tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20936398267411467342024-03-14T06:25:43.910+13:00Frankie ParkerMy ramblings on life and the universeFrankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-84391081602850539672012-06-17T19:02:00.000+12:002012-06-17T19:02:08.132+12:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nL6Uvt8fgys/T92AAr_UmTI/AAAAAAAAAJE/8mFtyCFbLak/s1600/Auckland+Zoo+June+2012+021+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nL6Uvt8fgys/T92AAr_UmTI/AAAAAAAAAJE/8mFtyCFbLak/s400/Auckland+Zoo+June+2012+021+001.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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For more great Silent Sunday posts pop yourself over to<a href="http://loveallblogs.com/silent-sunday-52/"> Love All Blogs..</a>.</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-51339684913705838522012-06-13T22:02:00.000+12:002012-06-13T22:02:58.795+12:00Bloated? What? Me!<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 13pt;">So it seems there is something else I don’t quite
understand. That perhaps a woman of my age should, something the media keeps
telling me I must have. What could this be, what must I have since I am a busy
woman of certain years who runs round trying to juggle everything at once?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Well let me set the scene..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Currently there is an ad on the TV here in NZ of a
former NZ Miss Universe, (Yes really we did actually win one once in the early
80’s.. Coincidentally it was when NZ was starting to go Nuclear free and with
the contest being held in the States.... well I am not one on conspiracies
theories but....) who is wearing a lovely silk evening gown going on about how
sometimes she has to wear this but would rather be wearing this... Next shot
she is shown in comfy clothes and somehow by eating this “magic” yoghurt she
feels so much better and confident to wear the dress and life is so much better
for it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">So it seems, since I am being told daily, I too
must have that “bloated, uncomfortable” feeling, where I want to go about all
day wearing comfy clothes as heaven forbid you just can’t wear fitting clothes
when feeling bloated! I too should be eating\drinking those little bottles of
“magic yoghurt” that will fix everything and make my day so much better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">But here is the problem; <b>CAN</b> someone
actually tell me what this “bloated” feeling is? What are these women on the
telly and in the magazines all going on about?? As I really have no idea!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Now don’t get me wrong, my diet is not always the
best, I do feel bloated and at times do feel a bit uncomfortable wearing
fitting clothing but that is generally just after I have eaten a rather large
meal, followed by such goodies as dessert, coffee and wine. In my case it is
always self inflicted and it always it resolves itself the next morning by the
way nature intended. But a day to day feeling of being bloated, no I don’t
understand that. Surely if you are feeling a bit uncomfortable doesn’t a wee
fart or popping to the toilet normally resolve issues? According to some “scientific” research
conducted women apparently still have an issue admitting that they fart? So if an average person can or needs to fart up to 14 times a day and its not happening where is all that gas going? Yes people, shocking news
isn’t it but everyone does it, even the Queen so I’ve been told!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Surely I cannot be the only woman out there that
has no idea what they are going on about? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Of course I can’t help thinking, and as I said
before I am not into conspiracy theories but..... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 13pt;">Think how prevalent these yoghurts\drinks are now,
perhaps these big corporations have stumbled onto a money making machine caused by our busy lifestyles? Perhaps instead of "needing" these </span></span><span style="line-height: 17px;">yogurts</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 13pt;">\drinks all we need to do is to eat properly, listen to our bodies a bit more.......
and have that occasional</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 13pt;"> sneaky fart!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 13pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-7311552859208308282012-05-16T20:19:00.001+12:002012-05-16T20:19:54.385+12:00Help, I 'm turning into one of those mums....!!<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 13pt;">Heaven help me, who would have thought it? But it
seems that I am slowly turning into one of those mums... You know those shouty
mouthy mums who take their little darlings to their sports every week and then
decide to shout at them and tell them how to play? In our case it’s the nearly
6 year olds first season of playing hockey. Its proper hockey with sticks and
mouth guards and I am finding myself on the sidelines yelling at him “to hit
the ball”, “watch the ball” and my favourite “what are you standing there
for?”! So while I stand there getting all hot and bothered about it he is
nonchalantly standing there, singing to himself or using his hockey stick as a
ninja sword or light sabre.. Arrgghhhh!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Quite ironic really as I have been spending the
last couple of weeks telling everyone about an annoying shouty dad at swimming!
