Hi there… It’s Mister C and Me…

Hello… Firstly, Me and Mister C wanted to send our warm thoughts to all the families and communities in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shoalhaven areas in NSW, who have now had to go in lockdown for two weeks over the school holidays (including my poor sister and her family- stay safe and hope to see you soon after the lockdown ends). We can certainly understand the frustration and confusion at present (curse the Covid!?); unfortunately, it’s a rapidly evolving situation, and we really appreciate your help by staying home, to assist in containing the spread of this nasty virus (yet again). Hopefully more communities (and younger age groups) will be able to have both Covid jabs soon; along with the media mentioned Governmental supply issues we hope can be resolved quickly, to then boost our ‘herd immunity’ for all of Australia (and beyond). According to the internet (love these sites), ‘herd immunity’, also known as ‘population immunity’, is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that occurs when a population is immune, either through vaccination or immunity that has been refined through a previous infection. It has been noted WHO (World Health Organisation) supports achieving ‘herd immunity’ through vaccination, not (to also note) by allowing a disease to spread through any area of the population; as this could result in unnecessary cases (and sadly more deaths)… https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/herd-immunity-lockdowns-and-covid-19?g

It’s now officially day two of the school holidays (who’s counting right?); I had happily organised a few fun things to do (in between a few work days too) with the girls and Mister C. The kids wanted to go to the movies, get haircuts and re-colours (not Mister C- he already has a beaut orange colour!), with a day trip to ACT (to also fit in with my second Covid jab). I had planned to meet my format designer for coffee (hiya L.F) and also meet Husband later in the afternoon (is a busy day planned!), I had also hoped to take the girls to the ‘Green Shed’ (our new favourite second-hand store in ACT); however, we now have to all wear masks in all outdoor and indoor areas (understandably). Husband assured me we should still be able to go to a few places safely; but it does make a busy day more difficult, with trying to breathe through masks that are already too big! (I know- I shouldn’t complain). Mister C is booked into the school holiday program for two days each week (he won’t need to wear a mask thankfully- as he is under twelve years); he loves going and enjoys the fun activities that are on offer (the modified incursions are still on- so far so good). It is a great organisation and Mister C enjoys the carers, who are very friendly and caring (thank-you!).

We all missed out on the planned karate grading in our local Dojo last week; luckily it did go ahead though (phew!) and a BIG well done to everyone who attended the grading. Mister C wasn’t ready and still had some work to do, to perfect his moves and concentration (well done though for trying, my son!). Widy wasn’t ready either, and should be ready to grade for her brown belt mid-September (fingers crossed). Mister C was disappointment, but his Sensei explained to him what areas needed further practice; where he will be more focussed next time (hopefully). I had booked Mister C in for the Dojo school holiday program (think it’s still going ahead?) and Mister C will enjoy that day next week with everyone then- thanks! I wasn’t ready for my first grading either, with myself needing more work on the Kata moves (only started January). I’m not worried, I enjoy the workout and the good company (thanks guys!); my time will come soon, with some more confidence and practice too. To date, I have lost a total of just over seven kilograms and a full ‘Gee’ (karate outfit) size down too (gotta feel pretty proud of that?). I have more muscle tone and energy (yay), so, that’s why I started the sessions in the first place (gotta keep on going now!). We may be forced to have a small break from lessons though, as there are now limitations and restrictions over the next two weeks- I really don’t think I could (and Widy said no too) wear a mask for the whole workout (sorry guys!). As our Sensei says, ‘Never give up’; we will be back soon (lots of walking exercise in the meantime).

