Finally some smiles for Swimming Lessons
Linking up for Wordless Wednesday with My Little Drummer Boys,
A Day Late thanks to a hiccup with Blogger.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hi, This is.....
Before I moved to our local shire I used to get introduced a bit like this 'This is Nat, she's a Speech Pathologist, working for disability services, she's originally from Sydney' etc etc. When I met people the way I was introduced was about me, what I did for a living, where I worked, where I was from, where I was currently living . It was all about me and I was recognised as an individual, recognised for my qualification, what I'd achieved, where I'd come from to get to where I was.
When I got married and moved to our community it was like all of that was secondary, the introduction went something like this 'This is Nat, she's married to Muddy Hubby, you know, he's one of Noel's boys, they live on this side of the river, you know Noel he's Shirley's second son', it ceased to be about me as an individual and became all about who I was married to and how they fitted into the community, where their history was, not mine.
Now initially I was in that newly wed bliss where not much mattered outside of my little bubble of wedded happiness. Then I started to notice that there was no questions asked of me when I was introduced, no 'What do you do for work?', no 'What are your career plans?', most questions revolved around the weather and how much rain we'd had or hadn't had and what Muddy Hubby was up to. Now I understand that for the older generation they like to know how people fit into the friends of their generation, but seriously do people in their youth need to dwell on where you fit in the family history of the community (according to Muddy Hubby , Yes!)? I can understand that it gives people some context, especially those who have lived here their whole life. but surely it could come second to me as a person.
Now, when I meet someone new, and I've been meeting lots of new Mum's at swimming lessons, I make a conscious effort to find out about them as a person first before I find out who they're married to and how they fit it. Because I know how annoying I find it to be identrified as Muddy Hubby's wife, Noel's daughter-in-law and Shirley's granddaughter-in-law before I even get asked how much rain we've had.
Maybe it's different in a big city. as there's so many people and so many different suburbs, but for us it's all about the family and the family history with the introduction. I'm starting a new trend though, when I introduce my Muddy Hubby to my new friends I tell him all about what they do, where they're working or not working and something special about them before he puts the hard word on me about who they're married to and which branch of the family that is!
How do you introduce people?
When I got married and moved to our community it was like all of that was secondary, the introduction went something like this 'This is Nat, she's married to Muddy Hubby, you know, he's one of Noel's boys, they live on this side of the river, you know Noel he's Shirley's second son', it ceased to be about me as an individual and became all about who I was married to and how they fitted into the community, where their history was, not mine.
Now initially I was in that newly wed bliss where not much mattered outside of my little bubble of wedded happiness. Then I started to notice that there was no questions asked of me when I was introduced, no 'What do you do for work?', no 'What are your career plans?', most questions revolved around the weather and how much rain we'd had or hadn't had and what Muddy Hubby was up to. Now I understand that for the older generation they like to know how people fit into the friends of their generation, but seriously do people in their youth need to dwell on where you fit in the family history of the community (according to Muddy Hubby , Yes!)? I can understand that it gives people some context, especially those who have lived here their whole life. but surely it could come second to me as a person.
Now, when I meet someone new, and I've been meeting lots of new Mum's at swimming lessons, I make a conscious effort to find out about them as a person first before I find out who they're married to and how they fit it. Because I know how annoying I find it to be identrified as Muddy Hubby's wife, Noel's daughter-in-law and Shirley's granddaughter-in-law before I even get asked how much rain we've had.
Maybe it's different in a big city. as there's so many people and so many different suburbs, but for us it's all about the family and the family history with the introduction. I'm starting a new trend though, when I introduce my Muddy Hubby to my new friends I tell him all about what they do, where they're working or not working and something special about them before he puts the hard word on me about who they're married to and which branch of the family that is!
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| Source |
How do you introduce people?
How do you get introduced? Is it all about you first?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day One - Not so great.
Have you ever organised something, co-ordinated it down the the last detail and then got to the start of it and thought - why did I bother? Today was one of those days, the first day of a two week intensive of swimming lessons for My Muddy Preschooler and Muddy Pixie. I had organised baby sitters for the Puzzler and the Bubby. I'd done a trial run at the local pool, we had a mini-break over the weekend at My Muddy Sister-in-law's with her 3 kids, spending lots of time in the pool to help build their confidence. By the end of the weekend My Muddy Preschooler could paddle on the noodle, was riding it like a horse, with very little assistance and was having so much fun. My Muddy Pixie, while reluctant to get into the pool until we had evicted all the frogs, was by the end paddling on the noodle and kicking and floating.
