It's 5 days since I updated the journal. I was informed that one of my Christmas presents was to have my computer tuned up. It went in on Monday and picked it up today, with another ram installed, which has  improved the memory power no end. Saturday night I decided to clean up all the crap on documents. Took ages and very late to bed.
Sunday, I was still getting newsletters out for work, and had to print off invoices for unpaid membership fees, which were to go in with the newsletter. Firstly the computer didn't work properly on Friday, I am sure my co-worker fiddles with it. Saturday the printer wouldn't work, spent most of the afternoon trying to get it sorted and finally found something that said something about default, set it and it worked. Started printing, then continued on Sunday. Other things took up my time, talkative visitors (but I like that) the freezer packed up and caused 20 dozen cheese rolls to defrost, including and a paid order for 5 doz waiting to be picked up. I had to bung them in a rubbish bag and dump them in my wheelie bin. Sunday cleaned out the freezer, and took photos of the exhibition, but didn't have time to download them.

It was 6.30 before I left and had to bring the newsletters & invoices, stamps and envelopes home to do, to get them in the post. I had Christmas greetings on the newsletters so they needed to get there by Wednesday. Started on them about 8.30pm and finally got to bed at 1.30am, with about 7 over but run out of stamps. Although I had printed address labels, there were a lot without and the time was taken up handwriting the envelopes. I had this huge pile as they were completed on the lounge floor. Stuffed them in a plastic bag to post on Monday,  as we were going into town. My husband took one look at me the next morning, and said, "you look like you could do with more sleep." He had the job of poking them in the mailbox while I blisfully went back to sleep and woke at 11.30am. Although I didn't rise until midday I did do a lot of pottering jobs around home as the day progressed.

Monday night with no computer to fill in my evenings, We sat and watched a Gilbert & Sullivan  Australian production of 'Patience.' Both of us are avid Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, but had never seen this one. It was on sale for $2 at the library book sale. It was really fun, hard to believe people still watch, as others still perform these Victorian presentations. 

I started scraping away at the mossy stuff yesterday,  near the  back door concreted area, where we will put the BBQ table which is still in the van. Today we bought some 'Clean & Green' stuff to clean it, did that before, so a good job done. We had a pleasant day in town, did the last minute grocery shopping, had lunch in Mitre10 in the garden nursery, picked up the computer, and out to Makarewa to the train shop. Donna the co owner had done her usual Christmas lights around the entry, porch and garden, so she turned them all on for us, it was lovely even though it was sunny.

I'm staying home tomorrow, Christmas eve, I don't go near town. Have a clean up, and make a trifle, piss about.
My work days start on Thursday so I get the stats off and back at work on the weekend. Lisa is opening all next week, she offered so she can do it.

Ooh I bought a painting on Friday, a well known artist in Riverton called in with three paintings for the retail gallery. One I just loved. A lady standing dressed in blue with a large hat immersed in swirling tones of other blues. She had $450 priced on it. I rang and asked what her price was, told her I wasn't going to pay gallery price. (He he, not ethical and is what helps to pay for my wages) She said $300, so as I don't get paid until after Christmas, I asked if she had visa, yes, so scuttled around to her house to buy it. Had an interesting time in her studio while she told me she was working at the Art gallery but left because she fell out with the Queen bee president lady. She said they have had trouble getting staff while she is still involved. I told her I don't feel like I fit in, with her.
Actually I could work well with this lady, really down to earth, I liked her.

So I have this lovely Dawn Barry painting. She teaches painting at SIT and one of her students loved this piece too, rather different to her usual cabbage trees, boats and wharves of Riverton and seabirds.
Talking of SIT, I tuned into Blackboard to see if the tutor had turned up, any grades recorded, but nah! nothing. I wonder if something has happened to her, she hasn't been near the site for weeks, or so it seems.

I'm off to my novel. Haven't had much of a read lately.

The weather was a bit mean going into work today, cold and wet. The sun is coming out, now that it is time to go down. Excuse me, I am going to sit and watch 'Sione's Wedding.' Back later. .....Seen it, but was still worth another look.

It was strange at work today, I spoke to the lady next door at the Pet/Vet shop, before I started work. I told her I was finishing work, that I was retiring. Funny I get a different reaction when I say that. The coordinator rang and did say she was 'sorry to hear I was leaving.' "Oh I am retiring" I replied. "I thought you were doing a course!" she asked. "Yeah well that too," I said quickly.

From this I went along to the vet shop to buy one of the toy puppies that breathe with the help of batteries for a present, and the lady there offered me a job. To help out during the time she has holidays, in March and June. The way she was talking she may want to have someone to learn the job so she can take more time off. The vets come twice a week, you take appointments for them, and take care of the retail business. I already know some of the vets from Waikiwi. Sounds interesting. One door closes and another opens, I believe.

A local artist and art teacher came in with some paintings. She used to be the boss in the art centre. I asked her if she wanted a job as I was leaving. "No thanks not while -----is chair lady. We never got on." I understood what she meant she won't let go the reins. "They have trouble getting staff for here," she commented. I said they don't look after their staff, and told her about the wages business. She was apalled. "Why don't they use auto payment?" I told her I gave them my details when I first started last March.

I finished 'Voyager' last night, ending with the sea voyage, during the storw and found themselves landed in America. I couldn't sleep for a while, the description the author applies to the various adventures. I felt I was on that sea voyage, suffering the situation with Claire. What wonderful writing. To be able to make the reader feel like they have experienced the situation. Start the next one tonight.

What a performance on the blackboard. Others are putting their last assignment all over the place. To make triple sure I have mine somewhere where Audra will find it. I emailed it to her, placed a link in the Writing Assignment discussion board with some others, and also on the workshop forum where Terry put hers. What a mickey - mouse outfit.

Feeling relaxed after a couple of rums, think I will head over to facebook for a while.

A week from now, and Christmas will be over. Though I opened a pressie today from the post, cause I believe it's the build up to Christmas is better than everything on one day. Finally got my card and letter away to the UK, I am always late with it.

We picked up the BBQ table today, my husband followed me into Riverton, I shouted him a cod fillet in a crusty roll for lunch. He had a look at the exhibition. He said it is a shame you feel you want to leave, as it is a good little job for you." Then we went into the kitchen and faced a bench full of wine glasses left for me to wash. We have a zip that doesn't work , and a cold tap over the sink. So have to boil up the jug to get hot water. He then got the picture, "Do you have to clean this up?" "Huh huh, and who takes home the rubbish," I added.
Once he had gone I was interested to see the coordinator's reaction on our notes file. I had asked if she knew anyone that could do my job, from the 1st March,  and requested her to give my resignation notice to the chairlady for last Tuesday's meeting. I said I was continuing study, on campus. She answered "Oh awesome." WTF Did she mean awesome I was leaving? Or studying. The resignation letter was put in with the accounts and I thought she hadn't handed it in yet.

As the day went on, I was doing little bits and pieces and quite enjoyed myself , after I had done the dishes, and started thinking, 'well....maybe it's not so bad.' I stuffed the letter back in my bag and thought I can always tell Lisa I have changed my mind, or can fit it in around study.
However I delivered a painting across the road at the cafe, and Jo (previous coordinator) came in. "I hear you have handed in your notice."  Oh I forgot about the grapevine of Riverton. Then later the chairlady came in and bought up the subject. She had been given the letter after all. Didn't exactly say, 'we don't want you to leave, or anything. More of a piss off having to find someone else. So that's that I am leaving. They were never good employers, and I don't like the way they all talk about each other. 'Village mentality,' my husband calls it. Now I know why I left Riverton.

I finally fixed my pet shop story and sent it e mail to the tutor. As well as put some caustic remarks on the main discussion board. I read her profile and interesting how she will be there for any questions, help in any way etc, what a load of bollocks. I was looking through the 2009 course book at SIT today, didn't see any creative writing courses available.

