Monday, September 15, 2008
Capoeira
After a very busy weekend I've finally got a moment to sit down and fill you in on the latest gossip on our little DutchieKiwiAussie lives.
Little Miss M is 11 months already. And what a fantastic age it is! She changes so quickly and learns something new every day. I was amazed to notice one morning that she'd sprouted 2 more teeth (she's got 4 now) overnight. And she's learning to put her pearly-whites to good use, chomping away on crusts of bread, the edge of her play-pen, the rind of a lemon the neighbour gave her, pretty much everything she can get her chubby little hands on.
This weekend she also stood for the first time unassisted. For a whole 3 seconds!! I guess only parents can get excited about such little achievements, but I was disappointed that I wasn't quick enough with my camera.
We stayed at my sisters place on Saturday night, and Miss M loved playing with the dogs, thus far displaying absolutely no fear whatsoever, much to my delight. (see earlier blog).
On Sunday I went and visited my good friends Chris and John. I was given the biggest and yummiest muffin I've ever seen, before heading to Bondi Beach to watch Lucas in a Capoeira Demonstration. I had never heard of Capoeira before and was told that it is a cross between martial arts, dance, gymnastics and acrobatics. Apparently it was developed by slaves in Brasil who 'disguised' their fighting in this way. Anyway, it was unexpectedly entertaining and definitely athletic to watch. Some of the smaller children were amazing! (Some of the adults were very more-ish on the eye! ;)
Mr Kiwi was working all weekend so didn't get to have as much fun. Thankfully he's taking tomorrow off, so we can enjoy some quality time as a family.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
We are family!
As I get older, I become more and more aware how important family is.
I think when you're young you take for granted that they'll always be there. There might even have been a time where I would have rather seen the back of them, feeling that they didn't understand me. Nonsense of course, it was more that I was up to mischief and didn't want to get caught out!
I moved to Australia when I was barely 21. I was so excited at the prospect of living in Australia. Even as a young girl I knew that I wasn't going to grow old in Holland. So, when I met a dutch man who was living in Sydney, I thought it was a sign and off I went.
I never really considered at the time what that would have meant to my parents and my siblings. Mum told me later that she didn't want to see anyone for 2 weeks and that my brother was out-of-sorts for months.
But I was just busy discovering Sydney and setting up my new life. Of course I missed them! In those days the cost of a telephone call was astronomical so we spoke once a week, taking turns. My dad was always saying 'knock-off time' and Mum and I never really had enough time to catch up on the goss.
It wasn't until my dream went to shit somewhat (I got divorced) that I realised how much the love of your family means. And by this stage I am not just talking my immediate family. In the years I have been in Oz I have met some amazing people who have become my new extended family. They have cheered me up when I was down, let me astray on many wonderful adventures and supported me through different 'phases'.
And most recently my 888DAG brothers and sisters have shown such kindness and caring. And some of you I've never even met!
We ARE all one big family and it's a comfortable and cosy feeling to be part of that. The kind of family-support that allows you to be you is very special indeed and I treasure you all!
I hope you all have a magical day!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Hello....anyone seen my inspiration?
Isn't it funny how some days your mind gets flooded with ideas and other days it's barren like the Simpson Desert? I've said this before and I'll say it again; lack of sleep has a lot to do with it. But some days I just feel like I've been dumbed down somehow. Stuck in an eternal cycle of waking up, tending to life's tedious tasks, and then, exhausted, going to sleep again.
I admire those that wake up each day, fighting for some important Cause. Saving the Whales, or the Planet, or lives at the hospital. People with Great Ideas and the conviction and energy to follow through.
But then I think I might be a little hard on myself. Because what greater Cause is there than raising a child? I look at little Miss M and realise that I want to be a better person for her. I want to have a better world for her. I am learing about computers because I figure it's part of being a plugged-in, switched-on parent. I am reading the labels on jars in the supermarket and have educated myself about the perils of additives etc. I want her to have the freedom and possiblities to be the best that she could be.
I guess I have found my inspiration. It was never really lost.
http://www.888dag.com/
I admire those that wake up each day, fighting for some important Cause. Saving the Whales, or the Planet, or lives at the hospital. People with Great Ideas and the conviction and energy to follow through.
