Midweek Update

Went and saw Avatar on Monday in 3D with Jaiden. Apart from the fact that my arse fell asleep 2 hours in (with trailers movie went for 3 hours) it was an awesome experience. I am never going to see another movie in 2D. I haven't been to the flicks since I went and saw Hancock 12-18 months ago. I would go see Avatar again. Just a total visual orgasm in 3D.

Been working last 2 nights. 10 hours so far. Was a fun night last night. We were all having a slap-and-giggle night.

The girls have gone off to their Dads for 2 nights and then onto Ang's parents for the whole of next week. Peace and quiet. But Paige is a great help with Jess and Ava so that will be missed. Ang cleaned Sarah's room again last night. She lives worse than a pig. When I go in her room I just walk on all the crap on the floor. Jess has fun with texta's/makeup/stamps and drawing on their walls.

My mum surprised us with a visit yesterday. She took the girls to Cranbourne on her way home.

Xmas Period

Cricket finished up for 2009 last week. We played Morwell away @ Keegan St. I assumed we were on the turf but alas we played on their synthetic wicket. Didn't help me as I hadn't brought my white runners and had to play the whole game in my brown (very comfy) loafers. We bowled them out for 151 (some old fat dude slapped 61 in quickfire time) and at one stage had them 5-41. We got the run with 5 wickets in hand with Jez and myself steering the side home. He made a patient 57 and I batted 'old style' (patiently) for 29. Good win for the team. We sit 2nd on the ladder at the halfway mark and are nicely poised for a run at the finals.

I headed up to Berwick last Sunday to see/help Ang out at the Market. Made around $500 for the day which was excellent. She is up there again today. I am at home looking after the billy lids.

Xmas day was pretty good. Ang's parents and Graeme came over. Nice food. Good company. Good day. Glad it's over though. It's all for the kids these days. Doesn't mean what it used to. Just doesn't feel the same without a proper Pine tree. I've always associated Xmas with the smell of the tree.

I sent my son, Byron a package. He must've got it Thusday as he called on Xmas day. Had a 10 minute chat. He wants me to spend a day with him over the Summer holiday period. Will try and package it with a visit to Pop at Wycheproof. Byron lives 40 minutes down the road. Will take Jess as well. The phone call was really out of the blue. Awkward but very satisfying. He is doing well which is great.

Saturday Fail (On Sunday)

Saturday Fail

Classix

Midweek Update

Took the family bowling on Sunday afternoon (minus Jaiden as he was sick).

Turned into a shamozzle with Sarah and Jessica losing all interest after 20 minutes. Ang had to leave early and Paige and myself finished off the 2nd half of the 2nd game. Paige described the outing best.

"It's the thought that counts"

Sarah has really turned into a nasty piece of work the last month or so. Last night we had it out with her about her negative behaviour/attitude around the house. In my eyes she is really going downhill fast. Jaiden and myself have a personal joke that she is trying to see just how deep the rabbit hole goes (ala Alice in Wonderland). She doesn't see her counsellor until early next year. We are basically at a loss with what to do with her. If we followed her doctors advice we would have to give her everything she wanted and let her get away with her shitty behaviour.

Not going to happen. Not on my watch.

Played a 20/20 cricket game last night against Moe. We were bowled out for 61 in the 13th over (I made yet another duck) and at one stage had Moe in trouble at 5/40 before bad bowling saw them to a score of 120. I did manage 2 stumpings but dropped 2 catches. I kept up to the stumps to every bowler so they either stick or they don't. The game was extremely enjoyable though.

Week

Another week.

Sarah got her cast off on Friday. Already complaining that it is sore. If she re-breaks it it'll be 8 weeks in plaster. Knowing her the odds of her breaking it again are very high. She has no sense of her surroundings at times.

Paige fell ill on Thursday. Some fever with a very red throat.

Jaiden finished school on Friday. He worked till 10pm last night when he fell ill with the same thing as Paige had. I had to go pick him up whilst I was still working.

Ang did well at the market yesterday. Today she is at Rosedale - has had an average day by all reports.

I worked 21 hours the week just gone. Picked up 6 hours on Thursday filling in for someone else. I'm taking Tuesday off as we have a 20/20 cricket game against Moe. Working Wednesday and Friday nights so should see some nice kitty next week. We just got over the line yesterday at Yallourn North. We made 71 (I only made 6) and we somehow managed to bowl them out for 64. The wicket was as dodgy as a used car salesman.

Jess and Ava have both been great this week. Ava did recover from severe gastroenteritis midweek. Wasn't a fun few days.

Saturday Fail (On a Sunday)

Saturday Fail (On a Sunday)

Good Vibrations

Have been feeling really good this past week.

A 24 hour bug swept through the house this week. Everyone prayed to the porcelain gods except me - I must have an iron stomach. I haven't thrown up in over 10 years. Bit like Seinfeld's vomit streak - gotta keep it going.

Played cricket yesterday. I made 12 off 5 balls. Hit 3 boundaries and then copped a firecracker that took off and got caught at gully. I hate our home ground. I'm starting to call it the 'Somme" aka WWI battlefield in France. No-one gets out alive. Can't wait to play the next 2 games away from home. Might build some confidence.

Ang is currently off marketing @ Berwick. Is having a good day too. All the little 'uns are up with her so I had a peaceful nights sleep and didn't wake up till 10AM this morning.

Worked the last 2 nights. I was near exhaustion last night. Once the shop closed and we sat down and counted up I nearly fell asleep.

Saturday Fail (on a Sunday)

Rolling stone

As the weeks roll by things hardly seem to change.

Had a good talking to Paige and Sarah during the week. Flushed out a few niggles on my side of the fence.

Jessica has really turned into a little monster at times. Especially when she is in a foul mood. Can't approach her until she comes out of it. Terrible 2's. Ava is a good little baby. Very low maintenance. Full of smiles and giggles.

Jaiden (when we see him) is full of the usual "I know it all" teenager attitude. Had to pick him up at 11.30PM last night. Lovely.

Didn't work many hours this week. Apart from close last night.

We got killed yesterday @ cricket. I made yet another duck. 3rd one for the year. All made at our home ground. In my defence the delivery was a peach. Big leg cutter that took off stump. Even the bowler said it was "one of the best balls he's ever bowled in cricket". The guy made a ton too.

Ang has been marketing 3 days straight. Did really really well on Friday at the girls Primary School Fete. Not so good yesterday at Moe though. Today she is at Morwell Sunday market.

Saturday Fail

SEXY FAIL


BABY FAIL


FAN FAIL

Chewed out

Went and saw Sarah's psychologist on Thursday.

Came away feeling like a failure and a piece of shit parent. After calming down a few hours later I implemented some of the psych's ideas with the kids. Felt a lot calmer (too relaxed in fact) and better for it. We'll see how this goes - 3 days in so far and so far so good.

Sarah broke her wrist last Sunday. She was rollerskating in the vacant lot next door, fell and fractured her right wrist. At first we didn't believe her but got her checked over the next day which confirmed it. She now has cast on for 3 weeks.

I felt absolutely wrecked yesterday. Totally drained. Better today though.

Ang is off marketing at Drouin today and then Berwick tomorrow. We're staying overnight at her parents house. The inlaws are taking Paige, Sarah and Jess off to Werribee Zoo on Sunday so I'm taking Ava across to see my parents. Busy weekend as per usual.

