Luke and Elliott Find That Music Rocks With Battlebird

It is the classic parenting story. A father feels for his son's struggle with shyness and finding his feet in the schoolyard, so he decides to share his love of music to help his son build confidence. Two years on, and Elliott is now eight years old. Elliott and his Dad, Luke, also known as The Kid and Lucky Luke, and their trusty robot DJ Scooter have teamed up to create BATTLEBIRD, the galaxy’s finest time-travelling, space-hopping, pop-rocking kids band.

 

Luke says “Elliott was struggling a little bit at his new school and I found it pretty heartbreaking. I had a feeling music may bring him out of his shell as it did for me when I was younger so we started goofing around in the garage writing music, making video clips on an iPhone and an old MacBook and before I knew it we’d pressed a handful of EP’s and performed live at the local Moruya Arts Festival (2015) in front of 200 people with Elliott’s classmates joining us on stage.”

 

With their song ‘Ho Ho Ho Let’s Go’ featured on the ABC Kids Christmas album Volume 2, and their debut album ‘Life is Good’ due out on March 25, Battlebird are set to blast the airwaves past and present with their very unique sugar-rush style of Intergalactic boomboxpop! - they can’t, don’t, won’t stop until the battle is won…

 

The CD also comes with a five track DVD.

You can buy it here and follow them on Facebook here, and jump over here to their website.

 

BATTLEBIRD ‘Life is Good’ - Album with 5 track DVD

Available March 25

 

The coolest musical collaboration of 2016 is looking set to come from none other than an Aussie Dad and his eight year old son.

 

I had to include one of my favourites from the album, which is track 5. C'mon C'mon C'mon.

 

 

Things I Know About Sleep And Parenting

I know that sleep is something I value highly and always have. I love my sleep, I love my bed. Those who dare come between us will hear my wrath.  Having my sleep disrupted or taken away from me was a huge concern in becoming a parent, but my desire to become a parent rated just higher than my passion for sleep.

I found out pretty quickly how exhausting parenting can be.

Although my body had been trying to get me ready for the sleep disruptions to come with needing to visit the toilet, the movement of the baby, and limited sleeping positions, it was nothing compared to the actual lack of sleep and exhaustion I was about to experience once baby and I got home.

With both of my children, I found the demand of initially feeding every four hours, the efforts to breastfeed, and the healing after childbirth quite taxing. Just when you start getting used to a schedule, your baby moves into the next phase and everything adjusts.

I actually get a giggle now, when I hear a parent say that they can't wait for their child to start moving around independently, as I know that life in fact does not get easier once babies start rolling, crawling, walking and running. In fact, as exhausting as a new baby is, I would say it was the easiest time for the fact that baby always stayed where baby was put. I became quite the fan of the notion of "sleep when baby sleeps" when it was possible, which was not always or regularly given the chores, appointments and visitors.

Initially, I did not have an opinion on co-sleeping. 

I listened to the advice given by professionals and other parents, and decided that each person had their own bed to sleep in, but cuddles and feeding in my bed was fine. My children, on the other hand, soon let it be known that they wanted to be comforted and close all of the time. Both of my children did not cope well with self-settling, and this became an issue in getting them to sleep each time, and settling them if they woke.  It soon became standard practise that my children would sleep sometimes in their own bed, and sometimes in ours. We did try different techniques and options to encourage sleeping in their own bed, and with quite some determination, but in the end our need and love of sleep determined that baby was welcome in our bed if it meant we were not standing by theirs all night or up and down between the two.

As I returned to work, the co-sleeping acceptance became even more of a sensible choice for us.

With the alarm clock set to go off at a regular time each work morning, there was nothing worse than watching those numbers click over closer and closer to that time as you pat a child's back, and try to convince them that Mummy won't rush back to her warm bed as soon as their eyelids droop. There is also nothing worse than that exhausted, hang-over feeling that comes after little, interrupted sleep, whilst trying to perform your duties at work and make it through to the end of the day.