But then I think I might be a little hard on myself. Because what greater Cause is there than raising a child? I look at little Miss M and realise that I want to be a better person for her. I want to have a better world for her. I am learing about computers because I figure it's part of being a plugged-in, switched-on parent. I am reading the labels on jars in the supermarket and have educated myself about the perils of additives etc. I want her to have the freedom and possiblities to be the best that she could be.
I guess I have found my inspiration. It was never really lost.
http://www.888dag.com/
Monday, September 8, 2008
Moment of Truth
Ok, time for a moment of truth.
I am afraid of dogs!
When I see one coming my way, I cross the road and hope that he can't smell the fear on me. I know which streets to avoid were there are particularly 'barky' and 'jumpy' types. My heart races, and I get sweaty palms. I can't help it.
I don't want to transfer this fear onto my daughter. So I bravely point out dogs to her on the street and do my best bark, much to her amusement.
The worst thing is that I don't like to admit it to dog-owners. Firstly they mostly have the same reply; Oh my dog doesn't bite/jump/bark/lick-your-face. But they invariably do. Secondly I feel like I'm a freak. 'How can you not like dogs? They are so loyal etc. etc."
My sister has two dogs. I'm ok with them as I've known them for a while now, and can more or less predict their behaviour. But don't expect me to get all cuddly with them, I just can't.
So there you have it, black on white. If anyone has any helpful hints; please, I am always open to suggestions!
http://www.888dag.com/
I am afraid of dogs!
When I see one coming my way, I cross the road and hope that he can't smell the fear on me. I know which streets to avoid were there are particularly 'barky' and 'jumpy' types. My heart races, and I get sweaty palms. I can't help it.
I don't want to transfer this fear onto my daughter. So I bravely point out dogs to her on the street and do my best bark, much to her amusement.
The worst thing is that I don't like to admit it to dog-owners. Firstly they mostly have the same reply; Oh my dog doesn't bite/jump/bark/lick-your-face. But they invariably do. Secondly I feel like I'm a freak. 'How can you not like dogs? They are so loyal etc. etc."
My sister has two dogs. I'm ok with them as I've known them for a while now, and can more or less predict their behaviour. But don't expect me to get all cuddly with them, I just can't.
So there you have it, black on white. If anyone has any helpful hints; please, I am always open to suggestions!
http://www.888dag.com/
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Happy First Father's Day My Love!
It's been a couple of days so thought I better hop on and give an update of our little lives. Of course today is Father's Day, Mr Kiwi's first one so I wanted to make it special. We started this morning at 7 am. A sleep-in courtesy of little Miss M! Presents in bed, including obligatory undies (no socks this year) and then brekkie (not in bed, way too messy!).
We were out the door at 10 am, eager to escape the house after Friday and Saterday's torrential rain. We thought we'd drive down the South Coast and see where it took us. It's such a lovely drive, with some beautiful views on the way. We ended up in the Gong, where we had fish burgers and beer in the park. Miss M loved the freedom and crawled around happily exploring every twig and leaf to be found.
As part of our conscious effort to watch less on the idiot box, we had a candle-lit music night. Listening to Pink Floyd and chatting away. Mr Kiwi loves educating me on all aspects of music, but the 70's hold a special place in his heart. I am a willing subject and find it all very relaxing.
Tonight I've got a special dinner planned with scallops, which is Mr Kiwi's favourite. But that'll have to wait till Miss M is out cold. Scallops over-cook way too quickly, so I'm not going to run that risk.
The best thing is that Mr Kiwi has tomorrow off as well, so we get another day together as a family! To me definitely the best days!
Hooroo!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Afraid? Me?...
Several of my fellow bloggers have written about the fear they encounter in people as soon as you point a camera at them. But is an unwillingness to share yourself with the world a fear per se?
In the Macquarie Concise Dictionary it tells me that FEAR is
1. a painful feeling of impending danger, evil, trouble, etc.; the feeling or condition of being afraid.
2. a specific instance of such a feeling
3. anxiety; solicitude
(I like to look words up so I know exactly what I'm dealing with as English is my third language.)
