 33 today.

Early bday present was waking to Ava at 2am (burp) and then again at 2.30am in which I went and slept on the couch with her until she woke up at 4.30am. Then got a lovely nappy from her at 6am. Bonus !!

What does a birthday mean to an adult ? Jack shit. Thats what.

I told Ang not to get me anything/much. Don't think she listened. I bought myself the TV series Weeds season 1 and 2 bags of lollies the other day for her to wrap and give to me from the kids. I have an inkling she got me a Super Cheap Auto voucher. I know Jaiden got me something out of his own money. The SCA voucher will come in handy as my car, Leaky, needs things all the time. Im expecting a call (maybe?) from my Mum later in the day. My 2 brothers won't do jack as we are not close at all. My Dad is probably buried somewhere in the garage fixing motorbikes/sidecars.

10 years ago I sat in total darkness for an hour just before my actual birth time. That was due to being more out there than Prot from the movie K-Pax. My most memorable birthday would have to be my 18th. Not for any wild parties I celebrated. My older brother took me fishing down in Ocean Grove (past Geelong) with a friend for the day. It is a great early memory. My parents took me to Taco Bill in Sandringham for my 21st (I was with Kylie at the time). I remember my older brother getting me a gram of dope for a present. I celebrated my 27th birthday in the USA. Got a ticket to a Phillies game (which was later washed out) for a present. I remember my 16th birthday as my dad told me "sweet 16 - never been kissed". Dickhead.

It's just another day in the wheel of life. I don't remember waking before 5am for any birthday though. Hope I have a good day. Seeing Danny at 1pm for my monthly psych check-up. Already put a load of washing on and will shortly do the dishes (as they're stacked higher than the Empire State Building).

Can't wait to be told that I smell like a monkey and I look like one too.

Monday, June 7

Week

Up 2 steps - Down 1 step.

That about sums up the week just gone. Being a front line parent has it's moments. Dizzying lows that seem to last a whole fucking lifetime. Yet some really high points that although don't last long enough make it all worthwhile.

I've been spending a lot of time with Ava. She is on the cusp of walking all the time. Already taken her 1st steps but at the moment can walk around the whole house with support (chairs, walls, etc). She even bit me today. Playful nip that she thought was hilarious. Of course I reacted to it - so she'll continue to bite from now on. Just a stage they go through.

Jessica has been a bit of a nightmare of late. Very moody (just like me). She clashes something awful with Sarah. Yet at times they play very nicely together.

It's nice having Monday off. I cooked a nice Bolognaise for dinner. I miss sitting down for dinner with the family. It suxs not being here for that. Gotta keep the moolah coming in otherwise it's highway time for us all.

Work is OK.

Home life is arduous at times. Doesn't help waking before the Sun is up 6 out of 7 days. If I didn't like it - I wouldn't be here. It's an inconvenience for sure. But not a life or death situation.

Meh.

Children Collide - Jelly Legs

Tuesday, June 1

Wearing thin

Don't know how I am still operating normally.

Jess and Ava are wearing me down like I'm a tissue that's been blown into once too often. Woke up this morning at 330am to screaming from both the little ones and Ang yelling and cursing at them both. I got up and steadied the ship. Managed to get Ava back to sleep after 40 minutes and Jess fell asleep watching TV (coughing). They are so demanding - need every last scrap of my persona.

My Mum came down on Sunday. Jess summed it all up nicely "I don't like this Nanna". Couldn't agree more with that simple statement. Token visits are just that. I'd rather she visibly didn't give two rats about us. She couldn't wait to get back to her little boy and little girl (brothers kids). My parents never (and still don't) supported me with the whole Kylie-Byron mind fuck. That is still bitter within me. Been over 10 years and I'd like nothing more than to smack my fist in their heads for their lack of support. It now continues with Jess and Ava. Well - at least they are consistent. If only my kids names started with X or G....

I liken the last 3 months (especially) to being in a warzone. Sleep is near non-existent. Stress levels through the roof. Shell shock, PTSD - yeah I'll have a bit of each.

Was Byron's birthday last Friday (turned 11). I called him up and spoke to him for 10 minutes. He seems to have calmed down a little but I can't gauge this until I see him face to face. Talked to Kylie who was pretty drunk and she told me he has calmed down over the last month. Baby steps. Day by day type of thing.

Work is just that - work. If I didn't have to do it I wouldn't. Alas, I don't see any winning tattslotto tickets in my neck of the woods. Or a 200K quaddie. Boo hoo...

Saturday, May 22

Update

Getting up at 4.30AM does not help ones mood or well being. Sadly this is my lot today.

Got an abusive email from my younger (and at the moment loopy) younger brother during the week. According to him I owe him money and he is leaving the family circle. He has been a fruitcake the last 10 years or so. We were given an ultimatum from our parents back in 2002/03. I took the hint and have moved forward. He didn't and is still in the same predicament now as back then. Partly due to my parents lack of putting the foot down / boot in his arse. If you're soft people take advantage - especially in families.

