day in the life of vegemite in a Jar

I am still here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-12-26T00:28:00.001-08:00

G'day from Vegemiterules,

Just a short note to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I will be back soon, miss you all heaps.

Love from "Vegemiterules" xoxoxoxox

I am still here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-12-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

G'day from Vegemiterules,

Just a short note to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I will be back soon, miss you all heaps.

Love from "Vegemiterules" xoxoxoxox

A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-10-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Hi guys, long time no speak to.

I am still posting from an internet cafe, still no home computer on the horizon as yet sad to say.

It has been over a month since I have had a chance to get online and check out what you guys have been up to, once I post this post, will spend a bit of time and visit and say G'day!!!!

My my, my blog certainly needs some "housework" done on it, links are missing &/or broken, it is in sad need of some extended time and effort to get it running up to scratch again.

I am still struggling with certain issues that I touched on a few months back, it will take some time yet, I am slowly (very slowly, sometimes one step forward then two steps back) working towards a positive outcome (fingers crossed).

Will now leave you with some laconic humour

A Kiwi was hoping to immigrate to Australia. Upon ariving in Australia, he was questioned by the customs officer, "what is your business in Australia?"

"I wish to immigrate" was the Kiwi's reply.

The customs officer then asked, "Do you have a convicton record?"

Confused the Kiwi then replied, I didn't think you still needed one!!!!!!!!!!"

Until next time, take care

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

Difficulties make YOU a Jewel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I am still here, still working long hours, hence have not had a chance to call into the Internet Cafe and post for a couple of weeks.

Firstly, my heart goes out to all those that have been effected by Hurricane Katrina. The visions that we are getting here in Australia makes you weep for the victims of this natural disaster, may God bless you all.

On the Anniversary of 9/11, Melbourne-Australia has been threatened to be the next target if you are to believe the video that was released by the terrorists to the World in the past 24hours. They say that they want peace, but it must be on their terms, what in the darnation does that mean??????????????????.

We Aussies are alert but NOT alarmed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxx

Everyone is kneaded out of the same dough, but not baked in the same oven!!!

2005-08-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I am still posting from the Internet Cafe, I was going to purchase a new PC this weekend, but I am still concerned about the costs of the painting that I have to have done on my Unit, so will have to wait a couple of more weeks.

Well, what a week, I know that we all need to have leave, but sometimes you wonder when you get back to work. My co-workers were fantastic and tried to cover for me, but they have their jobs to do as well, so I am still catching up.

That leads me on to a conversation that I was having with Philip (my Manager), I have written about him previously actually if you page down you will find a photo of him, I was in his office having a coffee and just catching up about life outside of the work place, when out of the blue, he said that he was thinking about us all the other day.

There are about 30 people that work in the department that I am in, Philip was blown away by how different we all were, from all different walks of life, various ages, yet we all valued, respected and embraced those differences with a genuine affection for each other. He was quite chuffed and felt enormous pride in his department.

Over the past few years there have been many changes, not only in the Job specifications but in the staffing. Sure there have been a few hiccups and a few rank loud mouthed people employed, but they have all been weeded out now, and the the department is very close. But as I told Philip, it all starts from the top and he had a lot to be proud of in himself, we were a reflection of his values, (gee that was a good suck up job done then "vegemiterules"), no seriously, I meant every word. If you have a healthy work environment, it does take the edge off the stress of the job.

On a completely different tangent now, I did not really got into "Lost", but one of my fellow co-workers, he was really into it. We both love Survivor, The Amazing Race and The Mole, so thought that I would support his "Lost" addiction and watch the final show.

All I can say Guys is, if I had invested my time in following the whole series, I would have picked up my TV and threw it out the window, WOT THE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Well it is 23degrees here this Sunday, I will hang about for a little while and drop in and say G'day to as many as I can, then I have other sheds to shear.

Thank-you for still dropping in even though I cannot be online all that often, your support is valued.

Take care,

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxox

Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted!

2005-08-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Well guys it is back to work tomorrow (sob!), my plans for my week off were hampered as I had a relapse of the flu that I have been struggling with for the past 3-4 weeks. But today is the best that I have been feeling physically for the past month, so obviously the past week resting and sleeping has helped me get rid of the dreaded logie.

To get my "sea legs" back persay, went and visited the new Bunnings outlet which just opened this week, it is enormous guys, it is the biggest Bunnings in the Southern Hemisphere. Everyone one in Australia loves Bunnings, you can spend hours and hours there just walking around, you are gob-smacked with all the choice that you have at these outlets.

We "Aussies" are claiming it is so big, that other then the Great Wall of China, the Bunnings store at Vermont, Melbourne, Australia can be seen from the moon as well (wink wink wink).

Went and visited my Mum and Dad last night, it had been quite awhile since I had seen them, we went out for dinner at one of the local pubs and had a lovely meal with a couple of wines. Got home in time to see the last 5mins of the footy between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs, the Western Bulldogs were up 22 points with just 5 mins to go, guess what, the Melbourne Demons got up and won by 4 points, it was an absorbing 5mins of Aussie Rules footy.

Now that Big Brother has finished for this season (congratulations to the Logan twins for winning, great effort by Tim to come second), Australian Idol (3) has just started.

I am totally into Australian Idol, I really supported Shannon when he was runner up in Australia Idol (1), had his photo everywhere in my work station (sorry DaFFy), so look forward to how Australia Idol (3) shapes up this season.

At the moment, we are down to the final 30, over the next few weeks, that will be pared down to the final 12 and then the competition really hots up, will keep you informed over the journey.

Well, finally, I want to thank you all for still coming to visit even though I do not post that often, as I have to do my posts from an Internet Cafe, I am hanging out for the time that I do get a new PC, but in the meantime, this will have to suffice.

My posts may at time seem a bit innocuous, but it difficult to really express what is going on in my life when you have people peering over your shoulder all the time.

Until next time, take care.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoox

Life is rather like a can of Sardines: we're all of us looking for the key!!!!

2005-08-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Well how are you guys, I truly miss you all.

I am still without a home PC, depending on certain expenses over the next month, I may have a surprise for you all then!!!!!!!

I am having the spouting, windows, doors and frames painted over the next month, so that is an expense that was unexpected. I live in a stand alone 2 bedroom unit of approx. 14 squares, it has 2 bathrooms, lounge, dining, kitchen, kitchen eating area, 2 car garage, on an estate with (7) seven other stand alone homes, (it is like living in a Court), so it was a Body Corporate decision to get the painting done, I was not prepared for the expense, hence no PC for the time being.

It is a rainy day here in Melbourne at the moment, which is good, we desperately need the rain, as I keep on saying, Australia has been in the grips of a drought for the past 8 years, so any drop of rain is precious.

I had to laugh the other day, I think at times we all think about each other and wonder what is happening in each others lives at the moment. The reason why I say this, since I have started blogging, I have learnt alot about the North America winter and the extremes of temperature you guys go through.

I know that you are going through some very hot temperatures at the moment (we get Good Morning America here), but last Wednesday, Melbournians were excited because we were expecting "SNOW", yes "SNOW", not "SNOW" as you know it, but just white slush.

The temperature plummeted down to 1 degree (which is like Summer in your Winter), it never evenuated, but some towns like Korumburra, in South Gippsland, where I lived, experienced snow, just for an hour, but is was real, how cool was that.

When I was watching the news as they were broadcasting the "cold snap" I thought of my blogging friends that experience real snow, day in/day out, and the freezing temperature you have to cope with in Winter.

Melbourne maybe cold and wet at times, but it would be a walk in the park for you guys from Great Britain and North America.

I am on a weeks leave, finally!!!!!!.

I have heaps to do, but today I am just going to spend sometime here, then off home to plan my week, some of those plans are, spring clean my home, do some gardening, get my car tuned, make a Hairdressers appointment, catch up with Family. It will be a full on week, I have heaps of chores to do around my home.

But today, just for a few hours, I will try and catch up with you all.

Take care, hope to be back soon.

Hooroo for "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

A quick note - I am still here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-08-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

G'day from Vegemiterules,

Well guys I am still without my PC, I am posting again from a different Internet Cafe, it is a bit safer then the first one that I visited.

There are still heaps of young kids and young people here playing games on the PC's, amazing about 16 of them playing the same game on different PC's.

I have been in bed with the flu for the past week, it has been going around the office so it was only time before I succumbed.

It is amazing guys how much I miss my home PC, I did not have one for years and then when I did get one two years ago, never used it much as I was such a novice.

In October 2004 I discovered Blogging and since then I have been addicted to my PC on a daily basis.

All you guys are like my "blogging family" and I miss reading about what is happening in your lives and sharing the blogging experience with you.

Over the past few weekends I have taken a step back into my past and visited the towns where I lived through my life.

It has been an interesting experience, we have all these memories in our mind of what things looked like and how big they where, when in reality they are not what they used to be.

For you Aussies out there, here are some of the places that I have re-visited and re-traced my steps.

Euroa, Violet Town, Strathbogie, Seymour, Ruffy, Longwood, Loch, Bena, Korumburra, Leongatha, Inverloch, Wonthaggi to name a few. These are all very small country Towns in the state of Victoria.

Some of these towns meant alot to me because I lived there or went out and partied in, as a youngster growing up, local townhalls where they had the local bands playing on a Saturday night, following the country football side that I suported and playing netball in some of these towns.

It all brought back lovely memories.

Well guys, I must away, I am now going to try and visit as many of you as I can before my time runs out.

Take care, miss you all

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxxo

Something to hang your hat on until I can get back online- Miss you all!!!!

2005-07-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Just a quick note to let you all know that I am fine. My PC has crashed and I am not in a position at the moment to replace it.

I have missed you all dreadfully, at the moment I am sitting in an internet cafe, first time for everything hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (It is an eye opening experience).

Quite reasonably priced though, $10 for four hours, so long as you can deal with the games that the younger people are playing and put up with the noise, all cool though, a friendly evironment.

Once I get used to the noise and atmosphere, I may stay here for a few hours and catch up with all your blogs.

I will try and catch up at least once a week via the internet cafe until I can get another PC, in the meantime, take care, be well, I do so miss you all.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoxox

I am back, A very special "thank-you" to Troy

2005-07-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

As you can tell I have not been around for awhile, I have alluded to this before, I am having bad problems with my PC. Sometimes I can be on for only 5mins and bang gone for good, or I can stay online for longer then bang gone for good. My hard drive has been sounding like a truck backing up, beep, beep, beep, honestly I thought that at times I was in a Road Runners cartoon, beep! beep! Beep!

Suffice to say, I am back online now due to my mate Troy.

(Sorry guys, had to take Troy's photo down, it was too big and was puting my sidebar way way way down the bottom.)

Otherwise known as ThE NaShMan

Troy aka ThE NaShMan is a dead set true blue aussie mate!!!!!!!!!!!

Troy told me a really funny story the other day that I hope does not lose the humour to the written word.

As you may have all gathered by now, I am a "true" blonde in every sense of the word, but over the past few months since I have started blogging, I am learning so much about the computer lingo and its application.

Troy was telling me that I am so like his mum, a novice at the start, but willing to learn and enjoy the experience and not be afraid to go where no man has gone before (like the moon - but hey I hear you say that was done in 1969, oops, remember I am "blonde").

Troy's mum rang him as she was having a particular problem with her PC, Troy told her to "right" click on the mouse and go to another step, Troy's mum was taking a few minutes to "right" click and could not see to get to where Troy was trying to guide her.

After about fifteen minutes of not getting anywhere, Troy and his mum decided it would be better if Troy looked at his Mum's computer when they were coming over for dinner that evening.

That evening Troy, his beautiful wife Belinda and their handsome young son Hayden visited Troy's mum for dinner. Prior to sitting down for the family meal, they decided to see if they could work out what was wrong with the computer.

Troy asked his mum to do exactly what she was doing when she asked for help over the phone. His mum turned on the computer and went into the area where she was having problems, Troy was standing behind her to get an idea of what was happening, once there Troy said to his Mum, ok Mum, all you have to do is "right" click.

Troy was then amazed, his Mum opened up a word document and then typed in CLICK, see his Mum thought that Troy was saying "write" click not "right" click!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

What a lovely and funny story. I hope that I captured the humour and affection in the telling.

I am still having problems with my emails, have not be able to access them for over 5 weeks now, that is the next step in trying to get my PC up and running properly, suffice to say at least I am back online for the moment.

I am sending Troy a very special vege hug for getting me this far, if you want to know a bit more about my true blue aussie mate, visit Troy HERE

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoxoxxo

My "three" things

2005-06-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I have been away all week and have only just got back today. Have been working way too many hours and I am a bit brain dead at the moment.

So for your enjoyment (I hope), I will re-post a meme that I did quite a few months ago, some of the answers are different this time.

I am going to rest up today in preparation for the upcoming working week, and catch up on reading your blogs.

My three things

Three screen names I go by
Vegemiterules
Vegemiterules
Oooops did I say "vegemiterules"

Three things I like about myself
Humour
Loyalty
Ability to engage all in conversation

Three things I dislike/hate about myself
My fingersnails, I have bitten them down to my elbow
I procrastinate
I am too stubborn for my own good, to my detriment

Three parts of my heritage
True blue Aussie
Touch of Irish from my Dad's side
Touch of Scottish from my Mum's side

Three things that scare me
Looking back at myself in the mirror
Loneliness
Losing my sense of humour

Three of my everyday essentials
Coffee
Humour
Did I say coffee

Three things I am wearing right now
Jewellery
Hat
High heels (wink wink wink)

Three of my favourite bands/singers at the moment
John Farnham
Curtis Stigers
AC/DC

Three of my favourite songs at the moment
Turn back time - Cher
I'm outta love - Anastacia
The Power - Vanessa Amorosi

Three things I would love to try
Skydiving
Audition for the Amazing Race (sadly they do not have an Australian version)
Bunge jump

Three things I would want in a relationship (love is a given)
Honesty
Respect
Humour

Two truths and a lie
I am/have been suffering from clinical depression for the past 10 years
I really do hate vegemite- peanut butter rocks!!!!
I completed the Big M Marathon (26 miles 385 yards)

Three things I just cannot do
Change a light bulb without standing on a chair
Looking down from high
Looking up from down

Three of my favourite hobbies
Blogging
Writing in my private journal
Did I say blogging

Three things I want to do so badly right now
Speak with S and G (miss them dearly)
Get in my car and drive and drive and drive just to see where I would end up
Finish this post so that I can go to the toilet (Haha)

Three careers I am considering
Rocket scientist
Astronaut
Stand up comedian

Three places I would love to visit on holidays
New Zealand
Canada
Ireland

Three things I would love to do before I die
Try and make a difference and make the world a better place for all
Reconcile all differences in my life
Live a full and happy life without any regrets

Well my friends, I am outta here, going to put the coffee pot on and catch up with some fascinating bloggers, have a great week.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoxo

The Google-Image Meme

2005-06-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Have seen this around the blogging world, so thought that I would give it a go.

You go to google images and type in a question, this is what I did and here are a few that I found.

Where I was born

Where I spent most of my childhood

Where I live now

One of my nicknames

My favourite colour

My favourite animal

My favourite drink

My favourite singer

I hope that you all enjoyed the brief "snapshot".

Enjoy the rest of your week, catch up with you when I can.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

Vegemite or Peanut Butter? What a dilema-both famous Australian icons-but of course "VEGEMITERULES'' all the time ;) That is a given!!

2005-06-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Firstly, thank-you so much for taking the time out to read my challenge "An affair to remember - Summer in Paris 1949 - My Memoirs of a love now long lost, but never forgotten" and for leaving your kind comments, very much appreciated. I now pass the baton on to someone else that is willing to take up the challenge, who is willing???????

One such kind visitor, the very famous and witty Gene from Old Horsetail Snake asked the following "Someday when you get a chance, can you tell me (us) what "vegemite" is?. Is it sold in the USA. Is it as good as Peanut Butter?".

Well Gene , Vegemite is loved and eaten by all Australians. It has been part of the Australian culture since 1923. In 1923 Fred Walker discovered and made vegemite. Vegemite is made from brewers yeast - the worlds richest known natural natural source of vitamin B. It originally came in a 2 ounce jar called "pure vegetable extract".

Walker ran an Australian wide competition to offically name his spread, the winning name was Vegemite and in 1923 Vegemite first graced grocers shelves. It was described as delicious on sandwiches and toast. Also improves the flavour of soups, stews and gravies.

Australians took vegemite to their heart, and in every Australian home you will find a jar of Vegemite. Over 22 millions jars of Vegemite are sold in Australia every year. Every Australian that goes overseas, always takes a jar of Vegemite with them.

Every one of our fighting forces since 1923 has had vegemite as part of the staple provisions that they had to carry with them in their survivor packs.

We Aussies love to play tricks on unsuspecting overseas friends, like telling them to spread it at least 3 inches thick on bread or toast. You should see their faces when they chop down, it is a sight to behold.

Did you know that every Aussie baby has vegemite spread on his/her pacifier/dummy fact or fiction?????????

Vegemite is sold in the USA but is so expensive, a lot of Aussies get their supplies shipped from home, it is cheaper to do it this way.

I will kill two birds with one stone here, the lovely and thoughtful Raehan from Agog and Aghast asked "Do you ever eat peanut butter instead of vegemite?/ and would you tell us if you did?"

Peanut Butter has always been made by Australians right here in Australia using 100% Queensland nuts.

Raehan I adore my famous cousin Peanut Butter. We get together occasionally on a girls night out and spread ourselves around, extolling our benefits as a nutrional spread that can be enjoyed by all.

I have been guilty of ocasionally enjoying the taste of Peanut Butter, but I have to be true to myself and say that "vegemiterules".

I hope that you all have a great weekend, and enjoyed this piece of trivia.

Thank-you to Gene and Raehan for asking the questions, I hope I answered them both in part for you.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoxo

The result of my challenge!!!!!

2005-06-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Well guys, I have finally finished the masterpiece, An affair to remember - Summer in Paris 1949 - My Memoirs of a love now long lost, but never forgotten. I invited you to all challenge me in writing a story around your contributions, I have over the past five hours written just on 5,000 words, so put the coffee on, pull up a comfortable chair and hopefully stay long enough to read the story from start to finish.

I had no idea of where to start, or any direction in my mind when I started, I just let the story tell itself. It was so much fun to do and hopefully I take you along a fantasy journey with me as you read.

Because of the size (5,000 words), I have had to post the story in several posts, I have closed the comments on the posts, so if you care to comment, please come back and comment on this post.

I look forward to your thoughts and I hope that I have done all 46 of your valuable contributions, justice. Yes I had to write this story to include 46 different contributions, all of which were hard to include in the story, some more then others.

