Snippets of Tasmania

hello audience of my mum’s! hi, how are you? So mum and I have discussed me dropping in once a month and I thought it would be a pretty cool idea to come in and talk. Here I am! As you may or may not be aware (depends on how long you’ve been here on the blog) I do not live with my mum, I am currently studying in Tasmania and boy, oh boy what an adventure it has been so far. For people all around the world (and even the ones from the mainland who have never visited) I will tell you this: Tasmania is the most beautiful place I have ever visited in my entire life. I’m not going to sit here for the entire blog post and just tell you all about it, what I will do is show you how beautiful it is (and add little snippets of stories in here and there. 

Salamanca || Tasmania

This is one of the first photos that I ever took in Hobart. The building on the right hand side is one of the buildings that my university is on! Sadly this semester I don’t have any classes down here but it certainly has a beautiful view. Salamanca is the “busy marketplace” on a Saturday and I will admit that Salamanca Markets are fabulous, every now and again. 

 Wrest Point || Tasmania

A (semi) short walk from where I live is this beautiful setting. A group of friends and I had the brilliant idea to go and see a sunset the other week and it was worth it. We had the best time and didn’t get home until the sun was long gone behind us. Certainly an afternoon/night well spent. 

 Launceston || Tasmania

This beautiful little spot is in Launceston. I visited on Easter Sunday with my aunt, uncle and their two gorgeous boys. We spent the afternoon having a cup of tea, eating a hot cross bun and exploring the sights that were on offer. I must admit that I reluctantly left the warmth of the house and then never wanted to leave this spot!

Have you been to Tasmania?
linking with My Little Drummer Boys 

Us Right Now

Each month I take a family photo, and individual photos of each family member, and share snippets of our right now.

We haven't spent much time together this past month, with Steve working big hours, so we need to find some time this month to just spend together without life pressure. We might try a games night next week, or a BBQ in the backyard with lots of food.

He is grateful he has the skills to repair the car

but annoyed that he can't do it tomorrow

He has enjoyed the challenges of working lots in February

but is looking forward to his normal routine again

She is desperate for a haircut

{you can tell it's time by the tufty bits of hair sticking out the sides}

She's still hopeless at sticking to goals

but managed to sew something last week

She has made friends already

but got sick just a few days after she arrived

She is loving her classes

but has lots of homework each night

He has been better about using his school diary this term

but still "doesn't have homework" most nights

He is excited to visit his brothers at Easter time

{but needs to pull his head in if he actually wants to go}

She wants a watch for her birthday

{lucky for her I know exactly where to shop}

She is loving school

but desperately does not want to do netball for winter sports

He loves mum coming to school for sight word practise

but gets distracted easily while mum is there

He was so excited to finally be big enough for scouts

but didn't enjoy his visit, and decided not to return

She spends most days getting around without a nappy

but hasn't totally mastered toilet training

She strings together 4 word sentences now

{but can still sometimes be difficult to understand, which frustrates her}

When was the last time you took a family photo?

linking up with Essentially Jess

Things I'd Tell My Daughter

Dear Chloe

You set off on your big adventure at the end of this week (I'm guessing not many of your friends are moving to the other side of the country to study)

I know, after chatting to you on the weekend, that you're pretty independent. I mean, you always have been, but you've more or less brought yourself up the last few years, and that means that the adults around you failed you, and I'm sorry.

But I can try to make things better moving forward, if you'll let me.

So let me offer some mum-advice as you head off. Make of it what you will, but I hope you at least take the time to hear me out.

Make a home for yourself I know that you're just going into a dorm room, and you're already worrying about what will happen at the end of the year (as am I), but make that space comfortable (not messy), and take the time to decorate it.

Don't binge Having been a first year student, and worked with first year students, I know the culture. Whether it's food or alcohol, or freedom, don't binge on it. Enjoy life responsibly.

Ask for help This is a tough one, Miss Independent. But you won't have all the answers, and someone else will. Whether it's help with an assessment, or grocery money, it really is ok to ask for help.