Finished the newsletters for work, and had them printed ready to send tomorrow . I asked Lisa to check the original and make any changes. Her note said, "It looks alright to me, I haven't had time to read it." So fuck it, they are printed. The last coordinator used to change everything on it.  You can't win!

Still have the very last to read of Voyager, and now have a nice little smelly pillow enclosed inside my normal one. So I shall dream sweetly tonight.

Town today and it was busy, the traffic anyway. I did get around to picking up the forms for receiving my Superannuation in February. Yay I will be an old age pensioner!  Well I've been working for 55yrs, so deserve some tax back.
On to the Whare-Whare to look at large plastic containers, because although I was going to use my vouchers to get some at Hayes @ 18.95, I had a feeling the Warehouse had a better deal. They did, two for $25 so will gather a few as time and money permits. Over to Hayes, now what do we need? Nothing really. We are at an age where we have most things. Power tools, no, garden stuff, nope. Then I spotted clothes, and more specifically jeans. Nice ones good brand at $50 ea. So a couple of them and a belt cause he keeps buying cheap ones and they fall to bits. $131 spent.

The trouble with vouchers although they are in $50 lots you have to buy using up the amount to the vouchers. This is the hardest part. I was told not to get stuff for him but something for myself. There are some lovely things in there, but nothing I needed. Lots of kitchen things, crystal glasses, knick knacks, I have them all. Finally a little tray for my coffee and cake to take outside to the BBQ table which we pick up tomorrow. A set of lunch plates that fitted into a round box, was on special half price @ $11. A covered roasting dish, I did need, and finished it off with a sensor security light to put out the front. Our front outside light is way up on the  highest point and rusted in the fittings. So this will be useful for when visitors come and as a security as well. Will have to get an electrician to wire it up, next time we need him. Still have $100 of vouchers left, but they don't have to be spent now, so will leave it.

Got the parcels away at Waikiwi as there was a park, so that's done usually the postage is more than the cost of the contents, but they had $4 bags fast post, and the pressies fitted so that was splendid.
Sore feet as I had socks and boots on and it turned out hot.
Just finished a letter to my friends in the UK so can get their card away tomorrow, all is well. I don't go for Christmas stress. It's hard to believe it will be Christmas day in a weeks time. I don't have to work next week as I start my days on Thursday and Friday, but working the weekend, the same for next week. There was mention of opening Mon and Tues in the new year, I asked the coordinator and she didn't know. So they needn't spring it on me tomorrow when I go in. I'll tell them I'm going away. A bit of notice wouldn't hurt, we had thought of doing some day trips, Te Anau and such, depending on the weather.

Been absolutely nothing on the blackboard the last three days. Tonight Rebecca came on asking for the tutor's input. She doesn't know where we send in our final draft. The tutor doesn't even check her emails. I sent one about three days ago. I think everyone's fed up with it.

I had to laugh at Claire wearing her undies inside out. It reminded me when one morning I came to performing arts class and realised before we started class, "ooh I forgot to put a bra on!" In Helen's class we did a bit of running around and funny walks for improvisation and it feels better to be supported. One tends to come out with statements as such in front of the guys as they take all that stuff in their stride, they see us strip in between acts. One of the guys in his mid-twenties went, "Eeeewwwww." I rounded on him, and told him, "I do not wear my breasts around my knees without a bra, yet. If that is what you are imagining." That made matters worse.

Well I had better mosey off to bed, finish my book, and get some shuteye.

God I've got a sore bum! My back actually, been pissing about on here far too long today. Log on to blackboard every so often, but no sign of anyone. Wrote down pieces to 'improve' my story and intended to do the final draft today. I am not sure where to put the final draft. I sent Audra an email asking her do we email it to her with a cover sheet for the assignment or up on the discussion board or what!? Still no reply.

Grownups site sent a newsletter suggesting the voting for the "spring Photo Competition" finishes today at 5pm. A good half the afternoon on that with well over 200 entries in three categories it took a while for them to come up (computer slow today) and decide which to chose. You could chose ten on each category. I have one of Luke in the friends, pets and family. The others were open, and scenery, that was a hard one to select, some lovely shots. I tried to vote on their photogenic capacity. Not that I know anything about photography, but if something really grabbed me then that was the one. The pets one was hard too they were all lovely. I wonder if Luke got any votes other than mine.  :)

Then my husband came home early, about 4pm wanting to show me something on Trademe. "You can buy me this for Christmas." A whole bloody train set. "Would you go halves with me for this,  the buy now price is $300?'  So we bought it. I gave him $200 toward it, and left myself $50 to tide me over until next pay after Christmas. On conditions if he want's Christmas tucker he will have to buy it. Including a bottle of plonk cause when we sit down to give out our presents on Christmas eve, I enjoy a few vinos in the process. We buy lots of little things to string the night out. I am fortunate my husband loves giving as much as receiving. Unlike some partners just buy the 'old lady' a box of chocs. He goes to a lot of trouble finding the 'right' things. Hides in the bedroom while I prepare dinner, lots of rustling and wrapping with cries of, "don't come in here!" They are put under the tree, and about five minutes after wrapping he is ready to hand one over.

I have some vouchers to use at Hayes, but I've bought enough presents I think. I may buy some big plastic containers ($17ea) to put away the stuff in the shop area and throw out what I don't want. Some of the cardboard boxes are falling apart. There is jewelry and shoes, fur coats and shawls, and God knows what. May sell some retro on Trademe, if I can bear to part with some. Especially the original 30's, 40's, 60's, 70's and 80's stuff.

Will venture into town tomorrow, and post some parcels. Tonight I have been trying to write to my sister a letter to put with her card and present. It is so hard, she is almost comatose in continual care. She has trouble communicating, but I think she can still relate to her carer reading to her. It's hard to know what to write. Another I was going to write to, my friends in the UK with their usual late card, but may have to do so in the morning, just plumb tuckered for writing anymore. Then I found a writing course site from xengab on kiwiwriters, been over there but not simple to get on board. The next course starts 4th Feb. xengab said it was fun to do and covers lots of different aspects of writing. I will pass the address onto Becs to see if anyone else is interested.

Here it is, nearly 11pm and still sitting here. Now my mate  Colin is sending emails, I will have to check out before bed time.

The Art Centre had a committee meeting tonight, of which I did not attend, but my resignation notice should have. I wonder what was their reaction. I know what it is with that job, it is too sedentry for me, I am used to doing, and as they won't let me do this, I'm a goner. I am not cut out to be an assistant. I enjoy a job that I can put my heart into, gain some satisfaction in what I do, but they won't let me! So I get bored!

Right I am getting off my ass, and going to bed to lie on it.  :)

Not much happening today. Housework, after trimming the tree. Turfed out all the rubbish from the Christmas decorations box. Wrapped up presents, showed the dogs their rope toys and they wanted them NOW!

Was on trademe tonight and the 'special' railway book I wanted for my husband, went ridiculously off the limit. I started at the asking price of $85, and at the last minute this bugger came in and took it up to $ 162, bum!  I made him pay, was prepared to go to $165 even though it was way over priced but missed out. In fact  lost two items through the same bidder, I think he is a collector. Never mind, still pissed though, I will have to think of something else.

Been over to blackboard and want to start doing my rewrite, but Terry is flat out at work, and her computer at home has crashed. She thinks she may have to 'bomb' out of the course. I know it's not easy for her, but we are working as a group, and we have to have our stories critiqued. The critiquing is part of the 45% for this part of the assessment. May as well finish it, after all the frustration through the process.