Cricket today at Boolarra. I'm sort of sick of cricket. I cant bat anymore. In fact I pretty much suck. Got hit on the big toe keeping last weekend which hurt like a sonafabitch. Toe is still sore and blue. Not broken though. Just hurts.

Fail

At times we fail as parents too. It's hard yakka this parenting caper.

At a loss

Sarah is starting to become a major concern in the household.

As mentioned before she went off to see a psychologist the other day. Apparently the doctor now wants to see me and Ang together. Her behaviour around the house is a problem. 3 weeks into the new school term - Sarah has been late to school for all but 1 day. We have tried to reward her with a lunch order IF she is at school on time but that seems to have had the opposite effect. Her room is a nuclear disaster zone - I have given up on telling her to clean it.

We are at a loss as to what to do next. Tried many things that have not worked.

Maybe living with her Dad could help ?

Magumbo !

Didn't have a bet on Saturday. Saved $$$ in the end as my 'picks' ran places but no winners. Felt great that I didn't bet to.

Played cricket on Saturday as well. It was muggy / humid and around 31 deg C for most of the day. I don't know what it worse. 40+ degree days with no humidity OR 30 something degree days with high humidity. It really reminded me of my 3 months in the USA over their Summer period. Was never above 35 deg C but the humidity was a killer. I think I prefer hotter/dry days. Onto the cricket action now. We rolled Latrobe for 50 off 19 overs. In the chase we were 4/45 but Duane (Capt Coach) and myself put on 130 for the 5th wicket. He made 76 and I managed 62. We both hit 13 4's - running in the above mentioned weather is not fun so we tried not to. We ended up killing them by 160 runs and are sitting pretty in 2nd spot on the ladder. Was an enjoyable day.

Worked till midnight after cricket. Was a busy busy night. Took a bit out of me and was feeling the effects yesterday.

Apart from that not much happening. Ang has taken Sarah off to see a child psychologist today. She needs something. We just cannot get through to her. Really is lost TOO much in that child imaginary world. I wouldn't like to see her in "Imaginationland". She'd kick my ass big time.

Gambling with $$$

Apparently I have a problem with gambling.

Yes - I haven't picked a winner over the last 5 weeks.
No - I don't bet everyday.
Yes - Probably dropped around $500 over this time period.

It is Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

I have always loved gambling on the horses. Lately I have lost the thrill of the win (cause I haven't picked a winner).
I hate fucking Bingo. We went on Thursday after Ang pestered me for an hour or so.

She goes twice (sometimes 3 times) a week.

Yet I have a gambling problem ??

The thrill for me is raking in $$$ to support my kids / Ang.
I already feel like a piece of shit for losing over the past 5 weeks. Sometimes I want to throw a chair into the wall.
I go quiet when I lose. Don't want to talk. Have to bite my tongue when Ang brings up "yet another donkey".

I admit - I have always had a problem with gambling.
Out of all of Life's addictions - It is the hardest (if not the hardest) to walk away from.

When winning money is involved the hook is bigger and sinks deeper into your skin.

Fuck you TAB.

Blurgh

Busy busy.

Worked a few hours last week. Did close 3 out of 4 nights and lunchtime Friday. It isn't a glamorous job but the you do get a buzz from not knowing what to expect or what is going to happen next. Did very poorly in tips though. Sometimes it's ching-ching but I bombed majorly the week just gone. Have to start turning my frown upside down. Then again some customers tip no matter what and vice versa. No matter how bright and bubbly you are.

Cricket was disappointing for the guys this weekend. Chasing 113 we were bowled out for 105. 3 runouts and 3 ducks (myself included) did not help matters. I was only out there for 3 balls. Got an inswinger yorker that I missed and which took the base of off stump. I did keep well and even though the legs and back aren't what they used to be I do enjoy myself behind the stumps. I challenge myself and find it enjoyable being in the game. My batting has really slipped from a few years ago. Might just have to slog my arse off for the rest of the year and see what comes of it.

Ang was busy at two markets over the weekend. Yarragon on Saturday and then Morwell on Sunday. She enjoys it and I have no qualms looking after the billy lids even though at times it can be very taxing doing it solo. Jessica can really push your buttons at times. But on the whole she is a good little girl. I looked after them both last night whilst Ang was Bingo-bongo-ing and have a relatively stress free night. I even gave Ava a bottle at 1am as I was still up watching 'A Beautiful Mind'. Stupid good late night movies.

I have become a fan of the Showtime series "Weeds". Very witty and something right out of left field. I will make time to watch it every week. I only enjoy a few shows and this is at the top. Good laugh - check it out.

My moods have been a bit low of late. But I take a med and usually pick up over the following days.

J Roll hammers Broxton

Was watching it live on MLB.com yesterday afternoon (3pm Aussie Time) and went troppo when Jimmy slammed All Star closer Broxton's 99mph fastball into the hole in centre field to bring home Bruntlett and "Chooch" Ruiz to beat LA in the bottom of the ninth.

Never say die attitude looks like back to back World Series appearances for the Phils.

Stuff happens

Oi.

Overheard this from two drunk guys stumbling along the footpath whilst walking back to my car on a pizza delivery last night.

"She loves it when I stick a finger or two up her arse man. Especially when I'm fucking her from behind. Nah man - she loves it. Goes off tap man"

Had some dramas working Friday lunch time as well. We deliver a pretty big order to Hazelwood Power Station (which supplies 60% of Victoria's power). Usually you show your HP pass card, security guard notes your registration number and gives you a pass to enter the grounds. Didn't happen on Friday. As soon as I walked into the security gatehouse I knew there was going to be trouble. The security guard looked me up and down and I told him I had a delivery.
"Where are you from?" He asked.
"Pizza Boys" I replied.
As the conversation continued I could see that this arse clown wasn't going to let me in.
"Usually you have to wait at the gates" He said.
"Yeah during the night we do. But Friday lunch we go straight through the gates and onto reception" I stated.
"Nope. Not going to happen." As he continued to look me up and down.
"What ? Do you think I'm gonna blow the Power Station up ??" At this stage I was getting very pissed off.
Security Twat nodded his head, smirked and said "Yep".
Anyway - long story short the blokes had to come out from reception and collect their order behind the security gates. In pouring rain. They were not happy. All the while Security Twat puffed on his ciggie and was smirking in my direction.

Next week I'm going to make sure I wrap a towel around my head when I deliver down there. Dickhead.

Apart from that nothing new has really happened. Same day same shite. Ang is off marketing today. I'm looking after Jessica and then taking Jaiden to work. The last two nights I have worked till midnight. I was absolutely hammered at close last night. I was talking to Ang on the mobile and started looking for my mobile. Thought I had lost it. Clicked - yeah I'm talking on it right now. I was very tired and not thinking at all. Blonde moment perhaps. Hehe.

Week

Another week rolls on by.

Have been busy working. It's going well. Always come home from work in a better mood. Good company (most of the time) and free pizza make the night fun.

Played cricket yesterday. Yet another comprehensive thrashing of an opponent. I didn't get to bat and took 1 catch when we bowled. We won by 140 odd runs. Good start to the season 2 from 2.

My moods have been stable of late. Had a bad day on Wednesday (no reason for it) but had a great day yesterday. I'm taking my meds in the night now. Seems to be working.

Family life progresses. Ang did a pregnancy test on Friday. I was sure she was. Came back negative. Ang might also have another illness. Myasthenia Gravis. It is a Neuromuscular disease. Not 100% sure at this stage but she certainly ticks a few boxes. She is off to see a specialist in early December. Fingers crossed there.

