Hi,
Last night (Thursday) I wandered around to the user group venue nice and early with my bike and managed to bumble my way through my small session (I really need to improve my demonstration abilities). I ate pizza, learned about cool new tools to use for development (I am not a developer, I am not a developer - but I am really I think) and rode home. Tired me out. Not too sure why. It was a strong head wind again.
Mike and Toby had an evening at home and Toby got through his homework. 45 minutes a day he does now. I like it! We just need a routine for the nights when we have something on (namely Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Should work out.
It's nearly the weekend. Yay! Not a lot on. Toby has given away swimming lessons this year. We're on the hunt for piano lessons to fill the gap. I think we'll check out Scots for that. It's either that, or bagpipes! Cool! Mike doesn't think so though. I'd be stoked!
We are test riding a motorcycle tomorrow morning but I rather suspect its height will be too tall for my short, girly legs. Someone from work is selling it at a good price as they are heading back to Sweden. We shall see.
I have something in my eye giving me gyp. It flicked up from the road muck this morning (the roads were wet after some rain) and now it is in the corner of my eye and I can't get it out but it isn't moving. Pants! I need to get my mudguards back on. Hey - I just got it out! Amazing what some blind poking can do! Although my eye now smarts a bit from the poking. Oh well. Heheheheh.
Saturday afternoon I am buying Yum Cha things and Sunday morning (at 11.30am) we're having Yum Cha at our place. Come around for some! Pork buns and dumplings (and hopefully some custard/coconut buns and sticky rice). That's the plan. Then into town to watch the dragon festival for Chinese new year.
I need a cup of tea!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Wednesday with Parent/Teacher meeting
Hi,
Mike and I had dinner in town (Wagamama - yum!) while Benjamin collected Toby from Alex's house and babysat him (thanks Vivienne and Benjamin). Then we picked up Alex's mum (Yingjie) and went to Scots for the first parent/teacher evening of the year.
We were very early but it meant Mike and I had Ms. Kidman to ourselves for a good 10 minutes. Toby has a desk right next to the teacher. I know Toby likes his teacher by the way he tells me what she tells him. And sure enough - she is a very personable woman. And full of energy! Awesome. Just what Toby needs, I think.
We met some other parents and had a tour through the new CPAC building (a super fancy music and art and dance building with all the bells and whistles). Home late to relieve Benjamin of his duties.
This morning was a bit different to normal as I found head lice and that meant two showers for me (first one was normal, second one involved smelly shampoo) and making sure the boys also used smelly shampoo. Nice. Toby announced in the car on the way to the bus stop to Alex "The reason the car smells funny is because my mother has head lice". Nice. I imagine his class will no doubt be informed of the same thing in an equally loud voice this morning. Fortunately I think I caught it early. I had one baby louse and I found a giant mother louse in Toby's hair. But nothing else. And Mike was as clean as a whistle. So, who knows?
Anyhow, it is nothing that a wonderful cup of tea won't sort out. A few sips and I won't care about the trials of the world, will I? Or, at the very least, the efficacy of Paradiso branded head lice shampoo will pale into insignificance.
Have a fantastic day. Don't scratch your hair like that! Heheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Mike and I had dinner in town (Wagamama - yum!) while Benjamin collected Toby from Alex's house and babysat him (thanks Vivienne and Benjamin). Then we picked up Alex's mum (Yingjie) and went to Scots for the first parent/teacher evening of the year.
We were very early but it meant Mike and I had Ms. Kidman to ourselves for a good 10 minutes. Toby has a desk right next to the teacher. I know Toby likes his teacher by the way he tells me what she tells him. And sure enough - she is a very personable woman. And full of energy! Awesome. Just what Toby needs, I think.
We met some other parents and had a tour through the new CPAC building (a super fancy music and art and dance building with all the bells and whistles). Home late to relieve Benjamin of his duties.
This morning was a bit different to normal as I found head lice and that meant two showers for me (first one was normal, second one involved smelly shampoo) and making sure the boys also used smelly shampoo. Nice. Toby announced in the car on the way to the bus stop to Alex "The reason the car smells funny is because my mother has head lice". Nice. I imagine his class will no doubt be informed of the same thing in an equally loud voice this morning. Fortunately I think I caught it early. I had one baby louse and I found a giant mother louse in Toby's hair. But nothing else. And Mike was as clean as a whistle. So, who knows?