Who likes to yell in his very obvious accent (let’s just say he is from a very,
very, large country in the north Atlantic!!) swimming instructions to his son
while he is having a lesson. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Hmmm, what can I say other than “hello pot this is
kettle”!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">To make matters even worse is that I have no idea
what he should be doing as I have never played a game of hockey in my life. I
have had to watch a few games (under duress I may add...), due to Mr P having
played it since he was a nipper but that’s it! So not only am I the shouty mum
shouting at her son I am also the shouty mum who actually has no idea what she
is shouting about!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">How bad is that??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">I suppose we can blame my slightly competitive
nature, yes I like to win or to at least do well if I can’t win. So I want the
same for my sons, I want them to do well, their very best. I know the nearly 6 year old can do better,
that he can actually hit the ball quite well, I just want him to do it on the
field each week! Mr P is quite relaxed
about it all and thinks it will just sort itself out and the game will just
click for him. I hope so and if it doesn’t then fine at least he tried... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">My sister who watched his games last weekend was “polite”
enough to point out that he is not the only one on the field looking like he
can’t be bothered. Mind you I don’t
think the parents of the children she was pointing out where that impressed
with her pointing this out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">So Mr P thinks it is best that I give the games a
miss for the next few weeks. Just so the
nearly 6 year old can ease himself into the game without his fishwife of a
mother shouting at him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Good news, it should
give me enough time to read the hockey rule book......<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-20531993404529072032012-05-13T19:18:00.000+12:002012-05-13T19:28:23.709+12:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaQB0HgoPE8/T69fksYvhVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/OA1FJY-NWsc/s1600/May+2012+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaQB0HgoPE8/T69fksYvhVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/OA1FJY-NWsc/s400/May+2012+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For more great Silent Sunday posts pop yourself over to<a href="http://loveallblogs.com/silent-sunday-5/"> Love All Blogs...</a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-14672818464006771462012-05-06T18:43:00.002+12:002012-05-06T18:43:59.417+12:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSne3DIMGNo/T6YclS0DGhI/AAAAAAAAAIs/if8YbQp8qhs/s1600/April+2012+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSne3DIMGNo/T6YclS0DGhI/AAAAAAAAAIs/if8YbQp8qhs/s400/April+2012+035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For more great Silent Sunday posts pop yourself over to <a href="http://loveallblogs.com/2012/05/silent-sunday-3/">Love All Blogs...</a></div>
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<br />Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-27039239339283422422012-05-03T21:35:00.001+12:002012-05-03T21:44:43.996+12:00“You did WHAT with the Lego”If you are a hardened Lego geek then this post comes with a
warning. As this post contains Lego and glue,
yes that’s right Lego and glue!<br />
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So you may be thinking “What are you doing!!” But as I sit surrounded by boxes of Lego, instructions
and glue on my table it all makes perfect sense to me. That I have had enough, no more will I have
to hear cries of “Mummy Lightening McQueen is broken can you fix him” or “Mummy
where is the rest of my (..Insert any name of a fiddly piece of Lego...)!!” Now I don’t mean gluing together your general
Lego blocks I am talking about the kits, Star Wars, Cars 2, Ninjago, Super
Heroes, Lego City etc. You know the
expensive bits of Lego that you painfully put together only for them to be
broken 10 minutes later. Then the painful
cycle begins... rebuild....play.....break....cry....rebuild...play.....break.......cry.....<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t care if the main reason that Lego is a favourite toy worldwide
is because of the ability to reuse the bricks to build new things. Quite simply I have had it! There are only so many times one can rebuild
a Star Wars fighter, helicopter etc before one completely loses the plot with
the dam stuff. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now don’t get me wrong I do love Lego myself and can spend hours playing
with it. After all I am the designated Lego builder
in our household and enjoy nothing better than getting a new kit and putting it
together. Perhaps that is why I get so
anxious when the boys start playing with it knowing that they will eventually
break it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So over the last few months as the boys attentions have gone from one
piece to another I have secretly hidden them away. Plotting on how I am going to do this,
waiting until the time is right when I can sit and glue the pieces
together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So time for a gut check, do I still think it’s a good idea? Yes. Do the boys think I am crazy? Yes..... Does
Mr P think I am bonkers? Yes... Do I want to back out? No....! It just needs to be done for my sanity if nothing
else....<o:p></o:p></div>
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So here goes.....<o:p></o:p></div>
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PS. Here’s a tip just in case you
think “wow what a great idea”. Don’t glue
the piece completely together, leave a few pieces unglued so if it drops it
will break but not shatter...<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-10617838828849585902012-04-11T21:20:00.000+12:002012-04-11T21:27:37.157+12:00Argh, Daylight bloody Savings.......!!!So it's week two since out clocks went back and I
think you can guess by the title of this post that I am less than impressed by
it! The reason being is a certain little person in our household who
seems to be stuck on NZ summertime so he thinks its okay to wake at 5am!!<br />
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Yes the one who is almost 3 hasn't quite got his body clock sorted yet so we
have the pleasure of him waking the household every morning at 5ish by turning
on all the lights and asking “Why is it dark mummy?” Needless to say it's
taking its toll on both of us. The other two males in the house seem to
have that ability that all males have which is to sleep thru any noise created by
a small person in the night. You know the one, “Huh noise, oh crap, roll
over, optional fart or itch, then back to sleep” You may think that this is a
rather generic statement but I am sure it just doesn’t happen in our household?<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So he is permanently cranky and I am a walking zombie (also