As I write this, I can honestly say that our children have never been the sort that take themselves off to bed when they are tired. At the ages of 9 and 6, they would still prefer one parent to be present when they drift off to sleep. What can I say .... we are pretty irresistible!

They are old enough to understand now that sleeping in your own bed is important for a good night's rest. There are also plenty of incentives, or consequences at this age to encourage going to sleep on your own. As they got older, there need to be in our bed and help them to get sleep has improved. Some days are better than others.

I am proud to say that I am instilling in them my love for sleep.

They now look forward to weekends where they do not have to get up early to start the school morning ritual. "Sleep-in days" are becoming things that they too treasure.

Commit To Being A Parent ... And Suck It Up!

Parenting is a tough gig ... and if you go in thinking otherwise, you are in for a shock. From that moment that you commit to becoming a parent, you are signing up, unconditionally, to support another human being, and give them the best version of you possible. 

source

Most people are aware, as parents, that regardless of the available funds, their own upbringing, and their individual circumstances, their job is to care and nurture for the children they have brought into the world. 

There are a select few that ignore or refuse to accept this role as a parent. I can only make these assumptions from what I have seen and heard, and from what I base my own parenting on.

My latest observations have shocked and saddened me. I have questioned all of the who, what, where and why in my mind.

Why do some children appear to be parentless??

Why are some children seen wandering the street from morning till after dark?

Why are they often not at school, but seem well enough to play all day unsupervised?

How do these children know so much about topics that should never be discussed with a child?

Why do the children use such foul language, and who taught it to them?

Do these children receive the nutrition and care they need at home?

Why, if people do not want to commit to everything that is required to keep your child safe, healthy, educated, fed, clean and nurtured, do they have children? And why, oh why, would they go back and have another, and another?

Sadly, I know that the promise of money is such a big incentive to people these days. The money offered by the Australian Government only goes a small way towards raising a child. That's if the money is even used for the purpose for which it was given.

I am not saying that the case is this open and shut for each "parentless" family. I am well aware that circumstances change, as do people. Some solo parents are so busy trying to get an income that there is little time spent at home. Illness can play a huge role in the family having to fend for itself. Mostly though, I have witnessed a lot of indulgence in addictive substances playing a major role in these people's lives.

Regardless of the who, what, where and why ... I do not want the children to have to pay for their lack of parenting. As much as I want to treat these children just like any other, and welcome them over to play with my children, the circumstances make this difficult. Despite the children mixing at school, I feel that also having the "parentless" children playing at my home would overexpose my children to language, behaviour and topics that we think is inappropriate.

I am not asking every parent to have the same beliefs as I do, or even think that I could advise them on parenting issues. I just ask that parents step up to the plate and commit to what they started.

Have you come across a similar dilemma? What are your thoughts?

Boys and Knots

I didn't go into parenting blind. I knew it was going to be challenging and some days I would be at my wits end .... but parenting AND washing .. should.not.be.this.hard!

Should washing socks be so hard?

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

The Real Reason For Not Doing It Is You

There comes a time in life when you have to admit the truth. There is only so long that you can blame others, or reel off excuses. Life has a way of yelling STOP!!!

So many people, including me, think there is an easier or quicker way to achieving something.

When you break it down, some things just take hard work and a commitment.

This was definitely the case for me and weight loss.

I found a million excuses.

There were so many other things I would rather do.

I have no time.

I'm not prepared.

In the end, you either get it, or you don't.

Luckily, for me, I admitted the truth before everything crumbled or came to an end.

Ask yourself ....

How badly do you want something?

What will happen if you keep waiting for a quick fix solution?

What will happen if you DO knuckle down and succeed?

What is your reason for self-sabotage?

It is so much easier to go on doing the same old routine.

Following our dreams is hard.

Change is hard.

Nothing worth doing is easy!!

That's why the feeling of achievement is so good.

That's why the rewards pay so well.

1st Fun Run - City to Casino

Now that I am finally over the experience of my 1st City to Casino, I wanted to let you know....

IT WAS GREAT!

