Just a little update

So I've been asked for some more posts with photos, and like the good girl that I am I decided I shall humour you with a post about a nothing special wknd that has photos :) see how kind I am hehe.

Ystdy started with a working bee at the Theatre's rental (which is right next to the theatre).  We had discussed times at the meeting last week and the men decided on 7:30am (I know right, what crazy insaneness is that time???) and Kim and I decided that we would get there around 8am (a much more sane time we decided).  Well when Dad and I rocked up at 8ish we were the first ones there (other than James's friend who was dropping off some tools for our use), then Kim was next.   I doubt either of us will rock up so early next time!  It was a fun working bee, dad was my manual labour but we ended up leaving btwn morning tea and lunch as we felt we weren't really needed and I had other stuff I wanted to do anyhow.  You'll notice I'm not in any of the photos, some would say it's cos I wasn't really doing much, others would probably agree lol

After the working bee, and then lunch, we went down the road to look for a new dining table for me.  I had decided that while the round one was cute and all it was not really all the ideal for day to day living, esp when I have visitors (ie I had to clean it cos it wasn't big enough for my mess plus their mess plus two ppl to eat at) and while dad has his big car here it was the perfect time to shop for a new one as I wouldn't have to pay for delivery and would get it then and there.  We found a real cool one at the first place we looked, it was $200 over my self-imposed budget though so did not get it, and at the second place we found a pretty cool one $200 under budget so that is the one that I got.  As you can see in this picture, Glenny and Big Ted are looking rather smug at my purchase (which by the way has a lot more stuff on it now lol).

I also rehomed a rather familiar face to many of you, I am sure.  He has been getting used to his new home for the past month or so, I didn't want to let him out of his case in case he swum away, but I felt it was time for him to get used to his new bathroom/laundry hiding area and I don't think he will swim away as he seems to like it here.  So when you visit next, please feel free to hunt for him, the rules are the same as before - if you find him you can re-hide him but he has to stay in places he won't get wet and must stay in that room (side note, I hand wash my clothes these days so around the laundry tub is not a stay dry area lol).

Today I caught up on my washing, I did some ystdy as well so that I could.  Both days ended up with a full clothesline which felt like a nice accomplishment.  Even if I was doing my wash in a machine I still think it would have been a good accomplishment, however it was more so now I do it by hand.  Though I still sometimes find it disturbing how dirty the water can be at times... no pic of this by the way.  And no pic of my attempt at a run either.  

However there is a pic of the fish casserole I made today.  Turns out it is actually a real easy thing to make, once you get all the right ingredients :) and thanks mum for the casserole dish that made it possible in the first place :)

As you can see in the next picture the boys were also enjoying the fish casserole....

There is a sizeable dent in the casserole now, dad and I were munching on it as well as some beans while we played Connect 4.  I can safely say that dad is a bit more cunning and puts more thoughts into his moves than Glenny does, and I actually had to think while playing him.  I think it was pretty fair overall though, we both won some and even drew one.  Was fun :)

And now it is time to say goodbye and either play cards or read some more, not sure yet.  I hope you have also had a good wknd, and I will chat with you again some other time xxx

Quiz update

Ok, so there have been 4 entries so far, thanks all that have entered.

At the moment the leaderboard looks like this:
Ma - 49.5

Dofus - 46.5

Aunty Pam - 30.5

Fishy - 16.5 (guess the paperwork for your 100% got lost... whoops lol)

Hehe looks like someone likes giving half points :) 

Just a few things before I publish the answers, mostly cos even with all entries combined the result does not give 100% so it would seem some extra hints are required.  If anyone would like to answer just these questions, you never know you may jump to the top of the leaderboard (Glenny is still accepting bribes in the form of choc fish if you need some extra help, or just the answer).  And those who have already submitted their answers are most welcome to add to them :)

• Cleo is rather disappointed that no one got her full name, she does concede that it is not likely to be in writing anywhere, but she does get introduced with her full name when people first meet her.  And she thought this question would be too easy and she wanted it to be what are the names of her pets, haha as if anyone would have got that.  Anyhow, so her full first name in Cleopatra (a couple of you got this right) but she has a middle name, it begins with L and is not what I would call a popular name, some people would not even call it a females name but she is like me and doesn't see why she can't have the name she wants....
• The countdown to my bday, Dofus is the only person that got the amount of days right but he didn't count backwards to get the date that it starts.  If anyone would like to here is a hint as to when it is, there is a public holiday that many days before my bday so it's easy to remember (ask Doffy if you need to know the number of days you are counting).
• No one has guessed the superpower I would want yet :( this is a bit sad as I didn't think it was that random.... but apparently it is not something obvious.  Sorry you will need to bribe me or remember what I have verbally told a couple of you for this one, no hints given here.