Anyhow, it is nothing that a wonderful cup of tea won't sort out. A few sips and I won't care about the trials of the world, will I? Or, at the very least, the efficacy of Paradiso branded head lice shampoo will pale into insignificance.
Have a fantastic day. Don't scratch your hair like that! Heheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
Yesterday I rode home to get the car and go and collect Toby. Mike had put on the slow cooker so dinner was ready as soon as we stepped inside. Perfect for the Tuesday rush to get to Cubs. Dinner was scrumptious too - thanks Mike.
We dug out the Cubs gear and Jack arrived (he is starting Cubs this term) and I think Jack's presence went a long way to make up for the first Cubs without the Sampson children. Toby moaned their absence a bit.
Jo, the new leader, was fantastic! Cubs is in good hands with Simon and Jo. By the time Toby leaves Cubs in two years I think we'll all be running it in our sleep! Next week is rockpooling down on the south coast - by the Bach cafe. I hope the weather is nicer.
This morning's weather is more of the same. Drizzly weather. What a sticky, unpleasant feeling. A bit of sun, please!
Benjamin is looking after Toby this evening (we'll need to sort that out with Vivienne because Toby will be at Alex's house for collection) because it is a parent/teacher meeting at school. Mike will drive in and collect me after work.
Ok. Better get stuck in. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Yesterday I rode home to get the car and go and collect Toby. Mike had put on the slow cooker so dinner was ready as soon as we stepped inside. Perfect for the Tuesday rush to get to Cubs. Dinner was scrumptious too - thanks Mike.
We dug out the Cubs gear and Jack arrived (he is starting Cubs this term) and I think Jack's presence went a long way to make up for the first Cubs without the Sampson children. Toby moaned their absence a bit.
Jo, the new leader, was fantastic! Cubs is in good hands with Simon and Jo. By the time Toby leaves Cubs in two years I think we'll all be running it in our sleep! Next week is rockpooling down on the south coast - by the Bach cafe. I hope the weather is nicer.
This morning's weather is more of the same. Drizzly weather. What a sticky, unpleasant feeling. A bit of sun, please!
Benjamin is looking after Toby this evening (we'll need to sort that out with Vivienne because Toby will be at Alex's house for collection) because it is a parent/teacher meeting at school. Mike will drive in and collect me after work.
Ok. Better get stuck in. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The weekend with three days
Hi,
What a great weekend. It was Rugby Sevens weekend and the town was buzzing on Friday night. I had to get off my bike to push it through the crowds of people in fancy dress costumes all around the waterfront. Our evening did start off a bit poorly with me and Mike missing each other for our ride home. I didn't realise Mike was waiting for me and I went off to collect Toby. Anyhow, we all ended up at home for dinner and Toby went to have a sleepover at Alex's house.
Saturday morning was a flurry of activity though. Mike had to pack for Dad Camp and I went to get Toby from Alex's house. Then I was off to Waikanae to collect Aidan for a visit of all the antique/second-hand shops between Waikanae and Bulls. We had fun although the forecast glorious weather was, in fact, very light drizzly rain for the most part. So the top of the car remained up.
I bought some nice tea. Aidan got some war comics for the boys. Fortunately, to save the shopping expedition, she also bought some new running shoes. So the only thing old that we purchased were the war comics. Bit of a failure really - Aidan was looking for drawer knobs of a specific sort. Mind you, I have tried the tea and it is very nice so I am very pleased. And I had the pleasure of Aidan's company and an excuse to drive the wee green car.
Mike and Toby also had drizzly rain at Mt Holdsworth. But it didn't dampen Dad Camp very much at all. I am sure Mike will tell you more. Facebook shows some photos from it.
Saturday night I read books and watched a DVD - "The bells of St Mary's" - from about 1946. Good year that, eh Ma? It was a nice, wholesome movie starring Bing Crosby (who obviously got them to write in a lot of singing for his part) and Ingrid Bergman.
Sunday morning I tidied the house. Luxed and did piles of washing. Then went around to Sally and Andrew's for lunch. Mike and Toby turned up at 2.15pm! Yay! Then we all went home and relaxed for the evening.