Having never even attended a fun run before, it was exciting, nerve-racking, and exhausting all at the same time.

I entered in the 7km Walk event as part of the Blundstone Corporate team. I was thrilled to be part of this event that saw a record number of entrants this year. The City To Casino raises funds for The Heart Foundation which is such a good cause.

My event started at Cornelian Bay and finished at the iconic Wrest Point Casino in Sandy Bay. If you enter at a walking level, you can walk, shuffle, jog and run to get yourself to the finish line. So, being my first event, I did a combination of walking and jogging (there may have been a little shuffling).

I crossed the line at exactly one hour, which gives me a good and achievable goal for next year.

Just a tip: If you can enter events like this one as a Corporate team member, the perks are usually worth it, like the entry fee paid for and the 10 minute massage at the end.

Do you have any experience with Fun Runs? Maybe you have also entered The City To Casino in Tasmania, or better still, maybe you entered this year too?

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Defending the Biggest Loser Approach

There has been a lot of flack across the social media with the latest season of The Biggest Loser-Australia.

Tweets and posts on Facebook about torturing kids for ratings. People saying that the contestants must sign a clause to be dehumanised on TV. Comments about The Biggest Loser becoming a freak show when they bring out the bigger contestants, and that watching fat people on TV is not entertaining. I'm sure with every season comes a new barrage of haters.

The Biggest Loser is currently being show by Channel Ten in Australia, and you should check this preview out here if you are not sure what I am talking about.

I am standing up for their approach,

While watching this season, as well as previous ones, I have seen the trainers push the contestants to reach their potential. They are not degrading the contestants and name-calling. They are truthful in what it takes to get results. They are truthful and honest about how the contestants came to be in their current situation. They know all of the excuses and whinges to slow down or give up, and hear it all of the time. They are not there to pretend, or give these people a break; that is not their job. They are not there to make friends. 

They are there to share their expertise, get results and be professional in their role as a trainer.

These contestants put their hand up for the show because they knew they needed help.

The selectors chose these particular contestants because they were prime candidates to improve their lives.

Just as putting on weight does not happen overnight, the process of losing yourself, your self-worth and confidence is a gradual process.

The facade that a person will put up to say they are happy with life or that they accept that this is the way life is for them, is never their ideal situation or their lifetime dream.

The family and friends of these people may tell them from time to time that they need to get off their bum, that they need to eat better or look after themselves, but mostly, they bite their tongue, or the arguments turn into disapproving looks over time. 

When people approach a personal trainer or go to the extreme of applying for a national TV weight loss show, they are asking for help. 

They need help with their eating schedule and choices. 

They need help with food portions and selection.

They need help keeping motivated. 

They need help with their mindset, confidence and self-worth. 

They need help with exercise routines, techniques and equipment use.

They need help to see that their decisions and the way they choose to live affects a wide range of people.

They need help seeing the truth behind the consequences of poor eating habits, loss self esteem and inactivity. 

They need to know there are options.

They need to know they are capable, to do more than they think, to achieve their dreams.

They need to be told what to do, a push to keep going, and the encouraging words.

They need goals to aim for and rewards.

Many are asking for help in one of these areas; but many need help in all of these areas.

2013 The Biggest Loser, Australia Trainers Shannon, Michelle and The Commando

If the task was easy, there would be no contestants, no trainers, and certainly no show.

This year, there is the added challenge of dealing with family issues between the contestants being the child and their parent.

The fact is, obesity is an epidemic. Obesity causes multitudes of health problems. Obesity has detrimental effects on the person and those around them.

There is no doubt that the creators of The Biggest Loser are making money and getting ratings over this show. Whether that is the driving factor behind the show, or why it has survived many seasons; I really, truly don't care.

I do care that this program gives opportunity to people who need it, whether it be the contestants who appear on the screen, or whether it is the people at home who are being inspired by the efforts, motivated by the words, and grossed out by the hard truths.

Helping Ease The Pain Of Loss

Grief is such a complex thing. It is a hard, horrible process to go through. One that each individual tackles differently.