So when this morning dawned I was feeling pretty good, knowing they were a little more confident and knew the kinds of things they'd be asked to do. Then it all went pear shaped. Muddy Preschooler was up first, she refused to get into the pool, then once she got in she cried and cried, the swim instructor (who is also a Mum) was really lovely and positive and helped her do the first few tasks. Then the crying got old very quickly, Muddy Preschooler flatly refused to do what was asked, even when I climbed in with her (the only parent in this age group class to do so), hoping it would encourage her. It didn't matter what amount of firmness, niceness, flat out bribery I used it was a disaster and I asked myself several times 'Why am I doing this?'.
I tried to be patient I really did, by the end I was threatening to go home (I know, not the best thing to so, but after 25 minutes I was getting desperate), Muddy Preschooler kept saying she didn't want to go home, wanted to stay, but kept the crying up, which for the last 5 minutes was admittedly only a whimper. As soon as the lesson was over she put her towel on and stood by the pool watching Muddy Pixie's swim lesson.
Muddy Pixie started out really well, until we got to the part where she held my hands and jumped in the pool, she slowly backed away from the pool, to where she was out of my reach and no amount of coaxing was getting her back towards the edge of the pool, finally a Dad who was observing gave her a little nudge from behind to just put her into my reach and then I didn't let go.
Not the best of starts to our swimming lessons, and admittedly I came home a little disheartened, I am determined not to give up, to try and remain as positive as I can, as I know it's probably very daunting for them. The disheartening bit is I know they can do everything they were asked to do, they chose not to though.
My plan for tomorrow is Bribery! Lolly bribery (not my favourite, but at the moment it's what works) and so far I've had firm agreement from them that they will participate and not cry, several big statements such as 'I'm going to jump in really big', and 'I'm going to do everything Alicia asks' and my favourite 'I'm not going to cry', because I can cope with the refusal, I can cope with the excuses to get out of the pool 3 times, but the crying breaks my heart. If you have any ideas on how to manage my swim lesson dilemma, or anything that has worked for you please share! I have another 9 days of swimming lessons in front of me and I think I'll probably run out of bribes by Thursday.
So when this morning dawned I was feeling pretty good, knowing they were a little more confident and knew the kinds of things they'd be asked to do. Then it all went pear shaped. Muddy Preschooler was up first, she refused to get into the pool, then once she got in she cried and cried, the swim instructor (who is also a Mum) was really lovely and positive and helped her do the first few tasks. Then the crying got old very quickly, Muddy Preschooler flatly refused to do what was asked, even when I climbed in with her (the only parent in this age group class to do so), hoping it would encourage her. It didn't matter what amount of firmness, niceness, flat out bribery I used it was a disaster and I asked myself several times 'Why am I doing this?'.
I tried to be patient I really did, by the end I was threatening to go home (I know, not the best thing to so, but after 25 minutes I was getting desperate), Muddy Preschooler kept saying she didn't want to go home, wanted to stay, but kept the crying up, which for the last 5 minutes was admittedly only a whimper. As soon as the lesson was over she put her towel on and stood by the pool watching Muddy Pixie's swim lesson.
Muddy Pixie started out really well, until we got to the part where she held my hands and jumped in the pool, she slowly backed away from the pool, to where she was out of my reach and no amount of coaxing was getting her back towards the edge of the pool, finally a Dad who was observing gave her a little nudge from behind to just put her into my reach and then I didn't let go.
Not the best of starts to our swimming lessons, and admittedly I came home a little disheartened, I am determined not to give up, to try and remain as positive as I can, as I know it's probably very daunting for them. The disheartening bit is I know they can do everything they were asked to do, they chose not to though.
My plan for tomorrow is Bribery! Lolly bribery (not my favourite, but at the moment it's what works) and so far I've had firm agreement from them that they will participate and not cry, several big statements such as 'I'm going to jump in really big', and 'I'm going to do everything Alicia asks' and my favourite 'I'm not going to cry', because I can cope with the refusal, I can cope with the excuses to get out of the pool 3 times, but the crying breaks my heart. If you have any ideas on how to manage my swim lesson dilemma, or anything that has worked for you please share! I have another 9 days of swimming lessons in front of me and I think I'll probably run out of bribes by Thursday.
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| Muddy Preschooler having fun with her Muddy Aunty |
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| Muddy Preschooler paddling on the noodle |
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| Muddy Pixie and her Muddy Grandma |
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Pool Time
After a few exhausting days of being home I was feeling pretty low, still trying to unpack, Muddy Hubby missing in action catching up on work and one sick Muddy Bubby . I was already snappy with the whole Muddy Tribe (Muddy Hubby included even though he was only around for a couple of hours!) so I made a decision to step back and do some relaxation and actually enjoy some time with the Muddy Kids.