cranky) who is craving a lie in to say, oh I don’t know, 6am perhaps...<br />
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It doesn’t help either that prior to the clocks going back he was managing to
go a couple of days without his daytime nap so he is still trying to do that. “I don’t need to sleep mummy as I am a big boy
now” Oh those words are coming back to haunt me now...<o:p></o:p></div>
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So it goes without saying that he is a walking
screaming tantrum throwing tyrant at the moment. Bless his little cotton
socks!<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Of course in between the tantrums there are a few
comic moments like when he falls asleep while eating his lunch or when he
totally crashes where ever he was playing with his brother.<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Oh I was so looking forward to the holidays and lying
in until after 7. Letting them sleep and to naturally wake up,
to have a leisurely breakfast and morning together. But no the tyrant
seems to have other plans for me.<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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But really, 10 days in and we both need more sleep and
he needs to get himself sorted or else I will be medicating both of us...<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-19041794594313134032012-04-08T16:04:00.001+12:002012-04-08T16:04:45.888+12:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw8Q67dwROA/T4ENdz7m7RI/AAAAAAAAAHg/HX7d9JNe-CA/s1600/March+2012+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw8Q67dwROA/T4ENdz7m7RI/AAAAAAAAAHg/HX7d9JNe-CA/s400/March+2012+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
For more great Silent Sunday posts pop yourself over to <a href="http://loveallblogs.com/2012/04/silent-sunday-6/">Love All Blogs...</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/silent-sunday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silent Sunday" border="0" src="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Silent-Sunday-Badge-SMALL-1.jpg" /></a></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-9135559907566510772012-04-05T10:02:00.000+12:002012-04-05T10:02:41.361+12:00Crikey where has that year gone??Well isn't it amazing how time flies when you are having fun? Of course I am using the word “fun” rather
loosely. With moping around for a bit
after being made redundant, then relocating the family back to NZ, finding
somewhere to live and of course moving in, I missed the grand occasion of
Frankie Parker turning 1.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So
Happy Birthday to Frankie P or is it Happy Anniversary.......???<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes
it was back in <a href="http://frankie-parker.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/who-am-i-and-why-blog.html">March last year</a> that I decided to give this blogging lark a go
and in that time I think, no I am pretty much sure, I have seen it all.
The good, the bad and very ugly side of the blogging and twitter community. Everything from the cliques, bitchiness and backstabbing,
to the caring, well meaning and supportive comments and tweets. It always makes me think whether I would see
this sort of thing if I wasn’t in a “mummy” blogging network? Really, if you don’t like what someone has
written, let it go, move on, life is far too short to worry about the opinions
or thoughts of someone you are never going to meet!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like
all new bloggers, there were times where I was continually obsessing about
posting something, why I wasn’t getting comments, where I was in the monthly
rankings, but then real life would pop up and make me realise that blogging isn’t a competition or the be all and
end all. It’s what I do to keep the grey
matter still ticking along. I do it for
myself and for no one else. Of course it’s
great to get comments and know that someone is actually reading my ramblings. So a big thanks for taking the time to read
my little corner of the blogosphere especially those that have been there from
the start. You know who you are....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In
that time I have meet (not in person, but you know what I mean) some great
bloggers and read some great posts, some have made me laugh, some have made me
cry, some have made me think (yah!) and some that I can just relate to so well
its quite scary. More importantly I now
know what I like to write about and what I like to read.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So
is it “Chin-Chin” and here’s to another year?
Not sure, I would like to think so but the <a href="http://frankie-parker.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/its-bit-late-i-know.html">lack of desire to blog </a>which
I wrote about back in January is still lurking about. But I am now picking up pen and paper to jot
things down. So that has to be a good
thing, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But
what I do know is that Frankie P needs some loving so a new blog profile and
photo are top of the list for her me thinks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-81053739261831576312012-03-20T21:09:00.000+13:002012-03-20T21:22:36.717+13:00It's Daylight Bloody Robbery....<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I see you there sitting on the shelf,
sitting with all the other “Imported” goods. Looking at me, imploring with me
to pick you up, to roll you round in my hands, to take you home.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But I can’t... or rather I won't! It’s
not that I can’t afford you; it’s just that I can’t bring myself to spend $4 on
you knowing that in London you are a measly 68 pence!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So let’s do the maths,
68p converted at today’s rate would be only $1.30. So not only are you twice
the price of the Kiwi equivalent you are 3 times are much as you are in
England. So being the principled person that I am and more importantly of Scottish descent, that
is simply why I will not be buying you. That is why I leave you sitting on the
shelf every time I am in the supermarket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Because its daylight BLOODY robbery!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Oh, but you do taste so good. Funny
thing is I never liked you until we met again in London. I remember trying you
as a youngster, cooked in a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billycan">billy</a> over an open fire on a school camping trip
and “Blech, disgusting, not eating that again!! But then my sister
re-introduced us, one soggy Sunday morning along with Marks and Spencer
Ultimate Mash.. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ah it was the perfect comfort food for a
dodgy hangover.</span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Hmmm..... Oh I do so miss having
you for brunch on Sunday with my eggs... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So perhaps you can be my little secret,
hidden at the back of the pantry, hidden in amongst the other canned goods.