With the sudden passing of a lovely lady and neighbour recently, we have watched as a friend has dealt with the turmoil and heartache. He and his wife spent most of their free time together. They clearly were compatible and enjoyed each others company. They both worked hard, and had each other and their dogs.

We have struggled ourselves.
Obviously not on the same scale as our friend, but nonetheless, struggled to make sense of her passing, and explaining life and death to our children.

The thing I have found the hardest is finding the balance of being there for our friend, without smothering him with our presence.

Over the years, we have come to know our neighbours reasonably well, and have enjoyed a chat and a laugh over the fence on a regular basis. We keep an eye on each others homes and pets. We exchange presents at Christmas. They are treasured neighbours and lovely friends.

Our friend told us the news himself. That, in itself, would have been extremely hard.
We have looked to him for signs in helping him through this time, and hopefully we are reading them right.
If he wants to chat, then he will, sometimes for hours. If he is not up for a chat, he will give a wave and greeting, but then continue with his chores in his yard.
We have freely talked about his wife and her wonderful ways and humour. This talk flows freely, not at all awkward, and I feel he is needing to still mention her often.
We have also invited him to join us for a few meals, making sure that it is more of a suggestion than a forceful request, and one that can be accepted or denied easily.
We have also dropped meals to his door, as I feel sure that he needs some time to himself, to process and adjust.

Hubby and I have also thought long and hard about other ways we can be there for our friend.
This is hard, as we know in our relationship, as well as those of our parents, there are roles that each person in a marriage usually takes on. One is usually more money savvy, one arranges things, one does paperwork, one does the wheeling and dealing, one does the majority of cooking, one maintains the house, one maintains the yard....so we have informed our friend on several occasions that we are more than happy to help where we can.

We are not the only friends/family that our friend has that is looking out for him, and he has proved himself very capable with the funeral arrangements. He and hubby have made plans for a future fishing trip, which they will both enjoy together.

It has been several weeks since our friend lost his wife, so we will continue to be there for a chat and assistance if he needs. I feel that having people around, for when he is wanting to talk or needing company, is the most important factor at this stage.

Have you experienced loss and grief and have suggestions on how to help, or shed some light on how you felt through the process?

Linking up with my favourite links for Friday.

Still With A Twinkle In My Eye

I was just reminiscing. This time last year, according to my blog, I was exhausted. We all were!
I was so thankful that the children were finally going on holiday. I needed the break from the mundane morning hassle. Luckily, I am not feeling so zapped this year!

So what's the difference?

Well, I should be even more exhausted, with having two children to get ready for school, as opposed to just one last year. Two children, I might add, who often like to do anything accept what they are meant to in the morning.

So does my extra energy burst come from increase in exercise and healthier living?

Or

Could it be because I did the 30 Day Sugar-Free Challenge, to give my body a break before Christmas?

Either way, I have altered my lifestyle and habits, and the proof is in the pudding (sorry for the pun so close to Christmas), with more energy, better fitness and weight loss.

Finally, this year, I am ready to start the New Year from a really good point.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas
                            .... and if you don't hear from me again this year,
                                                          I wish you and your loved ones a Safe and Happy New Year.
                                                                                                                                                 xxxx

Christmas Spirit ... Where are you?

Christmas is my favourite time of year. The festive colours, the building excitement and the thousands of sale catalogues filling my mail box is just my thing.

This year, my Christmas Spirit has gone missing.
I'm not sure how this happened, as it has never happened before to this extent.

Some years,  it takes me a little to get wound up, but usually, once the tree is up, there is no stopping me flinging lights here and there and hanging baubles. The countdown with the children leading up to that big day excites me as much as them, as I remind them each day to open the door on the Advent Calendar.

I love getting the tree out and decorating on the 1st of December.
Hubby does not understand my passion in buying a few new decorations each year, or why our little family has now four boxes full of stuff for one month in the year.
I happily dangle from the ladder to hang Icicle Lights on the house, and positively get dizzy winding the lights around the little Pine Tree in the front yard.
Its a simple, but effective display each year, which gives me joy in knowing that it has made at least one child in the neighbourhood say "Ooooooh".