Hooroo from a very nervous "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

An affair to remember - Summer in Paris 1949 - My memoirs of a love now long lost, but never forgotten -Part One

2005-06-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

I was 23 years old that fateful summer in Paris. I had just finished work and was scurrying along the Boulevard and in a split second, my whole life changed forever.

In my hurry to get back to my apartment prior to dusk, I slipped and started to fall heavily onto the cobblestoned pathway. I immediately let go of my handbag and placed my hands in front of me, tensing my body, preparing myself in the anticipation of the searing pain that would fill my body and mind as I hit the sharp uneven cobblestones.

I felt helpless as I saw the cobblestones rising to meet me, berating myself for hurrying along in the dusky mist that had left a dangerous moisture on the Boulevard for those not of sturdy steps.

Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw these strong masculine arms reach out and catch me just milliseconds from me hitting the walkway. He struggled to keep me upright, I felt him gather his strength in his body as he took all my weight in his arms, and lifted me back onto my feet.

We stood like that for what seemed like eternity, he with his arms around me from behind, we were as close as two spoons. I could feel his heart beating on my back, his short breathes of exertions on the back of my neck, the ardelian was still running through my body, so in a moment of relief, I relaxed and leant back into the arms of this stranger that had saved me from my fall.

He relaxed and gently released me from his arms and I took a step forward and slowly turned around to thank this kind Samaritan. As I raised my face to look at him, I inwardly gasped, he was the kind of man your mother warned you about, tall, dark sexy and dangerous

He was about 6’4’’ tall, broad shoulders, dark shoulder length hair, tied back off his face to reveal deep blue eyes framed by long thick eyelashes, his full pink lips were slightly parted in a knowing smile to reveal beautiful white teeth. He was wearing a black suite with a black cape tied just under his manly chin, to keep out the coolness of the setting sun.

As he released her from his arms, he sighed, the warmth he felt flowing from her body, had awoken him to the beauty of the setting sun, the rays of which were reflecting back at him as captured in the softness and beauty of her waist length blonde hair. As she turned and raised her pixie shaped face, he stifled a sigh. She had a light in her eyes that shone like water through a gossamer veil.

In that fleeting moment, they both realized, there was a very strong sensual electricity between them, where it would take them, only time would tell, it was a decision each of them would come to regret in time.

In silent communication, he took her by the elbow and guided her towards a destination unknown to both of them.

They sat quietly at the sidewalk cafe, sipping their coffees and nibbling their croissants while avoiding each other's glance; both couldn't help wondering who would first utter the words they had been dying to say since the moment they met.

He then uttered the first words I know that I should have asked for vegemite on toast, these croissants aren’t as tasty as I thought they would be. Her eyes flickered with excitement, her thoughts precisely, she was dying for some Kimichi, her mother had always told her kimichi tastes better in France.

The cafe was crowded, sitting at the table next door, was a dour woman, we both noticed her as she had just called out quite loudly and in a most arrogant fashion waiter there is a fly in my soup, she was now leanong on the table with a slow burning cigar in a cigar holder resting in her hand, the look in her eyes was one of centempt, at her feet sat a miniature poodle dressed in a diamond encrusted coat, I said "Parlez-Vous Anglias, Dammit" don't stick your nose up at me, with that the dog jumped up and clamped his teeth on my booted ankle, the dog just wouldn't let go, my mysterious stranger leapt to his feet and prodded him off my ankle, in doing so, some of the diamonds on the diamond encusted coat broke the dogs skin, it itched and it itched, and when he scratched it open, he knew that he would never live the same way again.

The woman stubbed her cigar showing off her fingers each of which were dripping in diamonds, shrieking at the top of her voice as she left the café, “the dog is now spoilt merchandise and no longer perfect, I am leaving him here”, the waiter ran after her, with the poodle under his arm “…but wait, you can’t do that, it’s illegal”

We both turned, and look into each other’s eyes, “hello” he said in a voice that made me want to melt on the spot, “my name is Marcus”. I lowered my face in embarrassment, hoping he did not see my girlish flush at the sound of his voice. I answered hoping that I could control my breathlessness “my name is Kathleen”. The ice had been broken, the dam was now flowing.

Part Two

2005-06-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

Over the next hour we talked about our life journeys to this point in time. Marcus had been brought up in orphanages as he was abandoned when he was 6months old. It was during these formative years when he was reaching out for friendship to replace the love of a family that he never knew, that his loving nature was misread by some of the people that came into and out of his life. Some of his male friends took that loving nature and wanted to make it theirs. Marcus was touched to think that they saw something in him that they fell in love with, but he gently told them that all he was seeking was friendship. He said to one such friend please don’t say it is me, why do I keep turning guys gay to which his friend said, you have a special gift, a gift of love and life emanates from your very soul, all who meet you, male and female, fall under your spell.

As they were sitting there sharing journeys from their past, the reflection in eyes of the Eiffel Tower made her love him even more. Kathleen was falling under his spell.

Kathleen was married, had been for the past five years, to a man whose only way of making it through life, was through an alcoholic stupor, Kathleen only found this out about him after they were married, her marriage was waning but she had made a commitment just that morning, to her husband, to try again and see what the future held. She knew deep down, that her husband was a kind man that was fighting inner demons, but yet she yearned for the touch of a strong man. Now here she was, not less then twelve hours later, sitting in a sidewalk café, falling in love with a man that she had only just met. Her mind was racing with guilt, her heart was palpitating with expectation and desire for this stranger called Marcus.

Marcus stood up and silently offered his hand as if reading Kathleen’s mind, knowing that she was falling under his spell lead her inside to the tiny dance floor. There was a three-piece band playing slow melodic music, the lights where turned off, 100’s off candles had been lit to give the ambience of romance and love.

He slowly drew Kathleen into his strong arms, drew her head down so that it nestled in the small of his shoulder, draped his hand around her slender waist and drew her closer and closer until their bodies where as one, like fireflies, they danced in the night.

They both became so involved in the moment, their eyes only for each other, feeling their bodies melding together under the influence of the lilting music they did not realize that they were the only couple on the floor. All the other couples were sitting at their tables, smiling back at them with knowing looks, reliving and revisiting their experiences with their partners by watching the moments that were being revealed by Kathleen and Marcus as they discovered their insatiable lust for each other.

As they became aware that they were the focus of everyone’s attention, Kathleen and Marcus sat down in the back booth, far away from prying eyes, they wanted to savior this moment on their own. A bottle of wine with two long stemmed glasses was presented to them both as they sat down, a gift from one of the couples. Kathleen was very thoughtful as she sipped the ruby red wine, she wondered how it ever got to this point.

Marcus was looking into her dark brown eyes shaped like almonds, and his intuition was telling him that Kathleen was struggling with her feelings for him and for her husband. He decided to put his heart on his sleeve and asked Kathleen back to his apartment. They both knew as soon as the words where out there, what this invitation meant.

He stood up and came around behind her, drew her chair for her, placed his cape over her shoulders, clasped her hand in his, and walked out into the crisp fresh air of the early evening. Marcus and Kathleen knew there was no going back now, the anticipation of what the evening ahead held for them both, raced through their bodies.

Part Three

2005-06-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

The warm early morning sun streamed through the window, reflecting off their naked bodies. The pastries they nibbled on in bed that morning where no were as sweet as the love they had made the night before.

Kathleen struggled off the bed, realizing that her night of wild and unyielding passion, had kept her from her husband who would be worried as to her whereabouts (that is if he was sober). Marcus slowly stood up and walked towards her, held her in his arms as she silently wept. Kathleen was overwrought with guilt. Marcus raised her lips to his, and in an all consuming kiss they both understood that this may be the last time that they could be together.

Kathleen wrote in her journal after that fateful night as we strolled long the Champs Elysee he slid his hand down my back, he cupped my waist and pulled me closer. My head was buzzing, filled with the memories of our night together. This was the longest walk of my life from Marcus’s apartment to my home. I wanted it to last forever.

After Marcus walked her home, Kathleen turned the key in the lock of her apartment, not knowing what was going to greet her the other side of the door, she held her breathe and silently slipped inside. She was not prepared for what she saw, her husband in the act of making love to another man. A loud sob passed her lips, her husband and his lover immediately drew up the sheets to cover their nakedness, the sheets were still warm, but her words where full of ice is this the reason why you have to drink to make love to me, that you really hunger for a man to make love to.

Her husband and his lover immediately jumped from the bed and hurriedly dressed while following Kathleen out to the sitting room. They found Kathleen sitting on the lounge, a look of acknowledgement on her face. If she had been honest with herself, she should have seen the signs a long time ago, she knew her husband was having internal struggles, she was just heartbroken that he had not had the courage to tell her. She truly loved her husband as a fine human being, and had only ever wanted what was best for him in his life.

The three of them sat in a circle, their arms around each other, it was within this conversation that Kathleen learned of her husband’s daily meeting with his lover. It was a small corner café, they knew that they would be risking everything if they were seen together but their love knew no boundaries.

Kathleen confessed about her night with Marcus, and told her husband that because she was married, told Marcus to go away, he was leaving Paris that very day, as he was heartbroken that he could not have her. Her husband encouraged her to seek Marcus out and tell him that she was free, and to follow her heart, as he was now going to pursue a life with his lover.

He packed his things, told his lover to wait for him in the café, turned around to Kathleen and for the last time, took her into his arms. The warmth and affection that passed between Kathleen and her husband, was true and genuine. Even though they were never meant to be lovers, they were meant to be friends.

Kathleen stood at the front gate as watched as he walked down the cobbled street, into the sunlight and out of her life.

Marcus was devastated that the woman of his dreams Kathleen, decided to return to her husband, but in his heart of hearts he knew that this was the best thing for them both. He had had difficulty in the past remaining true to his previous lovers, he had such an insatiable desire for making love, it was difficult for his lovers to maintain the frequency of his needs. But in their night of wild un- abandoned lovemaking, he felt that he had met someone that could match his appetite, this being Kathleen.

He had lied to Kathleen, he had told her that he was leaving Paris that day because he could not have her in his life, that was partly true but the real reasons where that his previous lovers were still chasing him as he had fathered two children within these relationships and he could not afford to maintain any form of support for them. This did not stop his lovers from perusing him and making life difficulty for him.

Then he saw her sitting at the table in one of the little pavement cafes, she had not seen him so he had a moment to reflect on what he saw. A beautiful young woman in the prime of her life, blonde wavy hair to her waist, bountiful bosom, full red lips and a touch of colour in her cheeks. Her face was once of concentration as she was reading the daily newspaper with a coffee to her side on the table.

Kathleen had decided to search for Marcus and tell him of her love for him and that they could now be together. She had decided to grab a coffee prior to doing so, and in the meantime was glancing through the local newspaper. This is where she learned who Marcus really was and why he was really leaving Paris that day.

The mother of one of his children, desperate to get in contact with Marcus, had taken out a full page advertisement in hope of making Marcus realize his responsibilities not only to her but to his previous lovers. It was a very honest and open letter and anyone reading it would think that Marcus was an unfeeling cad. Kathleen could not marry what she was reading in the paper with the previous night of passionate lovemaking.

Marcus had been so kind and gentle, encouraging her and giving her belief in herself, feeding her self confidence as a woman in control of her sexual needs. Made her feel safe to abandon her shackles and enjoy without feeling inhibited and taught her to demand what she wanted to make her feel like a woman.

She was now unsure of how she felt, as these thoughts ran through her mind, a man’s shadow fell over the table. As she ran her fingers through her long hair to get it out of her eyes, her eyes traveled up the strong torso, taking in the broad shoulders, to rest on Marcus’s face. He was smiling in acknowledgement as their eyes met.

Her heart skipped a beat, a 1,000 butterflies leapt alive in her stomach, she licked her lips to relive their last kiss. She knew what she was doing was wrong, that it would come back to haunt her, but she was powerless to stop the passion she felt every time she was in his presence.

Part Four

2005-06-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Marcus drew up a chair and sat across from her, drawing in her beauty and her smell, he slowly reach across the table and gently took her hand in his. They sat like this for a few moments, unaware of the world passing them by, relieving in each other’s eyes, the night that they had spent together, nothing else matter in that moment.

As the day wore on, they decided to stay and have a lovely dinner together. Their love of fine food, fine wine could only be surpassed by breakfast in bed and what they ate, that is best left unsaid as demonstrated from this morning when they awoke from their night of passion. As a matter of fact, they didn’t eat again until dinner.

All this time Kathleen was having a struggle with her mind and her body. She had just read the newspaper, she knew that Marcus had responsibilities and commitments, that he had not made a clean break from these relationships, and therefore was not a free man to make a lifelong commitment to her. Her slate was clean, she was free as a bird, but her body was internally writhing in anticipation of another night of lovemaking.

It was at this time that Marcus stood up to get the attention of the waiter, as he did so, he knocked his coffee into her lap., burning her thigh, she stood up and ripped off her skirt, only to reveal his worst nightmare Kathleen had hidden the newspaper in her skirt, the newspaper spilt to the floor, laying open at the very page that revealed Marcus and his past.

Kathleen in her embarrassment immediately fled from the café and hailed down the nearest taxi. Marcus stood rock still for a fleeting second, all his past relationships came flooding back to him, he was overcome with emotion, he berated himself for not being open, not only had he lost the love and respect of the people in his past, but his two children would read this paper and believe all that was being said.

He was not a bad person, he was a man that had difficulty in owning up to responsibility, he honestly believed that his good looks and charm would get him through the tough times. He had no money, he could hardly support himself, let alone his two children, but he was too proud to let anyone know, hence they all thought that he was a cad.

Yes he had an insatiable appetite for sex, but in his own mind, he never made anyone do anything that they never wanted to do. They came along for the ride with him, no questions asked, no promises given, now he was being hounded like a criminal.

He immediately snapped out of his quandary and realized that Kathleen had fled the café, he raced out the door after her, throwing some money on the counter as he flew out the front door, he spotted her getting into a taxi cab, he reached the cab just as it was leaving the curbside, wrenched open the door and leapt inside.

Kathleen immediately recoiled to the other side of the cab, her eyes were overly bright and wide open, she was trembling her thoughts were racing. Marcus reached out for her, and enveloped her in his arms, stroking her hair, he apologized that she had to find out about him this way.

She immediately melted into his arms, her heart was full of forgiveness, they would work it out she would make him realize that he had a responsibility to his children and the children’s mothers.

She already lost her husband, friends though they will always be until death snuffs out their candles. Marcus was her lover, her soul mate a man worth fighting for.

At that moment, the taxi rounded the corner and had to immediately brake to avoid a cyclist, as the car swerved off the road, the two lovers held onto each other with all their strength Marcus thinking that their life would end there and then, whispered in her ear, I love you, you are the pinnacle in my life, I have obtained all that I thought was pure and true with you. Kathleen was seeing her life pass before her eyes, she had been in a sexless marriage for 5 years, she yearned and wanted more, she deserved more up until she realized she could save herself by tossing him out the door that flew open that thought stayed in head for just a split second.

God was testing her resolve, had been her devils advocate, she knew that something was growing in her womb, even after just one nights of wild abandonment, she had opened up every inch of her pore to Marcus, every inch of her being, this man was the father of her unborn child.

They held each other tightly, their hearts beating as one, if they died as one, great, if they survived this they would be as one in the living world.

The taxi slid slowly, a tree appeared out of nowhere, the taxi came to a boneshaking halt, they were safe, everyone was fine, the engine sputtered, the radiator burst into a steam of hissing, as it had been penetrated by the limb of the tree. The taxicab was stationery they were alive.

The three of us, Marcus and I, along with the taxi driver, sat in silence, all three of us were reliving the experience, approaching voices disturbed us we all looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief, we were alive and well.

Part Five

2005-06-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Because of the near death experience, Marcus decided to try and repair his previous relationships and stand up and be counted in his children’s lives. This meant that he did not have as much time for Kathleen as he should. But at 3.15 every week day afternoon, she knew that Marcus would walk through the door, envelope her in his arms and kiss their baby daughter Louise-Maree on the cheek.

Kathleen was very lonely, she lived for those precious few moments at 3.15pm, but she needed to make a decision. To wait forever while Marcus sorted out his life, or to move on and find someone that would love and cherish her 24hours a day. Either way, Marcus would forever be in her heart. How would she ever forget him, when every time she looked at those precious blue eyes of her baby girl, she thought of him.

Over the ensuing months Marcus’s visits became less frequent, but their moments of unbridled passion where becoming more urgent and wild, it was as each of them where thinking, this maybe the last time, this moment in time will have to last for ever.

Finally Kathleen could take it no longer, their lovemaking took her to the brink every time, she yearned for more and more, Marcus’s visit where becoming less regular, and the time spent in these visits was becoming shorter and shorter. She decided that she needed to confront Marcus and make him make a decision.

On that fateful day Kathleen took her stand, she demanded that Marcus decide as to where he was going in his life, she laid her feelings out for him to see. Marcus got down on his knees and begged for more time, he profoundly declared his love for her. He wanted Kathleen to wait a couple more years until his other children had grown up and then he would be free to live a life with Kathleen that she so thoroughly deserved.

Kathleen was devastated, she was still a young woman, she had put herself on hold for this man, no-more, she decided that after this one last night of passion, she was going to ask Marcus to move on, so she could live her life and seek happiness, not live a life of loneliness.

The following morning Kathleen told Marcus that she and her daughter could no longer live this way, she asked Marcus to never attempt to contact her again. He was quite welcome to visit their daughter at a prearranged time and place, but as far as any relationship between herself and Marcus, that was now over.

In his heart of hearts Marcus knew that he was not treating Kathleen the way that he should, he sadly retreated from her life. As the door closed for the last time after Marcus, Kathleen said to herself why is that ‘the one who got away is always the one who got away with your heart?

Kathleen felt movement in her womb, in that moment she realized that she was pregnant with Marcus’s second child, for one fleeting second she thought about chasing after Marcus and taking back her words, but she straighten her back, determined to get ahead in life.

After a long and painful labour, Jean-Luc was born, he was the image of his father, as Kathleen nursed the infant on her breast, she looked at him and said I now sit in the ashes of my life, wondering what it might have been like, had he not walked out, or if I had taken the time to stop him.

Part Six-The finale

2005-06-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Years passed quickly, Louise-Maree had grown into a beautiful woman, she had traveled overseas as an au-pair, while living on a sheep station in the middle of Australia, she met and fell in love with a jackaroo called Snowy. Snowy followed Louise-Maree back to Paris and they had married and settled down with 3 beautiful children.