Hidden, so Mr P and the boys don’t see you. They can have the less tasty Kiwi
version; they would be none the wiser. I could wait until I am home alone to
bring you out, cook you up and scoff you down. Mmmm, I know it’s not nice not
to share, but too bad. I make the rules so I can break them...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But, No!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But really, why not I ask myself? When
we were in London I had no problem going to the NZ shop and spending £4 or £5
on a pack of biscuits or some chocolate. Surely this is the same?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">No, no of course it isn’t! Then I
just wanted a slice of “home”, something tasty to remind me of what I was
missing out on. To remind me of my childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">No, you will not be coming home with
me. I simply cannot bring myself to spend $4 on a can of Baked Beans...<u1:p></u1:p> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">But I may stop by next time I see you,
just so we can have a moment together perhaps even a quick roll in my
hands.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-29201140498322639112012-03-18T13:43:00.000+13:002012-03-18T13:43:07.651+13:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgXE2E47_90/T2UvGrWOXfI/AAAAAAAAAHY/QXw4lkY-pvI/s1600/Feb+2012+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgXE2E47_90/T2UvGrWOXfI/AAAAAAAAAHY/QXw4lkY-pvI/s320/Feb+2012+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more great Silent Sunday posts pop yourself over to <a href="http://loveallblogs.com/silent-sunday-11-03-12/">Love All Blogs..</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/silent-sunday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silent Sunday" border="0" src="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Silent-Sunday-Badge-SMALL-1.jpg" /></a></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-80887578886563576262012-03-13T22:28:00.003+13:002012-03-13T22:28:40.608+13:00Finally......<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Woo hoo, we are in.... Finally after 5 months of living out of
suitcases and turning my sister’s life and house upside down we are finally in
our own place. Okay, perhaps at this
stage it is more the banks then ours but nonetheless we now have a place to
call home.</span><br />
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All our stuff survived the boat trip out from the
UK, all 202 boxes with nothing broken or damaged. It is utterly amazing how much junk you
accumulate and then pay to get shipped across the other side of the world! Of course there has to be a reason why the
broken laptop made its way out here! Or
why the movers thought we would want the broken door handles from our old
kitchen or keys to the back door? Then there
are the heavy duty winter coats and boots we have. Not really needed where the average winter temperature
in this city is 11 degrees (Celsius). We
could make use of them and go skiing but since I have a pure hatred of snow
brought on by the last five winters in London I don’t think that will be happening
any time sort. Mr P is yet to explain
why he thought we would need the snow shovel and sled!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also I am absolutely sure I cleaned everything
before we left but apparently the yoghurt stains on the sofas (don’t worry they
are leather) have proven me to be a lair.
The only thing that seems to be missing is a broom and feather duster
but I can and have lived without them before.
The boys are ecstatic of course to have all their toys, not to mention their own bedrooms again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some things are a bit weird, like seeing all our furniture
from London in totally new surroundings.
Going to redial a number on our phone and seeing all our London friends’
numbers or the number to our old local Chinese.
