Hiya! it’s Me and Mister C…

Hiya!… This week we can breathe a sigh of relief; Flossy’s one thousand crane wish is now complete! As many of you know, Flossy came to me at the end of last year; asking me about making paper cranes (the art of origami), after watching a very enlightening (and sad) story at school. The movie was about a young girl living in Japan, who became very ill; and began to make cranes to make a wish to get well again (recover). Sadly, the young girl did not recover; therefore, was not able to finish making her cranes to complete her wish. Her friends went on to complete the cranes, and full fill her wish; in remembrance of their friend who had passed. It is a wonderful story; Flossy had learnt to make the cranes in class too (such a wonderful teacher you are J.H!). So, we decided to start our crane wish on NYD 01.01.20; in the hope of a bright and happy New Year (of which it was NOT! – and gave us something more to do while in ‘lock-down’ to also note!).

Cranes are mystical creatures highly regarded in Japan (according to the internet); and are said to symbolise ‘good fortune’, ‘longevity’ (long life), ‘happiness’ and ‘recovery from illnesses’. Because of the cranes’ fabled life-span of one thousand years; the wish is said to be granted, if the one thousand cranes are made within a one-year period (granted from the Japanese Gods). It has taken Flossy and I, just over seven months to make all of our beautiful cranes; we made one thousand and five cranes as an approximate amount (was probably more- as we gave some away to family and friends too!). Flossy wanted to wish for ‘longevity’, for our Duggie (the wonder dog) and other pets; but we decided it was better to have ‘eternal happiness’ for ourselves, family and community. So, together we made our last crane each; reaching just over one thousand cranes at eight pm on the 8th July. In memory of our task, we decided to make a crane together (or apart) every year, on the same date/time we finished; just to ensure our wish remains forever strong (pretty neat don’t you think?) …

Extra news of the week, I have successfully applied and found another nursing position outside of NSW Health! In need of a career change; I had quietly applied to a few different registered nursing positions in the area. I can now say, I was successful with a position in private nursing and start my new job next week! (for orientation). Very excited (and a little nervous); I had put my resignation in, to my old workplace over two weeks ago; hoping it would all work out for the best (and it did- phew!) …

Okay, now back to mid-July, 2016… We spent the final days of our Gold Coast trip travelling around; spent the day in Surfers Paradise and even went through the fun exhibition, “Ripley’s: Believe it Or Not”; the place was SO interesting, fun to explore the exhibits together (when we weren’t carefully watching Mister C like a hawk- in case he made a run for it!). Husband recalls Mister C’s sympathetic reaction to a skeleton on a spinning wheel was priceless… The weather was a bit gloomy for the remainder of the days; we weren’t able to swim, but were able to walk along the beautiful beaches and collect some shells (which Mister C and I always like to do together). The travelling back home was a long day (especially with three young children too); it all went well (as I can recall), and no major hiccups to note (thank goodness!). The plane trip went well (I recall it was running an hour or so late); Mister C wouldn’t sit still; but I was able to distract him with the portable DVD player, a few games and looking out over the clouds up high… After we had finally arrived home, our heads hit the pillow in our own beds well that night! Looking back on the trip now-days, it was great to be able to go away and spend time with family- something we can’t really do at present (how things have changed so much, lately?).

It was dear Opa’s birthday mid-August (seventy-ninth); sadly, he was taken back to hospital a few days before his birthday; he wasn’t feeling well (issues with his bloods and a low white cell count (WCC)), and with a few medication changes. We had arranged to go visit him (and family); so, decided to still visit him in the Oncology Unit (family room) for the day, with cake and gifts. The staff were very kind to let us use the room (thank-you!); we put some candles on the cake; making it a nice little party for our Opa. Mister C sat firmly on Opa’s lap; the girls also right next to him too; they helped Opa blow out the candles together (was a special moment to cherish forever) … I recall later that night (after Mister C and the girls were asleep); Husband and I both agreed, it was probably Opa’s last birthday to share with us and the family (I knew in my heart it was; but tried to stay positive all the same-particularly for the kids) …