Monday was Waitangi Day and we had a lazy start to the day. Mike read until midday ("On the beach" by Neville Shute) and I moved the bookcases around in the lounge. Then Mike tried out his new water blaster. It does the job - just a bit slower than the commerical one he hired a few years back. So our front yard looks better now than it has for ages. At least the weeds are vaguely at bay now.
Then we had tea on the beach at Petone. Fish n chips with Sally and Andrew. Very pleasant end to the long weekend.
Tonight is the first Cubs night of the year. And tomorrow is parent/teacher night at Toby's school (I think we have Benjamin lined up from 6.30pm). Phew!
Have a marvellous week!
Love,
Angela
What a great weekend. It was Rugby Sevens weekend and the town was buzzing on Friday night. I had to get off my bike to push it through the crowds of people in fancy dress costumes all around the waterfront. Our evening did start off a bit poorly with me and Mike missing each other for our ride home. I didn't realise Mike was waiting for me and I went off to collect Toby. Anyhow, we all ended up at home for dinner and Toby went to have a sleepover at Alex's house.
Saturday morning was a flurry of activity though. Mike had to pack for Dad Camp and I went to get Toby from Alex's house. Then I was off to Waikanae to collect Aidan for a visit of all the antique/second-hand shops between Waikanae and Bulls. We had fun although the forecast glorious weather was, in fact, very light drizzly rain for the most part. So the top of the car remained up.
I bought some nice tea. Aidan got some war comics for the boys. Fortunately, to save the shopping expedition, she also bought some new running shoes. So the only thing old that we purchased were the war comics. Bit of a failure really - Aidan was looking for drawer knobs of a specific sort. Mind you, I have tried the tea and it is very nice so I am very pleased. And I had the pleasure of Aidan's company and an excuse to drive the wee green car.
Mike and Toby also had drizzly rain at Mt Holdsworth. But it didn't dampen Dad Camp very much at all. I am sure Mike will tell you more. Facebook shows some photos from it.
Saturday night I read books and watched a DVD - "The bells of St Mary's" - from about 1946. Good year that, eh Ma? It was a nice, wholesome movie starring Bing Crosby (who obviously got them to write in a lot of singing for his part) and Ingrid Bergman.
Sunday morning I tidied the house. Luxed and did piles of washing. Then went around to Sally and Andrew's for lunch. Mike and Toby turned up at 2.15pm! Yay! Then we all went home and relaxed for the evening.
Monday was Waitangi Day and we had a lazy start to the day. Mike read until midday ("On the beach" by Neville Shute) and I moved the bookcases around in the lounge. Then Mike tried out his new water blaster. It does the job - just a bit slower than the commerical one he hired a few years back. So our front yard looks better now than it has for ages. At least the weeds are vaguely at bay now.
Then we had tea on the beach at Petone. Fish n chips with Sally and Andrew. Very pleasant end to the long weekend.
Tonight is the first Cubs night of the year. And tomorrow is parent/teacher night at Toby's school (I think we have Benjamin lined up from 6.30pm). Phew!
Have a marvellous week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Thursday with Toby's second day at school
Hi,
I could get a lot of post titles out of Toby's school days... Anyhow, Thursday was the first full college day so Toby had to wear "number ones" - which means his white shirt instead of the "number twos" which is grey. Fortunately it is easy to remember what day is a number one day and what day is a number two day. Usually. Fridays are number ones. End of story. Unless it is the first day of term. Heheheh.
Sounds like he had a good day. He told me he got told off. He had to run around the school four times (I suspect not the entire school) and got puffed so sat and relaxed and his teacher growled at him. Hahahah. But then he also told me he got a merit. "What for?" I asked. "I held a door open for everyone" he replied. Good on him! 10 house points for Potatau.
I rode home yesterday for the first time in ages where I wasn't battling a head wind. It was a wonderful ride up the hill. Thank goodness. Got the car and picked up Toby. No fuss or bother. Home to cook tea. Easy. Mike got home at a reasonable time too. Hooray!
This morning the ride down the hill was exhilarating. Despite my sunglasses, my eyes teared up and I couldn't read my speedo. I will remain ignorant. Pedal, pedal! Great fun. The sun had turned the wispy cloud a light orange and it looked fantastic with the greys of the hills contrasting. The harbour was still (not quite glass) and as I rode past, some rowers rowed through the sun's reflection in the water, beautifully silhouetted. Great way to start the day.