Where once I would be typing this and looking out at a magnolia tree in
full spring bloom I am now looking out at palm trees and listening to the noisy
sound of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada">cicadas</a>. It may sound tropical
but it is still suburbia... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I still do not have the settled feeling and still
have many decisions to make for myself but at least now I can do it knowing we
have a place of our own and that the boys are happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I still wish that we had settled back in Wellington
not Auckland as that is where we are from but hey shit happens. As they say “Don’t look a gift horse in the
mouth”, we were lucky enough to get out here as quick as we did with a job for
Mr P. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So chin chin, here’s to the next 10 or so years in
Auckland. Lets hope they are as good to us as the years in London were...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-58952386960845460202012-03-11T16:23:00.000+13:002012-03-11T16:23:38.993+13:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPQdZSpb88I/TfpqM2gSnAI/AAAAAAAAADc/u5V9MVh1OVY/s1600/June+2011+004+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPQdZSpb88I/TfpqM2gSnAI/AAAAAAAAADc/u5V9MVh1OVY/s320/June+2011+004+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more great Silent Sunday posts pop yourself over to <a href="http://loveallblogs.com/silent-sunday-11-03-12/">Love All Blogs..</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/silent-sunday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silent Sunday" border="0" src="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Silent-Sunday-Badge-SMALL-1.jpg" /></a></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-23749503654070399692012-03-04T17:47:00.000+13:002012-03-04T17:47:22.017+13:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBmqNmzLTt8/T1LwsbMXzrI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Meyc9ky4nFQ/s1600/IMG_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBmqNmzLTt8/T1LwsbMXzrI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Meyc9ky4nFQ/s400/IMG_4069.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-29494240883558154082012-02-17T10:09:00.003+13:002012-02-17T10:09:24.368+13:00Oh shit the boys.......!!<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">So I had a moment the
other day, it was a true “save yourself” moment. Just for a split second or two, okay maybe five I was just concerned about myself. A true moment
where I actually forgot about my little treasures (aka the boys)!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">So picture the
scene....</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">There we were in a
beautiful secluded bay on one of the islands about an hour out of Auckland. The
water was so clear that you could see the sandy bottom beneath. Sounds almost
perfect right?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Apart from the fact it
was so bloody cold! Typically we picked the worse day of a long weekend
to have a family outing on the boat. We had the day planned out, stopping
along the way for a bit of fishing, then stopping at a bay for lunch and a
swim. Generally getting the boys used to being out and about on the
water.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">So anyway there we
were playing in the water, trying to convince the boys that it was warm while
covered in goose bumps and trying not to mutter too loudly about how frigging
cold it was. Then I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">"Hmmm that’s
strange" I thought, "what’s that?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">So I looked again and
there swimming towards me (I am so sure it was after me) was a large black
shape. Did I mention how clear the water was? Then the panic truly set in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">“FUCK, there is
something in the water” I screamed while running like a lunatic out of the
water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Then I heard something
that was a bit like hitting a brick wall, “mummy, mummy, MUMMY!” Oh SHIT the boys, oh the shame, oh the bad mother guilt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">On turning round and
looking back in the water, Son Number 1 looked close to tears with his arms
stretched out and Son Number 2 was looking his usual confused self trying to
get a closer look at what was now swimming around them. As there were now
not one but two black shapes enjoying the water with them! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">So after quickly
recomposing myself, the brave and dignified person that I am, went back into
the water to rescue the boys. While
trying to avoid what turned out to be two stingrays that had decided to spend
their afternoon in the same secluded bay as us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">So hit with the double
whammy of freezing water and the stingrays the rest of the afternoon passed
pretty much uneventful on the beach. Where Son number 1 had to do his
first poo in the bush in true Kiwi style and I had to wee behind a tree because
there was no way either of us was going back into the water unless it was time
to leave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Oh and before you
think he was going to poo in the water, there is a loo on the boat.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI7ejOoTfX4/TzsuBcOHARI/AAAAAAAAAG4/botYRxDddLQ/s1600/IMG_4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI7ejOoTfX4/TzsuBcOHARI/AAAAAAAAAG4/botYRxDddLQ/s400/IMG_4094.JPG" width="192" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AXYd9UWiefo/Tzsu5_Yz3QI/AAAAAAAAAHI/8xSZJO-3pmA/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AXYd9UWiefo/Tzsu5_Yz3QI/AAAAAAAAAHI/8xSZJO-3pmA/s400/IMG_4082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-67500021535513796762012-02-10T20:14:00.000+13:002012-02-10T22:52:57.405+13:00The Procrastinator within..... Part two..<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Note to self..<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You really need to do it! You can
only put it off for so long! You know he
is more than ready for it so why are you dragging it out as long as you can?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are no more excuses you have used them all now:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“I can’t just yet as we are moving back to New Zealand”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Wait a week or two until he is settled”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“After Christmas, after all we have a return 10 hour drive to deal with”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Once the school holidays are over when there are no distractions”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No it has to be done, after all his brother was done much younger than he
is now and it went okay. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So what is stopping you? The mess,
the staying in, the running round after him, checking up on him, what? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“So what is stopping me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s kissing goodbye to his babyhood and
recognising the little person he is becoming. It’s like
watching him ride off on his bike without me for the first time, watching him jump into
the pool without me to catch him and loving it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s realising that soon he will no longer need me as much as he does now. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s another little step towards his independence. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Its
all this and much, much more.... </span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Because he is no longer our little baby!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of course I have many more excuses in my