Capture memories In twenty years time, when you're safely back in Queensland, thawing out, your children will ask you about your time in Tasmania. Take lots of photos. Write things down in a diary. When you visit Salamanca Markets, write about the overwhelming smells, and the crowds of people. These are the things you will want to remember when your mind is failing.

Explore Tying in with that point above, you need to explore the area. Don't get to Tasmania, and spend every waking moment studying, and every sleeping moment sleeping. Make a plan to down books regularly and hop on a bus or go for a walk, and learn about the historical place around you (and visit the penguins. And the chocolate factory. And the cheese places.)

Remember you are loved I know right now it feels hard. But with the space of distance and time you will see that we all did what we thought was best at the time. Turns out we were wrong, but that doesn't mean we love you any less. Please remember that in those quiet moments of introspection.

Enjoy the adventure I have to keep thinking that this experience has an end in sight, otherwise my mumma-heart might break. But I know that I can't keep you close forever, and have to let you do the growing up you need to do. Above all else, enjoy your adventure.

Love you.

linking up with Essentially Jess

Follow your own road

Follow your own road, though the way that it leads be long

Follow your own road, never fear that your choice is wrong

True friends may you find on your way. Will we meet again, who can say?

Past thoughts unkind are far from mind today

The path you see may prove to be the long way home

When I was at school, 23 years ago, we sang this song every other week in assembly. I haven't even thought about it for years, except with sadness recently when I learnt that the school no longer sings the song. But it popped into my head this morning, as I was reflecting on my journey over the years, and Chloe's journey, which changes today with the ending of her secondary school years.

Day in the Life | Chloe's Formal

Chloe is sharing her adventures getting ready for formal at the end of July

It’s official. The 31st of July is formal (prom for people in most other countries). I’m going to do a day in the life and share my formal experience with you. For just about everyone I know formal is a day where you dress up pretty and show off your dance moves (even though we all have two left feet). It’s a day where you can feel important and special and just show off really.

9:52AM: FRIDAY

Officially at the hairdressers. Their first client on an exceptionally busy day. It was the only appointment that they had left two months ago and I’m learning that you really need to be in advance if you want to actually book appointments in a small town. Up until two days ago I had no idea how I was getting my hair done but after much deliberation I decided to go for an elegant French knot (my entire look has a very vintage vibe to it).

10:33AM: FRIDAY

My hair is done and I don’t have anything to do until my makeup at 2:30 this afternoon. Of course grandma wants to show me off to a few of her friends and I see a plethora of my own friends who are doing their formals tonight as well. We’re all giddy with nerves and anticipation at how it’s going to look. I have a fair idea at the inside since I was there last night until 6:30 because I was setting up (look how dedicated I am!!) and the only thing was left to do was set up the centrepieces. There won’t be too much surprise for me this year since I’m both the committee leaders right-hand woman (and exceptionally close friend) and I’m also an employee for the decorator this year. 

1:52PM: FRIDAY

I’ve eaten (just in case the food for formal sucks) and I’m waiting nervously until I leave to get my makeup done. I have a fair idea what I’m getting done but for an organisation queen I’ve pretty much left everything until the last moment. I didn’t order my corsage until Monday (because I’m going stag I’ve had to do those sorts of things myself), I didn’t decide how I was getting my nails done until ten minutes before the appointment and even now, 30 minutes before my makeup appointment, I haven’t decided how I’m getting it done. But I have a plan and it goes like this: My makeup will take around an hour, as soon as that is done it’s straight to getting my corsage, then at 3:30 I have to meet my best friend, her formal partner and both of our boyfriends for photos at the railway line. That plan takes me up to 5. After it’s getting ready to arrive at formal, in front of a lot of people. My town is so ridiculously small that any sort of events attract huge amounts of attention. Everyone’s parents, grandparents, friends, family, etc. want to be there and so I’ll be getting out of the car tonight and hoping I don’t trip straight over my dress as I walk down the carpet.

