52 Week Project : Wk 32

Living dangerously - mummy style!

Forget bungee jumping, sky diving or abseiling

- here I am living on the edge, baby.

I'm on the freeway in peak hour traffic.

Uh huh.

My petrol gauge is singing 'low,low,low,low - seriously low'.

Uh huh.

I have a super chatty three year old strapped in the back.

Uh huh.

A three year old who has already sat in an ob's waiting room for 90 minutes.
Uh huh.

Woooooah!

Hardcore adrenalin junkies unite!

Then I snap a pic so that the other drivers can shoot me weird looks.

Tell me that doesn't get your heart rate soaring!! :-)

I'm still hosting this week's 52 Week Project for the lovely Fi from My Mummy Daze.

Link up below and give us a peek.

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 31 (Hosting For Fi)

Hey! Hiiii there!

Thank you for popping in.

This hair and face obviously weren't expecting you - but that's a-okay.

That's kinda the point of popping in, isn't it?

Come in.

Sit.

Kettle's on.

Well, this week gorgeous Fi from My Mummy Daze carefully considered various bloggers and their respective merits before selecting little ol' me to host her fabulous 52 Week Project initiative.

Okay,fib.

 Fi's computer's stuffed, her mojo's missing and she needed someone in a hurry.

I'm already the host body for a little person right now, so a linky shouldn't be too taxing.

So, are you a fan of the 'pop in'?

Years ago...

 the idea of unannounced visitors definitely wasn't my cup of tea.

It sent me into a spin of "but I haven't..."s

These days...

 I have a husband and a child - so I can blame the state of the place on them.

I shop and stock as though we're destined for nuclear warfare - so there's always the makings of a meal (or at least a really generous snack) in the fridge.

I live in a brilliant, close knit cul de sac - so rarely even bother to close the front door.

I'm more than happy to ditch the housework, schoolwork, artwork or any kind of work to sit and have an impromptu chat.

If you're lucky, I'll have heard your footsteps on the path and have raced to put a bra or pair of pants on.

If you're not, well - don't look down!

Please snap yourself and add your selfie to the link up below.

No rules - just an opportunity to get on the other side of the lens for a moment.

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 30

1,2,3,4,5.
 Once I caught a fish alive...

While camping at Easter (the time, not a place) we had ourselves a spot of fishing.

Apart from a weedy attempt (the sea plant variety, not the smoking sort) to beach fish last year,
 I haven't gone fishin' since I was a kid.

Having Hubby set up my line and handle the disgusting, smelly bait for me,
took me back to going fishing with my Dad and our friends all those years ago.
I remember catching plenty of blowfish and even a rogue thong (the footwear kind, not the other) down at the river - before losing interest and playing around on the jetty or banks.

On the weekend, I had originally intended to set the boys up with their riverside possie and refreshments,
then head off for a nice walk myself.
But once we were throwing lines in and getting a nibble,
I became quite captivated by the whole thing and stayed.

Once I'd caught one of my own, I was hooked - pardon the pun.
I may or may not have a competitive streak - and Hubby was fishless!!
I also have a pretty powerful 'don't want to miss a thing' streak.

Watching Magoo bring in his first ever fish was as satisfying as catching them myself.
Watching him set himself up, reset his gear, move his chair, fiddle with the lines, check out the tackle box, move his gear again, take a bunch of hilarious photos, test the muddy bank, move his chair... was pretty amusing too.

The boy might just make a great fisherman though.
(If you can discount the short attention span and need to talk constantly.)

We actually caught six fish, but I heard him tell some kids back at the campsite that we had caught eight.

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Then I let him go again.

Linking with lovely Fi and her http://mymummydaze.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/52-week-project-my-little-shadow.html

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 29

The landscape is changing around here.

Far more undulating these days.

The flat, sweeping plains of 2011 are looking vastly different

- but pretty magnificent in their own right, if you ask me.

I mean, how's this for a view?

With a checkered body-love (or more body-hate) history,

people (myself included) have questioned how I feel about myself during pregnancy.

The answer today is -  pretty damn good!

Yes, I still weigh myself. Regularly.

(I know. Pregnant ladies and scales are not intended to fraternise.

As I've said before it's a 'control thing' and a habit.

Let's just call it curiosity.)

Yes, I purchased 4 pieces of costume jewellery on the weekend to balance

the side-saddle chunk I can see creeping around from my behind.

(Peripheral vision is a drag.)

Uh-huh, I know there will be days when I redefine 'elephantitis',
can't find a single thing to wear and have to go with thongs
because I can't see my feet - let alone reach them.
Days when the whole entire world (but me) seems to have been dieting, working out
and engaging in subtle plastic surgery.

But, in general I loooove this body right now.