head why to put it off for another month or so. Perhaps wait until we move at the end of this month? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But no, I know it needs to be done. So this is the weekend to do it....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv1265465370msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Potty training here we come!!</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xcnk2tNYp80/TzTCuraPsQI/AAAAAAAAAGo/2uNwSa5IbvU/s1600/IMG009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xcnk2tNYp80/TzTCuraPsQI/AAAAAAAAAGo/2uNwSa5IbvU/s320/IMG009.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-22728773663990167402012-02-05T20:14:00.000+13:002012-02-05T20:23:52.369+13:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvX6rmWI1IU/Ty4qLvwIJzI/AAAAAAAAAGg/kuPXWvkVQFc/s1600/January+2012+002+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvX6rmWI1IU/Ty4qLvwIJzI/AAAAAAAAAGg/kuPXWvkVQFc/s400/January+2012+002+002.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Silent Sunday was the inspiration of Jay over at</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/">mocha beanie mummy</a></span>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-43057891284498150052012-01-31T17:05:00.000+13:002012-01-31T17:05:14.386+13:00It's a bit late I know..........<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy New
Year to you all...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"> It has
been over a month since I have written a post. I would like to say it’s
because I have been too busy or that it’s because I have lost my blogging
mojo. But no, not really. The main reason is simply that I haven’t been bothered with blogging or even Twitter for that matter. I have
managed (just) to check my Google Reader but that is only every now and
then. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So why no
blogging? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well,
because I have had absolutely no desire whatsoever to blog\write or tweet about
anything. Not sure why really, it certainly isn’t because I haven’t got
anything to say. I still have those thoughts and little conversations
swirling around in my head that I usually end up writing down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t
know, perhaps it’s just all the change we have gone thru moving countries, I
am as much out of my daily routine as the boys are. Also, it is the
summer holidays over here at the moment and lucky for us the schools got an
extra week off due to the term times being changed last year to accommodate the
Rugby World Cup. Can you think of any other country in the world that
would change their school year to accommodate a Rugby competition? No, I
didn’t think so! Good news is that they are back at school this Thursday,
and that’s a big collective Yah!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course
there is also the possibly that once you are out of the habit of doing
something everyday then you soon learn to live without it. Living without
blogging and twitter now that’s a thought isn’t it! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But no, to be honest, it’s just me being extremely lazy and unmotivated. At the moment I just
can’t be arsed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
this week I have promised myself that I will give myself a big kick up the
backside and sort my shit out. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do all the things I have been putting off
and start writing down all the stuff that is in my head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So watch
this space... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And if there
is still nothing in a month’s time can someone please give me a great big cyber
kick up the back side...<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-38580204281483969422012-01-22T20:20:00.000+13:002012-01-22T20:20:09.733+13:00Silent Sunday<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJwXg_2hvc4/TxuXxvXjvPI/AAAAAAAAAGE/xix9pwibqiY/s1600/January+2012+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJwXg_2hvc4/TxuXxvXjvPI/AAAAAAAAAGE/xix9pwibqiY/s400/January+2012+017.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Silent Sunday was created by Jay over at</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/">mocha beanie mummy</a></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-79020989332579062152012-01-15T18:52:00.001+13:002012-01-15T18:52:08.058+13:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbiAMAFjJIs/TxJn-3t4bFI/AAAAAAAAAF8/vfaFyhVjkzA/s1600/Jan+2012+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbiAMAFjJIs/TxJn-3t4bFI/AAAAAAAAAF8/vfaFyhVjkzA/s400/Jan+2012+031.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Silent Sunday was created by Jay over at</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/">mocha beanie mummy</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-65829334828540109392011-12-19T22:17:00.000+13:002011-12-19T22:41:30.259+13:00Bah Humbug.......<div 0cm="" 0pt;?="" class="yiv574228165msonormal" margin:="">
<span msid710841?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well it seems that I am a bad mother, yet again! According to Son No 1 life is not fair and it’s entirely my fault. Of course being this time of year it has to do with Christmas or in our case the lack of anything Christmassy in the house.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<span msid710851?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710861?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Him: “Mum, why don’t we have a Christmas tree this year”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710871?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Me: “I thought we wouldn’t bother since we aren’t going to be here for Christmas, your auntie will have one up when we get there”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710881?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Him: “That’s not fair, what about decorations?”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<span msid710891?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>Me: “What about them?”</em></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<span msid710901?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Or </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710911?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Him: “Mum, why don’t I have a chocolate calendar?”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710921?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Me: “Because you don’t need one.”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710931?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Him: “But everyone at school has one”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<em><span msid710941?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Me: “That’s nice for them but you don’t need one, we didn’t have them in my day”</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></em></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<span msid710961?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now before you think that yes, I do in fact deserve the Bad Mum of the Year award and that I am a pretty miserable person, let me explain...</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv574228165msonormal">
<span msid710971?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I don’t get Christmas or more the point I can’t see the point in it. Apart from the religious side of it that some people still celebrate, what really is the point? Ask any child nowadays about what Christmas means to them and it will all be about the presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely this alone shows just how commercialised the whole festive season has become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there really a need for shops to start displaying Christmas decorations or signs in September other than to try and get the early dollar off us mere consumers? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The consumers, who at the first sign of anything Christmassy in the shops start to panic and so the list making and present buying frenzy begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span msid710981?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes it’s a time of year that for most will get a few days off work and have the opportunity to catch up with family and friends. But I am sure for most people they can do that at any time of the year and not have to pay over the top in doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I for one do not need advertising companies and stores telling me what I should be doing and what I should be spending my hard earn cash on. You know the lists in the papers and magazines of those “must have gifts”, really? If I am going to be forced into buying presents for my children then I will buy what I want them to have or what they need. As the food, do we really need to eat all that food which in most households goes to waste?</span></span></div>