I picked 5 winners in a row last week. But sadly for me money was tight and I only had $2.50 EW on themm all. A $10 all-up bet would of netted me around $10,000. I have never picked 5 winners straight so looks like I'm still carrying my swag for another week. Would like to have a go today - but would rather keep some $$$ in my skyrocket for the upcoming 'car repair' week.

We got 4 new tyres on the Ford Exploder Friday. With a wheel alignment it ended up costing $701. Just paid the credit card off the day before. Pretty ironic that it was only paid off for under 24 hours.

We have a tree in the backyard that has split near to the bottom. Have 3 quotes ranging from $150-$500 to remove it. With the lawnmower currently on the fritz the backyard looks like something from 'Nam.

Byron's birthday next week. Have bought him something small and will stash $20 in a card for him. Haven't called him for 2 weeks. Each time I talk to him it gets me in a foul sorta mood. Poor kid - it's not his fault. I'll never be as close to him as I am to my own kids. There is a lack of bond between us. Whilst looking for birthday cards there was a 'Son' or 'Humorous' section. I didn't even hesitate as I got him something from the latter. All I can hope for between us is a good friend/bad uncle type relationship. Is it really worth it ??

Work keeps me busy in the evenings. 6 nights a week gets a bit too much at times. But we need the money so will stick at it for however god knows long.

We went to the Melbourne Zoo on Monday. My Dad came along. We had a good time

Sunday, May 16

Friday, May 14

Giffy lube

Found a new awesome-0 website.


Here's a few tasty compilations...

Week

Had a session with my psychologist Danny Blackford yesterday. Went rather well. Gave me a few great ideas to help Angela with everything. Found out that her Crohn's Disease is further exacerbated by getting upset/angry. It won't even be me biting my tongue about stuff, it is completely relearning my response to stimulus. Will be hard. Seeing him next on my birthday.

I went up to Sale yesterday to look at a motorbike. 1986 GSX750. It wasn't that good.

Had a pretty calm weekend last week. Work has been busier than usual. We fixed the Camira on Monday and it is running pretty smoothly now. Just needs a grommet popped back down underneath the car (fix wet carpets) and a minor tweak with the timing.

Jess has been out of control of late. I'm teaching her to "take a deep breath" whenever she goes off the deep end. So far it hasn't really worked - but I'll keep trying. Daycare didn't ring us up yesterday to pick up Ava so that was a bonus. I told them in the morning to "not call us" if she has a bad nappy. She is teething at the moment and that is fun. 2-3 baths a day to combat shit up to the eyeballs. She might as well not be wearing a nappy for the good it does.

Friday, May 7


(Sunrise over Morwell)

Everyone in the house (barring me) has been struck down with the dreaded Gastro bug. Pretty bad. More problems with the Camira. Thinks it's Jessica Watsons yacht with the amount of water underneath the carpets on the whole left hand side of the car. Popped a radiator hose the other day as well. Still going - so that's a positive.

Talked to Byron last night. He seems like he's still up to no good. Getting bullied he reckons. He told me why (he popped a 17yo's lilo at the pools and got threatened with "I'll pop your lungs!") so I don't think there's anything to it. He has major attitude problems. Reminds me of one of my old primary shcool classmates - Adrian Cian. We called him Poc. He was always getting into trouble and no-one liked him much.

Sunday, May 2

RoadKill Sunday


Kangaroo (Northern Territory - Oz)


Deer (USA presumably)


Kangaroo (New South Wales - Oz)

New Car / Week

Picked up the new (old) car. Made it home in one piece. Since then it has had a few niggles. Using too much coolant. Might have a leak somewhere or a crack/split in a hose. Starter motor is on it's way out. Air conditioner belt is about to fail as well. Hoping it's that and not the power steering/alternator belt. Should be around $250 to fix all those shenanigans. It's a nice little bus. Has no power whatsoever but I'm not trying to be Peter Brock. Ang tells me to get a real job, get a motorbike and be done with cars/delivery jobs. I like that idea !

Andrew was/still is off guts. He blames Dad for breaking his new car. Has grandiose ideas as to what is wrong with it. I couldn't talk to him when I went up there. He tried starting on me and I just walked away from him. He then told me I was a "fuckin cunt" for taking parts from his car when I was leaving. Charming. He rang me 3 days ago and seemed a little better. Mum called Friday and told me he is still taking a long walk off a short pier. Linh is in total denial that he has a serious mental problem. I talked to her 5 nights ago and had to walk away from the computer as she was really boiling my blood. I think he has given up his full time job. Around and around the circle he goes again. Pretty sad to see.

Work has been ultra quiet this week. Sucks monetarily wise. Friday night I had to leave early as I felt sick as a dog. I have a bronchial infection at the moment. Hoping it's just that and NOT glandular fever. I get Ear Nose and Throat infections all the time (smoking helps !) but this time around I have the muscle aches and hot/cold sweats. My glands hurt as well. Fingers crossed. Taking antibiotics and feel somewhat better.