I loooove the magic it is creating and sustaining every single day.

I can't get enough of my growing belly and there's something slightly inappropriate

about how captivated I am by my breasts.

Hefting them and giggling at my mammary reflection in the oven.

Hey, they're a novelty event around here.

I'm eating whatever I feel like -

with great intentions of eating as much healthy food as possible.

So instead of chocolate, I have a piece of fruit - and then the chocolate.

I have happily indulged the lolly phase, the sparkling water phase, the vegetarian phase,
the hot cross bun phase, then the sorbet phase

and most recently, the chocolate crackle phase.

I'm a-okay with the idea of gaining weight, but will try not to double in size literally.

I'm proud of my body and I'm also proud of the way that my head is conducting itself.

I look forward to feeling less, um,  cumbersome one day -

but I also know that that day doesn't have to come in the week post-birth,

or the month - or at any point this year, really.

I can honestly say that I feel the least critical of my body in the throes of pregnancy.

It may have something to do with the feeling that my body's shape is not my handiwork right now
- so I can embrace it without my usual issues.

Anywho, here's to lady lumps and all that.

Linking with http://www.mymummydaze.blogspot.com/

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 28

Yep - I got my three year old to snap a pic of me standing in the city centre.

He wasn't phased.

I didn't care.

But that's the beauty of the city - no-one or nothing is 'weird' or out of place.

Yesterday, Magoo was given a choice of heading to the zoo, the animal farm or the city.

The boy chose the city.

'Cause the boy knows that 'the city' and 'the train' are a package deal.

I love the city.

I rarely visit these days, so each time something new surprises me.
Never the people -  but new stores, arcades or massive holes in the ground.
(Oh, like that whole new underground rail system a few months back! )

I worked in the city for many years through high school and university.
That job (in a sports store) was just brilliant.
I have so many hilarious and fond memories
- not just of the sneakers, but the crew I got to work with.
Good times JJ, good times.

Magoo didn't seem quite so nostalgic about seeing my old (old, old, old) workplace,
but he did enjoying having a wander - and of course, a babycino.

Are you a city dweller?
And has blogging made you shameless?

Linking with Fi's 52 Week Project @ My Mummy Daze


Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 27

So I'm not actually naked here in my garage.

I just feel it.

See, I'm standing in the spot where my car should be.

But it's not.

Or wasn't.

It was just being serviced.

Cue the violins.

It's a first world drama - she's carless for a day.

Boo to the hoo.

It's a big deal for me to relinquish my wings wheels for a day!

Not because I live in a remote location or fear a medical emergency or am

responsible for a group of underprivileged children who rely on me for transport.

Not even because of the logistical hassle.

My local and lovely mechanic actually picked up my car

in the morning and dropped it back that evening.

Not because of commitments - it wasn't a swimming, pre-kindy or work day.
We deliberately had no plans.

Not because I dread having to, heaven forbid, use two feet and a heartbeat.

I love being active.

But I love being active with more than a 10km radius and a with a bootful

of whatever the heck I decide to take, buy or deliver.

It's a big deal for me because I like going places.

In my car.

Often, numerous times a day.

It's no fancy, shmancy vehicle by any means.

But it gets me from A to B (and to I - for Ikea, of course!)

And I like going to B (and C, D, E and any of the other 21...)

Now, now before you get too teared up with sympathy...

Magoo and I enjoyed a lovely 'home' day.

We walked to the park, washed every item of bedding in the house, gardened, read, played, cooked and actually got a little surprise when our car reappeared that night.

Are you an environmentally unfriendly, road-travel-aholic like me?

Or do you have more substance than that?!

Linking with Fi's 52 Week Project @ My Mummy Daze

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 26

The 'Stylin' Edition.

Here I am showcasing the ultimate in Mummy/Daddy style - the juvenile backpack.

I've been sporting this glamorous look when out and about for a few years now and it never fails to disappoint the masses.



Those little coloured monsters completely bringing out my eyes
and doing wonders for my complexion.



It's a fetching look for any parent.

I particularly love seeing a strapping male model toting a lovely pink Dora The Explorer

style down the runway at the local park.

One of the perks of a solo trip (to anywhere - Bunnings'll do!) or a girls' night out

is the opportunity to accessorise with an actual handbag

- one that does not need to facilitate a change of clothes, snacks, entertainment, wipes and emergency supplies (unless I'm planning on a particularly huge night, that is).

I had promised myself that if I had more children I would simply buy

a large, gorgeous handbag and 'Mummy' out of that.

(Like Lou does. She rocks it and I'm jealous every time I see her.)

Alas, reality.

I like a compartment for everything and everything for it's compartment.

Already I'm eyeing off some very nappy-bag looking nappy bags

to replace my trusty Magoo backpack.