I see Invergas mentioned on Matilda's journal reply that the two of them were at the old 'Repertory House.' They must have known a good friend of ours, Lindsay McDowell. They had moved to the present site before I came on the scene, but I worked in the wardrode within the theatre, then helped set up the new one next door. I was allowed to pick the colour scheme, blending the grey/blue with the peach of the Rep building.

I'm off for a read, nearly finished 'Voyager.'

We had a lovely day today!  On my suggestion we went to Kingston to look at the steam trains, my husband's birthday treat. Had a lovely brunch, of bacon & egg with BBQ sauce in a fresh crispy roll, and superb coffee, with a chocolate square yummy sweet. It was so nice to get out of Invers and as we travelled talking about all sorts of things. Without TV, pesty neighbours and dogs interrupting, like it is at home.
The steam engines were heating up for the 1.30 run, as we sat outside the station/pub and watched the world go by. The RodgersK was brought over from Mandeville to visit Kingston, a very old design like you would see in the old western movies.
We spoke to the engine driver who recognised my husband and commented about the work he did on the train when it was being restored in Te Anau. He climbed aboard into the cab, the driver said he could come for a ride to the water filler. As there was not a lot of room I wandered over to the side of the track, and spoke to an onlooker. Next thing my husband came racing towards me. "Here, can you take the car to Fairlight, I'm going on the train, they need a fireman." He has a steam ticket, mainly working on a steam ship in Auckland, so good job eh!

As the train went past, all I could see was his big grin from ear to ear. I commented to the guy I was talking to, "there you are, I've been left ...for a train!" I drove around Kingston around the lake, it was a nice warm day, and headed for Fairlight, bought some bits and bobs for a train nut brother, and waited. I thought I recognised someone and went over nearby to verify who it was, and I was right it was 'Archie' from Southern Scribes. By the time my husband got off the train he found me talking to once again a 'bloke.' (I get on better with blokes) Archie, I Introduced them and they got on well. So a good relaxing day, "a nice birthday with all great things including good company," my husband said.

I announced to him that I was considering leaving the Art Centre at the end of February. In one way it is an ideal job for me, but I need more creative input. Plonking around on a computer every afternoon is boring! I had already written my resignation out yesterday, and asked the coordinator doing my day today to give it to the president for Tuesday's committee meeting, as I won't be going to it.
I just told them I was going back to study next year. I don't know if I will do the Creative Writing diploma, but they are not to know if it isn't on campus. I need to sort out all my retro, and fancy dress clothes. Might do the markets, I don't know but it is no good taking up room in the shop area where we can use it for something else. All I know is it needs a damned good clean out, and need to paint the house, and finsh painting the fences I started last year. During the winter get into my writing more seriously, and craft work to sell.

Next year will be a motivational year. To stop procrastinating, and get things done. Which will include losing some weight. Stop eating rubbish and get walking. Most of the extra is around the middle, it limits what you can wear. Then I can chuck out all the big clothes.
In the meantime there is still a bit of this year left, to get Christmas gifts into the post next week etc.

Whew, been over to facebook thanks to Maltilda, and mucking about over there, another wasteful evening.  :) Still it is a great network, I have a selection of friends from Kiwiwriters, Musical & Repertory Theatres, classmates from SIT, some people I have never heard of, and now Southern Scribes. Plus I had messages from Grownups friends, so been over there too.

I had a harrassing time trying to get dinner tonight. I was late home to start with, bought some plants from the local dairy/nursery. (spent $60 on me for plants and threw in a cake of chocolate for him.) I thought he would be late with the graduation ceremony on today, so planted them once I had fed the animals. Consequently dinner was late, and was in the middle of it when my neighbour appeared at the door. She is such a pain. One of those people that ask your advice and don't take it anyway. She is going to the races tomorrow, a work do, and apparently they are dressing in 1930's outfits. I told her something in a form of a suit, a mannish hat and a fox fur. She obviously thought I had something in my collection, but didn't sort of believe me, that was what they wore.  I asked if she had  a slim mid calf skirt, and jacket, just add pearls and I'd give her a fur, but will pop it over later as busy with dinner. "It will be too hot! Oh I can't be bothered!" Shit. She buggered off for a while, then while I was sorting something, I had some dresses hanging, but hats and thing all in bags & boxes. She arrived over again, in an awful kacky green knit two piece, longish full skirt and top. Bluuurgh.

"No Janice, tried to put her off, "it's going to be 18o you will be too hot in a marquee." I found two lovely genuine 1930's pink crepe dresses and shoved a couple of grey fur capes at her. I think the dresses may be too small, "I'll bring them back if they are."  "No, leave it Janice My dinner will be burning!" God, bloody woman, why didn't she ask me when I was talking to her two days ago. My husband was getting pissed off with her, he doesn't like people interrupting his news and sports, and just being a pain, as she is.

I went to work today after all week off.  :)  no pay though ):  The new exhibition Outdoor Odyssey looks really great! As you step into the porch Wayne has covered in it fine beach stones and shells, wooden tree cuts set in as stepping stones, and surrounded with large flaxes and native trees. His arty looking bleached driftwood seats and stools, tree stump carved faces, and hanging bottles with driftwood and feathers catching the breeze above. The inner display looks really great, with Oamaru stone sculptures, metal work chairs and tables, copper pictures, Karen's tufa bowls with succulents, carvings, and other things with native trees and flax. It certainly is well done, very effective. I noticed the coordinator's hours were long on her time sheet finishing at 6.00pm, well she wanted to do it herself.

She sent me a list of the catalogue with prices and asked me to get some copies done. Fortunately I remembered at 4pm, as tomorrow being Saturday the SDC where we have copying done wouldn't be open. On my way back from there the woman in the next shop was outside, I asked her if she wanted to look at our foyer before I closed up. She said, "oh I will see it tonight at the opening." Huh! I looked blank........... "Opening, is there an opening?" She assured me Wayne (a local artist) had told her so."Oh," I said, "they never told me," I thought "Bastards, they never invited me, or let me know." Wayne was in earlier, he never mentioned it. Stuff em!! Bloody snobs!! I did get asked, by note,  if I could scrub the floor where the Oamaru stone pieces had a made a mark, and a broom was left in an obvious position by the computer chair. I take a hint I am just good enough as a 'scrubber!" Good job I did the catalogues, they would expect them at an opening.

My mate  Wini came over, to say hi, she was painting the bathroom at home but become tired and looked in on her husband at their shop, must have missed me last week, so we had a chin wag for a while, as we tried out all the seats on display. I did manage to crop some pics onto the newsletter, some more pics to go, show it to her majesty who will probably reject it like the last  coordinator did. Ah well I've got Sunday off, and suggested to his nibs we go out to Kingston to see the Rogers K steam engine visiting. He did a lot of work on it when it was being fitted out in Te Anau. Have lunch there for his birthday. Need to get out of Invers, haven't been anywhere for months and months. Hope it's a nice day.

Ooh it's after midnight, I ended up hacking some pine branches off next doors trees and poked them in a bucket and stood it on a small table in the corner. It hides the clock. My man is happy, he likes a tree, no matter what it is. It is undressed at present, but I had to have something to put the pressies under, and up high to keep Maggie out of. Our last Shepherd used to open her own present. I have to bid for a Railway book for his main Christmas present. Bidding started at $85, so will be nice to get something he really wants.
Better hit the sack.

I have spent most of the day spraying weeds with noxious chemicals. The driveway, thanks to nextdoor's weed seedlings, and the front in particular, where there was once the main road. The corner nearby has been realigned and there is now a large bitumen area to access our driveway. The only way to tidy it up is the spray it. Waiting for the right weather, with no wind, and sun to take effect, and no rain for at least 6 hours. Today seemed the right day, though could have had more sun, but please no rain yet. Cut back some shrubs and weed sprayed the back along the bricked edging around the garden and paths to stop it growing long at the edges. Chooks were banned to the back paddock, cats and dogs enclosed and finished at about three, then mowed the lawns, so it can rain tomorrow if it really has to, but it's looking rather black out there this evening.

