Snakes Alive

The mere thought of the word 'snake' breathes fear into alot of people. Let alone stumbling upon a deadly one in knee- high grass.

I have been fortunate to have grown up in Australia, home to 7 of the worlds 10 deadliest snakes. I have also been lucky enough to live in rural New South Wales, where the Eastern Brown and Red Belly Black snake call home.

Last Sunday I climbed on board my trusty steed.... (gelding will do) and went for a ride (first one in over 12 months for both of us). When I felt that he was going kindly I popped my five year old on, behind me. We took a short stroll down towards the dam when I heard a rustle in a nearby tuft of grass. As I approached, a Red Belly Black snake slithered away hurriedly and scared the bejesus out of my son and I. The horse didn't give a rats!


(Photo credit - BunyipCo)

After having many discussions with our sons about snakes, the moment had arrived. Initially, my 5 year old son was frozen with fear, he then went into panic mode, demanding we return to the house where he could run inside and lock the doors.

It wasn't a disabling fear of snakes I was trying to instill, but a healthy respect for one of natures quirks.






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A real winter in Oz

First week minus 4,5 and 7 but where is the snow I ask. And no heater, thats right, NO HEATER for 5 weeks.

I love the cold, but I enjoyed the cold so much more in Holland. The homes are built with a cool climate in mind and the central heating keeps the internal temperature at a 'tshirt' comfortable level for at least 6 months of the year.





Our homes in Oz fall far short, with single glazing on windows/doors, inadequate insulation and heating, not to mention the price of electricity.

With the purchase of an acreage, and the pending build, in the New England region of NSW, the above has me researching ways of enjoying winter all over again.


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Over the hill and off the pill

When is old, too old?

I'm on the downhill run to 40, but I would love to have another baby.... a baby girl to be precise.

Now this goes without saying, I love my boys tremendously, but I would love to play 'dress-ups' with my little girl.


To fulfill this maternal desire I have considered gender selection techniques, which of course is not legal within Australia, performed legally only in the USA and Malaysia.

I have also considered foster caring for a sister sibling group.

Where to from here...




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Paid Employment

Yes, you read it correctly... I have had to return to paid employment... 5 days a week.

I must say I am thoroughly enjoying the peer interaction and of course slapping on a bit of makeup and last but not least putting together office attire purchased from vinnies long ago.

The boys are settling in to the Steiner Pre School and Long Day Care centre. I am finding them extremely tired and hungry when I pick them up 2 days a week at 5.30pm. Which is our meal time any other day of the week.

Im still not sure how to work it on those two days. By the time I get home its 6.00pm and I need to get wood fire started (I can only dream of central heating like Europe/Americas), bathe boys and cook dinner (among other tasks) before 6.45pm to have Mr 3 into bed by 7pm and Mr 5 by 7.30pm. Comforting, knowing I'm not the only sucker doing it.


Well, still no snow to report but plenty of Aussie wildlife. Saw my first Koala in the wild, introduced my dog to the Echidna and pulled my saddle out as I mistakenly took the Red Kangaroo for a horse... (How I'd forgotten how big these guys were.)




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Relocation, Relocation!

The time has finally come for me to head back to the bush.

This Friday 6th May I will be loading the car with kids and dog, horse float with the ride on mower, trailer and toys and heading north west, approximately 600km to the University Town of Armidale, NSW.

RE: My previous post agonising over school choice. I have found a preschool with an attached primary department too. This school is a Waldorf Steiner School and I am very much excited to have both boys attending.Of late I have been utilising the Woolworths Online Shopping, saving myself oodles of time, money, mileage and of course sanity. Something I will sorely miss.

I will also miss my slice of heaven, my beloved 'Hillbrook' under an hour from Sydney's Airport, which we have now put up for rent.  

(Photos courtesy of Google Images and Reside Real Estate)

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First time for everything

Well, I did it... Just filled out my first Business Grant Application... Huggies Mum Inspired $20,000 Grant, to be precise.

The emotional roller coaster you experience whilst completing the online application... Ok, thats a bit melodramatic, lets just say there were moments of doubt, when I was reading through my answers, whether or not I should apply.


Which leads me into the next thought. Is there something that happens to us, as stay at home mums, do we gradually lose our sense of identity and self worth.

Is it the isolation and lack of peer interaction that causes this, or am I alone in thinking this.




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1 year on...

Well it's been 1 year tomorrow since the kids and I left The Netherlands and Im still no closer to chosing a school. Fortunately, in Australia you are not legally required to place your child in school till the age of 6, so this has given me reprieve.

I have decided to hold Master (almost) 5 back to give him another 12 months to mature socially and allow myself ample time to have a suitable school chosen.

So far my choices have led me to Rudolph/Waldorf Steiner Schools, Montessori Schools and now, all boys Primary Schools. I think I am somewhat settled with the idea of the 'Boys only' Primary Schools..... for the time being.

For those of you that are lucky enough to have offspring of each sex, you may have noticed a difference between the learning and behavioural patterns of boys and girls..... yes, thats right, they are different.

My boys are definitely boys boys and could benefit from a curriculum specifically targeting the learning/behavioural patterns of boys.

So, off I go studying the 9 independant boys primary schools in New South Wales, Australia. One of which is just under an hour away from home. (If I had girls, I would have 32 independant girls only primary schools to choose from in NSW.)


Wish me luck...

Cheers,

Rebecca

PS. On a more serious note... Wishing all those in North Queensland, including family members, a safe outcome from Cyclone Lasi. My prayers and thoughts are with you.