Kids are all good. No complaints there.


Me and Jessica at the cricket

Birthdays Galore

3 birthdays in 10 days.

Paige's birthday was Tuesday (turned 10). Got a boatload of goodies. I took her tenpin bowling in the afternoon which was fun.

Jessica's birthday was Wednesday (turned 2). Got a massive swag of things. Ang took her and the other girls off to Traralgon fun centre in the arvo. I stayed home. They had fun.

I worked Monday, Tuesday, Friday lunch, Friday night and again last night (Saturday). Total of 19.5 hours for the week. I was buggered on Friday night and the even worse last night. Lack of sleep and cricket yesterday make the nights awfully long and tiresome. Especially after 9PM when things start to die down in the shop.

Cricket yesterday at Thorpdale. They were last years Premiers. We destroyed them by 180 odd runs. We batted first and made 226 off 47 overs. Jez (53), Judda (43), Duane (45no) and myself(34 in about 24 balls) all got some runs to start the year. We then bowled them out for 40 odd. They did have 4 young kids playing and we pretty much had a full strength team. Bodes well for the season. One weak link I can see is our 1st and 2nd change bowlers. Nowhere as good as last year.

Apart from that it has been awfully hectic the last week or so. Ang and myself are pretty run down yet somehow still manage to run the house and stay happy.

The billy lids go back to school this week as well. School holidays are extremely punishing on parents.

My mood graph

Has been stable the past 6 weeks or so. Some bad days due to illness or unstableness with stressors.

Awesome Beer Advert

Truly awesome..

Weekend

Have gone off everyday meds for the last 5 days. Just taking them once every 3 days now.

Was feeling absolutely shithouse taking them everyday. Mood was non-existent. I'd rather feel something than nothing. Stupid fucking medication.

Worked Friday night for only 4 hours as I had to take an hour off between 9-10PM to go and get Jaiden from work @ Traralgon. It's a 30 km round trip to either drop him off or pick him up. About $10 in fuel to do both trips. Would be nice one day if he offered some petrol money to help out. Not likely though.

Work was very quiet. Dead in fact. I think due to the footy finals. And having 7 drivers on duty.

Saturday I blew another $50 on the horses. Fuck I am a dumb fucker. No more. STAT.
Just the Springs 3 big races and that's it. I hate myself for being a stupid shit head and losing vital monies on crap.

Worked Saturday night from 5-10PM. Had to drop Jaiden off before I started (he worked 5-10PM as well).
Early in my shift there were 5 cop cars, an ambulance and a house that was surrounded by police tape down Ash St. Later in the night there was a delivery to Ash St and as I took the order the girl told me that she had to meet the driver on the corner of the next street and the coppers had closed Ash St. Here is the reason why.....
2 dead in apparent Murder-Suicide in Ash St, Morwell

Apart from that - the night went pretty smoothly. I hate one dude at work. He is a young guy who is not too bright and gets in everyones way. Wont be long until I blow my stack at him. Jesus Krist.

Were off to Auntie Roseanne's today for a family BBQ. About an hour west of Morwell in Nar Nar Goon. They have a pool table so me and Jaiden always have a few games.

Johnsonville

Took Ang, Ava and Jess down to see my Auntie/Uncle, who live at Johnsonville.
It's a spitwad of a town between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance situated on the mighty Tambo River.

We played "spot the dead animal on the side of the road" for 50 kms. Scores were tied 7-7 when the game finished at Bairnsdale. Pretty boring road and playing this game helps you from falling asleep. Mainly squashed Magpies (birds) but there was 1 kangaroo and a few possums. We did see an alive Echidna (like an armadillo) alongside the road.

Val and Lex are doing well. We had a yummy homemade lunch. Val adored little Ava. Both of them hadn't seen Jessica since she was a few months old and commented on how far along she has come.

Lex took me down to the mouth of the Tambo / Black Swan Lake. Few good fishing spots for next time I go.

We then headed home (weather turned sour), played Dead Animal again (all the way home) (I won 14-13) and got some KFC for dinner (expensive and awful - fuck you Colonel).

Ang went to Bingo at 7PM. I passed out with both little ones at 8PM. Very tiring day.

** Dead Animal Game rules **
(.) 1 point for spotting dead animal on roadside.
(.) -1 point for spotting NON-Dead animal (Sticks, bits of rubber from tires, rocks, etc).

PS. I lost 7 points on the way home. Was getting tired. Winner is rewarded with bedroom favours :)

Uh-oh !

Speaks volumes...

Punch it Chewy

Awesomeness !

Somethings amiss

Been in a bit of a rut now for the last week.

Sorta snapped out of it late yesterday - how much it has to do with seeing my psychologist is an unknown. I always feel better after a session. Yesterday Ang came down with me which was a boost. It was weird in a way but also very encouraging. Shows me how much she cares about my well being. Danny went fishing a little bit (to see if I lie about anything) but Ang just told him the truth. Which I do anyway.

Apart from that - I have been trying to figure out what puts me in foul moods. Little things always set me off but there is always something major that is the underlining factor. I think this 'episode' was brought on by my ex's phone call over 3 weeks ago and it has been slowly building to a precipice. Byron wants contact with me. Good and a bad thing.

In the end I'll do whats best for him YET always put my immediate family first. Always.

So its a bit of a prickly pear. Damned if I do and damned if I don't. I sent Byron some photos of his half-sisters and one of me and him together when he came down here in January 2008.

I am still looking for another job. A few days a week would suit us to a tee. During the day as well. Don't care what it is - as long as it puts a few more $$$ into the household. The Baby Bonus ($5000 over 6 month period) runs out mid December. So that is the end date in which I need another job.

Jessica has really come along in leaps and bounds over the last month or so. She throws constant temper tantrums yet is an intelligent little bugger. She absolutely craves learning new things. Always asking to go the school (nearly every day). I took her at 6:45AM yesterday as she was sorta doing my head in. The workers there adore her and I think she gets along well with the other kids. She was bitten last week - but she basically shrugged it all off (the workers thought it was very funny how she looked at the bite, then the kid and didnt even cry).

I woke up this morning to Ang yelling at Jessica and Paige. Jess did a shit on the carpet as she wasn't wearing a nappy. Paige is a little manic at the moment and did not help the situation. Jessica is a real handful in the morning. Very hard when you are doing it all by yourself (be it either myself or Angela).

Until next time...

Fathers Day

Nice way to start the day with the Twin screamers going off tap.

Asked boss for more shifts at work as 2 nights (12 hours) just isnt cutting it. He'll let me know.

I have to stop gambling (so much) on the gee gee's. Starting to piss me off. Maybe just picking out 1 and loading up on it rather than spreading my thin money over 4-5 races. That way if my 1 pick salutes I'll get a big collect. Eh.

Jaiden had his 1st night of work yesterday. Went well apparently. He has another shift tonight (4 hours).

My mood is a bit stunted over the last week. Seem to be in a bit of a rut. Dont know what it is.

Bah.

Where did I go ?

Umm. Yeah. Time flies.

Got food poisoning on Sunday night. Me and Ang went out for a nice Buffet meal at a local club. On the Monday we were both poleaxed with FP. I have never suffered this shit - nor do I ever want to again.

Apart from that just the usual stuff happening day in - day out.

