This weekend I have been wading through Public Service applications for graduate programs. I have been debating what to do next year with regard to work. Our original plan had me doing my Grad diploma in Education through 2011 and hopefully beginning full time secondary teaching the following year.
My big concern with teaching is that it is incredibly time consuming and a much bigger work load than people realise- particularly in the early years of your career. I really do need a job where I can leave work at work, and be with Annie entirely when I am home. I want to be a good teacher- and it does take a massive commitment- maybe when Annie is in school.
I have been quite attracted to the public service since moving to Canberra- particularly Fahcsia. This department fits all my interests, and would be an amazing place to work. If I was to begin working full time next year, Shane could also take some time off and even do his Phd. He could also get a lot more time with Annie.
There are so many options once I graduate uni (in just 7 weeks!) that it's quite fun playing with all these ideas. Even better that I get a whole year at home with Annie first!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bargain Beauty
I just had to share with you the outfit Annie wore out to the city today.
It is one of the cutest things she has, and the blue makes her eyes sparkle. It looks classic and is great quality- Ralph Lauren baby line.
Best part of all we picked it up from a second hand store for $5 when I was pregnant. Leaving me more money to shop at Jag as I did today... there was a sale, I promise!
It is one of the cutest things she has, and the blue makes her eyes sparkle. It looks classic and is great quality- Ralph Lauren baby line.
Best part of all we picked it up from a second hand store for $5 when I was pregnant. Leaving me more money to shop at Jag as I did today... there was a sale, I promise!
Sewing: Annie's Bear
I have been a little slack with posting- but I have indeed completed my bear sewing project. Given I haven't touched a sewing machine in about 10 years, I followed my machine's instruction manual to start with. Before long I was sewing like a pro... well, at least in a straight line!
The little bear that I made looks a little more like a koala because of its funny flat ears- but i'll just say that was intended. I probably should have practiced a little more before drawing my pattern and leaping in- but it turned out ok.
Annie even hugged him... the first toy she's paid any attention to! (Aren't her mittens cute? Thanks MJ!)
Since I enjoyed sewing so much, my mind is abuzz with future projects. Here is some yummy (and ridiculously expensive) fabric I got from the sewing store. It is the prettiest blue and matches Annie's gorgeous eyes.
I am thinking of trying to make some bibs, using this as a template.
And possibly a little dress for next summer (again for Annie, though I am such a grot, the bibs might be handy for me!)
Now that I am keen on sewing more often I am keeping my machine on the kitchen table... not that we eat there all that often! Will really have to get better about that now.
The little bear that I made looks a little more like a koala because of its funny flat ears- but i'll just say that was intended. I probably should have practiced a little more before drawing my pattern and leaping in- but it turned out ok.
Annie even hugged him... the first toy she's paid any attention to! (Aren't her mittens cute? Thanks MJ!)
Since I enjoyed sewing so much, my mind is abuzz with future projects. Here is some yummy (and ridiculously expensive) fabric I got from the sewing store. It is the prettiest blue and matches Annie's gorgeous eyes.
I am thinking of trying to make some bibs, using this as a template.
And possibly a little dress for next summer (again for Annie, though I am such a grot, the bibs might be handy for me!)
Now that I am keen on sewing more often I am keeping my machine on the kitchen table... not that we eat there all that often! Will really have to get better about that now.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sewing Adventures
Today I am about to use my new sewing machine for the first time. I have bought some plain calico fabric and thread and after reading the instruction manual will attempt to sew!
I did sewing for a year in high school and remember some of the basics so we will see how I go. I am writing a post about my plans here to keep myself accountable, and to make sure I do at least have a play with my beautiful sewing machine. The same beautiful sewing machine that Shane gave me for Christmas and has only just come out of its box... oops!
My first project will be a little plain calico bear for Annie... though I reserve the right to determine what animal it is upon its completion!
And just becasue she is gorgeous... a new Annie picture!
I did sewing for a year in high school and remember some of the basics so we will see how I go. I am writing a post about my plans here to keep myself accountable, and to make sure I do at least have a play with my beautiful sewing machine. The same beautiful sewing machine that Shane gave me for Christmas and has only just come out of its box... oops!
My first project will be a little plain calico bear for Annie... though I reserve the right to determine what animal it is upon its completion!
And just becasue she is gorgeous... a new Annie picture!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Meeting Clarry
Annie, Shane and I were up early this morning to go to the first meeting of our mothers/parents group. All of us went through the birth centre at the same time and attended the same pre-natal classes. Only two families could make it today, but it was still a lovely morning.
We sat on picnic rugs on the grass at the Botanic Gardens and let the babies look at each other. Annie met Clarence who is just 5 weeks old (compared to her 8), and I think they hit it off!
He tried to hold her hand, and when she wouldn't pay him any attention, Annie got whacked in the face... ahh young love!
Our little girl seems unimpressed overall with the affections of the opposite sex... something her Daddy and I are more then happy about! Though as Clarence is so cute.. he may just have a chance if he smooths up his strategy!
An Ode To Vegemite
I have a love. He is dependable, smooth and a loyal long time friend. His name is Vegemite, and he is a 1998 Mazda 626. Yes, a car.