Answers to the whole quiz will be up in either a few days or when I remember, one or the other, possibly even both if I am more on to it than I sometimes am :)

Oh and yes there are prizes, these will be sent out in the next whenever.  And no I am not telling you what the prizes are being awarded for but top of the leaderboard will be getting one.  And yes I would accept bribes for many answers if anyone wants to try and bump mum off the top (other than Fishy, hitting me and yelling 'me gets 100%' is not a bribe, not even close to one!)

Brasswitch and Bot - Gareth Ward

Yup, it’s book review time again.  Mostly cos this book was pretty damn amazing :) and yes I did read it cos Lou reviewed it on one of her The Wonderful World of Wardini Books shows, and as with most my fav books the main character is a rocking awesome as female so it was like I had to read it hehe. 

Brasswitch and Bot is a young adult steampunk novel, set in the UK back in whenever it was set (yup as per normal I only took in some of the details, not all of them lol).  I did love that the main city was York, which is totally a better city than London, in my opinion.  Wrench is the main character, she is a almost 14 year old engineering apprentice who also happens to be a brasswitch, which is not really a good thing.  There was a rupture in the something that resulted in aberrations (aka humans that are different, some have powers, some have weird extras like tentacles, some have both, and some have magic) and that is what Wrench is.  She prefers the term Remarkable though, and as she says different doesn’t mean bad (that Wrench is a smart girl).

Wrench gets caught by the Regulators (aka the people trying to rid the world of the aberrations) and then, to her rescue comes Bot.  Bot is, in my opinion and words, basically a grumpy old man in robot form.  He has those cool as funny one liners which grumpy old men have that make us love them, and make us forgive all the other grumpy moments they have.  So yes, I also enjoyed Bot, he’s a cool character.  There are other cool as characters but I shant name them here, for a couple reasons, 1 you should read the book and 2 I have loaned my book to Ken and have forgotten the names, one either begins with a O or maybe a C…. lol.

The story is a pretty good one, I wasn’t sure if I would like it as I am rather fussy with my steampunk, and tend to only like it in regards to fashion, but I was happy to be pleasantly surprised.  And it almost made me late to work atlst one morning so it musta been a good book.  It contained trains, magic, running, fighting, baddies, goodies, goodies that might be baddies, friends, adventure and so much more.  I would share more but personally I think you should all just read it :) and I don’t think you will regret it, unless you don’t like book hangovers then you might not love it quite so much.  I am over my book hangover now, and I have forgiven Gareth for making me wait till August next year for the next book hehe.

If you would like to listen to my spoken review of the book, check out the A Study In Literacy episode that airs on 5^th September (its title will start with Steampunk and end in Games (I think)), and if you would like hear mine and Luke’s interview with Gareth Ward it will air on the 12^th September, and the audio will be on our website that evening as well :) 

Here is the link for all you interested folks - A Study In Literacy 

Why hello there :)

How are you?  I’m good thanks :) just been chilling really, well chilling and taking it easy cos someone went and got a cold, I know it’s like I need to test out all the varieties that are out there for some reason.  And I can safely say that this one is very much not one that anyone would really want, well I know I really don’t want it but it seems like a bit of a keeper, it sure aint budging very easily.  And it don’t seem to matter if I have an arvo nap or not, it’s still there in its completeness so I don’t think its decided to go and visit anyone else.  Ken aint got it which I guess is the main thing.  Can’t make my only workmate sick cos that would just be cruel.

 

Doffy has been here for a few days, technically he is still here, he is sitting over there on the couch while I am at the table typing this.  He came over so that I didn’t have to take time off work while the plumber was here installing a new toilet and laundry tub.  Am sure starting to look all fancy here now :) its pretty exciting.  To finish off the rooms mum just needs to wallpaper the toilet (it is going to be the same as the hallway) and I (aka probably Dof) need to paint the laundry half of the bathroom.  Eventually there will probably be proper flooring put down but at this the carpet offcuts are working wonderfully so why not keep them employed hehe.

 

Level 2 life for me is pretty similar to Level 1, only difference is needing to book when I go to Jarks for dinner and we have had to cancel any groups bigger than 2 people for studio time at work.  This is not that annoying as the only ones bigger tend to be school groups and everyone knows my opinion of kids lol.  My other groups (bookclubs, Lions, theatre) all are keeping on going which is nice.  Not sure what will happen production-wise with the theatre if Level 2 is extended but we are not thinking about that yet.  Poor Rob had his last play postponed cos it had just opened when we went into Level 4 and his next one is the next one due to be put on (he is directing them if you are wondering, I believe he does also write the odd play as well though).