Every Sunday Louise-Maree, Snowy and the children, would visit Kathleen and they would spend the day together. One Sunday Snowy phoned Kathleen and he advised her that he was heading own to the pub as they just got a satellite dish installed and they were showing the Fitzroy Vs Carlton game live from Australia. Snowy was an avid Carlton supporter, he had converted everyone in the family over to Aussie Rules Footy.

Jean-Luc was the spitting image of his father, long dark hair, strong broad shoulders, dark blue eyes, he had excelled at school and was now the head editor of the Paris Times newspaper. Much like his father, he had difficulty in maintaining relationships, Kathleen tried to gently guide him along the right path, but like us all, she knew that we all have to walk our own road.

Kathleen was now a widow after marrying Philippe. She met Philippe just after Jean-Luc was born, he was a kind, caring and generous man, he offered her a safe haven and was a wonderful father to her two children. Philippe was a gentle love maker, always willing to please Kathleen, she loved him even more for this, because he was aware of her relationship with Marcus and all that encumbered.

Philippe had left Kathleen a wealthy widow, she wept for months after his death, his death was slow and painful from cancer, and he did not deserve to die that way.

Through the years Kathleen often thought of Marcus, wondered where he was, what was he doing, was he happy. Unbeknown to Kathleen, Marcus was also working at the Paris Times as a writer under the puesodom of Michel, he gave advise about relationships in a Heart Balm column. He was quite well known and his advise was held up as gospel because of his open and frank comments.

Marcus worked closely with Jean-Luc, they had over the years become fast work colleques, neither knew much about their respective personal lives, their friendship was based on a professional relationship

Over the years Marcus gradually got his life together, he paid for his children schooling and played a big part in their life, he was now a Grandfather of 5 adorable children who were the apple of his eye. He never forgot Kathleen, he never found anyone else like her, try as he could to forget her so that he could concentrate on building a lifelong relationship, he always failed. He ended up living on his own, feeding his life with the memories of Kathleen and that fateful summer in Paris back in 1949.

I was about to end the story here, but by coincidence, fate played a part in placing Kathleen and Marcus in each other’s path again

Jean-Luc and Marcus were having a quiet larger, discussing the issues of the Paris Newspaper when their conversation, for the first time, gradually turned into more personal aspects of their lives. Within this conversation Marcus learnt that his Kathleen was Jean-Luc’s mother and that she was now a widow, his heart leapt into his mouth. He pronounced his undying love for Kathleen to Jean-Luc and asked if he could have her phone number. Marcus was going to give it one last try, to win back the hand of the woman that truly made him feel alive as a man.

Kathleen was feeling introspective and decided to go for a drive to clear her head. Her thoughts where about Marcus she longed to feel that lust again. As she drove along the countryside their song started playing on the radio. Her first reaction was to turn it off, but instead she turned it up and wept as she remembered their love affair that summer.

Through her tears the road was blurring, she was having visions of driving off the cliff to stop the ache in her heart but then she got a call on her cell phone, and it was him.

She pulled over to the side of the road, her hands were trembling, she slowly put the phone to her ear again, the first words that she heard him say was that he was sorry and that he wanted to come back forever.

Kathleen just sobbed, she could not talk, the love, nay the lust of her life wanted to come back into her life. Then his next words where I love you, and then she started to cry I love you to.

Marcus said that he wanted to see her now, Kathleen was stunned and whispered I just…can’t she was afraid that she had grown old and the chemistry would not be the same.

He then said to her, "remember that cafe where you ripped off your skirt? Lets meet there"

Why can’t you come, we love each other he said.

She then said because I am driving in the other direction 300 miles away.

He then said, I’ll wait, just wake me up when you get there, and don’t laugh if you see me drooling on the café’s table.

Kathleen asked Marcus where he got her number from, Marcus then told her of his friendship with Jean-Luc, and how Jean-Luc had encouraged him to contact her. As a matter of fact Jean-Luc was sitting in the café with him, waiting to witness the reunion.

Her heart leaped inside her chest, did he know that Jean-Luc was his son. Kathleen sat there silently, this is the moment that she had been living for since Marcus walked out the door never to return, she felt the 1,000 butterflies come alive in her stomach again, she licked her lips in anticipation of his lips on hers in a passionate embrace.

She then started to laugh, and said, “I’m on my way”, then quickly turned her car around, and drove with the biggest smile on her face, with tears, who knew what the future held for them both, so long as they both had the opportunity to have one last long night of uninhibited insatiable lovemaking, Kathleen would die a happy woman.

I have sheds to shear !!!!!!!!!!

2005-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Well what a week, this is the first time that I have had the opportunity to post since Tuesday.

Work has been full on and I have been getting home at all weird and wonderful hours. The long hours just go with the territory, you either put in and go that extra mile to achieve your KPI's, or close your eyes and cross your fingers and hope for the best.

It is 6am, I am having some vegemite on toast and a cuppa coffee for brekky and then I am outta here for the day.

I will be be back with "An affair to remember - Summer in Paris 1949 - My Memoirs of a love now long lost, but never forgotten" later on this evening.

I will also over this weekend, call in a say G'day to all the people that have commented on my previous post - thankyou one an all.

Hope that you all have had a good week, and have great plans for your upcoming weekend.

Well, I am out the door, have sheds to shear.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxox

Thank-you Michele xoxoxoxox

2005-05-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I would love to give a big cyber vege hug to Michele for making me site of the day.

You could have blown me over with a feather (a damm big feather at that), when I got home tonight and logged on to catch up with my blogging friends, what do I find, Michele has kindly directed old and hopefully new friends my way.

Michele has a terrific site where she encourages people who visit, to engage and visit each other.

Over the past few months, through Michele's site, I have meet so many interesting and friendly people.

I thoroughly recommend anyone who has not had the chance to visit Michele to do so now by following this LINK , you will be welcomed with open arms by a very gracious host.

Suffice to say, for the first time the vege is lost for words (I will pretend that I do not hear any snickering in the backrow after reading this statement - wink wink wink)

While you are here, I hope that you feel comfortable enough to have a look around, I am only sorry that I do not have something savy to say at the moment.

Michele I am mighty chuffed, THANK-YOU.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoxoxox

I have created a Monster!!! - All "my" own doing though

2005-05-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Boy do I have my work cut out for me now. I threw down a challenge and I have been challenged from the four corners of the world, I thank you all and give you all a vege hug.

I have now closed the comments on the previous two posts, I have had over 40 contributions to our fantasy story "An affair to remember - Summer in Paris 1949 - My memoirs of a love now long lost, but never forgotten".

I now have to get my thinking cap on and write a story around your contributions, I have created a monster!!!!!!!

I aim to have the story posted this weekend, please bear with me, regular guests to my blog know that I work long hours plus have a long travel time to and from work.

I am excited about the prospect, and I cannot wait to see what comes out of this blonde brain, of one thing I am sure of though, it will be unique.

In the meantime, I will continue to drop in and say G'day to you my online friends, I may even post another post or two, but my committment to you, is to have it written for this upcoming weekend.

I will contact the people that have contributed, the day I post our Fantasy story, personally on your blogs, so you can cast a critical eye over the finished product.

Have a great week, catch you in cybersphere somewhere.

As an aside, I am having trouble seeing my blog again through IE and Firefox. I cannot see my banner where it quotes the "vegemite song", is anyone else having trouble viewing my blog, I would appreciate if you could let me know.

Well I am off to spread some comment cheer, then I will write out all the contributions, and try and get some sketch in my mind as to where I want to take this story, wish me luck, I need it.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

"What happens if you get scared half to death - TWICE?????

2005-05-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

G'day From "vegemiterules"

I am going to be honest here and say that this is a shameless plug to try and get some participation in my previous post.

Feel free to scroll down and leave a contribution, I have issued a challenge to myself, I will leave it open now until 2359hrs Monday 30/5.

On a sad note, an Icon in Australian TV, died in his sleep this week at the age of 71. I will over the next few days devote a special post to "The King" - Graham Kennedy and express my disgust with "Shock Jock" Derryn Hinch.

Well, I am off to tout for some contributions to my previous post A "vegemiterules" challenge - is this a good thing or a bad thing, only time will tell!!!

I invite you all along for the ride, it should be fun, we could all be famous one day, a publisher could pickup the rights to the short story (cough cough cough) and I would then share with everyone that contributed, a percentage of the royalties!!!!

Hooroo from a very shameless "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

A "vegemiterules" challenge - is this a good thing or a bad thing, only time will tell!!!

2005-05-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I was thinking that I would like to do something here to expand my brain and encourage others along the way to to have some fun.

I have borrowed an idea from Mike at Senior Thinking. He had this great idea to involve people in participating in writing a short fantasy story.

The premise is, I will give you a Title for the story and then ask that anyone that wants to participate, to write one sentence that they would like for me to weave into the story.

I will then take all your creative contributions, and write a story around them, quoting your words verbatim.

Sounds like fun????.

The title of the story is "An a affair to remember - Summer in Paris, 1949 - My memoirs of a love now long lost but never forgotten"

I would love it if you could particpate and leave your one sentence in the comment section, the sentence that you would like me to use, could you please quote in " "

I will leave this challenge to me, open until Saturday (aussie time) and will post the result on Sunday (aussie time). (Up-date 28/5-Will leave this challenge open until 2359hrs Monday 30/5)

Mike rose to the challenge, you should check out his posts for 28/4 when he posted the idea, and the fantastic effort he did when he revealed his story on the 2/5.

I do not dream of being as articulate as Mike but I would like to have some fun, even though at the end of the day that maybe at my expense.

To watch the Vege squirm, and have a little harmless fun, please leave your contribution in the comment section. You are more then welcome to leave more then one contribution over the following few days.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

You win some, You loose some, but in the end, it is not about Winning or Loosing, it is about how you play the Game

2005-05-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Hi guys, I would firstly like to thank-you all sincerely for visiting Lou and saying G'day, I was touched, I can only imagine how much of a difference you have made to Lou and his dad Luc, again a big THANK-YOU.

As you can tell, I have not been online much this week, did I hear a "thank heavens" then, hmmmmmmm, looking around (wink wink wink).

Still working those long ridiculous hours, but with all the hard work that I have been doing, I am finally kicking a few goals - YEAH!!!!!. I will end up as full-forward for the Collingwood football club yet, the way that I am going at the moment (heh heh heh). - Now DaFFy no comments from the peanut gallery please!

I took time out to watch the Finale of Survivor, even though this is days after the event, I thought that Tom was a worthy winner. I was so disappointed when Geoff just walked into the arena in the live show, where were the speed boats, jet skis, machette, I mean to say, Com'on.

I wagered a bet this week with my Manager - aka Philip, (the photo below was taken Christmas 2004 when I played Santa Claus for the office, that is Philip sitting on my knee)

The bet was, if Philip's side lost, he would serve me a morning tea of my choice, if my side lost, I would have to sing his club's theme song in front of everyone in the middle of the office.

I was pretty confident. I was salivating over what I could order for morning tea and how it would be served to me, I am a pretty devious little Vege at times, so I took the bet on. Well I lost the bet.

Was dreading to go to work Monday morning, what did Philip have in store for me, I pondered about this all the way to work, pondered as I was waiting for him to arrive, he arrived, no comment, discussed work, no comment, had a coffee, no comment, finally after 3 hours of no comment, I broke ranks and went and asked him what he was up to.

He quitely smiled at me and said that I would have to wait until the next day, he just wanted to saviour the moment, (I have to inform you here that his side has not had much luck over the past couple of years, but this season they are looking good).

Tuesday comes, sitting at my desk, concentrating so hard on my screen, was not aware that the whole office and the other departments had gathered into our department, all of a sudden I hear this voice say to me, well KC, let's hear it.

I turn around to these sea of faces, full of expectation, Philip sitting quitely to my left, with a silent smile on his face, all of a sudden my adrenilian starts to flow, I am shaking in my boots, the time has come to pay the bet!!!!!!

I gulped, my heart was beating fast, my hands were trembling, I know that I am the office clown and people expect all different and weird behaviour from me, but to hear me sing, they were all looking at me with such great expectation.

Well guys, you will be please to know, that I took the bull by the horns, so to speak, and gave the loudest, best rendition of the Richmond theme song, known to man. (Unknowingly to Philip, I had re-written the words, so I sang that one first), that brought the house down, and then to make up for taking the micky out of Richmond, I sang the offical theme song with as much gusto as I could muster.

I am pleased to say, standing ovation all round, a beautiful smile from Philip and a lovely kiss on the cheek for job well done, I felt great because I kept my end of the bargain.

I have learnt my lesson though, no more betting on the footy, I am only going to make a complete fool of myself ONCE!!!!

Take care all, have a great weekend, as an aside, my team won today, they beat the team on top of the ladder that was undefeated up until they met the all conquering Magpies, go Caringbush.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

Everyone has music in them. Only the talented have the ability to share it with the rest of the world

2005-05-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I have a very special friend listed on my sidebar that I have sadly neglected badly the past few weeks, much to my chagrin.

His name is Lou and his site is called Lou's Diary - A little Prince, not quite like others.

Lou is 6years old, has been blind from birth, he was born with Sepo Optical Dysplasia - a very rare congential malformation, one case in 10 million, called Orphan Disease.

Lou's opening message to Read me is

Hello,
My name is Lou, I am 6 years old (5 years when this story begun). I am blind from birth, profoundly different in my head. My daddy decided to create this website to share with you the slightly crazy experience of my discovery of life
Lou.

Lou's opening message to Lou's Diary is

Hello,
I am a little boy who only sees right with his heart. Which doesn't make my parents daily life any easier. So I'm blind and different (mentally speaking).

Lou's Diary is being written by Luc, Lou's dad, I invite you all to visit Lou and spread some love and support. He and his family are so very special, there are photos and beautiful snapshots of Lou's life, why not place a link for Lou on your sidebar, so that you can call in and say G'day at your leisure. Once you have visited this special little man, your life will be changed forever, that I guarantee.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

17/5-Update-I would really like to thank everyone that has taken the time to call in and say G'day to Lou. I will thank-you all in the comment section when I come back online. He is a beautiful young man, with such a loving family. They all deserve to be cherished. If you haven't had the chance as yet to visit, you are truly missing out witnessing a very special LIFE JOURNEY

Why is "number" abbreviated as "no"? When there is no "o" in number?

2005-05-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I thought that I had my throat cut this week, I have not been able to come online until now as my PC carked it. Thanks to my mate Troy, I am back and up and running again - YEAH.

I did not realise how much I had come to rely on my PC, every morning I would log-on about 4am, with my breakfast of vegemite on toast and a steaming mug of coffee, catch up on some reading for about 45mins prior to getting ready for work. Then after dinner in the evening, with my one glass of red wine, I would spend about 2 hours, dropping in and saying G'day and maybe write a post of my own.

I really missed having that option this week, so the Aussie heart heart that I have posted here, goes to Troy for giving me back the opportunity to come back online, thanks Mate!.

To my fellow bloggers, what would you do if your PC carked it, would you have withdrawal symptoms because you could not come online to say G'day and share with us a snapshot of your day?

Suffice to say, now I can make up for some lost time and catch up on my reading and dropping in and saying G'day to my blogger friends, and especially, to thank all you kind people that posted such lovely comments about my Mum, to say that my Mum was chuffed, is very much an understatement.

By the way, Survivor is on tonight, they are televising the second last episode tonight so that we will be on par with the show's viewing in the USA, then on Tuesday night we will see the Finale, I cannot wait to see who wins.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

update-We have just seen Caryn voted off for opening up a can of worms, on Survivor, that leaves Tom, Ian, Katie and Jenn, if you watch Survivor, who do you think will win? - I have just posed two questions in one post, I am multiskilled - cough cough!! (wink wink wink)

It's a great satisfaction knowing that for a brief point in time YOU, yes that is YOU, made a difference.

2005-05-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone that commented on my previous post about my Mum.

I have printed off that post and your comments and have put them in a special gift to my Mum when I take her out on Wednesday night for dinner.

I told her yesterday (Mother's Day) that I had written a very brief outline of her life on my blog and that I had received many loving comments regarding her, my Mum was so chuffed, so I thought that I would present this as a surprise gift to her on Wednesday.

I just wanted you all to know that you have made my Mum's day, and wanted you to know that my Mum wanted to thank-you all as well.

Again, to all Mums out there, where would we be without you, you give us unconditional love, the best gift of all, I will do my best over the next few days to get around to you all, and give you a cyber hug from me and my Mum.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxox

There is a place in our heart reserved only for our Mum, and no-one else on Earth can fill that space!!

2005-05-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

This is a short post about my Mum and her life as tomorrow Sunday 8th May, is her day.

Mum was 2nd eldest in a family of 9 children, her Mum died when my Mum was just 19years old. Mum's oldest sister was married then, so it was left up to my Mum to look after, in every sense of the word, 7 siblings raising in ages from 4 years old to 16 years old. Mum's father had died years before and her Step Father was an alcoholic (to this day my Mum blames her Step Father for the death of her Mother) and had no interest in the family, he mainly lived in a humpy at the back of the home, living in his own mind in an alcohol stupor. When he passed away I am sad to say, no-one really cared.

When Mum and Dad married, the 7 siblings were fostered out to extended family. Over the next 7 years Mum gave birth to me and my two brothers. Mum always worked, Dad was in and out of work in the early years, (trials and tribulations of living in a one horse town), doing other peoples housework, working in a greengrocers, as a kitchen hand in a canteen. Never one to sit on her bum, always on the go. Some of the housecleaning jobs meant that she had to cycle 10miles to the next small town, with my youngest brother sitting in a basket on the front handle bars, Mum was one tough cookie.

Sadly out of Mum's 8 siblings, there are only 4 still with us. One sister died in childbirth, another sister was mudered (shot dead by her husband while she was sleeping), another sister died of breast cancer. One brother died of bowel cancer.

Mum is now a proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren, and devotes all her energies to them, her remaining siblings, gardening and Dad.

A poem for my Mum xoxoxox

You mean so very much to me,
And I want you to know
That you are always in my heart,
No matter where I go.

You're always giving, always there
To help in any way;
The loving things you've done for me,
I never could repay.

I can't imagine what I'd do
Without the love you give.
I'll treasure your sweet heart of gold
As long as I shall live.

I would like to also wish all the Mum's out there, a happy Mothers day for tomorrow Sunday 8th May, a Mother's love is unconditional.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

Sugar and Spice, and all things Nice - A baby Girl!!!!!!!

2005-05-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Please welcome into the world

Mackenzie Maree

Born Monday 2/5/2005 at 1120am after 70 hours of labour, weighing in at 3.635Kg, length 52cms.

