Hello… It’s us: Me and Mister C…

Hiya! It’s been another busy week (when is it ever not for most of us?), with the family, our work, schools and events. Me and Mister C wish to send a big warm shout out to all the families and communities in Melbourne (Australia), who have unfortunately had to go back into a forced lock-down, due to another (smaller) Covid outbreak. We have family in Melbourne and send our love and hugs to all; stay strong- we know you can do it again! As we all know, this ‘bug thing’, as Mister C calls it, is highly contagious; we all have to stay vigilant on keeping on top of our hand hygiene and staying away from older more vulnerable people in our communities (and schools), whenever we had any signs or symptoms (even if it’s the common nasty cold). We are thinking of you, along with other countries and their communities, who are still being so badly affected by this ghastly virus (keep on going- it will get better).

A long-term personal dream (goal) of mine, has been to have one of our books on the bookshelf of a local book shop or store. I am so overwhelmingly proud to announce, it has now finally come true! Over the last month, I have been in contact with a few different book stores, around our town and surrounding areas, regarding the ‘stocking’ of my books. After no luck and a couple of setbacks with no response, or the books weren’t the right format; I kept on going and never gave up (as our karate Sensei says- ‘never give up!’). I continued to email a few other stores and the like; finally having a response from one of my emails and I then rang the store to arrange a meeting. This meeting took place last Tuesday; I was (very) nervous, but inwardly excited for a positive outcome. The meeting went better than expected, with the owner of the store liking our books; who then wanted to put the first two books, as a part of our Mister C book series, straight on the shelves! I was overwhelmed with gratitude and the positive comments I had received. I knew in my heart the books were good (well had hoped anyway!), but to hear it from a store owner, was extremely uplifting- my heart surely skipped a beat. So, moving forward, I approached the situation of finding a good venue, to conduct a low-key book signing event for our third book, which is to be released shortly. I should hear back soon regarding these ideas; of course, we shall keep you all posted…

It’s Husband’s forty something birthday (actually) today- happy birthday, my rock! Husband was craving to see his dear Bro (hiya B.L) in QLD; and had asked for a plane ticket to QLD for his birthday. Luckily, I had most of this week off (don’t know how?), enabling Husband to book return flights (not the really cheap ones though!) and book his trip. Husband decided (and was approved) to take a week long-service leave from his work for the getaway. I was feeling generous (it does happen sometimes) and I offered to drive Husband down to ACT, to catch his flight from Canberra airport (bypassing Sydney), straight to Coolangatta airport. Mister C had been sad in previous years, (really) wanting to go with Dad to QLD to see his dear Uncle (and family); we secretly (tentatively) arranged for Husband to take Mister C for his birthday, later in the year. I thought it might be fun to bring Mister C along with us this morning, to wave Dad off at the airport and see a few cool planes take off the runway too (sorry school).

We ended up having a fun day out together (Mum and Son-day); a part from poor Mister C, getting his left thumb caught in the side of the car door (don’t ask me how he did it?). Mister C had already jumped out of the car and in the process had accidently closed the door on his own hand (oh no!). I was about to get out of my side of the car (drivers’ side), when I saw a look of horror on Mister C’s face as he pointed to the door. I quickly reached back into the car, to help open the door and poor Mister C burst into tears. I reached for him and calmed him down in the car with a ‘car-hug’ (most important) and held his hand, while also checked the area over. Thankfully the door had not slammed shut hard and his thumb was not damaged; the surrounding skin was intact-but it surely did hurt a lot! I rubbed his thumb and kissed it better; it took a few minutes for him to settle down and then we were on our way again (no bruise noted yet-phew!). Mister C said he really wanted to go back to the ‘Dinosaur Museum’ near ‘Cockington Green’ (miniature village) and to also choose a special gem stone from the largest gem collection in the area (they are his favourite-lucky boy!). I felt bad for him with his sore thumb, so of course I let him choose a couple of shiny gems (they were only a few dollars each). We also had a nice lunch later at a nearby venue (Husband’s old stomping ground), we both had a giggle; we were having a sit-down lunch in celebration of Husband’s birthday- minus the birthday boy! (Oops! sorry Husband- plane food for lunch would have to suffice).