Had a wee buy up yesterday. Cheapie things. We buy lots of little silly things for each other, as a build up to the BIG ONE!  My brothers' and wives' have grandchildren and don't wish to exchange expensive ones, $2 shop extravaganzas. I bought my sister-in-law who is always cooking, a Christmas apron with reindeer on it, she can wear serving up the dinner. My brother has strange presents, one year I bought him some dark glasses with aliens in the lens, as he is into UFO stuff. Or a funny hat the kids like it, and so does he. Other than that some small tools for modelling husband, long nose pliers, clamp thingees, and a headlamp that straps on, from Hayes.
He wants some jeans, but I couldn't find his size of the style and colour he likes. So got him some summer pants in beige, a casual shirt in cream and beige, and a  hat with a brim, he usually wears caps. I liked this. He can frolic around in Auckland when he goes up in February, it is also in beige.

I have been tuning into Blackboard during the day in between filling up the spray container, but it was down. It's ok tonight and still no input. I think we should use the feedback from the other discussion forum to rewrite our stories as they are due in the end of next week.

I haven't heard from the Art Centre coordinator after sending her an email telling her I haven't approached the media as I don't know what the exhibition contains or what speil they want on it. Suggested she contact the local paper about next month's 'Southern Landscapes,' which has notable artists from what I can gather. Otherwise I don't know nothin.' I wonder how the striking went today, and if they expected me to be there, well I wasn't.
I really think I'll flick the job, when I start collecting my super last week in February. It will be more than I earn  without the cost of petrol, and I tend to buy lunch. I'm not able to use any creative ability, just twittering on a computer all afternoon. Or wrapping up pictures for the courier to collect. I used to do the posters, and creating a scrap book of newspaper clippings, but she's taken over that. Maybe I am just too old to fit in with the corporate image. Funnily enough only two people applied for my job at the time. I saw the other lady leave from her interview while I waited for my turn in the car. She was older than me! Then the committee couldn't decide who! I had to wait a month before they made a decision, between meetings no doubt. Some were for the other lady, some were for me.

My friend who is retiring  in June is giving up her craft shop, and going to do the markets. I may get A into G and complete so many half finished things, and join her. Sometimes she just stays local, while other times off to Dunedin or Te Anau. We get on really well, and it would be fun, even if we do end up buying other people's stuff and make no money, so long as we cover our costs, and get out of Invers for a while. Be free spirits, yes that's us! Then write, what and when I please.

I signed up for another challenge on Kiwiwriters, called, "Oh No It's Not Fiction!" Meaning the story has to be fact, about an event, or something that has actually happened. Only 3k words, from the 21st - 23rd Dec, I think. Then the 40k Novella from 1st - 31st January. I am not writing anything at the moment, and these challenges at least get me motivated.

A bit more Whittaker's chocolate rough, piddle around on here, and off to bed to read. Jamie and Claire have got back together again, and have now been attacked by Pirates. Pirates from the Carribean, no Johnny Depp though, pity.
Enough crap.

Well it did rain yesterday as I predicted, so pottered around tidying up messy corners. Put a few desultry Christmas decorations up, decided the box full of them were all junk and need firing out. There's no tree, the Shepherd will demolish it. I only bother for my husband he likes all the traditional shit, right down to heavy Christmas puddings, and crappy Christmas cake. God I am getting cynical as I get older. Christmas has just become an excuse to eat and drink too much. Although I did enjoy getting a card this morning from the UK . From friends I stayed with while over there. It is the only time I hear from them, and I must now write a note to them to put in their card. We actually met them living in Auckland, to start with and they went home some years ago.

I had to laugh at Claire's outburst with the SIT programe of creative writing, bloody pain! I think we should all read absolutely gross pieces for their marketing on the local TV, that will reach nationwide via Cue -Sky and freeview. Oops, no maybe not, the CEO is my husband's boss!
I spent two long evenings writing up 'substantive Participation' to each story (8) thinking that was our critique assignment. Well I'm just copying what I've pretty much written without the personal comments.
I just can't be fagged anymore.

I got up early to get the most out of the day, now here it is 11.30am and have done nothing, put some washing in, and dishes. It's a bit cool to go in the garden so may buzz into town and get a few things on my small Christmas list. A lunch box from the dogs for their master will be a start. He has had 3 in the past, and down to one and I have to wash it out every night, before putting his new lunch in. He has one shaped like a train, and has left it somewhere chatting to someone on his way back from the staffroom. He had lost it before and months later it turned up. Everyone  knows who it belongs to.

Our small amount of Christmas socialising has been cancelled. My husband's lunch with the head of facaulty at SIT on Wednesday is put off and the BBQ on Sunday for the Model rail group is put off for the new year. I had organised the day off, damned it! We will go and have lunch instead for his nibs birthday, I might even shout him.

The Blackboard is working this morning, I want to get the stories all done before it breaks down, I have done Becs, but Terry is next and hasn't put her story up on file yet. I would do Maree's but she is last, and I think we have to do them in turns or something. I don't know. Bugger it I'm going to town to spend some dosh!

I have been running around today, here and there, in the heat!! Firstly at home I pulled aside potted plants I wanted to take into the Art Centre for the Outdoor Odyssey, and washed the containers. Especially the big square containers with flowering lavender in them, I see Luke piss on them as he goes past. Wouldn't be popular if I bought pissy pot plants into work. Drove in with long flax flower stems wrapped around my ear, I thought they looked dramatic for some sort of creation. My first stop was to unload them and the wind whirlers, at work then down to Mac's Dairy for some more plants from their small nursery. Of course the boss was away for the weekend but his daughter did let me take some, to add  variety.

Stopped then at Gayle's shop to remind her to get  to the Art Centre and take photos of the College Banners before I take them down later. They want them for the Jubilee in early January. She thought she had a week more, and had no one to watch her shop, so we decided I would take them down to her later, and she would photograph them in her studio at the back of her shop. She would then take them to the Southland District Council tomorrow morning to be hung up along the street. So then I would have to contact the guy who was going to do that, but he came in later so all sorted.
It is all very well for the coordinator to be so thoroughly organised, but this job is not black and white. Dealing with artists is a tricky performance, you have to slowly win them around to what you want , quietly persist, rather than when they want. By the same token we have media deadlines and admin stuff to be ready for each opening.

That done and although after 12.00, I needed to get petrol, for I would forget by the time I went home , otherwise it would be a long walk. Wonderful, turned on the laptop and Lo! It worked. The computer geek I couldn't find looked in and I told him I wasn't in need of him as I was yesterday. He was karked in bed with the flu anyway and his address number was 59 not 95, so much for contact details. Now I have his cell phone number, and details taped inside a drawer, away from the computer.

Not many in, as people go to the beach on a nice day. Caught up on some work, then decided to see Karen, up the road about pottery for the exhibition. A guy was painting Christmas decorations on her shop window. I said, "leaving your mark!" He laughed, it was Mark Winter, the Chicane cartoonist. Karen asked if I smoked. "Do I smell of smoke?" as I had one as I  was talking to Mark. She said "No, I just want a lighter." I then saw she had a fag between her fingers. We go out the back and sit on the seats outside in the sun.
II told her I usually have one smoke break at the back of Wini's but she has knocked off smoking. Didn't tell too much as she is on the Art Centre committee. I have to have a little move about as I am so used to being more on the go than sitting for four hours, twiddling on a computer.