Sincere congratulations to H & B, you have certainly earnt a rest B, enjoy the next 2 weeks with H being home on leave, I look forward to hearing more H when you come back to work.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

A Wise Man can see more from the bottom of a Well, then a Fool can see from the top of a Mountain!

2005-05-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

G'day for "vegemiterules"

Heavens, I have posted nearly every day for the past few days, what is happening here?

For those that have been reading my posts for the past few weeks, will realise that I opened up a little about where I was in my personal life. I was really touched by the kind and generous support afforded me by your comments and emails, you will all be forever in my heart (and I am still answering some emails - just have to find the rights words). I was encouraged to believe that this is a safe place to open up and talk about the real person who lives in the vegemite jar - me!! and not be judged in any way.

Well for all of you that supported me, I have some positive news to share, today I opened up to a very special friend about something that has been haunting me for ages, (baby steps, baby steps), and I feel as if some of the weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I must admit that I found it very difficult to initiate the conversation, but I had made a decision over this past weekend, to tackle one problem at a time, and today was the day.

Just digressing for a moment guys, I actually support and sponser (in a listening ear way) people who are going through a rough time, within a support group that I speak at. Sometimes though the supporter needs support, if you get my drift.

After this baby step today, I feel uplifted that this special friend, already knew in his heart what I was going to say, but he was just waiting for me to say it. It was up to me to step up to the plate, and today, I stepped up to the plate!!!!

What I am trying to say here, is do not let anything fester, speak up, deal with it, somethings are not as bad as they seem. We cannot change the past, but we can change today and the future.

I hope that you do not think that I am being too abstract here, but the issue that I discussed today was very personal and I do know that certain friends and family read my blog, so I will not air the specific issue here.

Suffice to say, even though I feel dead tired, because of the emotional rollercoaster that I was on today, I feel elated because one issue that I was holding onto in my heart, is now out there and will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.

I do not know how to end this post, words are running through my head at a million miles an hour, but I will share this with you, I will sleep soundly tonight.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxox

Do Stairs go Up or Down????

2005-05-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Every now and again I will post a picture of my various homes from times past for your comparison, these were produced in 2003 reflecting some of the images on the labels of various old advertising campaigns since Vegemite was invented in 1922. These are a collectable item now, every Aussie has used an old Vegemite Jar as a favorite glass to drink out of when the Vegemite had been devoured - those were the days.

Just while I have got your attention, can anyone tell me how to downsize a bmp. picture into a jpg. picture, I would appreciate any help that you can give me, I have some photos that I would love to share, but they are bmp.files and Hello only accepts jpg.files.

I have had a lovely weekend, had some family and friends over for a barbie, caught up with some friends and met some new and interesting people, all within the blogging community. The only downer was that my beloved Collingwood was beaten by St. Kilda over the weekend, oh well as they say in the classics, there is always next week.

Well, I have other sheds to shear, so will catch up with you all later, hope that someone can help me with converting bmp.file into a jpg.file.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxox

The Early Bird may get the Worm, but The Second Mouse always gets the Cheese!!

2005-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

It was raining very early this morning so have decided not to visit Geelong, safer to stay home than traverse the wet freeways/highways. Had a lovely time last night, threw a few snags and shrimps on the barbie with some family and friends, pavola for sweets, a few sherberts, a fine time was had by all. Finished cleaning up 2am this morning.

The above photo is one taken of Melbourne, looking back over the yarra.

Another photo of Melbourne taken from the Eastern side

Melbourne on dusk with the Yarra in the foreground

Photo of the famous MCG, the mecca sportsground of the Southern Hemisphere, I was there (as well as many more times following my beloved Collingwood) when Collingwood was 42 points up at half time in the Grand Final, only to have the traditional rival Carlton, come from behind and win by 10points, in front of 122,000 fans screaming their hearts and lungs out.

Due to my change of plans, I am going to do some cooking for the upcoming week, watch my beloved Collingwood vs St Kilda on delayed broadcast, and catch up with my friends on my sidebar. I just thought that I would share with you some photos of MY Melbourne, once voted "The Worlds most Livable City"- enjoy, take care, catch up with you all soon.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

Did Noah have woodpeckers on the Ark? If he did, where did he keep them?

2005-04-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules'

Wow, what a week, last weekend was a long weekend here in Australia as we celebrated Anzac Day and the significance of this day of rememberence, you are welcome to read my post dated the 25/4/2005 to gain some knowledge of Anzac Day.

I took some time out for myself this week, caught up on all my reality TV shows, The Apprentice 3, Survivor Palau, and the final of Amazing Race 6, look forward to Amazing Race 7 with Rob and Amber from the Survivor series, that starts next week. Sounds like a lot of TV, but spread over five nights, that is only three hours of watching the Idiot Box.

I will digress for a moment, and say again, that I am so chuffed with my new home, I really love it, as the banner says, "we are happy little vegemites, as bright as bright can be" and Catherine has certainly captured that feeling with her gift to me, my home makeover.

I have made a decision to step back a bit from where I am going in my life at the moment, I have been spending too much time at work and not enough time on my personal life and my personal goals. The hours that I have spent at work have eaten into the time that I should be spending with my family, re-connecting with my friends, but more importantly, re-connecting with myself. I gave up gym last year and buried myself in work. I have re-signed and have committed myself to going five times a week, (like I was previously), I felt so good within myself when I was going to gym, for those of you out there that go to gym on a regular basis, you would understand what I mean. It is not so much what is happening on the outside (even though going to gym does change the outside), it is the inner knowledge that you are doing something good for yourself. When I was going to gym previously, my self confidence grew, my sense of self was intimate.

The gym that I go to is an all women gym, you occasionally see a male instructor in Step Classes, the personnel that work there are all so very kind and generous in their support and communication. It is like going to Cheers - 'where everyone knows your name", they are caring and supportive from the moment you walk in the door, to the moment you walk out the door, buggered from the workout, but feeling alive and re-generated.

Tomorrow, Saturday, I am getting up early and I am driving to Geelong, a provincial City, West of Melbourne, it will take me about three hours to get there, to re trace, re flect on the ten years that I lived there in the 80's. I am so looking forward to that, it has been years since I have been back down that way, it will be interesting to see how much, if any, the place has changed, I will also knock on some people's doors that I have not seen in ages, just to say G'day and to surprise the heavens out of them if they are home.

Well that is my weekend, taking a daytrip, catching up with old friends - if they are home, catch up with family on Sunday, along with watching the mighty magpies Collingwood vs St Kilda over the weekend.

I hope that you all have a great weekend with your family and friends.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

Update 10am Saturday, change of plans, got a phone call last night, I am having some Friends and Family over for a barbie this evening, I will take my daytrip to Geelong on Sunday - Yeah!!!!

We are family!!

2005-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Just a quick note, I was visiting Catherine's this morning and Catherine has kindly directed us to visit John from Muzikdude and offer our support to him and his family. I hope you do not mind Catherine, I am taking a leaf out of your book and asking anyone that passes this way to please call around and offer your support to John and his family .

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxox

And the band played "Waltzing Matilda", As we stopped to bury the slain. And we buried ours and the Turks buried theirs; And it started all over again

2005-04-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

These are the words to "The band played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle

When I was a young man I carried my pack,
And I lived the free life of a rover,
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback,
I waltzed my Matilda all over,
Then in 1915 my country said "Son,
it's time to stop rambling for there's work to be done."
So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun,
And they sent me away to the war.

And the band played "Waltzing Matilda",
As we sailed away from the quay,
And amidst all the tears and the shouts and the cheers,
We sailed off for Gallipoli.

How well I remember that terrible day,
When the blood stained the sand and the water,
And how in that hell that they call Suvla Bay,
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter,
Johnnie Turk, he was ready, he'd primed himself well,
He showered us with bullets and he rained us with shells,
And in five minutes flat he'd blown us all to hell,
Nearly blew us right back to Australia.

And the band played "Waltzing Matilda",
As we stopped to bury our slain,
And we buried ours and the Turks buried theirs,
And it started all over again.

Now those who were living did our best to survive,
In that mad world of death, blood and fire,
And for seven long weeks I kept myself alive,
Though the corpses around me piled higher,
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse over tit,
And when I awoke in my hospital bed,
And saw what it had done, Christ, I wished I was dead,
Never knew there were worse things than dying.

And no more I'll go "Waltzing Matilda",
To the green bushes so far and near,
For to hang tents and pegs,
A man needs two legs,
No more waltzing matilda for me.

Introduction
ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, is a very special day in Australian (and New Zealand) history. ANZAC stands for the Australia New Zealand Army Corps and the reason that it is so important is that on the 25th of April, 1915 Australia went into battle for the first time as an independent nation. We had only became a country in 1901 - before that we were a loose collection of colonies - and this was our "baptism of fire" on the shores of Gallipoli.

Our troops landed on beaches (now called ANZAC cove) on the Turkish peninsular at dawn in this fateful day. They suffered a terrible defeat but our men fought with great bravery and would have succeeded if not for one man - Mustafa Kemal, later known as Ataturk. Although it was a disaster it brought out some great characteristics of mateship and sacrifice for this little island continent of ours. We talk about the "Anzac Spirit" which was born that day and use the term as a mark of the greatest respect. We use this day to remember those who fought, and especially those who fell, in this war and all subsequent wars.
The Battle
In 1915 Australia along with its Allies (Britain, France and Russia, Italy, and Japan) was at war, fighting the Central Powers (Germany, the Ottoman Empire aka Turkey, and Austria-Hungary). When most people think of WW1 they think of fighting Germans in the trenches across France however Russia was also under attack from the Turks in the Caucasus. To aid their plight the Allies hatched a plan to distract Turkey by attacking the Gallipoli Peninsula, on Turkey's Aegean coast. Once the peninsula was taken the Allies would be able to take control of a strait of water called the Dardanelles and lay siege to Turkey's main city, Istanbul (then Constantinople).

Australian and New Zealand troops then training in Egypt were tasked to participate in the attack. On April 25, 1915, the Australian troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on what they had been told was a nice friendly flat beach. Instead, they found that they had been landed at the incorrect position and faced steep cliffs and constant barrages of enemy fire and shelling. Around 20,000 soldiers landed on the beach over the next two days to face a well organised, well armed, large Turkish force determined to defend their country - and led by Mustafa Kemal, who later became Ataturk, the leader of modern Turkey. It is said that Ataturk just happened to be holidaying in the area and took control of the Turkish forces right at the last moment. Thousands of Australian men died in the hours that followed the landing at the beach that would eventually come to be known as Anzac Cove.

What followed was basically a disaster. The Aussies hung in for several months however could make little headway against the Turks. They had nowhere to go and no real hope however they dug in tenaciously and absorbed whatever the Turks threw at them. Many thousands of Aussie and Kiwi soldiers died, not only from the battle but from disease brought about by the poor living conditions. However from this disaster was born the image of the Aussie Digger, a brave and laconic battler, betrayed by the mother country but facing impossible odds with humour, courage and mateship.

Eventually the ANZAC troops were withdrawn from the peninsula having accomplished nothing. Those that survived went on to fight on other fronts but it was at Gallipoli that the legend was born.

For the Fallen
They shall not grow old,
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them.
From the poem by Laurence Binyon.

You are all forever in our hearts, 90 years on, we will never forget your sacrifice to enable us to live in a free proud country.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

"Some people come into our lives and quickly leave. It is the special few that come in and leave a footprint in our hearts."

2005-04-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemite rules"

Wow, I would dearly love to thank Flirt aka Catherine for her special gift to me, a new home. I met Catherine just this year in January, I stumbled upon her site and participated in a fun challenge, we were asked to flirt, so I wrote a flirty comment, and BINGO I made an impression, what was really funny and I am sure that Catherine will not mind if I share this with you all, Catherine thought that I was a man. I must have really made an impression, I cannot remember what I said, but since then Catherine has become a much loved and very special friend. I would love for you all to visit her site Flirt in a Skirt to witness her generous spirit and feel her warmth and friendship.

Catherine also is a web designer, her site is Blog Togs where Catherine and Anna have combined their talents to offer their clients the opportunity of a new web design, or additional buttons, etc. Donations are accepted for using their skills and all donations are given to selected charities, Blog Togs is a non-profit web design site.

I encourage you all to visit Catherine and say G'day,and if you are considering a blog make over visit, Blog Togs I am sure that you will find what you want there.

In closing, a heartfelt thankyou to Catherine for this gift of a new home and for your friendship. You are truly a generous friend-big HUGS to you.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxox

Why does a Round Pizza come in a Square Box?

2005-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Just thought that I would make this a fun post, I have been a bit dark lately.

Found this picture and it tickled my fancy, made me think of my song that is at the top of my banner, "puts a rose in every cheek" - yep, there are a lot of things that you can do with VEGEMITE, but these were not the cheeks that were in mind when my song was written.

Hope this made you smile, it also shows how much we have changed as a society on what is/isn't acceptable, have a great weekend.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

Update 3pm Sunday, it has turned cold, windy and overcast, everytime I try rake up the back yard, the wind blows it back past me, have just prepared the lamb and veges for a roast tonight, so I am going use this window of opportunity to listen to the footy on the radio and visit my neglected friends on my sidebar, (once I find the damm thing).xoxoxo

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced!

2005-04-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
I am playing hookey from work today, woke up with a blazing headache about 4am this morning, by the time the pain relief kicked in, had it down to a dull roar about 5.15am. Emailed work and indicated that I was going to go back to bed for a couple of hours, when the alarm went off about 7.45am, was not feeling any better, so emailed work again and indicated that I was not coming in. It is 2.15pm, I slept until about 12pm, got up had a shower, grabbed a coffee, and sat out in the dappled sun under my tree in the backyard, and finally my batteries were energised, so much so, I felt like a sham taking the day off work. We all at times run around like chooks with our heads cut off, that is what I have been doing these past few weeks/months, so we sometimes just have to take time out to smell the roses, which is what I did for a few hours in my backyard.

While I was sitting there, I counted how many hanging baskets I have, would you believe I have 35 hanging baskets and 30 pots, all need much love at the moment. I have sadly neglected them for the past month or so, they all need repotting now so that I can enjoy the smells and sights for Autumn. Pottering around in the garden is a joy, and the results of all that hard work is a sight to behold, I will be off to Bunnings over the weekend, after I weed and repot them all with potting mix, to pick up some colourful seedlings, and wait for the splash of colour to grow.

Watched one of the best shows that I have seen for ages on TV Tuesday night, the finale for Dancing with the Stars. For two hours I ram the gamet of emotions, I laughed, cried, sang, danced, applauded, stood, sat, stamped my feet, I had an absolute blast in my loungeroom in front of the TV. I fell in love with Ian and Natalie and Tom and Kim. Both couples were absolutely fantastic, but Tom and Kim's routine to "keep your hat on" was superb. I only wish that I had thought to tape the show, hopefully they may repeat the finale episode outside of the ratings time, if they do, I will definitely tape it and watch it again and again, congratulations to Tom and Kim for taking out the finale.

Other then getting back into my neglected backyard, I will have to find out what is wrong with my sidebar as it is still way down the bottom. I have obviously broken a link, I just need to find the time to look at it with a fine tooth comb to find out what the problem is, I also need to update my links to include my new friends that I have gained over the past few weeks, and just clean up my blog so that it is not so cluttered.

I am also working on myself, getting my mind and body together, aiming for a positive space for both. I now know that I am not alone, I have my blogging family and friends to lean on, THANK-YOU all.

I am now going to grab another coffee, it is just after 3pm here Friday afternoon, and visit as many of you as I can, and catch up with what is happening in your lives, for the next hour or so, off and on, as well as reply to emails.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

Life is like a Grindstone, it will either polish you up, or wear you down, depending of what you're made of!!!!.

2005-04-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

G'day to all my friends,
Just a quick note to let you know I am still here. The goal posts have been moved in relation to my job, so in order to kick a goal persay, I have had to put in long hours at work. I normally work 10-11 hour a day plus maybe one full Saturday per month in order to try and maintain the paperwork my job exposes me to. Yesterday (Saturday) I went into work from 9am to 7pm and today being Sunday, I am leaving for work in about an hour (it is nearly 6am at the moment). It takes me anything from 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours week days (each way) to get to and from work, on the weekends about an hour or more each way. The pressure is on us all to achieve, as in any job we do, we are all in the same boat, from the bottom of the ladder to the top of the ladder. I have a large portfolio of accounts that require high maintenance, hence the extra hours.
I will respond to your comments personally and to your emails, please bear with me, I am just too tired to scratch myself at the moment, and as I said previously, I want to reply to you all, with the courtesy and respect that you have shown me.
I value you all, you have no idea how much your kindness and friendship has strengthen my resolve.
Hooroo from vegemiterules xoxo

Life is a Bridge. Cross over it, but build no house on it!!!

2005-04-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
I have been unable to get back here for the past few days, much to my chagrin, this is just a thank-you post to all who were so lovely, kind, caring and thoughtful to leave a comment on my previous post, and took the time out to send me an email.
I value and respect you all and will finish responding to those who I have not already, that left a comment on my previous post, answering your email, and then, once that is done, I will be visiting you all in person on your blogs, I will do all this over the upcoming weekend. (I have only just logged online and it is 1045pm, so want to give my answers to those comments that I have not already responded to, the same courtesy and respect, I am tired and need my sleep, so hence, I will do it next time I am online, hopefully prior to, but definitely this weekend).
You have all touched my heart and given me the encouragement/support to shine once again.
It is really difficult for me to put my feelings into words, but just knowing that if I did, I have found a safe place, HERE, where I will not be judged.
You have all renewed my spirit, for that I sincerely thank-you!!!.
Goodnight, God Bless
Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo
PS-I will also try and get some time to fix up my site, it is mess a the moment xoxo

We are sometimes, Our own worst enemy!!!!

2005-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

"It is not what life does to you that is important,
but what you do with what life does to you"

G'day from "vegemiterules".
I have not been around much as an ugly inner demon has once again reared its head! I have been trying to deal with this now for the past 6 months, but the last few weeks have taken their toll on me. I do not want to say too much here, as I know that some Family, friends, and work associates read my blog, suffice to say when I am out in the real world, and here in the blogging world, I present/communicate in a positive manner and also show my humourous side, but the cracks are starting to show, as the strain to be this way on the outside, is completely the reverse to how I am on the inside.
We all at times go through black times emotionally, but we tough it out. If you have had black times or experiencing a black time now, what best guided/guides you through.
This brief/obscure post was hard for me to put out there, but I trust/respect your input/support.
Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

What is the difference between IE and Firefox!!!!-Help please-Pretty please!!!