I think that most people will agree with me that they do not feel that the camera is, in itself dangerous or evil (with the exception of those that have a phobia perhaps). So what is it about camera's that make people shy away from them?
I must say that it took me a little while to get used to it. And to stop caring whether I look good in any one particular shot. Vanity does prevail in many cases. We all like to look our best after all!
Other than the Vanity aspect (does my bum look big from this angle?) there is the issue of Privacy. Wikipedia had the following to say about Privacy which I think is quite relevant.
"Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby reveal themselves selectively. The boundaries and content of what is considered private differ among cultures and individuals, but share basic common themes.
...
Privacy can be seen as an aspect of security — one in which trade-offs between the interests of one group and another can become particularly clear."
I think that for many people I encounter, the security of themselves, and particularly their children plays a big role. It's not so much the fact that I am filming them that bothers them, but that countless strangers can view the footage. I guess it prevents one from revealing oneself selectively.
Personally, I'm not afraid. But then again I am in control of the camera and of what I write, so I can be selective about what I do and don't reveal.
http://www.888dag.com/
In the Macquarie Concise Dictionary it tells me that FEAR is
1. a painful feeling of impending danger, evil, trouble, etc.; the feeling or condition of being afraid.
2. a specific instance of such a feeling
3. anxiety; solicitude
(I like to look words up so I know exactly what I'm dealing with as English is my third language.)
I think that most people will agree with me that they do not feel that the camera is, in itself dangerous or evil (with the exception of those that have a phobia perhaps). So what is it about camera's that make people shy away from them?
I must say that it took me a little while to get used to it. And to stop caring whether I look good in any one particular shot. Vanity does prevail in many cases. We all like to look our best after all!
Other than the Vanity aspect (does my bum look big from this angle?) there is the issue of Privacy. Wikipedia had the following to say about Privacy which I think is quite relevant.
"Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby reveal themselves selectively. The boundaries and content of what is considered private differ among cultures and individuals, but share basic common themes.
...
Privacy can be seen as an aspect of security — one in which trade-offs between the interests of one group and another can become particularly clear."
I think that for many people I encounter, the security of themselves, and particularly their children plays a big role. It's not so much the fact that I am filming them that bothers them, but that countless strangers can view the footage. I guess it prevents one from revealing oneself selectively.
Personally, I'm not afraid. But then again I am in control of the camera and of what I write, so I can be selective about what I do and don't reveal.
http://www.888dag.com/
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Things that make me see RED
Just arrived home from a frantic day (father's day) shopping in Miranda Mall. My goodness, it was as if you'd get something for free, people everywhere! Anyroad, got all I wanted to get, so that was good. All in all a fruitful day.
I just wanted to have a whinge about some idiot drivers on the road. For those of you who don't know Bundeena; it's in the National Park, and to get there you have to drive for about 25 mins on a rather windy 2-lane road.
In itself no problem. It's really pretty and there's no traffic jams, traffic lights or speed humps. But you get the occasional idiot who thinks that the lines on the road are for decoration purposes only! They come flying around the corner, on the wrong side of the road and miss you by inches.
It makes my blood boil, and more than once have I contemplated turning around and chasing them to give these dangerous individuals a choice piece of my mind! But of course by the time you turn around, you've already lost them.
So the only thing I can do to release the pressure is to have my say on my blog.
Thanks for listening!
http://www.888dag.com/
I just wanted to have a whinge about some idiot drivers on the road. For those of you who don't know Bundeena; it's in the National Park, and to get there you have to drive for about 25 mins on a rather windy 2-lane road.
In itself no problem. It's really pretty and there's no traffic jams, traffic lights or speed humps. But you get the occasional idiot who thinks that the lines on the road are for decoration purposes only! They come flying around the corner, on the wrong side of the road and miss you by inches.
It makes my blood boil, and more than once have I contemplated turning around and chasing them to give these dangerous individuals a choice piece of my mind! But of course by the time you turn around, you've already lost them.
So the only thing I can do to release the pressure is to have my say on my blog.
Thanks for listening!
http://www.888dag.com/
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Surprise Encounter
I bumped into an old friend today. Well, we used to be friends but then something happened and then we were friends no longer. For months, even years I agonised over the 'Why?' and "What If's?' until one day I decided to accept and move on.