Paige is down for the weekend. She seems very reserved. Time will only tell what effect all this has had upon her. Sarah is still off with the fairies. She is seeing a specialist this week. She asked this question last night.

SARAH - Mum, Is New Zealand in Australia ?
MUM - (Facepalm)

Tuesday, April 27

Week

Work is going well. Very relaxing and the money is just as good as were I was next door. Have tonight off which is a bonus. Only work between 2-4 hours a night and I'm very happy.

Andrew went troppo over the weekend. He was taken by the walloppers to the local hospital last night for a psych assessment. They let him go (wasn't crazy enough) and he walked away into the night with no shoes on and a white blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Don't know if he made it home. Apparently he had a fair go at Dad (over fixing cars) and got a bit physical. You can't get better until you admit to a problem. His is dope. Change comes from within.

I am picking up the Camira today. Dad fixed it yesterday. Was just the distributor. At the same time I can have a chat about things (he has just come out of a 4 week black mood as well).

We had a family BBQ yesterday. I invited Graeme around as well. He is sorta an "uncle" to the family anyway. Does a shitload for me and I like to rub his back when I can. I am getting along really well with Ang's parents. They are happy, Ang is happy SO I am happy. Aww.

Seriously thinking about shelving my TAB career. Can't afford to lose $50 or so each weekend. Damn fucking donkey ass selections I always choose anyway. Ang got the Sydney Cup winner (Jessicabeel.. hehe) and all I got was 2 placings for the whole weekend. If I do continue to bet I met change tactics and bet "female" (Just on horse names, jockey silks, etc). I reckon I'd do better. Can only try and see.

Apart from that my mood has really improved since leaving the Pizza shop last week. I feel a whole lot better not having to deal with the bullshit next door.

Saturday, April 24

Last few days

Quit my job with Pizza Boys on Thursday. I took the 6 night a week job next door at the Fish'n'Chip shop. Better fit for me as I only do deliveries ($3.50 for each) and get $10 to sweep/mop. Dont have to do these things which I hated next door :
(*) Serve customers
(*) Answer the phone
(*) Cut pizzas
(*) Fold boxes
(*) Wash down trays
(*) Clear tables
(*) Stack fridges
(*) Do dishes
Etc, etc...
It works out being around $300-$350 a week and I'm home by 9.30pm at the latest. The late nights at the Pizza Shop were really starting to knock me about. Especially dealing with the little ones overnight/next day. All good there.

After taking the job I won $50 at Bingo and then driving home my car blew up. Has done a Timing Chain. Got quoted anywhere between $500-$800 to fix. Not fuckin good. Decided that it's not worth fixing right now. I have been using the Ford Explorer the last 2 nights. Bit chewy on the petrol yet I only average about 50-60 kms a night so not much of a difference. It is uncomfortable to drive being 6ft tall yet is savign our bacon right now.

Work has been busy - yet strangely relaxing. The only thing I could say that I don't like is sweeping and mopping up. I sweat like a baboon. Pours off me like a river. Would hate to see myself come Summer.

Ang is off marketing today at Yarragon. Hopefully she has a good day. Fingers crossed.

CSA rang Ang last night and told her that her ex overpaid her child support by $1500. All I need to do now is to get a trifecta today... lol.

When it rains, it fuckin pours....

Wednesday, April 21

Work

Since last Thursday the shop has been absolutely hammered. 4 nights in a row. Don't know what's happening but every night we were short staffed and under the pump.

I work tonight at the F'n'C shop and then 4 nights in a row at the pizza shop.

Looking forward to it yet dreading it at the same time. I had a mini episode on Sunday night (panic attack). Was very close to cracking up yet managed to power through it to come out on the other side a lot stronger. I'm still a little niggly pysch wise but getting better each day.

Traralgon CFA car boot sale (18/4/10)

Ang had a pretty awful weekend selling at Sale and then Traralgon.
Took the kids up to the CFA sale on Sunday. They had fun.





Trip Away

Got back from Wycheproof late last night. Took Jess away with me. She was very good in the car except for about 1 hour either side of Bendigo. She loved spending time with Poppy. He is doing OK but had a minor heart attack last Friday. I'm hoping for the best but fearing the worst for him. Xavier came around for an hour and he was well behaved for a little bit then went really rough when he decided he wanted to play indoor soccer. He went to hit Jess in the head with a ball and I told him "You better not do that because I can throw the ball a lot harder than you". Chris took him home as he cracked the major sads. My mum left at 8AM to look after Grace on Tuesday morning. We popped around there as Jess was doing my nut in and she wanted to stay there but my Mum told her "No, you go back to Pops". Sadly for Jess her name does not belong with an X(avier) or G(race). Starting to really dislike my parents.