This morning we made our first trip of the summer to the pool in town. I rang to make sure it was going to be open (no guarantees with this local pool) and packed us all up. My Muddy Puzzler opted out at the last minute choosing to go on the Tractor with Muddy Hubby, so Muddy Preschooler, Muddy Pixie and Muddy Bubby piled into the car with me for a lovely morning.
Really it was a bit of a litmus test. My Muddy Preschooler and Muddy Pixie are booked in for 2 weeks straight of intensive swimming lessons. Every day for 2 weeks, we'll traipse into town, a bit different for us living out of town! I really didn't know how they'd go with the pool, last year's lessons were a bit of hit and miss, so I thought today would be a good test. They LOVED it, especially Muddy Preschooler. I am actually now looking a little bit forward to going to the pool every day and after this morning came home feeling a little more relaxed and like I'd had some lovely quality time with 3 of my lovely children. I also bought a half season ticket for all of us (Muddy Hubby included) to make sure we keep going back, not just for lessons, but for some nice Muddy Family and relaxation time, something we don't get a lot of.
This morning we made our first trip of the summer to the pool in town. I rang to make sure it was going to be open (no guarantees with this local pool) and packed us all up. My Muddy Puzzler opted out at the last minute choosing to go on the Tractor with Muddy Hubby, so Muddy Preschooler, Muddy Pixie and Muddy Bubby piled into the car with me for a lovely morning.
Really it was a bit of a litmus test. My Muddy Preschooler and Muddy Pixie are booked in for 2 weeks straight of intensive swimming lessons. Every day for 2 weeks, we'll traipse into town, a bit different for us living out of town! I really didn't know how they'd go with the pool, last year's lessons were a bit of hit and miss, so I thought today would be a good test. They LOVED it, especially Muddy Preschooler. I am actually now looking a little bit forward to going to the pool every day and after this morning came home feeling a little more relaxed and like I'd had some lovely quality time with 3 of my lovely children. I also bought a half season ticket for all of us (Muddy Hubby included) to make sure we keep going back, not just for lessons, but for some nice Muddy Family and relaxation time, something we don't get a lot of.
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| Ready for a swim |
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| Hard to contain that excitement! |
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| Pretending to drive a boat |
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| Splashing around |
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| This is what Muddy Bubby thought of his very first swim! |
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| Worked up an appetite |
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Building up my Will Power!
Have you seen that Quit Smoking Ad? The one about Will Power being a muscle and how it gets stronger every time you use it. Now I'm not a smoker, but I do have weaknesses when it comes to food, mainly chocolate, but other favourites as well. In line with my attempt to give us a healthier house I'm trying very hard to build up my will power strength. I've even put a little sign up beside the bed to remind me to use my will power more. I know I can do it. I've just been a bit slack and let it slide.
I also, was so taken with my lovely chalk and whiteboard sticker find that several places around the house, now have them adorned with messages and reminders. the ones in the kitchen remind me to drink water and my tasks for the day or the month.
I also have sneaky little ones on the cooking cupboard and biscuit cupboard! I was hoping Muddy Hubby might subliminally take the messages in too, time will tell! Although just as he was heading out the door tonight to start tractor driving he tried to sneak a packet of the girl's biscuits past me to take with him, so maybe the subliminal stuff hasn't kicked in yet.
How do you remind yourself of things?
Are you building up your Will Power too?
Monday, January 2, 2012
5 Years Today
This morning I woke up and I cried (no this is not a sympathy, woe is me post), I cried because I was remembering a woman I loved with all my heart. Today it is exactly 5 years since my beautiful Grandmother passed away. When she passed away I was 36 weeks pregnant with my Muddy Preschooler and I remember thinking she was invincible, she's made it to 92, surely she'll make it another month. Exactly one month and one day after she passed away My Muddy Preschooler was born.
We had spent Christmas in Sydney and shared a lovely family Christmas, including my Aunt, Uncle and 2 cousins. Muddy Hubby and I left Sydney on New Years Day and we stopped in and said goodbye before we left. As we were leaving she asked 'What are you going to call the baby?'. I flatly refused to tell her, I was being a precious first time Mum who wanted to keep it between Muddy Hubby and I. It was the last conversation I had with her, she had a fall that night and passed away the next day. It is the one regret I have, not telling her the names. I know it's silly, and you can't change anything, but I would have liked her to have known.
My Grandmother was a beautiful lady who would have loved to have known my 3 Muddy Girls and 1 Muddy Baby Boy. Each time I look at My Muddy Preschooler in particular I see in her my Grandmother's stubborn streak (she lived in her own home until she passed away, refusing to move) and each time I look down at My Feet and My Muddy Girls Feet I smile and laugh, as we've all got my Grandmother's fat feet that point outwards, rather than straight ahead. Feet that are hard to find shoes to fit!