Do you travel in style as a parental?

Or do you actually use the twenty seven handbags you lovingly purchased

before having children?

By the way, all kidding aside, I can highly recommend the Penny Scallan bags (unprompted!) - they're seriously durable and they're slightly less offensive than many of the alternatives out there. (Ben 10 - I'm looking at you!)

Linking with gorgeous Fi's 52 week Project @ My Mummy Daze

Shar  :-)

(with a silent 'r' daaarrling.)

52 Week Project : Wk 25

Lost :
(at some point in the last two months)
One post-pubescent, fairly hormonally balanced face with relatively even skin tone and the odd blemish presence.
Sorely missed and obviously under-appreciated.

Found :
(in the last two months)
One mid-pubescent, pimply, freckly, combination-skinned face (neck and chest - for that matter) with extreme pickability and bonus under-eye action.
Please re-claim a.s.a.p.

Alternative titles for this post :

• Some Teenager Left Their Face On My Head
• Dude, Where's My Skin?
• Ripe For The Picking
• A First World, Blessed Woman Problem That I'm Quite Stoked to Have, Really.

Linking with lovely Fi from My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project.

Shar :-)

52 Week Project Week 24

The Bump Edition

Outdoor vista...

Indoor view...

I'm in love - again.

Linking with Fi's 52 Week Project @ My Mummy Daze

Shar + 1 :-) :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 23

Self snapped this week as Magoo and I entered the holy grail of Ikea.

In full view of the general public.

Luckily Magoo hasn't quite realised that there should be an element of shame associated with his curious "Why you doin' camera, Mum?"

I love a trip to Ikea

- for nothing

(which translates to a minimum of napkins and some useful/pretty little thing)

or for something

 (which translates to a whole room overhaul, overloaded car and explanation to Hubby).

I was disciplined this time -

 (2 plates, 1 block of chocolate, 0 napkins and a fantastic catch up with a bestie),

but I intend to take my trusty pack-horse Hubby back before the week's end.

One whiff of swedish meatballs and he'll be flatpack toting putty in my hands!

Linking with My Mummy Daze and Fi's 52 Week Project.

Shar :-)

P.S. Hair appoinment in t-6 days. Help is on the way, soldier.

52 Week Project : Wk 22

Um, excuse me Miss?

I, um,  forgot to do my 52 week project homework and I, um, I remembered when I was plonked on the couch and so, um, this is it.

Don't worry about the lighting, I have a thing, you see, Miss.

I feel the need to progressively turn lights off

 around the house from about 7.30pm onwards.

It's one of my ways of winding down.

I know there's not much worth watching on tv anymore.

But, Miss, have you ever watched Grey's Anatomy?

Oh, it's a whole lot of, um, awesome.

There are episodes (and their associated soundtracks) literally etched in my mind.

I've cried for days because of the intensity in Grey's.

The sum of my medical knowledge was gleaned here and one day

I may well need to amputate a limb using only household items.

The patients tend to be easy on the eye - once they're cleaned up -

and the writing can be pretty brilliant at times.

The show also reminds me of my beautiful sister.

She's obsessed with it, you know.

Always has been - well, since it began.

When she flew over and stayed with us, the local video shop owner

(remember them, video shops?!)

asked me if she was training to be a nurse.

We watched season after season of Grey's together when baby Magoo slept.

She's ahead of me in Grey years, but I'll catch her one day.

Anyway, sorry about not doing my homework.

See you in detention.

Linking with Fi @ My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project.

Why not hand in yours?

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 21

Parent Night 2012



This is a nervous-dear-God-don't-let-them-eat-me-alive

-and-why-do-my-hands-have-to-shake face.

That smile says "heeeelllllp! Don't make me go.".

Give me 32 or even 64 students any day?

I can speak. I can joke and laugh.

I can be reasonably eloquent and somewhat cohesive.

I can hold the floor...ish.

Give me their beady eyed, sizing-you-up parents?

I can waver. I can quiver.

I can smile nervously and flap my hands around like a turkey.

I can clutch at 'playing cool' and convince nobody.

Linking with Fi @ My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project.

Come on over. We don't bite.

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 20

This, my friends, is what happens when you have had it too good, for too long.

I milked the holidays for everything they were worth

-and that there unflattering image is the result.

Me... after one single full day of work

- and the students weren't even there yet!!

I could blame the emotional toll of a certain little someone's first morning

 of pre-kindy and the tears (mine) that flowed as I left his beautiful daycarers

to be the ones to take him there and pick him up.

For the record (and despite my silly working-mother's-guilt sook) it's safe to say Magoo had a magic time. He couldn't wait to share what he'd made for me when I raced to pick him up this afternoon and babbled about pwe-kingy the whole way home.