We left Pop's at 3pm to go down and see Byron at Wedderburn (40 minutes down the road). Kylie and Andrew (his parents) are very, very close to breaking point with him. His report absolutely sucked (attitude) and they are looking to send him away to a Boy's home as a last resort. I took him to the pub for a game of pool but ended chasing Jess around the Pub as she was right off tap. Byron's attitude towards me sucks donkeys balls as well. Took him to his guitar lesson, threw him $5 and said our goodbyes. Popped in to see Kylie at her work to have a quick chat. She is totally at a loss with Byron. Whatever he is told he does the opposite. He needs to see a psych and to be on meds would be my answer. Kylie and Andrew don't believe in that sadly so I can see that whole situation going pear shaped. Sad.

We drove home the remaining 5 hours in relative peace and quiet. Went through a few thunderstorms which were pretty awesome viewing from the car. We stopped in at Ang's parents for half an hour. Jess loves her Nanna and even put herself to bed upstairs. We finally made it home at 10.30pm.

I don't think I can do that again. Jessica is a real handful. Hopefully she improves.

Wednesday, April 14

Update

We have finished off the Pool fence. Just need to get Graeme to fabricate a metal gate and we're done'ski. Was an enjoyable few hours spent with Graeme banging in over 300 nails and putting it all together.

Ava was struck down for a few days with a pretty nasty throat infection. Seems to get these all the time. Might have to look into getting her tonsils out if it continues.

Jess is a handful. A pleasurable handful - at times. You can hold little conversations with her. Her vocabulary is at about 100 words or so (maybe more).

Sarah has taken 1 step forward 2 steps back this last month. Don't know how much of an effect the whole Paige-Daddy drama has had on her. We're going to book her back in with a child counsellor.

Jaiden is very nasty at times. He bought a BMX/Mountain bike last week at Moe. He then laughed at me as I was trying to put it into the boot of my car. I pointed him in the direction of the train station and told him he could catch it back to Morwell. The way he talks to his Mum and Sarah is downright abysmal. Currently his computer is fa-rooted (virus ridden) and I am waiting for him to ask me to fix it. Hehe..

I have been pretty relaxed the last week. Went off my meds for 3 days which really helped. Back on them now and still feel pretty relaxed. I'm working tonight at the Fish'n'Chip shop. My shifts got changed at the Pizza shop due to one fat bitch who doesn't like me and is tight with the owners. Maybe I shouldn't have spat that green loogie on her car 3 weeks ago.


(Pool fence 10 minutes from finish)

Youtube

After trawling the site for god knows what I came across this :



Pretty awesome and vicious fight between 2 local footy teams.

Wednesday, April 7

Matrix Unveiled

I let Sarah stay up last night and watch the Matrix.

She didn't shut up the whole movie. Ang said that I had endless patience as I tried my best to explain the movie to her and did not yell at her to shut up.

I explained that the Matrix boiled down to a Dream World (where you have magic powers) vs. Real World (where you eat a bowl of snot every night).

One conversation between us...

SARAH - Who's that ?
ME - That's Neo and that's Morpheus.
(30 seconds pass)
SARAH - Who's that ?
ME - That's Neo and that's Morpheus.

Another...
SARAH - He killed him ?
ME - Yeah. He was a bad guy.
SARAH - Who was the bad guy ?
ME - The guy with the gun killing everyone.

One more....
SARAH - What are they eating ?
ME - Basically a bowl of snot.
SARAH - Why are they eating snot ?
ME - 'Cause it's all the growing body needs.
SARAH - Eeewwww !

Was a fun night though...

Tuesday, April 6

Woof Woof

Sarah had a shocking 'blonde' day today. Ditzy, stupid, dumb and dumber.

Here is one conversation between me and her (in car).

ME - I don't think all your dogs are barking today Sarah.
SARAH - What dogs ? I don't have any dogs.
ME - (Facepalm) Jesus Christ !

Some things never change

Has been a busy and exhaustive weekend down here. Ang did markets Friday through to Monday. She ended up making close to $700 which is a bonus. She gave me $200 on Friday (which I still have) but nothing after that. Ended up buying more T-shirts, Bday present for her Dad, Petrol and other scallywag items. Still an extra $200 is good because I'm sauntering down to the bank later today to wipe some off the naughty card.

I had a bet on Saturday and ended $25 in front. Gave it all back on Sunday and then was going to have a bet on Monday yet couldn't get to the TAB as I had the munchkins whilst Ang was up at Glengarry Market. Yep, you guessed it. Would have backed 4-5 winners with my selections. Not that pissed off about it as I rationalized it down to Nappies OR Gambling. I'd rather tip a winner and not have any dollars on it than have money on something that runs like a donkey.

We got Jaiden to look after the kids on Sunday as I was working and Ang went off to Bingo. Major dramas as when I walked in the door at 9:15pm Sarah came up to me and told me that Jaiden was being disgusting. He won't be left in charge ever again !!!

I dropped Jess/Ava off at daycare at 7am this morning. Jess came into our room and told me to "wake up Daddy" whilst she was prying open my eyelids with her fingers. Hehe, not the best way to start the day off. They have been really good. I have a much stronger bond with Ava than I did with Jess at the same age. She is nearly walking. Jess is back to using the potty so thats a bonus too.

Graeme and I have finished off putting in the posts for the pool fence and we are waiting till Thursday to finish the job off. Should make it nice and safe out there. Hard yakka though.