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<span msid710991?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let’s also not forget that for some this time of year is not that festive. It is proven that at this time of year domestic violence increases, while hospitals are overloaded with drunks. Some families will have to choose whether to buy presents or pay those important household bills. Parents will be getting stressed with the fear\pressure that the children can’t miss out on the top toys\gadgets\clothes. After all what would the other school gate mums think if little” so and so” doesn’t have the must have toy or shoes..</span></span></div>
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<span msid711001?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Really is it all worth it? </span></span></div>
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<span msid711011?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So yes I really don’t see the point and can think of better things to do over this period but for the sake of the boys and my family I will be going thru the motions this Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially as it will be our first Christmas back in NZ with the boys. So we will have the presents, eat all that unnecessary food, try not to argue with each other while having started drinking mid morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all it’s Christmas and no harm in having a wee drink after breakfast! </span></span></div>
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<span msid711021?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But I will also be looking forward to the time I can tell my boys “look he just isn’t real” and that friends and family are important all thru the year not just at Christmas. That they need to appreciate what they have and that presents don't represent how much someone loves you. That the latest must have "whatever" doesn't make you a better person.</span></span><br />
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<span msid711031?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Also in case you are wondering I also don’t see the point in Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween either!</span></span><br />
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</div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-77116166805267796782011-12-08T10:08:00.001+13:002011-12-08T10:28:34.909+13:00Okay, okay, I admit it...<div class="yiv1493388590msonormal">
<span msid7431?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It would be fair to say that the last 8 months or so I have been in denial to what or who I am. But that all changed this week with the click of a mouse button when I was asked for my occupation at the bank. I am not currently working was my reply, so with a CLICK I became a ‘housewife’. Right before my eyes, CLICK, just like that. Apparently there was no need to discuss this with me. It seems that any woman who has children and isn’t in employment must be a housewife! So the decision was made while I sat there quietly outraged (that’s my inner feminist) and Mr. P just smirked knowingly!</span></span><br />
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<span msid7441?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You see I haven’t really come to terms yet to say that I am a SAHM. To all new people I meet and on any forms that I need to complete I am still an IT Manager. Someone who works and has a life outside of children and the home, but who is currently having an unexpected extended break. Why do I do this still? No idea, but I have read some pretty good blogs recently about lost of identity and what life was like before children. So I guess that pretty much sums up how I feel. That with that little click the last 20 years of my life and experiences has somehow been wiped out. That my role in life has now changed to that of a housewife because that is what society or the bank’s computer system thinks I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what will this new role bring I ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I still be interesting to other people? Will “Yes hello, I am currently at home with the kids” be met with blank stares or even worst that pitying smirk that some people like to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I lose whatever fashion sense I had while working and resort to anything that is comfy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will my ability to drink copious amounts of alcohol disappear since I no longer have work drinks or even worst am I am expected not to drink (copious amounts) since I am now a housewife? </span></span></div>
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<span msid7451?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now of course there is nothing wrong with being called a housewife, after all that is what many of my friends are. But it does scream (well to me) images of a perfectly coiffure woman in an apron, holding babies and smiling sweetly at hubby. Not the reality of a over tired woman trying to juggle housework, food shopping, school run, afterschool activities, cooking, bathing and story reading.</span></span></div>
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<span msid7461?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But the alternatives are not any better, Home Executive, Home maker, Soccer Mom, Lady of the house, Home Economist! I mean really, am I the only one that thinks this? </span></span></div>
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<span msid7471?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I think I will settle for what my mum used to say in her younger days when we were all still at home… “wife, mother, chief cook and bottle washer”. </span></span></div>
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<span msid7471?="" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just try fitting that into your little box Mr. Bank Manager!</span></span><br />
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</div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-35369844758118368732011-12-01T19:23:00.001+13:002011-12-02T15:43:51.109+13:00Bessie....<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems our boys have a new playmate, a new friend for life. She has helped them settle in more than we could have done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is full of energy, patience and very gentle with them, in fact I think placid would be a good word to use for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is Bessie, my sister’s 2 year old dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don’t go thinking of a wee little 2 year old puppy dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh no, this little 2 year old is a big, bouncing puppy dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been many incidents of “Bessie has pushed me over” or “Naughty Bessie” as Son no 2 has been hit in the face by her very excitable tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all in all they just pick themselves up and carry on laughing and playing with her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since the day we arrived they have not left her side, every waking moment is spent running round with her, playing ball or making up imagery games where she is inevitably sat on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, so that may be where the placid may be bordering on dumb as she keeps going back for more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But while it may be just games for my boys, she in her doggie way is teaching them <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">some valuable lessons in life, friendship, respect, loyalty </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">and of course love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That true steadfast kinda of love, the kind that doesn’t matter what or who you are or do, they will always be there for you. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So while I go and do “Poo Patrol” to avoid any nasty accidents with bare feet I leave you with this poem by Edgar Guest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it sums it all up....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A Boy and His Dog</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A boy and his dog make a glorious pair:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">No better friendship is found anywhere,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For they talk and they walk and they run and they play,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And they have their deep secrets for many a day;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He may go where he will and his dog will be there,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">May revel in mud and his dog will not care;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Faithful he'll stay for the slightest command</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And bark with delight at the touch of his hand;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">No other can lure him away from his side;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He's proof against riches and station and pride;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery's breath</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Is lost on the dog, for he's faithful to death;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He sees the great soul which the body conceals--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Oh, it's great to be young with a dog at your heels!</span></div>
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</div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-14214401413216915162011-11-25T14:17:00.001+13:002011-11-25T19:13:09.967+13:00So here we are......<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So hello there, yes it’s been a while hasn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are now 3 weeks back to being in New Zealand, slowly getting settled and so far so good...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The flight over wasn’t too bad with the boys, all 29 hours of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never underestimate the power of Chupa Chups lollipops and Cars 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first kept them entertained during the all so tedious checking in and security process. Of course much more were demanded for takeoff and landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter kept them entertained on the flight, in between eating (more sweets and chocolate, they didn't want any of the airline food!) and sleeping they were glued to their little screens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t matter that Son No 2 couldn’t get to grips with the head phones so just spent the time watching it with no sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was happy so we were happy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we got here the first two weeks were spent travelling around the country visiting family, so more flights and Chupa Chups for the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Perhaps, now thinking about it, the overload of sweets may of been the cause of Son No 1 couple of bouts of air sickness? </span>We also had a bit of an eating frenzy, eating everything that we missed while in the UK. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys it seems have already slipped into the laidback lifestyle here, playing in the surf at various beaches, eating ice creams and running around in bare feet seems quite normal for them now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Needless to say the visiting and feeding frenzy is now over and we are now getting some sense of normality back into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr P has started work; Son No 1 is in school which is a bloody godsend even if it is only for 4 weeks until its summer holidays over here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was getting quite unbearable and annoying, does that make me a bad mother saying that? No, just honest I think, as there is nothing quite like a bored 5 year old to tip you over the edge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even he wanted to start school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have even managed to find a childminder to look after Son No 2 for a couple of days a week so I can get some much needed me time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some time to think about what I am going to do now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know those questions that always seem to be lurking in the back of your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I work, if so part time or full time work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I do some courses instead?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I really be bothered to join a gym? Should i sneak off and have another cream donut?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it just me that thinks these things? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meantime I have a much neglected blog that needs some loving and need to find us a home before we drive my sister and her partner around the bend..... </span></span><br />
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<br /></div>Frankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093639826741146734.post-11539298828011841932011-11-06T23:24:00.000+13:002011-11-06T23:24:00.681+13:00"Walking thru an empty house, tears in my eyes...... This is where the story ends"My dearest London,<br />
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The time has finally come to say goodbye. Our home is no more, all it's content packed up and ready to be shipped. Every room empty now, filled only with echoey silence, no sign that it used to be our home.<br />
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What can I say, its been a blast my old friend. From being a gateway to Europe for all our travels. To the dodgy pubs and clubs I have crawl out of at some ungodly hour. From fine dining to the old faithful local greasy spoon. To the great shopping on the High street, from cheap as chips, designer stuff, M&S food and underwear. I will miss all of this. To providing me with the excellent care to allow me to have our two gorgeous boys. To, of course, all the great people I have met and the good friends I have made, I will miss you all so much.<br />
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So thank you London for making the last decade, my thirties a truly memorable time.<br />
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Of course it hasn't always been good, there will be things that I will definitely not miss. From the snow, god how I hate the snow. How the whole city, no country, grounds to a halt is<br />
beyond me! To the endless football coverage, dodgy summers, overcrowded tubes, tourist packed streets. No I won't miss them at all.<br />
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So yes I will miss you dear old London but as the song goes "this is where our story ends".<br />
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So now on to the next chapter and to whatever it may bring.<br />
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Yours truly<br />
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Frankie P xxFrankie Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368883040919870887noreply@blogger.com9