I’ve been a bit remiss on here. Real life is crowding in on my computer time! How rude!
Today my friend whom I haven’t seen in 3 years and I with my girls climbed Merredin Peak. It was WINDY! She took a great pic of the girls leaning into the wind. I got a few good pics. Here are some.
It was a good day.
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. RL has grabbed me and I haven’t been able to sit at my computer for a while. I decided to quickly check my emails this evening before going to bed. I’d like to share this one with you.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”
The four-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Tired is me right now, and with good reason, I’ve been busy. I’ve been helping out with some things in town already and a couple of things with church. I’ve been managing the house and trying to unpack the last boxes along with stocking up the pantry/freezer and getting to know a completely new place. It’s been exciting, but tiring. I know things will settle down and we’ll work out what normal is for us in this new role in leadership at Merredin Church of Christ.
Are you tired? Is there a reason for it? If not the following article by Dr Cherry may shed some light on why you are and some solutions for what may be the problem.
Always Feeling Tired? What You Can Do
Dr. Cherry“Fatigue robs you of the energy you need to keep up with the demands placed on you, to enjoy your life, even to make the changes in your life needed to maintain your health. Fatigue puts pressure on your work, your home life, and your relationships - which only makes you more tired. It can be a downward spiral…” Those words from a popular Web site for women (www.womentowomen.com) say a lot about how a lack of energy affects so many of our lives. In fact, fatigue is among the most common complaints doctors hear from their patients.
So why are so many of us so tired so often, and what can we do about it? Fatigue can have a variety of lifestyle causes. Here are some of the major ones - along with solutions - according to the Mayo Clinic. (In my next newsletter, I’ll discuss when you should see your doctor about your fatigue.)
* Lack of sleep. Getting even an hour less than the sound slumber you need each night (seven to eight hours is the ideal, according to most experts) can leave you drowsy and unable to manage your daily routine. As we get older, it becomes harder to get uninterrupted sleep, we tend to sleep less soundly, and we often awaken earlier.
Solution: Practice good sleep habits. Most experts say not to eat, read or watch television in bed. For a better night’s sleep, keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day. If you nap during the day, do it early and keep it short. Also, schedule any physical activity at least six hours before bedtime and don’t eat a large late-night meal.
* Stress and anxiety. Going through life anxious and on edge can keep you from relaxing and getting the rest you need. If you’re so busy that you’re running from one task to the next without a break, it’s eventually going to wear you down.
Solution: Reduce stress. Be realistic about your limitations (learn to say “no”), and put aside time each day to do something you enjoy.
* Inactivity. It’s a common excuse: “I’m too tired to exercise” - so you don’t. But engaging in moderate physical activity can help decrease stress, improve mood and leave you feeling energized. Just don’t overexert yourself at first if you haven’t been exercising.
Solution: Include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or gardening each day. If that’s too much, start with 10 minutes several times throughout the day. Once you get moving, you’ll be surprised at the stamina you’ll feel.
* Eating habits. If you’re not eating properly or drinking enough fluids (fatigue is often a sign of dehydration), your body isn’t getting the fuel and fluid it needs.
Solution: Start your day with a low-fat, high-fiber breakfast that includes plenty of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits for lasting energy. Stay away from sugary cereals and juices and caffeinated drinks. They can make you feel sluggish later in the day. Don’t skip meals; refuel every three or four hours.
* Certain medications. Some medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), including many beta-blockers and antihistamines, can cause fatigue. In addition, some cold medications and pain relievers contain caffeine and other stimulants that can keep you up at night.
Solution: Talk to your doctor if you think your medication is making you tired. He or she might be able to suggest an alternative medication or make other recommendations, such as taking your medication at a different time of day.
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For more information on Dr. Cherry’s ministry, visit his Web site: http://www.AbundantNutrition.com
I hope you saw some things that may be effecting your sleep and how to tackle it. If you are having sleep problems and the reason is not addressed above, I advise you to go to your local general practitioner and seek further medical advice.
One week ago we moved to Merredin. We got our broadband back today, so I’m back online. It’s been a busy week. We’re almost completely unpacked. I think we have about 8 boxes left, mainly books and stationery stuff. I’ll get into that this week before we start school again.
Merredin is lovely. It’s so quiet and easy going. I love it.