Ang rang Dad yesterday to invite him away camping with us. I told Ang that in no way was I going to talk to him to ask him. He is still in a mood. He told her that he was busy working on bikes in the backyard. He didn't even ask about the girls which I think sucks. He is going to turn out to be the least liked grandparent I reckon. Ava/Jess love Ang's parents. See what happens I guess.

The DSE (supposed to mean Department of Sustainability and Environment - basically manage the land) (Better known amongst the public as the Department of Sparks and Embers - do burn offs on Crown land that turn into raging uncontrollable bushfires) have been doing a lot of controlled burns in our neck of the woods for the last week. Sky is always smoke filled and if I can quote Ralph Wiggum "smells like burning". These fucking bastards don't let Joe public gather roadside wood anymore as it "upsets Nature". Stupid fucking animals will always find another place to live. This law of not being allowed to ga
ther firewood on Crown land attributes greatly to Bushfires in Australia. I'll sum it up with 2 pictures.

Would you rather see this ?


Or this ?

Thursday, April 1

Pool Fence = Hard Yakka


65cms down into the ground = fuck you Mother Earth !!


Likewise.

Week

Paige came down on Sunday. Within 1 hour she wanted to go home. She has a mobile phone and was texting her Dad constantly and he was even calling her a few times. She picked up later in the night thankfully. I went to work on Sunday night at the Fish 'n' Chip shop next to my work. They didn't have anyone for deliveries so I went in for 2.5 hours. They don't pay an hourly rate - just $3.50 per local delivery and $6 for out of towners. I only did 4 local deliveries and then got $10 for sweeping and mopping the floors. They paid me $30 because they felt bad that it was such a bad night and that I wasted my time. They are a Balinese couple with twins. Nice people.

We went off to Moe races (see photos I sent you) on Monday. Everything went well. Jessica got out of hand after 3 races so we decided to pull up stumps and head home. I backed 1 winner and collected $50 which payed for the day. Nice little racecourse and we enjoyed the day. Monday night I went to work and that's when Paige blew up - sobbing, howling and crying for her Daddy. Ang managed to settle her down at 10pm when I came home from work. We took her back to her Dad on Tuesday at Warragul Macca's. I told her in the car that "I don't know you anymore and you're like a complete stranger to me" which is true. We then walked around Warragul for an hour going into all the Oppie shops and getting a bite from the bakery. Ang was a bit of a mess until yesterday because of Paige.


(Me and Ava in the stands @ Moe)

(Moe mounting yard before Race 4. The chick in the jeans, black top and knee high black boots on the lower right was a hot bit o' tang)

Graeme came over and we have started construction on the pool fence. 3 posts are in the ground and have been concreted. only 2 to go. Hard yakka as you have to dig down 70cms pretty much in a 25cm by 25cm hole straight down. Doesn't help when tree roots are everywhere and there is 20cms of hard packed clay/dirt that is like digging through stone. Graeme hurt his back at the dinner table (haha) so I sent him home. He is coming back later today to concrete the other 2 posts then back here on Sunday/Monday to put up the actual fence.

Jaiden worked last night and couldn't get a lift home. Ang had to go up there at midnight to get him. There are 2 female managers that refuse to drive him home. He is talking to the big boss next week to explain that we have little kids at home and that it is too much to come get him at 12am if he does a close. Otherwise he is going to look for somewhere else close to home to work. Sarah is having fun at the grandparents. Was very chirpy yesterday on the phone. Robin rang me up last night because she was crying and wouldn't tell them what was wrong. I told him she needed some TLC to get her to sleep.

Well thats about it for now. The new roster has been done at the Pizza Shop. Still working 4.5 days but not working Tuesday/Wednesday which is good. Only did 5-6 hours for those 2 nights anyway. And no longer working with the Queen Bitch in the kitchen that everyone hates.


(Took this photo 2 nights ago as the sun set in the west from the front yard of our house. Was pretty awesome)

Saturday, March 27

Tuesday, March 23

Code Blue

This is pretty much me at the moment....



Jess / Ava

They have become a real handful.

Especially Jessica. After getting her out of our bed (a 1 year battle) she has been in our room, albeit sleeping on her couch on the floor, for the last month or so. Her mood swings are pretty severe as well. I know they say "terrible two's" but this is fucking beyond the joke !

Ava is crawling around like a dune buggy and gets into everything. She is teething at the moment so is pretty cranky, especially come night time (after midnight). She slept in our bed last night and I had the most awful sleep. I was pushed out of bed and I had to wake Angela up to tell her to move Ava over or I was going to fall on top of Jessica.

Throw in all the shenanigans going on - It's a fucking miracle I'm not in a psych ward or worse.

Religious Zealot

Sunday, March 21

Grand Final debacle

What a shitty way to end the cricket season yesterday.