2005-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
Yeah I know, I have not been around for awhile, and when I do come back I am again asking for help regarding the presentation of my blog and the difference in browsers, it really is a PRESSING problem!
I truly would appreciate any help that anyone can give me, other then going out and buying a book "blogging for dummies" if there was such a book, I would be right there in the front of the line, buying it, but sigh!, there is no such book, so you guys are the ones that I draw on for your help and assistance.
When I did come back online, through IE browser my sidebar is lower then a snakes belly - translation - way way way down the bottom of my blog, but when I view my blog through Firefox, the sidebar is where it should be. I have only just downloaded Firefox, so it is all new to me.
When I respond to a comment on my blog using Firefox browser, I cannot view/see it using IE browser, and visa versa. Also when viewing my blog with IE cannot see my blogroll, but with Firefox I can (I have only just discovered how to implement blogroll).
Now another one of my nicknames is Crunchie, brown on the outside represents a brunette, and I do have heaps of brunette moments, you know when the lightbulb goes on over your head, like in a cartoon, I get it as a brunette. The yellow inside of a crunchie represents a blonde (and I am a real blonde - as in hair colour), but I have a lot of blonde moments like I am now, where I do not understand what is going on, hence I am called a CRUNCHIE If anyone is reading this post and can help me, could you please leave a comment and direct/assist me in the right direction. I really would appreciate your assistance. Once I know what I am doing, I can IRON out any problems.
Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo
Edit-I will be online over the weekend, so will be swinging by and saying G'day xoxoxo

Finally found 5 mins!!!!!

2005-04-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,
This is just a courtesy entry to let you all know that I am still around. Hopefully, within the next few days I will be back so that I call around and say G'day to you all, respond to your comments left on my last post, and fix up my site, as it looks a mess at the moment.
Hooroo xoxo

We are the Sum reflection of how We see Ourselves!!!!

2005-03-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

G'day from aka "vegemiterules", I hope that all of you have had an enjoyable Easter with your Family and Friends, and had some time to reflect with respect about what Easter means. On my daily walk I watched some children on an Easter Egg hunt. They were so excited when they found one, and the younger ones always ran back to their parents to show their treasure. The looks on their lovely faces was a joy to behold. I got two Easter eggs from the Easter Bunny, that was more then enough, I have enough chocolate the other 364 days of the year!!!!.
I had a chance to catch up with some family and friends, pottered in the garden, did some blog surfing, caught up on my emails, updated my private online journal, and welcomed the first round of Australian Rules Foootball this weekend. Yeah!!! footy is back, go Collingwood, carn the mighty magpies!!!!!. Cooked a batch of homemade vegetable soup, and homemade sausage rolls, I think I went overboard abit with the soup, I have enough for all of Old Mother Hubbard's Children who lived in a Shoe!!!!!.

While I was out and about over Easter, I engaged in a conversation amount nicknames and what animal do you think reflects who you see who you are. It was a very interesting conversation, I worked out that I have got five nicknames, that basically reflect different years/times in my life. My first nickname was given to me by my Dad when I was a little girl of about 4, that was DUMBO, hence the photo of Dumbo at the beginning of my post. Now, you may ask, why would any father call their little girl DUMBO. Well apparently I used to hear conversations that where not meant for little girl's ears, and being as young as I was, I used to repeat these conversations at the most inappropriate times which lead to much embarrassment for my Mum and Dad, and a lot of laughter from the people that I was talking to. How was I to know that I should not have even heard the conversations, much less repeat them, I was trying to be grown up and talk like Mummy and Daddy.
My love
for DUMBO the movie and my love for Elephants was born with that nickname. Would you believe, it was not until 2 years ago, when my two most loved and dearest friends (S & G) gave me DUMBO the movie, that I actually watched it all the way through. I had tried at various times over the years to watch the entire Movie, but every time I got to the part where DUMBO goes to visit his mum when she is locked in and shackled in the Caravan, and she places her trunk out the windows through the bars, and DUMBO sits in the crook of her trunk, those big big tears falling down DUMBO's face, not sir, I was out of there quicker then you could say Jack Robertson!!!!. What about when DUMBO sneezed and out popped his beautiful big ears. How rude where the other Elephants that looked down on DUMBO and his Mum through their snobby noses, they thought they were ever so superior, well excuse me, how rude!!!, did you not get your cum uppence when DUMBO finally believed in himself with the help of the Magic Feather. Who can forget the moment when DUMBO is falling down,, down, down towards the barrell at the bottom of the high ladder, when he realises that it was not the Magic Feather that made him fly, he could fly on his own because he believed in himself!!!!!!. I believe in you DUMBO, you have enabled me to FLY!!!!!!!!!
That leads me to my deep affection/love of Elephants, and why I have a collection of over 350 Elephants in my collection, and why when I consider the traits that an Elephant has, it is like I am looking at myself in a mirror. Elephants are loyal, kind, caring and very family orientated, monogamous, love and protect their young, respectful of their dead. Kinda sound familiar to you, sounds human like. Elephants are uncanny and have a deep spiritual soul. If I was granted one wish, that wish would be to see an Elephant up close and personal, be able to touch that big beautiful body, and to look into those wise and caring eyes. I can only but dream, but hey, sometimes our dreams do come true.
Hooroo from aka "vegemiterules", I leave you with you two questions. What nicknames did you have growing up, and what animal do you feel best reflects your ideals/personality.? Please share your answers with me, it is interesting to take a moment out to think about yourself, and to rejoice in who you are, unique!!!!!!. - DUMBO, YOU TAUGHT ME TO FLY!!!!!!!!

Let your Tastebuds do the Talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-03-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

I have been asked numerous times on how to make a VEGEMITE MILKSHAKE, so thought that I would share this delicious and satisfying beverage receipe with you all, so that over Easter, while you have a bit more time, you can buy all the ingredients and taste what all of Australia love to drink.

Ingredients:

Vegemite A black substance made of a Concentrated Yeast Extract

Ice-cream to chill the shake

MiloAnother Australian product, a Chocolate spinkle energy drink

Lite-white milk - half a glass

Two eggs

Nutmeg

Two Stock cubes or Bullion cubes (Beef or Chicken) depending on your taste.

One very- hot- Chilli -Pepper............

How to make the shake:

* First put two tablespoons of good Aussie Milo (Chocolate energy sprinkle drink) in the bottom of a milkshake glass.

* Lightly spread on thin layer of Vegemite over the Milo to seal in the chocolate flavour.

* Briskly whip two eggs and pour on top of the Vegemite layer.

* Take one ice-cream scoop and, while still in the ice-cream scooper-spoon, cover generously with Vegemite, so it is completely BLACK

* Add milk in slowly and mix in the stock-cubes

* Carefully drop the ice-cream scoop covered with Vegemite into the glass from a height of 13 inches# precisely.

* Sprinkle with nutmeg, or my favourite, top with cream.

* Take one very-hot-chilli-pepper and chew it VERY SLOWLY so as to completely numb any sensation in your throat.

****Enjoyyour fair-dinkum, dead set, Aussie Vegemite Milkshake

* Great at breakfast or to ease that mid-afternoon hunger-cravings

WARNING!!!

# 13 inches is the proven scientific height that lets the Vegemite ice-cream scoop perfectly diffuse into the milk.

Any lower and the Vegemite will sink..... any higher and the glass will EXPLODE!!!!!!

Why don't you all make a Vegemite Milkshake and let me know if you think it is as satisfying and delicious as we Aussies do. I promise you, it will put hair on your chest!!!!!!!!

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxoxo

Oh, by the way, do not forget to keep CHICKEN ,as mentioned in my previous post, company over Easter, Chicken is very lonely - wink wink wink.

Edit-I do not normally post receipes, just thought that I would have a bit of fun with this one. I just wanted to give you all the information and means of sharing in an Australian Iconic Classic Milkshake - This is what fuels us Aussies everyday, so we grow up to be healthy and strong, and I guarantee it will put a rose in every cheek!!!!!! - I have my tongue firmly planted in MY cheek!!

Want to make $$$$ with your Computer? No problems Mate, just press shift 4, four times in a Row!!!-Wink Wink Wink

2005-03-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

As you can see I look forward to just lazing around at times over the next few days. It has been a hectic few months and I intend to take a bit of time out for myself. We all need to do that, and I am lucky enough to be in a position to do so.

While I am relaxing, doing some blog surfing, pottering in the garden, visiting some family and friends, why don't you visit CHICKEN I found this on Holly's site and wondered Wot the!!!!! You can ask Chicken to sit, dance, move, or whatever, see if Chicken obliges you, but be kind to Chicken, do not ask Chicken to cross the road, that is cruel!!!!, nor ask Chicken to do rude things, that is very bad taste. Poor Chicken, I asked him to lie on the floor, when I told him that was not a good enough effort, he upended his entire couch just to please me. I also got a kiss from Chicken because I told him to have a great day.

Please have fun with Chicken, engage him, and come back and let me know how you went, I will be popping back here at times over Easter, I look forward to hearing about your experiences with CHICKEN I hope that it bought a smile to your life.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo
PS-Have a lovely Easter all, Easter means different things to different people, I will be celebrating Easter with respect and reflecting on the meaning of Easter over the next four days.

You make ME melt like a Hot Fudge Sundae!!

2005-03-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Hubba Dubba, three men in a Tubba!!!!

Oops!!!!!! make that Hubba Dubba, FIVE men in a Tubba!!!!!!!!! (wink wink wink)

Check you all out later, it is 9.30pm here Monday night on Channel 10, in Melbourne, Australia, you know where I am!!!!!!

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"
DaFFy -seriously ten mate!!!

Time flies like an Arrow, while Fruit flies like a Banana!!

2005-03-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Sorry guys, I could not resist. I love and respect animals and I respect the meaning of Easter, but at times I think we need to take time out of our busy lives, to relax, slow down, smell the roses and smile.

Have a great week, catch you all on the flip side, and keep on smiling.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

Editors note - No animals were hurt during the shooting of this photgraph

Don't take life so seriously......Its not permanent!!

2005-03-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

You came into my life
And my world never looked so bright
It's true, you bring out the best in me
When you are around
When you are around
All things just keep getting better!
The days keep getting better
Nights keep getting better
All things just keep getting better!

MY boys Kyan Ted Carson Jai Thom are back. The new season starts next Monday night. I really love these guys, their warmth and humour are infectious, I have a big smile on my face the entire show. We did have an Australian version with Will Ryan Ty Liston Brendan that ran for three episodes before Network 10 cancelled the show. One of the reasons why the Australian show did not rate well, was they directed the guys to try and emulate the original guys from Queer eye for the Straight Guy. Now we all know that just was not going to work. Our guys were not given the opportunity to just be themselves. We Aussies are more layback and our humour is completely different. The unseen Aussie shows that they have taped, will be shown throughout the new American season of Queer eye for the Straight Guy as specials, so hopefully we will get to know our Aussie guys a bit better and take them into our hearts as well.

Well guys, I will be doing a bit of Kevin Kline-ing* this weekend, with Easter coming up next week, there are a few things that I must/need to do. Will speak to you soon, will leave you with.....

Do any of you watch Queer eye for the Straight Guy, if so why and who is your favorite?. My favorite is Kyan.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

*Kevin Kline starred in the movie In and Out - (Wink wink wink) - I was trying to be humourous, what I was really saying is that I will be in=on and out=off line this weekend, so will catch you when I can.

A Day without Sunshine is like Night

2005-03-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Smile for you

Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner, and some one saw my grin,
When he smiled, I'd realised I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile - then I realised its worth,
A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the earth.

So if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected,
Lets start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected.

9pm - Edit Update - I have over the past 48hours, had the pleasure of "meeting and greeting" 22 new bloggers via Michele's "meet and greet" party this weekend. It was a pleasure to meet you all, it was like reading a wonderful book, you were never sure what the next page would reveal. Hopefully, some where/some time we will cross paths again in blogging world. I will over the forthcoming days, drop by again and catch up with what has been happening in your lives. Also, thank-you for leaving your kind comments, I have read them, and have replied to them all in the comments section. You have certainly have made me SMILE!!!

Have a great week everyone, catch you all next weekend, I have a busy week coming up.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

I have discovered that I often visit the State of Confusion, and that I know my way round pretty well

2005-03-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Yeah!!!!!!!, I can finally post and comment, as you all know, "blogger" has been experiencing a few problems over the past 2-3 days. I have not been able to post a comment since Wednesday. During that time I became a "lurker", not only on my "adopted blogger family" but on my own blog.

Over the past few days I have read my blog from its beginning, my first post was -

Saturday, 23rd October, 2004
THIS IS SCARY
Hello world, as you can see, this is my first time as a "blogger", I have no idea what to do or on how to set it up, but life is full of new and exciting experiences, so hopefully if people log onto my "blog" they will be able to assist me in my journey to be the "first" blogger giving the world an insight as to what it is like living as vegemite in a jar
posted by vegemiterules 2:15 PM 0 comments

Since that "fateful" day, I have posted 123 times, goodness knows how many words. "Blogger stats" no longer records how many words you have written, but prior to this service being withdrawn, I had written 9,386 words in my first 33 posts, now that just blows my mind.

I must admit I really had no direction in my mind as to where to take this "blog", initially I thought that I would just use this place to "record" my life journey from the day I was born, something that I could keep forever in "cyber" space and take my time in my "reflections". I also "dabbled" about a "fantasy" life as "vegemiteinajar", sitting on a shelf in the pantry, watching the world go by.

Then I got my first comment

Saturday, October 30th, 2004
DaFFy said ...
Wow! I grew up in Euroa - until year 7 when we moved to Berwick (Melbourne)8:48 PM

I was blown away, someone had actually stopped by long enough to read and kindly made a comment. Thank you DaFFy, you "kickstarted" me into posting in a different direction, hence I am still here today.

My question to you guys, is, what made you start "blogging" and can you remember your first "comment" and who made that "comment". Are you still in touch with this person via the "blogging" community/family.

I would be most interested to hear what you have to say, I am still in touch with DaFFy , she is my "adopted blogger sister".

It is food for thought and I hope that you share your experiences here with me, until then, I am going to grab a coffee and vist my "adopted blogger family" on my side bar, and catch up with them and say "G'day", it has been awhile, I will have a lot to catch up on.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxox

Edit-To all you lovely people that have left comments, I will try and respond to each and everyone individually in the comment section, just bear with it, sometimes blogger is having a "bad hair day" - (wink wink wink) - now I am back to Michele's weekend party, see you all there, it is great fun

To love someone is to see he/she as "GOD" intended them

2005-03-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
I was going to post about this yesterday, being Saturday 5/3, but I had problems posting, hence it is 24hours late, but I feel it is worthy to post about now.
Yesterday was the "Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras", by now the "regular" readers of my blog are aware that I have two gay nephews and many gay/lesbian friends. Again I say I have "proudly" marched in three "Pride" marches in Melbourne and two "Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras".
As a straight "red blooded" female, I had an absolute "blast" at all the marches. (We marched under the "Parents Family/Friends of Lesbians and Gays known as "PFLAG"). The love that you feel and get, the acceptance of oneself, to feel proud of who you are, be it fat, skinny, black, white, male, female, it was one of "total" acceptance, one of joy, and sometimes sadness. The "sadness" was that so many people that lined the marches, did not have the "acceptance" of who they were in their day to day lives, and reached out and touched, hugged us, because we were "standing" up for their rights to live the way that they lived.
Do you not feel some "sadness" for people that feel "alientated" from their family and friends, that feel that they cannot express who they really "are" for fear of being "judged" and "outcast".
My heart goes out to these Men and Women, who are "we" to judge anyone. If we "accept" who we are as a person "warts and all", why then cannot we accept other people "warts and all".
I am not a very "articulate" person, I speak too much from the heart to be "clinical" in what I express. I wear my "heart" on my sleeve at all times.
I have had a "glimpse" of what it is like to "comeout" through my nephew's eyes and my best friends (S&G) eyes. I must admit, I did not like what I saw through "their" eyes. I saw "ignorance", "misinformation", "non-acceptance". (Not in all cases, but in "some" cases, this is who I am directing this reference to, the "some" cases)
How would you feel, if you felt "different" from the perceived "norm", felt "pressured" to be someone that you were not, just to have "acceptance"?.
How would you feel having "family" that were too afraid to "comeout" through fear of "non acceptance", and feeling that they did not live up to the "expectations" of their family?
I invite you to vist my Sister in law's website and read her story as a loving parent of two gay sons.
All I can say in trying to close this post, is "love" one another as we "love" ourselves. Be respectful of all and have an "open" mind.

Hooroo from "vegemterules" xooxoxo

I cannot "comment" on "blogs"

2005-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Just a quick question to anyone surfing by, are you having problems trying to post a "comment"?. I was trying to respond to the comments on my previous post but I am unable to do so, also I cannot comment on other blogs. If you can leave a "comment" please do so, or if you are having problems could you please let me know on my "shoutbox". I have emailed "blogger support", but I know that they must get "heaps" of calls for help and sometimes it takes them quite a long time to repsond.

I appreciate your input.

I will be back later to check and to post a "proper" post. In the meantime, have a great weekend.

1105am Sun 6/3 - Thank-you for that Sweetie I can see your comment, but I cannot respond to it, I do not know if it is "me" or if there is a problem with "blogger". I can only comment on blogs that have "haloscan". Back to the gardening, will drop back in later to check things out. xoxoxoxo

1205pm Sun 6/3 - Thank-you Noel I have not been anywhere near my firewall (that I know), the only thing different that I have done to my blog in the last 24hours, was take down the "tagboard" as it was not working, the whole "tagboard" site was down, so I thought that I would give "shoutbox" a try. I am at loss as what has/is happening guys.

440pm Sun 6/3 - Thank-you Mike for dropping by as well and trying to help.I am now able to "comment" on the "comments" that have been kindly left on all my posts.

I do not know if the problem was with the "blogger" site or if the error was with me (I would suggest the latter). I logged on again again a few minutes ago, could not "comment" on the "comments", logged off and then before I came back onto this page, I deleted all "temporary internet files", then when I logged back onto this page, all was well with the "world" of commenting on comments. To make sure, I checked out a few other "blogs" and hey, BINGO I can comment.

I am new to "cyberspace", yes I use the PC at work, very efficiently I would add, but obviously we have an IT department that fixes all our problems. I am flying "solo" here, it has been an ongoing learning experience. I have only been "blogging" for 5 months, and I knew nothing and I mean "NOTHING" about code, changing templates, inserting/changing data, adding links, all that "jazz", knew nothing about "view source" or "notepad" (where I have now "borrowed" some links from), if it had not been for my "aussie" adopted "sister" DaFFy showing me my first and one and only lesson on how to change the template to include a link in my side-bar, I would have given up ages ago. Since then it has pretty much been hit and miss.