And the day is looming large. Big deadline today. Bound to have something thrown into the mix. Fingers crossed. The long weekend can't possibly start fast enough for me.
Mike and Toby have a camping trip tomorrow (overnight only) organised by a chap at our work. It is called "Dad Camp" and that means little planning and dirty boys on Sunday afternoon. Heheheh. The weather is supposed to be superb, so I am sure they will have fun. I think Rex and his boys are going too. Marvellous.
I am going to take Aidan antique shopping tomorrow. Any excuse for a drive in the wee green car with the top down and the sun shining. Bring it on! The idea seems to be that we use the small car so she doesn't buy anything bigger than the boot. Which isn't very big. Should be effective. No tables then!
Sunday morning is all mine, until the boys come back. Might line up some books and a nice breakfast and not move out of the bedroom for hours! Choice!
Monday is most likely going to involve house tasks. Garden. Tidying. Washing. Still, it needs to be done.
Right now though, the pressing thing is a cup of tea! Hope you have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
I could get a lot of post titles out of Toby's school days... Anyhow, Thursday was the first full college day so Toby had to wear "number ones" - which means his white shirt instead of the "number twos" which is grey. Fortunately it is easy to remember what day is a number one day and what day is a number two day. Usually. Fridays are number ones. End of story. Unless it is the first day of term. Heheheh.
Sounds like he had a good day. He told me he got told off. He had to run around the school four times (I suspect not the entire school) and got puffed so sat and relaxed and his teacher growled at him. Hahahah. But then he also told me he got a merit. "What for?" I asked. "I held a door open for everyone" he replied. Good on him! 10 house points for Potatau.
I rode home yesterday for the first time in ages where I wasn't battling a head wind. It was a wonderful ride up the hill. Thank goodness. Got the car and picked up Toby. No fuss or bother. Home to cook tea. Easy. Mike got home at a reasonable time too. Hooray!
This morning the ride down the hill was exhilarating. Despite my sunglasses, my eyes teared up and I couldn't read my speedo. I will remain ignorant. Pedal, pedal! Great fun. The sun had turned the wispy cloud a light orange and it looked fantastic with the greys of the hills contrasting. The harbour was still (not quite glass) and as I rode past, some rowers rowed through the sun's reflection in the water, beautifully silhouetted. Great way to start the day.
And the day is looming large. Big deadline today. Bound to have something thrown into the mix. Fingers crossed. The long weekend can't possibly start fast enough for me.
Mike and Toby have a camping trip tomorrow (overnight only) organised by a chap at our work. It is called "Dad Camp" and that means little planning and dirty boys on Sunday afternoon. Heheheh. The weather is supposed to be superb, so I am sure they will have fun. I think Rex and his boys are going too. Marvellous.
I am going to take Aidan antique shopping tomorrow. Any excuse for a drive in the wee green car with the top down and the sun shining. Bring it on! The idea seems to be that we use the small car so she doesn't buy anything bigger than the boot. Which isn't very big. Should be effective. No tables then!
Sunday morning is all mine, until the boys come back. Might line up some books and a nice breakfast and not move out of the bedroom for hours! Choice!
Monday is most likely going to involve house tasks. Garden. Tidying. Washing. Still, it needs to be done.
Right now though, the pressing thing is a cup of tea! Hope you have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Wednesday with Toby's first day at his new school
Hi,
By all accounts (I have heard Toby's, Jack's and Alex's) Toby had a great day at school yesterday. Nothing I heard indicated there were any hiccoughs in the day. I rode to the Wadestown library after work and grabbed the car (it will sit there during the day as part of the bus stop routine) and went to Alex's house to collect Toby. This is possibly where the only bump in the smooth day occurred because Toby wanted a sleepover. "To make the mornings easier - no need to take us separately to the bus stop". Right. Right. I think he understands my position now.
Toby has a teacher called Mrs Kidman and is in Potatau House (dark blue colour). He says his teacher is very good.
Mike worked late and will probably do the same tonight too. I can hopefully leave closer to 1600 rather than 1700. But let's just see.