We lost the toss of the coin and Moe decided to have a bat. They went pretty smoothly for 10 overs without losing a wicket and then within the space of half an hour we had them on the ropes. Great bowling and some pretty crappy shots put us neck deep in the game. I took a catch keeping up to the stumps off a quick bowler and then grabbed a catch down the leg side AND stumped the batter off the same delivery yet both were given Not Out. The umpires were batting for Moe which really sucked ass. We ended up rolling them for 109 yet the job was only half done and we knew it.

Our batting was disgraceful. When I went in the score was at 5-22. I only made 1 before being cheated out. I edged a ball to 3rd slip where it bounced just before a diving fieldsman who then scooped it up and claimed the catch. I couldn't believe it when the square leg umpire gave me out. You could hear the thud as the ball hit the ground before being caught. I sort of went off tap a bit. I don't mind getting out to a bad ball, good ball or whatever. But that was hard to swallow. Especially in the Granny. After that we fell apart and only some lusty hitting from our Captain Coach saw our score reach 58 before we were all out.

After starting the season in October 2009 - Really bad way to end it.

We're going back into A Grade next season so it shall be interesting to see how we fare. I'll continue to play on for a few more seasons. I thought personally that my keeping yesterday was at it's peak performance. Really did a good job.

A lot of people have commented on my keeping this year. One of the reasons is that I have not worn shin pads all year YET still got up to the stumps when our fast bowlers were operating. Every team we have played have sort of been amazed that I could do such a good job and not get hit in the legs.

Friday, March 19

Week

We're playing in the Grand Final tomorrow. Against Moe who have only lost 2 games out of 22. We've played them twice and been beaten narrowly on both occasions. Win or lose it should be a good day. This will be my 6th appearance in a granny over my 22 year career. Have won 4 and lost 1. Haven't been in a final since 2004 so I will savour the moment.

Talked to Byron last night. I wanted to pull the plug on the whole involvement factor but looks like I have to keep making an effort for a while yet. He is still mucking up at school and at home. My ex is at wits ends with him and she told me that he might be sent away if he doesn't pull his socks up soon.

Saw Danny Blackford yesterday as well. It went rather poorly. We got into an argument about parenting and he told me that if he didn't know me he would of told me to "Get the fuck out right now". He isn't helping me anyhow. It comes down to him trying to make me help myself. Told him that I'd never get off meds. He scoffed. Told him that some kids deserve the occasional beating. He didn't like that one bit too. He told me that they are now diagnosing kids as young as 2 with mental illnesses. I laughed wholeheartedly at that. When I was leaving there was another patient waiting to see him. I told him "Hey, you're next victim is waiting". That went down well. I'm thinking of pulling the pin.

Jess is doing our nuts in. She hasn't been using the potty since her bad sickness 3 weeks ago. She has been in our bed nearly every night. She has a lot of tantrums and as she puts it "I'm grumpy". Yeah... very. Crosses the arms and basically turns into a nuclear exclusion zone. Do not enter.

Ava is going really well. Very happy with her :)

Sarah is still getting away with a lot after the Paige debacle. I don't really care because at least she is happy.

Jaiden is off doing work experience at Ang's mums work in Melbourne.

I haven't spoken to Paige in over 4 weeks. Can't report anything. Apparently she is giving her Dad and his partner attitude. Hehe. Good luck with that.....

About sums it up

Sunday, March 14

Barney

Had a big bru-ha-ha Friday night with Ang. Over money (or lack of it). I woke up from an arvo kip on the wrong side of bed and after some egging on I gave it too her.

Not nice Daddy.

Water under the bridge now but with everything that has happened over the last month I had to vent and Ang was readily available.

Cricket yesterday. Was a semi final against Newborough at our home ground. We got the chocolates and now advance to the grand final next weekend. We chased down 135 in relative ease. I didn't get to have a bat.

Work was busy as an Aussie Immigration Centre last night. Flat out till about 10pm. Young kid's car blew up. He is a delivery driver. That made it 5 out the last 6 Saturdays that something has gone wrong for him. I'm taking the next 2 Saturdays off due to cricket commitments.

Never called Byron this week as well. Letting the steam clear from my ears first.

Paige is still a nasty little bitch. House runs better without her here anyway.

Monday, March 8

Byron

Had Byron (biological son) down for the weekend.

Picked him up on Friday at 4pm from Wedderburn which is 5 hours from home. He was fidgety, restless and couldn't pay attention for more than 10 seconds on the way home. Friday night was OK but some cracks were showing when he didn't listen when I told him to get off the computer and go to bed.

Saturday. Spent all day up in Sarah's room playing the PS2. We had a very bad freak autumn storm (next door neighbour said he'd only seen it as bad 3 times in 40 years). We couldn't do much but all he seemed interested in was playing the playstation. I took him to the Fun Shack (Laser Tag and arcade games) in the evening and that's when I really noticed his lack of respect and attitude problems.

I ended up taking him home a few hours earlier then planned as we just couldn't handle him anymore. Didn't see him on Sunday morning until 10am. Told him to get his stuff together and get in the car. We did sort of have a good time for an hour or so when I was telling him a few of my stories. Stopped at Cash Converters (Pawn Shop) and bought 4 Singstar games. Was told "At least you can buy me a memory card !". I was told to buy him nothing buy his parents on the Friday as he was being punished for being a naughty shit at home and at school. So I stuck to those guns.