I could blame the technical glitches that have made our return to school

ridiculously inefficient, ineffective and inconvenient.

Access denied. Network password failed. No printers detected. Settings incompatible. Sorry, we're not authorised to rectify that. Blah blah blah.

I could blame the heavy meetings and the frenzied start of year preparation.

Oooor... I could just man up and admit that I've become an overindulged, lazy sod!

Tomorrow may just break me!!

Linking with My Mummy Daze and her terrific 52 Week Project.

Show us your shame!

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 19

Snapped on Australia Day by a gorgeous friend
as I bid her goodbye - through our back gate!

For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair.

I'm not going to weigh in on a political debate.

I'm far too frivolous and lacking in serious smarts for that.

However, I consider myself an Australian.

Proudly.

Until I hear some people speak about their version of 'Australian'.

I was not born in this country. Neither were my parents.

I am an Australian citizen, but hold dual citizenship with my birth country.

Am I unwelcome then?

Or is it okay, because I speak English and fit into

what the physical requirements of a 'white Australia' dictate?

With our Aboriginal heritage, could there be a more offensive term?

Happy Australia Day - Australians All....

Linking with My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project

Shar :-)

Or Shaz - for one day only!

52 Week Project : Wk 18

I snapped this as I headed out this morning.

Without daylight saving and with a holiday sleep in
(by my standards)
the morning sun is my companion as I pound the pavement at the moment.

It's also doing a nice job of masking my shocking morning head here.

I've just popped some fresh tracks - new and old - onto my ipod,

so I had even more motivation to get up and out today.

When I can't rely on my own drive to get out the door, music is my motivator.
Hence, music has to be above a certain tempo to make it's way onto my ipod.

When I was training for the marathon I used music as my reward,
only turning it on for the last hour of a long run.

Funnily, during the Perth Marathon, I wore my ipod but didn't turn it on once.
There was no added incentive required on the big day.

I've recently bought Hubby a set of waterproof earphones and a waterproof case/armband to use with his ipod for paddling and swimming.
(From here, if you're interested.)

The little old lady within me is still marvelling that he can listen to his music under water.

What will they think of next, dear??!

Linking with My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project.

Check out her beautiful pic this week - it's breathtaking.

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 17

I'm really milking this wedding anniversary of ours.
I promise this is the fourth and final mention - for at least a year.

(In truth, I didn't take a proper selfie this week - holiday head -  so this will get me off the hook, right?
Or I could say the dog ate it.)

Here I am at dinner with Hubby celebrating our five years as husband and wife.

We returned to the scene of the crime and were dining at the 'on the beach' spot where our reception was held, happily reminiscing like the old married couple that we are.

Linking with beautiful  Fi @ My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project.

This week we are being hosted by the equally beautiful Sonia

@ Life, Love and Hiccups while Fi enjoys a bloggy break.

Embrace the camera - from the other side - and come join us.

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 16

The anniversary edition.

Here I am in front of a wedding photo from five years ago.

Mine, by the way.

I love the pic because it wasn't posed, but captured.

It also happens to feature my favourite man in the entire world.

Let's play spot the difference, shall we?

How many differences can you perceive between newlywed Shar and five-years-in Shar?

Did you see...

Increased wrinkles?

- 1 point. NOT 1 point per wrinkle, so stop counting.

Less naivety?

- 1 point.

Coupla married bliss kilos?

 - 1 point per kilo.

Less patience, yet increased tolerance levels?

- 0 points as I figure they balance each other out.

Increased respect and adoration for Hubby?

- 6 points - one for every year we've weathered and one for good luck.

Motherhood?

- 3 points - one for every year.

Can't believe I didn't (need to) wear a bra to my own wedding?

- 2 points. One in loving memory of each perky... you know.
Actually, 4 points. Hubby would probably pay tribute with 2 points also.

Far less 'sparkly' teeth and jewellery?

- 2 points. One for the dentist and one for the jeweller.

One completed marathon?

- 43 points. One per kilometre and one for the brag mention.

Massive scar where the sun don't shine?

- minus all points. Seriously, where is your respect?

How did you score?

Linking with My Mummy Daze and her 52 Week Project.
(Being hosted this week at Sonia's place @ Life, Love & Hiccups.)

Shar :-)

52 Week Project : Wk 15

The copycat edition.

Aka Shadow Tag.

A couple of weeks ago I snapped my shadow at a friend's wedding.

Then Kate @ Our Little Sins shared her shadow last week.

I snapped another shadow shot down the beach on Christmas Day.

Now it's Kate's turn again, I believe!

Hope you are enjoying a fabulous festive season.

I'm even typing slower here!

Linking with My Mummy Daze and Fi's 52 Week Project.

Wanna play?

Shar :-)