We had to get a plumber out yesterday as the pipes had been burping and gurgling over a 4 day period. Ken Gooding came around and 1 hour later had unblocked the outside drain on our property. I watched as he used some creepy crawley drain de-clogger that cleaned the shit away. Fascinating.

$220 though - So now we are broke.

Had cricket training on Wednesday. 27 people were there. I ran fielding drills all night. 80% of the players do NOT know how to catch let alone field. They 'crocodile snap'. Means their hands are opened longways not sideways as they should be. I can see broken fingers coming...

Jessica loves going to daycare 2 days a week. She calls it "Gool" (School).
Ava is a nightmare at times. Last night was pretty bad. I looked after her during the afternoon and she was an angel.
Jaiden got himself a job @ Traralgon working in Hungry Jacks (Aussie Burger King). Good.
Paige is heading in the right direction as a person.
Sarah is still Sarah. A little out of it at most times. Just lost in her own little world.

I still cannot smell or taste anything. Been like this for 2 weeks now. Sucks.
I'll eventually get myself to a medic. Maybe ?

Irish Rally Rage !

Classic commentary.

Panic on the Dancefloor

Big Bet

After getting the all clear from the hospital on Saturday allowing us to bring Ava home I sauntered off to the local TAB (TopPub) to unwind. Took the 3 gorillas ($300) out of the garage - bad idea that one.

Anyway after a few placings and losses I had about $200 left and decided to plunge it on a horse called Secret Flyer. Put $150 for the WIN. Had to come first for me to colect any money otherwise I would have been fucked. Below is the link to the race...

http://www.horseracing.bigpond.com/asx/windowsmedia.aspx?TagID=AR884371033214651622

Suffice to say I was quite relieved when it flashed home to grab the win on the line.

Stupid stupid Daddy.
Won't be doing that again anytime soon.

34 days of Mood

Here is my chart of BEN MOOD.
As you can see I was quite Manic over the first 7 days or so.
Had a few bad days after the high.
And have now started to level out.

I enjoy doing this thoroughly...

Whats taters precious ?

Always loved this dialogue between Samwise / Smeagol from the LOTR : Two Towers

Scare

Had to leave work @ 9pm last night as got a call from home - Ava had stopped breathing !

When I arrived she was OK but Ang told me that she turned blue around the mouth/cheeks 3 times. We took her straight to LRH (Hospital) and went straight in to emergency. After about a 2 hour wait we finally saw a paedetrician who diagnosed 'mild bronchitis'. Very touch and go in young babies as they can go downhill very very quickly.

Ang stayed overnight with Ava in the emergency department for observation.

Poor little bub.

Food goes in here

Busy.

Work last week was hectic. Did 6 hours last Friday (6PM-12AM) and then 6.5 hours on Saturday (5.30-12AM). Nearly got killed on Saturday night. Some idiot screamed through a roundabout without giving way to me. Dickhead. I broke my record for most Kms travelled in a night. Clocked up 180kms (110 miles). Mainly due to 8 out of town deliveries. My stupid car (Camira) was playing up to boot which meant each time I hopped in to go out - I had to pop the hood and start the car by using a adjustable spanner to arc the starter motor. Luckily I know how to do it. I also had a race with Graeme on a delivery to the APM (Paper Mill - 10 kms out of town). He took a delivery to the main gate and I had a delivery to the back gate. We left at the same time and he was beating me for the whole journey until he took a shortcut and got stuck at the lights. I waved and sailed straight on by him. It's things like this that make the Pizza job enjoyable.

Went to the Sunday market where I bought a few scallywag items.

Took Jaiden/Jessica to baseball up at Sale (65kms away). C Grade was cancelled and so he sat on the bench in the A Grade. He came into the game in the 5th inning and immediately had an impact grabbing a pop-up fly and then throwing someone out at 1st base. He then had an at bat where he singled down the 3rd base line and beat the tag at 1st base. He was then tagged out when he doubled off 3rd (on a pop-up fly to centre). He missed a low catch in the next inning. They lost but he was easily in the bext 3 players for the day - the rest of the A Grade suck donkey balls. They have the Bye this weekend and then have 1-2 games left for the year. Hopefully they ask him to play A Grade again. Playing against better opponents brings out the best in your game.



I took Jessica away to Wycheproof on Monday - Tuesday. 11 hour drive there and back. We had a good time. Pop loves seeing Jess. And Jessica adores Pop. I slept in the loungeroom as the fire was banked halfway up the chimney. Jessica pushed me off the couch at 2am so I slept on the floor thereafter. Good journey...

Since getting back I have been sick (cold) and my sleeping patterns are all out of whack. I got up at 3am this morning so it does not bode well for working till 12AM tonight. Hopefully I get an afternoon sleep and will be OK for the night.

Until next time..

Weekend Bullshit

What a disastrous way to round out the weekend !

Saturday up at St.Gwinear was an awesome day. Truly a great day. Except for Paige/Sarah in the backseat bickering/arguing/singing stupid songs for the way up and the return trip home. Jessica slept the whole way up there until I had to fight to put on snow chains 5 km from the summit. In the end I got the left front one on and gave up on the other. It was only dangerous when I was parking the car but that was my own stupid fault as I had the handbrake on whilst I was reversing into a park and the car did slide slightly sideways for a a metre or so. Stupid daddy !

Jessica was amazed by the snow. She kept eating it. She went down 5-6 times on the toboggan runs with Paige/Jaiden and Myself. After 90 minutes she had enough and started saying "Car ! Car". Jaiden was bored silly in the end and Sarah was busy making a snowball to bring home. Paige lost a glove, forgot the sled when we started walking back to the car - had to go back and get it. I took the remaining chain off the front wheel 1km from the summit. It sounded as though it was chewing it's way into the engine bay anyway. There was snow only 5-6km down from the summit. It snowed like a mutha on the Friday (10cm) and then snow was dry and fluffy. At the carpark it was slushy and had some ice. I had driven in snow before (USA 2005 trip over Winter) so knew what to expect.

A lot easier than downing a full bottle of Jim Beam and needing more wood for a fire - jump in my ex's car whilst she was passed out on the couch, drove the 2km to Acme Supermarket and returning back to the apartment complex - only to slide into a snow drift embankment. Whoops! The roads in Pennsylvania are a lot more treacherous. And thats with the roads being salted !! Did a lot of driving over there on my second trip - and I DIDNT even have my car licence back then. Only had a Victorian Learners Permit (L Plates). I've only had my full car licence since mid 2006. Got my first car (Rusty 1987 JE Camira) 1 month beforehand. She did serve me well though... I've had my motorbike licence since 1995 however. Only ever needed a car since being in a relationship with Angela. Pretty hard to cart young kids around on the back of a crotch rocket. Meh..

I worked from 6PM till Midnight on Saturday night. No problems there. Only people NOT to snob me were Graeme and Dean. The rest can go get fucked !! Cockheads. I only worked because I wanted some kitty in my skyrocket for Sunday-Monday. Funny though... I have nothing today ! Ang went to bingo last night ($27) and that was the end of the green. I do have a "Gorilla in the Garage" ($100 note hidden away in the shed). I call the Australian $100 note a gorilla. Here's why..