Today brought back many memories. And questions too. What happened? I will never understand as long as I live. It's a crying shame, but there it is. Too much water under the bridge now. I wish them well. But I wish no longer for things to be different.
http://www.888dag.com/
Today brought back many memories. And questions too. What happened? I will never understand as long as I live. It's a crying shame, but there it is. Too much water under the bridge now. I wish them well. But I wish no longer for things to be different.
http://www.888dag.com/
Monday, September 1, 2008
Australian Story
I just remembered; did anyone else watch Australian Story on Saturday. I think it was a re-run, but anyway it was about that Aussie vlogger (video blogger; I'd never heard that expression before) Daniel Meadows.
He's basically this shy, almost reclusive guy who ends up building a network of friends on the Internet by video blogging. And falls in love with a girl who lives in the States.
To cut a long story short, he ends up going on this long trip to see her, and to also meet up with some other friends he's made on-line. His flight goes via Japan to the USA. I can't remember which port he arrives at but it wasn't NYC or LAX. He then has to transfer to a domestic flight to fly to his girlfriend's town.
But the Department of Homeland Security singles him out, sees the videos he took in Japan, and questions him about all these friends he's going to see, all people he hasn't met before, and they don't believe his story, at first calling him a terrorist. Later his "crime" was downgraded to being a risk of over-staying and working illegally, as he hasn't got a job back in Australia. He get deported on the first available flight, never gets to see the girlfriend!
She ends up saving up and does travel to Australia, where they finally meet (and might I add fall in love in the flesh). But it's only for a short holiday and he's not allowed back into the States. Even though he didn't do anything wrong. The word of the Department of Homeland Security is absolute. You can't fight it. You have no rights. His only hope now is that an Australian Government Official asks for his case to be reviewed after vouching for him.
The things that struck me about Daniel's story was first of all, that it was such a modern day romance. And no one loves a Love Story more than me! Who would have thought that being a blogger could change a person so much? (He now holds down a job and is working towards a reunion with his girl).
Secondly it made me realise that You Tube is very useful for getting stories out there that otherwise perhaps never would have been heard. Daniel is using You Tube to get his story out there. Turns out there are so many people that have had similar experiences trying to enter the States.
I gotta run, but what do you think?
Stay Safe
http://www.888dag.com/
He's basically this shy, almost reclusive guy who ends up building a network of friends on the Internet by video blogging. And falls in love with a girl who lives in the States.
To cut a long story short, he ends up going on this long trip to see her, and to also meet up with some other friends he's made on-line. His flight goes via Japan to the USA. I can't remember which port he arrives at but it wasn't NYC or LAX. He then has to transfer to a domestic flight to fly to his girlfriend's town.
But the Department of Homeland Security singles him out, sees the videos he took in Japan, and questions him about all these friends he's going to see, all people he hasn't met before, and they don't believe his story, at first calling him a terrorist. Later his "crime" was downgraded to being a risk of over-staying and working illegally, as he hasn't got a job back in Australia. He get deported on the first available flight, never gets to see the girlfriend!
She ends up saving up and does travel to Australia, where they finally meet (and might I add fall in love in the flesh). But it's only for a short holiday and he's not allowed back into the States. Even though he didn't do anything wrong. The word of the Department of Homeland Security is absolute. You can't fight it. You have no rights. His only hope now is that an Australian Government Official asks for his case to be reviewed after vouching for him.
The things that struck me about Daniel's story was first of all, that it was such a modern day romance. And no one loves a Love Story more than me! Who would have thought that being a blogger could change a person so much? (He now holds down a job and is working towards a reunion with his girl).
Secondly it made me realise that You Tube is very useful for getting stories out there that otherwise perhaps never would have been heard. Daniel is using You Tube to get his story out there. Turns out there are so many people that have had similar experiences trying to enter the States.
I gotta run, but what do you think?
Stay Safe
http://www.888dag.com/
It's Spring!!