This year, I have nothing.
I feel nothing.
The passion for Christmas is just not there.

I have put the tree up with the kids, because it is my duty as a parent of young children.

That's all I had to give.

I missed the Advent Calendar sale.
There are no lights adorning our house or tree in the front yard.
There have even been many nights I haven't even bothered to turn our Christmas Tree Lights on, if the kids had already snuggled down in bed.

Christmas has come around too fast this year. I am not ready.

Are you in the spirit of this festive season, or are you a little lost too? 

Life Is Still Sweet

With one week down on the 30 day Sugar-free Challenge, I wanted to let you all know how this sweet tooth is coping. There are several side effects I was aware of and expecting. So far, though, I haven't had any problems with headaches, cramps or irritability (no more than usual, anyway).

So what have I been eating?
Breakfast has consisted of eggs, either poached or scrambled, and occasionally some cooked zucchini, tomato and onion. On alternate days I have had yoghurt with fruit or simply fruit salad. Lunches have been baked beans, or salad with chicken or tuna. Dinner is usually a meat with salad or veggies. I have been snacking on nuts, fruit and cheese. I have been having my Decaf coffee with Full Cream Milk, no sugar, and my first drink of the day is a Green Tea. Oh, and plenty of water!

I have had a few temptations in front of me, having to push aside cooked carrot and potato, select wisely from a table of party food, watch my family eat lamingtons and caramel cups from the school fair, and my usual beloved demons still in the house of biscuits, cereals and cordials.

I must say that the week has gone surprisingly quick, and I certainly have not been hungry.

I have just had a weigh-in and some measurements taken by my personal trainer, which indicated some good results in just a week.  So onwards into the 2nd week and more results.

What are your demons when it comes to food?

Sugar-free me? Will I Survive?

Last year I set myself a few challenges, one of which was to go without chocolate for a whole month. This was a big ask for this chocoholic, but I'm pleased to say I made it.  I did this challenge just before Christmas last year and felt slightly cleansed before I entered the Festive Season.

This year I was planning on doing the same thing - no chocolate for a month.

 I decided that I could do better though. So I have waved the red flag at my inner bull and set my new challenge.

I have decided to do a 30 day Sugar-free challenge.
There was a bit of hype in the blogging world last year of people choosing to cut sugar from their diets, and it has been in the back of my mind since.

So I have started by eliminating the usual sugars and sweeteners, and have decided to follow Dr Scott Olson's plan which also eliminates foods that act like sugar, which, in it's simplest explanation, is grains, carbs, and any fruit and veg which is not within the low GI or no GI category. You can check out the website Dr Olson has set up here, or on the Facebook page .

4 days in and I am feeling pretty good.

Have you ever tried sugar-free? How did you/do you think you would go?

Carving the Pumpkin

What you need:

• Pumpkin
• Bag or bucket for waste
• Etching tool or blunt, sharp instrument
• Design (either on paper or free-hand) click here, here, here, here, and here, for printables
• Knife/Carving tool
• Vaseline (petroleum jelly)
• Toothpicks (in case of accident when cutting, a piece can be put back and secured)
• Candle or Glow Stick

 The all-important steps

1. Select and purchase your Pumpkin - you may already have a design in mind which may dictate the size or shape of your pumpkin. If you are doing this for the first time, I would suggest a middle-sized pumpkin. Not too small that it's awkward and fiddly to carve, and not too big that it takes forever and is too heavy to handle.
2. Cut lid - I opted for a lid that included the top circle and the back centre. (see picture)            My research informed me this was a great way to cut for easy handling and lighting of the candle. This worked well, and I did not burn my fingers once.

1. Remove the pips and pith - I used a butter knife and/or spoon to dig lightly into the flesh at the top, which then came off in strips when I pushed it down the inner wall with some force. I then scooped the last out and smoothed with the spoon.