Here's the Australian $50 note... I Call it a "Pineapple" (hehe)


So onto my "disastrous" weekend part. I got back from dropping Jaiden off at baseball and decided to put the set top box (for receiving digital TV) from our bedroom into the lounge room. 2 hours later - and still none the wiser it went back into our bedroom. I know that I fucken plugged the mutha in correctly - it was just that the signal strength was nowhere near the needed 75% to pick up the Digital TV signal. And that was with the Digital Antenna. Fuckn Hell !

It went straight back and was plugged in and tuned in 5 minutes in the bedroom.
That was the start of my black mood (look for an updated mood chart over the next 14 days).

I have been sick for the last 4-6 weeks. On again off again Ear-Nose-Throat infections. Just cant shake it. I went to docs on Friday but forgot to ask for some antibiotics to kick this sickness in the arse. I have been unable to smell/taste anything for 36 out of the last 42 days !! I shit you not..

Once Ang headed to Bingo (I threw a wobbly at the Dinner Table. I asked her to stay home for the night. I literally needed a hose/towel to extinguish the fire/smoke coming from her ears. She was that pissed off with me) I went down into our bedroom to settle the 2 little one's. Jessica fell asleep within 5 minutes. Ava on the other hand. For fucks sake. She went troppo !! I could do nothing to settle her for 90 minutes. I nearly lost it with her too. At one stage I had to put her back in the basinet as she was howling and I could nothing to placate her. No tummy time, no bottle, no burping - Nada. In the end I changed her bum and managed to settle her from 9.10PM. Ang got home at 9.30PM.

Somehow I just knew that the night was not going to go well - That's why I asked for her to stay home.

My mood dropped from a peaking 7.5 mid afternoon to a plummeting 4.0 by 6PM. Damn Set-Top-Box. It's your fault. My mood was low for about 5 hours. Nothing worse for me. And nothing worse for those around me (my family). One sentence basically sums it all up..

"If you come anywhere near me, talk to me or even look at me - I'm gonna rip your muthafuckin head off and shit down your neck"

Thanx Mum and Dad (for those great genetic genes) !!!

Until next time....
PS. My mood is currently around 6.5. So it's looking good for today.

Mt St.Gwinear Fun - 2009

Our family day (Minus Ang & Ava) at Mt St.Gwinear.

In this video Paige had found a huuuge snowball and I dared her to roll it down the hill into oncoming people walking back up the toboggan run. Jessica tried to chase after it and some dude halfway down the run dropped his sled and stopped it from knocking down some little kid.

Hilarious...

My mood Chart (21.7.09>5.8.09)

I've always loved mathematics and making charts/graphs - bonus !!

Charting my mood (homework from my psychologist)

I whipped this up in 5 minutes on a pad (after trying to use Microsoft Word and nearly hurling computer into the wall)

Weekly update-ish

Can't remember what I last wrote (over a week ago)..

I quit working on Tuesday/Wednesday nights.

Was too much on Ang's shoulders at home. 2 kids under 2 years old. 4 girls under the age of 10. Paige is usually a tremendous help. Sarah is 80% of the time worse than Jessica. Jessica is not even 2 so she can't help being a turd at times. Ava is only 7 weeks old (as of yesterday) and usually is full of gas and gets very upset during the night. Can be hard to prioritize at times. In my books it goes from youngest to oldest. That's all that matters to me...

Work was also becoming a pain in the posterior. The bitches there cause so much grief/stress for the others. Only if they could shut their pie holes more often and NOT stick their fat noses into anything that happens. One slag in particular (Marissa). She is an awful human being. 5 people hate her guts. 1 worker left (last week) because of the shit she started. Graeme/Lyn/Myself will NOT work with her - and ignore her if we have to work with her. Dom cant stand her and is in the same boat as us. The sad thing is : The owners (Andy/Lisa) have planted their flag with Marissa. She therefore has carte blanch to do whatever the fuck she wants.

She must give the boss good head !!

Saw my psychologist yesterday.

Danny seems a good bloke. A bit narrow minded with diagnosing me after 2 visits (He thinks he knows that I have Asperger's Syndrome). And a bit narrow minded with not believing in any other medical profession diagnosis of ANY mental disorder (barring - Autism (ASD), Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks). I think next time I go (11th August) I will throw a curveball at him. Said curveball being "Hearing Voices". I dont suffer from this anymore (3 months now) but I want to see what he says about it. And the other sz symptoms I used to suffer from.. Will be funny to see him dance his way around the subject. Apart from having "mental blinkers" on - He is an excellent doctor. Certainly talks a lot. And he wants to videotape my sessions.

He even said to me "When are you going to become a psychologist?"

Yeah.. I could do it quite easily. Just time is the issue. Maybe in a few years I might choose that path. The world is certainly my oyster. If I don't know it - I want to. Ah well, the new Ben has its benefits and positives. Along with some negatives. Cant all be (+) ... (-) are there to keep me balanced.

Home Life.

Took Sarah to see Dr. Ham (No, he's not a proctologist) the Child Paediatrician yesterday. We are very concerned her. She is sliding faster than a Cole Hamel's splitter into the dirt. Her school doesnt seem interested in helping her. Nor does her father/his wife. I guess "head-buried-in-sand" is common with them. Need to watch that South Park episode. "We need more shovels!!" was the catchcry if I remember correctly. Me and Ang will do everything in our powers to help Sarah. She is important to the family dynamic. The middle path springs to mind again.

Paige seems a bit emotional of late. Guess that is her maturing. Can be very uncertain. Being a male it was all "fuck this, fuck that" "She's got a hot ass, nice tits" etc etc. I cannot comprehend what it is like for girls. Nor do I want to.

Jaiden is locked in his "Fortress of Solitude". That is his room. We moved his computer/internet connection in there. We only see him in the morning (getting ready for school) or at dinnertime. He is in a worse "bubble" than Sarah I reckon. All tied in with never seeing/knowing his father. He said this at the dinner table a few nights back which made me laugh..

"Red Rooster chips are for the win" - Some teenage lingo that means theyre awesome fries.

My 2 girls are OK. Jessica seems to be really advancing intelligence wise. Her mood/emotions are becoming more apparent as well. She is a button pusher. I have an excellent relationship with her. I nurture the positives and stomp out the negatives. All good.

Ava is only 7 weeks old. I have been spending more time with her over the last week or so. Ang took her to see the obstetrecian (6 week check-up) yesterday. Thumbs up there. We were concerned for her stomach/bowels/plumbing. But just usual baby stuff that she will grow out of. Still is in the foetal position at times. I gave her a back massage on Sunday and she certainly seemed to loosen up (Let out 5-6 massive bum toots).

Apart from all this happening (Yes - I have no life) Me and Ang continue along Marriage Highway heading towards the Parenthood City Limits of a city called Life...

Funny Ads (Part I of VIII)

YouTube for more if you can't be bothered waiting for the rest..

New Toy

My "project".

1984 Yamaha XT 250K.

Will keep me busy for the next few weeks/months/years...

Feel like shit

Gday folk'l'dokl's

Been feeling like shite over last 5-6 days. Little ones are sick too. Ang is sick. Paige is coming down with something as well.

I have a ear, nose and throat infection. Sucks arse. I get at least 2 doses of this every Winter. Have suffered from this illness since I was in High School. Watching Ava / Jess suffer the same thing is painful. Need medication - Stat !

I sorted out Vanessa last Monday. All settled there - done and dusted for now.

Saw a new psychologist on Tuesday. He did nothing but talk and talk. Seemed pretty genuine and I have been doing my homework since. Basically just recording my mood each day and some of the things that happen. Has been higher than 7 since. Even feeling like a green snot tissue as well.