I’ll post more next time.
Today is pack everything we can day.
Yesterday we went up to my Mum’s to pick up a bookcase they’ve given to us. Elisa - an old school friend of mine, dropped in and we had a good catch up while Dad and Dave took the bookcase to our house on a trailer. Her girls are the same age as mine, so they had a ball. Poor Matthew, my nephew, was a very sick little boy, he’s had a cold for a while and the night before he bumped his head and had to have his eyebrown superglued. It was his 3rd birthday too. It was beautiful weather, perfect to sit outside on Mum and Dad’s back patio.
Well I think this may be my last post before we move. I don’t think I’ll have the time or inclination to get on here again before Tuesday morning. Here’s the plan for the next few days.
Today - pack as much as possible.
Tomorrow - church, more packing and dinner with Julie (MIL).
Monday - finish off the last stuff.
Tuesday - truck comes EARLY - MOVING DAY!
I’ll see you on the other side. 
5 days left. The time is flying. I’ve been packing alot today. Yesterday was seeing a friend for “the last time” the kids had a ball, and so did I. The day before I was packing and Dave was cleaning out the last of the shed stuff to go on the big bin. Monday was supposed to be a quick visit to the doctors to see about Natasha’s ear (yes the infection is still there…we thouht it was gone,b ut it’s not). The day ended up alot longer, and more complicated then I wanted. Sunday we stayed home from church because of Tash’s ear adn Dave feeling a little off colour. Saturday we saw family for a goodbye lunch and a couple of friends I hadn’t seen for years dropped in too. It was good seeing one of them in particular because they’d become a Christian since seing him last - PRAISE GOD! It made me miss my brother though because he’s one of his good friends. It’ll be good to see him again. One day.
I’m so glad we looked and looked for the “right” house, becasue I can’t see us moving again anytime soon!
We will be changing internet providers once we get up there, so I’m not sure how long I’ll be offline for. It won’t be for a few days anyway, so I’ll have more to say I’m sure!
We’ve been packing boxes, organising what should be kept out until the last minute and sorting through what to keep and what to throw away. It has been lots of work, but amazingly easy! I’ve been shown by God what to do next and it has been easy. ”My yoke is easy and my burden light” Matthew 11:30 is true, it has been displayed time and time again to me, but never to this extent. God truly is good. Praise Him!
Praise God - it’s finally clear! It’s not red, it’s healed up nicely and there is nothing wrong with it! All the gunk is gone - after nearly 2 months, it’s over! finally! Yay!
Yesterday was busy. I had to go into the city to put in some papers with the settlement agent which were missplaced. Then I went to the removalist we’ve decided to go with and sign up and pick up the boxes we’re using! This was 2 hours out of my day (and very unusual for me to go into town!). I needed a cuppa when I got home! I must say it was interesting to drive past 5 places I used to work in St George’s Terrace and all the old places I used to go at lunchtime etc (Supreme Court Gardens, London Court Mall, Central Park, Hay Street Mall). I made sure I took a look at Trinity Church as well, where Dave and I were married! Memory lane yesterday!
We never did get to school afterward, but I’ve allowed for missing school here and there. We’ll definately do school today! Then we’re on to the doctors to see if Tash’s ear has finally cleared up (still looks goopy to me, but then I’m not a doctor). The weird thing was that when he took a swab a few weeks ago, nothing grew from that and then it got worse again without treatment?! Very strange. Prayers appreciated.
Well I’d better go and get this day started, it’s almost 8am - need to put some washing on.
We’ve been busy packing boxes, getting moving company quotes and finalising bits and pieces. I haven’t been online for a bit because of that and because we found out we’ve gone through a phenomenal amount of downloads. The kids ahve been playing online games a little bit and it seems to be chewing them up. So we’re going to be more disciplined until then so we don’t go over - or it will be painfully slow.
We’ve had some good rain in Perth the last few days, aparently it didn’t get out to the Wheatbelt, they only got a couple of mms. Pray for 20mm or more to get out there so the wheat will grow!
I’ve got a roast on right now, havne’t had a sunday roast in a long time. It smells so nice. I’ve got to go do some spuds to go with it. Plus the Eagles are playing the Saints right now - GO EAGLES!
Better get to it! bye.