1. Select the design - There are many great designs from simple to crazily intricate.
2. Transfer the design - There are carving tools available. I held the design to the pumpkin while pushing hard with a pen in a scratching motion. You can also choose to use the tool to push holes around the design.

1. Cut the shapes - These orange pumpkins are not as fleshy as the grey skinned ones I am used to, nor is the skin as tough to cut. I used the butter knife to first cut a slit in the middle of the smallest shape, then cut from this slit to the edge of the shape, creating a criss-cross shape inside. I then pushed the knife around the edge of the design. This way, you can push the smaller pieces through instead of putting a lot of pressure to push one large piece. I then went on to do all the shapes in this fashion.
2. Tidy up shapes - I used the butter knife and my finger to tidy up the shapes and clear away any dangly bits on the inside.
3. Dispose of waste - I had my plastic bag on the bench right next to the pumpkin. The pith and pips went straight in there. There was much less waste than I expected.

1. Coat flesh on the inside with Vaseline - Smear the inner flesh and exposed cuts with a thin layer of Vaseline. This prolongs the life of your pumpkin a little so it doesn't start to breakdown, smell and decay for a while.
2. Light up your Pumpkin and put the lid on - I used a tea-light candle. It is small and not so obvious. Alternatively, you can also use Glow Stick which gives you options of different colour glows and no flame required. With the lid on it is ready to display.
3. Stand back and admire - They really do come to life as you light them up and the night creeps in.

In the words of Miss 8 and Master 5, "That looks awesome!"

Thankful for Not Falling On My Face

Today I did great things .... at least by my standards. I had my monthly health assessment with The Personal Trainer, and she always gets the best out of me, whether I am doing boxing, routines with weights, treadmill or aerobic routines. I never know what to expect, as she is always pumped to get me moving and likes to mix it up.

I really think The Personal Trainer has been well worth the money My Workplace is paying her. If you want to know how this came about, then read here. My first assessment is here, and my post explaining what works for me is here.

So I am steadily losing weight, which is ideal, and I can feel I am so much fitter than 5 months ago. This is showing in my Netball games where I have moved positions, and am now enjoying playing two thirds of the court instead of struggling to cover one third. Also, there is no way I could achieve my milestone today, without my improved fitness.

We worked with some 1.5kg dumb bells today, doing a series of of squats, pumps and burpees. This is itself is a good workout. Here is the twist! Between each set with the weight, I got to have a quick drink before jumping on the Treadmill and jogging for 2 minutes. You heard it here first - I RAN ON THE TREADMILL! Wooooo Hoooo!

There is something about a trainer standing beside you, talking you through every step, encouraging you to go a bit more, and praising your achievements. I must tell you, there were a couple of high fives in the room.

Who gives you the confidence to try things? When have you thought yourself incapable, and been encouraged to push harder?

One cupboard at a time

I don't want to alarm anyone, but something is going on with me. It is as much a mystery to me as anyone. People who know me well may need to grab a calming herbal tea before reading on.

This week, the strangest things have been happening. To me!
I'm not quite sure how to describe the feeling, except to say that it is totally foreign.

I am not a fan of cleaning ... by any stretch of the imagination. I do it because, it has to be done. I see no joy in it, except when I turn around to see a clean surface, that signifies that I can walk away and do something else, hopefully, something I enjoy.

So this week I got the urge to clean out the Medicine Cupboard. Mostly, this came from my frustration at things falling out as soon as I open the door, and the pain of rifling through things to find the packet I am after. So, I rolled up my sleeves and did it. Quite a stellar job too, might I add.

With this job behind me, I gave myself a pat on the back for achieving something close to Spring Cleaning in Spring.

But, it hasn't stopped there. The feeling has returned ... several times, in fact.

I have completely gone through the entire contents of our filing cabinet and desk, and de-cluttered, disposed, and reorganised. I have also gone through my collection of magazines, chosen which Scrapbooking and Health ones I wish to keep, and put aside a healthy pile that are moving on. Furthermore, I went through my collection of shoes and tossed the tatty ones. A good part of our wheelie bin has been filled, and for a semi-hoarder, this has been quire invigorating.