I had made up my mind yesterday, to mention that I may leave after Christmas, it's just  that it lacks creative input for me. I guess when you have managed businesses yourself with a creative bent and been able to use my own initiative, it's hard when I can't, and I get pissed off! Today I quite enjoyed mucking about, and thought about it. I am not at an employable age anymore, and as I have gone about doing my extra bits today, I don't intend to go in on Wednesday, I left a note to say, 'I would get in the road.' So I have the week off up until Friday.
I finished off he day writing five letters, popped them in the post. Took down the 19 banners and posters, dropped them off to Gayle, and bought some yummy smelling soaps, a little frog fridge magnet, and a little cat made in sections and brightly painted like a marmalade cat. Sister-in-laws and brother for little pop in pressies. It was humid and sticky by the time I'd finished and glad to get home and put my feet up to cool off for a while.

Not much happening on the SIT Blackboard, it seems others are getting rather brassed off as to what happens next. The tutor noticable by her absence.
I received a reminder email from the 'Brainfuel' course that I haven't started, just don't feel inclined, may have a look tomorrow. This tutor soon lets me know when I am noticable by my absence.

Side tracked, Sam Neil is playing an officer on a sunken submarine, trying to sound like an American. No decent films to watch in bed later. "Chain Saw Massacre," no thanks. Carry on with Claire and Jamie. Theyv'e been seperated on the boat to the West Indies. Claire has been battling through the mangove swamp.
Eew those things are eerie. They have them in parts of Auckland, and I have always found them chilling for some reason.
It may be another go in the garden tomorrow, though I think it will rain, it feels very near. Usually if we have a cracker, we follow with a stinker.

Yawn, tired. Off to bed soon.

Lovely day to be stuck inside at work. The computer seized up, so I could do very little. I did want to get the newsletters finished and posted out this weekend. The coordinator came in, didn't like some changes I did to her newly changed retail gallery. "Where's those cards?" I told her I shifted them from the window sill, they were in strong direct sunlight. "Oh," she fluffed around shifting things, and commented. "I'm used to doing these displays."  'Well,' I thought but said nothing, 'I have owner/operated 3 craft shops, one dairy (still requires display) one fancy dress shop, and set up Repertory's Wardrobe into a viable business.'

She suggested I contact a committee member, who is our computer nerd. "But ," I said, " he is not in the phone book and his details are on the computer! There used to be a list here of all the committee names and addresses in the drawer." She had it in her car in her files. No answer on the phone, so shut up shop and went to look for his place on the main street, and leave a note for him. There was an elderly lady living at that number. I thought, 'fark it, I'm going down to the school to the craft market.' had a yak to everyone and found some lovely leadlight sun catchers displayed by two girls, asked them if they would be interested in putting them in the Outdoor Odyssey exhibition. They said they would come down on Wed. So that was a good move.

I had already queried if I was needed for setting up, I was told Wed, then told, "oh maybe I will be busy with artists coming in, but you were going to collect some plants and the whirly wooden things." I thought to myself. 'No I will get pretty shitty if I am made to feel I don't know what I am doing, she can do it herself.' On the way home I called in up the road, collected the whirly things, and wooden candle sticks. One of them is the World's Fastest Indian, they were $40, I bought one for my husband for his birthday or a Christmas present. The other was the 'dog' from Footrot Flats. Tomorrow I will leave them at the gallery and pick up the plants, so therefore won't go in on Wednesday. She is not getting me all stressed out like she is, no thank you. I don't get paid enough!! I will have a nice time in my garden and come in on Friday, with it all set up.

It is nice to see my husband starting to relax, no teaching next week, no early starts. Though he was rather upset this morning. There was a photo of a friend of his in the paper holding his grandaughter putting  a message on the Hospice tree. It mentioned that his wife had died in May. She had been having treatment for cancer, and the last we saw of him, was when he came round home and told us he and his wife were looking forward to sharing their 50th birthdays together, (there was a 3 month difference in their ages.)
She must have died soon after that. What upset my husband was he has been so busy at work, through the year and absorbed on the weekends, that he hadn't been to see his friends about the town. He would have gone to the funeral, and been around for his friend, but he didn't know.

I was going to go to bed early, watched Beckham in the soccer match earlier, then an interesting film on Maori TV,  while uploading some photos on Facebook. I rarely go on there unless I am prompted, Kat, one of the girls that came down for the Drama performance wanted to be a friend.
One friend on there had a quiz to take, placing they're, their, and there in the right sentences. I got 100% correct, can't do better than that!
Heading off now, and hope that computer at work is sorted tomorrow, it has gone into a frozen state. Even turning it off didn't work, bah, bloody technology!

I haven't been updating my journal for a couple of nights. Not that there is much to relate. Wednesday, I was plum tired with yakking and others yakking, at the Scribes get together. I went on to Blackboard and couldn't log on so thought bugger it, go to bed. Last night I did half of the 'Substantive Participation' on SIT Blackboard, brain was out of function by the time I finished and it was late. We were on Trademe for a while to start with, after watching Dr Who, so late start on roving the net. Tonight I did the other half of the participation, so tired. I try to be fair and take time on it. It took me a while to sort out Terry's. She uses a lot of subtly in her stories and when you are tired, can miss the plot. Finished anyway, so what happens next, who knows???

No more Scribes meetings for the year, next weekend is the last model railway meeting with a BBQ on a farm at Makarewa so that should be good, I have the time off so hope there are no change of plans.
Deb looked very Christmassy on Wed night with her poinsetta vest and earings plus her jelly cakes. They were neat ,and very decorative. Funny really they, i.e. Americans like to go really over the top with festivities, while we are more reserved. If we do make a fuss and stand out, we are treated with the tall poppy syndrome.

Nothing much has been happenning. I did get paid, not as much as I expected, apparently last time I was paid extra to bring it up to the end of the month. To top it off, when I asked if I got another pay before Christmas, I was told. "No, it will fall on the 28th Dec." As that is a Sunday it will be the week after then. Bummer, I will have to watch my spending, and no Boxing Day sales shopping. I bought a Christmas decoration thing today off my mate Wini who makes Maori crafts. She has formed big sprays from decorative flax and added a centre piece, on long stems she had in a bottle. I liked one in particular in greens and red, and told her to keep that one for me a while ago. She was making some for the local market, and said she had sold a few at Te Anau last weekend, at $35 each. Shit I didn't think they would be that much, but I like to support her business at times, so handed over my $35 this morning. I have it in the Art Centre as there is no Christmas decorations at all. The fussy boss would probably take them down.

It was typical yesterday, I got to work a little early. Usually I turn on the laptop after making a coffee, the lights, heating and put on a tape. Then I check the emails, notes left for instructions. There was a flyer for the next exhibition with a note, "Gaye please get some copies done and distribute them around Riverton. " I thought, well I am early so I will go down the place we have them printed now, so that I don't have to lock up later after opening. On my way back I started distributing them in nearby shops, by then it was time to open. Had just pulled up Outlook, when Fay came in and wanted the computer to do accounts. After bitching  to her about my $640 cheque for wages for the month, she went through it, and said I had done less hours as I didn't set up the last exhibition, attend the opening or go to the AGM meeting.

While she was there I said "I'm going to cash my cheque at the bank while you are here." Found there were two cheques, another for $180 odd, still not like over $1,000 like I got last time. Carried on delivering the flyers, until it rained, then came back and swept the floor, as there is nothing I can do without the computer, Fay was still on it. The coordinator had everything spic and span. Then she rang, and asked if I got her email about not to print or distribute the flyers as she had designed some different ones. "Uh ,no I haven't seen your email, and I've already put some about." "How many!" she yelled at me. "one at the district council, one at Wini's, one at...." "I said how many??"  I thought shit!!  "I was counting in my head, about 7!!!" Geez!! "Didn't you get my email telling you not to?" "Duh, no, Fay is on the computer, I haven't had a chance yet." She was shitty. She sent one through later, told her I didn't like white on black print, and the black background  takes up too much ink. She emailed back, said she will print them in town. 'God Gaye, you are useless,' Gaye thought. It doesn't matter if they differ. First I had one coordinator that didn't know what she was doing, now I have a perfectionist on my hands. I can see why she has had a nervous break down.