So today I fondly remember my Grandmother and sit down with my Muddy Tribe and talk about the Great Grandmother they didn't get to meet, but who would have loved them with all of her heart.
We had spent Christmas in Sydney and shared a lovely family Christmas, including my Aunt, Uncle and 2 cousins. Muddy Hubby and I left Sydney on New Years Day and we stopped in and said goodbye before we left. As we were leaving she asked 'What are you going to call the baby?'. I flatly refused to tell her, I was being a precious first time Mum who wanted to keep it between Muddy Hubby and I. It was the last conversation I had with her, she had a fall that night and passed away the next day. It is the one regret I have, not telling her the names. I know it's silly, and you can't change anything, but I would have liked her to have known.
My Grandmother was a beautiful lady who would have loved to have known my 3 Muddy Girls and 1 Muddy Baby Boy. Each time I look at My Muddy Preschooler in particular I see in her my Grandmother's stubborn streak (she lived in her own home until she passed away, refusing to move) and each time I look down at My Feet and My Muddy Girls Feet I smile and laugh, as we've all got my Grandmother's fat feet that point outwards, rather than straight ahead. Feet that are hard to find shoes to fit!
So today I fondly remember my Grandmother and sit down with my Muddy Tribe and talk about the Great Grandmother they didn't get to meet, but who would have loved them with all of her heart.
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| Grandma and Grandpa - Entertaining! |
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| Grandma with her 3 Granddaughters on her 90th Birthday - Same house as above, same corner even! |
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| Grandma and I, our last Christmas |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year, New List!
Happy New Year Everybody! I saw in the New Year fast asleep after wrangling 3 Muddy Kids on Grandpa's boat for the 9pm fireworks and today was spent driving the long drive home from Sydney.
· Muddy Puzzler starting to toilet train (also dreading this at the same time, but looking forward to when she has it mastered)
· Muddy Bubby growing and changing into an active little boy and discovering his personality more
· A hopefully good rainfall for sowing with a nice crop for harvest
· A return to work in August
· Spending time with family and friends
· Having family fun times
· Exploring the wonderful world of blogging, working to find my own little voice in the www
· Getting back into exercise in some shape or form
· Make an appointment with a Nutritionist and follow through with some (I'm not going to kid myself and say all) of her suggestions so we can be a healthier Muddy household
· Borrow a book a month from the local library and read it, rather than just let it sit there
· Use my new Food Processor once a month to show Muddy Hubby just how much we needed it!
· Throw a birthday party for each of my Muddy Kids (they've been a bit neglected the last few years!
· Make some time for me on my own at least once every 6 months
· Aim for two date nights with Muddy Hubby
· Make a new friend (or more than one) pushing my comfortable boundaries
From my Muddy Family to you and your families we hope you have a Fabulous 2012 with lots of fun, frivolity, love and laughter ahead.
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| It's photos like this that put a photography course on my Bucket List |
I'm not a big one for New Year's Resolutions but I've been thinking a bit about the year ahead and what I'm most looking forward to as well as things I'd like to achieve in my own little world for the year. If I don't get them done, no dramas, I'll try again in 2013. I thought I'd share my thoughts with you, I LOVE a good list and just couldn't help myself. If you've got any ideas on how to help me work through my Bucket List (Thank you Laura for the title) please feel free to share your tips for me (trust me I'll need all the help I can get).
Things I'm looking forward to in 2012
· Muddy Preschooler starting Big School and all the adventures that come with that
· Muddy Pixie starting Preschool and having a place that's just for her· Muddy Puzzler starting to toilet train (also dreading this at the same time, but looking forward to when she has it mastered)
· Muddy Bubby growing and changing into an active little boy and discovering his personality more
· A hopefully good rainfall for sowing with a nice crop for harvest
· A return to work in August
· Spending time with family and friends
· Having family fun times
· Exploring the wonderful world of blogging, working to find my own little voice in the www
· Getting back into exercise in some shape or form
My Bucket List for 2012
· Find a local SLR course (or internet one) and do it, so I can hopefully take better photos
· Volunteer for school canteen· Make an appointment with a Nutritionist and follow through with some (I'm not going to kid myself and say all) of her suggestions so we can be a healthier Muddy household
· Borrow a book a month from the local library and read it, rather than just let it sit there
· Use my new Food Processor once a month to show Muddy Hubby just how much we needed it!
· Throw a birthday party for each of my Muddy Kids (they've been a bit neglected the last few years!
· Make some time for me on my own at least once every 6 months
· Aim for two date nights with Muddy Hubby
· Make a new friend (or more than one) pushing my comfortable boundaries
From my Muddy Family to you and your families we hope you have a Fabulous 2012 with lots of fun, frivolity, love and laughter ahead.
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