 

So far I have received 2 completed quizzes, which means that on 16.5 points (out of 60) sits Fishy in 2^ndplace.  Which also means that he gets the 2^nd place prize…. Just saying, surely someone out there is able to beat that lol.  Also mum is the only one that has taken advantage of the bribing for answers, I think it worked very well.  I am still waiting on her entry but with snail mail these days being contracted to actual snails it might be a few more days till I get it.  If you are thinking of entering, you have until I publish the answers on here, which will be any time after the end of August, most likely when I am bored one day…. Oh and depending on how your answers are going you do get points for making me laugh, which is mostly how Fishy’s score got as high as it did hehe.

 

Don’t think I have much else to add.  Life is trucking along as normal.  Hang out with my friends here when I can, A Study In Literacy (the radio show Luke and I do) is going well, we are doing some episodes live which is always fun.  We have also interviewed a poet, and will be interviewing atlst one author before the end of the year, and hopefully a bookshop owner as well.  So yeah, life is keeping me busy and happy which is always the main things I think.  Oh and of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t chuck this part in, the Panthers are still top of the table – woot woot hehe

Just a little random hi to you all

Hey you, how's things going?  I don't know what you are up to but I'm currently watching the Tigers get slayed by the Knights.  I mean that is likely the way it would go in real life, maybe.  Suppose it depends on how much of a surprise attack the Knights do.... Am pretty sure in real life Panthers would munch happily on Raiders so that shall be fun to watch next hehe.

Thank you to everyone who came to my bday party last wknd :) I had a real good night and it was fun to share it with you all.  And thanks for being good sorts and wearing the hats lol, am impressed that Bro was the only one who didn't wear one :) I did feel real special and loved that some of you travelled so far for it, thank you <3 Hope you all also had a great time.

Would say nothing much has been happening here, but am sure to those of you outside of my world would think lots has been happening so I shall try and do a recap for you.  Hmmm ok, so I'm going to go from today backwards:

• I rearranged my bedroom, I know I know super impt news aye lol
• I'm taking part in the Hastings District Libraries Turn Up The Heat Adult Reading Challenge - have read three books so far (there are 12 categories and completing 4 or more gets you entry into the main prize draw, that's what I'm aiming for.  There are also weekly prizes, I ain't won one of those yet but there are a few weeks to go)
• Luke and I did A Study In Literacy live tonight, it was real fun.  Gonna do it live again next week, can't wait :)
• Went to Theatre HB quiz night last night, and we didn't come last woot woot (3rd to last for those of you wondering)
• Have become a visiting volunteer with Age Concern (I'm getting paired with an older person who is lonely and I will be visiting with them for atlst an hour a week).  I will be meeting my potential buddy (for lack of a better word) in a couple of weeks.  If we get on then we will be hanging out every week, if we don't (for whatever reason) then I will be re-paired.  Am looking forward to meeting my person, we are only waiting a couple weeks as we have conflicting schedules at this stage (me and the Age Concern Representative I will be going to the first meeting with) but in a couple weeks we both have a free night that also suits the person.
• Took a week's holiday towards the end of July and went up to Auckland to see Jo and bring her back here. We just chilled (in both locations) and it was awesome fun :)
• Started a Happy For No Reason course with Carol.  I don't know if you remember but I talked about her in one of my lockdown diary entries, well she is running a course and I managed to get a place on it.  Have been to three sessions so far (there are 8 in total) and it is pretty good.  There are a lot of little things that I am mentally filing away, and some I am putting into practice now
• Mum and Dad have both visited separately, and both visits were real good.  Mum and I went and checked out a few secondhand book shops and also the library booksale and I now have way more books to read than the shelf space that is allocated to books to read.  Oh what a hard life this is hehe.  Dad did some pottering round my place, as he tends to do when he visits.  Partly (I hope) cos he wants to, and partly cos there is stuff I would like him to do :) all cos I love him obviously hehe

Can't think of anything else that I have been up too, or that is worth noting here for you...  If you know of something you think I should have included please feel free to email or text me, am sure there are stuff that I think are not impt that some of you think are :)

A quiz for a 35th

Since it is my birthday (very very soon) I thought I would give you all a present, hehe actually it’s a present for me and hopefully fun for you.  Here is a quiz about me, good luck everyone :) 

There are certain questions that if you get wrong I will make a mental black X next to your name, there are also certain questions that if you get right I will attach mental balloons and streamers to your name :)

I am open to bribes, if you are considering that please go ahead.  I might even add bonus points for my fav bribes :) hehe.

You may send me your answers however you like: email, snail mail, text, other form of phone message, phone call, in person – however if you try sending by morse code or semaphore I am very very rusty on these so things may get lost in translation lol

 

Also, I do not expect anyone to get 100%, there are a variety of questions so that everyone should be able to get a few points :) I’m just kind like that.