Suffice to say, I am up and running now, I will return soon to "post", until then, if you did not get the connection between the title and the photo mentioned in my last post, check it out with an an "aussie" they will tell you the connection. (*wink wink wink*)

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

I come from a "landdownudda" ???????????

2005-03-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

This is just a quick post, I hear you all mumble under your breath, "so hey what is new "vegemiterules"." I basically came on to respond to a comment that the lovely Breasier left on my previous post. Because I am tied up with work at the moment, I do not have much time to post daily, that will all change soon, in two weeks time I am taking some time off - YEAH!!!!. Like everyone, I "value" people who take time out to "comment" on "posts". We all blog/journal for different reasons, but we all feel "chuffed" when we log onto our blogs to find that someone felt committed enough to just say "G'day" back via the "comments" link. My way of connecting with each and everyone, is writing a "comment" back, you showed me the courtesy of "commenting", I give you the respect back by "commenting" to you each individually. Not only that, it keeps the "connection" ongoing when I do not have the time to post often.

Well I must "away", have "sheds to shear".

(Just an aside here, did anyone get the connection between the title of my post and the photo that I posted???????) - Let me know if you did or didn't - Wink wink wink to my "aussie" friends)

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

The hardness of the Butter is in inverse proportion to the softness of the Bread

2005-02-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

G'day From "vegemiterules"

Hi guys, I am back, be afraid, be very afraid. (wink wink wink).

It was a gruelling week but all went well, new policies and proceedures were discussed and put in place, and a system of on the job training was implemented.

I got back late Friday night and the first thing that I did after I walked through the door, was check my blog, (how sad is that!). But I was so pleased that I did, as I got the chance to see the kind and lovely comments that had been left while I was away. I tried to answer them all prior to going to bed on Friday night.

Since then, this has been my first real chance to make some time to come back and update a brief post and to then go visit you all to try and catch up on what has been happening in your lives while I have been away.

I have a heavy work schedule this week, trying to make up for the time that I was not there last week and then to try and contact as many clients as I can in the next week to ensure that we make the "cash flow" targets that have been set. I will probably have no voice left by the end of the week, now people that know me, will probably say YEAH!!!!!!! (to them I say - how rude, excuse me please!-wink wink wink).

Another positive that came out of being away from my computer for a week, was that I caught up with a few progammes that I really love watching. I must admit that I am a bit of a "reality" TV nut (there I admitted it, I feel better now, what a relief, I finally opened up to the world and said in a loud voice - Hey I am a "reality" tv nut and I am proud of it!!!)

Caught up with The Apprentice 3, Survivor Palau and The Amazing Race. Obviously here in Australia, we are getting these progammes later then when they have been screened in the USA, so please guys, do not tell me who wins, that would really spoil my journey (wink).

To my Aussie friends, are any of you watching "Dancing with the Stars", this is such a great progamme, I am a great Derryn Hinch fan, have been listening to him since time began, (I have probably alienated a lot of my Aussie friends with that comment, I think that there are more people out there that dislike Derryn then like him, I am maybe in the minority here.) As much as I like Derryn, I think that either Tom Williams or Ian Roberts and their respective partners will win, if I really had to pick, I would say Tom Williams.

Tom's routine last week, had me crying happy tears, he reminded me so much of those young men, you know, when you go to a wedding, the men all turn up with their suits, shirt and tie, looking really spiffy. Somehow, somewhere through the evening, the suit jacket comes off, the tie is loosened, the top couple of buttons are undone, the music gets louder, more people are up on the dance floor, and the dance moves are looser, everyone is enjoying themselves, no-one cares what you look like, so long as you enjoy yourself, everyone is in for a good time. This is what Tom reminded me off in his last routine. I LOVED IT!!!!!!! It took me back to those times, and my tears where ones of happiness and joy, thank-you Tom.

Well guys, I am going to grab a coffee, through-out the day, I will swing by and say G'day, I hope all has been well with you all, again thank-you for your kind comments, will catch up with you soon

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoo

In just Two days, Tomorrow will be Yesterday

2005-02-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
Well my "blogger" family and friends, I have got "the" call and have been called away and that means "guys" that you will not have the "pleasure" of me calling in and say "G'day". At this point in time, I am not sure how long I will be away, suffice to say, I will miss you all. Take care, look after each other, (((((Hugs))))) to you all. I WILL BE BACK, BE AFRAID, VERY AFRAID
Hooroo from "vegemniterules" xoxxoo

It takes both Sunshine & Rain to make a Rainbow

2005-02-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules",
Guess what guys, I have a few hours "finally" that are my own, YEAH!!!!. I am going to leave this post open, and come back here in the next few hours and update you all. I am going to grab a coffee, and visit all my friends in "blogger" land and come back here and give a report on myself and my friends. In the meantime, thank-you guys for all your comments, I value them all and I try and respond to them when I can. Catch you all back here later, xoxoxo

Hi Guys I am back, this will be a short post, over the past few hours I have been visiting some of my "blogger" family, and this is just an update/reflection of their lives at the moment

Sharon has been taken to hospital. Sharon is an articulate young mother of 3 boys who has a pacemaker. A few days ago, her heartbeat got up to 250beats per minute, hence Sharon was taken to hospital, and from what I can gather, has had some surgery to try and rectify the problem. At the moment Sharon is resting in hospital awaiting the results. We have all been kept up to date of her progress as her good friend Melonie has been "ghost writing" on Sharon's blog. I would like to thank Melonie for updating us all on Sharon's progress, you are a true and loyal friend Melonie.

DaFFy is considering giving up "blogging". I feel sad about that, as DaFFy is the oldest member of the "vegemiterules" blogger family. I am not saying that DaFFy is old, just that DaFFy was my first "adopted" family member from "blogging". DaFFy has always been very generous with her time and assisted me so much on my blogging journey. I love popping over to see DaFFy and get a "snapshot" of her family and the ups/downs of building a new family home. I felt drawn to DaFFy because of her humour and sense of fun. I will miss our "shenanigans" if DaFFy decides to call it a day. Whatever you decide to do my friend, you have my respect and friendship xoxo

Lou is starting to explore his world with his "little hands". Lou is 5 years old, this is his opening message in his diary "Hello, I am a little boy who only sees right with his heart, which doesn't make my parents daily life any easier. So I am blind and different (mentally speaking)". Lou, with the loving devotation and help of his Mum and Dad, is starting to be less afraid of using his "little hands" and is slowly realising the joyous experience of opening up his world a little more. Lou's ongoing journey is one of awe and joy.

Cav and Sandee are still fighting the fight against CANCER with the grace and dignity that we have all grown to love and admire.

Stephie is working her way through her health problems and has just posted the most revealing and honest and courageous post that I have read in a long time. Stephie, as I have said to you on many an occasion, admire your spirit, your kindness and your generousity as my friend.

Patrick and Breanne - (New additions to the "vegemiterules" blogger family). Patrick has just posted under the title "nothing makes me more happy then to know that I have such a close friend to know that you're down for me is reassuring". This post touched my heart, it is full of love for a friend that is going through a "tough" patch in their life. It reveals the strength of friendship that Patrick and Breanne have, even though they live hours about from each other.

I have had the limited opportunity of the last couple of hours of catching up with my "family", some of whom I have not had a chance to do so, I read their post, read the comments, then read the posts of the people that have commented and before I know it, I do not know where I am or how I got there. (But hey I am "blonde" remember)

I apologise to my extended "blogger" family for not getting to visit you all, I will make a concerted effort to get there over the next few days.

Suffice to say, please call in say say G'day to the "family" that I have mentioned in my post, and call in and say G'day to my family that is listed in my sidebar under "vegemiterules, recommended life journey blogs", they are all worthy of a "G'day".

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoox

My Fantasy-A writing exercise

2005-02-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules",

I was visiting Flirt aka Catherine viewing her post Dated 9/2 - Flirting for others, where it was noted that a challenge had been thrown by Anna , thus the following writing exercise unravelled. I pray that it does not bore you, it was great fun to do and allowed me to just let go and be free in my thinking.

Here goes:-

I am where you will find me every day, sitting here on the middle shelf of the walk in pantry. It is still relatively dark in here at the moment, as it is just gone 6am, there is some light filtering in through the slats of the door, enough for me to make out my surroundings in the pantry and to see out into the kitchen.

The pantry has five shelves, all choc o block with goodies. On the floor in the pantry is the area that stores the vegetables. There sits a 3 tiered beige coloured vegetable storer. All types of vegetables are here, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions, and an uncut whole butternut pumpkin. To the right of the vegetable storer, is a silver upright griller, and a new, white, 4 piece toaster, still in its box. The shelf above stores mostly dry food. Unopened boxes of Sultana Bran, Weetbix and Special K. Assorted packages of pasta, spaghetti, long grained rice, 2 upright airtight containers, one with Special K and one with All Bran. The next shelf up has coffee mugs, there are assorted colours and sizes, unopened cans of Nescafe coffee, Milo, and unopened packets of Lipton tea bags. Two unopened bags of sugar. There also sits 3 cannisters, they have a white background, with bright yellow and royal blue swirling patterns on them, they hold coffee, tea bags and sugar respectively.

Next is the middle shelf, my world, where I view the world from most of the time, except for brief forays into the kitchen with the help of my "human" family. I am the queen of this shelf, I rule all who grace this space with me. Here we have unopened boxes/containers/bottles of Saxa Salt, Pepper, Spices, White Crow tomato sauce, Vegetable oil, Mint jelly, Gravox, Peanut butter, etc, all arranged for easy access as the opened ones are sitting the front row with ME. The shelf above is stacked with tins of Tuna, Heinz Big-Red Tomato Soup, Wattees Baked Beans, Various containers of Pasta sauces, Peas, Beans, Beetroot, Golden Circle Pineapple rings, Ardmona Pears, and various others. On the top shelf we have Cannisters of flour, plain and self rising, cooking books, and a various assortment of packaged deserts/cakes that are quick and easy to make.

As I look out through the slats of the pantry door, I can just see enough with the help of the early rising sun, coming through the bay windows, above the kitchen sink, directly across from me. The sky has that soft glow of a chilly summer early morning, all the indications it is going to be another classic beautiful day. From my position I can see the tops of the two bird feeders that are outside the window. At this moment there are seven rainbow lorikeets chattering their hearts out as they forage for the remains of the seed that was left over from yesterday. They are a truly beautiful bird, green with red/yellow breasts and a slight hint of yellow in their tail feathers.

As I bring my gaze back inside, the next thing that comes into focus is to my right is the granite benchtop that is home to the built in cook top. In the corner you can see the stainless steel kettle, with a tree of coffee mugs in all assorted colours. Besides this, sits the wooden bread bin. Creamed wall tiles as a splashback, reach up towards overhead cupboards made of timber. Adjoining that going left is the doublesink, adjoining that, going left again is the granite benchtop that separates the eating area from the kitchen. The cupboards are all made of timber and the floor is slate. There are six highback timber stools on the other side of the benchtop. To my left on the same wall as me is a built in oven/griller, then a two door stainless steel refrigerater in a recessed area in the wall, as well as more timber cupboards and drawers.

All of a sudden, I hear a noise, a stirring in the early morning silence, I here the pitter patter of little feet, little bare feet slapping their soles on the wood grain floors in the sunken loungeroom, up the two steps onto the slate floor of the dining area, gradually becoming faster over the eating area floor, into the kitchen, and come to an immediate stop outside the pantry door.

Then there is silence, I can hear the rainbow lorikeets chattering, I can hear the sound of the clock on the oven, ticking, ticking, I then refocus on what is in front of me outside the pantry door. As I clear my mind of the various sounds, I hear the breathing of a little boy, and when I listen even harder, I can hear the beating of his little heart. My heart is immediately filled with joy and love, for I am listening to my five year old nephew who is visiting for the weekend.

The pantry door opens, the morning sunlit floods the room, for a moment, all I can see is the shadow in front of me, set against the light of the morning sun. I gradually refocus to the light and I am immediately drawn into the bright, blue almond shaped eyes of my nephew, they are framed by long dark eyelashes, his cheeks are flushed, he cherrie red lips are parted in a beautiful smile showing off his brillant white baby teeth, he is wearing his favorite pj's, white background with Bob the Builder in various poses printed on them. In his left hand he has his favorite stuffed toy, Humphrey B Bear, Humphrey appears to be in a little need of loving himself, his green/tartan vest is starting to split at the side, his green tie is crickled and you can see the dribble stains on the tie from my nephew, he sometimes uses Humprey as a pillow. My nephew is holding Humphrey by one arm, as well as holding up his pj's bottoms. He raises his right hand and moves it across his eyes and then over his mouth, as he lets out a slow soft yawn.

He then slowly turned around and walked around the bench and pulled out one of the high backed wooden stools, stood up on the bottom rung and placed Humphrey lovingly on the benchtop. He got down and I could hear his bare feet slap across the slate floor, he went to the utility cupboard and pulled out the toaster, opened the cultery drawer and got out a butter knife, went to the fridge and found the butter, searched in the cupboard for a bread and butter plate, placing all these items individually on the bench top. He then surveyed what he had done, and then made his way to the benchtop that had the breadbin on it. You could hear his young mind ticking over, now how do I get to the breadbin to get some bread.

He stood there for a moment, still hitching up his pj's bottoms, rubbing his hand over his beautiful face, and then I swear I saw above his head, a cloud with a lit lightbulb in it. He swivled around on his bare feet and strode purposefully around the bench and started to drag one of the wooden high stools over the slate floor toward the benchtop that the wooden breadbin sat on. He uprighted the stool, took a purposeful hitch of his pj's bottoms, placed his tiny feet on the bottom rung of the stool, lifted himself up onto the stool and lo and behold, he was in a position to open the wooden breadbin and take out two slices of wholegrain bread. He placed the two slices on the benchtop, scrambled down onto the floor, then picked up the two slices of bread and made his way back over to where he had set himself up for his special breakfast.

He then got up on another highback wooden stool and plugged in the toaster, and placed the two slice of wholegrain bread into the toaster, and clicked down the lever to engage the toaster. Then came a favorite part of my morning, he clambered off the stool and walked softly towards me sitting on the middle shelf of the pantry. He lovlingly reach up with two small hands, grasped me and held me close to his heart, I could feel his chest slowly rising with each breath, I could hear the blood pumping through his veins, and I could heart the beat of his heart. He turned and walked back acoross the slate floor and placed me on the bench.

The two slices of bread popped up from the toaster as indication that they were ready to be buttered and spread with vegemite. My darling nephew then climbed up onto the stool using the bottom rungs as leverage to get him into a sitting position on the stool. He grasped the toast from the toaster, gently jiggling them in his little hands, as it was still a little hot. Placed them on the bread and butter plate, opened up the butter container, picked up the butter knife and started to spread the two slices of toast with butter. Once done, he turned his attention to me, he slowly picked me up, undid my yellow lid, picked up the bread and butter knife again, and then slowly oh so slowly scooped some vegemite out with the knife and spread me lovingly over the buttered toast. He then sat back and looked at his favorite morning feast, but I could tell that he was thirsty as well. He scaled down off the stool again, got a glass from the cupboard, walked across the slate floor to the Stainless Steel Fridge, opened the door and grabbed the carton of milk. With his cute little bottom, holding open the door, he poured himself a glass of milk, replaced the carton on the shelf, and then did what he always does, he took a little sip. He then turned around and faced the bench, and what did I see from within my jar, a young boy with a milk moustache, this sight also touches my heart, it reminds me of my youth. He raised his right arm and with the sleeve of his pj's, wiped his top lip to get rid of the milk moustache, moved his bottom so that the fridge door closed softly, and then walked very gingerly across the floor, as the glass was very very full, placed the milk on the bench beside his buttered toast with me as a spread, scaled back up onto the highback wooden stool, rubbed his hands with anticpation of what he was about to taste, reached out with his right hand, picked up one slice of buttered toast, with vegemite, drew it towards his mouth, with his left hand joining up as well just prior to the toast begin devoured. He opened his beautifully shaped mouth and took a mouthful, at that moment he let out a sigh of contentment. He was now in his own vegemite heaven, and I am there to welcome him to my fantasy world, with open, loving arms.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxo

Mick's travels on "his" Life Journey

2005-02-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Well, my nephew Mick has been accepted into University here in Melbourne, at the end of his study he will have the tools to work towards setting up his own practice as a "psychologist".

Mick was born in 1983 with a lot of problems, I will have to use his own words here, that I have stolen from his "defunct" website.

"Left sided Aniridia, left sided Aphakia, left sided Microphthia, left sided Nistagmus, right sided Primary Anophthia, right sided Aorta, Oesophageal Atresia, a flow murmer, 12 ribs, and a Partrige in a PairTree.I bet your brain has just rebooted over that yes? lets take this a bit more slowly.Left sided Aniridia...left sided Aphakia... bugger this, I was born with problems with my left eye, no right eye, my main heart valve was on the wrong side, I have too many ribs (for a male) and I was born with my oesophagus not joined in the middle (with the bottom of it traveling up and connecting with my Trakea --- wind pipe). Right! I'm glad we've covered that"

Mick was the youngest Australian to have a "cornea" transplant, he actually had three transplants, the last one failed in 1988, hence he now has 2 glass eyes. He had part of his bowel transplanted to gain and oesophagus, he has had so many operations in his life, it would take up the entire blog just to relate them all, he has ongoing medical problems, and ongoing medical appointments to keep, to ensure he has a healthy life.

Mick is very heavy into his music, he has a beautiful voice, writes his own music, plays any/all musical instruments. At the end of 2003, Mick finished his first year of a Bachelor of Information Technology (Specializing in Computer Networks) at La Trobe University in Bendigo, he then deferred for a year to improve his independence, and research about applying for a Guide Dog. (Mick uses the "Jaws" programme that allows him to use the Computer as a "sighted" person).

He also has joined many and varied committees, again these are his own words "President of Young Blind Citizens Victoria
Young Blind Citizens Victoria is Blind Citizens Australia's Victorian youth branch. It was started because a lot of BCA youth felt that BCA wasn't completely answering the needs of its youth members, and that there should be a good strong youth network for both social and political reasons. Check out the Young Blind Citizens Victoria website
Blind Out and Proud (BOP), and Blindness and Sexuality Interests Collective (BASIC)
Blind Out and Proud is a group that was started in December 2002 to try and tackle the issues that are faced by blind and visually impaired people who are of a different sexual orientation (gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans-sexual, trans-gender, intersex, and or queer). The group has been heavily planning to be come a branch of Blind Citizens Australia, and hopefully this year this goal will be achieved. We will be then known as BASIC (Blindness and Sexuality Interests Collective).
At last year's Blind Citizens Australia national convention, I spoke about my life (from the perspective of a blind man of a different sexual orientation) and also spoke on behalf of Blind Out and Proud about the issues faced by this category of people in general."