9:53AM: SATURDAY

Formal is long since over. The night was a huge success and I could not be happier about it. After my makeup it was straight to grabbing my corsage and then to photos. They lasted a full two hours and after those I was about ready to go to sleep and yet I still had to arrive and finish off my night (and early morning). Nerves officially set in when I was getting photos done but everything went off with a hitch and my night was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

Facebook Official

Dear Chloe

so it's official

(well, facebook official at least)

You've got a boyfriend

I have to say, my heart leapt into my mouth

I was both excited and worried for you

Excited, because I remember those little butterflies

But worried, too

It's a big step, my girl

To give your heart to someone

Hearts are so fragile, they break

I worry about your heart

Oh, I know you have strong foundations

and Granma has looked after you for the last four years

but I'm mum, I worry.

Enjoy it, dear girl

Enjoy the talking, the laughs, the fun, the growing

Enjoy the journey.

linking with Essentially Jess

5 social media tips from a teenager

This is a guest post from Chloe. She's going to be appearing here more often, sharing tips for brothers and teenagers, and sharing her stories.

1. Don’t share naked pictures around. No matter what age, but especially if you’re under 18.

Okay so you know how parents say that everything that you share on the internet will be there forever? Yeah, it really is. No matter the social media platform that you share these types of pictures on police can, and will, track them. If you send these pictures out you get fined for supplying child pornography, the person who you sent them to will get fined for possession of child pornography and it’s not really something that you want because that stays on your record forever.

2. Not everyone online is being truthful about who they are.

You’re told all throughout primary school about ‘stranger danger’ and the internet is another entire playing field. Strangers sit around every single corner, they lurk in dark places of the internet and wait to pounce on anyone they can get their hands on. An ex-friend of mine dated a guy she met online for ten months; one day she called and was extremely distressed, the boy actually ended up being another friend of ours and she had been lying for ten months. Be careful who you trust online.

3. Use your time wisely.

This will come as no surprise to anyone who uses social media but it’s a huge distraction. Ten minutes becomes three hours and before you know it the assignment due in tomorrow is long down the drain and you know you won’t hand it in on time. Internet is a tool that can be used for both good and bad.

4. Don’t send anonymous hate.

I understand exactly how social media works and, shockingly, how high school works. I mean somedays I get home and just want to scream into the endless abyss that is social media but I don’t and I certainly will never attack someone on social media through the use of anonymous messages. Online services such as Tumblr and ask.fm have exceptionally high rates of anonymous messaging because services like that are usable, unlike Facebook/twitter/etc. But just because this service is there means that it shouldn’t be used for that kind of evil. From my own personal experience I know how awful it is to receive anonymous hate especially when you look around your classroom and you know that any one of those people could have been attacking you online.

5. Social media is a privilege.

Remember that your parents hold the key to your social media. They can give and take it as much as they want. Sure it’s not something that you want to admit because you like to think that you’re an independent teenager but guess what unless you have bought your phone, pay for your phone credit/wi-fi then your social media is not yours. And until you do those things your social media won’t be yours so thank your parents for having the privilege of social media and don’t break their trust in you.

Linking with Essentially Jess

Dear Chloe | Today you are Seventeen

Today's prompt write a letter to someone. It's Chloe's birthday today, so I'm going to write my annual letter to her. Is there someone in your life you need to write to?

Dear Chloe

What an amazing young woman you have grown into.

(but I can still see pieces of the little girl you were)

You know what I realised yesterday as I wrapped your present up (late) to send?

Soon you'll be gone.

And not the same way you're gone now,

But, you'll be living your own life, wherever that path leads you.

You're on the path to adulthood, making your own decisions, living your own way.

And I know that we've all made mistakes with you

But I also know that you've overcome those mistakes to become the person you are today.

Loving. Respectful. Friendly. Thoughtful.

All the things that any parent hopes for their children.

You have become an amazing almost-adult

Your journey to awesome adult is almost complete.

Happy Birthday, Chloe.