To top things off, Hubby walked out yesterday morning to find me ironing. This is an extremely rare sight in my household.

So I am not sure if this strange illness will continue, or whether it is seasonal and replacing my Hay fever? I have checked my temperature and there doesn't appear to be a rash either. While I am not concerned that it is a long-term illness, the satisfying feeling I have been getting is a little unsettling.

I will update if any more symptoms occur.






Joining in    

How I shocked the hubby, and myself

It's not very often that I get to shock my Hubby with my capabilities. We have been together for 18 years, so he has seen, heard and experienced my skills, talents and abilities. Needless to say, he also has a grip on what I am not so good at.

Under his guidance, I decided it was about time to learn something that he is good at. I love learning new things. Anyone who knows me or has been reading Bright Side Up for a while will have heard my motto - Have a go! I love learning new skills and tackling a challenge.

My 2012 TO DO LIST  has been great to add things that I want to try. Being the wife of an avid Fisherman, I have observed and watched as my husband has backed the boat trailer time, and time again. I also have watched others do it while he has observed. I have learned from watching others and from the frustration that Hubby shows from seeing them have trouble that this is a skill to master, not just a menial task to be done without thought and concentration.

With the boat trailer hitched behind the Ute we set off to the local boat ramp. I listened to Hubby's instructions and practised approaching from different angles, and learning the effect that steering and speed can have on the position of the trailer.

I was quite happy with myself that I was taking it all in, but it was the look on my Hubby's face that said just how well I was picking it up. His expression was full of amusement, disbelief and pride that I was able to do this task on my first lesson to an acceptable standard.

I knew this was a valuable asset to have. It meant that I could back the trailer so Hubby could launch the boat into the water. This would save Hubby a lot of work of going from Ute to boat to Ute. I would now be contributing to the trip, not just be the passenger.

With my first lesson done, I was feeling confident with my new skill. We headed home to unhitch the trailer. Hubby asked if we should swap seats so that he could reverse the trailer up our driveway, which has a steady incline and a little bend in it, with gateposts on either side. I wanted to at least give it a go, so Hubby accommodated me.

I did it ....much to his shock, as well as mine.

I know that this sort of skill needs to be practised and am in no means cocky enough to think I will get it right each and every time. Having a good first experience though, has assured me that I can do it, and given Hubby the knowledge that I am able to do this.

Have you shocked someone, or yourself lately with an achievement? I encourage you to Have A Go!

Controlling the beast is hard Mum

My theory is that boys and conventional toilets just don't mix. There, I said it. It's out there. Who is going to back me up on this one?

My problem lies with the one boy in the household. I have heard similar stories from other Mums of boys, but I must admit that at the time I thought "how hard can it be?" Point and shoot, right?

I really don't think it is a matter of aim though, as I have seen offenders aim at other things with perfect precision and most boys will try writing their name while urinating at least once in their lives.
There is clearly a reason why public toilets are equipped with urinals for males or the simple 'wee here wall'.

source

So what is the problem? Possibly boredom and easily distracted? If you have any thoughts or advice I am happy to listen.

After several discussions with Master 4 about where the wee is meant to go, and the consequences of the wee going outside of the intended perimeter, I threw up my hands in despair and total frustration. I am so over sitting on a toilet seat with a dribble of urine on it, and little puddles beside the toilet on the floor. The sweet smell of wee is not my favourite fragrance.

There are many things I would personally like to control. Hubby would say this is just me being a control freak, but what is wrong with wanting things to follow the correct course and end with the right outcome?

At the beginning of the year when I wrote 2012 - Year of control, I had no idea I would then resort to writing about toilet habits and etiquette. Yet, here I am.

I have resorted to following Master 4 to the toilet. I stand within glare and warning reach while he does his deed. I have stopped just short of actually taking control of the offending body part myself. Although, I haven't totally dismissed at as the last option.