Okay, let’s go back to 2019, I think we are now heading into June, Husband’s happy birthday month. All Husband wanted for his birthday this year, was to go and see his dear Bro (and family) up in sunny QLD. So, we worked out a good plan and Husband was able to book his flights from ACT airport this time (for a pretty good price); not from Sydney- if you recall he missed his flight the year before, getting lost with his (not so trusty) ‘Tom-tom’ (navigation device), taking him the wrong direction away from the airport and then subsequently missing the flight! Husband later worked out with his folks (Hiya M & J. L-B!), that he would drive to his folks’ place and leave his car there, then see if his Ma could drive him to the airport (ACT) and then get an Uber on the way back, after his trip back to his folks’ place (sounded like a plan!). Husband commented, “Oh well, big forty-six today in QLD! Went for a coffee with Bro and then off to Gold Coast airport; spent two hours in Sydney airport and then flight on small plane in to Canberra. Had a couple of hours rest at Ma’s place, before dinner at local Chinese restaurant called ‘Iron Chef’ with family; was good except for this old nutter who kept singing drunkenly while dancing around the next table over! Trip to see Bro was great- just wonderful! We went to ‘Pacific Fair’ to buy some new jeans (well done love!) and had a nice lunch, then drove up mountain, and then explored Bro’s backyard”… (not to mention the few brews enjoyed too love?).

Mister C had been playing up at school again (a few minor incidents), mainly in the playground revolving around a few other difficult and rowdy boys. Mister C was also mucking up at swimming lessons (again); we decided to keep the remainder of the term going (as we had paid in advance), but would take him out to have another break (sometimes it’s not worth the extra undue stress). To try and tackle some ongoing issues at school, I decided to do some more intensive sessions with working on the current ‘magic words’ (reading phonics) to help Mister C with reading in his class. He had unfortunately reported a few other boys in the class, were teasing him with his slow reading (poor little guy!). I had spoken with his teacher several times about the situation; however, there were limitations at the school and his teacher was supportive as could be at the time. Mister C had always been enthusiastic and understood maths well; but when it came to reading and English, this was unfortunately a different story, of which he often stated, “I don’t really like reading, Mummy; what is it for anyway?” (Flossy was the complete opposite). Husband commented, “Mister C was quite naughty at his swimming lesson on Tuesday. Apart from that, over the last two weeks, Wife has really focused on him with helping him learn to read better. Also, our little man is getting a ‘Mathletics’ award tomorrow at his primary school assembly- yay!” Mister C always loved numbers!…

Through the ongoing minor (and few major) issues, Mister C was growing up quite well and maturing into a good, kind-hearted young man (phew to that!). He always felt much remorse when something happened, whether it was when he had lost his temper, or if he accidently broke something of value (like the DVD player last week). We all loved his bright orange curly mop and his zany personality, and still do today. Husband commented, “Last night, my little boy spent about twenty minutes dancing around in the kitchen with Flossy and Wife to various music. It was a delight to watch and I love him SO much!” Husband also went on to comment, “This morning, about 7am Mister C came in saying, ‘I need to do a poo, Daddy!’ I paused for a minute, thinking how cute he was and not always would I hear him saying something like that when he is older (hopefully?). Then about an hour later, I was cross with him for making a big ‘Lego’ mess on the floor, but then not wanting to clean it up!”

A Word from Mister C…

Mister C was getting ready for bed soon. I called out from my study room, “Hey, Mister C, time for a bath! You want to be nice and clean for your last day of school tomorrow- don’t you?” Mister C called out from downstairs, “Okay, Mummy.” He then came running upstairs, “I will go now.” … “Good boy!” I said smiling. “I think you’ll need to brush your teeth too; when did you last brush those teeth, my son?” … Mister C ran straight past me with a grin on his face, “Oh yeah, it was twenty-five years ago I last brushed my teeth, Mummy!” … “Oh, Mister C, I don’t think so!” I said laughing as I went to chase him into the bathroom; all the while Mister C was giggling…🙃

Stay tuned…

For more zanier stories heading out of 2019 towards 2020! Exciting news, our third book has now been published! The book is now available online as an eBook, via Amazon or Kobo (there are other sites too- jut type in the book title in the URL). Our author copies have just arrived at our front door this afternoon, Me and Mister C have just opened a pack to read the first copy! We will definitely be organising a book signing event, most likely after this latest lockdown situation at present ends; we will keep you posted… We love you reading our blogs! Night from Mister C… 💕