Bought him McDonalds where he started whinging like a 2 year old when I didn't get him a toy with his meal. He said "if you don't buy me a toy I'll scream". I told him to go right ahead. He didn't. He grabbed his meal off me (no thanks) and stormed off back to the car. He then nearly knocked the automatic transmission into reverse when we were going 110km/h which really shook me up.

To top the weekend off nicely he then called me a "pussy" for not going 200km/h.

I absolutely ripped shreds off him. He covered his ears and started rocking back and forth. This picture came to mind...


When we finally arrived at his house and I related the weekend his parents ripped into him. I joined in and watched him try and lie his way out of trouble. Not good.

He won't be coming back for a while. OR until his attitude changes. Medication is not the answer as his Mum does not believe in them.

He needs at least a dozen pills a day...... Jesus H Christ !!!

Monday, February 15

Attacked from behind = Double Damage

Paige and Sarah didn't come home yesterday. Now living (unofficially) at their Father's.

After much argument yesterday between Angela and Dickwad about pre-arranged pickup at Berwick Market it all blew up. He told Ang that he was going to be late. Ang didn't wait around for them and left. They got into a slanging match via SMS which pretty much ended in him calling her a bad Mum. After much deliberation I decided to arrange to pick them up from Drouin (45 minute drive west of home). When I got there I immediately asked Paige where she wanted to live. I told her that if she wanted to live with her Father that I was going home by myself. Sarah was off with the mad hatter down the rabbit hole so it never really dawned on her the importance of what was going on. Paige broke down and they both were ushered back inside to "talk things over". I waited out the front where all I could hear was Fat Mole (Dickwad's wife) trying to persuade the girls to "make up their minds".

Paige came out and told me that she wanted to live with them. Sarah went from living at both houses, living with Paige and finally settled on living with them. I said a quick goodbye and got back into the car and drove off.

Ang has been a mess since. Feels betrayed, heartbroken, angry and all the surrounding umbrella emotions.

Fuckin' kids.

Sunday, February 14

Uppity Downity

One day up. The next down. Repeat.

Can't seem to stay on a level. Guess it's part and parcel with my illness. I gather the bad/good rocks to me and mash them together to get some sort of daily life.

On a high - cricket yesterday was enjoyable. Exhaustive. The humidity was off the charts and it was a lot worse than playing in 40+ temperatures. We ended up winning by 5 runs against the 4th placed team. Locks in finals for us now. I kept like an old man yet batted well to manage 45. Got caught and bowled with only 5 runs to get. Was fun.

Home life is a bit of a struggle at times. Never seems to be a dull moment around here.

You're a fag



Sunday, February 7

Pet Spider



I have a pet spider outside the back door. Named it Sammy because sex is unknown. I have been feeding it 1-2 flies a day for the last month or so.

I took this video 10 minutes ago after catching another scum fuck who was unfortunate enough to land on me.

Enjoy !!

Thank you...

Popped into the TAB after cricket yesterday. Just for an hour before I headed off to work. Was down to my last 30 bucks and decided to plonk it all on Miss Maren in the last at Caulfield.

Stormed home to grab them 50 metres from the finish and line my pockets with $$$.

Miss Maren brings home some bacon for Daddy

Sunday, January 31

Vaminos Muchachos

Ava has broken out in chicken-pox. There was a note up in day care on Thursday informing parents that there was a case of CP in the Possum (baby) room. She is covered mainly on her upper body. Arms and face especially. She is in good spirits though.

Jess has re-developed her Daddy Daddy complex. Ang can't go to bed if she's in there. She tells her to "go away" and "my bed, my Daddy". She is quite precocious. The terrible two's is a fun stage of development.

We had to have our cat put down on Thursday. Thomas was 14 years old. He was pretty fucked up (not eating or walking). He had a toe removed 4 years ago and we were told that it was a high possibility that it was cancerous. He has been put down in a sunny spot of the garden. Going to get the kids to help me make a cross for the grave.

My Mum had a heart attack 2 weeks ago and didn't know. She went for tests at her local GP on Thursday and ended up being sent straight to Western General Hospital in Footscray. She has been seeing a personal trainer so obviously it took too much out of her. She is in good spirits and according to Dad you wouldn't know that she has had a turn.

The kids go back to school on Monday. Thank the gods !! Sarah has been really good over the period but Paige sort of went troppo the last week. Was a mess - up and down at the drop of a hat. Jaiden has been working his arse off. Has a bit of a bank building up. Has been getting a lot of kudos from his managers. Good.

Awesomeness

Saturday, January 23

Jingle Berries

Has been a hectic week or so.

Paige and Sarah haven't been here for over a week. The house is a lot quiter and peaceful without them here yet very quiet at times. I don't know what is better. Apparently their Dad bought Paige a $70 ALF doll but Sarah didn't get a brass razoo. This has been the case for many a year now. Paige gets spoiled rotten and Sarah misses out. They're coming home tomorrow.