Work is Ok. Got busted stealing drinks for customers on Friday night by the Big Bossman. He started to go psycho but I diffused the situation be telling him the truth. Huh ? You ask. Yeah told him I would continue to take drinks out to customers who are good people NOT only good tippers. These drinks will have to come out of my pocket thereafter. Oh well. Im a feather ruffler at work - will continue to do so. Worked till 12AM Friday and Saturday nights (13 hours).

The girls went to the inlaws over the weekend. We were going to head up to Pops but everyone being sick has delayed that. Robin/Sandra bought the girls home Sunday and we had a nice BBQ lunch. I invited Graeme around to keep me company for a few hours.

Rob was down Friday - Sunday to see Jaiden. Didnt see the boys much. Just sat in his room playing Xbox360 or on the computer.

The biggest news (for me anyway) is that I bought a motorbike !!!
A Yamaha XT 250 road/trail. Needs a bit of work. But now I have a project and something to get me into the shed for a few hours (days?). Only set us back $500 so I won't lose any money on the purchase if I decide to sell it.

busy busy busy... Welcome to parenthood.

Uh oh

Jesus.

This bitch Vanessa. Angela's ex husbands wife. She's starting all sorts of problems with Paige and Sarah and our house.

It's high time "I got my EVIL" on her ass.

Paul came and picked up the girls yesterday morning. On pickup I invited him in for a 'friendly' chat to discuss some major wrong doings on their behalf when the girls are up at Drouin. These are some things that happen..

(*) Paul/Vanessa play a Sims game.
There is a character on the game called Ben. He wears the same coat as I wear and is evil. Fact. Apparently this Ben character ordered a pizza and upon delivery of the pizza Ben then beat the pizza man into a bloody pulp. Paul and Vanessa then laugh and carry on WITH the girls present sitting next to them. Paige tells me that she walks away (she's very mature for her age) BUT Sarah.. She then plays the game. They probably dig for information if I beat them, touch them, etc etc.

Yeah I dish out discipline when its necessary. I've smacked Sarah a few time with the wooden spoon in the past (5-6 times). Last week I only had to brandish the wooden spoon to correct her wrong behaviour. She cried when seeing the wooden spoon, really cried because she knew she was in the wrong and was going to be punished for her errors. I saw her really crying so I put the wooden spoon back in the draw. Job done.

(*)Saying to the girls that they hate Angela.
Angela started the ball rolling when she dobbed Paul in for defrauding workcover a few months back. He hurt his back whilst working last year (truck jockey or delivery driver) and then claimed workcover. A few weeks before this happened Vanessa left her job at Harvey Norman (Yes they both used to work at the same company). They told us she would be getting better money elsewhere. We found out that she lost her job in fact for being caught with her hand in the till (Stealing money). They tell us otherwise..Anyway, Paul claimed "ouch my back, gimme money" and he was on it.

To be conitinued at a later date....It angries up my blood too much (gonna go watch Eddie Murphy - Delirious)

Ravel - Bolero (from Aleggro non troppo)

Basically the italian version of Fantasia. I prefer this one too...
Youtube for more vids. Watched this over 20 years ago...

Cantina Band (Star Wars v. Family Guy)

Flyby #3

In a place where the shit has hit the fan (Afghanistan). Religion shows its nasty infected hand in a country where the defeated shall not be defeated...

What is wrong with this world... Part I

Religion...

Has fucked up so many things since Christianity came into power.
Don't get me wrong. I believe in da man Jesus (yes he actually lived) but the message of the bible was written by those who did not have the facts all there. Written from a man's perspective too which means it's gonna make some people very very angry.

I have not read the Bible. I just couldn't get past the first page. Yes, maybe a God did create the heavens (universe) but he did NOT create Earth on that first day. Or the SUN after the Earth. That's where I just cannot stomach the rest...

It'd be different if da man (Jesus) actually wrote something which people KNEW was from the mouth of Jesus.... The book was written after the star had left the playing field. There was no TV to cover the story. Just some dude who heard from another person that "it was so" so it had to be that way because "he" said it was true... A bit like the South Park episode in which the guys absolutely ROAST that Mormon dude with the magical seeing stones. Very funny indeed by the way...

This world has seen nothing but suffering the day Jesus left the scene...
And it ISNT good. It's fucked up. FUBAR in fact.

I would have loved to hear da man speak. Maybe when I die I will have the privilege of shaking his hand and looking into his eyes.... seeing the pain that he saw. And that I see today.... In every aspect of life.

We (as a people) are on the precipice... Which way we go from here is left to those who stil have free will left in them. Not braindead sheep concerned with who's sleeping with whom and which celebrity has gone off the deep end or died (MJ).

The human race NEEDS to evolve here... Or else we are fucked. End of story.

"And he put down his flaming sword and went among the people and listened to their worries and pains. And he wept for them knowing that within these people they cried for a saviour to come and make things right again"
The book of Benjamin (Chapter and Verse unknown)

It's a Man thing

Will someone do the fucking dishes !!

My morning conversation on the 121 sports forum...

Pretty funny take on life I have... Such an oddball that I am.

Hehe.

FlyBy #2

Dont Flinch !!!

FlyBy

Awwwesommme !!

Poker on a Monday

Might be my regular weekly post from now on.....

Went to the free APL (Aussie Poker League) - Texas Hold'Em competition at Moe tonight (15 minutes away from home). Hehe... what a night indeed !!!

Started the night with a few brewskies (1 heavy 1 light) and then headed into the room. Sat at my table and lo and behold my work Boss (Andy) and his good friend (Vincenzo) are at my table. Both top blokes. I would lie in front of a bus if it saved their life - they are good people who might turn into some very good mates.

Anyhoo...

Everyone started off with 2,000 in chips. Some had more as they bought drinks or ate a meal at the pub (good idea as the pub needs to make money). These chicks (with dicks I might add) across from me... sheesh. Young poppycocks thinking that their shit didnt stink.... back to the game.

I did quite well.. knocked out one of those chicks (she was fuming) and played like a Pro. Twas very easy for me... could read the cards and the people. My boss and Vince were sort of distracting me which at times got to me.... then again other people did too. I nearly lost it at one stage when these people on the table were trying to rush me and stuff. I just stomped on their heads (in a civil way). ChickwithDick number 1 even yelled at me to not swear whilst at the table (for fucks sake !!). It was puuuuuure Joy when I knocked her outta the tournament and was then rewarded an extra 1000 in chips (She was the turkey (how ironic) and if you knock out the turkey you get that hidden reward). She was not impressed.... thought she was queen bee. This hornet (me) soon showed her who's the fuckin boss (Tony Danza style). Off you go famewhore... back to your slum.

After going strong for 2 hours and still having 9000 in chips I saw a friend from Cricket outside sitting down (obviously upset). I had a chat and found out that he wanted to go home. I told him "Mate I'm gonna go back in there, go all in blindly on the next hand and then take yiz home". He was like "What???" I told him I'd be back in 5 minutes....

The hand went like this.....
5 people sitting around the table when I got back in. I grab all my chips... dump them in the middle, "Im all in" I say. People start to look at me... Guy sitting next to me goes "Hey mate you're outta turn, you gotta wait". Sure I tell him. Cards get dealt. Guy sitting next to me has a bet. I GO ALL IN !! People look at me like I've grown extra arms and legs (not to mention heads). Guy next to me calls. He has an Ace and a 10 (off suit). I have Queen and a 7 suited (clubs). He wins the pot as a 10 comes on 4th Street (4th card). I shake his hand and say "Well played". Leave the table.... Tell my other cricket mate that I'm off to take the buddy waiting out the front home. Say bye to my boss and Vince and walk outta there.....