Anyway today went by without any incidents, shooed someone out trying to get her foot in the door while I was closing it. "Are you closing?" "Yes its 4 oc'clock.' This happens everyday and I don't get home until 5pm. I said she could have a look while I turn off the lights etc, she looked around and said, "actually I'm selling bunches of peonies, would you like to buy a bunch?" I thought firstly I am not going to say yes until you tell me how much and how big a bunch, and as I couldn't be assed to ask, I said no.
Bloody stupid Invercargillians. If she had a bunch to show me and told me the price I might have considered, if they weren't too dear. I have been ripped off in so many things by these strange Scottish folk down here than ever in Auckland. The BBQ table man was ringing the Art Centre looking for the rest of his money, and got Lisa on Wed, she didn't know what he was talking about. I told him I would be in later this week, when I was at work. Paid for it yesterday, so he's happy now.

That's enough writing, after a couple of rums, eyes getting a bit blurry here, off to the sack.

I become side tracked - easy for me. I saw the Dog Lovers network ad on here and signed up. Another bloody site to log on to. I was over on grownups earlier and there is a photo competition on. I entered Luke lolling about on a Duvet on the couch, 'Lazin around Luke' I named it. I see the entries are all available to view and vote. There are so many. The pets are put in with family and friends, so competing with babies etc. Some great photos though, with another section for outdoor scenes. So many, I didn't look at all of them.

Still pulling weeds, concentrated on the drive. Pisses me off as since we made a bargain with transit when they realigned the corner, they widened our drive slightly for easier backing and I pressed them into resealing it. It looked so nice after putting up with a scabby surface in perpetual weeds. Since the new drive, some time ago now but I have always tried to keep it weed free. Newish neighbours have created a country sort of garden but quite a lot of it, and doesn't get weeded very often, Consequently the grass seeds have embedded in the surface of our drive, kind of melted in with the tar seal and not easy to just pull out.
Had a heck of a job, getting them out,  no fingernails left on the right hand, even bled, and I was still sore in the legs from yesterday.
The sun come out and to finish the job off and catch the small seedlings, I thought I would spray them with weedkiller, to prevent more growth. In the meantime came on here and blackboard was busy, then down came the rain, so good job I didn't spray, it would have washed off. Needs the sun on it to work.

I had to laugh on blackboard one asked how to critique our work and next thing she was into it. I don't think we are supposed to yet, though we have to have something done by the 10th Dec. It's all a bit vague, I'm afraid, I have never felt so dumb doing this course. Becs and I think we may be doing another story for critiqueing, compositing all that we have learnt. Farked if I know. Now I see Claire busy with critiqueing the pet shop story. We haven't really got enough people to form into groups. Audra may be waiting for Niaomi's story to come yet. (I can't spell her name, but who cares?)

I see now with the stories from the Scribes 'party'' night how the 3rd person works. I don't think I have got it, though Becs tried to help me. I pick things up better by viewing work than having it explained. We all have different styles of learning. Interesting how most of them relate to themselves, the author.

I think I missed out on being paid today. I had just started colouring my hair, and timing is crucial, when the dogs informed me there was a car outside. I didn't want to answer the door, with a quarter head of colour, and so dragged the dogs into the bathroom with me. It is a small bathroom as it is, but I didn't want them leaping at the window, frightening the shit out of whoever was there. I thought it was Seventh Day Adventist or something so waited for them to go.
When I did look out toward the window to see if they had gone, a white car pulled away. I read the name 'echo' on the back as it left, and thought damn that was Fay's car, she was probably bringing me my pay cheque. I hope she didn't make a special effort from Riverton.
It is no use to me at 3.30 today, even if I made a special trip into my bank in town, it will still be no use to go shopping. I may as well wait until I'm at work on Thursday and cash it at their bank. Still not using the auto payment system, even though we have authorised the forms.

At musical Theatre, my last job, we had to put in our time sheet on Friday night on Craig's desk, and Monday he would do the pays for the fortnight. I worked  alternative days, by Wednesday, my pay slip would be there and the money in the bank. This job you don't get a pay slip, I have no idea if I will get 6 weeks pay, can only guess with tax and Kiwisaver off. The tax cuts since October 1st  are how much in the dollar, I have no idea? Pack of woofters!

My husband has one more very busy day tomorrow all day teaching, eases off this week and another week with less pressure, then he dresses up for graduation on the town hall stage. It will be good, he is so different when on holiday break.  No more early starts and early nights. He enjoys his job, but has no one qualified enough to help him, and is doing far more hours than his contract. The union said he should claim for the extra hours, about $2,000's worth. SIT usually give the staff vouchers (if they've had a good year) from certain shops, and I am given them to use, oh what fun! Quite handy for Christmas shopping.

We received our first Christmas card today, I know exactly how they come. Once it was my friend Cris from Auckland, she was always first. She died quite young with cancer, I hate this time when the cards start coming, no card from Cris forever. My husband used to call her 'Christopher' for some unknown reason. About the same time I used to get Gayebelle.
Tomorrow will be my nephew's card,  he lives here with his wife and child, in Otatara. I forget he is here, they have lived in other places, and I have been so used to it just being us here, with no rellies, I forget about him. He is a bit corporate for us, Insurance manager type.

I haven't bought any yet, I may forget this year, not even a once a year letter, which I will get from family members. I suppose when you have had as many Christmases as I have, they become a bit ho hum. It is fine for families getting together, but mine don't, they have grandchildren and in-laws to contend with.

I might just pack a picnic lunch and take the dogs to the beach, but it will probably piss down.
Well I'm gone!!!

I rose early this morning, to beat the rain. So at 8.30am I was into the garden, with the help of Maggie, & Luke, chooks, and a few cats. It was really warm and humid.  Made a grand start, mostly weeding, and shifting plants. After lunchtime the wind came up cold from the back area so moved  further nearer the house and weeded my little forest area. I was knackered by then, and still the rain hadn't come. So mowed the lawns, a big job in itself. Still hasn't rained and I expected it to water in the plants I shifted. I have also potted up some for the Outdoor exhibition next month.
This is so typical, go like hell to get done what I can, and now the poor body is suffering for it, therefore I am heading for an early night.

I popped over to Kiwiwriters, all different people on there now. I check out for Kathy from florida, she kiwi-mails me sometimes. A writer of similar age to me, and we have become friends. She has been doing Nano so is probably having a rest of writing. I see on the journals here all the jubilant winners, well done!    I was felling like that this time last year.
I decided to sign up for the Kiwiwriters 'January Novella Challenge.' A novella is anything up to 40,000 words, but the challenge is for 20,000. Last year I did 'Nigel the Nerd,' a computer geek, why I chose this I do not know especially with my limited knowledge of PC's. I enjoyed doing the story though, I must dig it out again and read it. I need to do a challenge to get me motivated again, I'm not writing anything except specs for Sit2Lrn and don't enjoy it much. There have been some interesting pet store stories coming through. With a fair bit of drama with one student. Am I glad I don't have to put up with that shit!

I wanted to go to the SIT Graduation to see my mates receive their Dramatic Arts degree, but it is usually a Friday, and can't ask for another fill in day.  As I have the 14th Dec, one of my Sundays off for a BBQ, and my man's birthday. Which reminds me I must order a cake off  the food place in Leven St. They used to do a big yummy, moist chocolate cake slab.

I am so tired and sore, off to the tub for a soak, then to bed.