This just a "snapshot" of what my nephew has done in his 21years of life, he is fiercely independent, can "articulate" about almost every "topic" of conversation, and a loyal and loving friend.

I am very proud of my nephew (as I am with all my nephews and nieces), I wish Mick all the best in this next exciting chapter of his life.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

In closing, these again are Mick's words "Despite being blind, and having the other problems with my throat etc, I still learn to get on with life and be thankful that I am alive"

It never rains, but it "POURS"

2005-02-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Sorry for not posting the last few days, have been busy trying the clean up the mess that "Melbourne's" weather has dealt us over the past few days.

Over the past 36-48hours we have had the "wettest" period since they started recording "Melbourne"s" weather 156years ago. It rained consistently, did not let up, the weather has caused over $150,000,000 worth of damage to "Melbourne" alone, not taking into consideration the damage in the Country. We are in the middle of "summer" and it snowed at "Mt Buller"! Over the past 48hours the top temperature has gone from 38c to 11c in Melbourne. Flooding, trees down, lines down, power out, Melbourne has been "gridlocked". In 48 hours I spent a total of 16hours getting to and from work, have been without power on and off for a total of 8 hours. My back garden is in my front garden, have branches from trees everywhere. But, hey, I am not complaining, I love Melbourne, it is the "world's most livable city". We are known as the City that has 4 seasons in a day, we are never "boring" here in Melbourne. If you do not like the weather, wait 5mins, it will change.

Suffice to say, I have not had a chance to "post" as have been running around like a "chook with its head cut off", cleaning up the damage. I have a "handle" on it now, will finish what I need to do over the weekend.

I know my "Northern Hemisphere" friends would think that this is lame, considering the weather conditions you guys have to go through, but hey this is "Melbourne".

Well have "sheds" to "shear", will be back at the end of the week.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

"We" are "Family" - "Rejoice" and "sing" along with "me".

2005-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "Vegemiterules'
First I would like to thank DaFFy and Marie for letting me know on my doodle board that my site looked ok. I did post yesterday (29/1), but when I did, I could not see my sidebar at all. When I came on this morning, took that post down, and my site appeared normal to me again. Will re-write some of my post now.
It is Midsumma Carnival in Melbourne at the moment and today is the 10th Annual Pride March. For my friends that have been reading my blog you will know that I have previously marched in three Pride Marches with PFLAG = "Parents, Family/Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
It was with much pride that I participated in these Marches, I have Family and Friends who are Gay or Lesbian, and this was my way of supporting them through their life journey. I had an absolute "blast" each and every time. It was so great to catch up with everyone, the love and respect for all was "palpable", when you are in the march the "adrenalan" is running, as you have people about 10 deep lining the march, all applauding, yelling out "positive" statements, some would be crying, some would come out of the crowd and "hug" you, we would reach out and clasp the hand of someone in the crowd that had their hand out, some people would pull you into the crowd and "hug" you, the Rainbow Flag and Rainbow Colours were everywhere. It is truly a joyous and uplifting feeling. Sadly, today I cannot attend, but my heart and thoughts are with all, I know that "everyone" is going to have a great time and the "acceptance" of each other will start the way to form "friendships" in the future.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules"

PFLAG's misssion statement is "Parents, families & friends of Lesbian & Gays promotes the health & well being of gay, lesbian & bi sexual person, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination & to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides an opportunity to dialoque about sexual orientation & acts to create a society that is healthy & respectful of human diversity"

Australia day

2005-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

Today is "Australia Day"

The words to this song will give you a "snapshot" of Australia and Australians and why we are so proud to live in this beautiful Country that some people call the "Land down under" and/or the "Lucky Country"

I came from the dream time, from the dusty red soil plains, I am the ancient heart - the keeper of the flame, I stood upon the rocky shore, I watched the tall ships come. For forty thousand years I'd been the first Australian.

We are one but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come, We share a dream, and sing with one voice, I am, you are, we are Australian.

I came upon the prison ship, bound down by iron chains, I cleared the land, endured the lash and waited for the rains. I'm a settler, I'm a farmers wife on a dry and barren run, A convict then a free man, I became Australian. I'm the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode, The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road, I'm the child of depression, I saw the good times come, I'm a bushy, I'm a battler, I am Australian.

We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come, We share a dream, and sing with one voice, I am , you are, we are Australian.

I'm the teller of stories, I'm singer of songs, I am Albert Namatjira, and paint the ghostly gum, I'm Clancy on his horse, I'm Ned Kelly on the run. I'm the one who waltzed Matilda, I am Australian. I'm the hot wind from the desert, I'm the black soil of the plains. I'm the mountains and the valleys, I'm the drought and the flooding rains. I am the rock, I am the sky, the rivers when they run, The spirit of this great land, I am Australian.

We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come, We share a dream, and sing with one voice, I am, You are, We are Australian.

Have a great day all, "Hooroo" from "vegemiterules" xoxox

Life without Danger is a waste of Oxygen

2005-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

from "vegemiterules"
I was visiting Kevin's site today, and he posted a "joke" and asked for a couple in return. Me being the friendly "aussie" that I am, contributed with four off the cuff "jokes". Now Kevin is me mate, to be sure, to be sure (wink wink wink), and I think of his "comments" as a "compliment" to me as an "Aussie", here is what he said in response to my jokes, and my response to him.

At 6:21 PM, Kevin said...
God you love Australia, you almost sound like a cartoon caricature, so much so, that if I wrote your dialogue for an Australian character in a script, I would be told it was insultingly daft. LOLThanks Vege.

At 7:06 PM, vegemiterules said...
"G'day Kevin, "dead set" I am a "true blue" Aussie". Coming from you that is a "compliment". Catch ya later mate :) xoxo

It made me think about how "Australians" are perceived. I must admit I love using "aussie" "slang" and "lingo", it has and will always be in my "vocabularly", I was brought up in the "bush", and as they say, You can take the "girl" out of the "bush", but cannot take the "bush" of the "girl". I am a "city slicker" now, but the "bush" in me remains "true blue".

I am going to steal a link from my great mate DaFFy, go Here , enter your website, select "ozzie" in "Pick a Language" then "warp the web"'

It is great fun, would really love it mate, if you could, please come back and tell me what your site translated like in "ozzie" speak.

Until next time, "hooroo" from "vegemiterules" xoxo

Also, why not read Kevin's post "Pay it forward", and then read "my" jokes in the "comments", and judge for yourself. Enjoy!!!!!. Pssst, my jokes weren't that bad, were they? Better still, post a "joke" for him to read.

Booooh!!!!!!! I'm BacK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-01-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
Well how are you all going guys?. I didn't want to post so soon after my last post, wanted LOU to get some deserving traffic to his journal. I really hope that some, who did stop by my blog, took sometime out to go visit and say "G'day".

It has been really hot here at the moment, but I say to myself, "vegemiterules" you blonde, it is Summer. The temperature has been hovering between 30c-38c, so we are still in store for some even hotter weather soon I would suspect. The temperatures get up to about 44c here at times.

We are on Stage (2) two water restrictions here in Melbourne to preserve our "precious" water supply, the water catchments are at about 61%, which is fantastic, considering we got down to just under 40% (18) months ago, hence the water restrictions. Stage (2) two water restrictions are really "common" sense laws/guidelines. No using the hose to wash your car, no watering at all of "private" lawns, water garden beds by hand any time of the day, but they say, and which is true, the best time to water is in the cool of the morning or evening, the water does not evaporate as much. No filling of spas/swimming pools without permission/approval from the relevant sources. No watering down "concrete" paths, (which I have always found "amusing", what is wrong with a broom!!!).There are a lot of other laws/guidelines but these are the ones the effect us all as "Melbourians".

Australia has basically been in the "throws" of a "drought" for the past (9) nine years, it is very hard on our "farmers" who are the "lifeblood" of this great country. A lot of our "cockies" are going to the "wall". A couple of years ago, "all" of Australia pulled together and we had "Farmhand" a "National Drought Appeal" that drew the "Cockies" and the "City Slickers" together, in that appeal we raised as a Nation $25,000.000.00 and this assisted just over 18,000 families that had their "backs to the wall". People that live outside of Australia probably do not realise that Australia is one third desert and with the exception of Antarctica is the "dryest" continent in the world.

Australia also has a very bad "bush fire" season, twice in the last 10years Sydney has been "ringed" by "bushfires", "Canberra" our National Capital was devatstated by bushfires in 2003, but in 1983
the highest recorded bushfire death toll in Australia occurred. The terrible fires that blazed from 16 February (Ash Wednesday) to 18 February throughout Victoria and South Australia killed 72 people, including 15 firefighters, and destroyed more than 2000 homes and huge areas of forest and farmland. The courage and skill of hundreds of firefighters saved many other lives. In some areas of south-east Australia there had been no rain for four years – the whole area was dry. Some of the fires were started deliberately. With temperatures as high as 45°C and winds gusting up to 120 km/hour, eight major fires raced through the Adelaide Hills and much of the south-east area of South Australia. Victoria faced 54 major fires in an arc around Melbourne, the worst being in the Otway Ranges and in the Dandenongs. Eucalyptus trees exploded with flame as the heat reached them, and huge fireballs roared through towns. Some entire townships, such as Cockatoo, were completely destroyed. In other places there were stories of miraculous survival – 83 people at McMahon’s Creek near Melbourne survived the fires by spending 24 hours in a floodwater tunnel at the Yarra Dam that was only about a metre wide and less than two metres high.

Living in Geelong at the time I can clearly remember the day before "Ash Wednesday" as the "bushfires" in 1983 became known as, I was standing out side my place of employment at the time, ready to cross Malop Street to do the daily banking, when at 3pm in the afternoon, the sky went black, there was no sun, it was "dark". When you looked up at the sky, all you could see was the "monstrous" cloud of dust, top soil, rubbish, that the fierce winds had picked up from the "drought" stricken countryside and blew this "monstrous" mass all the way from the "western" district, over "Geelong" and across the bay to "Melbourne". It was like a "total" eclipse of the sun. People reported sitting in their high rise offices in Melbourne, that they thought a "bomb" had gone off, so dense and black was the cloud mass. But it was just an "sign" of what was to come.

We all have "natural" disasters in our "countries" we only have to reflect on what happened in our world, 10am Boxing Day 2004.

I was trying to give you a "climpse" of Australia in "Summer". If you like, give me a "glimpse" of your "Country", I would be most interested to hear.

Well my friends, I have to "elan" catch up with you all soon

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxox

Always say what's in your heart & hold on tightly to the people that matter

2005-01-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
Firstly, thanks guys for dropping by yesterday, it was just a "tummy" bug, all is cool now xoxoxo

While I was in and out yesterday, I discovered a very special and beautiful young man by the name of Lou and he is just 6 years old. I invite you all to go visit Lou, before you do, I suggest you get a coffee and take some quiet time out to read his journal from the start about his short and courageous journey so far.It will tug at your heart, and you will be touched, his story will inspire you, and you will have him in your heart forever.

As I said my friends,Lou is just (6) six years old, he has touched my heart forever.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoxo

Frogs have it easy, they can eat what "bugs" them!!

2005-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
I was going away today for a couple of days, you know, just get in the car and drive and see where you end up. Well woke up this morning with a "bug", do not want to venture too far from home, if you get my drift (wink wink wink). I am going to get a water bottle, make myself comfortable, and try and get some relief. Will get up later today and check you all out and try and workout how to add my "button" to my blog.
The "vege" has left the building, "hooroo".

I am "Woman" hear me Roar

2005-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

G'Day from "vegemiterules".

Just a quick post here, I was visiting my friend Flirt today, and realised that she posted some very kind words about me. Thank-you Flirt. we are just the mirrors that reflect back at you.

But I just want to say one thing, "Vegemiterules" is a "female". I am so sorry Flirt that you some how got the impression that I was a "male". It must be because I have a cold and my voice sounds "manly". Love you Flirt , you made my day and brought a large smile to my face and heart.

I encourage you all now to go vist Flirt and support her in engaging of and support of all our "fellow' bloggers.

I am on my way over there now to vist Flirt and thank-you for her kind words and for her button that she has made for my blog.

Catch you all over there.

Hooroo from "Vegemiterules" xoxo

Why do Dogs walk around in circles before lying down?

2005-01-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"
This is just a "catch" up post as to what I have been doing over the past few weeks. I did not take a break over the Christmas/New Year period, only had the public holdiays off, these being Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. I did catch up with my family and friends over that period, some of that has been mentioned in my previous posts. Most people have taken the time off over this period, the majority of them start to come back to work after Australia Day ,hence the roads are a lot quieter and instead of taking me anything from one and half hours to two hours to get to work by car, it is now down to a comfortable hour. I do not mind how long it takes me, previously when I used to use public transport to get to work, a bus, three trains, then picked up by car, it could take about two and half hours there, and two and half hours home. Five hours out of my day, just to get to and from work, that used to be very tiring. At least in my car, I have the radio, or the cd's to keep me company. I use this time to relax and unwind, reflect on my working day, and prepare myself for the following day. I do not carry that "stress" home with me anymore, I leave it at the front door. We have had a skeleton staff at work over the past few weeks, that means that we have to pick up the "slack" and cover for the staff on leave. I find this a challenge, and I enjoy meeting "new" clients, and engaging them in conversation. I have worked hard at making my "clients" feel relaxed, so when I call them, we have a "bit" of banter before we get down to the real reason as to why I called them. It makes for a better more interesting experience when you are working long hours, we are all professional, but hey, it does not kill anyone to be nice and take an interest in the person on the other end of the phone. A few times I have had my "bum" kicked for being "too" friendly (not really, my bosses understand my personality), true, it is all about performing a function for the Company that you work for, but if along the way, you present/represent the Company in a "positive" manner, not only do you keep the business, but you are put on the top of the pile if things get a bit tough. It has been interesting in this period to watch how some people will dig in and help others at work, but we all have those people who we work with, that must come to work with "blinkers" on. Sometimes I just want to kick them in the "derriere" (in a nice way, not "literately"), I am a kind "vegemiterules", so I bite my tongue instead. (OUCH!!). Anyway, suffice to say, it has been interesting. (Damm, now I know why I have an "ulcer" on my tongue, I have been biting it-DUH!!)

While I am here, I would like to personally thank all of you that went over to Cav's and gave her some support. That is where I am going as soon as I finish this post, see you all over at Cav's. Also, I am sure DaFFy will not mind, if we all slip across to her blog and give her a hug as well, she is missing her "cherubs". So see you all at DaFFy's as well.

Take care all, have fun, keep smiling, I leave you all with a BIG hug.

Hooroo from "vegemiterules" xoxoxoo

"HUGS" are the flowers in the garden of Life

2005-01-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

G'day from Vegemiterules.

I was visiting my new friend Flirt this morning and found a post directing me to Cav.

Before I go on, I want to take some reflections from Flirt's post.

One of the amazing things about blogging is that you get to discover a stranger's character, without (in most cases) ever meeting them. Unlike in 'real'life where your first impression is judged 'physically' (be honest, you know it is), in the blog world we instead get to glimpse inside another human being, discovering their true character and soul, with maybe just a tiny photo of their outward appearance. It is through this 'blindness' as I call it that we can see the true beauty of other human beings, and I've discovered there are many 'beautiful' people in this blogging world we share

I believe that we all agree with Flirt. Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of visiting a lot of peoples blogs, reading about their journeys, sharing in their joy, reaching out and giving a cyber "hug" in times of sadness.

Cav is a young woman that discovered in mid-September that she had cancer at the ripe old age of 24. Her blog is courageous and honest. I invite you all to call over to Cav's, support her in her journey and give her a BIG cyber HUG.

We all may not know each other personally, but I believe through "blogging" we can reach out and tell people, hey we care, you matter.

I am sure Cav would value and appreciate your support.

Hooroo from "Vegemiterules" xoxoxo

We are born naked, wet and hungry, then things get worse, or DO THEY?

2005-01-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules",this is an "onion" post.

I am feeling a little tired at the moment, and you may have realised have not been around to "post" for a couple of days. For those of you that know a "little" about me, I have mentioned it in "100 things about me" I fought "clinical" depression for over ten years, after "acknowledging" that I was "ill" I then took the necessary steps to get my life back. However, this post is not about that part of my "life" journey, it is about "now".

I have over the past 4 years been asked to speak to certain "self help" groups about that part of my life, and the "steps" that I took to be a "survivor" of depression. Over that time, I "sponsored" several people in their struggle to gain back "their" lives. What I mean by "sponsored" is, just being an ear, a shoulder, give a hug type of thing, and not being "judgemental".

These few people have gone on and out of my life now, why, sometimes it is very hard to be around someone that knows the "darkest" place in your mind. Thats okay, that is what being a "sponsor" is all about, a "stepping stone".

This past month, I have spent an enormous amount of time being an "ear", a "shoulder", giving a "hug" to a "special" person. "---" found it particularly hard to "live" through the Christmas/New Year period. "Loneliness", "self doubt", are very soul destroying at times, and this is what "---" was feeling. We worked though it together along with the "support" of others. Over the weekend, I, along with "others" spent a lot of time on the phone with this "special" person, and I am here to tell you that "we" are so proud of "---". Why?, because "---" finally acknowledged that "we" were all there to help, that "we" were not judging "---", and therefore "---" was willing to take that "first" step back into "life". "---" left yesterday to go back "home" and "finalise" issues in "---" life. I along with the other "special" people that helped "---" through the last few months, feel a "sense" of "loss" but on the other hand, "we" feel so "proud" of "---". To "---", I wish you all the love and best wishes in the world, maybe, someday, somewhere, we can sit down and have a "coffee" God bless "---".

This was for YOU!!!

This will touch your heart

2005-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

G'Day from Vegemiterules. It is 6am here Saturday morning, thought that I would come online with a coffee and catch up with my adopted family blogs and my special friends blogs. I thought that I would go and re-read a post that I read two nights ago, as when I read it for the first time it made be cry. This post was written by my young friend David . I discovered his blog a couple of months ago when I was cruising one day. I cannot remember at the moment what drew me to David but I stayed and starting reading his blog. I feel a little guilty here as I should visit more, but you need "quiet" time when you go visit, as his posts can sometimes be long.

In the ensuing months, I have been to David's and have been confronted with some very "frank" posts about his thoughts about issues, public personalities, his family and his friends. He also writes on his blog, an engageing ongoing "fiction novel".

Two nights ago, he wrote a very open, sad, but oh so lovely and touching post called "Vale' Grandma". This post really tugged at my heart, and I was actually at a loss as to what to say to David.

