Checking In

Sometimes it feels like I've been away from the blog for ages.  Today is just a little catch up:

• I went to Pop's funeral.  When it comes to funerals sometimes I think your mind tells you that it's ok not to go.  Maybe it's too far, too expensive or too hard to organise.  (When really it just hasn't sunk in yet).  But you know what, I'm learning to ignore that feeling.  One must go.  It was good, as funerals go.  I'll write more on that another time.
• I have been avoiding editing photos (& blogging).  Kevin updated the computer or something while I was away and now I'm using a version of Gimp that I'm not as familiar with.  I challenged myself to get over it by editing the above photo - Brian's shot of my shoes at a party.  I'm sure the changes are for the better but I'm still not sure how to move a text box.  Researching that just doesn't seem right.
• While we are on technology and my lack of knowledge in that department - I was surrounded by iPhones while I was away.  My goodness how easy they are.  Take a photo and it's on Facebook in a matter of seconds.  I'm getting the love for the iPhone.  For me though I best stick to my granny phone  for budget and "having a life" purposes.
• My parents are back.  Oh man is that good.  I haven't seen them yet but it feels good that they are back.  I love my parents and enjoy their company.  I think being away from them for so long helped me to narrow down exactly what it is about them that I love so much.
• My ears are blocked.  I flew back last Saturday (14/7) with a cold.  Last 20 minutes of the flight was agonising.  I knew it would be.  What I didn't know is that my left ear would be blocked for over a week!  I'm still not quite sure how I'm going to be normal again but I'm on Doctor's orders and following a couple of plans to get this sorted.  Brian has adapted and now says "Mum, Simon's crying", "Mum, the washing machine has finished, oh, no it hasn't, it's still going" (the dryer was going).  I'm blessed with an awesome little boy, two actually.
• My "bookwork" for the week is done.  A letter in support of a kindy grant application and "a fishy story" for Brian's kindy.  They are going to illustrate it.  Awesome.  I hope I get to see the end result.  
• As far as getting things done around here I'm getting nowhere.  Surviving the day to day and the little things that get thrown in (like 3 of us sick) is all I can manage.  I'm having to be ok with clearing out one drawer of a 5 drawer piece every day or so.  
• We are at the termite stage with Simon.  Brian only had it on his cot.  And boy was he a good termite.  Simon on the other hand has a taste for Ikea.  A chest of drawers and the TV unit (God, I hope Kevin doesn't read that!).  Maybe though it's not all Ikea branded because earlier I found him standing up for the first time in his cot (my kids are always behind in that department) hanging by his teeth.  Fantastic!
• I have an issue with my camera.  Sometimes it focuses and sometimes it doesn't.  I've missed some good shots and some darn good vision of Simon dancing.  He follows instructions, it's hilarious!  This issue has come to show me that my camera is pretty much as important as an organ in my body.  Without it I'm not going so well.  The thought of losing it and I wasn't going so well either.
• This coming week is a busy one.  I might just need to go back to using a diary.  Or a little list in my pocket.  Does anyone else do that?