Pretty much the same day as yesterday. From now on my journals will be 'ditto!' Although I did get some work done. I went in earlier to wrap up some large paintings ready for the courier to pick up for Dunedin, so had to pack well with card and bubble cloth.  I spread out on the stage area, and thought I'd get it finished before opening time. I had a battle with the sticky tape dispenser. It is wide clear tape, and sticky as.....the damn stuff wouldn't break off at the cutting saw, and the scissors were more than hopeless, it took me ages.
Sent some emails sending registration forms out for the Outdoor Odyssey Exhibition in a couple of weeks, they were meant to be in by today, most have been rather slack in doing so as usual.

A local lady signed up as a member and likes the performing shows, wanted to know what was coming. The trouble is most are in the winter after we close down. I did tell her Gary McCormick is dead keen to come and do a show on the 1st March, he likes Riverton. I told her I think he wants to do a repeat with Tim Shadbolt. "Oh no," she said. "Not Tim Shadbolt!" Not impressed at all.

Managed to finally download the photos from the last exhibition so I can put some pictures on the newsletter, which I had hoped to finish today, but didn't. By the time I put the receipts on quickbooks, cashed up, and added notes to the coordinator, it was 4.30pm. Not many people around.

I have the film on C4 called 'Staying Alive' with John Travolta on in the background. Maggie is watching it, Luke and his dad have gone to bed. It was made in 1983, Travolta looks so young! I never liked him much then but think he improved with looks as he aged. Except for the last film I saw him in recently, 'Hairspray.' He was good in that, and padded out to look fat, it made his movements look really funny! The two late movies tonight I have seen. 'The Shining,' again and again, though I like Jack Nicholson. The other is 'Lucky Jim,' so think I will settle for a good read again.
Claire and Jamie are heading by boat to the West Indies, Jamie does not travel well.

I saw Fay last week briefly, muttered something about my pay. Sighing, "I'm sick of doing stuff for the Art Centre.' I don't blame her, she did everything in 20hours a week. Now there are two in the job, and she is doing the bookwork. I think only temp. as the books were all stuffed up by the predecessor. Even so I agreed to wait a month for wages so that all the book work could be done at the same time. It is supposed to be  fortnightly. Now here it is 5 weeks on. I told her I am almost run out, she said, "next week?" It will be Thursday by the time I am in there again, if its a cheque, a week to clear, if not crossed at least 24 hrs. They have our auto bank requirements!!  It means I can't go and do some shopping on my days off, so will have to stay home. Won't even be garden weather it's turning to shit again with rain. Oh well I will just stay in bed and read, in the mornings anyway. This means I can't guarantee of  getting my next pay before Christmas, so will have to watch my spending.

Eeeww the Bee Gees are singing 'Staying Alive,' I hate the Bee Gees, squawking, they get on my tit.
On that note, I'm off!!

Nothing much happened today, as most days. Just went to work, came home, cooked dinner, sit at the computer. There were a lot of motor bikes from the rally out at Riverton today, the cafe looked like it was doing a good trade. No one interested in kids art work though.

Read stories from the Southern Scribers. All neat wee stories. Mine is one page but the damn format thing I must get used to. The font sits on 11 and very small I can hardly read it ,so jazz it up to about 14, and when it prints it comes out huge writing and many pages.  Uhhhhggg.
No more stories or comments on Blackboard  -  all gone very quiet!!

I forgot to mention the other night someone knocked on the door, and a young woman stood there with a huge black limo behind her. Bugger! She had come to the wrong house to take someone to dinner. Still I bet it impressed the neighbours!


Mainly popped in to see how Matildy was, she seemed pretty down yesterday.

Another day, and a 'cracker'. Although it's supposed to turn Sou-west tomorrow afternoon. I hope it doesn't rain on the parade. I know how much work goes in it. All the visitors in town too for the Bert Munro Challenge. We are not going to Wyndham for the street racing. So I will be at work. I thought I was going to have next week off to get into the garden, but the banners are up for the week and two weekends, so I believe. They had their little opening ceremony, and it went well. The banners are made every year and depict something of history. This year as it is the local high School's 150yrs Jubilee, in January, the banners are about education over that time. Each banner represents the schools in the district.

Another day of doing little. A lot of up and down running after people. Helping someone try to put a painting in his station wagon and didn't fit. So back again later with a trailer, but he paid the $750 so will help get some coppers in the bank. I had another go at making some introductionary cards, but I needed to add the mobile number (didn't know we had one) new email, and street address. Made everything smaller and did so, then about to save and print onto card, when the whole thing disapearred, couldn't get it back, damn will have to start from scratch, whereas I had the prototype already there. Bum, waste of time.

Interesting on the SIT blackboard. I decided to do a bit of stirring, and got some reaction from the tutor. I termed the 'dumb kiwi as someone who couldn't understand American style of presenting assignments. Why didn't they say just to reflect the mood of the person in the barn without the other details. etc. Simple please not all the palava. Checked out the readings, on the 2nd Short Story part, bloody hell 44 pages.
I scanned through, and noticed the assignments, also the last story on the pet shop. An example there showed I haven't done mine properly and set up, oh bummer! It also looked like a lot more than 1,000 words. I like to get mine done early in the week while I am not at work, and no one around.

Another Friday night at home, rubbish on TV, a full bottle of rum and a good book so that's where I am heading.

I've been a bit naughty today. Went into work to be there for the Banners to be put up. Was informed they are not Christmas Banners, where the hell did I get that from? It is celebrating education for 150 years. Aparima College's 150 Jubilee year is next year. The banners were created by year 10's from all the district schools, 19 of them. A couple of teachers and pupils came to erect them. They knew everything as per typical teachers, I find. So I left them to it. At one stage they were trying to move one of the small spot lights and it wouldn't budge. I didn't know how to tell her, if I could have got up the ladder I may have worked it out. I just said I usually left the lights to the lady that was there before. One teacher said, "well could you contact her to find out?'  I said nothing and stayed put. Thinking fuck you! Fay could be anywhere, and I couldn't be bothered, it was the way she said it. Like 'don't stand there looking useless.'
 
So I went and logged on to trade me, to keep an eye on the auction for the railway coaches, at 2.16pm for 'his nibs' birthday present. Then the 'boss lady' came in showed them how to turn the light fixture and it came out. Then asked why I am calling the Banners - Christmas Banners? I managed to pop trademe down on the computer before she saw it. I don't usually do personal stuff at work, but my husband was busy with the dogs at work and may not have been able to get to the site in time. As it was no one else bidded, so I got them.
Once they had all cleared off informing me there will be a big to-do at 12.35 tomorrow the place full of parents, dignatries and kids, and food. So I had to lug out two long trestle tables, then they decided they only wanted one as there is a sort of long low table in the gallery. So lugged it out the back again -heavy!

Checked out the emails to see what the other girl had been up to. Got one back from Gary McCormick - comedian, after I sent our new email address to him. He wants to do a show with Tim Shadbolt again and could he do one at our place on the 1st March, a Sunday. So that will be interesting.Then I decided to have a smoke and as the gallery isn't open to the public until Friday,  popped across, and around the back to see my mate Wini at her craft shop. I tapped on the back door to let her know I was out there sitting on her seat in the sun. She came out looking dazed, she had fallen asleep at the table. "Good job you woke me up," she said, "I'm in the shop here on my own." So we had a chitta -chatter, as she calls it, showing me her new creations with flax and flax flowers in a Christmas style for the Te Anau market day. We talked politics, and all sorts as we usually do, then her son came to pick her up. I looked at the time, ten to four, "whoops I had better get back to lock up," I told her.
My bad, although I am not open I am still being paid, and there are things I have to do. Still I stayed on an hour Sun to get work done due to others occupying my seat earlier on.