I had planned to take the girls (and a close friend) to Bathurst last weekend, to meet Widy’s friend and family who lived in central NSW. We had arranged to meet in Bathurst, as it was about half way for both families. Widy had been spending some time with this fellow online; I had even met him and his mother via ‘Zoom’ (‘face time’) on Widy’s phone several times- they seemed very nice. The friendship soon blossomed and they began sending each other small gifts; making some nice arrangements for their up-coming meeting. However, things turned sour the weeks before, when the fellow began harassing Widy online and in conversation. This fellow became unusually controlling (and bossy), regarding what Widy was doing in between their lengthy late-night conversations. I have to say, well done, Widy; we are very proud of you for standing up for yourself and for also talking about the situation with Dad and I (it is good to talk about things).

I write about this issue in the blog (I know it can be hard to read); however, this situation has (unfortunately) been an important life- learning lesson for Widy (one she didn’t want to have to go through), regarding these kinds of friendships online. In the hope we can raise a little awareness relating to this topic; this type of situation could happen to anyone of any age (and sadly it does). It can also be a warning for young people of the same age as Widy (or sadly younger), to not become so involved with people online, particularly with people you haven’t officially met yet. I just ask everyone to please be careful who you spend your time with, particularly online…

After carefully (and patiently) working through this online issue with Widy (things were okay, but it could have been far worse); we were able to move forward and cancel the existing booking to Bathurst. I decided to book a little overnight break with the girls in ACT instead (still a nice trip anyway). We stayed in a lovely (very modern) hotel overnight on Saturday night (thanks Husband for finding the hotel); it was really wonderful to be able to spend some quality time together with the girls, chatting about life, food and fashion (and flavoured water!) A part from having to pay more for a sofa bed to made up for Widy (don’t ask me why it wasn’t included in the price); while silly me, parked in an unmarked undercover area and got a parking ticket in the process (arrg! don’t you hate that?)… Overall, it is so imperative to have this bonding time with your older children, particularly doing something fun and relaxing, that they also like to do as well.

Widy has been super busy attending the ‘Fit for Service’, seven (one day per week) program through her local high school, as a part of her year ten work experience (thank-you very much! )… What a wonderful program it has been; Widy has felt very privileged and honoured to have been able to attend the program. Thanks very much to all involved, in planning the program and for the work organising the sessions each week. As some may know, Widy often chats about her strong wish to attain a career in the services, Police or Search and Rescue field of work, when she is older (she would be amazing!). Widy has often said she would like to join the SES, when she is a little older too (seventeen might be okay- I think?). Widy is very responsible for her age (still has some life lessons ahead though); it would be a great experience and contribute to ongoing life skills, while working towards this career area in the future (go, Widy, go!) …

Not much room left to write about all things 2019 this blog (apologies). Here’s a few birthday jokes instead… (courtesy the internet: https://bestdadjokes.com/birthday-jokes/) 🙃 …

With my wife’s birthday coming up, I asked her what she would like for a present.
‘I don’t know honey,’ she said. ‘I would love something with diamonds.’
And so I gave her a deck of playing cards…

My wife called and gave me a list of things she’d like to do for her 32nd birthday.
I replied, ‘There’s no way can we do all that in 30 seconds!’

What does a turtle do on his birthday? He shell-a-brates!

Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.

A Word from Mister C…

As a little treat, Mister C and Flossy had a small cup of ‘Pepsi’ drink at tea-time. It was a small can; Mister C tasted the brown drink and said, “Oh, it’s not the same as ‘Cola’, Mummy. I don’t really like it!” I took the cup away and tipped it down the sink, “I agree, I don’t like those drinks either, my son.” Mister C took a sip of water from his drink bottle and said, “Ahh, that’s better! You know, Mummy, I bet those ‘Pepsi’ and ‘Coke’ companies probably don’t like each other.” … “Why is that, my son,” I said, looking a bit puzzled. “Well, if they did like each other, I bet they would make up strange drinks called ‘popsie’ drinks. Flossy sighed and said, “That drink was okay, Mum. I bet those companies have to compete with each other all the time too!” I smiled and tried to remember the last time I’d had a soft drink…

Stay tuned…

For the next instalment of zany stories from 2019… Thanks for your continued support, we really appreciate your comments on the site too- keep them coming, please! Exciting news! Our third book is now finalised and the files are at the printers now… I am looking at organising a low-key third book signing event; will keep all posted soon… Keep on reading; hugs, Me and Mister C… ❣