Suffice to say, I encourage you to go read David's blog and his post "Vale' Grandma" and if you do decide to delve further into the young man, his thoughts, ideas and drawings, just remember he is a young man, so expresses himself in that manner. But he is also a young man with a very "warm" heart.

Before I go, please do not forget to visit Moogie and support her on her post "donate and De-Lurk", it will warm your heart.

Thank-you all for being so kind and stopping by,

Hooroo from "Vegemiterules" xoxox

This is Delurking Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-01-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

G'Day from "vegemiterules"

Before your read my post, I invite/implore you to go to moogie and participate in her post "Donate and De-Lurk", I guarantee it will warm the cockles of your heart, please go now to moogie I will still be here when you get back.

The universe talks to us in many ways, on my way home tonight, driving in my little car down the "Eastern" freeway, I was listening to the radio, when all of a sudden, the enormity of what happened 10am, Boxing Day, 26th December 2004,(Australian time) hit me, trust me when I say, the tears just started to "gush". At first I could not understand why, why at this point in time, did all of a sudden, the enormity of the human suffering just "hit" me like a "rig" with its "load". I have watched,listened, read, like you all about what has been happening in our world over the past 12 days, there has been times when I have shed a tear, shook my head in amazement, listened, watched in awe of the "survival" stories, of the stories of hope, despair, bravery. The stories of strangers helping each other, putting their own lives on the line for people that they did not know, but they did it because we are "human". When times like this "tragedy" happens, does it not warm your heart to think of the people out there that gave so much of themselves, and in some cases, their lives for others, be they black, white, yellow, brown, big, fat, thin, bald, young, old,male, female, whatever, whatever religion we may follow. Did any of the "heroes" out there stop and ask themselves the question or say to themselves, "heavens I will not help this "human being", they look, sound so different to me" No, they did not, because when it comes down to it, we all have a heart as big as "PHARLAP", and we acknowledge that we all worthy.

Just an aside here, I was spending "Boxing" day "Sunday" with my family and we were celebrating "Christmas", having a great time, eating, drinking, sleeping in soft beds, clothes on our back, jobs to go to, and I did not return to "reality" until Wednesday 5am, when driving home from my brothers, I turned on the car radio to be "devastated" by the news of what happened 10am Sunday 26/12/2004, Boxing day. I just could not "take in" what they were saying. I did not really understand the enormity of the situation. My mind just could not "take" it all in. I felt so "guilty" to think that here I was "vegemiterules" having a "grand" old time, while my fellow human beings were dying and suffering, in the "masses".

I know that we all have this in the "back" of our minds as we go about out day to day lives, and this was not meant to be a "downer" post, I just had to express "sincerely" that what happened, has deeply affected me, as with "you".

I honestly do not know how to end this post, other then to say to you all, please support all the "charities" out there that are collectively trying to make the world a better place for these suffering souls, and to please go to moogie and support her endeavours in making a world a better place. That is where I am going now, maybe we might see each other and say "G'day",and most of all "welcome"!!!
xoxoox from "vegemiterules"
I will post about my "adopted" family next post, I just needed to reflect in this post xoxo

Just a short "G'day" from "vegemiterules"

2005-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules"

How has it been hanging with you all? The "vege" has been stuck inside her jar for the past few days, hence I have not been able to spread myself around. (tehe-I sometimes make myself smile). This will only be a quick post as have other sheds to shear.

Over the past few days I have been cruising by my "vegemiterules" adopted family blogs, and having a coffee with them.(I now feel comfortable in saying that I have now adopted my friends Daffy, Melonie, Moogie, Sharon, Marie, Spencer and Daisy,(sorry I have not had time to put direct links in their names) as my adopted family). To those that read this and say, hey "vegemiterules" why haven't you adopted me into your family, I say to you, I still have other adoption papers out there, but I have not completed them, once I have, I will let you know who else I have adopted into "vegemiterules" family.

I have throughly enjoyed dropping in for coffee and reading about their respective life journeys. Originally this post was going to talk about them individually, but sadly I will have to do that in my next post, so please watch THIS space.

If you cannot wait for my experiences and reflections about them, please go to my side bar (if you can see it), and click on their links and go and have an enjoyable time. Just make sure you have a comfortable chair and a coffee to hand, I guarantee once you are there, you will be so engrossed, you will stay for a long visit and participate in their lives, as I have on so many occasions.

I will say this sincerely before I go, I have only been blogging now since the 24/10/2004 and in that time I have meet some truly kind, caring and beautiful people out there in "blogger land". It really is about communication and acceptance. We all blog for different reasons and come from such diverse cultural backgrounds. It truly is a learning experience for us all. Well I have to elan!

Until next time, Hooroo from "vegemiterules"
xoxoxoxoxo
Self promotion I know, but take some time out and check out my Christmas photos, I have posted heaps of them for your enjoyment xoxox

Three things about "Vegemiterules" list

2005-01-02T23:04:00.000-08:00

G'Day, my friends Melonie and DaFFy invited me to partake in this Quiz.

Three names you go by
Mutley
Touche Turtle
KC
Three screen names you go by
Vegemiterules
Vegemiterules
Oh dear, did I say "Vegemiterules"
Three things you like about yourself
Humour
Loyalty
My ability to engage "all" in conversation
Three things you dislike/hate about yourself
My fingernails, I bite them down to my elbows
I procrastinate
I am too stubborn for my own good at times, at great detriment to myself
Three parts of your heritage
"True blue" Aussie
Touch of "Irish" from my Dad's side
Touch of "Scottish" from my Mum's side
Three things that scare you
Looking back at myself in the mirror first thing in the morning
Loneliness
Losing my sense of humour
Three of your everyday essentials
Coffee
Family
Friends
Three things that you are wearing right now
Jewellery
Glasses
High heels (wink wink wink)
Three of your favorite band/artist at the moment
Curtis Stigers
Anastacia
Shannon Noll
Three of your favourite songs at the moment
Belive-Cher
I'm outta love-Anastacia
The Power-Vanessa Amorosi
Three things you want to try in the next twelve months
Skydiving
Audition for the Amazing Race (alas we do not have an Australian verson)
Bunge jump
Three things you want in a relationship (love is a given)
Honesty
Respect
Humour
Two truths and a lie
I suffered from "clinical" depression for over 10years
I really do hate Vegemite- Vegemite sucks man
I completed the Big M Marathorn (26 miles 385 yards)
Three things you just cannot do
Change a lightbulb without standing on a chair
Looking down from high
Looking up from down
Three of your favorite hobbies
Blogging - new found hobby
Gardening - when I am not blogging
Crosswords - when I am not blogging
Three things you want to do badly right now
Speak with S and G (I miss them so)
Get into my car and just drive and drive and drive, and see where I end up
Finish this blog so that I can go to the toilet (hehehe)
Three careers you are considering
Rocket scientist
Astronaut
Stand up comedian
Three places you want to go on vacation
New Zealand
Cananda
Oh, did I say New Zealand
Three kids names
Michael
Joshua
Jodie-anne
Three things you want to do before you die
Try and make a difference and make the world a better place for all
Reconcile all differences in my life
Live a full and happy life-without any regrets

Help me please!!!!!!!!

2005-01-02T23:00:00.000-08:00

Any friends cruising this way, I need Help. I have lost my sidebar, it is way, and I mean way down there. I do not know what I have done, can any-one help me to get it back to where it should be. I would be eternally grateful for any help. xoxo

1534hrs-I have just logged on again, I still cannot get my side where it should be, and when I just went and visited Sharons blog a couple of times today (because she is not well), sometimes the side bar is there, sometimes not, I am at a loss. I have no-idea what is going on, again, should any one be passing this way and can help me, please put your hand up, I would be grateful.

2022hrs-DaFFy has just kindly told me that she can see my sidebar where it should be, sadly I cannot, obviously I have a problem, again, can anyone assist me.

1144hrs-Obviously it is still me guys, Melonie just swung by and it is me, will catch up with you all when I sort it out,until then, keep on blogging cause I am still watching :) (Now that did not rhyme :) xoxoxoxooxo
keep on bloggging xoxooxoxo

0950am-Thanks Guys for trying to help, until I sort out the problem, have "formatted" so that only 4 posts appear on opening page. Will work on getting it sorted out from my end. So if you are looking for a "Good" laugh, check out the "previous posts" and "archives". Take care, keep on blogging. xoxox

Photo of "Vegemiterules" entrance, padding and all, what a way for you all to start 2005, looking at "vegemiterules" (LOL)

2005-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

G'day from "vegemiterules", just thought that I would share with you all a "few" photos from work (well maybe not a few, a "lot" I would say - but hey - it okay to tell a white lie).
I have heaps more,(I have just posted 22 of them for you). I hope they bring a "smile" to your face. I had an absolute blast and I am sure the other people in the photos did as well. There were hugs and kisses all round. I look forward to catching up with you all soon, going to take a "bex" and lie down now, that took me a lot longer that I thought to post (hehehe). I will be back soon, check this space for more enthralling and enlightening posts (cough cough cough), Gheez "vegemiterules" give up those "fags". Seriously guys, I hope that you enjoy and I invite you to comment if you wish, these photos are for your enjoyment. xoxoxoxoxo

2004-12-31T19:18:00.000-08:00

Philip and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

"vegemiterules" and Mark

2004-12-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

Jo and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T19:11:00.000-08:00

Mark and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

Philip and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T19:05:00.000-08:00

Ros and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

Christiane and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:44:00.000-08:00

Jodie and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:42:00.000-08:00

Larissa and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

"vegemiterules" and Austin

2004-12-31T18:32:00.000-08:00

"Vegemiterules" and Philip

2004-12-31T18:29:00.000-08:00

"vegemiterules" and Georgie

2004-12-31T18:25:00.000-08:00

Nikki and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:23:00.000-08:00

Pauline and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:16:00.000-08:00

Pam and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T18:09:00.000-08:00

"OOPS"-Sorry Guys, I know that this is a "G" rated Blog (hehehe)

2004-12-31T17:59:00.000-08:00

"Vegemiterules" and Les

2004-12-31T17:41:00.000-08:00

Mark and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T17:37:00.000-08:00

"vegemiterules" and Georgie

2004-12-31T17:31:00.000-08:00

Sharon and "vegemiterules"

2004-12-31T17:18:00.000-08:00

Georgie and "vegemiterules"

"vegemiterules" Christmas 2004,-Part 1, depending on the response, Part 2 to come, be afraid, very afraid (hehehe)

2004-12-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

G'day, I know that we are "Christmassed" out at the moment, but I would like to share with you my Christmas 2004 -turn off the phone and put it on answering mode, put a video on for the children, get your partner to run up the shop for a lefthanded screw driver (this will take some time to purchase "snigger"), grab yourself a coffee, put a "do not disturb" sign on your door, grab a comfortable chair, sit down relax, chill out and be prepared to read a long, long, did I say, a very very long post.

Christmas eve/day

Friends (that means YOU) who have read my blog, would realise that I have played Santa at family gatherings and at my previous jobs, but never for my present co-workers. This was the year that I decided to expose one of my other personalties to my co-workers. I first ran it past my Manager, and he was thrilled, we decided that it would be a good time if I played Santa when we were doing Kris Kringle. I must admit that I was very very nervous, I was not quite sure how my fellow workers would take it. I made myself absent on a flimsy excuse about 15mins before Kris Kringle so that I could prepare myself as Santa. There was a pre-arranged knock at the dooor to let me know that it was my time to enter the floor as Santa, but my Manager had surprised me and had arranged that 3 fellow workers would be my "elves", he had purchased for them red t-shirts and santa hats that had a flashing "merry christmas" on their hats. All four of us then proceeded onto the floor, gathered around in a group were all the team, all 30 of them. The look on their faces was one of "wot the", and then it was terrific to see their faces break into smiles. I had prepared a Christmas Card to each and everyone one of them personally from Santa, in that Christmas Card I wrote two things about them that I admire, each and every comment was unique and personal to their personality. I called each of them up individually and gave them their own personal Christmas card from Santa, made them read it out loud, we all need positive affirmation in our lives, and it warmed my heart to watch their faces and then they looked at me as if to say "are you inside my head", and then to lighten the moment, all said "Hey KC (my nickname), didn't know that you were so observant for a 'blonde' mate" , Aussie speak, that means "thank-you". I will digress a little here and try and briefly explain the "aussies" humour, we are very layback, we are very affectionate, but sometimes in public, the best way to say to an "aussie" that you care is to take the "micky" out of them. They were taking the "micky" out of me and I loved them for it.We then proceeded to do Kris Kringle with the help of my elves. Each person was then invited to sit on Santa's knee and tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, (now some of my fellow workers took this invitation to another level-wink wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more) and then opened up their Kris Kringle present for all to see. The humour and affection for all was evident and everyone joined in the spirit of Christmas. Some of the gifts for Kris Kringle were a little left of centre, some were absolutley spot on, I had a fantastic time, got all my kisses and my cuddles, and got to cuddle and kiss all, it was a great feeling, one that I always cherish when I play Santa.

Christmas eve/Night
Wrapped all my presents (well I had purchased Christmas bags and placed my gifts in them and wrote personal Christmas cards to the recipients), and then did what 90% of Australians do on Christmas eve, watched/listend to "Carols by Candlelight" from the "Sidney Myer Music Bowl"-Melbourne. As previously mentioned, this is an Aussie must do/see every Christmas eve since 1937.

Christmas Day
Spent the majority of the day up until 4pm, ringing/text mesagging my family and friends and wishing them Merry Christmas, reading/sending emails, talking to my friends online in Paltalk, visiting my fellow bloggers and saying Merry Christmas. What really touched me was my "cyberfriend" from New Zeland, "Mustang", he was aware that I was spending a good part of Christmas day at home, so he kept on coming back online and opening his mic on Paltalk so that I could join in with his Christmas with his family. That was a special gift, thank-you "Mustang". Picked my parents up and as a family went to my brothers place for Christmas dinner. My brother has six children, but there were only 4 of them and their respective partners there, one now lives in Queensland and the other one is travelling Vietnam. We all gave "thanks" and sat down to a typical "Aussie" dinner, all cold, chicken, ham, turkey, salads, Christmas puding, icecream, custard, cream, mince pies, the table groaned with the weight of the food, chocolates, lollies, soft drinks, hard drinks, bon bons, beautiful table settings, candles, nativity scene, it was truly magical. Eleven of us sat down for Christmas dinner, you could hardly hear yourself speak with all the friendly banter going on, typical family mealtime. We then exchanged Christmas gifts and had to open them one by one as each gift was given so that we could all see what we each received. The one rule was, if any apparell was given as a gift that apparell had to be modelled there and then, with much laughter we watched as people were wary about opening their gifts, just incase the gift was "personal" apparell (I hope that you get my drift), but no, sadly, no such apparell was given/received as a gift. ) I have to say right here "D", who is my 21yo nephew, wore all is gifts at once, what a hoot, thank-you "D". Over the evening is was so cool to observe, grandaughters/grandsons sitting at Grandparents feet and taking a real interest in what was happening in their lives. The look of joy and love on the Grandparents faces (being my Mum and Dad) was palible. Like all Grandparents, love their grandchildren with a unique passion, and would bend over backwards for them to do anything to make them happy and secure. As I have said previously, my brother has been on a different life journey over the years, so this was the first time that we had spent Christmas with him and his family. As we all know, some families get fragmented, that does not mean that there is no love there, it just means our journeys are on different paths. The rest of the evening was spent catching up and making sincere promises that we would keep in contact with each other now on a more regular basis.

Boxing Day
Picked my parents up at 8am to drive to Bendigo, this is a small provincial city in North West Victoria, about 3 hours drive from Melbourne, to spend part of Christmas with my other brother and his family. I have spoken about this branch of the family previously, we always spend Christmas together. My brother and his wife have two young adult sons, and every Christmas we "perform" a play/concert just for our own benefit. We all participate, even Mum and Dad. We sing, dance, dress up, act out, somethimes it takes about 5 hours just to prepare our play/concert, just to perform to the "imaginary" audience. This year however, with the boys now leading very busy lives, nothing was planned or set in concrete as they say, we all decided to play the day by "ear". Got up to my brothers, (after stopping off twice to have a 'fag', I do not smoke in MY own car with non-smokers), in about 4 hours drive. We were welcomed with open arms and immediately sat down to "nibbles" and reflection of years gone by. (ps-had a couple of "champers" as well - wink wink wink, nudge nudge nudge, say no more). Again this was a great time to sit back and watch the inter-reaction with young (nephews) and older (grandparents), it warmed the cockles of my heart to see. Mid afternoon we sat down again to a table ladern with all sorts of godies, warm loving conversation being the main "meal". A couple of hours later, we all ventured to the "aussie" backyard (I must admit here my brother lives on an acre block, so it is a "bloody" big back yard), champers in hand and then my brother produced a "pinata". Now we all know what a "pinata" is, I have never had the pleasure before, let me fill you in here, previously I had been videoing the family, had decided not to take my video camera out into the "aussie" back-yard, you know what I mean, always the person behind the video camera, never gets to experience the true feeling of the event, too interested in getting that "one" shot), so thought to myself, "Hey KC, (my nickname), relax, enjoy." As soon as they lined my sisterinlaw up, I fell off my chair in hystercial laughter and ran back to the house (laughing all the way-hey I hear you say I have heard that line in a Christmas Carol-listen, remember, you will hear it as well) to get the video camera. If any of you have tried to "blow" the "pinata" away you will understand what I am about to say. Came to my turn, yeah guys I stepped up to the plate (Like Anthony Robbins always encourages us to do-another story there KC-side bar here, has anyone out there walked over hot coals, I have with Anthony Robbins-again another story, get back to Christmas KC- you are loseing your audience, if you had one at this time in the post anyway)- anyway, I got spun around, and around, and around, and around, and around, (am I making you dizzy, just typing this is making me DIZZY), was left on my own, (concentrate KC, caz I hear the CD, yes I can, it is in that direcrtion, can I hear my family snickering at me, yes you can KC, just point that way), I was brave I was Luke Sywalker, Indianna Jones, Die Hard 1 2 and 3, (you get my drift), oops sorry Lethal Weapon 1, 2 and 3 (Mel Gibson rocks!!!!_), raised my stick, took a gulp of air, thought to myself "KC-you can do it girl", swung that stick with all my heart and soul, to NOTHINGNESS, my shoulder blades went out immediately.
I have to interupt this enthralling tale of my Christmas 2004, have just received a phone call that I have to take, I invite you all back to visit and hear all about VEGEMITERULES Santa 2004 experience (xoxoxoox)