We also celebrated Widy’s twelfth birthday, later in the month. We enjoyed a party with five of her closest friends; all going to the ‘Jump-in’ indoor play gym centre first; then back to our place for a game or two of twister and pizza (and lots of lollies and cake of course!). It was a lovely night; all the girls were all well behaved and polite (which was nice-thanks girls!). Widy had a great night, her closest friend staying overnight for a sleep-over too. Mister C was a good boy (making everyone laugh with his silly antics; as he still does today!). I recall both Husband and I, were very sleep deprived over that time; me with working so many days a week for my New Grad program, and Husband with his long hours of commuting. We were having some trouble with Mister C waking up very early, and coming into our bedroom to wake us both up before six am; sometimes as early as five-thirty am! We tried everything to see if he would settle in later (so as to not disturb the girls as well). I think all of us were sleep deprived; Husband recalls, “Today my mind feels clouded; I can do work fine, but perhaps it is due to ongoing lack of sleep? We must have been woken up, at least three hundred days in a row by now; Mister C continues to come in early between five-thirty am to six am! Not going to bed till after eleven pm, and waking through the night; we’re not getting much sleep!”…

I continue with my new grad program; moving onto my third and final rotation in Theatre (OR), at the local hospital for the final six months. It was an exciting move, and interesting work to learn; but extremely physical with standing for very long periods of time in the day (thanks all for great experiences!). I was used to a lot of standing in my day, and I liked to be kept busy with activities; however, I did find it a big adjustment at the start of the rotation. Not working weekends or night duty, during this time was a bonus; enabling us to get some jobs done around the house together (maybe not so much for Husband?). We bought and set up the new garden shed, at the back of the house (it was a bonding time with Husband, trying to put the metal sheets together- was fun to say the least!). We then decided to buy and set up a two large above-ground veggie garden beds; one weekend mid-September. I recall how happy Mister C and the girls were (Husband partly excited!), to help set it all up, while get a little muddy and dirty (a kids dream really!). I loved gardening (and still do); always found it rewarding with planting and watching all living things develop, grow and fruit (we were looking forward to the home-grown tomatoes and carrots to munch on).

Unfortunately, on the last afternoon, with the final sowing of our plants and mulching the garden beds; it began to rain (came on very quickly-a gardeners dream really!). We were nearly finished, and the girls ran inside to clean up; I recall turning around, to pick up a shovel and twisted my left foot in the rain (was pouring down at that point); silly me tripped over the metal raised garden bed, falling (very heavily) over the metal frame; landing on my side -half on the frame! I instantly felt immense pain in my right ankle; yelling out in pain. Husband and Mister C were near me, both turned to look where I was lying; they both ran over (I do recall, they both began to laugh, but then quickly frowned, when they both saw me shed a tear). It must have looked pretty funny (I did admit later on), but at that moment, I was VERY embarrassed; I had never fallen like this EVER before…

A Word from Mister C…

Driving Mister C and Flossy home from school; I was dressed and ready for one of my booked job interviews that week. I looked in the rear vision mirror and smiled at Mister C, “I’ve got nervous ‘wees’; and I need to go to the loo again!”…. “What, Mummy? Oh, you look nice; where are you going?” Mister C said, looking puzzled… “I’ve got my job interview at 4 pm today,” I said, sighing… “Yeah, I bet you’re a bit nervous, Mum!” Flossy said, smiling… “Yes!” I frowned; I’ve just been to the toilet; but I need to go again. I’ve got nerves in my bladder!”… Mister C and Flossy both laughed; Mister C then said, “In your udder, Mummy? You’re a cow then, if you have an udder!?”… “No, silly!” Flossy said, “It’s Mum’s bladder, not udder!”… “Oh! Mummy; you’re not a cow! Just a cuddly Mummy, with a funny bladder! I hope your interview goes really well; then you’ll be happy again!”…

Stay tuned…

For zanier 2016 stories (and a few sad ones -sorry!). A moon boot and crutches, now my best friend few several weeks; I have a forced rest from my New Grad program. Staff in the OR unit were very kind to me (thanks!); we decided to continue to go on our short trip down the coast, to our favourite place, Mollybook- for some pick-me-up happiness. Sadly, Husband and I have a melt down at the coast, leading to a heart-to-heart about our relationship (Oh no!) …

Thanks for your continued support reading our Blog; it means so much to Me and Mister C… Please note, with my new job and work to complete the second book illustrations (a lot of work there!); the blog will still continue each week (will really try hard!), but will most likely be shorter for the next coming weeks or so. Hugs and care from Me and Mister C 💕📚