I took the guy home (know him but not well) and came home....

What a night !!!

Will be there next Monday (If only to fuck with a few peoples heads) (I did enjoy myself though)

My Pop

Had a great time up there with him. When my Mum rocked up I felt like he changed a bit and felt like our time together was at an end so I left earlier than planned. I told him this as well. Bob (Chris's father in law) looks after him whilst Mum does whatever it is she does while she is up there. She is on a carers payment SO she should be looking after the old fella. She does (in a roundabout way) but I think she only cares about her 'little boy'.

If I had a son like said 'little boy' I would not have Mum looking after him. Xavier is nearly 3 and well... less said the better. Throwing sticks at Jessica, kicking balls into her face, throwing her teddies onto the roof, snatching toys off her, not letting anyone play with the kids toys whilst he was down in Morwell... Does not bode well. He needs a wooden spoon wrapped over his arse repeatedly to correct his bad ways. I feel as though when these things happen that it is HIS job to discipline not MINE. Told Dad as such and he agrees.

Anyway, back to my time in Wycheproof.

Pop adores Jessica. And Jessica adores Pop. If only he'd stick around for a little bit longer to see them grow up some more. It's pretty sad because I have an awesome relationship with my Pop and would love for my kids to have the same with him. Initially I liked Pop because he gave us money (when we were little). Then I got older and really enjoyed his company and his mannerisms. He is from a completely different period of time.... Some of the stories he told me.

(*) How he met Nan (called the wrong number, early 1970's)
(*) A dog inspector from when he was 7 years old (Circa 1915) and the battles that ensued.
(*) Being dead drunk in the 1930's (hopping on his horse and falling asleep only for the horse to take him back to campsite).
(*) His first job (early 1920's) where he saw the boss in an uncompromising situation with a female associate and was thereby sacked.

(*) Owning a Pub in South Melbourne. Many stories here...
(1) How the council put a roundabout on the corner and ruined the business.
(2) Driving down to the Docks to pick up the Wharfies/Painters & Dockers and take them back to pub.
(3) Extending closing time from 6pm to 10pm (which he said ruined the pub as all the pissheads headed to his bar on masse).
(4) Having an ex-Champion Aussie boxer keeping the peace from said pissheads.

(*) Running a Butter Factory in Gunbower(!) that was the best job he ever had.
(1) A driver hitting a cow and calling the butcher out to slaughter the animal on the side of the road.
(2) Employing 3 other workers.
(3) Making a SHITTTLOAD of money (he said).

(*) Knowing people fixing country races with big city horses and making a lot of $$$$.
(*) Having his first winner (aged 14) - Sister Olive (1922 Melbourne Cup). His mother took all his winnings and started the chain where he packed his swag and left home.

So many stories in fact that the next time I go up there I am going to get it all recorded.....

Always (And I mean ALWAYS) lock your Doors !!

This is what being a parent is all about.

18 month old Toddler takes off as exhausted Dad sleeps

A happy story in the end which made me have a tear in the corner of my eye. The professor (who comments on parenting) is soooo out of touch that I threw my pen at the computer screen.

George Carlin sticks it to Religion

In honour of my new favourite comedian I have to post this....

Just type the word "Religion" in a Google search and this skit is 2nd on the list. He used to be 3rd but I guess a few people have been watching it of late.

Honey... I'm home !

Just got home from work. Too tired to post something epic about the last few days so this will have to be enough until some free Dad time can be found somewhere between sleeping (4 hours a night) and my morning dropping the Kids off at the local pool (bogarama).

Tried getting tonight off but my boss said no-one could cover my shift (felt like Dante from the movie Clerks). Jack and Rob at work were my Randall's keeping it all sooo real. A few women are really starting to get to me at the shop.


Jessica and Pop say goodbye @ Wycheproof.

Hitler Parody

Chopper Vid : Prison is a bad bad place

There, I fixed it

Came across this website the other day.

There, I fixed it

Will check it out everyday now.... Piss funny.
Here's a taste...

Female Fire Alarm

Centrelink sorted

Problem has been rectified over the phone.

Some mistake with Angela's account that stuffed up my account so that my payment was not processed. Phone lady told me it has gone through and now it is in my banks hands.

Long story short - Could be in the next few hours or tomorrow by the latest.

Eh.

Jays dance (from Clerks)

Mmm.. Burning sensation

This is my arm burn. Happened whilst I was cleaning a pizza slab (1ft by 2ft) tray. Was cleaning it on Friday night when I accidently got burnt by a hot edge.

What does it look like to you ??

To me it looks like a baby sitting on the floor with its legs out in front. LOL.

** Note the arm hair too. My arms are usually very Wolverinish in coverage. It was singed beyond recognition last week when I poured petrol onto our inside wood heater fire and then lit said petrol doused wood with a burning piece of paper. Yeah, won't be doing that again anytime soon. My eyelashes and eyebrows were singed. And my hair. And got a few burns on my hands. When I overcame my initial "Oh fuck" reaction I stunk like a burnt dead dog. Hehe. Twas a real fireball. Fiery hot breath of God telling me that "Little boys shouldnt play with matches" **

No money today thanks !

Stupid fucking Government Welfare Agency (Centrelink).

Forgot to pay me today. In a nutshell that is $550 out of our coffers until they can rectify the problem. They have done this in the past and it has caused anger, anxiety and fear.

Means we will have to do the household shopping either tomorrow or the next day (Or god help us if the money clears on Monday). We have the House Mortgage coming out today ($250). Angela is getting her fan belt and air filter replaced as well ($120).

She got paid ($410). They just forgot about poor ol' wittle me.

Stupid fucking arsehole government...

Sorry Australia

Went to watch a new South Park episode at http://www.southparkstudios.com/ (Thanks Jon) and got this as a new popup. Hilarious !!

QUOTE "We are working hard to resolve our pre-existing contractual obligations and bring you Full Episodes as soon as possible. Please leave your email address and we will notify you as soon as the videos are available."

What me worry ?

Been a hectic few days since last post.

Ang's parents were down on Sunday and we started building a bridge over our troubled waters. Outcome is in both parties hands. It's a step in the right direction at least. They then took Jaiden back to Melbourne. How long he will be gone for is unknown.

My Mum and Cheryl then came down later in the day for Bingo. At least she is making more of an effort of late too. They won a game so it might happen more often.

The girls Dad called on Monday to tell Ang that lawyers have advised him to revert back to what was decided in court re. the Girls. Long story short he talked to me for over 20 minutes and he got what he wanted. I will pick the girls up on a Sunday night to give him nowhere to go. I asked both Paige and Sarah if they wanted to go to his place for a week over the shcool holidays (happening now) and they jumped at the idea. He however blew them off yet again. All over not having any money. Paige is starting to realise what is going on. Sarah I think has no idea whatsoever and probably doesn't even know what day it is (She has learning difficulties). I told him that if he wanted to be a court order stickler then we could do exactly the same thing. The thing is that in the court orders there is a paragraph stating that if both parties agree to something verbally then that is binding as well. This has happened numerous times but he always throws it back in our faces and threatens us with the magical papers of the court orders.