 

PS – it’s out of 60.  Does that help? Nope I didn’t think so :p 

 

 

1)    What is my full name?  I will accept any of the legal names I’ve had, and bonus points if you can name them all.

2)    What is Glenny’s full name?

3)    What is Cleo’s full name?

4)    Do I prefer baking or cooking?

5)    What is my favourite music radio station?

6)    Who is Glenny’s brother?

7)    There are two Capes of Awesomeness in the world, I have one, who has the other?

8)    What is my favourite colour?

9)    What is Glenny’s favourite colour?

10) I collect 3 main things, what are they?  (a point for each one correct one)

11) Where do I work? 

12) I have qualifications for 4 main areas, what is the one I have not yet worked in?

13) Which NRL team do I support?

14) Am I a Ford Girl or a Holden Girl?

15) Where was I going to go for my 35^th birthday pressie to myself before Covid-19 happened (hint, it was overseas somewhere)?

16) When does the countdown for my birthday officially start (will accept either the date or the amount of days, bonus points if you list both)? 

17) What is my favourite vegetable?

18) Which city did I live in in Scotland?

19) Why did I go to India? (there are two reasons, you only need to list one but bonus points if you list both).

20) I have licences to drive two types of vehicles, what are they? (one point for each)

21) How many book clubs do I currently belong to?

22) What are my favourite numbers? (there are three of them if that helps)

23) I am on the committee for two clubs/groups, name one of them? (bonus points if you can name both)

24) Which character do I voice for the show Kids Time at work?

25) What is my theme tune for any music show I do at work? (will accept just the title, you do not need to know the artist)

26) Who is my favourite cricketer? (hint, he doesn’t play anymore but is still my fav)

27) In Hart of Dixie do I prefer George or Wade? (ok so that is a little mean but you have a 50/50 chance so it’s not really totally mean)

28) In my words, how tall am I?

29) Do I prefer to knit or crochet?

30) What vegetable do I never have, by choice, in my house because they are evil and gross (tramping meals excluded cos they come with them, ick yuck)?

31) What size Panthers top did I buy Glenny? (hint, it’s a kids size)

32) If I could have a super power, what would I want?

33) JB stands for 2 things, what is one of them? (bonus points if you can name them both)

34) Where is the one place in NZ that I want to live but haven’t yet? (hint, it’s in the South Island)

35) How awesome am I? 

A Study In Literacy

So, I have started a new radio show with a friend where every week we chat about things to do with literacy.  Why literacy you ask, well we decided that just limiting it to books could be a bit confining so we opened it up to be more broad.  Now I can definitely guarantee that we will go off topic at times, and that it is not going to be highly edited as I do get quite wrapped up in the conversation, but as we decided to do it like a conversation style this is part of the charm of it.  

The first episode is up now, but from next week they will go up on a Saturday at 5pm which is when it airs.  If you would like to listen to it on the radio you can either listen live online at www.radiokidnappers.org.nz or if you live in Hawke's Bay you can tune in at 104.7FM or 1431AM.  If you prefer to listen at your convenience then the podcast is for you.  You can find it on our website, here is the direct link :) https://www.radiokidnappers.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=011421a0-0e1f-4e8b-8321-893f75ac35e7

Some times we will be going live to air, as our schedules permit it.  If you would like me to let you know when we will be doing this please let me know.

Enjoy :)

3rd name's a charm

Well I’ve changed my name legally again.  I hear you sighing with a why on earth do that, a name is just a name sigh.  Well in my book a name is more than just a name and I wanted one I liked.  You may remember that a few years ago I legally added another middle name (a Griffin name), but I kept the one I didn’t like still cos I wanted a Miller name in there that wasn’t the surname and I just hadn’t found one that I liked.  Well over lockdown I did.  And yes you may call me slow cos it has been staring me in the face my whole life but I didn’t put two and two together until I put a virtual poppy on Poppa’s virtual RSA headstone and saw it there, staring back at me going ‘you know you want me, I fit you way better than what you have now….’

And you know what, it was it 100% right.

Now this does not mean that I don’t love Grandma Miller, or that I don’t think she was an awesome as lady, she totally was.  It just means I don’t like her name (which she did not pick for herself as far as I’m aware) and I don’t think it suited me at all.  Plus why should I have two female line names when there is an awesome male name sitting there that suits me perfectly…  My brain agreed and so we waited for Justice of the Peace’s to open again, which by the way was a week or so into Level 1 so the wait was a long one.  But then the wait was over and the paperwork was completed and sent in and now the new birth certificate has come back with what I consider my proper name to be on it:

Jillian Isabella Sydney

Such a good name, even if I did find two thirds of it myself hehe
And yes Miller is still my surname lol just realised I didn't actually say that, whoops

I've been enjoying this all day and figure it's only polite to share :D