The ride down the hill this morning was good - but into the head wind of a southerly. Quite a stiff wind too - I had to pedal hard along the waterfront. Hopefully it stays southerly for my ride home - I like some assistance.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
By all accounts (I have heard Toby's, Jack's and Alex's) Toby had a great day at school yesterday. Nothing I heard indicated there were any hiccoughs in the day. I rode to the Wadestown library after work and grabbed the car (it will sit there during the day as part of the bus stop routine) and went to Alex's house to collect Toby. This is possibly where the only bump in the smooth day occurred because Toby wanted a sleepover. "To make the mornings easier - no need to take us separately to the bus stop". Right. Right. I think he understands my position now.
Toby has a teacher called Mrs Kidman and is in Potatau House (dark blue colour). He says his teacher is very good.
Mike worked late and will probably do the same tonight too. I can hopefully leave closer to 1600 rather than 1700. But let's just see.
The ride down the hill this morning was good - but into the head wind of a southerly. Quite a stiff wind too - I had to pedal hard along the waterfront. Hopefully it stays southerly for my ride home - I like some assistance.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Tuesday with Toby's last day of holidays
Hi,
Tuesday was best done and dusted. Work was a tad frustrating but I should be back to where I should have been if work hadn't been lost by mid morning today all going well. But the ride home is a good stress relief. Into the teeth of a mighty head wind all the way. I was exhausted by the time I got to the bottom of our hill let alone by the time I got to Wadestown School to collect Toby. From the waterfront to the Beehive I had to pedal furiously to stay in the car stream to avoid crossing three lanes of traffic to turn right into Molesworth St. I think I managed it but it was tiring!
Toby thanked Del (Skids carer for the last year) for looking after him when we left Skids. He might see him during school holiday programmes.
Home to cook dinner. Mike was late home as he has a huge deadline due today/tomorrow. So we may not see him very early tonight too. But he did know of my work frustrations and he brought home a lovely bunch of flowers. I think he loves me! :-)
This morning was exciting. Toby is a bit nervous about his new school but he came right when I pointed out he has been there before (the take-a-friend-to-Scots Day he did with Jack). Mike sorted out his tie for him (it took a few attempts - apparently Mike uses a different knot for his own ties and he had to recall the other knot). See Facebook for some photos from this morning!
We drive to the bus stop with Toby and Jack arrived. We chatted to other parents before the bus came and Toby got on. I hope he has a good day!
Mike got a lift in with John (Jack's Dad) and I got my bike and rode down the hill nice and fast trying to beat impending rain! As I cycled around the waterfront I saw the "Ride your Bike to Work" day and got a second breakfast and some fruit. Yum!
Will leave at about 1700 this evening. Toby will be at Alex's house. But I hope to leave close to 1600 as the routine sorts itself out.
We shall see.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday was best done and dusted. Work was a tad frustrating but I should be back to where I should have been if work hadn't been lost by mid morning today all going well. But the ride home is a good stress relief. Into the teeth of a mighty head wind all the way. I was exhausted by the time I got to the bottom of our hill let alone by the time I got to Wadestown School to collect Toby. From the waterfront to the Beehive I had to pedal furiously to stay in the car stream to avoid crossing three lanes of traffic to turn right into Molesworth St. I think I managed it but it was tiring!
Toby thanked Del (Skids carer for the last year) for looking after him when we left Skids. He might see him during school holiday programmes.
Home to cook dinner. Mike was late home as he has a huge deadline due today/tomorrow. So we may not see him very early tonight too. But he did know of my work frustrations and he brought home a lovely bunch of flowers. I think he loves me! :-)
This morning was exciting. Toby is a bit nervous about his new school but he came right when I pointed out he has been there before (the take-a-friend-to-Scots Day he did with Jack). Mike sorted out his tie for him (it took a few attempts - apparently Mike uses a different knot for his own ties and he had to recall the other knot). See Facebook for some photos from this morning!
We drive to the bus stop with Toby and Jack arrived. We chatted to other parents before the bus came and Toby got on. I hope he has a good day!
Mike got a lift in with John (Jack's Dad) and I got my bike and rode down the hill nice and fast trying to beat impending rain! As I cycled around the waterfront I saw the "Ride your Bike to Work" day and got a second breakfast and some fruit. Yum!
Will leave at about 1700 this evening. Toby will be at Alex's house. But I hope to leave close to 1600 as the routine sorts itself out.
We shall see.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
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