I told him that Paige and Sarah are NOT chess pieces. They are his daughters.

Monday was a nightmare. Jessica was struck down with a viral rash under her mouth and over her body. Al Mayahe told us that she had Group A Streppococcus. Then a specialist informed us it could be that OR severe Chicken Pox. I rushed her straight to LRH (Hospital) where a lovely doctor confirmed that is was in fact - Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Highly highly contagious but non fatal. Only effective medicine is panadol for pain relief. Should run its course in 10 days or so. Poor little kiddo. She seems full of spirit though and in not much pain. The sores under her mouth did resemble a Maori tattoo at one stage. Now they look awfully sore and blistered.

I worked Monday night covering Lyn's shift as she was sick. Extra kitty is always a good thing.

Tuesday was spent organizing with our local Council over discounted rates (pensioner) and getting a bigger rubbish binny as our medium sized one is crap. I have to do The 'Burbs (Tom Hanks movie) on the bins most weeks. Funny stuff indeed. Worked in the night and had to put up with Sour Puss Marissa. I just ignored her all night. She did the same. No skin off my back there....

Samurai skills

Awesome-O

Sickness

Jessica is sick.

Last night at the inlaws she apparently was vomiting, screaming in pain and nearly falling over. She is going to Al Mayahe or LRH (Hospital) today to get checked over. Just before I got out of bed this morning I brushed her foot with my coldish hand and that sent her into another screaming pain spiral. Poor little thing.

I was at work last night and was in a fucking great mood until Angela called me from the road on the way home saying what had happened to her at her grandparents house. I came back from a delivery and my mood was sombre and worried. I was singing sea chanties and doing other scallywag behaviour up until that point. There were only guys on the road (Dave, Dean, Tony, Jack, Graeme and myself) and only Lisa and her Mum were the Oestregen content at work. Happy days indeed. The women at the shop start so much shit with their gossip and general chit-chat. Female Politics. We as men don't need it. I for one chose a side up until 3 weeks ago. It all changed the other week when I blew up at Marissa and to an extent Mary.

Love the job don't get me wrong. Very exciting not knowing what is going to happen next. And the freedom one gets from not being anchored in the shop is also a big bonus. Apparently Marissa was on her high horse again on Thursday night. Mary went ballistic at Lyn on Friday which didn't go down well at all. I love Mary like a mother but she is just as bad as Marissa with her gossiping ways. Lyn is working next door at the Fish n' Chip shop because Andy and Lisa have their friendship flag planted firmly at Marissa/Mary's doorstep. No matter what those two do - they will get away with it. Especially Mary. She runs around like a headless chook for Lisa and Andy. Hey. Take a break if you're burnt out. Don't drag others into the political side of things and being made to chose a side on which worker is most lazy or which did that or not. It sickens me to a point where sometimes I no longer wish to work there. If it wasn't for Graeme, Dom, Jack, Dean and Tony and to a lesser extent the other guys (Andy and Rob and the ladies Lyn, Lisa and the two Jennies) I would have walked like I did last September and never came back.

Angela is considering going back to work at Mirboo North (Aged Care home). So if she chooses to do that then that means we could afford for me to give up Tuesday night as well. If Ang goes back to work though is entirely up to her and not me. She has to do it for the right reasons - not just plain old monetary ones.

We have enquired about Day Care for Jessica too. She needs interaction with other little ones now. Me and Ang (as parents) hold little discovery for her. And the household for that matter too. Will be good for her and she should only flourish. Hopefully. Expect the worst but hope for the best is our group motto.

The other kids have finished Term 2 at school. They are now off for 2 weeks. Will be a massive help around the house. Especially Paige. She is becoming such a terrific daughter. Really makes me proud to see her turning into such a lovely girl. She is maturing so quickly. Watching it everyday in fact. She is sort of stuck between child and adolescence at the moment so it must be very confusing for her. Sarah is taking 1 step forward and then 2 steps back. We still need to take her to see the local Paediatrician in 2 weeks to find out if there is anything wrong with her. Hoping not though. Jaiden is a good young man just very lazy at times. He will either really spring forward or go backwards in the next 2-3 years. My motto rings true with all 3 older sons & daughters.

Their schoolastic reports were all excellent. I was very surprised with Sarah's. She (according to her teacher) is catching up with most areas. She only needs TLC with her reading/writing/spelling. Jaidens was that he is not pushing himself hard enough to get the most out of himself. His writing is nearly non-legible. He will need to correct this area if he is to go well in his VCE (Years 11 and 12). If he doesn't then his dreams of University and a $70/hour paying job will be up in smoke. Paiges report was excellent. All up to standard with an extra tick for her artistic side. Good girl that she is.

Ava (last but not least) is my Joy. She is the main reason I can keep going. How I am not in the nuthouse is a real mind job to me at times. But I only have to look at her and that keeps me going. A bit like the Simpsons episode with Homer being forced to work at the Nuclear Power Plant by Mr. Burns with a non-motivational sign above his workplace. That is me in a nutshell....

Choppers List

"If someone gave you socks with holes in them you'd tell them they were shit!!"

Turd factor 5

Jessica is starting to do my head in.

She is turning into a bit (a lot) of a turd. This is what they call the terrible two's. She wants everything, she wants it now and if she doesn't get it - throws a wobbly.

I have started to ignore her completely when she's like this. I am not going to positively reward behaviour that is better suited in a zoo. Now if everyone else under this roof did the same then I think Jess might pull her head in a bit.

Then again probably not.

They do say parenthood is hard. I find the not sleeping part piss easy. Doesn't bother me. What I am finding hard is my anger has gone through the roof and my patience levels have near disappeared. With everyone in the house.

Have to go for a walk out in the local National Forrest (Morwell). That'll calm the lotion.
"Serenity Now !!! (Insanity later)" - Lloyd Braun (Seinfeld)

Venus and Moon

Took the 1st photo three mornings ago. Venus rising with an early waning cresecent moon amongst the clouds. (Nighttime Landscape setting). Steadied the camera against a post.


Took the 2nd snap on the same morning. It is a closeup of Venus rising.
It is blurry because I did not have the camera steady (was set on Nighttime Landscape). The green and red shit.... I don't know (Our atmosphere or Venus's ??).

Real threat to USA

Hmm.... Gotta keep the green stuff rolling in

Baseball

Played in C Grade today against Traralgon with Jaiden.

We lost 21 to 2. My first at bat (AB) in my baseball career came in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Connected against a loopy one past the short stop and out to left field for a single. I didn't swing at the first 4 pitches which saw the count go to 2-2 and after that I swung at everything, fouling off 3 comically (one saw me lope to first only to be called back as the ball had gone past the foul line by a few centimeters between home plate and 3rd base) before I got some wood on one.

Felt good.

Then on 1st base I was given a few tips (ie. to get off the bag and try to get in the pitchers mind by making him think I was going to steal 2nd). As if I could make it to 2nd base. I was still sucking in oxygen like an invalid after my Carl Lewis like sprint to 1st. Was a blast.

I caught one fly ball out in left field and fielded a few ground balls as well. Didn't make an error so I guess you could call my 1st baseball experience a success.

BEN'S BASEBALL CAREER (Up to 21st June)
AB 1. HITS 1. RBI 0. 2B 0. 3B 0.HR 0. BA 1.000% (NO ERRORS)

Definitely play again !! Even though we got absolutely hammered...