I wonder how Nature knows that it is Spring today? I mean yesterday was really quite miserable and grey, but when I opened my eyes this morning; Spring is in the air! I thought there was no end to this winter. And I should be used to winters that last at least 6 months you would think... but no, not I, I never did like the cold.
I kicked off this morning with a boxing class that saw me feeling a little queasy at the end, I worked so hard. But when the nausea went away I felt very energised and more than a little proud of myself.
Then after the 'feeding of the wild animal' we played in the sun for a while. Miss M was delighted to be allowed to crawl around in just her nappies and shorts.
I'm glad she seems all better again. She came down with conjunctivitis on Friday afternoon (like Nature; how do babies know to get sick on Friday arvo when you can't get a doctors appointment to save yourself?). Daddy was sick too on Sunday, so it wasn't a barrel of laughs here!
But all that is forgotten, and I have a Spring in my step; the Sun is out and that's enough to make me smile from ear to ear today!
Hope you're all having a lovely day too!
Friday, August 29, 2008
I love this LEUNIG cartoon...
I love this Leunig cartoon, it was in one of the free calenders you get with the SMH and I've kept it for years. I think it's such a good way of looking at life. I'm glad I found it on Google Images so I can share it with you. If Life is a Holiday, you may as well make it a Good One!
Miracles do happen!
Never managed to get back on the computer yesterday as little Miss M was very clingy due to teething and my Kiwi-Guy came home with a massive cold and needed some TLC. Have an hour or so now, as I wore Miss M out by giving her a surprise morning bath. (Normally Daddy gives her one at night).
Anyhow, had another full memory stick so just went to copy and burn it onto ex harddrive and you will never guess what I found on there; my "lost" clips! I don't understand how they could all of a sudden show up, with all the new ones on the same stick as well, but I am not complaining at all! It sure is a miracle to me!!
Just had to let y'all know!
Chat again after I finish renaming etc.
Hooroo!
http://www.888dag.com/
Anyhow, had another full memory stick so just went to copy and burn it onto ex harddrive and you will never guess what I found on there; my "lost" clips! I don't understand how they could all of a sudden show up, with all the new ones on the same stick as well, but I am not complaining at all! It sure is a miracle to me!!
Just had to let y'all know!
Chat again after I finish renaming etc.
Hooroo!
http://www.888dag.com/
Thursday, August 28, 2008
No-Go Boo-Hoo :(
It's disappointing, but the first people to show an interest in buying my parents' lovely home have said 'No Go'. So back to the drawingboard. I just hope that the market in Holland improves soon. At least with the end of August, also comes the end of summer-holidays. So fingers crossed the buyer is amongst those Dutchies that spend their summer weeks down South in France, Italy or Spain.
We have been contemplating travelling to Europe for a couple of weeks, just to re-inspire my parents as to why they made the decision to immigrate. Of course they miss Miss M terribly! Problem is, with me on Maternity Leave the cashflow ain't flowing so fast!
Other than that, it's a pretty quiet day here. Had my conference call with Tony and some of the other DAGgers this morning, baked a carrot and walnut cake (never did that before. I'm not much of a sweet tooth) and have been renaming files as my memorysticks were full again.
And that's all I got time for right now, as I can hear the Marvelous Miss M calling out.
Try to hop on computer again bit later
Hooroo!
http://www.888dag.com/
We have been contemplating travelling to Europe for a couple of weeks, just to re-inspire my parents as to why they made the decision to immigrate. Of course they miss Miss M terribly! Problem is, with me on Maternity Leave the cashflow ain't flowing so fast!
Other than that, it's a pretty quiet day here. Had my conference call with Tony and some of the other DAGgers this morning, baked a carrot and walnut cake (never did that before. I'm not much of a sweet tooth) and have been renaming files as my memorysticks were full again.
And that's all I got time for right now, as I can hear the Marvelous Miss M calling out.
Try to hop on computer again bit later
Hooroo!
http://www.888dag.com/
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Things To Do When The Boss Is Away
My lovely Kiwi-Man was send this by his boss. I found it quite funny, so I thought I'd share it with you. Perhaps it'll give you all at Access Innovation Media an idea as to how to spend the time.. (Just kidding, of course!)
http://www.888dag.com/
http://www.888dag.com/
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