So, in my capacity of The Wee Police, I was one duty only yesterday, listening carefully for the correct sound of urine on porcelain. The second the sound changed tone, I belted out the order "In the toilet!" It's a wonder Master 4 doesn't startle at this point and spray me with it.

Master 4 re-aimed and finished his business. As he walked past me he shrugged his shoulders and said "Sorry Mum, I just lost control for a moment." Just like that I was left standing outside the toilet on my own, contemplating the news I had just been given.

The frustration gave way to humour as I pondered the enormous responsibility of controlling such  wayward beast. I fought the urge to yell after him with "Both hands on the bat son".

God help us all when the hormones kick in.

No batteries required - Just brains!

Linking up with

Dear Coles, Your support to my health sucks

Dear Coles,
I did my grocery shopping online today. I love this system. You have done a great job implementing this tool which makes sure you are catering for people of all walks of life. Life is busy, and you get that.

You obviously don't understand the importance of eating healthy though. If you want to look after your customers and get them coming back, then I suggest you get behind the need for Australians to eat healthy. I mean, are you happy being a factor in the biggest health dilemma of our time?

As much as I love your store and your online shopping feature, I must admit, I am only loyal to you because of the specials and deals you can offer. I scanned the specials section whilst shopping online today, trying to squeeze the best out of my budget, and found myself quite disgusted at the amount of specials being offered on foods I would class as "junk" or "sometimes food".

I note that periodically through the year there are different themes highlighted in your specials, such as baby items or pet care. Have you ever thought of devoting a specials catalogue occasionally to healthy options? Have you given any thought to how expensive it is to eat healthy? Or, perhaps this would not be as profitable as appealing to the sugar addicted or the savoury munchers? Here's a tip; most of these people would eat better with a bit of encouragement from a Supermarket giant to add something healthy to their diet every couple of weeks.

I know you think you have your eye on the ball, offering recipes that appeal to families and those trying to look after their health, but with a bit of effort and commitment you could offer your customers so much more. How about highlighting the healthiest choice within a range of product? How about bonus shopper points for a trolley with a large number of healthy items? How about supporting the schools across the country trying to encourage healthy lunch box habits? How about a Nutritionist in your store to answer questions?

I am not saying that food choice is the only factor in the rise of obesity in Australia. There are other contributing factors, but the food portion is your area of expertise, and something you would do well to look into, should you wish to gain long-term customer loyalty. It is obviously not enough to make healthy foods available to the masses. People need help with making these foods affordable, with putting these foods together to get the benefits, with looking after their special dietary needs that the modern diet has contributed to, with choices and options best for their families' needs, with healthy food becoming the easy option again.

So, will you rise to the challenge? I hope I live long enough to see it happen, Coles.

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Sharing my limited wisdom

My son is a bit of an enigma - or so thinks his Kindergarten Teacher.

If you have been following for a while, then you may have already figured out that Master 4 can be a little full on. He is an action packed boy, with lots of energy and a lot of imagination.

As a parent, I have made it my job to seek information on the best methods for dealing with his energy. I have done a parenting course where I picked up a few tricks. I have tried to arm myself to help this person grow and become a man.

So when his teacher calls me in to have a "chat" about his attitude and behaviour, I think, this could be interesting. When she tells me that I need to give her the answers of how to deal with him, I think, it has taken me over four years to figure this kid out, therefore I only have four years experience. I compare this with her 30 years experience of teaching alongside the experience she had raising her own three sons. Hmmm .... what has she been all of these years?

I appreciate that every child is different, but if you sit done and analyse, they usually fit into one of several boxes. I also appreciate that the teacher is communicating her concerns with us instead of shrugging her shoulders and letting Master 4 slip into the too hard basket. I also appreciate that she has a full class of 25.

So after giving the teacher a little of my wisdom (of which I am now wondering what it could be worth on the market), and a little insight into how my little boy ticks, I hope that she has been armed with some tools, which could also enrich her teaching abilities.

My son is definitely not an enigma. He is an intelligent, active, growing boy who is work in progress.