Tomorrow's prompt wordless wednesday share a photo from yesterday 

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An InLinkz Link-up

5 things I wish I knew about high school in grade 8

I have the most amazing guest post today - from Chloe. She has a way with words, my girl, and I'm amazed at how grown up she has become.

us right now

she loved taking all the grandkids to the movies

but was glad to hand them back afterwards

she is heading off on a two week cruise tomorrow

hopefully without injury this time

he has an extra day off work this week

but it's too wet to do any odd jobs

he's a good sport, putting the santa hat on for me

and even took a decent photo of me!

she is glad Christmas is over for another year

but loved planning and feeding everyone

she has lots of ideas for 2015

and needs to step out and be BRAVE

she has red hair!

and loves talking to her siblings each week

she grows up every time we talk to her

but will always have my heart

he got a mobile phone for Christmas

everything else pales in comparison

he's grown up a bit these holidays, too

hopefully it sticks into the New Year

she is at a sleepover tonight for her best friend's birthday

and wasn't worried about missing out on a trip to the airport

she got lots of craft for Christmas

and has done everything already

he got a Dinosaur Trains dinosaur for Christmas

and Dad spent an hour replacing batteries in his other dinosaurs

he's bored with the rain

and being a little bit naughty as a result

she had a 3 hour sleep on Christmas day

and hasn't slept more than 30 minutes during the day since then

she loves the scooter bike Nanna gave her

and the noisy book from mum and dad

us right now

in a silly piece of bureaucracy, he has to interview for his job again this week

his eating is all out of wack working nights, he starts his day eating a big dinner with us, and finishes it eating toast when he gets home in the morning

she loved writing about blogging for a month

she is still good at making excuses (and got called out for it on Friday)

she needs a good baking session, to fill the cupboards, and unwind

her best friends are Christopher and Eloise

her favourite subject at school is English

if she dressd up for Halloween, she'd dress up as a witch or a cat

his best friend is Jackson

his favourite subject at school is English

he dressed up as a zombie for Halloween

{he asked me to share a better photo than the scowly one I took at the same time as everyone else, so I did, complete with finger and ironing board}

her best friend is Kaete

her favourite subject at school is maths

she dressed up as a pumpkin for Halloween

his best friend is Harry

his favourite thing to do at daycare is the obstacle course

he dressed up as the red Ninja Turtle for Halloween

she has cut another tooth this month

she wore her first pair of shoes while camping

she has been having two sleeps a day for the last two weeks (I blame the tooth)

dear chloe | today you are sixteen

when I turned 16, I was woken up to the sounds of Neil Sedaka singing "happy birthday sweet sixteen", and I've waited 16 years to be able to do it for you

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that you can let go of all the crap we, as your parents, have left you with

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that you find someone to share your stories with, and that I can be part of that story

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that you remember one day that you are loved and cherished, even with the distance between us

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that all your birthdays are special

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that one day you find your place in the world

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that you see yourself as beautiful, like I do

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that one day you read the words written here, and understand

my dream for you, sweet girl, is that one day I will hold you in my arms again

happy birthday, Chloe

you are so very loved, and missed

things I'd tell my daughter

I recently discovered that Chloe has been writing a blog.

It's something that she's done before, but like a child keeping a diary, she hasn't stuck with it for long. I'm hoping that this time she sees the benefit of getting your thoughts out in the open (even if you never publish the post, writing helps so much!)

But I was struck by the tone of her words. It's something I can't quite put my finger on - teen-angst, and sadness, and happiness, and confusion. And from this space, a digital footprint is built.

So I wrote a guest post over at Barbie Bieber and Beyond, in the hopes that she'll read my words (and other fabulous words written by Mandy)

What wise words would you share if you knew a teen who started blogging?

things I'd tell my daughter

source via pinterest

Dear Chloe

You're at the pointy end of your school years, only 18 months left

{I hope you don't even consider going to schoolies!}

You've probably had lots of people asking what you want to do with your life

what subjects you'll study to get you there

what university you'll apply for

And I've always advocated that tertiary education is important

But I've also said I don't think going on to tertiary education straight from high school is the right choice for every one

The drop out rates are too high

The number of students who fail after their first taste of freedom is high

And as long as you don't completely close off your mind to maybe doing tertiary education later, I'll support your choice now

What is it that you plan to do with your life?

Does it fill your heart with passion and excitement?

If it doesn't, then reconsider your plans

But if you get that funny feeling in the pit of your stomach, and you smile every time you think about it, and you see fresh ideas related to it everywhere you turn, then it's a winner

Follow your heart, sweet girl.

Linking up with Essentialy Jess for IBOT

things I'd tell my daughter

october 2013, so beautiful!