I named Vegemite upon his arrival into our family, back in '98, when dad drove to pick me up for the first time in his new car. The shiny Mazda's dark green colour looked black in the night, and his number plate: 'VEG.." clinched it- Vegemite he was.
This car was my dad's first new car, and would be our transport as I travelled back to his house every school holidays. Vegemite came to represent the fun and security of going home to dad's. When I learned to drive it was in Vegemite, and I will never forget the combined hill-start, three point turn dad made me do on a narrow country road with an embankment either side. I did my driving test in Vegemite and got my licence, with dad giving me Vegemite to take to Uni in Canberra, while he leased a new Mazda 6 through work.
This is a photo of me (2006) road-tripping back to Canberra with Shane and Vegemite- yay independence and a car!
Vegemite continued to serve me well, as I nannied and ran around, looking after disabled kids. He was very reliable and built like a tank. In fact he has been hit twice- and both times drove away with just minor scratches and paint damage, while the Commodore that hit him lost its whole front bumper. The second car that took on Vege was undrivable- while he had a little broken light!
I was very attached to Vegemite, often singing the Happy Little Vegemite song as he got his petrol and taking him on many a long road trip. He drove my bridemaids and me to our hair and makeup appointment on Shane's and my wedding day and was filled with our belongings to move into the first house we bought. Yes, I loved that car.
When we discovered we were having Annie I was worried about our car situation. For a start Shane can't drive Vegemite as he is a manual car, and let's face it- Vegemite is getting on in years. Dad's lease was about to expire, so we made the difficult decision to give Vegemite back to dad and find a new family car.
Enter iSnack 2.0: the new Vegemite!
While an ideal family car, our new Mazda (named by Shane) is huge. It is an SUV after all. It drinks petrol like it's going out of style, and costs a small fortune to run, something we finally got sick of taking Annie on her first roadtrip at Easter.
Money is a little tight at the moment, with just Shane's income and a new baby. The car expense is just something we don't need. This is especially true when I feel I can't go out as it will use too much petrol... not ideal when feeling isolated enough being at home with a baby.
I lamented the car situation and kicked myself for ever letting Vegemite go. After talking to dad, and doing serious thinking... we have a solution. Vegemite is coming home!
The short- lived iSnack 2.0 will be replaced, according to it's namesake, and we will return to the good old loyal Vegemite. Shane will just have to learn to drive a manual, and I can once again zip around in my tank. Vegemite may still go to the giant carpark in the sky due to his advanced years, but we will face that issue then. A problem delayed is a problem solved!
I named Vegemite upon his arrival into our family, back in '98, when dad drove to pick me up for the first time in his new car. The shiny Mazda's dark green colour looked black in the night, and his number plate: 'VEG.." clinched it- Vegemite he was.
This car was my dad's first new car, and would be our transport as I travelled back to his house every school holidays. Vegemite came to represent the fun and security of going home to dad's. When I learned to drive it was in Vegemite, and I will never forget the combined hill-start, three point turn dad made me do on a narrow country road with an embankment either side. I did my driving test in Vegemite and got my licence, with dad giving me Vegemite to take to Uni in Canberra, while he leased a new Mazda 6 through work.
This is a photo of me (2006) road-tripping back to Canberra with Shane and Vegemite- yay independence and a car!
Vegemite continued to serve me well, as I nannied and ran around, looking after disabled kids. He was very reliable and built like a tank. In fact he has been hit twice- and both times drove away with just minor scratches and paint damage, while the Commodore that hit him lost its whole front bumper. The second car that took on Vege was undrivable- while he had a little broken light!
I was very attached to Vegemite, often singing the Happy Little Vegemite song as he got his petrol and taking him on many a long road trip. He drove my bridemaids and me to our hair and makeup appointment on Shane's and my wedding day and was filled with our belongings to move into the first house we bought. Yes, I loved that car.
When we discovered we were having Annie I was worried about our car situation. For a start Shane can't drive Vegemite as he is a manual car, and let's face it- Vegemite is getting on in years. Dad's lease was about to expire, so we made the difficult decision to give Vegemite back to dad and find a new family car.
Enter iSnack 2.0: the new Vegemite!
While an ideal family car, our new Mazda (named by Shane) is huge. It is an SUV after all. It drinks petrol like it's going out of style, and costs a small fortune to run, something we finally got sick of taking Annie on her first roadtrip at Easter.
Money is a little tight at the moment, with just Shane's income and a new baby. The car expense is just something we don't need. This is especially true when I feel I can't go out as it will use too much petrol... not ideal when feeling isolated enough being at home with a baby.
I lamented the car situation and kicked myself for ever letting Vegemite go. After talking to dad, and doing serious thinking... we have a solution. Vegemite is coming home!
The short- lived iSnack 2.0 will be replaced, according to it's namesake, and we will return to the good old loyal Vegemite. Shane will just have to learn to drive a manual, and I can once again zip around in my tank. Vegemite may still go to the giant carpark in the sky due to his advanced years, but we will face that issue then. A problem delayed is a problem solved!
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