The dogs were taken to SIT to have a free check up with the vet staff and students. There was a little bag on the table, when I got home, with leaflets and two cards, one I read without looking to see which one was which, it just said "overweight." Luke of course. Think it is due to having a good dog roll, leftovers and oddments. The SPCA give them biscuits. The other card said "Excellent." Trust Maggie, and everyone kept saying how beautiful she is, she loved that! So did my husband, like a dad with his pretty daughter, ugh!!

Becs helped me to find the course outline stuff, on SIT Blackboard. Whenever I unload PDF via email it brings up filmaker, could never figure out what to do. The one on blackboard didn't open at all. So for the last 4 hours (dial-up) downloaded the latest Adobe, so I could put the files she sent email on that, as she explained how to do it. However I did open it by a new window. What a lot of reading, even if I had found that before doing DB6 I wouldn't have picked the story was viewed from a narrator. As it said 'a person' so I thought the person was the character. Oh bummed if I know. So I suppose I have stuffed up DB7 as well.
I got one thing right anyway, the main character needs to 'want ' something. He wanted a puppy!

Speaking of puppies, our two have gone to sleep having had a hard day at the vets. At least they behaved themselves, but they know that patch, been up to dad's office to say hullo to everyone. The office is next to the vets clinic and classrooms opposite the main campus.
 So I might head off too, Jamie and Claire are off to France to find a ship that young Ian has been kidnapped on. So much action, always something happening. (Bit different to living in Invercargill.)

Sigh!!

I must take this computer in for a tune up. It is low on virtual memory, slow to download, clean out some files too might help. It played up to hell last night, so gave up putting up an entry. It could have something to do with the shandy I had at Waxy's, though I doubt it, the price alone kept me sober let alone buy another one. I'm not mean but $5.40 is a bit steep with a proportion of beer on tap, and lemonade. I think a jug of beer ranges from $6 -$7 each. The glass was one of those narrow waisted type that doesn't contain a lot.
I only wanted something cool as it was hot in the room, and something less alcoholic for my drive home. I don't like straight lemonade. :)  Umm poetry Readings at Waxy's, not sure if its my thing. I don't know looking around at all the po-faced people. Would rather watch a play, and read poetry myself, just a little. Today I have read two or three that appealed to me from Lynley Dear's, book 'Scanning the South.' Thoughtful pieces, past versus present, not too heavy, or personal.

Claire looked very striking in her new Vic. coat and modern Goth look. I couldn't really see it until we stood outside. I hadn't even changed, just my slippers for my boots. Mad rush as usual its difficult for me to get to town by 7pm, and then I was informed of the dead chook. I knew she was going down in the afternoon, and didn't want to leave her there overnight in case the dogs got to her. She was sick before and came right, then went down again. I don't fancy any eggs is case they are diseased? Lost two others recently.
Then the one Tuesday night when my Husband is usually at work with night classes, last night he was home for tea. And although I had prepared the rissoles early, I forgot to put the oven on. So bumbled in late, just as the 'witch' was starting her story. I couldn't hear her with all the background noises in the bar. In fact I couldn't hear many at all, except Jill's, Lynley's and Les, his work I have been shown before and its very personal, so I didn't want to listen, but he read some one elses, I can't even recall it. Lineret's is beautiful, but so long. I am a bit of a fidget as well as an eejit.

An eejit I am as far as the assignment saga. I looked again today at that assignment and lo! It says 'do not mention your character,' or anything about them.' Hmmm and here is me telling others 'you haven't mentioned your character in it.'  Oooops, sorry folks! I mentioned my character from the very beginning, walking through the door (the man) slumping into the wool sack, moving to the bench, fingering the tool box, and 'feelin' like howling in the wind. Zero marks for me!!! Why doesn't Audra  comment on everyone's work? Maybe she doesn't care a shit for those that haven't got it right, but comments on the one's she likes and gets us to pick at it.

Oh I don't know. My written story hasn't really got a plot or reason, its just words off the computer keys. Though I was making a point that the handicapped child only wanted to 'get' the puppy, not own or possess it like another kid of that age. He only wanted to get the cat while chasing it, just like going to 'get' his new shoes, or getting across the road. Just do it!  He didn't want to take the puppy home, just get it, like a predator. Then gave it back, proving to his mum he could get it, and she couldn't stop him. He was surprised that he could take a puppy home in the end. It didn't have to be wriggly and warm, the toy looked like a puppy.
I looked after a boy this story character is based on, and he had hold of the cat squeezing the bloody life out of it. I asked him to put the cat down, he was hurting it. So he squeezed it harder, he was 'getting' attention. I smacked his hands quite hard downwards to release the cat, he went into shock and took off howling. I left him to it. Ten minutes later he came back quietly to me calling "Day", his face was covered in tears and the snot pouring out of his nose down over his mouth. I laughed out loud, though my stomach churned, and grabbed handfuls of paper towels to clean him up. The other business forgotten.

Hardly went outside today, crap weather on my off days and it will come right when I'm back at work. Have to help the kids hang their Christmas banners tomorrow. The new reporter from the Southland Times wanted to come out and do a feature, but I didn't know when they would be ready. Emailed to find out if they were finished and was informed they should be in today, hung up tomorrow and an 'opening' by a teacher on Friday. No point in getting the reporter in then they are only hanging for the weekend, the feature wouldn't come out until next Friday on the Arts page. It will be all over.

I overheard the girls mention last night about going to see the Santa Parade. I was involved with that a couple of years ago. Where some floats are privately decorated, some of the sponsered ones had to be costumed and that was my job. What a performance. I am given a list, with children's names and ages for the floats I had to do, but no sizes, and I can assure you kids come in all sizes.  Santa's float was to have cats all over the roof that year. Had a hell of a job finding enough from Dance Southland. So improvised by some wearing, black leotards and stockings and white socks. Found some tails, ears and fingerless mittens in the $2 shop. A new float depicting Narnia, was snow covered forming into a overhanging ledge with the lion crouching there, with a small plinth for the Ice Queen to stand. I dressed her in a 1950's dress from Rep. It was icy bluey green, with a lovely flowing skirt. Tacked some white fur stoles together to form a long fur coat around her shoulders, applied some long icicle glass crystals from the Christmas shop, to a tiara, wiring them to stand up. The three children I dressesd in fur coats (old lady kind but small ones) they stood under the green lamp stand on the lower area. At the back of the float was an opened wardrobe in which I hung 1940's clothes, even on wooden clothes hangers. It was simple but effective. Everyone cheered and I felt really proud, especially when it was judged best float in the parade by the crowd.
Another was Willy Wonka, and I scrounged the op shops buying little pastel coloured dungarees, with coloured t shirts, mostly $1 -$2 each. The two dollar shop had bright striped toe socks, and beanies to match, so they were my 'oompaloompahs'. I stuck to the film for costume. The boy in brown cordoroys and check shirt and a sleeveless pullover, a little girl in a pale blue fleece track suit, the big boy wore half the stuff I gave him to wear, while the other wanted to be a 'punk rocker' so I let him. In fact the kids were a pain, fat girls wanting to be fairies, and nothing would fit them. Back and forward to their places.
I had to go into Harvey Norman's to see a bloke whose kid was to be Harry Potter, there were in fact two boys both aged 5yrs, they were twins. So we had twin 5yr old Harry Potters, who were hard to fit out. I couldn't find any glasses until I pinched some out of a friends Christmas present, (but I put them back.) Hagrid looked good he wore whatever I made him, and bought his rottweiller with him.
Oh what a circus though. There were also the clowns, trick cyclists, you name it I was in the middle of it. Talk about stressed to the kilt, running around, it was too much on my own. I had just finished my performing arts course so was stuffed to start with.

Oh I am rattling on, better buzz off and do the dishes.