Dear Chloe

as you head off into year 11 this year, know this

I trust that you know your heart

but I don't expect you to know what you want to do with the rest of your life

you've chosen good subjects for where you think you want to go

but if you change your mind, that's ok

Don't goof off. It's ok to procrastinate, but don't make it your way of life.

get your homework done each night, before anything else

but don't forget your friends, your family, taking time for you

I'd like to say "you won't use the knowledge again"

but I recently had to use trigonometry to explain a quilting problem to someone,

{sweetie laughed.}

Please know that you are missed

and loved

and so very special

please note - as my blog is now seen by both Chloe and the people she is with, I have turned comment moderation on (but blogger only lets me turn it on to the whole blog) Tomorrow I will turn moderation off, and also comments on this post.

dear Chloe, today you are 15

subtitle - day 12  |  who/what do you miss?

from our last visit January 2012

Dear Chloe

Today, you are fifteen.

Today, you are so close to being "grown up"

Today, my heart is aching

Today, I cry for the things I can't do for you

Today, I want to hug you

Today, I miss you so much

Today, you are fifteen

Today, you are half way to young adulthood

Today, you are growing into a beautiful young lady

Today, I love you more than the day you arrived

Happy birthday, baby girl.

sunday sessions | settling the {first} babe

When Chloe was a baby, we lived with her grandmother for a while. Being a first-time mum, living with people I had never met until we moved in with them, I tried hard to keep her quiet in a "seen but not heard" manner, like I'd been taught. But sometimes I had to give in, and let her granma help. Priscilla Queen of the Desert was a big hit at the time, and we all loved the soundtrack, but Chloe especially loved this song from Charlene.



What have you been listening to lately?

 

things I'd tell my daughter

the last photo I have of you

Dear Chloe

It's been just on a year since we last saw you.

That hurts.

Because I don't know how long your hair is now

Or what music you like listening to

or what subjects you've chosen for this year

who your friends are

or who the cute boy is that you've got a crush on

and that hurts.

{Natalie wants to open your Christmas presents}

but we have no idea if you actually opened the presents we sent you

or were grateful to receive a present from sweetie

because we haven't had a word of thanks from you.

and that hurts.

but we still sit here,

torturing ourselves over you

because a piece of our family is missing

and we don't know what to do to bring it back

Steve still asks me every day if I've heard from you

and the kids mention you every other day (including Caiden and Lana)

maybe one day you'll come back

I hope so

because I really need to hug you

last day of school 2012

In Queensland, school finished for the summer today. Although, our school actively discourages students attending on "clean up day", so yesterday was the last day.

{I don't usually share photos of school uniforms, because it has the school name on it, but I remembered how to hide it in photoshop}

Natalie had a great first-year of school. She's still struggling a bit with confidence leaving mum, but learning-wise, she's grasped all the concepts thrown at her this year.

Douglas, on the other hand, has struggled a bit. He finished the year better than he started (amazing how glasses can help!), but will need some extra help next year with some concepts in English (something neither of us can help him with.)

Riley is getting ready to transition to the pre-kindy room in the new year - starting to learn some simple get-ready-for-school concepts (although he's a September-baby, so doesn't start prep until 2015)

I wish I could share how Chloe has fared this year - year 9 is when students are steered towards career and tertiary education choices. I'm hoping she's following her heart, not someone else's.

Now I need to survive the next 45 days of summer.

How do you entertain the kids during summer break?

things I'd tell my daughter

So, I got a text message from your father last week.

October 19th, 2011 - waiting for a plane

First time in all of this that he's actually made a comment

And he says he tried to discourage the course of action you've taken

He said "she lied about other stuff, so I wondered"

But that doesn't help us now

And it's made us wonder

Are we about to get a phone call?

And it made us think about what we would do

What would we do if you actually came back here

Because try as we might, we can't think of any occasion where you lied to us

{unless you count the whole hiding-a-facebook-account-from-dad-thing}

But the world is such an ugly place that you could get cranky with us

And make one phone call

And everything would come crashing down

And we don't know if we want to take that risk

But we know that we couldn't turn you away, either

So we wait for what happens next