I called Byron yesterday. Looks like I'll need a 2nd job just to keep seeing him. He thinks I am his own ATM. Not going down this road. Petrol costs, day costs and time away from the family will make this a challenge in the future. I am NOT going to turn out like dickhead (girls Dad) and try and buy some love. Can't be bought.

Jaiden has lived in his room all holidays. Has forgotten work at times and turned up when he wasn't supposed to be working. Apparently taking me to see a movie is supposed to pay for running him around like I'm a taxi driver. He thinks I didn't appreciate it (even though I said thanks 100 times). It costs me roughly $5 each time I take him to work. And another $5 if I pick him up. I have been dropping this hint for the last week but am yet to see any compensation. He is working tonight and finishes at 11pm. I finish at midnight. Guess he'll be picking daises off the lawn for an hour while he waits for me. Bad luck.

Ang is off marketing at Yarragon today. Doing Dandenong tomorrow. Staying overnight at her parents with the little ones. Good nights sleep awaits. And most probably a sleep in to boot.

Playing cricket today at home against Thorpdale. This wil be my last year behind the stumps. As each game passes me by my legs (especially my knees) are starting to feel their age. I enjoy keeping but I'm not a spring chicken any longer. With the move to A Grade on the cards for next season I'm going to have to just bat in the 1sts OR bat/bowl and get more of a go in the 2nd XI. That looks a more viable option.

Monday, January 18

Weekend

Called Byron on Thursday. Just saying hello and organising for next visit (late Jan).

We played cricket @ Moe on Saturday. Semi hot day (mid 30's) really hurt me. We fielded first and by the last 7 overs I wasn't even crouching down when keeping. My right knee was hurting and I was dry as a Nuns nasty. Quite happy when they were bowled out for 199. I downed 2 litres of wet stuff (couldn't call it water as it had a yellow tinge). I fell asleep next to my car for an hour while we batted. Felt like shit and was probably suffering from heat stroke. I batted at no.9 (usually bat 6/7) and was the last wicket to fall. Made 9 and the team ended up losing by 32 runs. Was the top of the table clash (1st v 2nd). We have now dropped to 3rd spot on the ladder with 6 games left before finals.

Took Saturday night off as I was that faa-rooted.

Took Ava to the hospital at 3AM Sunday morning as she was howling in pain. Doctor seen was an arse clown. She is most probably teething and has all the shenanigans that go along with it (very irritable).

Ang's market days were crappy. Didnt do well at Sale then only broke even at Morwell.

Yes Prime Minister


Saw this episode last night. This conversation between the PM and his chief Civil Servant is a classic. I had a giggle. British comedy at it's best

Saturday, January 16

Thursday, January 14

Mood Chart (6 months)


Things are going well of late.

Saturday, January 9

Melons

Wycheproof/Bendigo

Saw Pop on Thursday. Nice 5.5 hour drive to get up there. He was full of old time stories.

I asked if people were different 80 years ago. He said yes because you couldn't trust anyone during the great depression BUT folk in the country were top notch. He left home at age 14 and carried his swag for about 10 years working in country Victoria or up in NSW. He worked as a shearer, cattle drover or just asking for odd jobs around farmsteads. He used to get around by hitching a ride in the odd passing wagon, had a horse for a few years and a bicycle (which he laughed at). Told me of his first job when he was 13 (1921) he worked in an engraving shop. He was told to show something to the boss, he walked in without knocking at the door and caught the boss and his secretary shagging on the table. He was paid his weekly wage and told to "get out and don't come back".

I always enjoy Pop's company. He aint going to be around for ever. 101 is a long innings at the crease.

Spent the day with Byron on Friday. Picked him up at 10AM and went to tenpin bowling in Bendigo. He'd never been so it was enjoyable watching him enjoy himself. I actually broke my all time record by bowling a 212. We then had some Hungry Jacks for lunch and ventured into the shoping mall area. I let Byron spend $20 in Toyworld. He wanted to go to EB Games as well. He hasn't changed all that much since I saw him last. I took him to Lansell Plaza and he bought a $20 PS2 game and then I took him home. It was about 38 deg C (102 F) - just too damn hot to do anything. Dropped him off at 3.30pm ans then drove the 5 hour trip back to Morwell. Grabbed some yummy Chinese food from the suburb where I grew up in (Sunshine). Was very glad to see home. Basically fell asleep within 30 minutes of getting home.

Another scorcher today at cricket. High 30's Sunday then low 40's on Monday. Oh how I hate Summer !

Thursday, January 7

Seeing Byron

Off to Wycheproof today. 5.5 hour drive there. Will stay overnight at Pop's and then head back down to Wedderburn to pick up Byron @ 10am. Have decided to take him TenPin bowling in Bendigo and maybe walk around town / grab something to eat. Then take him home and drive back home (5 hours) late Friday. Could arrive home close to midnight.